WO2024219749A1 - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dishwasher, the dishwasher capable of improving usability of a space inside a tub and preventing a decrease in washing capacity by disposing a desiccant and a heater, which occupy a significantly large volume, inside the tub but between a lower rack and an upper rack.

Description

Dishwasher

The present invention relates to a dishwasher, and more specifically, to a dishwasher in which a desiccant and a heater, which occupy a considerably large volume, are placed inside a tub but are placed between a lower rack and an upper rack, thereby improving the usability of the space inside a tub and preventing a decrease in washing capacity.

A dishwasher is a device that washes items stored inside, such as dishes and cooking utensils, by spraying water such as water onto them. At this time, the water used for washing may contain detergent.

A dishwasher is generally configured to include a washing tank forming a washing space, a storage section for accommodating 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.

By using this dishwasher, the time and effort required to wash dishes and other washable items after meals can be reduced, contributing to user convenience.

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.

Recently, dishwashers equipped with an absorption device that absorbs water vapor contained in the air discharged from the tub during the drying process and then resupplies it to the tub, thereby reducing the drying time for the object to be washed have been released.

In this regard, European Patent Publication No. 2763578 (prior document 001) discloses a dishwasher in which a desiccant device is configured such that a desiccant, a heater, and a blower are arranged on the upper side of the bottom surface of the tub as an internal washing space of the tub.

At this time, the inlet and outlet through which the airflow passes during the absorption mode or drying mode can be positioned so as to be directly exposed to the washing space.

Therefore, since the inlet and outlet of the airflow are directly exposed to the washing water, there is a high possibility that the washing water will penetrate through the inlet and outlet, and there is a very high possibility that the absorbent, heater section, and blower section will be submerged by the infiltrated washing water, which causes a problem in that there is a very high possibility that leakage current and damage to the electrical components will occur.

In addition, the desiccant device of prior art document 001 has a problem in that, since the desiccant occupying a relatively large volume is placed on the bottom surface of the tub, the volume of the lower rack or upper rack where dishes are accommodated is reduced due to the space occupied by the desiccant, which inevitably leads to a reduction in the washing capacity of the tub.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and a first object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher in which a desiccant and a heater, which occupy a considerably large volume, are placed inside a tub, but are placed between a lower rack and an upper rack, thereby improving the usability of the space inside the tub and preventing a decrease in washing capacity.

In addition, the present invention has a second object to provide a dishwasher in which the volume of the first housing and the second housing can be reduced by dividing and disposing the desiccant in the first housing and the second housing, which are disposed separately and spaced from each other, and the differential pressure between the front and rear sides of the desiccant disposed in the first housing and the second housing can be effectively reduced, thereby significantly reducing the load on the blower fan.

The purposes of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above, and other purposes and advantages of the present invention which are not mentioned can be understood by the following description, and will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, it will be easily understood that the purposes and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof indicated in the claims.

A dishwasher according to the present invention comprises: a tub which forms a washing space and accommodates dishes; and a moisture absorption and drying device which absorbs moisture from air discharged from the tub and supplies the moisture to the tub; wherein the moisture absorption and drying device comprises: a desiccant which absorbs moisture contained in an airflow discharged from the tub; a heating unit which is disposed upstream of the desiccant and has a heater which heats the airflow of the air; a housing which accommodates the desiccant and the heating unit; and a blower unit which is disposed upstream of the housing and has a blower fan which generates the airflow and a fan housing in which the blower fan is accommodated; wherein the housing is disposed inside the washing space of the tub, and the blower unit is disposed outside the tub.

In addition, the device further includes a lower rack disposed in the washing space and on which the dishes are placed; and an upper rack disposed above the lower rack in the washing space and on which the dishes are placed; and the housing can be disposed between the lower rack and the upper rack.

Additionally, the housing can be inserted into a space formed between the upper rack and the lower rack.

Additionally, the housing can be fixed to the rear surface of the tub.

In addition, the housing includes a separating wall disposed between the desiccant and the heater, and the internal space of the housing can be divided into a desiccant accommodating space in which the desiccant is accommodated and a heater accommodating space in which the heater is accommodated by the separating wall.

Additionally, the airflow introduced into the interior of the housing by the separation wall can be guided toward the desiccant after passing through the heater.

In addition, the device further includes a lower rack disposed in the washing space and on which the dishes are placed; and an upper rack disposed above the lower rack in the washing space and on which the dishes are placed; and the housing has an outlet that is open toward the washing space and through which airflow passing through the desiccant is discharged, and the outlet can be open toward a space formed between the lower rack and the upper rack.

Additionally, the housing may include a discharge port door for opening and closing the discharge port.

In addition, the discharge port door can open the discharge port when the airflow is generated by the blower, and close the discharge port when the airflow is not generated.

In addition, the discharge port door has an upper portion rotatably connected to the housing, and the lower portion can be rotated in a direction away from the discharge port so that the discharge port can be opened.

In addition, the above-described moisture-absorbing drying device further includes a suction duct that guides airflow discharged from the tub toward the fan housing, and one end of the suction duct connected to the tub can be positioned lower than the discharge port in the vertical direction.

In addition, the above-described moisture-absorbing drying device further includes a suction duct that guides airflow discharged from the tub toward the fan housing, and one end of the suction duct connected to the tub can be positioned higher than the discharge port in the vertical direction.

Additionally, the blower may be positioned below the lower surface of the tub.

Additionally, the blower may be positioned at the rear of the rear surface of the tub.

In addition, the housing may include a first housing and a second housing that are arranged separately from each other inside the washing space, the heating unit may include a first heater arranged in the first housing and a second heater accommodated in the second housing, and the desiccant may include a second desiccant accommodated in the first housing and a second desiccant accommodated in the second housing.

