DISHWASHER

A dishwasher includes a tub, a door coupled to a front of the tub, and a drying device disposed at the door and configured to dry an inside of the tub. The drying device includes a bracket that defines a space configured to receive the wet air and the dry air, an impeller coupled to the bracket and configured to cause the wet air and the dry air to be mixed, where the impeller is configured to generate a flow of the mixed air. The drying device further includes a cover coupled to the bracket, and an air guide disposed between the bracket and the cover and configured to guide the flow of the mixed air into the impeller. The impeller is rotatably coupled to the air guide.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and benefit of Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2021-0194349, filed on Dec. 31, 2021, and 10-2022-0119923, filed on Sep. 22, 2022, which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher including a drying device.

BACKGROUND

A dishwasher is an electric appliance configured to wash dishes provided as washing targets by, for example, spraying wash water. In some cases, wash water used for dishwashing can include a dishwashing detergent.

By using the dishwasher, the time and effort for washing dishes that are washing targets after eating may be reduced, thereby contributing to user’s convenience.

In some cases, the dishwasher may include a drying device. The drying device may be configured to operate after a heating and rinsing process configured to rinse the dishes stored in the tub by heating wash water in a washing process. For example, the drying device is configured to continuously lower the humidity inside the tub by mixing the humid air flowing in from the inside of the tub and the dry air flowing in from the outside of the tub and discharging the mixed air to the outside of the dishwasher. Accordingly, the drying device may discharge steam from the inside to the outside of the tub and vaporize the wash water remaining on surfaces of the dishes stored in the tub, only to dry the dishes.

An air flow path may be formed inside the drying device. A gap may be generated on the air flow path. If air leaks to the outside through the gap, the operating efficiency of the drying device may be lowered.

In some cases, an impeller may be provided in the drying device. In some cases, air that reaches an entrance of the impeller may cause rapid flow and a circulating air flow may occur at a position adjacent to the inlet of the impeller. Such circulating air flow might lower the operating efficiency of the drying device.

In order to mount various components inside the drying device, a bracket and a cover may define an exterior of the drying device and have a complex three-dimensional structure as a whole. In some cases, the bracket and the cover may be fabricated by injection molding. In the complex 3D-structure, an undercut may be a difficult part to take out the bracket and cover from a mold after injection molding. A structure capable of avoiding such an undercut may facilitate the fabrication of the drying device and reduce the manufacturing cost.

In some cases, when the impeller operates in the drying device, wet air inside the tub may flow inside a motor of the drying device.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes a dishwasher including a drying device having a structure that can effectively seal a portion where air flows.

The present disclosure further describes a dishwasher including a drying device that can facilitate smooth air flow inside the drying device and suppress occurrence of circulating flow of air.

The present disclosure further describes a dishwasher including a drying device having a structure configured to suppress occurrence of undercut.

The present disclosure further describes a dishwasher including a drying device having a structure configured to facilitate an easy assembling work.

The present disclosure further describes a dishwasher including a drying device having a structure configured to block wet air flowing inside the drying device from being introduced into a motor for driving an impeller.

According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this application, a dishwasher includes a tub that defines a washing space configured to accommodate objects to be washed, a door coupled to a front of the tub and configured to open and close the tub, and a drying device disposed at the door and configured to dry an inside of the tub, where the drying device is configured to guide (i) wet air discharged from the inside of the tub and (ii) dry air introduced from an outside of the tub. The drying device includes a bracket that defines a space configured to receive the wet air and the dry air, an impeller coupled to the bracket and configured to cause the wet air and the dry air to be mixed, where the impeller is configured to generate a flow of the mixed air, a cover coupled to the bracket, and an air guide disposed between the bracket and the cover and configured to guide the flow of the mixed air into the impeller. The impeller is rotatably coupled to the air guide.

Implementations according to this aspect can include one or more of the following features. For example, the bracket can include a first bushing that is coupled to the cover and protrudes in a direction of a rotational axis of the impeller, where the first bushing defines a space that accommodates at least a portion of the impeller. The air guide can include a second bushing that protrudes in the direction of the rotation axis of the impeller and defines an edge area of the air guide, where the second bushing is disposed inside the first bushing such that the first busing and the second bushing overlap with each other. In some examples, the bracket can further include a casing that defines a mounting space of the impeller, where the mounting space includes a first through-hole that is open in the direction of the rotation axis of the impeller.

In some examples, the air guide can define a second through-hole at a position corresponding to the first through-hole, where the second through-hole is in fluid communication with the cover. In some examples, the drying device can further include a duct that is in fluid communication with the bracket and an outlet of the cover, where the duct is configured to discharge the mixed air from the impeller to the outside. In some implementations, the air guide can include a body that defines the second through-hole, and an extending portion that extends from the body and is disposed inside the duct.

In some implementations, the duct can include a pair of coupling protrusions that protrude from an inner surface of the duct and face each other, where the pair of coupling protrusions are coupled to the extending portion. The extending portion can define a first inserting hole at a position corresponding to a first coupling protrusion of the pair of coupling protrusions, where the first inserting hole receives the first coupling protrusion. In some examples, the bracket can define a second inserting hole at a position corresponding to a second coupling protrusion of the pair of coupling protrusions, where the second inserting hole receives the second coupling protrusion.

In some implementations, the extending portion can include a sealing protrusion that protrudes toward the bracket and the cover, where the sealing protrusion is in contact with the bracket, the cover, and the duct to thereby block the mixed air from leaking through a gap defined among the bracket, the cover, and the duct. In some examples, the air guide can include a bell mouth that extends along a circumference of the second through-hole and has a convex shape protruding toward the cover, where the bell mouth is configured to guide the flow of the mixed air from the cover to the impeller.

In some examples, the air guide can further include a guide ring that protrudes from the body toward the bracket and surrounds the bell mouth. In some examples, the guide ring can include a first region disposed inside the second bushing, and a second region disposed at a portion of the edge area of the air guide in which the second bushing is not provided, where the second region and the first bushing overlap with each other. In some examples, the guide ring can be configured to reduce a circulation flow of the mixed air along the bell mouth based on the mixed air being introduced into the impeller through the second through-hole.

In some implementations, the bracket can define a first inlet that is in fluid communication with the outside of the tub and configured to receive the dry air from the outside, and a second inlet that is spaced apart from the first inlet and in fluid communication with the tub, where the second inlet is configured to receive the wet air from the tub. In some examples, the drying device can further include a valve coupled to the bracket and disposed in a flow path of the wet air, where the valve is configured to open and close the second inlet.

In some examples, the bracket can include a first communication portion that defines a space in fluid communication with the cover, a partition wall that defines the second inlet and partitions off the first communication portion from an inner space of the bracket, and a first outlet that is in fluid communication with the duct and configured to discharge the mixed air having passed through the impeller. In some examples, the cover can include a second communication portion that is coupled to the first communication portion and defines a space in fluid communication with the bracket, and a third inlet that enables fluid communication between the second communication portion and the tub, where the third inlet is configured to supply the wet air from the tub into the drying device.

