Patent Description:
Generally, a dishwasher is an apparatus that sprays high-pressure wash water to dishes received therein to wash the dishes and dries the washed dishes. Specifically, the dishwasher is operated such that high-pressure wash water is sprayed into a tub, in which dishes are received, and the sprayed wash water removes foreign matter, such as food waste, from the surfaces of the dishes.

The dishwasher is configured such that food waste contained in wash water is filtered by a filter for reuse of the used wash water and such that wash water containing detergent is supplied to smoothly separate food waste from dishes. In recent years, a dishwasher that increases the temperature of wash water or generates steam using a heater to improve washing efficiency has been widely used.

A conventional dishwasher includes a case defining the external appearance thereof, a washing tub provided in the case for defining a washing space in which dishes are washed, a door disposed in front of the washing tub for opening and closing the washing tub, a drive unit provided under the washing tub for supplying, collecting, circulating, and draining wash water, lower, upper, and top spraying units for spraying wash water supplied by the drive unit to the dishes, and lower, upper, and top racks separably provided between the lower, upper, and top spraying units, the lower, upper, and top racks being selectively loaded in the washing tub based on the kind or size of the dishes.

Each rack is provided at the lower part thereof with a plurality of moving rollers, which are guided along guide rails provided at the inside of the washing tub such that the rack is introduced into or withdrawn from the washing tub.

The lower rack is disposed adjacent to the lower spraying unit to receive relatively large-sized dishes. The upper rack is disposed adjacent to the upper spraying unit to receive relatively small-sized dishes. The top rack is disposed adjacent to the top spraying unit to receive eating utensils (e.g. spoons and knives) and cooking utensils (e.g. dippers and whisks) having smaller sizes than dishes.

In order to wash dishes using the dishwasher, a user opens the door of the dishwasher, withdraws one of the racks from the washing tub, places dishes in the withdrawn rack, pushes the withdrawn rack back into the washing tub of the dishwasher, and closes the door.

Subsequently, when the user operates the dishwasher, wash water is individually or simultaneously supplied to the lower, upper, and top spraying units according to the operation of the drive unit in order to wash the dishes loaded in the lower, upper, and top racks.

In this case, the top rack aims to load and wash relatively small-sized dishes (e.g., eating utensils), and has a very narrow lattice type base to prevent eating utensils from being withdrawn therefrom.

Wash water that has washed eating utensils remain in the lattice type base of the top rack, and drops to upper/lower racks arranged at a lower portion, whereby a drying state of the eating utensils may be incomplete.

Therefore, in order to prevent the wash water remaining in any one of the lower/upper/top racks from dropping to eating utensils loaded in another rack located below, which could lead to an incomplete drying state, it is required to design a rack that may actively drain the wash water remaining in the rack.

<CIT> discloses a dishwasher having such a top rack for loading eating utensils. The top rack is provided with a plurality of rib shaped utensil support portions. The support portions rest on parallel support ribs extending orthogonality to the support portions. A part of said support portions may be provided with a blade shaped cross section to reduce the contact surface between the utensil support portion and the utensil supported by the utensil support portion.

<CIT> discloses a utensil basket for a dishwasher. The basket comprises a bottom wall. The bottom wall is an offset grid or lattice type structure formed by two sets of elongated ribs provided in separate, spaced apart planes. A first plurality of parallel, longitudinal ribs extend lengthwise across the bottom of the basket in a first plane. A second plurality of parallel, transverse ribs extend across the width of the basket in a second plane positioned a predetermined distance below the first plane such that the longitudinal ribs and the transverse ribs are vertically offset from each other. The cross section of the ribs are such as to optimize water drainage from the ribs. The longitudinal ribs have a cross sectional shape comprising a triangle having a fully radiused apex. The transverse ribs have a cross sectional shape comprising an inverted triangle with a full radius at both the base and the apex. The longitudinal ribs and the transverse ribs are joined at their projected points of intersection by a plurality of connecting ribs. Each of the connecting ribs generally forms a hexahedral member have an upper end connected to one of the longitudinal ribs and a bottom end connected to one of the transverse ribs. The side walls of the connecting ribs are angled to facilitate molding.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a rack for a dishwasher and a dishwasher having the same, which substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a rack for a dishwasher and a dishwasher having the same, which may improve drying efficiency of eating utensils or objects by improving drainage performance of the rack for the dishwasher.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a rack for a dishwasher and a dishwasher having the same, which may minimize wash water remaining in the rack by improving a structure of the rack.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a rack for a dishwasher and a dishwasher having the same, which may minimize wash water remaining between eating utensils or objects and the rack by minimizing a contact area between the eating utensils or objects loaded in the rack and the rack through improvement of a structure of the rack.

