Patent Description:
A dishwasher is a household appliance that removes foreign matter remaining on a cleaning target object by spraying washing water on the cleaning target object. The dishwasher sprays washing water to the cleaning target object accommodated in a rack according to a cleaning course selected by a user to remove the dirt from the cleaning target object.

As a method for effectively removing foreign matter adhered to the dishes, a method of using a detergent having a strong cleaning ability, a method of increasing the spraying pressure of the washing water can be utilized, or a method of containing an air bubble in the washing water may be utilized.

The washing water containing the air bubble generates free radicals having excellent sterilizing power and chemical decomposing ability while the air bubble is dissipated, thereby effectively removing foreign matter adhered to the dishes.

However, in the air bubble, as the size of the bubble becomes smaller, the total interfacial area becomes larger, the surfacing speed becomes slower, and internal pressure becomes larger, thereby having an excellent adsorption of hydrophobic molecule, and increasing the availability of gas.

In the process of washing the dishes, since the foreign matter adhered to the dishes falls down to the bottom surface of the tub, the bottom surface of the tub can be easily contaminated by the fallen foreign matter.

The washing water flowing in the dishwasher is supplied from the sump to a spray nozzle and is sprayed to the dishes. Therefore, the washing water having the air bubbles should flow to the sump. When the washing water having the air bubbles is introduced into the sump through the bottom surface of the tub, the bottom surface of the tub may be cleaned together with the dishes. In addition, when the washing water falls to the bottom surface of the tub, the pressure of the falling washing water is added. Thus, the bottom surface of the tub can be effectively cleaned.

<CIT> discloses a dishwasher comprising a water storage tank and a cleaning nozzle configured for cleaning tableware provided in the dishwasher. Under operation of a pump control means, cleaning water from the water storage tank is guided through a suction port of the tank through a cleaning pipe to a switching means. In one operation of the switching means, the water is guided from the switching means to a bubble generating means and is from thereon exhausted through an air bubble ejection port back into the water storage tank. The bubble generating means may be designed based on a Venturi tube. However, in another operation of the switching means, the cleaning water flows from the switching means to the cleaning nozzle.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher which cleans tableware with washing water containing air bubbles while removing contamination on the bottom surface of a tub.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher which can perform chemical washing on the bottom surface of a tub with washing water containing air bubbles while performing mechanical washing with washing water falling from a certain height.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher which can supply washing water containing air bubbles into a tub by utilizing a structure disposed in the outer surface of the tub.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher which forms air bubbles in washing water by sucking outside air without a separate apparatus for injecting air.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher which forms air bubbles in washing water by using a conventional pump for dishwashing without a separate pump for supplying washing water to an air jet generator for forming air bubbles.

The object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher which forms air bubbles of minute size by crushing the air bubbles formed in the washing water to the utmost.

The problems of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

The objects are solved by the independent claim.

In an aspect, there is provided a dishwasher, including: a tub in which a dish washing space is formed; a sump which contains washing water supplied into the tub; a spray module which sprays washing water toward dishes; a pump which supplies the washing water stored in the sump to the spray module; an air jet generator which receives a part of the washing water discharged from the pump to form an air bubble in the washing water; and a discharge module which discharges the washing water containing the air bubble discharged from the air jet generator to a side surface of the tub, thereby cleaning the bottom surface of the tub by supplying washing water containing air bubbles to the side surface of the tub.

A side surface hole for discharging the washing water introduced into the discharge module into the tub is formed on a side surface of the tub, and the side surface hole is formed at a height of being equal to or less than half a full height of the tub, thereby minimizing the amount of washing water flowing along the side surface.

The discharge module includes: a main discharge pipe to which the washing water discharged from the air jet generator is introduced; a tub discharge pipe which is connected to the main discharge pipe and connected to the tub; and a sealer which seals a space between the main discharge pipe and the tub discharge pipe, thereby stably supplying the washing water containing the air bubbles to the side surface of the tub.

The main discharge pipe includes: a first main discharge pipe which is connected to the air jet generator; and a second main discharge pipe which connects the first main discharge pipe and the tub discharge pipe, wherein the first main discharge pipe and the second main discharge pipe are coupled by a fusion method.

The first main discharge pipe forms a first flow path change coupling portion where a flow path cross-section is vertically extended to one side at a portion where the first main discharge pipe is coupled with the second main discharge pipe, the second main discharge pipe forms a second flow path change coupling portion where a flow path cross-section is vertically extended to one side at a portion where the second main discharge pipe is coupled with the first main discharge pipe, and the first flow path change coupling portion is coupled with the second flow path change coupling portion to form a bent flow path in a flow path of the first main discharge pipe.

The dishwasher further includes a side surface structure disposed outside the side surface of the tub, and the side surface structure includes: a tub discharge flow path which is connected to the discharge module and flows washing water; and a discharge port which discharges the washing water flowing in the tub discharge flow path into the tub, thereby supplying the washing water containing the air bubbles to the tub by utilizing the side surface structure disposed outside the tub.