In some implementations, the drying device can further include a motor disposed in the casing and configured to rotate the impeller, and the casing can define a slit hole that surrounds at least a portion of the motor and is configured to receive the dry air into the casing. In some examples, the casing can include an outer panel that defines the slit hole, and an inner panel that is spaced apart from the outer panel and defines a flow portion together with the outer panel, where the flow portion is configured to carry the dry air introduced into the casing. The motor is mounted to the outer panel, and the slit hole extends along at least the portion of the motor. In some examples, the motor can include a driving part coupled to the outer panel, and a bent portion that is coupled to the driving part and defines a groove accommodating the driving part, where the slit hole is spaced apart from the bent portion in a radial direction of the driving part.

In some implementations, the flow direction of the mixed air passing through the second through-hole near the bell mouth can be changed to flow in a radial direction of the impeller, and then the mixed air can blocked by the guide ring so that the flow direction of the mixed air can changed again in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the impeller to introduce the mixed air into the impeller.

In some implementations, the first bushing of the bracket can overlap with the second bushing and the guide ring of the air guide so that the area, in which air is introduced into the impeller, inside the drying device can be effectively sealed. Accordingly, the flow path of the air inside the drying device can be maintained airtight to enhance operating efficiency of the drying device.

In some implementations, the sealing protrusion having a 3d and relatively completed shape can be formed in the air guide having a relatively simple shape, without forming it in the bracket or cover having a complicated shape. Accordingly, the structure corresponding to the sealing protrusion can be formed in the bracket or cover, thereby suppressing occurrence of undercut. When fabricating the drying device by injection molding, the manufacturing time and price can be reduced.

In some implementations, the bell mouth can be formed in the edge of the second through-hole of the air guide, thereby facilitating the smooth flow of the mixed air introduced into the second through-hole of the air guide and improving the operating efficiency of the drying device.

In some implementations, the guide ring can effectively suppress the circulating flow of the mixed air an area near the bell mouth by guiding the flow direction of the mixed air introduced into the second through-hole. Accordingly, the mixed air can be smoothly introduced into the impeller and the rotation of the impeller may not be hindered by the circulating flow, thereby reducing power consumption of the impeller and improving the operating efficiency of the drying device.

In some implementations, the assembling of the bracket, the air guide and the cover can be completed by performing one fusion or coupling process, thereby facilitating the assembly of the drying device and reducing the manufacturing cost of the drying device and also effectively suppressing assembly detects.

In some implementations, the slit hole can be formed in the casing. When the impeller is rotated, outside dry air can be suppressed from flowing into the flow portion formed in the casing and wet air can be suppressed from flowing into the flow portion, thereby effectively suppressing the wet air flowing into the driving part through the flow portion from corroding the components inside the driving part.

Specific effects are described along with the above-described effects in the section of Detailed Description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The above-described aspects, features and advantages are specifically described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings such that one having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can easily implement the technical spirit of the disclosure. In the drawings, identical reference numerals can denote identical or similar components.

Throughout the present disclosure, “up-down direction (or a vertical direction)” refers to an up-and-down direction of a dishwasher that is installed for daily use. “Left-right direction (or horizontal direction)” refers to a direction orthogonal to the up-down direction, and “front-back direction refers to a direction orthogonal to both the up-down direction and the left-right direction. “Both side directions” or “lateral directions” have the same meaning as the left-right direction. These terms can be used interchangeably herein.

FIG.1is a sectional view schematically showing an example of a dishwasher.

In some implementations, referring toFIG.1, the dishwasher can include a housing defining an exterior of the dishwasher, a tub2defining a washing space21inside the housing and configured to receive dishes as washing targets, a door3rotatably coupled to a base8and configured to selectively open and close the washing space21, a sump4provided in a lower area of the tub2and configured to store wash water, a storage part5provided inside the tub2and configured to store the washing targets, and spray arms6,7, and9configured to spray wash water toward the washing targets stored in the storage part5. For instance, dishes can include bowls, plates, spoons, chopsticks, or other cooking utensils.

The tub2can define the washing space21and receive dishes. The storage part5and the spray arms6,7, and9can be provided inside the washing space21. The tub has one open surface and the open surface can be closable by the door3.

The door3can be rotatably coupled to the housing and configured to selectively open and close the washing space. For example, a lower portion of the door3can be coupled to the housing by a hinge. For example, the door3can be rotatably on the hinge to open and close the tub2. When the door3is opened, the storage part5can be drawn to the outside of the dishwasher and the drawn storage part5can be supported by the door3.

The sump4can include a storage portion41configured to store wash water, a sump cover42configured to partition off the storage portion41from the tub2, a water supply portion43configured to supply wash water to the storage portion41from the outside, a water discharge portion44configured to discharge the wash water from the storage portion41, and a water supply pump45and a water supply path46that are configured to supply the wash water stored in the storage portion41to the spray arms6,7, and9.

The sump cover42can be disposed on a top of the sump4and configured to separate the sump4from the tub2. In addition, the sump cover42can include a plurality of water collection holes configured to recollect the wash water sprayed to the washing space21through the spray arms6,7, and9.

Specifically, the wash water sprayed from the spray arms6,7, and9can fall down to the bottom of the washing space21and pass through the sump cover42to be recollected in the storage portion41of the sump4.

The water supply pump45can be provided in a side area or a lower area of the storage portion41and configured to supply wash water to the spray arms6,7, and9.

The water supply pump45can have one end connected to the storage portion41and the other end connected to the water supply path46. An impeller451and a motor453can be provided inside the water supply pump45. When electricity is supplied to the motor453, the impeller451can be rotated and the wash water of the storage portion41can be supplied to the spray arms6,7, and9through the water supply path46.

The water supply path46can be configured to selectively supply the wash water flowing in from the water supply pump45to the spray arms6,7, and9.

The water supply path46can include a first water supply path461connected to a lower spray arm6, a second water supply path463connected to an upper spray arm7and a top nozzle9, and a water supply path switching valve465configured to selectively open and close the water supply paths461and467. In this instance, the water supply path switching valve465can be controlled to sequentially or simultaneously open the water supply paths461and463.

At least one storage part5can be provided in the washing space21to store dishes. In some examples, two storage parts5can be provided in the dishwasher, as shown inFIG.1, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

As one example, the dishwasher can include only one storage part or three or more storage parts. In this instance, the number of the spray arms can be variable based on the number of the storage parts.

The storage part5can include a lower rack51and an upper rack53to store dishes. The lower rack51can be disposed in the washing space21and dishes can be stored in the lower rack51. The upper rack53can be disposed above the lower rack51and dishes can be stored in the upper rack53. In some examples, a top rack can be disposed between a space between a top of the upper rack53and a top nozzle9, and dishes can be stored in the top rack.

