US20240349976A1

US20240349976A1 - Dishwasher

Info

Publication number: US20240349976A1
Application number: US18/625,665
Authority: US
Inventors: Jaeeun HUH; Johannes Büsing
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date: 2023-04-20
Filing date: 2024-04-03
Publication date: 2024-10-24

Abstract

A dishwasher includes a tub, a blower fan configured to blow air into the tub, and a blower duct configured to guide air blown by the blower fan to flow. The blower duct includes an inlet and an outlet. The dishwasher includes an outlet cap to cover the outlet, and configured to guide a direction of the air discharged through the outlet, the outlet cap comprising a first outlet cap and a second outlet cap. The outlet includes a first outlet and a second outlet spaced apart from the first outlet. The blower duct further includes an outlet cap coupling portion configured to guide the first outlet cap to a first seating position where the first outlet cap is coupled to the first outlet and to guide the second outlet cap to a second seating position where the outlet cap is coupled to the second outlet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is an application, filed under 35 U.S.C. § 111 (a), of International Application PCT/KR2024/095228 filed Feb. 15, 2024, and is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Applications No. 10-2023-0051995, filed on Apr. 20, 2023, and No. 10-2023-0111595, filed on Aug. 24, 2023 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a dishwasher.

BACKGROUND ART

A dishwasher is a device that automatically removes food particles, and the like, from dishes using detergent and washing water.
The dishwasher may include a tub forming a washing space, a sump collecting washing water, a pump pumping washing water in the sump, and a sprayer spraying the pumped washing water into the tub.
The dishwasher may perform a wash cycle for washing dishes using detergent and water, a rinse cycle for rinsing the dishes, and a dry cycle for removing moisture in the dishes.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Solution

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a dishwasher may improve drying efficiency.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a dishwasher may discharge air in multiple directions.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a dishwasher may be manufactured with fewer components, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency.
Technical objects that can be achieved by disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other technical objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which disclosure belongs from the following description.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a dishwasher may include a tub, a blower fan configured to blow air, and a blower duct configured to guide air blown by the blower fan to flow therethrough. The blower duct may include an inlet through which the air enters and an outlet through which the air discharges. The dishwasher may include an outlet cap to cover the outlet, and configured to guide a direction of the air discharged through the outlet, the outlet cap comprising a first outlet cap and a second outlet cap. The outlet may include a first outlet and a second outlet spaced apart from the first outlet. The blower duct may include an outlet cap coupling portion configured to guide the first outlet cap to a first seating position where the first outlet cap is coupled to the first outlet and to guide the second outlet cap to a second seating position where the second outlet cap is coupled to the second outlet.
The outlet cap coupling portion may comprise a guide protrusion protruding toward the outlet cap to guide the first outlet cap to the first seating position and to guide the second outlet cap to the second seating position of the outlet cap.
The guide protrusion may comprise a first guide protrusion on the first outlet to guide the first outlet cap to the first seating position of the outlet cap, and a second guide protrusion on the second outlet to guide the second outlet cap to the second seating position of the outlet cap.
The outlet cap may comprise a guide hole formed to be coupled to the guide protrusion.
The guide hole may be formed to be larger than the guide protrusion to allow the outlet cap to be rotatably coupled to the outlet.
The outlet cap coupling portion may comprise a coupling protrusion formed to fix the outlet cap coupled to the outlet.
The outlet cap may comprise a drain hole formed to drain water in the blower duct therethrough.
The outlet cap may comprise an discharge guide rib formed at an angle to guide a discharge direction of the air discharging from the outlet.
The discharge guide rib may be formed to discharge the air in a first direction in response to the first outlet cap being in the first seating position, and to discharge the air in a second direction which is different from the first direction, in response to the second outlet cap being in the second seating position.
The dishwasher may further comprise an inlet cover configured to be coupled to the inlet to cover the blower fan.
The blower duct may comprise an inlet cover coupling portion configured to allow the inlet cover to be coupled to the inlet.
The inlet cover may comprise a body portion configured to cover the blower fan so as to prevent water in the tub from flowing into the blower fan, and a duct coupling portion configured to be coupled to the inlet cover coupling portion.
The body portion and the duct coupling portion may be formed integrally.
The inlet cover may further comprise a protruding portion protruding from the body portion toward an inside of the tub.
The inlet cover may further comprise an inlet guide rib formed at an angle to guide the air to the blower fan.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a dishwasher may include a tub, a plurality of blower fans disposed at both sides of the tub to blow air, an outlet formed in the tub to discharge the air blown by the plurality of blower fans, an outlet cap configured to guide a direction of the air discharged through the outlet, and an outlet cap coupling portion disposed around the outlet to allow the outlet cap to be coupled. The outlet may include a first outlet and a second outlet at one side of the tub and are spaced apart from each other in one direction, and a third outlet and a fourth outlet at another side of the tub and are spaced apart from each other in another direction different from the one direction. The outlet cap coupling portion may guide a position where the outlet cap is coupled to the outlet.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1 taken along line A-A′.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an inside of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an inside of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of configuration of a blower of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of configuration of a blower of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of configuration of a blower of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of configuration of a blower of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a state in which an inlet cover is coupled to a duct in a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1 taken along line B-B′.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a state in which an outlet cap is coupled to a duct in a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1 taken along line C-C′.

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a state in which an outlet cap is coupled to a duct in a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a state in which an outlet cap is coupled to a duct in a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a state in which an outlet cap is coupled to a duct in a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1 taken along line C-C′.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating an air flow in a dishwasher according to an embodiment.