Additionally, the first housing and the second housing may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction.

In addition, the desiccant drying device may further include a supply duct that guides airflow discharged from the fan housing toward the first housing and the second housing; a first branch duct having one end connected to the supply duct and the other end connected to the first housing; and a second branch duct having one end connected to the supply duct and the other end connected to the second housing.

In addition, the above-described moisture-absorbing drying device may further include a damper unit disposed between one end of the first branch duct and one end of the second branch duct and opening and closing an internal air passage of the supply duct.

Additionally, when the damper part closes the internal air passage of the supply duct, the airflow can be guided only to the first branch duct.

Additionally, when the damper part opens the internal air passage of the supply duct, the airflow can be guided to the first branch duct and the second branch duct.

The dishwasher according to the present invention has the effect of improving the usability of the space inside the tub and preventing a decrease in washing capacity by arranging the desiccant and heater, which occupy a considerably large volume, inside the tub but arranging them between the lower rack and the upper rack.

In addition, the dishwasher according to the present invention has the effect of effectively recovering the heat generated by the heater during the regeneration process of the desiccant into the wash water by arranging the heater inside the tub.

In addition, the dishwasher according to the present invention can reduce the volume of the first housing and the second housing by dividing and disposing the desiccant in the first housing and the second housing which are separated and spaced from each other, and effectively reduces the differential pressure between the front and rear sides of the desiccant disposed in the first housing and the second housing, thereby having the effect of significantly reducing the load on the blower fan.

In addition to the effects described above, specific effects of the present invention are described below together with specific matters for carrying out the invention.

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

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

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a dishwasher equipped with a moisture absorption and drying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 4 and 5 are partial enlargements of Figure 3.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are partial enlarged views showing an embodiment in which a discharge cap is installed instead of the discharge door shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 8 is a partial enlarged view showing an example in which the positions of the desiccant and the heater shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are swapped.

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the moisture absorption drying device illustrated in Figure 3 is operating in moisture absorption drying mode.

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the desiccant drying device illustrated in Figure 3 operates in the desiccant regeneration mode.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are front perspective views illustrating a configuration in which a desiccant is divided and placed in a first housing and a second housing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a cross-section taken along a vertical plane through the first housing and the second housing illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12.

The above-mentioned objects, features and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, so that those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily practice the technical idea of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is judged that a detailed description of a known technology related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

Although the terms first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specifically stated, a first component may also be a second component.

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

Hereinafter, the phrase “any configuration is disposed on (or below)” a component or “on (or below)” a component may mean not only that any configuration is disposed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration disposed on (or below) said component.

Additionally, when a component is described as being "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 other components.

As used herein, the singular expressions include the plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "consisting of" or "comprising" should not be construed as necessarily including all of the various components or various steps described in the specification, and should be construed as not including some of the components or some of the steps, or may include additional components or steps.

In addition, the singular expressions used in this specification include the plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "consisting of" or "comprising" should not be construed as necessarily including all of the various components or various steps described in the specification, and should be construed as not including some of the components or some of the steps, or may include additional components or steps.

Throughout the specification, when reference is made to "A and/or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when reference is made to "C through D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

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

[Overall structure of the dishwasher]

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.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a dishwasher according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view briefly showing the internal structure of the dishwasher according to the present invention.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a dishwasher (1) according to the present invention comprises a case (10) forming an outer shape, a tub (20) installed inside the case (10) and forming a washing space (21) in which objects to be washed are washed and having an open front, a door (30) for opening and closing the open front of the tub (20), a driving unit (40) located at the bottom of the tub (20) for supplying, collecting, circulating, and draining washing water for washing objects, a storage unit (50) detachably provided in the internal washing space (21) of the tub (20) for placing objects to be washed, and a spray unit (60) installed adjacent to the storage unit (50) for spraying washing water for washing objects.

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.

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

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

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.

In addition, a number of brackets may be arranged on the inner surface of the tub (20) to support and install functional components such as the storage section (50) and injection section (60) described below within the tub (20).

Meanwhile, the driving unit (40) may be configured to include a sump (41) for storing wash water, a sump cover (42) for dividing the sump (41) from the tub (20), a water supply unit (43) for supplying wash water from the outside to the sump (41), a drain unit (44) for discharging the wash water of the sump (41) to the outside, and a wash pump (45) and a supply path (46) for supplying the wash water of the sump (41) to the spray unit (60). The sump cover (42) is arranged on the upper side of the sump (41) and may serve to divide the tub (20) and the sump (41). In addition, the sump cover (42) may be provided with a plurality of recovery holes for recovering the wash water sprayed into the wash space (21) through the spray unit (60) to the sump (41).

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 returned to the sump (41) through the sump cover (42).

The washing pump (45) is installed on the side or bottom of the sump (41) and serves to pressurize the washing water and supply it to the spray unit (60).

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) may be pressurized and then supplied to the spray unit (60) through the supply path (46).

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).

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).

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.

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

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).

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 as to spray washing water while rotating toward dishes in the storage section (50).

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).

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

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

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.

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

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

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. 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.

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

To this end, guide rails (not shown) may be provided on both sides of the wall forming the inner surface of the tub (20), and for example, the guide rails may include an upper rail, a lower rail, and a top rail.

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 them or easily take out washed dishes from them by pulling the lower racks (51), upper racks (52), and top racks (53) outward through the front of the tub (20).

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

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

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

Here, a handle (31) for opening the door (30) and a control panel (32) for controlling the dishwasher (1) may be provided on the outer surface of the door (30).

As illustrated, the control panel (32) may be equipped with a display (33) that visually displays information about the current operating status of the dishwasher, a button section (34) including a selection button for inputting a user's selection operation, and a power button for inputting a user's operation for turning the dishwasher on and off.