The dishwasher further includes a generator connection port which is disposed at a lower end of the tub discharge flow path and is connected to the discharge module, thereby connecting the discharge module and side surface structure.

The discharge module is configured of a main discharge pipe which connects the air jet generator and the tub discharge flow path.

The main discharge pipe includes a discharge pipe fixing portion which fixes the discharge module to a cabinet that forms an external shape of dishwasher, thereby minimizing the influence of vibration of the air jet generator.

The air jet generator includes: an impeller which applies centrifugal force to the washing water that flows; a decompression portion which decreases a pressure of the washing water that passed through the impeller; an air suction portion which injects air into the decompression portion; a pressing portion which increases pressure so as to crush the air introduced from the air suction portion; and an air tap which has a plurality of holes so as to crush the air contained in washing water that passed through the pressing portion, thereby forming air bubbles of minute size in the washing water.

The details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

According to an air jet generator of a dishwasher of the present invention, there are one or more of the following effects.

First, the dishwasher according to the present invention discharges the washing water containing the air bubbles through the side surface of the tub to flow into the sump through the bottom surface of the tub, which is advantageous in that the washing water containing the air bubbles can clean the dishes while cleaning the bottom surface of the tub.

Secondly, in the dishwasher according to the present invention, the washing water containing the air bubbles is discharged from the side surface of the tub and dropped onto the bottom surface of the tub, so that the bottom surface of the tub is cleaned by the air bubbles and a physical cleaning due to the drop of the washing water is added, which is advantageous in that the bottom of the tub can be effectively cleaned.

Third, the air jet generator of the dishwasher according to the present embodiment branches a part of the washing water supplied from the pump and generates air bubbles in the washing water through a branched flow, which is advantageous in that the air bubbles occur continuously when the pump of the dishwasher is operated for washing dishes.

Fourth, there is an advantage that an air bubble can be generated at a low pressure by using a pump disposed inside a conventional dishwasher without using a separate pump.

Fifth, there is an advantage that some of the flow branched from the pump rotates along the impeller vane, air is sucked and crushed along the air crushing pipe, and the amount of generated air bubbles is maximized while passing through the air tap.

Sixth, there is also an advantage that the washing water that passed through the air jet generator to the side surface of the tub by utilizing the side surface structure such as a water jacket disposed in the side surface of the tub.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In describing the present embodiment, the same designations and the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and further description thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, an air jet generator of a dishwasher according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a schematic front cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the dishwasher <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a cabinet assembly <NUM> which forms an outer shape, a rack <NUM> which is disposed inside the cabinet assembly <NUM> and on which the dishes are placed, a spray module <NUM> which is disposed inside the cabinet assembly <NUM> and sprays washing water toward the dishes, a sump <NUM> which is disposed inside the cabinet assembly <NUM> and supplies washing water to the spray module <NUM>, a water supply module <NUM> which supplies water to the sump <NUM> or the spray module <NUM>, a drainage module <NUM> which is connected to the sump <NUM> and discharges the washing water to the outside, and a filter assembly <NUM> which is installed in the sump <NUM> and filters the washing water. In addition, the dishwasher <NUM> may further include a heater module <NUM> which is installed in the sump <NUM> and heats the washing water.

The cabinet assembly <NUM> forms an outer shape of the dishwasher, and includes a cabinet <NUM>, a door <NUM> coupled to the cabinet <NUM> for opening and closing the cabinet <NUM>, and a tub <NUM> which is installed inside the cabinet <NUM> and to which washing water or steam is applied,.

The rack <NUM> is installed inside the tub <NUM>, and the dishes are placed on the rack <NUM>.

The spray module <NUM> is implemented to spray washing water toward the dishes. The spray module <NUM> includes a spray nozzle <NUM> and a nozzle flow path <NUM> for supplying washing water to the spray nozzle <NUM>.

A plurality of spray nozzles <NUM> may be disposed, and a plurality of nozzle flow paths <NUM> corresponding to the spray nozzle <NUM> may be disposed. In addition, a nozzle flow path switching portion <NUM> for selectively supplying washing water to the nozzle flow path <NUM> may be disposed.

In the present embodiment, the spray module <NUM> is configured to receive the washing water from the sump <NUM> storing the washing water and spray the washing water. However, unlike the present embodiment, water may be directly supplied through the water supply module <NUM>.

The water supply module <NUM> can be configured to receive water from the outside and supply the water to the sump <NUM>, and can be configured to supply water to the sump <NUM> through the filter assembly <NUM>. In addition, in the dishwasher, the water stored in a water storage portion of a water jacket <NUM> (see <FIG>) described below can be supplied to the sump <NUM>.

The discharge module <NUM> is implemented to discharge the washing water stored in the sump <NUM> to the outside, and includes a drainage flow path <NUM> and a drainage pump <NUM>.

The filter assembly <NUM> is implemented to filter foreign matter such as food waste contained in the washing water, and is disposed in a flow path of the washing water flowing from the tub <NUM> into the sump <NUM>.