MODES OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments described in the specification and configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples of the disclosure, and various modifications may replace the embodiments and the drawings of the disclosure at the time of filing of the application.
Like reference numerals or symbols denoted in the drawings of the specification are members or components that perform the substantially same functions.
The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to limit to disclosure.
A singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one item or a plurality of the items unless context clearly indicates otherwise.
It will be understood that when the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.
An expression that one component is “connected”, “coupled”, “supported”, or “in contact” with another component includes a case in which the components are directly “connected”, “coupled”, “supported”, or “in contact” with each other and a case in which the components are indirectly “connected”, “coupled”, “supported”, or “in contact” with each other through a third component.
It will also be understood that when one component is referred to as being “on” or “over” another component, it can be directly on the other component or intervening components may also be.
Although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. may be used to describe different components, the terms do not limit the corresponding components, but are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the technical spirit or essential features of the disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and a second element may be referred to as a first element.
As used herein, each of the expressions “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C,” may include one or all possible combinations of the items listed together with a corresponding expression among the expressions.
The term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of a plurality of associated listed items.
The terms “up to down direction,” “height direction,” “upper,” “lower,” “vertical direction,” “horizontal direction,” “left,” “right,” “front to rear direction,” “front (forward) direction,” “rear (backward) direction,” etc., used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.
For example, a +X direction may be defined as forward, and a-X direction may be defined as backward. For example, a +Y direction may be defined as right, and a-Y direction may be defined as left. For example, a +Z direction may be defined as upward, and a-Z direction may be defined as downward.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1 taken along line A-A′.
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the dishwasher 1 may include a main body 10. The main body 10 may form an appearance of the dishwasher 1.
The dishwasher 1 may include a tub 12 arranged inside the main body 10. The tub 12 may be formed in a substantially box shape. One side of the tub 12 may be openable. The tub 12 may include an opening 12 a. The opening 12 a may be formed on a front of the tub 12.
The dishwasher 1 may include a washing chamber C formed inside the tub 12. The washing chamber C may be defined as an inner space of the tub 12. The washing chamber C may refer to a space in which dishes placed in a storage container may be washed and dried.
The dishwasher 1 may include a door 11 for opening and closing the opening 12 a of the tub 12. The door 11 may be installed on the main body 10 to open and close the opening 12 a of the tub 12. The door 11 may be removably mounted to the main body 10. The door 11 may be rotatably installed on the main body 10. For example, the door 11 may be rotatably installed on the main body 10 by a hinge 15.
For example, an upper portion of the door 11 may be rotatable with respect to the tub 12 about a lower portion of the door 11. The lower portion of the door 11 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10. When the door 11 opens the opening 12 a of the tub 12, the door 11 may open from an upper portion of the opening 12 a. For example, during a dry cycle, as shown in FIG. 2 , the door 11 may open the opening 12 a of the tub 12 to a predetermined range.
The dishwasher 1 may include the storage container arranged in the tub 12 to accommodate dishes.
The storage container may include a plurality of baskets 51, 52 and 53. The plurality of baskets 51, 52 and 53 may be provided to accommodate a variety of dishes. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the storage container may include a single basket.
The storage container may include the intermediate basket 52 positioned in the middle with respect to the height direction (Z direction) of the dishwasher 1. The intermediate basket 52 may be introduced into or withdrawn from the washing chamber C through the opening 12 a of the tub 12. The intermediate basket 52 may be supported by an intermediate guide rack 13 b. For example, the intermediate basket 52 may be slidable by the intermediate guide rack 13 b. For example, the intermediate guide rack 13 b may be installed on a side surface of the tub 12.
The storage container may include the lower basket 51 positioned in a lower portion with respect to the height direction (Z direction) of the dishwasher 1. The lower basket 51 may be introduced into or withdrawn from the washing chamber C through the opening 12 a of the tub 12. The lower basket 51 may be supported by a lower guide rack 13 a. For example, the lower basket 51 may be slidable by the lower guide rack 13 a. For example, the lower guide rack 13 a may be installed on a side surface of the tub 12.
Relatively large dishes may be accommodated in the plurality of baskets 51, 52, and 53. However, types of dishes accommodated in the plurality of baskets 51, 52, and 53 are not limited to relatively large dishes. That is, the plurality of baskets 51, 52 and 53 may accommodate not only relatively large dishes but also relatively small dishes.
The storage container may include the upper basket 53 positioned in an upper portion with respect to the height direction (Z direction) of the dishwasher 1. The upper basket 53 may be provided in the form of a rack assembly to accommodate relatively small dishes. For example, the upper basket 53 may accommodate a ladle, a knife, or a turner, or cutlery. In addition, the upper basket 53 may accommodate a small cup such as an espresso cup. However, the types of dishware accommodated in the upper basket 53 are not limited to the above examples.
The upper basket 53 may be introduced into or withdrawn from the washing chamber C through the opening 12 a of the tub 12. The upper basket 53 may be supported by an upper guide rack 13 c. For example, the upper basket 53 may be slidable by the upper guide rack 13 c. For example, the upper guide rack 13 c may be installed on a side surface of the tub 12.
The dishwasher 1 may include a spray device 40 for spraying washing water. The spray device 40 may spray washing water into the washing chamber C. The spray device 40 may spray the washing water toward the dishes in the storage container. The spray device 40 may be supplied with washing water from a sump assembly 70 to be described below.
The spray device 40 may include at least one spray unit. The spray device 40 may include a single spray unit, or a plurality of spray units 41, 42, and 43.
For example, the spray device 40 may include the first spray unit 41 arranged below the lower basket 51 in the height direction (Z direction) of the dishwasher 1, the second spray unit 42 arranged below the intermediate basket 52 in the height direction (Z direction) of the dishwasher 1, and the third spray unit 43 arranged above the upper basket 53 in the height direction (Z direction) of the dishwasher 1, without being limited thereto. The spray device 40 may include two or fewer spray units or four or more spray units.
Each of the plurality of spray units 41, 42, and 43 may spray washing water while rotating. Each of the first spray unit 41, the second spray unit 42, and the third spray unit 43 may spray washing water while rotating. The plurality of spray units 41, 42 and 43 may be referred to as a plurality of spray rotors 41, 42 and 43. The first spray unit 41, the second spray unit 42, and the third spray unit 43 may be referred to as the first spray rotor 41, the second spray rotor 42, and the third spray rotor 43, respectively.
However, the spray device 40 may spray washing water in a manner different from the above-described example. For example, the first spray unit 41 may be fixed to one side of a lower surface 12 d of the tub 12, unlike the second spray unit 42 and the third spray unit 43. In this case, the first spray unite 41 may be configured to spray washing water in a substantially horizontal direction by a fixed nozzle, and the washing water sprayed in the horizontal direction from the nozzle of the first spray unit 41 may be deflected by a deflection assembly (not shown) disposed in the washing chamber C so as to be directed upward. The deflection assembly may be installed on a rail (not shown) and translated along the rail. Meanwhile, although the first spray unit 41 has been described as an example, the second spray unit 42 and the third spray unit 43 may also be provided to spray washing water using fixed nozzles, similar to the above-described example.
The dishwasher 1 may include an auxiliary spray device 30. The auxiliary spray device 30 may be disposed at one side of the lower portion of the washing chamber C to spray washing water to a partial area of the washing chamber C. The auxiliary spray device 30 may be designed to spray water at a relatively high pressure compared to the spray device 40 in order to intensively wash heavily soiled dishes. The auxiliary spray device 30 may spray washing water while rotating. The auxiliary spray device 30 may be referred to as the auxiliary spray rotor 30. The auxiliary spray device 30 may be provided as a component of the spray device 40.
Hereinafter, the plurality of spray units may conceptually refer to at least two of the first spray unit 41, the second spray unit 42, the third spray unit 43, or the auxiliary spray unit 30. Hereinafter, the plurality of spray rotors may conceptually refer to at least two of the first spray rotor 41, the second spray rotor 42, the third spray rotor 43, or the auxiliary spray rotor 30.
The dishwasher 1 may optionally be equipped with the auxiliary spray device 30. That is, the auxiliary spray device 30 may be omitted from the dishwasher 1.
The dishwasher 1 may include a sump assembly 70. The sump assembly 70 may be referred to as the sump 70.
The sump assembly 70 may accommodate washing water. The sump assembly 70 may collect washing water. For example, the lower surface 12 d of the tub 12 may be inclined toward the sump assembly 70 to allow the sump assembly 70 to easily collect washing water. The washing water flowing along the lower surface 12 d of the tub 12 may be collected in the sump assembly 70.
The dishwasher 1 may include a circulation pump 71 to pump washing water stored in the sump assembly 70 toward the spray device 40. The circulation pump 71 may be provided as a component of the sump assembly 70. The circulation pump 71 may be disposed in a machine room L.
The dishwasher 1 may include a drain pump 72 to drain washing water and/or foreign substances (e.g., food scraps, etc.) stored in the sump assembly 70. The drain pump 72 may be provided as a component of the sump assembly 70. The drain pump 72 may be disposed in the machine room L.
The sump assembly 70 may supply washing water to at least one of the plurality of spray units 41, 42 or 43. The sump assembly 70 may selectively supply washing water to the plurality of spray units 41, 42 or 43.
The dishwasher 1 may include a duct 14. The duct 14 may guide washing water from the sump assembly 70 to the spray device 40. The duct 14 may have a shape extending approximately in the height direction (Z direction).