Further still another object of the present invention is to provide a rack for a dishwasher and a dishwasher having the same, which may minimize wash water remaining in an intersection point of a plurality of ribs, which cross one another to form a loading space in a loading portion of the dishwasher, by varying an intersection height of the ribs.

Further still another object of the present invention is to provide a rack for a dishwasher and a dishwasher having the same, which may more actively flow washing water remaining in a plurality of ribs, which cross one another to form a loading space in a loading portion of the dishwasher, by improving a shape of the ribs.

The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawing.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a rack for a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an outer edge rib forming a loading space in which dishes are loaded, and a loading surface formed inside the outer edge rib for loading the dishes therein.

The loading surface is formed by a plurality of lower ribs arranged to be extended in one direction of the outer edge rib, and upper ribs arranged to be extended in a direction crossing the lower ribs and formed at a position higher than the lower ribs.

The lower ribs and the upper ribs are formed at different heights to cross each other, and such a height difference between the lower ribs and the upper ribs may reduce or downsize an area where water drop of residual wash water may be formed in an intersection point between the respective ribs by cohesion.

Therefore, the height of the lower ribs and the height of the upper ribs in the rack may be formed differently from each other to reduce an area where water drop of wash water may form cohesion at the same height, whereby the water drop of the wash water may easily be dropped from the intersection point of the lower ribs and the upper ribs.

The lower rib is provided with an upper inclined portion forming an upper portion, provided with an inclined surface of which both sides are downwardly inclined.

The lower rib is provided with a lower curvature portion arranged below the upper inclined portion and provided with a curved surface of which both lower sides are curved toward a center.

The upper inclined portion and the lower curvature portion may improve drainage performance of wash water by allowing the wash water dropped from the upper portions of the upper inclined portion and the lower curvature portion to flow along an inclined surface of the upper inclined portion and a curved surface of the lower curvature portion.

Also, the wash water flowing to the lower curvature portion of the lower rib may easily flow to the lower portion of the lower rib by a shape of the curved surface of the lower curvature portion and at the same time is longitudinally spread along an extension direction of the lower rib to obtain an increased surface area, whereby the wash water may be dried more quickly.

The upper rib is provided with an upper curvature portion provided with a curved surface of which both sides are downwardly curved.

The upper rib is provided a lower inclined portion provided with an inclined surface of which both lower sides are inclined toward a center.

The upper curvature portion of the upper rib may cross the lower inclined portion of the lower rib.

In this case, the upper curvature portion and the lower inclined portion may improve drainage performance of wash water by allowing the wash water dropped from the upper portions of the upper curvature portion and the lower inclined portion to flow along the curved surface of the upper curvature portion and the inclined surface of the lower inclined portion.

Also, the lower curvature portion of the lower rib and the upper curvature portion of the upper rib may be formed with a convex shaped curved surface but may be formed with a plane shaped inclined surface if necessary.

In this case, if the lower curvature portion and the upper curvature portion may be formed as curved surfaces, a sectional area of each of the ribs may be increased to improve strength of each of the ribs. Also, an angle of the wash water flowing along each of the curvature portions may be changed to actively flow the wash water.

In detail, as the lower curvature portions and the upper curvature portions may be extended from the center to the lower portion or the upper portion of each of the ribs, the flowing angle of the wash water is changed by the curved shape. This angle change in each of the curvature portions may force or allow the wash water to flow more quickly by changing the adhesive force between each of the ribs and the wash water.

Preferably, a rib connector is further formed to connect the upper rib and/or the lower rib to the outer edge rib.

Preferably, the rib connector is formed curved with respect to the loading surface.

Preferably, it is upwardly curved for being connected to the outer edge rib.

In this case, the rib connector may be provided with an upper curvature portion formed on the upper rib or the lower rib and curved based on the loading space.