To this end, the sump <NUM> may be provided with a filter mounting portion where the filter assembly <NUM> is installed, and a filter flow path connecting the filter mounting portion and the inside of the sump <NUM> may be disposed.

The sump <NUM> is provided with a sump storage portion for storing the washing water therein, and further includes a pump <NUM> for pumping the stored washing water to the spray module <NUM>.

The pump <NUM> pumps the washing water stored in the sump <NUM> to the spray module <NUM>. The pump <NUM> is connected to the spray module <NUM> through a pump flow path.

The pump <NUM> according to the present embodiment supplies washing water to the air jet generator <NUM> in addition to the spray module <NUM> through a branch pipe <NUM>. The air jet generator <NUM> is supplied with washing water through a flow path branched from the pump, and sucks gas into the supplied washing water and crushes to generate minute air bubbles. The air jet generator <NUM> is connected to the tub <NUM>. When the pump is operated, the washing water having the air bubbles generated by the air jet generator <NUM> is supplied into the sump <NUM> via the tub <NUM>, and then, the washing water containing the air bubbles supplied to the sump <NUM> is pumped to the spray module <NUM>, thereby increasing cleaning power by using the washing water containing minute air bubbles so as to wash the dishes.

The sump <NUM> is connected to a steam flow path and a steam nozzle that spray the steam generated by the heater module <NUM> into the tub <NUM>. A valve (not shown) for intermitting steam may be installed in the steam flow path. Through the valve, the steam sprayed into the tub <NUM> may be intermitted and the amount of steam may be adjusted upon occasions.

Here, the steam generated in the sump <NUM> may be supplied into the tub <NUM> through the filter flow path and the filter mounting portion, not through the steam nozzle. The sump <NUM> may be connected to the tub <NUM> in both directions through the steam flow path and the filter flow path.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a flow of washing water in a dishwasher including an air jet generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of an air jet generator according to the present embodiment. <FIG> is a side cross-sectional view according to the present embodiment. <FIG> is a diagram for explaining the disposition of an air jet generator according to the present embodiment. <FIG> is a diagram for explaining a side disposition of an air jet generator according to the present embodiment. <FIG> is a block diagram of a dishwasher including an air jet generator and a high pressure pump according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the flow of washing water is described. The washing water stored in the sump <NUM> of the dishwasher <NUM> is supplied to the spray module <NUM> through the pump <NUM>, and flows into the sump <NUM> again through the tub <NUM>. In the dishwasher <NUM> according to the present embodiment, a part of the washing water that passed through the pump <NUM> flows into the air jet generator <NUM> which generates air bubbles in the washing water.

The air jet generator <NUM> is supplied with a part of the washing water discharged from the pump <NUM>. The air jet generator <NUM> generates air bubbles in the washing water by passing the introduced washing water, through an air tap <NUM> and an air crushing pipe <NUM> including an impeller <NUM>, an air suction portion <NUM>, a decompression portion <NUM>, and a pressing portion <NUM>. The washing water containing the air bubbles is discharged to tub <NUM> again and flows into the sump <NUM>. According to the present embodiment, the washing water is discharged to the side surface of the tub <NUM>. Therefore, when the pump <NUM> is operated due to the operation of the dishwasher <NUM>, air bubbles are generated in the washing water, and the washing water containing the air bubbles is introduced into the sump through the tub and then supplied to the spray module through recirculation.

Referring to <FIG>, the air jet generator <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described.

The air jet generator <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes the impeller <NUM> for applying centrifugal force to the washing water that flows, the decompression portion <NUM> for reducing the pressure of the washing water that passed through the impeller, the air suction portion <NUM> which is opened to allow air to be introduced into the decompression portion, the pressing portion <NUM> for increasing a pressure to crush the air introduced from the air suction portion, and the air tap <NUM> having a plurality of holes for crushing the air contained in the washing water passed through the pressing portion.

The decompression portion <NUM> has a cross-sectional area of the flow path that is decreased in the traveling direction of the washing water. The pressing portion <NUM> is formed in such a manner that the rate of increase in the cross-section of the flow path per flow path length is larger than the rate of decrease in the cross-section of the flow path per flow path length of the decompression portion. The air suction portion <NUM> is disposed in a portion where the flow path area of the decompression portion <NUM> is decreased.

The decompression portion <NUM> and the pressing portion <NUM> form a single air crushing pipe <NUM>.

The air jet generator <NUM> is connected to an inflow pipe <NUM> for allowing a part of the washing water passed through the pump <NUM> to flow to the air crushing pipe <NUM>, and is connected to a discharge pipe <NUM> for discharging the washing water passed through the air crushing pipe <NUM>.

The discharge module <NUM> according to the present embodiment discharges the washing water introduced from the air jet generator <NUM> to the side surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. The discharge module <NUM> may be connected directly to the side surface of the tub <NUM> or may be disposed in the side surface of the tub <NUM> to supply the washing water containing air bubbles to the side surface of the tub <NUM> through the side surface structure forming a tub discharge flow path.