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

To this end, when the door (30) is fully opened, it is desirable for the inner surface of the door (30) to form a horizontal plane in the same direction as the guide rail along which the lower rack (51) is guided extends.

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

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

In Fig. 2, the desiccant (85), the heating unit (83), and the blower unit (82) constituting the desiccant drying device (80) are illustrated as being arranged in a space formed between the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) and the base (90), but alternatively, the desiccant (85) and the heating unit (83) may be arranged inside the tub (20), and the blower unit (82) may be arranged outside the tub (20).

As such, the detailed structure of the moisture absorption and drying device (80) configured such that the moisture absorbent (85) and the heating unit (83) are placed inside the tub (20) will be described later with reference to FIG. 3 and below.

[Detailed configuration of the moisture absorption drying device]

Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the moisture absorption and drying device (80) according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 13.

First, FIGS. 3 to 10 illustrate a schematic configuration of a dishwasher (1) equipped with a moisture absorption and drying device (80) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, a moisture-absorbing drying device (80) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a blower (82) that generates an airflow (F) of air to be sucked from a tub (20) and supplied into the interior of the tub (20), a heating unit (83) equipped with a desiccant (85) and a heater (831) that heats the air to be supplied to the tub (20), a plurality of desiccants (85) that are arranged downstream of the blower (82) and the heating unit (83) based on the direction of flow of the airflow and that absorb moisture contained in the air, a housing (84) that accommodates the heating unit (83) and the desiccant (85) therein, a suction duct (81) that guides the airflow (F) discharged from the tub (20) to the blower (82), and a supply duct (88) that guides the airflow (F) discharged from the blower (82) to the housing (84).

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

The blower fan (821) and the blower motor (not shown) that generates the rotational driving force of the blower fan (821) can be modularized together and accommodated inside the fan housing (822) to form an assembly together with the fan housing (822).

The other end of the suction duct (81) may be connected to the inlet side of the fan housing (822), and one end of the supply duct (88) may be connected to the outlet side of the fan housing (822).

There is no limitation on the type of blower fan (821) applied to the desiccant drying device (80), but, for example, a sirocco fan is preferable in consideration of locational and spatial constraints where the blower fan is installed.

Unlike the desiccant (85) and the heating unit (83) which are placed inside the tub (20) as described below, the blower unit (82) can be placed outside the tub (20).

FIG. 3 and below illustrate a configuration in which a blower (82) is positioned below the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) in a space formed between the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) and the base (90).

However, this is merely an example, and unlike the illustrated configuration, it is also possible to configure the blower (82) to be positioned at the rear of the rear surface (23) of the tub (20). The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on a configuration in which the blower (82) is positioned below the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) as illustrated.

By configuring the blower (82) to be positioned outside the tub (20) and separated from the desiccant (85) and the heating unit (83), the volume and size of the housing (84) that is positioned inside the tub (20) and accommodates the desiccant (85) and the heating unit (83) can be minimized.

In addition, since the blower (82) is placed outside the tub (20), the possibility that electrical components such as the blower motor will be affected by the washing water can be minimized.

The heating unit (83) is positioned downstream of the blower unit (82) described above based on the flow direction of the airflow (F), and is positioned inside the tub (20) together with the desiccant (85), and serves to heat the air to dry and regenerate the desiccant (85) when the desiccant regeneration mode is in progress, thereby generating a high-temperature airflow (FH) as illustrated in FIG. 10.

As described below, the heater (831) can be accommodated in a heater accommodation space partitioned inside the housing (84).

When the desiccant drying device (80) operates in the desiccant drying mode and generates a high temperature air stream (FH), power is supplied to the heater (831) as illustrated in FIG. 10 to heat the air stream, and when the desiccant drying device (80) generates a low temperature air stream (FL) in the desiccant drying mode, power supplied to the heater (831) may be cut off as illustrated in FIG. 9 to stop the operation of the heater (831).

At this time, when generating low-temperature airflow (FL) and high-temperature airflow (FH), the operation of the blower fan (821) can be maintained.

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

A pair of terminals (832) for receiving power may be formed at one end and the other end of the heater (831). The pair of terminals (832) may pass through the housing (84) and the tub (20) and extend toward the outside of the tub (20).

The desiccant (85) absorbs moisture contained in the low-temperature air stream (FL) discharged from the tub (20) when the desiccant drying mode of the desiccant drying device (80) is in progress, and discharges the absorbed moisture into the high-temperature air stream (FH) when the desiccant regeneration mode of the desiccant drying device (80) is in progress.

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

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

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

In this way, the desiccant (85) formed of an alumina silica series material can be provided in the form of particles having a predetermined particle size so that the contact area with the air flow (F) can be secured to the maximum extent. In addition, the desiccant can perform a moisture absorption action at a lower temperature range and the regeneration action can be performed at a lower temperature range compared to a desiccant manufactured from pure aluminum oxide or silicon oxide. However, the air flow (F) is configured to pass through a plurality of desiccant (85) provided in the form of particles and contact the desiccant (85) to absorb moisture or absorb moisture discharged from the desiccant (85).

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

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

Meanwhile, the desiccant (85) can be placed inside the tub (20) in a state where it is accommodated inside a single housing (84) together with the heating unit (83).

To this end, a desiccant receiving space separate from the aforementioned heater receiving space can be formed inside the housing (84), and the desiccant (85) can be received in the desiccant receiving space.

More specifically, the desiccant (85) can be accommodated by the desiccant holder (86) so that the desiccant (85) can be prevented from being separated from the desiccant receiving space by the wind pressure of the air flow (F). The desiccant holder (86) can be provided with a mesh portion through which the air flow (F) can pass.

Meanwhile, the housing (84) of the desiccant drying device (80) accommodates the heating unit (83) and the desiccant (85) described above, and may also serve to form an internal path that guides the flow of air (F) introduced through the supply duct (88) described below.