The lower rack51can be disposed above the sump4and the upper rack53can be positioned higher than the lower rack51. The lower rack51, the upper rack53, and the top rack can be movable to the outside through the open surface of the tub2.

In some implementations, a rail type holder can be provided on an inner surface of the tub2. Wheels can be provided on a lower surface of the rack51and53. The user can store dishes or take out the washed dishes by withdrawing the storage part5to the outside.

The spray arm can be provided inside the tub2and configured to spray wash water toward the dishes stored in the storage part5. The spray arm can include a lower spray arm6, an upper spray arm7and a top nozzle9.

The lower spray arm6can be rotatably provided below the lower rack51and configured to spray to the dishes. The upper spray arm7can be rotatably provided between the upper spray arm7and the lower rack51and configured to spray wash water to the dishes.

The lower spray arm6can be rotatably coupled to a top of the sump cover42and configured to spray wash water toward the dishes stored in the lower rack51. The upper spray arm7can be disposed above the lower spray arm6and configured to spray wash water toward the dishes stored in the upper rack53. The top nozzle9can be provided in an upper are of the washing space21and configured to spray wash water to the lower rack51and the upper rack53.

As described above, the first water supply path461can be configured to supply wash water to the lower spray arm6and the second water supply path463can be configured to supply wash water to the upper spray arm7and the top nozzle9.

Referring toFIG.1, the dishwasher can include a base8. The base8can be disposed underneath the tub2and the tub2can be secured to the base. The base8can provide a space in which the sump4is disposed, and also a space in which the pump, the dry air supplier and other various mechanisms are disposed.

Accordingly, the base8can have an outer wall to support the entire dishwasher and form a space to accommodate various devices.

FIG.2is a perspective view showing a tub2and a base that are provided in a dishwasher.FIG.3is a front view of a door3.FIG.4is a rear view of a door3.FIG.5is a rear perspective view of a door3.FIG.6is an enlarged view of ‘A’ shown inFIG.4.

The door3can be coupled to the front of the tub2and configured to open and close the tub2. The door3can open and close the tub based on rotation with respect to the tub2. A handle can be secured to an outer surface of the door3so that the user can open and close the door3, with holding the handle.

The door3can include a body30and a liner32. The body30can be disposed in an outer area of the door3and the handle31can be secured to the body30.

When the door3is closed to close the tub2, the liner32can be configured to seal between the tub2and the body30of the door3so that the wash water inside the tub2may not leak to the outside of the dishwasher.

Accordingly, the liner32can be secured to an inner surface of the door3to seal between the tub2and the door3. In some examples, an accommodation mechanism33can be provided on an inner surface of the liner32and a dishwashing detergent accommodated in the accommodation mechanism33can be introduced into the tub2as much as needed to be mixed with wash water.

A space3acan be formed between the liner32of the door3and the body30and the drying device10can be provided inside the space3a. A drying process can be performed by discharging water vapor inside the tub to the outside by operating the drying device10provided in the dishwasher.

The drying device10can be secured to the door3and configured to discharging the wet air flowing in from the inside of the tub2and the dry air flowing in from the outside of the tub2, to as dry the inside the tub2.

The drying device10can be mounted in a space defined between the body30and the liner32. A mount portion11can be secured to a lower surface of the duct600and mounted to a lower surface of the body30so that the duct600can be stably secured to the lower area of the door3.

Hereinafter, the wet air refers to air with a high humidity that flows in the drying device10from the inside of the tub2. The dry air refers to air with a low humidity around the dishwasher that flows into the drying device10from the outside of the tub2. The humidity of the wet air can be higher than that of the dry air.

In the following, unless otherwise specified, humidity refers to absolute humidity and relative humidity. In addition, mixed air refers to air that is made by mixing the wet air and the dry air described above with each other in the drying device10. The humidity of the mixed air can be lower than that of the wet air and higher than the dry air.

The drying device10can operate after a heating and rinsing operation for rinsing the dishes stored in the tub2by heating wash water during a washing operation is performed.

The drying device10can be configured to mix the wet air flowing in from the inside of the tub2and the dry air flowing in from the outside of the tub2and then to discharge the mixed air to the outside of the dishwasher, thereby constantly lowering humidity inside the tub2.

Accordingly, the drying device10can dry the dishes by discharging water vapor inside the tub2to the outside and evaporating wash water remaining on surfaces of the dishes stored inside the tub2.

A third inlet310can be formed in the drying device10and configured to facilitate communication between the tub2and the inside of the drying device10. The wet air inside the tub2can be introduced into the drying device10through the third inlet310.

The third inlet310can be disposed on a surface directed from the liner32toward the tub2. The drying device10can include a mesh member820coupled to the drying device10at a position corresponding to the third inlet310.

The mesh member820can include a plurality of ribs. Accordingly, wet air can be introduced into the drying device10through the third inlet310but relatively large objects can be blocked from flowing into the drying device10by the mesh member820.

The mesh member820can block a large object inside the tub2from flowing into the drying device10. In addition, the mesh member820can suppress the user’s finger from being suctioned into the drying device10through the third inlet310when the user touches the communication hole with the finger.

The drying device10can include a packing member810(seeFIG.10) and a name plate830. The packing member810can be disposed between the mesh member820and a surface of the liner32and configured to seal a gap that may be formed between the mesh member820and the surface of the liner32.

The name plate830can be coupled to a predetermined area of the mesh member820. The name plate830can be coupled to the predetermined area of the mesh member820not to cover the third inlet310. The name and function of the drying device10can be written on the name plate830.

FIG.7shows a door body30cut away from a door3.FIG.8is a perspective view showing a drying device10.FIG.9is a view ofFIG.8, viewed in a different direction, without a cover. A cover300is omitted inFIG.9.

FIG.10is an exploded perspective view showing a drying device10.FIG.11is a view ofFIG.10, viewed in a different direction.

The drying device10can include a bracket100, an impeller200and a cover300. The bracket100can be configured to provide a certain space in which the wet air and the dry are flow.

The wet air and the dry air can separately flow in the bracket100, and can be mixed to be the mixed air before flowing in the impeller200from the inside of the bracket100. The mixed air can be more mixed to be introduced into the duct600, while passing through the impeller200.

The impeller200can be secured to the bracket100and configured to forcibly flow the mixed air made from the wet air and the dry air. The wet air and the dry air can be introduced into the bracket100by the impeller200to be mixed. The mixed air can be discharged to the outside of the duct600through the bracket100, the impeller200and the duct600sequentially.

The cover300can be coupled to the bracket100and configured to receive a valve mechanism400and the impeller200. The cover300coupled to the bracket100can provide an airflow space in which the wet air and the dry air flow.

The cover300can include a second support portion304. The second support portion304can protrude from an inner wall of the cover300toward the bracket100, and can be provided in plural. The plurality of second support portions304can be spaced an appropriate distance apart from each other.