The discharge module <NUM> includes a main discharge pipe <NUM> connected to the air jet generator <NUM>.

The inflow pipe <NUM> is connected to the air crushing pipe <NUM> and sends part of the washing water discharged from the pump <NUM> to the air crushing pipe <NUM>. The discharge pipe <NUM> connects the air crushing pipe <NUM> and the sump <NUM> or the tub <NUM> to flow the washing water discharged from the air crushing pipe <NUM> to the tub <NUM>.

An inflow end surface <NUM> of the air crushing pipe <NUM> and an end surface of the inflow pipe <NUM> are coupled to each other in a fusing manner at a portion where they are in contact with each other. A discharge end surface <NUM> of the air crushing pipe <NUM> and the end surface of the discharge pipe <NUM> are coupled to each other in a fusing manner at a portion where they are in contact with each other.

Referring to <FIG>, the impeller <NUM> is mounted in an impeller mounting portion <NUM> of the air crushing pipe <NUM> described below. The impeller <NUM> is disposed before the decompression portion <NUM> of the air crushing pipe <NUM> in the direction in which the washing water flows. Thus, the impeller <NUM> is not mounted in the impeller mounting portion <NUM> of the air crushing pipe <NUM> but may be disposed inside the inflow pipe <NUM> or between the decompression portion <NUM> and the inflow pipe <NUM>.

The impeller <NUM> according to the present embodiment is mounted and fixed to the impeller mounting portion <NUM>. The impeller <NUM> includes an impeller circumferential portion <NUM> having an annular outer shape and a vane <NUM> disposed inside the impeller circumferential portion <NUM> to apply centrifugal force to the washing water. The impeller circumferential portion <NUM> abuts against the impeller mounting portion <NUM> and is fixed.

The washing water passed through the impeller <NUM> rotates as it passes through the vane <NUM> to generate a swirling flow. The vane <NUM> of the impeller <NUM> applies a centrifugal force to the washing water flowing to the decompression portion <NUM>. The vane <NUM> of the impeller <NUM> may be fixed or rotated and applies centrifugal force to the washing water passing through the impeller <NUM>.

The air crushing pipe <NUM> includes the decompression portion <NUM> for decompressing the washing water and increasing the speed of the washing water and the pressing portion <NUM> in which the cross-sectional area of the flow path is drastically increased. The decompression portion <NUM> is provided with an air suction portion <NUM> which sucks air from a portion where the washing water is decompressed to form a negative pressure.

The air crushing pipe <NUM> further includes the impeller mounting portion <NUM> in which the impeller <NUM> is mounted and an air tap mounting portion <NUM> in which the air tap <NUM> is mounted.

The air crushing pipe <NUM> is disposed in the order of the impeller mounting portion <NUM>, the decompression portion, the pressing portion, and the air tap mounting portion <NUM> in the direction in which the washing water flows. The air suction portion <NUM> is formed at a portion where the flow path cross-sectional area of the decompression portion <NUM> is reduced. The air suction portion <NUM> forms a suction port opened upward at a portion where the decompression of the decompression portion <NUM> is terminated.

The impeller mounting portion <NUM> is connected to the end of the inflow pipe <NUM>, and the inner circumference of the impeller mounting portion <NUM> is formed to correspond to the outer circumference of the impeller circumferential portion <NUM> such that the impeller <NUM> is mounted and fixed to the impeller mounting portion <NUM>.

The decompression portion <NUM> is disposed in the next position of the impeller mounting portion <NUM> of the air crushing pipe <NUM> in the direction in which the washing water flows. The decompression portion <NUM> is a part of the air crushing pipe <NUM> through which the washing water that passed through the impeller <NUM> flows. In the decompression portion <NUM>, the cross sectional area of the flow path is decreased in the progress direction of the washing water such that the pressure of the washing water flowing through the decompression portion <NUM> is decreased and the speed is increased.

In the decompression portion <NUM>, the cross section of the flow path is gradually decreased in the progress direction of the washing water.

The decompression portion <NUM> forms an air suction portion <NUM> at a portion where the decompression is terminated. The air suction portion <NUM> is formed at a portion where the cross-section of the flow path of the decompression portion <NUM> is reduced. The air suction portion <NUM> forms an air suction port <NUM> opened toward the upper side of the dishwasher opposite to the ground to prevent the water from flowing toward the air suction portion and being accumulated even if the pump does not operate.

The air suction portion <NUM> forms an air suction port <NUM> opened upward from one side of the decompression portion <NUM>. The air suction portion <NUM> includes an air suction pipe <NUM> protruding from one side of the decompression portion <NUM> to form a flow path through which air is sucked therein. The air suction pipe <NUM> is connected to a connection pipe (not shown) connected to suck the outside air. The connection pipe is connected to the outside of the dishwasher <NUM> or into the tub <NUM>. The connection pipe may be coupled to the air suction pipe <NUM> in a fusing manner.