Preferably, the upper curvature portion may improve drainage performance of wash water by allowing the wash water remaining in the upper portion of the lower rib to flow to the upper inclined portion of the lower rib along the curved surface.

A lower curvature portion may be formed on the lower surface of the upper rib or the lower rib and may be curved with respect to the loading space.

Preferably, the lower curvature portion may improve drainage performance of wash water by allowing the wash water remaining between the lower rib and the outer edge rib to flow to the lower curvature portion of the lower rib.

Preferably, at least one guide rib is formed which might extend parallel to the upper ribs.

Preferably, the at least one guide rib may have a height higher than the height of the upper rib. In this case, the guide rib may prevent relatively large-sized dishes among dishes from moving in a crossing direction of the upper ribs.

Preferably, at least one support rib may be formed which might extend parallel to the upper ribs.

Preferably, at least one support rib may have an uneven portion having a plurality of grooves repeatedly formed thereon. In this case, the support rib may prevent relatively small-sized dishes among dishes from moving in a direction parallel with the upper ribs.

Preferably, at least one of partition rib may be formed which may extend parallel to the upper ib.

Preferably, at least one support rib may have a plurality of partition protrusions spaced apart from one another at a predetermined interval thereon. In this case, the partition rib may load eating utensils such as spoons and chopsticks without overlap and at the same time prevent the eating utensils from moving.

Preferably, a middle partition rib for partitioning a space partitioned by the outer edge rib is further provided, and a variable space loading unit coupled to one side space partitioned by the middle partition rib in a state that it is suspended by a pair of support links rotatably provided at the outer edge rib and a lifting unit provided at the outer edge rib to lift the variable space loading unit are further provided.

In this case, the variable space loading unit is provided with a front inclined slot and a rear inclined slot, into which each slide protrusion is inserted, inclined at a predetermined angle, and the lifting unit includes a lifting lever protruded to an outer side of the outer edge rib, an extension extended from an inner side of the outer edge rib to the front inclined slot and the rear inclined slot, and a front slide protrusion and a rear slide protrusion inserted into each inclined slot at an end of the extension. Therefore, the loading space of the dishes may be varied in accordance with a shape size of the dishes and then efficiently used.

In another aspect, a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a washing tub forming a washing space, a rack provided to be inserted into or withdrawn out of the washing tub, accommodating dishes therein, and a plurality of spray units spraying wash water to the rack, wherein the rack includes an outer edge rib forming a loading space in which the dishes are loaded, and a loading surface formed inside the outer edge rib, loading the dishes therein, wherein the loading surface includes a plurality of lower ribs arranged to be extended in one direction of the outer edge rib, and upper ribs arranged to be extended in a direction crossing the lower ribs and formed at a position higher than the lower ribs.

The lower ribs and the upper ribs are formed at different heights to cross each other, and such a height difference between the lower ribs and the upper ribs may downsize an area where water drop of residual wash water may be formed in an intersection point between the respective ribs by cohesion.

Therefore, the height of the lower ribs and the height of the upper ribs may be formed differently from each other to reduce an area where water drop of wash water may form cohesion at the same height, whereby the water drop of the wash water may easily be dropped from the intersection point of the lower ribs and the upper ribs.

The lower rib is provided with an upper inclined portion forming an upper portion, provided with an inclined surface of which both sides are downwardly inclined, and a lower curvature portion arranged below the upper inclined portion and provided with a curved surface of which both lower sides are curved toward a center.

Therefore, the upper inclined portion and the lower curvature portion may improve drainage performance of wash water by allowing the wash water dropped from the upper portions of the upper inclined portion and the lower curvature portion to flow along an inclined surface of the upper inclined portion and a curved surface of the lower curvature portion.

Preferably, the upper rib may be provided with an upper curvature portion crossing a lower portion of the lower curvature portion, provided with a curved surface of which both sides are downwardly curved, and a lower inclined portion arranged below the upper curvature portion and provided with an inclined surface of which both lower sides are inclined toward a center.

Therefore, the upper curvature portion and the lower inclined portion may improve drainage performance of wash water by allowing the wash water dropped from the upper portions of the upper curvature portion and the lower inclined portion to flow along the curved surface of the upper curvature portion and the inclined surface of the lower inclined portion.