As described above, the desiccant (85) of the desiccant drying device (80) according to the present invention and the heater (831) of the heating unit (83) can be configured to be placed in a single housing (84) inside the tub (20), i.e., in the washing space of the tub (20).

For this purpose, a single housing (84) containing a desiccant (85) and a heating element (83) can be placed and fixed inside the tub (20).

At this time, as shown in Fig. 3, the housing (84) can be placed and fixed at a position as close as possible to the rear surface (23) of the tub (20).

Additionally, as illustrated, the housing (84) can be placed between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52) in the vertical direction.

At this time, the housing (84) can be positioned so as to be inserted at least partially into the space formed between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52). The depth at which the housing (84) is inserted into the space formed between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52) can be set differently depending on the total amount of the desiccant (85) accommodated therein and the size of the heater (831).

However, the insertion depth of the housing (84) may be limited so that it can be inserted to a position where interference does not occur with the rotation range of the upper injection arm (62) that is rotatably positioned at the bottom of the upper rack (52).

Through this, the housing (84) can be effectively placed inside the tub (20) while minimizing interference with the lower rack (51) and upper rack (52) and interference with the upper spray arm (62) and without reducing the storage capacity of the lower rack (51) and upper rack (52).

In addition, since the heater (831) constituting the heating unit (83) is positioned in a state exposed to the washing space formed inside the tub (20), a portion of the heat generated by the heater (831) when the desiccant regeneration mode is in progress can be used to heat the airflow (F) and the remaining portion can be used to heat the washing water. Accordingly, since the amount of heat generated by the heater (831) that is emitted to the outside of the tub (20) can be minimized, the energy recovery efficiency can be significantly improved.

Additionally, it may have the effect that a separate means for insulating the inside and outside of the housing (84) can be excluded.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the interior of the housing (84) can be divided into a heater receiving space and a desiccant receiving space.

The interior of the housing (84) can be divided into a heater receiving space and a desiccant receiving space by a separating wall (841) placed between the desiccant (85) and the heater (831).

In the case where the desiccant receiving space is formed on the front side and the heater receiving space is formed on the rear side based on the illustrated state, the separating wall (841) may be provided in the form of a vertical wall or a vertical rib extending vertically in the internal space of the housing (84).

For example, the separating wall (841) may be formed integrally with the inner surface of the housing (84).

In this way, the heater receiving space and the desiccant receiving space divided by the separation wall (841) are connected to each other and can form an air passage through which air current (F) introduced into the interior of the housing (84) through the supply duct (88) described later flows sequentially.

That is, the heater receiving space forms the upper part of the internal air passage of the housing (84), and the desiccant receiving space forms the lower part of the internal air passage of the housing (84).

In order to connect the heater receiving space and the desiccant receiving space, the separating wall (841) may have its lower end separated from the inner surface of the housing (84) or its upper end separated from the inner surface of the housing.

For example, FIG. 3 and below illustrate a configuration in which a separating wall (841) is placed inside a housing (84) with the upper end of the separating wall (841) separated from the inner surface of the housing (84). The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described below based on the illustrated configuration.

As illustrated, the lower part of the separating wall (841) may be formed in a state in which it is entirely connected to the inner surface of the housing (84), and the upper part of the separating wall (841) may be formed in a state in which it is at least partially separated from the inner surface of the housing (84).

The gap or clearance formed between the top of the separating wall (841) and the inner surface of the housing (84) can act as a passage connecting the heater receiving space and the desiccant receiving space.

Accordingly, the air current (F) introduced into the interior of the housing (84) through the supply duct (88) can be guided to first pass through the heater (831) and then flow through the clearance of the separating wall (841) toward the desiccant (85).

At this time, in order to improve the heat exchange efficiency for the heater (831), the other end of the inlet and supply duct (88) through which air flow (F) is introduced into the interior of the housing (84) as illustrated may be formed at a position as far away as possible from the clearance of the separating wall (841).

Considering the position where the clearance formed on the upper side of the separation wall (841) is formed, the inlet of the housing (84) and the other end of the supply duct (88) can be formed at a position as close as possible to the lower surface of the housing (84) as the rear surface of the housing (84).

Meanwhile, the housing (84) may be provided with an outlet (893) through which airflow (F) passing through the heater (831) and the desiccant (85) is discharged.

The position of the discharge port (893) can be determined so that the airflow (F) discharged from the discharge port (893) can be evenly distributed to the upper rack (52) and the lower rack (51).

When the housing (84) is positioned between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52) as in the embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 7 and is at least partially inserted into the space formed between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52), the discharge port (893) can be formed on the front surface of the housing (84).

Accordingly, the discharge port (893) can be opened toward the space formed between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52), and through this, the air flow (F) discharged from the discharge port (893) can be evenly distributed toward the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52).

In addition, similar to the positions of the inlet of the housing (84) and the other end of the supply duct (88) described above, the discharge port (893) can be formed at a position as close as possible to the lower surface of the housing (84) as the front surface of the housing (84) so that the air flow (F) can be discharged after passing through the entire absorbent (85).

Meanwhile, the housing (84) may further include a discharge port door (842) that opens and closes the discharge port (893).

For example, the discharge door (842) may be a flap-type door with one end rotatably connected to the housing (84).

More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the discharge port door (842) may be provided so that its upper end is rotatably connected to the housing (84) and its lower end is rotatable in a direction away from the discharge port (893) and the front surface of the housing (84).

Additionally, as shown in Fig. 4, at the position where the discharge port (893) is closed, the rotation range of the discharge port door (842) can be limited so as not to rotate toward the inside of the housing (84).