The air suction pipe <NUM> may be integrally formed with the connection pipe and directly connected to the outside of the dishwasher <NUM> or to the tub <NUM>.

In the decompression portion <NUM>, the area of the flow path is decreased toward the progress direction of the washing water so that the pressure of the washing water is lowered, and a negative pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure is formed at a portion where the suction port <NUM> of the air suction portion <NUM> is formed such that the outside air is sucked in by itself. The air sucked into the air crushing pipe <NUM> is primarily crushed by the speed and the swirling force of the washing water flowing inside the decompression portion <NUM>. The air suction unit <NUM> can be connected with an air pump (not shown) so as to inject more air into the air crushing pipe <NUM>.

The washing water containing the primarily crushed air flows to the pressing portion <NUM>.

The pressing portion <NUM> is disposed in the next part of the decompression portion <NUM> of the air crushing pipe <NUM> in the direction in which the washing water flows. The pressing portion <NUM> receives the washing water that passed through the decompression portion <NUM>.

The pressing portion <NUM> increases the pressure to such an extent that the air introduced from the air suction portion <NUM> is crushed. In the pressing portion <NUM>, the cross-sectional area of the flow path is rapidly increased in the direction in which the washing water flows so that the air contained in the washing water can be crushed. The increasing ratio (ΔH2/L2) of the radius of the flow path cross section per flow path length of the pressing portion <NUM> is larger than the decreasing ratio (ΔH1/L1) of the radius of the flow path cross section per flow path length of the decompression portion.

The flow path cross-sectional area of a discharge end portion of the pressing portion <NUM> is formed wider than the flow path cross-sectional area of an inflow end portion of the decompression portion <NUM>. The pressing portion <NUM> expands larger than the flow path cross-section of the inflow pipe <NUM> so that the air crushing through a pressure difference occurs effectively.

As the cross-sectional area of the flow path rapidly increases, the speed of the washing water decreases, and the pressure rapidly increases. Due to a sudden increase in pressure, the air in the washing water is secondarily crushed.

In the direction in which the washing water flows, a side end surface of the flow path of the pressing portion <NUM> increases like a curved line of a quadratic function, and then, is bent in a stepped shape and a side end surface of the flow path is widened. Since the cross section of the flow path of the pressing portion <NUM> is gradually expanded in a narrow section, air crushing in the washing water through the pressure difference effectively proceeds.

The air tap mounting portion <NUM> is disposed in the next position of the pressing portion <NUM> of the air crushing pipe <NUM> in the direction in which the washing water flows. The air tap mounting portion <NUM> maintains a constant flow path extended from the pressing portion <NUM>, and the air tap <NUM> is mounted inside the air tap mounting portion <NUM>.

The air tap <NUM> is mounted in the air tap mounting portion <NUM> of the air crushing pipe <NUM>. The air tap <NUM> is fixed to the air tap mounting portion <NUM>. The air tap <NUM> is disposed at a position spaced apart from the pressing portion <NUM> by a certain distance.

The air tap <NUM> has a disk shape, and is provided with a plurality of holes <NUM> penetrating the inside thereof. The washing water passed through the pressing portion <NUM> passes through the air tap. The air in the washing water is thirdly crushed while passing through the plurality of holes <NUM> formed in the air tap <NUM>.

The holes <NUM> formed in the air tab <NUM> are disposed closely to the disk-shaped air tab <NUM> at regular intervals. The air tap <NUM> may be provided with a hollowed type hole or a slot type hole elongated in the left and right direction. In addition, it may be a cross slot type hole in which an elliptical shape elongated in the vertical direction and an elliptical shape elongated in the left and right direction are combined.

In the hole <NUM> formed in the air tap <NUM>, as the contact area with the air bubble increases, the shearing force acting on the air bubble increases to increase the amount of generated air bubbles. Thus, the slot type hole is preferable to the hollowed type hole. However, when the size of the hole is excessively increased as in the case of the cross slot type, the air tap may have a reliability problem. Thus, it is preferable that the air tap <NUM> has a slot type hole.

When the hole of the air tap <NUM> having the slot type hole is elongated in the left and right direction, and the ratio of the vertical height to the horizontal length of the slot type hole is <NUM>: <NUM> to <NUM>, the amount of generated air bubbles increases, and it is also suitable for the reliability of the air tap. Thus, it is preferable that the ratio of the height to the horizontal length of the slot type hole is <NUM>: <NUM> to <NUM>.

As the washing water passes through the pressing portion <NUM>, the sucked air is secondarily crushed. The air tap <NUM> is spaced apart from the pressing portion <NUM> at a predetermined interval. When the air tab <NUM> is spaced from the pressing portion <NUM> at regular intervals, the sucked air is sufficiently secondarily crushed through the pressing portion <NUM>, and then, passes through the air tap <NUM> again, thereby increasing the amount of generated air bubbles. Therefore, it is preferable that the distance L3 of the air tap <NUM> spaced from the pressing portion <NUM> maintains a distance of the diameter size D or more of the cross section of the air tap so as to maximize the amount of generated air bubbles.