The second support portion304can function to stably support the components mounted in the drying device10, together with the first support portion105formed in the bracket100.

The bracket100can include a first inlet110disposed to communicate with the outside of the drying device10and receive the dry air. The first inlet110can be directly connected to the atmosphere so that ambient air can be introduced into the drying device10through the first inlet110. The dry air can be the ambient atmosphere.

Referring toFIG.8, the first inlet110can include a plurality of holes penetrating the bracket100. The plurality of the holes constituting the first inlet110can be spaced apart from each other and disposed in a vertical direction of the bracket100. As the impeller200rotates, dry air can flow in the bracket100through the first inlet110and can be mixed with wet air to be the mixed air. The mixed air can flow into the impeller200.

The bracket100can include a second inlet120spaced apart from the first inlet110, in communication with the tub2, and configured to receive the wet air. The second inlet120can be closed and opened by the valve mechanism400.

When the drying device10operates, the valve mechanism400can open the second inlet120and wet air inside the tub2can flow into the bracket100through the second inlet120to be mixed with dry air.

The drying device10can include the valve mechanism400, the duct600and an air guide700.

The valve mechanism400can be secured to the bracket100and disposed in a path of the wet air, and can be configured to open and close the second inlet120.

The valve mechanism400can open and close the second inlet120to allow wet air to flow into the drying device10from the duct600through the second inlet or block the wet air flow. In some implementations, the valve mechanism400can be provided in plural and some of the valve mechanism400can be open or all of the valve mechanism400can be open.

Accordingly, the plurality of valve mechanisms400can adjust an open rate of the second inlet120to control the flow rate of the wet air flowing into the drying device10from the tub2. Hereinafter, an example having one valve mechanism400will be described.

In some implementations, the duct600can communicate with the bracket100and an outlet of the cover300, and can provide a passage for discharging the mixed air to the outside from the impeller200. An inlet of the duct600can be in communication with a first outlet180, and an outlet of the duct600can be directly connected to the atmosphere. Accordingly, the mixed air discharged from the outlet of the duct600can be more humid than ambient air.

The duct600can have an inducing portion610and a recollecting hole640. In some examples, a plurality of inducing portions610can be disposed on an inner wall of the duct600in a direction in which the mixed air flows, and configured to drop the condensate generated on the inner wall of the duct600to the lower area. The recollecting hole640can be defined below the inducting portion610, in communication with the tub, and configured to provide a passage along which the dropped condensate is recollected in the tub2.

In some examples, the plurality of inducing portions610can include a plurality of protrusions protruded toward the inside of the duct and spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other along the flowing direction of the mixed air. The inducing portion610can extend in a longitudinal direction that is inclined with respect to a direction in which gravity acts. The recollecting hole640can be defined at a position corresponding to a lowermost end of the inducing portion610so that the condensed falling along the inducing portion610can easily reach the recollecting hole640.

Dew condensation may occur in that water is condensed from the mixed air flowing inside the duct600to generate dew on the inner wall of the duct600. While falling by gravity, the condensate generated on the inner wall can flow downward along the longitudinal direction of the inducing portion610protruded from the inner wall of the duct600, and can be collected in the lower area of the duct600.

The condensate collected in the lower area of the duct600can flow through the recollecting hole640. A hose, for example, can be secured to the recollecting hole640and the hose can be in communication with the inside of the tub2.

Accordingly, the condensate flowing downward along the inducing portion610can sequentially pass through the recollecting hole640and the hose, to be recollected in the tub2. The condensate recollected inside the tub2can be introduced into the sump disposed below the tub2. Due to this structure, the condensate generated on the inner wall of the duct600can be recollected in the tub2.

In some examples, the duct600can have a coupling hole620formed at a position distant from the recollecting hole640and a coupling member such as a bolt for coupling the duct600to the door3can be coupled to the coupling hole620.

The air guide700can be disposed between the bracket100and the cover300so that the impeller200can be rotatably coupled to the air guide, and can be configured to guide the flow of the mixed air introduced into the impeller200.

The air guide700can guide the mixed air forcibly flowing by the impeller200to flow along a preset flow direction and seal the impeller200to suppress the wet air from leaking to another space after escaping the preset flow passage between the bracket100and the cover300.

The bracket100can include a first communication portion160, a partition wall170and a first outlet180. The first communication portion160can form a space that is in communication with the cover300. The first communication portion160can be coupled to a second communication portion320formed in the cover300to form a flow space of wet air. The wet air flowing into the airflow space can flow in the impeller200through the second inlet120.

The second inlet120can be formed in the partition wall170and the partition wall170can be configured to partition off the first communication portion160from the inner space of the bracket100. Referring toFIG.11, the first communication portion160and the inner space of the bracket100can be separated by the partition wall170, and a plurality of second inlets120can be formed in the partition wall170. The plurality of second inlets120can be opened and closed by an opening/closing portion430of the valve mechanism400.

The first outlet180can be configured to discharge the mixed air having passed the impeller200. The first outlet180can be coupled to the cover300to form an area for discharging the mixed air. Accordingly, an outlet having a shape corresponding to the first outlet180can be formed even in the cover300.

The cover300can include a second communication portion320and a third inlet310. The second communication portion320can be coupled to the first communication portion160and configured to form a space that is in communication with the bracket100. The third inlet310can be configured to facilitate communication between the second communication portion320and the tub2so that the wet air can flow into the drying device10from the tub2.

When the impeller200operates in a drying process, the wet air inside the duct600can be introduced into the bracket100after sequentially passing through the third inlet310, the space in which the first communication portion160and the second communication portion320are formed, and the second inlet120.

The valve mechanism400can include a valve portion410, a valve control module420, and an opening/closing portion430. The valve portion410can be configured to operate the opening/closing portion430to open and close the second inlet120provided in the bracket100.

The valve control module420can be secured to the valve portion410and configured to control the operation of the valve portion410. The valve control module420can operate the valve portion410and the valve portion410can operate the opening/closing portion430, to open and close the second inlet120.

The opening/closing portion430can be coupled to the valve portion410and configured to get in contact with the partition wall170or get distant from the partition wall170based on the operation of the valve portion410, to open and close the second inlet120.

When the dishwasher performs the drying process, the opening/closing portion430can be spaced apart from the partition wall170by the valve control module420and then the second inlet120can be open so that wet air can flow into the drying device10through the second inlet120.

When the drying process of the dishwasher is completed, the opening/closing portion430can get in contact with the partition wall170by the valve control module420and then the second inlet120can be closed so that wet air inside the tub2can be blocked from flowing into the drying device10.

The bracket100can include a casing140configured to form a mounting space of the impeller200and having a first through-hole141in a rotation axial direction of the impeller200. The casing140can be integrally formed with the bracket100.

In some examples, a motor500can be coupled to a shaft of the impeller200and configured to rotate the impeller200. The impeller200can be secured to the casing140inside the bracket100, and some area of the motor500can be exposed to the outside.