The invention is not limited to have multiple racks and can be applied to dishwashers having only one rack and one spray unit or to dishwasher having multiple racks and multiple spray units.

According to the rack for the dishwasher and the dishwasher having the same of the present disclosure, when eating utensils are loaded for washing in the dishwasher, a loading space for the eating utensils may efficiently be used in accordance with shapes and sizes of the eating utensils loaded in the rack.

According to the rack for the dishwasher and the dishwasher having the same of the present invention, it is possible to improve drying efficiency of the eating utensils by improving drainage performance of the rack for the dishwasher.

According to the rack for the dishwasher and the dishwasher having the same of the present invention, it is possible to minimize wash water remaining in the rack by improving a structure of the rack.

According to the rack for the dishwasher and the dishwasher having the same of the present invention, it is possible to minimize wash water remaining between eating utensils and the rack by minimizing a contact area between the eating utensils loaded in the rack and the rack through improvement of a structure of the rack.

The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings:.

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the following description of the present invention, names of constituent elements are defined in consideration of functions in the present invention. Therefore, the names of the constituent elements must not be construed as having meanings that restrict technical elements of the present invention. In addition, the names defined for the respective constituent elements may be substituted with other names in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Hereinafter, a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a dishwasher according to the present invention, and <FIG> is a view simply showing the internal structure of the dishwasher according to the present invention.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a dishwasher <NUM> according to the present invention includes a case <NUM> defining the external appearance thereof, a washing tub <NUM> mounted in the case <NUM> for defining a washing space, in which dishes are washed, the washing tub <NUM> having a front open surface, a door <NUM> for opening and closing the open surface of the washing tub <NUM>, a drive unit <NUM> provided under the washing tub <NUM> for supplying, collecting, circulating, and draining wash water.

One or more racks <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be separably provided in the washing tub <NUM> for receiving dishes, and one or more spraying units <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be respectively provided adjacent to the one or more racks <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> for spraying wash water to wash dishes.

The washing tub <NUM>, the driving unit <NUM>, and the one or more spraying units of the dishwasher <NUM> may have the same structures as or similar structures to those of a conventional dishwasher, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The one or more racks <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are provided in the washing tub <NUM> so as to be withdrawn from the washing tub <NUM> through the open surface of the washing tub <NUM>. The racks include a first rack <NUM> provided in the lower part of the washing tub <NUM> for receiving relatively large-sized dishes, a second rack <NUM> provided above the first rack <NUM> for receiving relatively small-sized dishes, and a third rack <NUM> provided in the upper part of the washing tub <NUM> for receiving cutlery and the like.

The one or more spraying units <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are provided to spray wash water to the dishes received in the one or more racks <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively. The spraying units include a lower spraying unit <NUM> provided in the lower part of the washing tub <NUM> for spraying wash water to the first rack <NUM>, an upper spraying unit <NUM> provided between the first rack <NUM> and the second rack <NUM> for spraying wash water to the first and second racks <NUM> and <NUM>, and a top spraying unit <NUM> provided in the upper part of the washing tub <NUM> for spraying wash water to the third rack <NUM> or the second rack <NUM>.

Guide rails (not shown) for guiding the withdrawal and introduction of the one or more or first, second, and third racks <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are provided at opposite sidewalls of the washing tub <NUM>. The guide rails may include fixed guide rails (not shown) for guiding the withdrawal and introduction of the first rack <NUM> and telescopic guide rails (not shown) for guiding the withdrawal and introduction of the second and third racks <NUM> and <NUM>, the length of the telescopic guide rails being increased as the second and third racks <NUM> and <NUM> are withdrawn.

The door <NUM> is provided to open and close the front open surface of the washing tub <NUM>. The door <NUM> is provided at the lower end of the open surface thereof with a hinge unit (not shown), about which the door <NUM> is hingedly rotated such that the door <NUM> is opened and closed.

The door <NUM> is provided at the outer surface thereof with a grip <NUM> for opening the door <NUM> and a control panel <NUM> for controlling the dishwasher <NUM>. When the door <NUM> is closed, the inner surface of the door <NUM> defines one surface of the washing tub <NUM>.