As the thickness of the air tap <NUM> becomes thinner, the possibility of clogging due to foreign substances is lowered, and there is an advantage that mass production is easy. Since the effect of crushing the air is not significantly different depending on the thickness of the air tap <NUM>, it is preferable that the thickness of the air tab <NUM> is manufactured with a thickness ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The discharge pipe <NUM> has a shape in which a side end surface of the flow path is reduced at a portion where the washing water is introduced. In the discharge end of the air crushing pipe <NUM>, the flow path is expanded for the air crushing, and the discharge pipe <NUM> has a shape in which a side end surface of the flow path is reduced at a portion where the washing water is introduced, in order to reduce the size of the flow path volume of the discharge pipe <NUM> connected to the tub <NUM> or the sump <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the air jet generator <NUM> is disposed in the side surface of the lower portion of the dishwasher <NUM>. The air jet generator <NUM> sucks air, is disposed in the lower portion of the dishwasher <NUM> in consideration of vibration and noise generated in the process of forming the air bubbles, and is disposed in the side surface close to the pump <NUM> to minimize the flow path volume.

Referring to <FIG>, the height (Oh) of the center of the discharge end of the pressing portion <NUM> from the lower end of the dishwasher <NUM> is disposed higher than the height (Ih) of the center of the inflow end of the decompression portion <NUM> from the lower end of the dishwasher <NUM>. Since the center of the discharge end of the air crushing pipe <NUM> is disposed higher than the center of the inflow end, even if the pump stops operating, residual water remaining in the air jet generator <NUM> is discharged to the inflow pipe <NUM>, so that the water is not accumulated inside the generator <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the dishwasher <NUM> according to an example useful for understanding but not forming a part of the present invention, the washing water stored in the sump <NUM> is supplied to the spray module <NUM> through the pump <NUM>, and flows into the sump <NUM> through the tub <NUM>.

The air jet generator <NUM> may be provided with washing water through a separate high pressure pump <NUM> without being connected to the branch pipe <NUM> branched from the pump <NUM>. Accordingly, the washing water stored in the sump <NUM> flows to the spray module <NUM> through the pump <NUM> or flows to the air jet generator <NUM> through the high pressure pump <NUM> to form an air bubble.

When the dishwasher <NUM> includes a separate high pressure pump <NUM>, the pressure of the washing water flowing into the air crushing pipe <NUM> is strongly formed, which is advantageous in forming air bubbles.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a structure in which a discharge module is connected to a side surface of a tub according to an embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a discharge module directly connected to a tub according to an embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is an exploded view of a configuration of a discharge module used in <FIG> according to an embodiment. <FIG> is an exploded view of a configuration of a discharge module used in <FIG> according to another embodiment. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a side surface structure for forming a tub discharge path and a discharge module connected to the side surface structure according to another embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a frame and a guide cover which are a configuration of the side surface structure used in <FIG>. <FIG> is a diagram for explaining a height of a discharge port according to an embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a side surface structure and a discharge module connected to the side surface structure according to another embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an inflow pipe and a discharge module that include a fixing portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a state in which the inflow pipe and the discharge module of <FIG> are disposed in a dishwasher.

Referring to <FIG>, the discharge module <NUM> according to the present embodiment discharges the washing water introduced from the air jet generator <NUM> to the tub <NUM>. The discharge module <NUM> connects the air jet generator <NUM> and the tub <NUM>, and, specifically, to the side surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. Since the washing water containing the air bubbles flows to the bottom of the tub along the tub side surface <NUM>, the dirt on the bottom of the tub is removed due to the air bubbles.

A side surface hole 19a is formed in the side surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>, and the washing water discharged from the air jet generator <NUM> is discharged into the tub through the side surface hole 19a formed on the side surface of the tub <NUM> through the discharge module <NUM>.

The discharge module <NUM> is directly connected to the side surface of the tub <NUM> or disposed in the side surface of the tub <NUM> and discharges the washing water from the side surface of the tub <NUM> through the side surface structure <NUM>, <NUM> forming the tub discharge flow path <NUM> and <NUM>. The side surface structure <NUM>, <NUM> may be a water jacket for supplying washing water to the sump <NUM>, or a drying duct for drying the dishes.

First, referring to <FIG>, a structure in which the discharge module <NUM> is directly connected to the side surface of the tub will be described.

Referring to <FIG>, the discharge module <NUM> directly connects the air jet generator <NUM> and the tub <NUM>. The discharge module <NUM> is connected to the side surface hole 19a formed in the side surface of the tub. In one side of the side surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>, the side surface hole 19a for discharging the washing water flowing in the discharge module <NUM> into the tub <NUM> is formed.