The impeller200can include a first shaft210protruding from the impeller200. The first shaft210can be provided at the rotational center of the impeller200. The motor500can further include a second shaft510provided at the rotational center of the motor500.

The first shaft210can be hollow. As the second shaft510is inserted in the hollow of the first shaft210, the motor500and the impeller200can be coupled to each other. Accordingly, the first shaft210and the impeller200can rotate along with the rotation of the second shaft510of the motor500.

The motor500can be inserted in the first through-hole141to be coupled to the impeller200and some area of the motor500can be exposed to the outside of the casing140to be coupled to the casing140of the bracket100at a position adjacent to the first through-hole141.

The wet air flowing into the drying device10from the tub2can be relatively high temperature and the dry air flowing into the drying device10can be relatively low temperature.

When the high temperature wet air and the low temperature dry air are mixed, condensation may occur in the wash water existing in a vapor state in the high-temperature wet air to make a condensate that is condensed water. The condensate can be condensed on an inner wall of the drying device10and fall by gravity.

The condensed water falling by gravity may accumulate on the floor of the location where the dishwasher is installed through an outlet of the mixed air. The accumulated condensate might cause inconvenience in that the user has to manually remove and wipe it out. Accordingly, there is a need of a structure configured to suppress the occurrence of dew condensation in the drying device10.

In order to suppress the occurrence of dew condensation in the drying device10, it is appropriate that the mixing of dry air and wet air occurs smoothly inside the drying device10.

If wet air and dry air are hardly mixed in the drying device10, the wet air in a state of being hardly mixed may be condensed on an inner wall of the drying device10due to its high humidity, thereby causing serious dew condensation inside the drying device10.

Hereinafter, there will be described a structure according to the present disclosure that is configured to facilitate smooth mixing of the wet air flowing in from the tub2and the dry air flowing from the outside of the drying device10.

FIG.12is a perspective view showing a bracket100.

The bracket100can include a first support portion105. The first support portion can protrude toward the cover300from an inner wall of the bracket100, and can be provided in plural. The plurality of first support portions105can be spaced a preset distance apart from each other. The first support portion105can function to stably support the components mounted in the drying device10, together with a second support portion304formed in the cover300. At least one of the plurality of first support portions105can be formed to overlap with a second blocking wall190.

Specifically, the first support portion can protrude from the second blocking wall190. The first support portion105can have a thin long shape to have a relatively weak rigidity. The first support portion105can overlap with the second blocking wall190so that the rigidity of the first support portion105can be reinforced and damage to the first support portion105due to the weak rigidity may be prevented.

The first inlet110can be disposed at a position in front of an entrance of the impeller200with respect to the flow path of the dry air.

Accordingly, the dry air flowing into the bracket100through the first inlet110and the wet air flowing into the bracket100through the second inlet120can met each other before they flow in the impeller200. In other words, the dry air and the wet air before flowing in the impeller200can meet each other to be the mixed air.

Due to this structure, the dry air and the wet air can be mixed to be the mixed air, before flowing into the impeller200. While passing through the impeller200, the dry air and wet air contained in the mixed air can be more mixed to be mixed air that is mixed more uniformly.

The flow direction of the dry air in the first inlet110can be formed to cross the flow direction of the wet air in the second inlet120.

The wet air passing through the second inlet120can flow along a vertical direction of the bracket100. The first inlet110can be formed to penetrate the bracket100in a lateral direction of the bracket100. Accordingly, the dry air introduced into the bracket100through the first inlet110can flow along the lateral direction of the bracket100.

Accordingly, the dry air and the wet air can have the flow directions that cross each other at a point where they meet. When the flow directions of the dry and the wet air cross each other, the mixing efficiency of the dry air and the wet air can be more enhanced, compared with the flow directions parallel to each other.

When the flow directions cross each other, the dry air and the wet air can flow in the respective flow paths crossing each other. Accordingly, the dry air and the wet air can be more mixed as cutting off the flow paths, compared to flow directions that are parallel to each other.

In some implementations, the dry air and the wet air can be mixed to be the mixed air at a position before flowing into the impeller200. The mixed air can be more mixed while passing through the impeller200, to remarkably enhance the mixing efficiency of the dry air and the wet air.

In some implementations, the flow directions at the position where the dry air and the wet air meet cross each other so that the dry air and the wet air can be noticeably increased.

Since the mixed sufficiently mixed is introduced into the duct600, dew condensation inside the duct600can be effectively suppressed.

Referring toFIG.8, at least predetermined area of the valve control module420can be disposed outside the bracket100to be connected to an external power supply, a communication wire and etc.

The water vapor contained in the bracket100of the drying device10and the condensate condensed on the inner wall of the bracket100can be discharged to the outside through the first inlet. For example, the discharged water might penetrate the components disposed outside the drying device10, particularly, the valve control module420, and might adversely affect the valve control module420.

As shown inFIG.8, the bracket100can include a first blocking wall130provided to protrude from an outer surface of the bracket100and configured to surround at least predetermined area of the first inlet110.

At least predetermined area of the first blocking wall130can be disposed between the first inlet110and the valve control module420, to suppress the wet air discharged through the first inlet110from flowing toward the valve control module420.

The wet air introduced into the drying device10from the tub2through the second inlet120can be partially discharged to the outside of the drying device10through the first inlet110. The wet air discharged from the first inlet110might corrode components of the valve control module420, when it flows to the valve control module420.

Accordingly, the first blocking wall130can protrude to an outer surface of the bracket100, and can be disposed between the first inlet110and the valve control module420to block the wet air discharged through the first inlet110from flowing to the valve control module420.

In some examples, the height of the first blocking wall130can be selected appropriately to effectively block the airflow to the valve control module420from the first inlet110from the first inlet110and to prevent the overall volume of the bracket100from becoming excessively large.

The first blocking wall130can include a first cell131and a second cell132. The first cell131can be disposed between the first inlet110and the valve control module420. The second cell132can be bent from a lower end of the first cell131and configured to surround the first inlet110.

The first cell131and the second cell132can be disposed to surround some area of the first inlet110, to effectively block flow of wet air between the first inlet110and the valve control module420.

The second cell132can be inclined with respect to a vertical direction of the bracket100. In some examples, the second cell132can be disposed upward as getting closer to an end thereof.

Due to this structure, even if a condensate is generated on an upper surface or a lower surface of the second cell132, the condensate can fall along the inclination of the second cell and flow into the first inlet again or fall below the bracket100along the first cell connected to the second cell132. Accordingly, the condensate can be suppressed from flowing out from the first inlet110to the outside.

In addition, a control panel can be disposed on an upper portion of the door3and configured to control the dishwasher. The second cell132can block an upper area of the first inlet110to effectively prevent a condensate or wet air, which might leak into the control panel above the second cell132through the first inlet, from reaching the control panel.