The dishwasher 1 may include the machine room L arranged below the tub 12. The machine room L may be a place in which components for circulating washing water are arranged. The dishwasher 1 may include a base frame 20 forming the machine room L.
At least some parts of the sump assembly 70 may be disposed in the machine room L. For example, most parts of the sump assembly 70 may be disposed in the machine room L. That is, an area of the sump assembly 70 located in the washing chamber C may be smaller than an area of the sump assembly 70 located in the machine room L. By reducing the area of the sump assembly 70 occupying the washing chamber C, the area of the washing chamber C may be secured. As a result, the capacity of the washing chamber C may be increased, and storage of the dishes may be improved.
The dishwasher 1 may include a filter 60. The filter 60 may filter foreign substances contained in the washing water flowing into the sump assembly 70. The washing water filtered by the filter 60 may be delivered to the spray device 40 by the sump assembly 70. The filter 60 may be removably mounted to the sump assembly 70. For example, the filter 60 may include at least one of a fine filter, a coarse filter, or a micro filter.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an inside of a dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an inside of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , the dishwasher 1 may include a blower 80. The blower 80 may force air in the tub 12 to flow. The blower 80 may form an air current in the tub 12. The blower 80 may generate forced convection in the tub 12. The blower 80 may generate blowing force.
Meanwhile, in this specification, air may be defined as including both humid air containing water vapor and dry air without water vapor.
The blower 80 may operate during a dry cycle. The blower 80 may remove moisture from the tub 12. The blower 80 may remove moisture remaining in the dishes.
At least one blower 80 may be provided. The dishwasher 1 may include a single blower 80. The dishwasher 1 may include a plurality of blowers 80. The number of blowers 80 is not limited.
For example, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , the blower 80 may include a first blower 100 and a second blower 200.
The first blower 100 may be arranged on a first side 12 b of the tub 12. The second blower 200 may be arranged on a second side 12 c of the tub 12. For example, the first side 12 b of the tub 12 may be the left side 12 b of the tub 12, and the second side 12 c of the tub 12 may be the right side 12 c of the tub 12, without being limited thereto. The first blower 100 may be placed on the right side 12 c of the tub 12, and the second blower 200 may be placed on the left side 12 b of the tub 12.
As described above, the ordinals of “first” and “second” do not limit the configuration of the first blower 100 and the second blower 200. For example, the first blower 100 and the second blower 200 may be referred to inversely as the second blower 100 and the first blower 200.
Referring to FIG. 3 , the first blower 100 may include a first inlet port 136. The first inlet port 136 may be a hole formed between a first inlet cover 130 and the tub 12. The first inlet port 136 may include at least one hole defined by a plurality of inlet guide ribs 133 (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 ) of the first inlet cover 130. The first inlet port 136 may be formed among the plurality of inlet guide ribs 133. The first inlet cover 130 may form the first inlet port 136. The first blower 100 may draw in air in the tub 12 through the first inlet port 136. The first inlet port 136 may include at least one hole.
The first blower 100 may include a first outlet port 146. The first outlet port 146 may be formed in a first outlet cap 140. The first blower 100 may discharge air into the tub 12 through the first outlet port 146. The first outlet port 146 may include at least one hole.
The first outlet port 146 may include a first A outlet port 146 a and a first B outlet port 146 b. The first A outlet port 146 a may be formed in a first A outlet cap 140 a. The first B outlet port 146 b may be formed in a first B outlet cap 140 b.
The first A outlet port 146 a and the first B outlet port 146 b may be disposed at different positions. The first A outlet port 146 a and the first B outlet port 146 b may be disposed at different heights.
The first A outlet port 146 a may be positioned higher than the first B outlet port 146 b. The first A outlet port 146 a may be spaced apart from the first B outlet port 146 b in the +Z direction. The first A outlet port 146 a may be located in the front compared to the first B outlet port 146 b. The first A outlet port 146 a may be disposed closer to the opening 12 a compared to the first B outlet port 146 b. The first A outlet port 146 a may be spaced apart from the first B outlet port 146 b in the +X direction.
The first A outlet port 146 a and the first B outlet port 146 b may discharge air in different directions.
For example, the first A outlet port 146 a may be provided to discharge air toward the opening 12 a. For example, the first B outlet port 146 b may be provided to discharge air toward the inside of the tub 12.
For example, the first A outlet port 146 a may be provided to discharge air toward the +X and/or +Z directions. For example, the first B outlet port 146 b may be provided to discharge air toward the +Y and/or −Z directions.
However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first A outlet port 146 a and the first B outlet port 146 b may discharge air in the same direction.
The first blower 100 may form a flow path through which air in the tub 12 may flow.
The first blower 100 may include a first A flow path 121. The air drawn in through the first inlet port 136 may flow along the first A flow path 121 and may be discharged into the tub 12 through the first A outlet port 146 a of the first A outlet cap 140 a. The first A flow path 121 may have a curved shape to reduce flow loss of air flowing on the first A flow path 121.
The first blower 100 may include a first B flow path 122. The air drawn in through the first inlet port 136 may flow along the first B flow path 122 and may be discharged into the tub 12 through the first B outlet port 146 b of the first B outlet cap 140 b. The first B flow path 122 may have a curved shape to reduce flow loss of air flowing on the first B flow path 122.
The first A flow path 121 and the first B flow path 122 may be partitioned.
Referring to FIG. 4 , the second blower 200 may include a second inlet port 236. The second inlet port 236 may be a hole formed between a second inlet cover 230 and the tub 12. The second inlet cover 230 may form the second inlet port 236. The second blower 200 may draw in air in the tub 12 through the second inlet port 236. The second inlet port 236 may include at least one hole.
The second blower 200 may include a second outlet port 246. The second outlet port 246 may be formed in a second outlet cap 240. The second blower 200 may discharge air into the tub 12 through the second outlet port 246. The second outlet port 246 may include at least one hole.
The second outlet port 246 may include a second A outlet port 246 a and a second B outlet port 246 b. The second A outlet port 246 a may be formed in a second A outlet cap 240 a. The second B outlet port 246 b may be formed in a second B outlet cap 240 b.
The second A outlet port 246 a and the second B outlet port 246 b may be disposed at different positions. The second A outlet port 246 a and the second B outlet port 246 b may be disposed at the same height.
The second A outlet port 246 a may be disposed behind the second B outlet port 246 b. The second A outlet port 246 a may be spaced apart from the second B outlet port 246 b in the −X direction. The positions of the second A outlet port 246 a and the second B outlet port 246 b in the Z direction may be the same.
The second A outlet port 246 a and the second B outlet port 246 b may discharge air in the same direction.
For example, the second A outlet port 246 a, the second B outlet port 246 b, or both the second A outlet port 246 a and the second B outlet port 246 b may discharge air toward the inside of the tub 12.
For example, the second A outlet port 246 a, the second B outlet port 246 b, or both the second A outlet port 246 a and the second B outlet port 246 b may be provided to discharge air toward the −Z direction.
However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second A outlet port 246 a and the second B outlet port 246 b may discharge air in different directions.
The second blower 200 may form a flow path through which air in the tub 12 may flow.
The second blower 200 may include a second A flow path 221. The air drawn in through the second inlet port 236 may flow along the second A flow path 221 and may be discharged into the tub 12 through the second A outlet port 246 a of the second A outlet cap 240 a. The second A flow path 221 may have a curved shape to reduce flow loss of air flowing on the second A flow path 221.
The second blower 200 may include a second B flow path 222. The air drawn in through the second inlet port 236 may flow along the second B flow path 222 and may be discharged into the tub 12 through the second B outlet port 246 b of the second B outlet cap 240 b. The second B flow path 222 may have a curved shape to reduce flow loss of air flowing on the second B flow path 222.
The second A flow path 221 and the second B flow path 222 may be partitioned.
The first blower 100, the second blower 200, or both first blower 100 an the second blower 200 may operate during a dry cycle. The first blower 100, the second blower 200, or both first blower 100 an the second blower 200 may operate in a state where the door 11 opens the opening 12 a of the tub 12.
The first blower 100, the second blower 200, or both first blower 100 an the second blower 200 may discharge water vapor in the tub 12 to the outside of the tub 12 through the opening 12 a of the tub 12, in a state where the door 11 opens the opening 12 a of the tub 12. As a result, humidity inside the tub 12 may be lowered.
The first blower 100, the second blower 200, or both first blower 100 an the second blower 200 may circulate air in the tub 12, in a state where the door 11 opens the opening 12 a of the tub 12. Accordingly, an average flow speed of air in the tub 12 may be increased. The air in the tub 12 may be uniformly mixed.
The dishwasher may perform a wash cycle to wash dishes using water and detergent, a rinse cycle to rinse the dishes, and a dry cycle to remove moisture remaining in the dishes.
In general, for example, a dishwasher may use a dehumidifier to remove water vapor from a tub during a dry cycle. As the dehumidifier absorbs water vapor, the inside of the tub may dry out. However, in order to reuse the dehumidifier, a process for heating the dehumidifier to evaporate the moisture contained in the dehumidifier may be required. For example, the dishwasher may supply hot air into the tub during a dry cycle. For example, the dishwasher may heat washing water for condensation drying during a final rinse cycle before the dry cycle. A heater may be used to heat the dehumidifier, supply the hot air, and/or heat the washing water. When the heater is operating, energy consumption of the dishwasher may increase.
Compared to the above, the dishwasher 1 may effectively perform a dry cycle using the first blower 100, the second blower 200, or both first blower 100 an the second blower 200 without a separate heater. For example, during a dry cycle, the dishwasher 1 may discharge water vapor in the tub 12 to the outside of the tub 12 while continuously circulating the air in the tub 12, thereby effectively evaporating remaining moisture in the tub 12. In addition, the dishwasher 1 may improve drying efficiency by activating a flow field in the tub 12. Accordingly, the dishwasher 1 may effectively perform the dry cycle without a heater. Furthermore, compared to the above-described examples, the dishwasher 1 may save energy by omitting a heating process using the heater.