Accordingly, when airflow (F) is generated by the blower (82), the discharge port door (842) is rotated in the open direction (Wo) by the wind pressure of the airflow (F) from the closed position shown in FIG. 4, so that the discharge port (893) can automatically open.

In addition, when the airflow (F) is not generated by the blower (82), the discharge port door (842) can be rotated in the opposite direction to the opening direction (Wo) by its own weight from the open position shown in Fig. 5, so that the discharge port (893) can be automatically closed.

That is, in a situation where airflow (F) is not supplied by the blower (82), the state in which the discharge port (893) is closed by the discharge port door (842) can be effectively maintained.

By using a discharge door (842) having a very simple structure like this, the possibility of washing water flying out of the washing space of the tub (20) passing through the discharge port (893) and flowing into the interior of the housing (84) during the washing or rinsing process can be significantly reduced.

Meanwhile, the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) may further include a suction duct (81) that guides the airflow (F) discharged from the tub (20) toward the fan housing (822).

The suction duct (81) may have one end, which is the leading end, connected to the tub (20) based on the direction of flow of airflow (F), and the other end, which is the rear end, connected to the fan housing (822).

Accordingly, the air flow (F) discharged from the tub (20) by the suction duct (81) can be effectively guided toward the inlet of the fan housing (822).

As shown in Fig. 3, one end of the suction duct (81) into which airflow (F) is introduced from the tub (20) may be formed on the right or left side of the tub (20) at a position lower than the discharge port (893) of the housing (84) described above in the vertical direction.

Accordingly, when the desiccant drying device (80) is operating in the desiccant drying mode and the desiccant regeneration mode, the airflow (F) that passes through the desiccant (85) and is discharged through the discharge port (893) of the housing (84) can be discharged from the tub (20) after sufficiently passing through the upper rack (52) and the lower rack (51) and can be introduced into one end of the suction duct (81).

In addition, as shown in Fig. 11, one end of the suction duct (81) into which the air flow (F) is introduced may be configured to be formed at a higher position than the discharge port (893) of the housing (84) described above in the vertical direction.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, one end of the suction duct (81) connected to the tub (20) may be provided with a cap cover (811) to prevent the inflow of foreign substances such as food.

Meanwhile, the desiccant drying device (80) may further include a supply duct (88) having one end, which is the leading end, connected to the fan housing (822) and the other end, which is the rear end, connected to the housing (84) based on the direction of flow of the air flow (F), and which serves to guide the air flow (F) discharged from the outlet of the fan housing (822) toward the inlet of the housing (84).

As shown, the inside of the supply duct (88) can be manufactured in a hollow shape so that an air passage through which air flow (F) can flow can be formed.

The supply duct (88) can be extended in the vertical direction so as to be able to connect the housing (84) arranged between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52) as the rear surface (23) of the tub (20) and the fan housing (822) arranged under the tub (20). The other end of the supply duct (88) can be extended toward the interior of the tub (20) by penetrating the rear surface (23) of the tub (20) so as to be connected to the housing (84) arranged in the internal washing space of the tub (20).

Meanwhile, FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an embodiment in which a discharge cap (843) is provided instead of the discharge door (842) illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, similar to the discharge port door (842), the discharge port cap (843) is coupled to the discharge port (893) and serves to at least partially close the discharge port (893).

More specifically, the discharge port cap (843) may include a cap body (8431) coupled to the front surface of the housing (84) forming the discharge port (893).

As illustrated, the cap body (8431) may be coupled to the housing (84) in a state where it is partially inserted into the discharge port (893), or may be coupled to the housing (84) in a form where the discharge port (893) is covered on the outer surface of the front surface of the housing (84).

The cap body (8431) can be positioned in the housing (84) so as to completely cover the discharge port (893) when viewed from the front of the housing (84), i.e., when viewed in a horizontal direction, but so that the discharge port (893) is maintained in a state where it is at least partially open toward the washing space (21).

Therefore, the maximum vertical cross-sectional area of the cap body (8431) can be formed larger than the open area of the discharge port (893).

In this way, since the discharge port (893) is completely covered in the horizontal direction by the cap body (8431), the washing water flying from the washing space (21) can be minimized from flowing into the interior of the housing (84) through the discharge port (893).

Meanwhile, the cap body (8431) can be detachably coupled to the housing (84).

Although not shown, the front surfaces of the cap body (8431) and the housing (84) may be provided with a coupling means for forming a releasable coupling therebetween.

For example, the detachable coupling means may include a catch formed on the outer surface of the cap body (8431) and protruding toward the front surface of the housing (84). The catch may be detachably fastened to the housing (84) by being elastically hook-coupled directly to the discharge port (893) or elastically hook-coupled to a coupling hole formed separately from the discharge port (893).

Through this type of detachable coupling means, the cap body (8431) can be easily removed from the housing (84) when cleaning the inside of the housing (84) or when replacing or repairing the housing (84).

Meanwhile, unlike the configuration having the aforementioned discharge port door (842), when the discharge port cap (843) is fastened to the housing (84), the discharge port (893) is at least partially open.

Additionally, the partially open outlet (893) remains open regardless of the operation of the blower (82).

Therefore, there is a high possibility that washing water and foreign substances will flow into the interior of the housing (84) through the partially open discharge port (893) when the blower (82) is not operating.

As a means to minimize the washing water from flowing into the interior of the housing (84), the discharge port cap (843) may be provided with a flow guide (8432) that changes the flow direction of the air flow (F) passing through the discharge port (893).

As illustrated in Fig. 6, the flow guide part (8432) may be provided in a form in which the rear surface of the cap body (8431) is partially cut off. Accordingly, the thickness of the flow guide part (8432) in the front-rear direction may be formed smaller than the thickness of the cap body (8431).

The euro guide part (8432) formed by cutting can be placed in front of the discharge port (893) that is in a partially open state.