In some implementations, the first blocking wall130can effectively block the wet air discharged through the first inlet110from flowing to the valve control module, thereby suppressing the valve control module420from being corroded by the wet air.

As shown inFIG.12, the bracket100can include a second blocking wall190protruding from an inner surface of the bracket100and configured to surround at least predetermined area of the first inlet110.

The first blocking wall130and the second blocking wall190can be configured to effectively reinforce the rigidity of the bracket100, which becomes insufficient due to the formation of the first inlet.

At least predetermined area of the second blocking wall190can be disposed between the first inlet110and the valve control module420so suppress the condensate condensed on the inner wall of the bracket100from flowing out through the first inlet110.

The condensate generated by the dew condensation can be stuck to the inner wall of the bracket100. Some of such the condensate can be discharged to the outside of the drying device10through the first inlet110. If the condensate discharged from the first inlet110can flow to the valve control module420along an outer surface of the bracket100, the components of the valve control module420might be corroded.

Accordingly, the second blocking wall190can protrude from the inner surface of the bracket100and can be disposed between the first inlet110and the valve control module420, to suppress the condensate from flowing out through the first inlet110.

The second blocking wall190can suppress the condensate from flowing out through the first inlet110, thereby effectively blocking the condensate discharged from the first inlet110from flowing to the valve control module420.

In some examples, the height of the second blocking wall190can be selected appropriately to effectively block the condensate from flowing out through the first inlet110from the inner wall of the bracket100without significantly impeding the flow of the dry air and the wet air inside the bracket100.

The second blocking wall190can include a first part191and a second part192. The first part191can be disposed between the first inlet110and the valve control module420. The second part192can be bent from a lower end of the first part191and configured to surround the first inlet110.

The first part191and the second part192can be configured to partially surround the first inlet110so that the condensate generated on the inner wall of the bracket100can flow out to the outside of the bracket100through the first inlet110, thereby effectively blocking the condensate from flowing to the valve control module420.

In some implementations, the second blocking wall190can be configured to block the condensate generated on the inner wall of the bracket100from being discharged to the outside through the first inlet110. Accordingly, the condensate can be blocked from flowing to the valve control module after being discharged through the first inlet110to effectively suppress corrosion of the valve control module420.

In some examples, the second part192can be disposed between the first inlet110and the third inlet310. Accordingly, even if the wash water sprayed from the spray arms6,7, and9comes into the drying device through the mesh member820, the third inlet310and the second inlet120, the wash water can be prevented from flowing out through the first inlet110.

FIG.13is a perspective view showing an air guide700.FIG.14is a view ofFIG.14, viewed from a different direction.FIG.15is a front view showing an air guide700.FIG.16is a view ofFIG.15, viewed from the opposite direction.

Referring toFIG.12, the bracket can include a first bushing101protruding in a direction of the rotation axis of the impeller200to be coupled to the cover300and configured to form a space where the impeller200is secured.

The air guide700can include a second bushing710protruding in the rotational direction of the impeller200, and disposed in an edge area of the air guide700and disposed inside the first bushing101.

The first bushing101and the second bushing710can partially overlap. The first bushing101can also partially overlap with a guide ring which will be described below.

The first bushing101can include a first piece101aand a second piece101b. The first piece101acan be formed in an edge area of the bracket100. The second piece101bcan be formed in an arc shape inside the first piece101a.

At least predetermined area of the first piece101acan be disposed to overlap with the second bushing710. At least predetermined area of the second piece101bcan be disposed to overlap with a guide ring750formed in the air guide700.

Since the first bushing101of the bracket100is disposed to overlap with the second bushing710and the guide ring750of the air guide, the area through which air is introduced into the impeller200from the inside of the drying device10can be effectively sealed. Accordingly, the flow path of the air flowing inside the drying device10can be kept airtight enough to enhance operating efficiency of the drying device10.

The air guide700can include a second through-hole721formed at a position corresponding to the first through-hole141and disposed to communicate with the cover300. In this instance, the mixed air can be introduced into the impeller200after passing through the second through-hole721from the space formed in the cover300.

The air guide700can include a body720and an extending portion730. The second through-hole721can be formed in the body720. The second through-hole721can be formed in an approximately circular shape to be equal to the shape of the impeller200.

The extending portion730can extend from the body720and some are of the extending portion730can be placed inside the duct600. The extending portion730can have a structure formed to be coupled to the duct600.

Referring toFIG.11, the duct600can include a pair of protrusions630protruding from both sides of an inner surface of the duct600at opposite positions, respectively, so that the extending portion730can be coupled to the pair of the coupling protrusions630. One of the two coupling protrusions can be coupled to the air guide700and the cover, and the other one can be coupled to the bracket100.

The extending portion730can include a first inserting hole731formed at a position corresponding to one of the coupling protrusions630and the coupling protrusion630is inserted in the first inserting hole731. Since the coupling protrusion630is inserted in the first inserting hole731, the air guide700can be stably coupled to the duct600not to escape from the duct600.

The bracket100can include a second inserting hole102formed at a position corresponding the other one of the coupling protrusions630to insertedly receive the other coupling protrusion630. Since the coupling protrusion630is inserted in the second inserting hole102, the bracket100can be stably coupled to the duct600not to escape from the duct600.

The cover300can include a third inserting hole301formed at a position corresponding to the first inserting hole731of the air guide700and the coupling protrusion630of the duct600. One of the coupling protrusions630can be coupled to the first inserting hole731and the third inserting hole301. Since the coupling protrusion630is inserted in the third inserting hole301, the cover can be stably coupled to the duct600not to escape from the duct600.

The extending portion730can include a sealing protrusion732protruding toward the bracket100and the cover300and configured to suppress the mixed air from flowing out from a contact area of the bracket100, the cover300and the duct600by getting contact with them

The sealing protrusion732can configured to seal a gap that may be formed between the bracket100, the cover300and the duct600to suppress the mixed air from leaking through the gap to become a condensate accumulating on the floor of the dishwasher or flowing around the dishwasher.

The sealing protrusion732can be formed in a three-dimensional shape having a protruding portion and a recessed portion. When the bracket100or the cover300has a structure having the same sealing effect as the sealing protrusion732, the shape of the bracket and the cover can become complicated.

The bracket100and the cover300can be fabricated by injection-molding. The bracket100and the cover300can have a complicated structure, compared to the air guide700. Accordingly, if a structure same as the sealing protrusion732is formed in the bracket100or the cover300, there might occur under cut which is a difficult area to take out the bracket100and the cover300from a mold after they are injected after injection molding due to the3dstructure such as the sealing protrusion732.

Since the sealing protrusion732is formed in the air guide700having a relatively simple structure, a structure capable of avoiding the undercut that might occur in the bracket100or the cover300, in other words, a cut off structure can be formed in the dishwasher.

Accordingly, In some implementations, the sealing protrusion732having the3dand relatively complicated shape can be formed not in the bracket100or the cover300but in the air guide700having a relatively simple shape.