For example, during a dry cycle of the dishwasher 1, the door 11 may open the opening 12 a of the tub 12 to a predetermined range. The dry cycle of the dishwasher 1 may be performed through condensation drying, natural convection drying, and forced convection drying. After the dry cycle is initiated, the condensation drying may be performed for a predetermined period of time t1. The condensation drying may be performed as water droplets in the tub 12 condense in a state where the door 11 closes the opening 12 a. After the predetermined period of time t1 has elapsed from the start of the dry cycle, the door 11 may be opened. After the door 11 opens the opening 12 a, the natural convection drying may occur for a predetermined period of time t2. The natural convection drying may proceed, when air from outside the tub 12 flows into the tub 12 in a state where the door 11 opens the opening 12 a. After the predetermined period of time t2 has elapsed from the door 11 opens the opening 12 a, the blower 80 may be operated.
After the blower 80 starts operating, the forced convection drying may be performed for a predetermined period of time t3. The forced convection drying may occur because the blower 80 generates a blowing force in a state where the door 11 opens the opening 12 a. For example, the first blower 100 may discharge water vapor in the tub 12 to the outside of the tub 12. For example, the second blower 200 may form a circulating air flow in the tub 12.
For example, the air discharged through the first A outlet port 146 a may be discharged toward the opening 12 a, thereby smoothly discharging water vapor in the tub 12 to the outside of the tub 12. That is, the water vapor in the tub 12 may escape to the outside of the tub 12 through the opening 12 a by the air discharged through the first A outlet port 146 a.
The air discharged through the first B outlet port 146 b may be discharged toward a lower portion of the tub 12, thereby intensively blowing toward an area where a drying performance is relatively weak. The air discharged through the first B outlet port 146 b may be discharged into the tub 12 to form a circulating air flow in the tub 12. Accordingly, the air in the tub 12 may be uniformly mixed.
The air discharged through the second A outlet port 246 a and/or the second B outlet port 246 b may be discharged toward the lower portion of the tub 12, thereby intensively blowing toward an area where a drying performance is relatively weak. The air discharged through the second A outlet port 246 a, the second B outlet port 246 b, or both the second A outlet port 246 a and the second B outlet port 246 b may be discharged into the tub 12 to form a circulating air flow in the tub 12. Accordingly, the air in the tub 12 may be uniformly mixed.
That is, the first A outlet port 146 a, the first B outlet port 146 b, the second A outlet port 246 a, and the second B outlet port 246 b may be disposed at different positions, and thus air flows in the tub 12 may be guided in different directions.
The first A outlet port 146 a, the first B outlet port 146 b, the second A outlet port 246 a, and the second B outlet port 246 b may guide the discharged air in various directions.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of configuration of a blower of a dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of configuration of a blower of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.
The first blower 100 may include a first blower duct 120 provided to form a flow path, a first blower fan 110 disposed in the first blower duct 120, the first inlet cover 130 coupled to a first inlet 1251 of the first blower duct 120, and the first outlet caps 140 coupled to first outlets 1252 and 1253 of the first blower duct 120.
The first blower 100 may include the first blower duct 120. The first blower duct 120 may guide air blown by the first blower fan 110.
The first blower duct 120 may be formed by a first A case 120 a and a first B case 120 b. The first A case 120 a and the first B case 120 b may be detachably coupled. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first blower duct 120 may be formed by a single case. For example, the first A case 120 a and the first B case 120 b may be provided integrally.
The first blower duct 120 may form a flow path to guide air. The first blower duct 120 may form the first A flow path 121 to guide the air, blown by the first blower fan 110, toward the opening 12 a. The first blower duct 120 may form the first B flow path 122 to guide the air, blown by the first blower fan 110, toward the inside of the tub 12. The first blower duct 120 may form a first C flow path 128 to connect the first A flow path 121 and the first B flow path 122.
The first blower duct 120 may include first A flow path forming portions 1211 and 1212 provided to form the first A flow path 121, first B flow path forming portion 1221 and 1222 provided to form the first B flow path 122, and first C flow path forming portions 1281 and 1282 provided to form the first C flow path 128.
The first blower duct 120 may include a first partition 123. The first partition 123 may partition the first A flow path 121 of the first blower duct 120 and the first B flow path 122 of the first blower duct 120. The first partition 123 may prevent the air flowing on the first A flow path 121 and the air flowing on the first B flow path 122 from mixing.
The first blower duct 120 may include the first C flow path 128. The first C flow path 128 may communicate the first A flow path 121 with the first B flow path 122. The first C flow path 128 may guide water flowing on the first A flow path 121 to the first B flow path 122.
The water flowing on the first A flow path 121 may descend toward the first B flow path 122 via the first C flow path 128. The water descending toward the first B flow path 122 may be easily discharged into the tub 12 through the first B outlet 1253. That is, the water flowing on the first A flow path 121 may be naturally discharged into the tub 12 without accumulating in the first A flow path 121. As a result, contamination caused by water remaining in the first blower duct 120 may be prevented.
The first blower duct 120 may include a first fan mounting portion 124. The first fan mounting portion 124 may be located on an upstream side of the first A flow path 121 based on an air flow direction. The first fan mounting portion 124 may be located on an upstream side of the first B flow path 122 based on an air flow direction.
The first blower 100 may include the first blower fan 110. The first blower fan 110 may generate a blowing force while rotating. The first blower fan 110 may generate an intake force to draw the air in the tub 12 into the first blower 100. The first blower fan 110 may generate a discharge force to discharge the air flowing into the first blower 100 to the tub 12. The first blower fan 110 may be referred to as the first fan 110.
The first blower fan 110 may be an axial fan, a diagonal flow fan, or a centrifugal fan. However, a type of the first blower fan 110 is not limited thereto, and any configuration capable of generating a blowing force to draw in the air in the tub 12 and discharge back to the tub 12 may be provided as the first blower fan 110.
An intake side 111 of the first blower fan 110 may be provided to communicate with the first inlet 1251. A discharge side 112 of the first blower fan 110 may be provided to communicate with the first A flow path 121 and/or the first B flow path 122.
The first blower fan 110 may be mounted on the first fan mounting portion 124. The first blower fan 110 may be detachably coupled to the first fan mounting portion 124. The first blower 100 may include the first inlet 1251 through which the air in the tub 12 is drawn in by the first blower fan 110. The first blower duct 120 may include the first inlet 1251. The first inlet 1251 may be formed in the first A case 120 a.
The first inlet 1251 may be provided to communicate the first blower fan 110 with the first inlet cover 130. The first inlet 1251 may be provided to communicate with the inside of the tub 12. The air drawn in through the first inlet port 136 may flow into the first blower duct 120 through the first inlet 1251.
The first inlet 1251 may be located on the upstream side of the first A flow path 121 based on the air flow direction. The first inlet 1251 may be located on the upstream side of the first B flow path 122 based on the air flow direction.
The first inlet 1251 may be provided to correspond to the first inlet cover 130. The first inlet 1251 may be arranged to face the first inlet cover 130. A first inlet cover coupling portion 1261 to which the first inlet cover 130 is coupled may be provided around the first inlet 1251.
The first blower 100 may include the first inlet cover 130. The first inlet cover 130 may cover the first blower fan 110. The first inlet cover 130 may be detachably mounted on an inner wall of the first side 12 b of the tub 12. The first inlet cover 130 may be provided to communicate with the first inlet 1251 of the first blower duct 120.
The first inlet cover 130 may include a first duct coupling portion 134 provided to be coupled to the first inlet cover coupling portion 1261.
The first inlet cover 130 is described in detail with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 .
The first blower 100 may include the first outlets 1252 and 1253 that discharge air into the tub 12 by the first blower fan 110. The first blower duct 120 may include the first outlets 1252 and 1253. The first outlets 1252 and 1253 may be formed in the first A case 120 a.
The first outlets 1252 and 1253 may be provided to communicate the first blower fan 110 with the first outlet caps 140, respectively. The first outlets 1252 and 1253 may be provided to communicate with the inside of the tub 12. The air discharged through the first outlets 1252 and 1253 of the first blower duct 120 may be discharged into the tub 12 through the first outlet ports 146 of the first outlet caps 140.
The first outlets 1252 and 1253 may be located on a downstream side of the first A flow path 121 based on the air flow direction. The first outlets 1252 and 1253 may be located on a downstream side of the first B flow path 122 based on the air flow direction.
The first outlets 1252 and 1253 may be provided to correspond to the first outlet caps 140, respectively. The first outlets 1252 and 1253 may each be arranged to face the first outlet caps 140.
The first outlets 1252 and 1253 may include the first A outlet 1252. The first A outlet 1252 may be provided to communicate with the first A outlet cap 140 a. A first A outlet cap coupling portion 1257 to which the first A outlet cap 140 a is coupled may be formed around the first A outlet 1252. The first A outlet cap coupling portion 1257 may include a first A guide protrusion 1272 for guiding a coupling position of the first A outlet cap 140 a, and a first A coupling protrusion 1262 for securing the first A outlet cap 140 a.
The first outlets 1252 and 1253 may include the first B outlet 1253. The first B outlet 1253 may be provided to communicate with the first B outlet cap 140 b. A first B outlet cap coupling portion 1258 to which the first B outlet cap 140 b is coupled may be formed around the first B outlet 1253. The first B outlet cap coupling portion 1258 may include a first B guide protrusion 1273 for guiding a coupling position of the first B outlet cap 140 b, and a first B coupling protrusion 1263 for securing the first B outlet cap 140 b.
The first A outlet 1252 and the first B outlet 1253 may be spaced apart from each other.
The first blower duct 120 may include a curved portion 127. The curved portion 127 may guide water flowing into the first blower duct 120 to the first B outlet 1253 and discharge into the tub 12.