When the door <NUM> is opened, the inner surface of the door <NUM> defines a location surface on which the first rack <NUM> is located. To this end, when the door <NUM> is opened, the location surface of the door <NUM> may horizontally extend from the guide rails for guiding the first rack <NUM>.

Specifically, the present invention will be explained on the third rack <NUM> and the dishwasher <NUM> having the same. Consequently, the general construction of the dishwasher <NUM> and the first and second racks <NUM> and <NUM> will not be described.

Hereinafter the third rack <NUM>, which is the most preferred solution of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a first use state of a third rack of the dishwasher according to the present invention, and <FIG> is a side view showing the first use state of the third rack of the dishwasher according to the present invention.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the third rack <NUM> includes a fixed space loading unit <NUM> having a fixed loading space and a variable space loading unit <NUM> having a variable loading space.

General-sized dishes may be loaded into the fixed space loading unit <NUM>. Dishes having sizes that make them difficult to load into the fixed space loading unit <NUM> or dishes that waste the loading space in the first or second rack <NUM> or <NUM> when loaded in the first or second rack <NUM> or <NUM> may be selectively loaded into the variable space loading unit <NUM>.

The third rack <NUM> further includes an outer edge rib <NUM> defining the outer edge of the fixed space loading unit <NUM> or the variable space loading unit <NUM>, a middle partition rib <NUM> for partitioning the interior of the third rack <NUM> into the fixed space loading unit <NUM> and the variable space loading unit <NUM>, a lifting unit <NUM> for upwardly and downwardly moving the variable space loading unit <NUM> to vary the loading space of the variable space loading unit <NUM>, and moving roller units <NUM> supported by the telescopic guide rails such that the third rack <NUM> is withdrawn from the washing tub <NUM>.

The outer edge rib <NUM> defines the outer edge of the third rack <NUM>. The outer edge rib <NUM> is configured so as to correspond to the inner size of the washing tub <NUM>. The outer edge rib <NUM> is formed to have a hollow box shape in order to improve the strength of the third rack <NUM>. A grip <NUM> for introducing and withdrawing the third rack <NUM> is formed at the front of the outer edge rib <NUM>. The outer edge rib <NUM> may be formed to have a closed rim surrounding inner loading space.

In addition, the outer edge rib <NUM> is provided at the lower part of one side thereof with a first front link turning unit 214a and a first rear link turning unit 214b, to which a front support link 248a and a rear support link 248b, a description of which will follow, are turnably coupled. The first front link turning unit 214a and the first rear link turning unit 214b will be described in detail when describing the variable space loading unit <NUM>.

The moving roller units <NUM>, supported by the telescopic guide rails provided at the washing tub <NUM>, are provided at the rears of opposite sides of the outer edge rib <NUM>. The moving roller units <NUM> include upper moving rollers <NUM> for supporting the upper surfaces of the telescopic guide rails and lower moving rollers <NUM> for supporting the lower surfaces of the telescopic guide rails.

The middle partition rib <NUM> partitions the interior of the third rack <NUM>, defined by the outer edge rib <NUM>, into the fixed space loading unit <NUM> and the variable space loading unit <NUM>.

The middle partition rib <NUM> may partition the interior of the third rack <NUM>, defined by the outer edge rib <NUM>, into the fixed space loading unit <NUM> and the variable space loading unit <NUM> in the direction in which the third rack <NUM> is withdrawn or in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the third rack <NUM> is withdrawn. In this embodiment, the middle partition rib <NUM> partitions the interior of the third rack <NUM>, defined by the outer edge rib <NUM>, into the fixed space loading unit <NUM> and the variable space loading unit <NUM> in the direction in which the third rack <NUM> is withdrawn.

The middle partition rib <NUM> is provided at the lower part thereof with a second front link turning unit 222a and a second rear link turning unit 222b, which are opposite the first front link turning unit 214a and the first rear link turning unit 214b, respectively.

The variable space loading unit <NUM> is upwardly and downwardly movably supported by a front support link 248a turnably provided between the first front link turning unit 214a and the second front link turning unit 222a and a rear support link 248b turnably provided between the first rear link turning unit 214b and the second rear link turning unit 222b.