Since structure same as the sealing protrusion732is formed in the bracket100or the cover300, the occurrence of the undercut can be suppressed. Accordingly, the manufacturing time and the manufacturing cost can be reduced in manufacturing the drying device by injection molding.

FIG.17is an exploded sectional view showing a bracket100, a cover300and an air guide700.FIG.18is a sectional view showing an assembled state ofFIG.17.

InFIG.18, a flow path of the mixed air can be shown with arrows. The mixed air can flow into the impeller200from a space where the cover300is formed through the second through-hole721. Then, the mixed air can be mixed more uniformly while passing through the impeller200.

The air guide700can include a bell mouth740formed along a circumference of the second through-hole721, with a convex shape toward the cover300, and configured to guide the flow of the mixed air into the impeller200from the flow space of the cover300.

As shown in arrow ofFIG.18, the mixed air can be introduced into the impeller200from the space where the cover300is formed. The mixed air in an area adjacent to the edge of the second through-hole721can be changed rapidly so that the flow direction of the mixed air is close to 90 degrees.

The bell mouth740can be formed in an edge of the second through-hole721so that the edge of the second through-hole721can be curved toward the cover300. Accordingly, the mixed air passing through the cover300near the edge of the second through-hole271can stably pass through the second through-hole721, without forming a vortex at the edge of the second through-hole721.

In some implementations, the bell mouth740can be formed at the edge of the second through-hole721provided in the air guide700, so that the flow of the mixed air drawn into the second through-hole721of the air guide700can be facilitated enough to enhance the operating efficiency of the drying device10.

The air guide700can include a guide ring750protruding from the body720toward the bracket100and configured to surround the bell mouth740.

The guide ring750can surround the bell mouth740and protrude toward the bracket100, to guide the mixed air having passed through the second through-hole721to smoothly flow straight toward the impeller200.

The guide ring750can include a first region751and the second region752. The first region751can be disposed inside the second bushing710. The second region752can be disposed at a portion of the edge of the air guide700, where the second bushing710is not formed.

The second region752and the first bushing101can overlap. Referring toFIG.18, the second region752of the guide ring750can overlap with the second piece101bof the first bushing101of the bracket100. The second bushing710of the air guide700can overlap with the first piece101aof the first bushing101of the bracket100.

Due to this structure, the gap which may be formed between the air guide700and the bracket100can be effectively sealed. Accordingly, the leakage of the mixed air through the gap between the air guide700and the bracket100can be effectively blocked.

FIG.19is an enlarged view showing ‘B’ ofFIG.18.FIG.20is a view of a comparative example shown to be compared toFIG.19.

The guide ring750can be provided to suppress the mixed air introduced into the impeller200after passing through the second through-hole721from causing circulating air flow in bell mouth740.

As shown inFIG.19, the guide ring750can be disposed to protrude toward the impeller200with respect to the flow direction of the mixed air. In some examples, the guide ring750can be disposed to surround the bell mouth740.

Due to this structure, the flow direction of the mixed air passing through the second through-hole721can be changed adjacent to the bell mouth740to flow in a radial direction of the impeller200, and can be blocked by the guide ring to change the flow direction again in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the impeller200, so that the air can be introduced into the impeller200.

In this state, the circulating flow of the mixed air may not occur at the edge area of the impeller200, but the mixed air can be smoothly introduced into the impeller200while the rotation of the impeller200is not prevented by the circulating air flow. Accordingly, the power consumption of the impeller200can be reduced and the operating efficiency of the drying device10can be improved.

Referring toFIG.20, unless the guide ring750is provided, the mixed air passing through the second through-hole721near the bell mouth740will change the flow direction to continuously flow in the radial direction of the impeller200as getting farther from the edge area of the impeller200.

When the flowing mixed air continuously gets farther from the edge of the impeller200, the circulating flow of the mixed air may occur in the space formed in the edge of the bracket100as shown inFIG.20.

The inflow of the mixed air into the impeller200can be hindered by the circulating flow of the mixed air and the rotation of the impeller200can be hindered by the circulating air flow. Accordingly, electricity consumption of the impeller200might increase and the operating efficiency of the drying device10might decrease.

In some implementations, the guide ring750can be configured to guide the flow direction of the mixed air introduced through the second through-hole721and effectively suppress the circulating flow of the mixed air at the position adjacent to the bell mouth740.

Accordingly, the mixed air can be smoothly introduced into the impeller200and the rotation of the impeller200may not be interfered with by the circulating flow. Accordingly, the power consumption of the impeller200can be reduced and the operating efficiency of the drying device10can be improved.

FIG.21is an enlarged view showing ‘C’ ofFIG.18. Referring toFIGS.17and21, a first groove103can be provided in the bracket100. The first groove103can be recessed from an inner wall of the bracket100inside the first piece101aof the first bushing101.

The air guide700can include a first protrusion701. The first protrusion701can protrude from one end of the second bushing710of the air guide700toward the first groove103and disposed at a position corresponding to the first groove103. The first protrusion701can be secured to the first groove103so that the air guide700can be stably coupled to the bracket100even without an auxiliary coupling member.

The bracket100can further include a second groove104. The second groove104can be formed in the outside of the first piece101aof the first bushing101and recessed from an area extending from the first piece101a. The second groove104can be disposed at a position spaced apart from the first groove103in the width direction of the bracket100in cross-section of the bracket100.

The cover300can include a second protrusion302. The second protrusion302can protrude from an edge of the cover300toward the second groove104, and can be formed at a position corresponding to the second groove104.

The cover300can include a seating portion303. The seating portion303can be formed inside the second groove104from the second protrusion302, and configured to support a lateral surface of the second bushing710of the air guide700and an end of the first piece101aof the first bushing101.

Referring toFIG.21, the second protrusion302can be secured to the second groove104, and a fusion process can be performed on the second groove104and the second protrusion302, so that the bracket100and the cover300can be fixedly coupled to each other.

When the bracket100and the cover300are coupled to each other, the second bushing710of the air guide700can have the first protrusion701seated on the first groove103of the bracket100and the other side stably supported by the seating portion303of the cover300.

Due to this structure, when the bracket100and the cover300are coupled to each other by the fusion process, the air guide700secured between them can be assembled inside the drying device10without using an auxiliary coupling member.

The process of securing the air guide700to the bracket100or mounting the air guide700to the cover300can be omitted, and the air guide can be coupled to the drying device10by performing one process of fusion-bonding the bracket100and the cover300.

In some implementations, the assembling of the bracket100, the air guide700and the cover300can be completed by performing one fusion process or coupling process, thereby facilitating smooth assembling of the drying device10. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost of the drying device10can be reduced and the occurrence of detective assembly of the drying device10can be effectively suppressed.