The discharge module <NUM> flows the washing water discharged from the air jet generator <NUM> into the tub <NUM> through the side surface hole 19a of the tub <NUM>. The washing water containing the air bubbles is discharged into the tub through the discharge module <NUM> and the side surface hole 19a and flows into the sump <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the discharge module <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a main discharge pipe <NUM> to which the washing water discharged from the air jet generator is introduced, a tub discharge pipe <NUM> which connects the main discharge pipe <NUM> and the tub <NUM>, and a sealer <NUM> which seals a space between the main discharge pipe <NUM> and the tub discharge pipe <NUM>.

The main discharge pipe <NUM> is connected to the discharge end of the air jet generator <NUM>. In the main discharge pipe <NUM>, the cross section of the flow path is partially reduced in the flow direction of the washing water at a portion adjacent to the air jet generator <NUM>. Since maintaining the extended sectional area of the flow path in the pressing portion <NUM> is inefficient in utilizing a lower space, the discharge pipe <NUM> has a shape in which the side end surface of the flow path is reduced, at a portion where the washing water is introduced.

The inflow end of the main discharge pipe <NUM> and the discharge end of the air jet generator <NUM> are coupled in a fusing manner.

The main discharge pipe <NUM> is bent at some sections to be connected to the tub discharge pipe <NUM>. One side of the main discharge pipe <NUM> is connected to the air jet generator <NUM>, and the other side is connected to the tub discharge pipe <NUM>.

A part of the outer circumference of the main discharge pipe <NUM> is fitted into a part of the inner circumference of tub discharge pipe <NUM>. The sealer <NUM> is disposed between the main discharge pipe <NUM> and the tub discharge pipe <NUM>. The sealer <NUM> is disposed between the main discharge pipe <NUM> and the tub discharge pipe <NUM> and seals a portion where the main discharge pipe <NUM> and the tub discharge pipe <NUM> are coupled.

The tub discharge pipe <NUM> connects the main discharge pipe <NUM> and the tub <NUM>, and sends the washing water into the tub <NUM>. The tub discharge pipe <NUM> extends along the side surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>, and is bent at a portion where the side surface hole 19a is formed and connected to the side surface hole 19a.

The tub discharge pipe <NUM> forms a coupling portion <NUM> at a portion where the tub discharge pipe <NUM> is coupled with the main discharge pipe <NUM>. The coupling portion <NUM> is formed to be wider than the flow path cross-section of the tub discharge pipe <NUM> and has a size for surrounding the outer circumference of the main discharge pipe <NUM>. The outer circumference of the main discharge pipe <NUM> is fitted to the inner circumference of the coupling portion <NUM>. The sealer <NUM> is disposed between the inner circumference of the coupling portion <NUM> and the outer circumference of the main discharge pipe <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the main discharge pipe <NUM> may be configured of two pipes including a first main discharge pipe 310a and a second main discharge pipe 310b. The first main discharge pipe 310a is a pipe connected to the air jet generator <NUM>. In a portion adjacent to the air jet generator <NUM>, the flow path cross-section is partially reduced in the flow direction of the washing water. The first main discharge pipe 310a is disposed in the lower side of the bottom surface of the tub <NUM> to be parallel to the bottom surface of the tub, or partially inclined. The first main discharge pipe 310a forms a first flow path change coupling portion 315a where the flow path cross-section is vertically extended to one side at a portion where the first main discharge pipe 310a is coupled with the second main discharge pipe 310b.

The second main discharge pipe 310b connects the tub discharge pipe <NUM> and the first main discharge pipe 310a. The second main discharge pipe 310b may include a partly bent section, but is disposed in parallel to the side surface of the tub as a whole. The second main discharge pipe 310b is connected to the tub discharge pipe <NUM>. The second main discharge pipe 310b forms a second flow path change coupling portion 315b where the flow path cross-section is vertically extended to one side at a portion where the second main discharge pipe 310b is coupled with the first main discharge pipe 310a.

The first flow path change coupling portion 315a of the first main discharge pipe 310a and the second flow path change coupling portion 315b of the second main discharge pipe 310b are coupled to each other to form a vertical or curved flow path in the flow path of the first main discharge pipe 310a.

The flow direction of the washing water is changed at a portion where the first main discharge pipe 310a and the second main discharge pipe 310b are coupled to each other. The first main discharge pipe 310a and the second main discharge pipe 310b are coupled by a fusing method at a portion where both pipes are abutted. The first flow path change coupling portion 315a and the second flow path change coupling portion 315b are coupled by a fusing method.

Hereinafter, a discharge module connected to the side surface structure will be described with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the dishwasher according to the present embodiment may have the side surface structure <NUM> disposed outside the side surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. The side surface structure <NUM> according to the present embodiment may be a water jacket for supplying washing water.

A tub discharge flow path <NUM> is formed inside the side surface structure <NUM>, and a discharge port <NUM> for discharging the washing water flowing to the tub discharge flow path <NUM> into the tub is formed in one side of the tub discharge flow path <NUM>. In addition, the side surface hole 19a is formed in the tub <NUM> at a position corresponding to the discharge port <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the side surface structure <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> disposed to abut on the side surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM> and a guide cover <NUM> coupled to the frame in a shape corresponding to the frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM> and the guide cover <NUM> form both side surfaces of the side surface structure <NUM>, and form the tub discharge flow path <NUM> therein.