As shown in the figure, a gap can be formed between the rear of the euro guide part (8432) and the discharge port (893).

Accordingly, the airflow (F) discharged from the discharge port (893) can be guided to the gap between the flow guide part (8432) and the discharge port (893), and the flow direction of the airflow (F) can be guided to face downward by the flow guide part (8432).

That is, the airflow (F) discharged in the horizontal direction can have its flow direction changed to the downward direction by the flow guide part (8432).

By means of such a flow guide member (8432), a partially open discharge port (893) can be kept horizontally covered, thereby forming a flow path structure in which the inflow of washing water is minimized while the air flow (F) can be effectively discharged.

Meanwhile, unlike Fig. 6, the euro guide part (8432) may be formed inside the cap body (8431).

Figure 7 illustrates a configuration in which a flow guide section (8432) is formed inside a cap body (8431).

Referring to FIG. 7, the euro guide section (8432) may be a passage or channel extending from the front surface to the rear surface of the cap body (8431).

For example, the euro guide section (8432) can be configured with two horizontal channels and one horizontal channel.

At this time, as illustrated, the vertical cross-section of the euro guide section (8432) may be in the form of a broken connecting line in which a vertical line is connected between two horizontal lines as illustrated.

Accordingly, the air current (F) discharged from the discharge port (893) is introduced into the upper horizontal channel and flows horizontally, and the air current (F) passing through the upper horizontal channel is introduced into the vertical channel and flows in the vertical direction.

The airflow (F) passing through the vertical channel is introduced again into the horizontal channel on the lower side, flows horizontally, and then can be discharged into the washing space (21).

By means of the flow path guide (8432) including two horizontal channels and one vertical channel, a flow path structure can be formed in which the discharge port (893) is horizontally covered by the cap body (8431) to minimize the inflow of washing water while effectively discharging the air flow (F).

Meanwhile, FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment including a configuration in which, unlike the configurations described above, the discharge port (893) is formed on the rear surface of the housing (84).

Referring to FIG. 8, the discharge port (893) can be formed through the rear surface of the housing (84) positioned toward the rear surface (23) of the tub (20).

At this time, similar to the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 7, the discharge port (893) may be formed at a position close to the lower surface of the housing (84).

Accordingly, the airflow (F) discharged through the discharge port (893) can be discharged through the gap formed between the rear surface (23) of the tub (20) and the rear surface of the housing (84), and the flow direction of the airflow (F) can be switched to the up-down direction and the left-right direction by the rear surface (23) of the tub (20).

In this way, since the discharge port (893) is formed through the rear surface of the housing (84) which is positioned as close as possible to the rear surface (23) of the tub (20), the washing water flying out of the washing space (21) can be minimized from flowing into the interior of the housing (84) through the discharge port (893) without having the discharge port door (842) or discharge port cap (843) described above.

Meanwhile, since the discharge port (893) is placed on the rear surface, the placement positions of the heater (831) and the desiccant (85) may be set differently from the configuration described above.

More specifically, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 7, the heater accommodation space in which the heater (831) is accommodated is formed at the rear, and the desiccant accommodation space in which the desiccant (85) is accommodated is formed at the front. However, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the desiccant accommodation space may be formed at the rear of the housing (84) with respect to the separating wall (841) so that the airflow (F) passing through the desiccant (85) can be discharged by passing through the discharge port (893) formed at the rear surface of the housing (84).

As the desiccant receiving space is formed at the rear of the housing (84), the heater receiving space can be formed at the front of the housing (84).

At this time, so that the airflow (F) can be introduced to the heater receiving space before the desiccant receiving space, the other end of the supply duct (88) can be extended through the rear surface of the housing (84) and the separating wall (841) to the heater receiving space.

Accordingly, the air flow (F) guided into the interior of the housing (84) through the supply duct (88) can be discharged into the heater receiving space through the other end of the supply duct (88).

The air current (F) discharged to the heater receiving space through the other end of the supply duct (88) can be guided to pass through the heater (831) and move to the desiccant receiving space where the desiccant (85) is received by the separating wall (841).

By configuring the other end of the supply duct (88) to pass directly through the desiccant receiving space and heater receiving space of the housing (84), interference that may occur between the supply duct (88) and components placed in the washing space (21), such as the upper rack (52) and the lower rack (51), can be minimized.

Figures 11 to 13 illustrate a schematic configuration of a moisture absorption drying device (80) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11, the moisture absorbing and drying device (80) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be configured so that the moisture absorbent (85) and the heater (831) are arranged inside the washing space of the tub (20) through multiple housings, unlike the configuration of the single housing (84) of the first embodiment described above.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 illustrate an embodiment in which a plurality of housings are composed of a first housing (84a) and a second housing (84b). The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on the illustrated embodiment.

The first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b) may have an internal structure that is basically almost the same as the single housing (84) of the first embodiment described above.

Therefore, the configuration of the partition wall (841) of the single housing (84) described above, the configuration of the discharge port (893) and the discharge port door (842) and the configuration of the arrangement position can be applied almost identically.

However, the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b) may be configured to have a smaller size and volume than the single housing (84). That is, it may also be understood that the single housing (84) is divided into the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b) and placed inside the tub (20).

Therefore, by dividing into a first housing (84a) and a second housing (84b) that are smaller in size than the single housing (84), the depth at which the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b) protrude between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52) can be maintained smaller than the depth at which the single housing (84) protrudes.

Although FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an embodiment having a first housing (84a) and a second housing (84b) having the same size and volume, this is merely exemplary and it is also possible to form the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b) to have different sizes and volumes.

Additionally, the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b) may be provided with a first desiccant and a first heater, and a second desiccant and a second heater, respectively.