The first blower 100 may include the first outlet caps 140. The first outlet caps 140 may be provided to communicate the first blower duct 120 with the inside of the tub 12. The first outlet caps 140 may be detachably mounted on the inner wall of the first side 12 b of the tub 12. The first outlet caps 140 may be provided to communicate with the first outlets 1252 and 1253 of the first blower duct 120.
The first outlet caps 140 may include the first A outlet cap 140 a. The first A outlet cap 140 a may be provided to communicate with the first A outlet 1252. The first A outlet cap 140 a may include a first A guide hole 147 a corresponding to the first A guide protrusion 1272.
The first outlet caps 140 may include the first B outlet cap 140 b. The first B outlet cap 140 b may be provided to communicate with the first B outlet 1253. The first B outlet cap 140 b may include a first B guide hole 147 b corresponding to the first B guide protrusion 1273.
The first outlet caps 140 are described in detail with reference to FIG. 11 to FIG. 15 .
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of configuration of a blower of a dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of configuration of a blower of a dishwasher according to an embodiment.
The second blower 200 may include a second blower duct 220 provided to form a flow path, a second blower fan 210 disposed in the second blower duct 220, the second inlet cover 230 coupled to a second inlet 2251 of the second blower duct 220, and the second outlet caps 240 coupled to second outlets 2252 and 2253 of the second blower duct 220.
The second blower 200 may include the second blower duct 220. The second blower duct 220 may guide air blown by the second blower fan 210.
The second blower duct 220 may be formed by a second A case 220 a and a second B case 220 b. The second A case 220 a and the second B case 220 b may be detachably coupled. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second blower duct 220 may be formed by a single case. For example, the second A case 220 a and the second B case 220 b may be provided integrally.
The second A case 220 a and the second B case 220 b may form a water tank. The water tank may store washing water. Inside the water tank, a water flow path through which water flows, and the second A flow path 221 and the second B flow path 222 through which air flows may be formed.
The second blower duct 220 may form a flow path to guide air. The second blower duct 220 may form the second A flow path 221 and the second B flow path 222 to guide the air, blown by the second blower fan 210, toward the inside of the tub 12. The air flowing on the second A flow path 221, the second B flow path 222, or both the second A flow path 221 and the second B flow path 222 may be discharged into the tub 12 through the second A outlet 2252, the second B outlet 2253, or both the second A outlet 2252 and the second B outlet 2253 to form a circulating air flow in the tub 12.
The second blower duct 220 may include second A flow path forming portions 2211 and 2212 provided to form the second A flow path 221, and second B flow path forming portions 2221 and 2222 provided to form the second B flow path 222.
The second blower duct 220 may include a second partition 223. The second partition 223 may partition the second A flow path 221 of the second blower duct 220 and the second B flow path 222 of the second blower duct 220. The second partition 223 may prevent the air flowing on the second A flow path 221 and the air flowing on the second B flow path 222 from mixing.
The second blower duct 220 may include a second fan mounting portion 224. The second fan mounting portion 224 may be located on an upstream side of the second A flow path 221 based on an air flow direction. The second fan mounting portion 224 may be located on an upstream side of the second B flow path 222 based on an air flow direction.
The second blower 200 may include the second blower fan 210. The second blower fan 210 may generate a blowing force while rotating. The second blower fan 210 may generate an intake force to draw the air in the tub 12 into the second blower 200. The second blower fan 210 may generate a discharge force to discharge the air flowing into the second blower 200 to the tub 12. The second blower fan 210 may be referred to as the second fan 210.
The second blower fan 210 may be an axial fan, a diagonal flow fan, or a centrifugal fan. However, a type of the second blower fan 210 is not limited thereto, and any configuration capable of generating a blowing force to draw in the air in the tub 12 and discharge back to the tub 12 may be provided as the second blower fan 210. An intake side 211 of the second blower fan 210 may be provided to communicate with the second inlet 2251. A discharge side 212 of the second blower fan 210 may be provided to communicate with the second A flow path 221, the second B flow path 222, both the second A flow path 221 and the second B flow path 222.
The second blower fan 210 may be mounted on the second fan mounting portion 224. The second blower fan 210 may be detachably coupled to the second fan mounting portion 224.
The second blower 200 may include the second inlet 2251 through which the air in the tub 12 is drawn in by the second blower fan 210. The second blower duct 220 may include the second inlet 2251. The second inlet 2251 may be formed in the second A case 220 a.
The second inlet 2251 may be provided to communicate the second blower fan 210 with the second inlet cover 230. The second inlet 2251 may be provided to communicate with the inside of the tub 12. The air drawn in through the second inlet port 236 may flow into the second blower duct 220 through the second inlet 2251.
The second inlet 2251 may be located on the upstream side of the second A flow path 221 based on the air flow direction. The second inlet 2251 may be located on the upstream side of the second B flow path 222 based on the air flow direction.
The second inlet 2251 may be provided to correspond to the second inlet cover 230. The second inlet 2251 may be arranged to face the second inlet cover 230. A second inlet cover coupling portion 2261 to which the second inlet cover 230 is coupled may be provided around the second inlet 2251.
The second A outlet 2252 and the second B outlet 2253 may be spaced apart from each other.
The second blower 200 may include the second inlet cover 230. The second inlet cover 230 may be provided to cover the second blower fan 210. The second inlet cover 230 may be detachably mounted on an inner wall of the second side 12 c of the tub 12. The second inlet cover 230 may be provided to communicate with the second inlet 2251 of the second blower duct 220.
The second inlet cover 230 may include a second duct coupling portion 234 provided to be coupled to the second inlet cover coupling portion 2261.
The second inlet cover 230 is described in detail with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 .
The second blower 200 may include the second outlets 2252 and 2253 that discharge air into the tub 12 by the second blower fan 210. The second outlets 2252 and 2253 may be formed in the second A case 220 a.
The second outlets 2252 and 2253 may be provided to communicate the second blower fan 210 with the second outlet caps 240, respectively. The second outlets 2252 and 2253 may be provided to communicate with the inside of the tub 12. The air discharged through the second outlets 2252 and 2253 of the second blower duct 220 may be discharged into the tub 12 through the second outlet ports 246 of the second outlet caps 240.
The second outlets 2252 and 2253 may be located on a downstream side of the second A flow path 221 based on the air flow direction. The second outlets 2252 and 2253 may be located on a downstream side of the second B flow path 222 based on the air flow direction.
The second outlets 2252 and 2253 may be provided to correspond to the second outlet caps 240, respectively. The second outlets 2252 and 2253 may each be arranged to face the second outlet caps 240.
The second outlets 2252 and 2253 may include the second A outlet 2252. The second A outlet 2252 may be provided to communicate with the second A outlet cap 240 a. A second A outlet cap coupling portion 2257 to which the second A outlet cap 240 a is coupled may be formed around the second A outlet 2252. The second A outlet cap coupling portion 2257 may include a second A guide protrusion 2272 for guiding a coupling position of the second A outlet cap 240 a, and a second A coupling protrusion 2262 for securing the second A outlet cap 240 a.
The second outlets 2252 and 2253 may include the second B outlet 2253. The second B outlet 2253 may be provided to communicate with the second B outlet cap 240 b. A second B outlet cap coupling portion 2258 to which the second B outlet cap 240 b is coupled may be formed around the second B outlet 2253. The second B outlet cap coupling portion 2258 may include a second B guide protrusion 2273 for guiding a coupling position of the second B outlet cap 240 b, and a second B coupling protrusion 2263 for securing the second B outlet cap 240 b.
The second blower 200 may include the second outlet caps 240. The second outlet caps 240 may be provided to communicate the second blower duct 220 with the inside of the tub 12. The second outlet caps 240 may be detachably mounted on the inner wall of the second side 12 c of the tub 12. The second outlet caps 240 may be provided to communicate with the second outlets 2252 and 2253 of the second blower duct 220.
The second outlet caps 240 may include the second A outlet cap 240 a. The second A outlet cap 240 a may be provided to communicate with the second A outlet 2252. The second A outlet cap 240 a may include a second A guide hole 247 a corresponding to the second A guide protrusion 2272.
The second outlet caps 240 may include the second B outlet cap 240 b. The second B outlet cap 240 b may be provided to communicate with the second B outlet 2253. The second B outlet cap 240 b may include a second B guide hole 247 b corresponding to the second B guide protrusion 2273.
The second outlet caps 240 are described in detail with reference to FIG. 11 to FIG. 15 . FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a state in which an inlet cover is coupled to a duct in a dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1 taken along line B-B′.
Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the first blower 100 is described as an example. That is, description of the first blower duct 120, the first inlet 1251, and the first inlet cover 130 may be equally applied to the second blower duct 220, the second inlet 2251, and the second inlet cover 230 of the second blower 200.
That is, the second inlet cover 230 may have the same shape and configuration as the first inlet cover 130. The description of the body portion 131, the protruding portion 132, the inlet guide rib 133, the discharge hole 135 and the duct coupling portion 142 of the first inlet cover 130 may apply to a body portion 231, a protruding portion 232, an inlet guide rib 233, a discharge hole 235 and a duct coupling portion 242 of the second inlet cover 230. (See FIGS. 7 and 8 ).
The second inlet cover coupling portion 2261 of the second blower duct 220 may have the same shape and configuration as the first inlet cover coupling portion 1261 of the first blower duct 120.
The first inlet cover 130 may include a body portion 131. The body portion 131 may cover the first inlet 1251.
The body portion 131 may cover the first blower fan 110. The body portion 131 may prevent at least one of foreign substances or washing water in the tub 12 from flowing into the first blower fan 110. For example, the body portion 131 may prevent washing water from flowing into the first blower fan 110 during a wash cycle and/or a rinse cycle. For example, the body portion 131 may prevent foreign substances (e.g., food scraps, etc.) in the tub 12 from flowing into the first blower fan 110. As a result, damage to the first blower fan 110 may be prevented, thereby extending a lifespan of the first blower fan 110.