The frame <NUM> is provided with the discharge port <NUM> formed at a position corresponding to the side surface hole 19a of the tub <NUM>. The frame <NUM> of the water jacket may further include a tub hole <NUM> communicating with a water supply flow path inside the water jacket. The washing water introduced from the main discharge pipe <NUM> flows along the tub discharge flow path <NUM> and is discharged to the tub <NUM> through the discharge port <NUM>.

The tub discharge flow path <NUM> is connected to the main discharge pipe <NUM> at a lower portion. Inside the guide cover and the frame, the tub discharge flow path <NUM> through which the washing water introduced from the main discharge pipe <NUM> flows is formed.

A lower portion of the tub discharge flow path <NUM> includes a generator connection port <NUM> for connecting with the main discharge pipe <NUM>. The outer circumference of the main discharge pipe <NUM> is fitted to the inner circumference of the lower portion of the generator connection port <NUM>. A sealer for sealing may be disposed between the generator connection port <NUM> and the main discharge pipe <NUM>.

The main discharge pipe <NUM> may be integrally formed or formed of the first main discharge pipe 310a and the second main discharge pipe 310b.

The height O of the discharge port <NUM> from the bottom surface of the tub <NUM> is equal to or less than half of the height M of the tub <NUM>. Therefore, the height of the side surface hole 19a is also formed in a portion of being equal to or less than half of the tub height. The height O of the discharge port <NUM> from the bottom surface of the tub <NUM> is formed to be lower than the height N of the tub hole <NUM> from the bottom surface of the tub <NUM>.

The height O of the discharge port <NUM> from the bottom surface of the tub <NUM> is formed to be equal to or less than half of the height M of the tub <NUM> so as to reduce the amount of the washing water that flows unnecessarily by reducing the length of the tub discharge flow path <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the side surface structure <NUM> disposed outside the side surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM> may be a drying duct for discharging the air of washing tub. Similarly, in the case of the drying duct, the tub discharge flow path <NUM> and the discharge port <NUM> are formed inside the drying duct, and the tub discharge flow path <NUM> is connected to the main discharge pipe <NUM> at the lower portion, so that the washing water containing air bubbles introduced from the air jet generator <NUM> is discharged into the tub <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a fixing portion formed in the inflow pipe and the discharge module will be described with reference to <FIG>.

Since any vibrations occur in the process of sucking and crushing the air, the air jet generator <NUM> includes a fixing portion <NUM>, <NUM> for fixing the inflow pipe <NUM> and the discharge module <NUM> to the cabinet of the dishwasher.

The inflow pipe <NUM> includes an inflow pipe fixing portion <NUM> for fixing the inflow pipe <NUM>. The inflow pipe fixing portion <NUM> according to the present embodiment is fixed to the lower portion of the cabinet <NUM>. The discharge module <NUM> includes a discharge pipe fixing portion <NUM> for fixing the discharge module <NUM>. The discharge pipe fixing portion <NUM> according to the present embodiment is fixed to the side surface of the cabinet <NUM>. The discharge pipe fixing portion <NUM> is formed in the main discharge pipe <NUM> disposed adjacent to the air jet generator <NUM>. When the main discharge pipe <NUM> is divided into the first main discharge pipe 310a and the second main discharge pipe, it is preferable that the discharge pipe fixing portion <NUM> is formed in the second main discharge pipe 310b in that it is fixed at the side surface of the cabinet.

Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is not construed as being limited to the described embodiments but is defined by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A dishwasher (<NUM>) comprising:
a tub (<NUM>) that defines a dish washing space therein;
a sump (<NUM>) which contains washing water supplied into the tub (<NUM>);
a spray module (<NUM>) which sprays washing water to the dish washing space;
a pump (<NUM>) which supplies the washing water stored in the sump (<NUM>) to the spray module (<NUM>);
characterized by
an air jet generator (<NUM>) configured to receive, through a flow path branched from the pump (<NUM>), a part of the washing water supplied from the pump (<NUM>) to the spray module (<NUM>), and to generate air bubbles in the washing water to supply the washing water including the air bubbles into the tub (<NUM>), and
a discharge module (<NUM>) configured to receive the washing water containing the air bubbles from the air jet generator (<NUM>) and to discharge the washing water containing the air bubbles into the tub (<NUM>),
wherein the air jet generator (<NUM>) comprises:
an impeller (<NUM>) which applies centrifugal force to the washing water that flows;
a decompression portion (<NUM>) which decreases a pressure of the washing water that passed through the impeller (<NUM>);
an air suction portion (<NUM>) which injects air into the decompression portion (<NUM>);
a pressing portion (<NUM>) which increases pressure so as to crush the air introduced from the air suction portion (<NUM>); and
an air tap (<NUM>) which has a plurality of holes (<NUM>) so as to crush the air contained in washing water that passed through the pressing portion (<NUM>).