FIG.22is an enlarged front view of a casing140of a drying device10in which a motor500is disposed.FIG.23is a sectional view along ‘AA’ ofFIG.22. The motor500can be mounted to the casing140. The motor500can be disposed in the casing140and configured to rotate the impeller200.

The motor can include a driving part520and a motor mounting part530. A second shaft510can be coupled to the driving part520. The driving part520can be supplied electricity from an external power supply to operate and configured to rotate the second shaft510. The motor mounting part530can mount the driving part520to the casing140.

A groove can be formed in the casing140and the driving part520can be inserted in the groove. In a state where some area of the driving part520is inserted in the groove, the motor mounting part530coupled to the driving part520can be coupled to the casing140to mount the motor500to the casing140.

To be coupled to the second shaft510and to protrude the second shaft510to the outside of the driving part520, the driving part520can have a through-hole521through which the second shaft510passes. When the impeller200is rotated, wet air flowing in from the tub2can flow inside the drying device10and some of the wet air can flow outside of the driving part520.

The wet air flowing outside the driving part520may be introduced into the driving part520through the through-hole521. The wet air introduced into the driving part520might corrode a coil and other components for the operation of the motor500. The wet air may be restricted from flowing into the driving part520through the through-hole521.

For example, to suppress the wet air from flowing into the driving part520of the motor500, a slit hole142can be formed in the casing140. The slit hole142can surround the motor500to lead dry air into the casing140from the outside. The casing140can include an outer panel140aand an inner panel140b. The motor500can be mounted to the outer panel140a.

The inner panel140bcan be spaced apart from the outer panel140a. The inner panel140bcan be coupled to an end of the second shaft510and configured to rotate as the second shaft510is rotated. The impeller200can be coupled to the inner panel140b. Accordingly, as the second shaft510is rotated, the inner panel140bcan be rotated together with the impeller200so that dry air and wet air can flow inside the drying device10by the rotation of the impeller200.

Since the inner panel140bis spaced apart from the outer panel140a, a flow portion143can be formed that is a flow space in which the dry air introduced into the casing140can flow.

The slit hole142can be formed in the outer panel140ato surround the motor500. For example, the slit hole142can be formed in the outer panel140ato surround at least predetermined area of the motor500.

The flow portion143can be in communication with the outside by the slit hole142so that dry air can be introduced into the flow portion143from the outside through the slit hole142.

The slit hole142can be provided in plural and each slit hole142can be provided in an arc shape surrounding the motor500. In some implementations, as shown inFIG.22, three slit holes142can be provided. In some implementations, two or four or more slit holes can be provided. The number of the slit holes142can be appropriately selected based on the size of the driving part520, the shape of the motor mounting part530and the size of the casing140.

Each slit hole142can be provided so as to surround the circumference of the driving part520having a circular cross-section, an appropriate width, and an arc shape in a longitudinal direction.

FIG.24is a sectional view along ‘BB’ ofFIG.22. InFIG.24, the flow of dry air is shown by a solid arrow and the flow of wet air is shown by a hidden line.

Referring toFIGS.22to24, the driving part520can be coupled to the outer panel140a. The outer panel140acan include a bent portion144forming a groove to which the driving part520is secured. In this instance, the slit hole142can be spaced apart from the bent portion144in a radial direction of the driving part520.

The bent portion144can define a shape of a groove to which the driving part520is secured. The bent portion144can include a first bent portion144aspaced apart from the driving part520and a second bent portion144bin contact with the driving part520.

The slit hole142can be formed between the outer panel140aand the driving part520. Without the slit hole142, the bent portion144can include only the second bent portion144b. For example, the outer panel140aand the driving part520can be in contact with each other so that the groove of the casing140can be sealed by the driving part520. In other words, the driving part520can be in contact with an inner surface of the second bent portion144bof the outer panel140a, so as to seal the groove of the casing140.

However, In some implementations, the first bent portion144acan be formed in an area where the slit hole142is formed. The first bent portion144acan be formed by recessing the groove, to which the driving part520is secured, deeper than the second bent portion144b.

A lateral surface of the first bent portion144athat forms the slit hole142can be disposed further outward from the center of the driving part520than a lateral surface of the second bent portion144b. accordingly, the first bent portion144acan be spaced a preset distance apart from an outer circumferential surface of the driving part520in a radial direction of the driving part520, and the distance, that is, gap can be the slit hole142that serves as a passage of the outside air from the outer panel140a.

In other words, the slit hole142can be formed by opening some area of the outer panel140aby the first bent portion144aoutward in the radial direction from the center of the driving part520along the circumferential surface of the second bent portion144bwhere the outer panel140aand the driving part520are in contact.

Specifically, considering a diameter of the groove of the outer panel140ain which the driving part520is disposed, the diameter of the groove in the first bent portion144ain which the slit hole142is formed can be larger than the diameter of the groove in the second bent portion144b. Accordingly, the first bent portion144aand the groove may not be in contact with each other and a gap can be formed to be the slit hole142.

When the impeller200is rotated by the operation of the drying device10, wet air inside the tub2can flow into the drying device10and flow inside the drying device10. The wet air can approach the motor500provided in the drying device10.

For example, as shown inFIG.24, the wet air may approach the driving part520of the motor500through a gap between the outer panel140aand the inner panel140b. Thus, the wet air might flow into the driving part520through the gap between the through-hole521, in which the second shaft510is inserted, and the second shaft510, only to corrode the component provided inside the driving part520.

To suppress the wet air from flowing into the driving part520, the slit hole142can be formed in the outer panel140aof the casing140. Dry air can be introduced into the flow portion143from the outside of the drying device10through the slit hole142, and the dry air can suppress the flow of the wet air.

When the impeller200is rotated, a lower pressure than the outside, that is, a negative pressure can be formed in the inside of the bracket100as a whole. Accordingly, outside dry air can be introduced into the bracket100through the first inlet110. Similarly, when the impeller200is rotated, a negative pressure can be formed in the flow portion143formed inside the casing140.

Accordingly, when the impeller200is rotated, outside dry air can be introduced into the flow portion143through the slit hole142and flow inside the flow portion143. The dry air flowing inside the flow portion143can surround the through-hole521and the wet air flowing inside the drying device10can be effectively suppressed from approaching the through-hole521. Accordingly, the inflow of the wet air into the driving part520through the gap formed in the through-hole521can be effectively suppressed.

In some implementations, the slit hole142can be formed in the casing140. When the impeller200is rotated by the operation of the motor500, outside dry air can be introduced in to the flow portion143formed in the casing140through the slit hole142so that the flow of the wet air into the flow portion143can be suppressed. Accordingly, the wet air can be effectively suppressed from flowing into the driving part520through the flow portion143and corroding the components provided in the driving part520.

The embodiments are described above with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof. However, the present disclosure is not intended to limit the embodiments and drawings set forth herein, and numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by one skilled in the art. Further, the effects and predictable effects based on the configurations in the disclosure are to be included within the range of the disclosure though not explicitly described in the description of the embodiments.