The first inlet cover 130 may include a protruding portion 132. The protruding portion 132 may protrude from the body portion 131 toward the inside of the tub 12. The protruding portion 132 may be provided to secure a size of the inlet port 136. The protruding portion 132 may minimize an intake pressure by securing a space between the first blower fan 110 and the first inlet port 136.
The first inlet cover 130 may include an inlet guide rib 133. The inlet guide rib 133 may be formed on a side of the body portion 131 facing the first inlet 1251.
The inlet guide rib 133 may guide air to the first blower fan 110. The inlet guide rib 133 may have a sloping shape. For example, the inlet guide rib 133 may have a downward sloping shape. For example, the inlet guide rib 133 may include a curved shape.
The inlet guide rib 133 may prevent washing water from flowing into the first inlet 1251. For example, the inlet guide rib 133 may guide the washing water flowing into the first inlet cover 130 downwardly between an inner wall of the tub 12 and the first inlet cover 130. As a result, the washing water flowing into the first inlet cover 130 does not flow into the first blower fan 110, but may flow downward. The washing water guided by the inlet guide rib 133 may be discharged into the tub 12 through a discharge hole 135.
The inlet guide rib 133 may reduce a flow resistance of air flowing toward the first blower fan 110. The air drawn in through the inlet may flow along the curved shape of the inlet guide rib 133, thereby smoothly moving toward the first blower fan 110.
For example, a plurality of inlet guide ribs 133 may be provided. The plurality of inlet guide ribs 133 may be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of inlet guide ribs 133 may be arranged in a vertical direction.
The first inlet cover 130 may include the discharge hole 135. The discharge hole 135 may discharge washing water flowing into the first inlet cover 130. The discharge hole 135 may be formed at a lower end of the first inlet cover 130. For example, the washing water guided by the inlet guide rib 133 may naturally flow downward, and be discharged into the tub 12 through the discharge hole 135.
The first inlet cover 130 may include a discharge plate 137. The discharge plate 137 may guide the washing water flowing into the first inlet cover 130 to the discharge hole 135.
The first inlet cover 130 may be detachably coupled to the first inlet 1251. The duct coupling portion 134 of the first inlet cover 130 may be coupled to the first inlet cover coupling portion 1261 of the first blower duct 120.
The duct coupling portion 134 may be fixed to the first inlet cover coupling portion 1261 by rotating in a state where the duct coupling portion 134 corresponds to the first inlet cover coupling portion 1261. The duct coupling portion 134 may be separated from the first inlet cover coupling portion 1261 by rotating while being fixed to the first inlet cover coupling portion 1261.
The duct coupling portion 134 of the first inlet cover 130 may include a coupling protrusion 134 a, a rotation guide groove 134 b, and a reinforcing rib 134 c. The reinforcing rib 134 c may be provided to reinforce a rigidity of the coupling protrusion 134 a. The reinforcing rib 134 c may be provided to allow at least a portion of the coupling protrusion 134 a to be spaced apart from the body portion 131. The rotation guide groove 134 b may be formed between the coupling protrusion 134 a and the body portion 131.
The first inlet cover coupling portion 1261 of the first blower duct 120 may include a rotation guide rib 1261 a and a support rib 1261 b. The rotation guide rib 1261 a may guide the coupling protrusion 134 a to rotate. The support rib 1261 b may fix the coupling protrusion 134 a to prevent the coupling protrusion 134 a from rotating further when the coupling protrusion 134 a reaches a certain position.
The first inlet cover 130 may be formed integrally. The body portion 131 and the duct coupling portion 134 may be formed integrally. Because components for covering the first blower fan 110 and components for coupling the components for covering the first blower fan 110 to the first blower duct 120 do not require to be manufactured separately, the number of components may be reduced and manufacturing efficiency may be improved. In addition, an increase in air resistance caused when an intake area narrows due to an increase in the number of components may be prevented.
FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a state in which an outlet cap is coupled to a duct in a dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1 taken along line C-C′. FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a state in which an outlet cap is coupled to a duct in a dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a state in which an outlet cap is coupled to a duct in a dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a state in which an outlet cap is coupled to a duct in a dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1 taken along line C-C′.
Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the first blower 100 is described as an example. That is, description of the first blower duct 120, the first B outlet 1253, and the first outlet caps 140 may be equally applied to the second blower duct 220, the first A outlet 2252 of the first blower 200, the second A outlet 2252, the second B outlet 2253, and the second outlet cap 240 of the second blower 200. Further, the description of the body portion 131, the protruding portion 132, the inlet guide rib 133, the discharge hole 135 and the duct coupling portion 142 of the first inlet cover 130 may apply to a body portion 231, a protruding portion 232, an inlet guide rib 233, a discharge hole 235 and a duct coupling portion 242 of the second inlet cover 230. (See FIGS. 7 and 8 ).
That is, the first A outlet cap 140 a, the first B outlet cap 140 b, the second A outlet cap 240 a, and the second B outlet cap 240 b may have substantially the same shape. The first A outlet cap 140 a, the first B outlet cap 140 b, the second A outlet cap 240 a, and the second B outlet cap 240 b may be substantially the same except for a position where each of the outlet caps is coupled. That is, because the first A outlet cap 140 a, the first B outlet cap 140 b, the second A outlet cap 240 a, and the second B outlet cap 240 b are substantially the same, separate outlet caps that vary depending on an air discharge direction are not required, thereby reducing the number of components and increasing manufacturing efficiency.
The first A outlet cap coupling portion 1257 of the first blower duct 120, the second A outlet cap coupling portion 2257 of the second blower duct 220, and the second B outlet cap coupling portion 2258 of the second blower duct 220 may have the same shape and configuration as the first B outlet cap coupling portion 1258 of the first blower duct 120.
The outlet cap 140 may include an discharge guide rib 141. A plurality of discharge guide ribs 141 may be provided. The plurality of discharge guide ribs 141 may be spaced apart from each other. The outlet port 146 may be formed between the plurality of discharge guide ribs 141.
The discharge guide rib 141 may be disposed at an angle to guide an air discharge direction. Depending on a seating position of outlet cap 140, a direction in which the discharge guide rib 141 is inclined may vary, and a direction of air discharged through each of the outlet ports 146 may vary accordingly.
The outlet cap 140 may include a drain hole 143. The drain hole 143 may discharge washing water flowing into each of the outlet caps 140. The drain hole 143 may be formed along a circumference of a circle. The drain hole 143 may include at least one hole. The drain hole 143 may be formed through the outlet cap 140.
The blower duct 120 may include the curved portion 127. The first B case 120 b may include the curved portion 127. The curved portion 127 may be provided to guide the direction of air discharged to each of the outlet ports 146. The curved portion 127 may reduce noise caused by the flow of air by guiding the direction of the air.
The curved portion 127 may include a sloping surface. The curved portion 127 may include a curved surface. The curved portion 127 may be inclined toward the outlet port 146.
The blower duct 120 may include a space (separation space) 126 to form a gap. The separation space 126 may be formed between the curved portion 127 and the duct coupling portion 1258. The separation space 126 may prevent foreign substances from being trapped. The separation space 126 may prevent foreign substances, flowing into the blower duct 120 from the tub 12, from being trapped inside the blower duct 120.
Specifically, when foreign substances in the tub 12 flow into the blower duct 120, the foreign substances may be accumulated in the separation space 126 of the blower duct 120 according to the flow of air and/or washing water. In this instance, by forming the separation space 126 small in size, foreign substances accumulated in the separation space 126 may be easily discharged to the outside of the blower duct 120. That is, even though foreign substances accumulate in the separation space 126, when the washing water flowing in from the tub 12 reaches the separation space 126, the foreign substances accumulated in the separation space 126 may be easily discharged to the outside of the blower duct 120 together with the washing water, thereby preventing foreign substances from being trapped in the separation space 126.
The outlet cap 140 may be detachably coupled to the outlet 1253. The duct coupling portion 142 of the outlet cap 140 may be coupled to the outlet cap coupling portion 1258.
The duct coupling portion 142 may be fixed to the outlet cap coupling portion 1258, by rotating in a state where the duct coupling portion 142 corresponds to the outlet cap coupling portion 1258. The duct coupling portion 142 may be separated from the outlet cap coupling portion 1258 by rotating while being fixed to the outlet cap coupling portion 1258.
The outlet cap coupling portion 1258 may include a coupling rib 1263. The coupling rib 1263 may be provided to correspond to a coupling protrusion of the duct coupling portion 142. The coupling rib 1263 may include a rotation guide rib 1263 a and a support rib 1263 b. The rotation guide rib 1263 a may guide the duct coupling portion 142 to rotate. The support rib 1263 b may fix the duct coupling portion 142 to prevent the duct coupling portion 142 from rotating further when the duct coupling portion 142 reaches a certain position.
The outlet cap coupling portion 1258 may include the guide protrusion 1273. The guide protrusion 1273 may guide a coupling position of the outlet cap 140. The guide protrusion 1273 may guide a seating position of the outlet cap 140.
The outlet cap 140 may include the guide hole 147 that may be coupled to the guide protrusion 1273. The guide hole 147 may be formed larger than the guide protrusion 1273. The guide hole 147 may be formed by extending along the circumference of the circle. The guide hole 147 may be formed through the outlet cap 140.
Referring to FIG. 14 , the guide hole 147 of the outlet cap 140 may be positioned to correspond to the guide protrusion 1273 of the blower duct 120.
The guide protrusion 1273 may protrude toward the inside of the tub 12. That is, because the guide protrusion 1273 protrudes toward the inside of the tub 12, a user may easily check the position of the guide protrusion 1273 with the naked eye. Accordingly, the guide hole 147 of the outlet cap 140 may be easily coupled to the corresponding position of the guide protrusion 1273, thereby preventing misassembly of the outlet cap 140.