The fixed space loading unit <NUM> may be formed at the other side (or one side) of the space partitioned by the middle partition rib <NUM>. The fixed space loading unit <NUM> is provided with a fixed loading surface 300a formed on a lower surface between the outer edge rib <NUM> and the middle partition rib <NUM> to arrange eating utensils thereon.

The variable space loading unit <NUM> is provided to ascend by being spaced apart from the outer edge rib <NUM> and the middle partition rib <NUM> at one side (or the other side) of the space partitioned by the middle partition rib <NUM>.

The variable space loading unit <NUM> may include a variable loading surface 300b forming a surface where eating utensils are loaded, a guide rib <NUM> protruded from an outer side of the variable loading surface 300b to form a space where eating utensils are loaded, and front support link 248a and rear support link 248b rotatably coupled to the first front link turning unit 214a and the first rear link turning unit 214b and the second front link turning unit 222a and the second rear link turning unit 222b of the outer edge rib <NUM> to support the lower portion of the variable loading surface 300b.

The fixed loading surface 300a of the fixed space loading unit <NUM> and the variable loading surface 300b of the variable space loading unit <NUM> may be formed by intersection between a plurality of lower ribs <NUM> and a plurality of upper ribs <NUM>, and will be described in detail with reference to separate drawings below.

In this case, a front link insertion slot 247a and a rear link insertion slot 247b for insertion into the front support link 248a and the rear support link 248b may be formed on the lower surface of the variable loading surface 300b, and the variable space loading unit <NUM> is supported by the front support link 248a and the rear support link 248b to enable pendulum movement.

That is, if the front support link 248a and the rear support link 248b are close to a horizontal portion, the position of the variable loading surface 300b ascends, and if the front support link 248a and the rear support link 248b are close to a vertical portion, the position of the variable loading surface 300b descends, whereby the loading space of the variable space loading unit <NUM> may be varied.

The guide rib <NUM> of the variable space loading unit <NUM> is provided at one side thereof with a front inclined slot 245a and a rear inclined slot 245b having a predetermined angle of inclination. The front inclined slot 245a and the rear inclined slot 245b are arranged parallel to each other. The front inclined slot 245a and the rear inclined slot 245b are coupled to the lifting unit <NUM>, a description of which will follow, such that the front inclined slot 245a and the rear inclined slot 245b slide along with the movement of the lifting unit <NUM> to upwardly and downwardly move the variable space loading unit <NUM>.

The front inclined slot 245a and the rear inclined slot 245b are respectively provided at the lower ends thereof with a front holding hole 246a and a rear holding hole 246b, through which the guide rib <NUM> is held by the lifting unit <NUM>. The front inclined slot 245a, the rear inclined slot 245b, the front holding hole 246a, and the rear holding hole 246b will be described in detail when describing the lifting unit <NUM>.

The lifting unit <NUM> upwardly or downwardly moves the variable space loading unit <NUM> of the third rack <NUM> relative to the outer edge rib <NUM> and the middle partition rib <NUM> in order to decrease or increase the loading space (specifically the loading depth) of the variable space loading unit <NUM>.

The lifting unit <NUM> includes a lifting lever <NUM> for moving the lifting unit <NUM>, a front extension 254a extending from the lifting lever <NUM> to the front inclined slot 245a of the variable space loading unit <NUM>, a rear extension 254b extending from the lifting lever <NUM> to the rear inclined slot 245b of the variable space loading unit <NUM>, a front slide protrusion 255a protruding from the front extension 254a so as to be inserted into the front inclined slot 245a and then slide, and a rear slide protrusion 255b protruding from the rear extension 254b so as to be inserted into the rear inclined slot 245b and then slide.

The lifting lever <NUM>, the front and rear extensions 254a and 254b, and the front and rear slide protrusions 255a and 255b may be integrally formed by injection molding. Alternatively, the lifting lever <NUM>, the front and rear extensions 254a and 254b, and the front and rear slide protrusions 255a and 255b may be separately formed so as to be separated from each other as needed.

The lifting unit <NUM> is disposed in the inner space of the outer edge rib <NUM>, which is formed to increase the strength of the third rack <NUM>. The lifting lever <NUM> is provided so as to extend through the outer edge rib <NUM> and to protrude above the outer edge rib <NUM>.