In this case, the volume of the first absorbent and the volume of the second absorbent are significantly smaller than the absorbent (85) accommodated in the single housing (84). Therefore, the differential pressure generated while passing through the first absorbent and the second absorbent can be significantly lower than the differential pressure of the absorbent in the single housing (84), thereby reducing the load on the blower (82).

Meanwhile, the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b) may be arranged horizontally spaced apart from each other left and right in the space between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52) in the vertical direction. At this time, the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b) may be arranged at a position where they partially overlap the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52) in the vertical direction.

Additionally, the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b) can be positioned symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane passing through the center of the tub (20).

As the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b) are spaced apart from each other in a symmetrical manner, the first housing (84a) can supply airflow (F) from a position shifted to the left from the plane of symmetry through the first discharge port (893a), and the second housing (84b) can supply airflow (F) from a position shifted to the right from the plane of symmetry through the second discharge port (893b).

Accordingly, compared to supplying airflow (F) through a single outlet (893) of the aforementioned single housing (84), the supply efficiency of airflow (F) is improved, and local deviations in drying efficiency and drying time that may occur in the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52) can be minimized.

In addition, since the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b) are spaced apart from each other in a symmetrical manner, a passage through which the second supply path (463) described above can pass can be secured between the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b). Accordingly, in order to minimize interference with the second supply path (463), the horizontal gap between the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b) can be formed to be equal to or larger than the left-right width of the second supply path (463).

As illustrated, the first discharge port (893a) of the first housing (84a) can be independently opened and closed through the first discharge port door (842a), and the second discharge port (893b) of the second housing (84b) can be independently opened and closed through the second discharge port door (842b).

Here, the meaning that the first discharge port (893a) and the second discharge port (893b) are opened or closed may mean that valves are installed inside the first housing (84a) and inside the second housing (84b) so that the first discharge port (893a) and the second discharge port (893b) are blocked or opened.

Alternatively, the meaning that the first discharge port (893a) and the second discharge port (893b) are opened and closed may mean that an actuator including a motor or pump that physically moves the first discharge port door (842a) and the second discharge port door (842b) inside the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b) is installed to block or open the first discharge port (893a) and the second discharge port (893b). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second discharge port (893b) may be configured in a form in which the first discharge port (893a) and the second discharge port (893b) are always open without having the second discharge port door (842b).

Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b).

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b) can be divided into a first part (84a1, 84b1), a second part (84a2, 84b2), and a third part (84a3, 84b3), respectively, depending on the internal shape or cross-sectional area.

The first part (84a1, 84b1) may be configured such that the outer surface facing the inside of the tub (20) includes a portion that protrudes toward the washing space (21) of the tub (20) to secure sufficient space in the inner space for installing a desiccant (85) or a heater (831).

The second part (84a2, 84b2) may be configured so that the outer surface protrudes relatively less than the first part (84a1, 84b1) because no components are placed in the inner space.

The volume of the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b) can be minimized through the second part (84a2, 84b2), so that unnecessary space can be minimized and manufacturing costs can be reduced, and interference with other components such as the storage section (50), the second supply path (463), and the injection section (60) located inside the tub (20) can be minimized.

The third part (84a3, 84b3) functions as a connecting portion connecting the first part (84a1, 84b1) and the second part (84a2, 84b2). The third part (84a3, 84b3) is configured such that the cross sections of the outer surface and the inner surface form straight lines or curves, so that the flow resistance of the airflow (F) flowing inside can be minimized. Although Fig. 13 illustrates a configuration in which the cross sections of the outer surface and the inner surface of the third part (84a3, 84b3) are formed in a straight line shape, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the cross sections of the outer surface and the inner surface of the third part (84a3, 84b3) may be configured in a curved shape, or in a composite curved shape combining straight lines, and this will be considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Meanwhile, in order to enable the airflow (F) generated by the blower fan (821) to be supplied to the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b), the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may further include a first branch duct (881) connecting the first housing (84a) and the supply duct (88), and a second branch duct (882) connecting the second housing (84b) and the supply duct (88).

The first branch duct (881) and the second branch duct (882) may be branched from the supply duct (88), then penetrate the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) from the outside of the tub (20) upwardly, enter the inside of the tub (20), and then be connected to the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b), respectively, or may be extended from the outside of the tub (20) to both sides or the rear surface (23) of the tub (20), then penetrate the rear surface (23) of the tub, enter the inside of the tub (20), and then communicate with the inlet of the first housing (84a) and the inlet of the second housing (84b), respectively.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first branch duct (881) is arranged so that one end is connected to the supply duct (88) and the other end penetrates the rear surface (23) of the tub (20) and communicates with the inlet of the first housing (84a), and the second branch duct (882) is arranged so that one end is connected to the supply duct (88) and the other end penetrates the rear surface (23) of the tub (20) and communicates with the inlet of the second housing (84b). The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described below based on the illustrated embodiment.

For example, in FIGS. 11 and 12, a configuration is illustrated in which one end of the first branch duct (881) and one end of the second branch duct (882) are formed at separate locations, but alternatively, a configuration in which one end of the first branch duct (881) and one end of the second branch duct (882) are connected to the supply duct (88) at the same location is also applicable.

As in the illustrated embodiment, when one end of the first branch duct (881) is connected to the supply duct (88) at a position separated from one end of the second branch duct (882), more specifically, at a position further upstream based on the direction of flow of air flow (F), a damper unit (87) that opens and closes the internal air passage of the supply duct (88) may be arranged between one end of the first branch duct (881) and one end of the second branch duct (882).

For example, the damper section (87) may be provided in a circular plate shape that is arranged on the internal air passage of the supply duct (88) corresponding to the shape of the internal air passage of the supply duct (88).