The first A outlet cap 140 a, the first B outlet cap 140 b, the second A outlet cap 240 a, and the second B outlet cap 240 b may guide the air discharge direction in various directions depending on where each of the outlet caps is coupled. The first A outlet cap 140 a, the first B outlet cap 140 b, the second A outlet cap 240 a, and the second B outlet cap 240 b may guide the air discharge direction in various directions depending on seating positions thereof.
The first A guide protrusion 1272 disposed on the first A outlet 1252 may guide the seating position of the first A outlet cap 140 a. The first B guide protrusion 1273 disposed on the first B outlet 1253 may guide the seating position of the first B outlet cap 140 b. The second A guide protrusion 2272 disposed on the second A outlet 2252 may guide the seating position of the second A outlet cap 240 a. The second B guide protrusion 2273 disposed on the second B outlet 2253 may guide the seating position of the second B outlet cap 240 b.
The first A outlet cap 140 a, the first B outlet cap 140 b, the second A outlet cap 240 a, and the second B outlet cap 240 b are respectively rotated and coupled in a corresponding respective direction, and thus a direction of air discharged through each of the first A outlet cap 140 a, the first B outlet cap 140 b, the second A outlet cap 240 a, and the second B outlet cap 240 b may vary.
For example, the first A outlet cap 140 a may be coupled to the first A outlet 1252 to discharge air in a direction from the +X axis to the +Z axis at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. For example, the first B outlet cap 140 b may be coupled to the first B outlet 1253 to discharge air in a direction from the −Z axis to the −X axis at an angle of approximately 30 degrees.
For example, the second A outlet cap 240 a may be coupled to the second A outlet 2252 to discharge air toward the −Z direction at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. For example, the second B outlet cap 240 b may be coupled to the second B outlet 2253 to discharge air toward the −Z direction at an angle of approximately 90 degrees.
Referring to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 , after the guide protrusion 1273 is inserted into the guide hole 147, the outlet cap 140 may be rotated in an A direction. In the drawings, the A direction is shown as counterclockwise, without being limited thereto. The A direction may be clockwise. As the outlet cap 140 rotates, the duct coupling portion 142 of the outlet cap 140 may be fixed to the outlet cap coupling portion 1258 of the blower duct 120.
Because a user may couple the guide hole 147 of the outlet cap 140 to the guide protrusion 1273 of the blower duct 120, the user may conveniently set directions when assembling the outlet cap 140. The guide protrusion 1273 may guide the user to assemble the outlet cap 140 in a correct direction. The guide protrusion 1273 may prevent misassembly of the outlet cap 140.
FIG. 17 is a view illustrating an air flow in a dishwasher according to an embodiment.
The blower 80 may perform a dry cycle of the dishwasher 1. When the door 11 of the dishwasher 1 opens the opening 12 a of the tub 12 to a predetermined range, the air outside and/or inside the tub 12 may be drawn in to the first inlet port 136, the second inlet port 236, or both the first inlet port 135 and the second inlet port 236.
The air drawn in to the first inlet port 136 may be discharged to the first A outlet port 146 a, the first B outlet port 146 b or both the first A outlet port 146 a and the first B outlet port 146 b. The first A outlet port 146 a and the first B outlet port 146 b may be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, or both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The air discharged to the first A outlet port 146 a may move toward the outside of the tub 12. The air discharged to the first B outlet port 146 b may move toward a lower side of the tub 12.
The air drawn in to the second inlet port 236 may be discharged to the second A outlet port 246 a, the second B outlet port 246 b, or both the second A outlet port 246 a and the second B outlet port 246 b. The second A outlet port 246 a and the second B outlet port 246 b may be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The air discharged to the second A outlet port 246 a, the second B outlet port 246 b, or both the second A outlet port 246 a and the second B outlet port 246 b may move toward the lower side of the tub 12.
The positions where the first A outlet port 146 a and the first B outlet port 146 b are arranged and the positions where the second A outlet port 246 a and the second B outlet port 246 b are arranged may be asymmetrical. The air discharged to the first A outlet port 146 a, the first B outlet port 146 b, the second A outlet port 246 a, and the second B outlet port 246 b may move in different directions. The air flows flowing in various directions may be formed inside the tub 12.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the dishwasher 1 may include the tub 12, the blower fan 110 for blowing air, the blower duct 120 provided to allow air blown by the blower fan 110 to flow and including the inlet 1251 and the outlets 1252 and 1253, and the outlet caps 140 for guiding a direction of air discharged to each of the outlets 1252 and 1253. The outlets 1252 and 1253 may include the first outlet 1252 and the second outlet 1253 spaced apart from the first outlet 1252. The blower duct 120 may include the outlet cap coupling portions 1257 and 1258 for guiding the first seating position where the outlet cap 140 is coupled to the first outlet 1252 and the second seating position where the outlet cap 140 is coupled to the second outlet 1253. According to the disclosure, an air discharge direction may be adjusted depending on the seating position where each of the outlet caps 140 is coupled. Accordingly, the air discharge direction may be adjusted to various angles. According to the disclosure, each of the outlet caps 140 may be easily coupled to the blower duct 120.
The outlet cap coupling portions 1257 and 1258 may include the guide protrusions 1272 and 1273, respectively, that protrude toward the outlet cap 140 to guide the first seating position or second seating position of the outlet cap 140. The guide protrusions 1272 and 1273 may include the first guide protrusion 1272 provided on the first outlet 1252 to guide the first seating position of the outlet cap 140, and the second guide protrusion 1273 provided on the second outlet 1253 to guide the second seating position of the outlet cap 140. According to the disclosure, the seating position where each of the outlet caps 140 is coupled may be easily guided.
The outlet caps 140 may each include the guide hole 147 that may be coupled to the guide protrusions 1272 and 1273. The guide hole 147 may be formed larger than the guide protrusions 1272 and 1273, and thus the outlet caps 140 may be rotatably coupled to the outlets 1252 and 1253, respectively. According to the disclosure, the outlet caps 140 may be easily coupled to the blower duct 120 by rotating.
The outlet cap coupling portions 1257 and 1258 may include the coupling protrusions 1262 and 1263, respectively, for securing the outlet caps 140 coupled to the outlets 1252 and 1253, respectively. According to the disclosure, the coupling protrusions 1262 and 1263 may firmly fix the outlet caps 140 to the outlets 1252 and 1253 in order to prevent the outlet caps 140 rotated and coupled to the outlets 1252 and 1253 from being separated.
The outlet caps 140 may each include the drain hole 143 through which water may drain. According to the disclosure, water in the blower duct 120 may be easily drained.
The outlet caps 140 may each include the discharge guide rib 141 inclined to guide the air discharge direction. The discharge guide rib 141 may discharge air in a first direction when the outlet cap 140 is in the first seating position, and may discharge air in a second direction different from the first direction, when the outlet cap 140 is in the second seating position. According to the disclosure, the air discharge direction may vary depending on the arrangement direction of the discharge guide rib 141.
The dishwasher 1 may further include the inlet cover 130 that may be coupled to the inlet 1251 to cover the blower fan 110. According to the disclosure, the blower fan 110 may be protected from foreign substances and/or washing water.
The blower duct 120 may include the inlet cover coupling portion 1261 to allow the inlet cover 130 to be coupled to the inlet 1251. The inlet cover 130 may include the body portion 131 for covering the blower fan 110 to prevent water in the tub 12 from flowing into the blower fan 110, and the duct coupling portion 134 that may be coupled to the inlet cover coupling portion 1261. According to the disclosure, the inlet cover 130 may be easily coupled to the blower duct 120.
The body portion 131 and the duct coupling portion 134 may be formed integrally. According to the disclosure, the number of components of the dishwasher 1 may be reduced and manufacturing efficiency may be improved.
The inlet cover 130 may further include the protruding portion 132 protruding from the body portion 131 toward the inside of the tub 12. The inlet cover 130 may further include the inlet guide rib 133 inclined to guide air to the blower fan 110. According to the disclosure, air may be easily drawn in to the inlet cover 130 and may be easily guided toward the blower fan 110.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the dishwasher 1 may include the tub 12, the blower fans 110 and 120 disposed at both sides of the tub 12 to blow air, the outlets 1252, 1253, 2252 and 2253 formed in the tub 12 to discharge the air blown by the blower fans 110, the outlet caps 140 and 240 to guide a direction of air discharged to each of the outlets 1252, 1253, 2252 and 2253, and the outlet cap coupling portions 1257, 1258, 2257 and 2258 that are disposed around the outlets 1252, 1253, 2252 and 2253, respectively, to allow the outlet caps 140 and 240 to be coupled. The outlets 1252, 1253, 2252 and 2253 may include the first outlet 1252 and the second outlet 1253 that are provided at one side of the tub 12 and are spaced apart from each other in one direction, and the third outlet 2252 and the fourth outlet 2253 that are provided at another side of the tub 12 and are spaced apart from each other in another direction different from the one direction. The outlet cap coupling portions 1257, 1258, 2257 and 2258 may guide positions where the outlet caps 140 and 240 are coupled to the outlets 1252, 1253, 2252 and 2253.
The outlet cap coupling portions 1257, 1258, 2257 and 2258 may include the guide protrusions 1272, 1273, 2272 and 2273, respectively, that protrude toward the outlet caps 140 and 240 to guide the positions where the outlet caps 140 and 240 are coupled.
The outlet caps 140 and 240 may include the guide holes 147 and 247 that may be coupled to the guide protrusions 1272, 1273, 2272 and 2273, respectively.
The outlet caps 140 and 240 may include the drain holes 143 and 243, respectively, to drain water.
The outlet caps 140 and 240 may include the discharge guide ribs 141 and 241, respectively, inclined to guide an air discharge direction.
According to the disclosure, the dishwasher may improve drying efficiency.
According to the disclosure, the dishwasher may discharge air in multiple directions.
According to the disclosure, the dishwasher may be manufactured with fewer components, improving manufacturing efficiency.
The effects that can be achieved by the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical art to which the disclosure belongs from the following description.
Although disclosure has been shown and described in relation to specific embodiments, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and scope of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A dishwasher, comprising:

a tub;

a blower fan configured to blow air;

a blower duct configured to guide the air blown by the blower fan to flow therethrough, the blower duct including:

an inlet through which the air enters; and

an outlet through which the air discharges; and

an outlet cap to cover the outlet, and configured to guide a direction of the air discharged through the outlet, the outlet cap comprising a first outlet cap and a second outlet cap,

wherein the outlet comprises:

a first outlet; and

a second outlet spaced apart from the first outlet, and

the blower duct further comprises:

an outlet cap coupling portion configured to guide the first outlet cap to a first seating position where the first outlet cap is coupled to the first outlet, and to guide the second outlet cap to a second seating position where the second outlet cap is coupled to the second outlet.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the outlet cap coupling portion comprises a guide protrusion protruding toward the outlet cap to guide the first outlet cap to the first seating position and to guide the second outlet cap to the second seating position of the outlet cap.

3. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein the guide protrusion comprises:

a first guide protrusion on the first outlet to guide the first outlet cap to the first seating position of the outlet cap; and

a second guide protrusion on the second outlet to guide the second outlet cap to the second seating position of the outlet cap.

4. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein the outlet cap comprises a guide hole formed to be coupled to the guide protrusion.

5. The dishwasher of claim 4, wherein the guide hole is formed to be larger than the guide protrusion to allow the outlet cap to be rotatably coupled to the outlet.

6. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the outlet cap coupling portion comprises a coupling protrusion formed to fix the outlet cap coupled to the outlet.

7. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the outlet cap comprises a drain hole formed to drain water in the blower duct therethrough.

8. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the outlet cap comprises an discharge guide rib formed at an angle to guide a discharge direction of the air discharging from the outlet.

9. The dishwasher of claim 8, wherein the discharge guide rib is formed to discharge the air in a first direction in response to the first outlet cap being in the first seating position, and

to discharge the air in a second direction which is different from the first direction, in response to the second outlet cap being in the second seating position.

10. The dishwasher of claim 1, further comprising:

an inlet cover configured to be coupled to the inlet to cover the blower fan.

11. The dishwasher of claim 10, wherein the blower duct comprises an inlet cover coupling portion configured to allow the inlet cover to be coupled to the inlet.

12. The dishwasher of claim 11, wherein the inlet cover comprises:

a body portion configured to cover the blower fan so as to prevent water in the tub from flowing into the blower fan; and

a duct coupling portion configured to be coupled to the inlet cover coupling portion.

13. The dishwasher of claim 12, wherein the body portion and the duct coupling portion are formed integrally.

14. The dishwasher of claim 12, wherein the inlet cover further comprises a protruding portion protruding from the body portion toward an inside of the tub.

15. The dishwasher of claim 12, wherein the inlet cover further comprises an inlet guide rib formed at an angle to guide the air to the blower fan.

16. A dishwasher comprising:

a tub;

a plurality of blower fans disposed at both sides of the tub to blow air;

an outlet formed in the tub to discharge the air blown by the plurality of blower fans, the outlet comprising:

a first outlet;

a second outlet, the first outlet and the second outlet being at one side of the tub and spaced apart from each other in one direction;

a third outlet; and

a fourth outlet, the third outlet and the fourth outlet being at another side of the tub and spaced apart from each other in another direction different from the one direction;

an outlet cap configured to guide a direction of the air discharged through the outlet; and

an outlet cap coupling portion disposed around the outlet to allow the outlet cap to be coupled, the outlet cap coupling portion to guide a position where the outlet cap is coupled to the outlet.