The circular plate-shaped damper part (87) can be arranged to be rotatable about a rotational axis passing through its center. Accordingly, the opening of the internal air passage of the supply duct (88) can be adjusted in response to the amount of rotation of the damper part (87).

When the damper section (87) completely closes the internal air passage of the supply duct (88), the air flow (F) can only be supplied to the first housing (84a), and the moisture absorption drying mode can only proceed through the first housing (84a).

Accordingly, when the drying load to be performed in the washing space of the tub (20) is small, for example, when the number of dishes accommodated in the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52) is small, the air volume of the blower (82) can be adjusted so that the moisture absorption drying mode is performed only through the first housing (84a), thereby having the effect of minimizing energy consumption.

In addition, by adjusting the opening of the damper section (87), some airflow (F) can be supplied to the second housing (84b), so that the moisture absorption drying mode can be performed through the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b). In this case, it can be suitable for a case where the drying load is greater than that in which the moisture absorption drying mode is performed only through the first housing (84a), but is less than the maximum drying load.

In addition, the opening of the damper part (87) can be adjusted to the maximum so that the airflow (F) is supplied evenly to the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b), thereby simultaneously performing the moisture absorption and drying mode through the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b). In this case, it can be suitable when the drying load to be performed in the washing space of the tub (20) is maximum.

In this way, the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) according to the second embodiment of the present invention is configured to control the airflow of the blower (82) according to the size of the drying load and to control the supply amount of airflow (F) to the first housing (84a) and the second housing (84b) through the damper (87), thereby having the effect of minimizing energy consumption.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings as examples, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. In addition, even if the operation and effect according to the configuration of the present invention was not explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects that can be predicted by the corresponding configuration should also be recognized.

Claims (20)

A tub forming a washing space and accommodating dishes; and A moisture absorption drying device that absorbs moisture from the air discharged from the above tub and supplies it to the above tub; Including, The above moisture absorbing and drying device, A desiccant that absorbs moisture contained in the airflow discharged from the above tub; A heating unit disposed on the upstream side of the above-mentioned desiccant and having a heater for heating the air flow; a housing accommodating the above-mentioned absorbent and the above-mentioned heating element; and A blower unit disposed on the upstream side of the housing and having a blower fan for generating the airflow and a fan housing in which the blower fan is accommodated; Including, A dishwasher in which the housing is positioned inside the washing space of the tub, and the blower is positioned outside the tub. In paragraph 1, A lower rack placed in the above washing space and on which the dishes are placed; and An upper rack placed above the lower rack in the washing space and on which the dishes are placed; Including more, A dishwasher wherein the housing is positioned between the lower rack and the upper rack. In paragraph 2, A dishwasher wherein the housing is inserted into a space formed between the upper rack and the lower rack. In paragraph 2, A dishwasher wherein the housing is fixed to the rear surface of the tub. In paragraph 1, The above housing, A separating wall disposed between the above-mentioned desiccant and the above-mentioned heater; Including, A dishwasher in which the internal space of the housing is divided into a desiccant accommodating space in which the desiccant is accommodated and a heater accommodating space in which the heater is accommodated by the above-mentioned partition wall. In Article 5, A dishwasher in which the air current introduced into the interior of the housing by the above-mentioned separation wall passes through the heater and is then guided toward the desiccant. In paragraph 1, A lower rack placed in the above washing space and on which the dishes are placed; and An upper rack placed above the lower rack in the washing space and on which the dishes are placed; Including more, The above housing is provided with an outlet opening toward the washing space and through which airflow passing through the desiccant is discharged, A dishwasher wherein the above discharge port opens toward a space formed between the lower rack and the upper rack. In Article 7, The above housing, A discharge port door that opens and closes the above discharge port; Dishwasher including. In Article 8, A dishwasher in which the above discharge port door opens the discharge port when the airflow is generated by the blower, and closes the discharge port when the airflow is not generated. In Article 8, The above discharge door has its upper part rotatably connected to the housing, A dishwasher in which the outlet is opened as the bottom rotates away from the outlet. In Article 7, The above moisture absorbing and drying device, A suction duct that guides airflow discharged from the above tub toward the fan housing; Including more, A dishwasher in which one end of the suction duct connected to the above tub is positioned lower than the discharge port in the vertical direction. In Article 7, The above moisture absorbing and drying device, A suction duct that guides airflow discharged from the above tub toward the fan housing; Including more, A dishwasher in which one end of the suction duct connected to the above tub is positioned higher than the discharge port in the vertical direction. In paragraph 1, A dishwasher in which the above blower is positioned below the lower surface of the tub. In paragraph 1, A dishwasher in which the above blower is positioned at the rear of the rear surface of the tub. In paragraph 1, The above housing includes a first housing and a second housing which are arranged separately from each other inside the washing space, The heating unit includes a first heater disposed in the first housing and a second heater accommodated in the second housing. A dishwasher, wherein the desiccant comprises a second desiccant accommodated in the first housing and a second desiccant accommodated in the second housing. In Article 15, A dishwasher in which the first housing and the second housing are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. In Article 16, The above moisture absorbing and drying device, A supply duct that guides airflow discharged from the fan housing toward the first housing and the second housing; A first branch duct having one end connected to the supply duct and the other end connected to the first housing; and A second branch duct having one end connected to the supply duct and the other end connected to the second housing; Dishwasher including: In Article 17, The above moisture absorbing and drying device, A damper section arranged between one end of the first branch duct and one end of the second branch duct and opening and closing the internal air passage of the supply duct; Dishwasher including: In Article 18, When the above damper part closes the internal air passage of the above supply duct, A dishwasher in which the above airflow is guided only through the first branch duct. In Article 18, When the above damper part opens the internal air passage of the above supply duct, A dishwasher in which the above airflow is guided to the first branch duct and the second branch duct.

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