The front extension 254a extends from the inner space of the outer edge rib <NUM> to the front inclined slot 245a. The front slide protrusion 255a, which is inserted into the front inclined slot 245a, is provided at one end of the front extension 254a.

The rear extension 254b extends from the inner space of the outer edge rib <NUM> to the rear inclined slot 245b. The rear slide protrusion 255b, which is inserted into the rear inclined slot 245b, is provided at one end of the rear extension 254b.

The front inclined slot 245a and the rear inclined slot 245b, which are formed at the variable space loading unit <NUM>, are inclined upward in the direction in which the lifting unit <NUM> is moved. The front holding hole 246a and the rear holding hole 246b, in which the front slide protrusion 255a and the rear slide protrusion 255b are respectively held, are respectively provided at the lower ends of the front inclined slot 245a and the rear inclined slot 245b.

When the lifting unit <NUM> is moved to the front side of the third rack <NUM>, therefore, the front slide protrusion 255a and the rear slide protrusion 255b of the lifting unit <NUM> are respectively held in the front holding hole 246a and the rear holding hole 246b of the variable space loading unit <NUM> to support the variable space loading unit <NUM> in the state in which the variable space loading unit <NUM> is raised.

When the lifting unit <NUM> is moved to the rear side of the third rack <NUM>, the front slide protrusion 255a and the rear slide protrusion 255b are respectively separated from the front holding hole 246a and the rear holding hole 246b and then respectively move along the front inclined slot 245a and the rear inclined slot 245b. As a result, the front inclined slot 245a and the rear inclined slot 245b are pushed. Consequently, the variable space loading unit <NUM> moves downward relative to the lifting unit <NUM>, the outer edge rib <NUM>, and the middle partition rib <NUM>, whereby the loading depth of the variable space loading unit <NUM> is increased. That is, the loading space of the variable space loading unit <NUM> is increased.

The outer edge rib <NUM>, the middle partition rib <NUM>, and fixed space loading unit <NUM> may be integrally formed by injection molding. The middle partition rib <NUM> and the fixed space loading unit <NUM> may be omitted as needed. That is, the entirety of the inner space of the outer edge rib <NUM>, which defines the third rack <NUM>, may constitute the variable space loading unit <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the fixed loading surface 300a formed in the fixed space loading unit <NUM> and the variable loading surface 300b formed in the variable space loading unit <NUM> will be described in detail with the accompanying drawings.

In this case, the fixed loading surface 300a and the variable loading surface 300b may be formed by the plurality of ribs <NUM> and <NUM> that cross each other, and a plurality of communication hole <NUM> for draining wash water may be formed between the respective ribs <NUM> and <NUM>.

Also, the fixed loading surface 300a and the variable loading surface 300b may be formed to be very similar to each other. In the following description, a description will be given based on the fixed loading surface 300a formed in the fixed space loading unit <NUM>. However, the variable loading surface 300b of the variable space loading unit <NUM> is not limited to a specific shape. If the variable loading surface 300b includes an element for forming the fixed loading surface 300a, it may be considered that it pertains to the scope of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a sectional perspective view illustrating a partially cut portion of a loading surface, <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line A-A' of <FIG>, <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line B-B' of <FIG>, and <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line C-C' of <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the fixed loading surface 300a includes a plurality of lower ribs <NUM> arranged in parallel in one direction of the fixed space loading unit <NUM>, and a plurality of upper ribs <NUM> arranged in parallel in a direction crossing the lower ribs <NUM> and positioned at different heights with respect to the lower ribs <NUM>. In this case, a plurality of communication holes <NUM> for draining wash water are formed between the lower ribs <NUM> and the upper ribs <NUM>, which are arranged to cross each other.

In this case, the lower ribs <NUM> and the upper ribs <NUM> are formed at different heights to cross each other, and such a height difference between the lower ribs <NUM> and the upper ribs <NUM> is intended to downsize an area where water drop of residual wash water may be formed in an intersection point between the respective ribs <NUM> and <NUM> by cohesion.

That is, the height of the lower ribs <NUM> and the height of the upper ribs <NUM> is be formed differently from each other to reduce an area where water drop of wash water may form cohesion at the same height, whereby the water drop of the wash water may easily be dropped from the intersection point of the lower ribs <NUM> and the upper ribs <NUM>.

In more detail, if the lower ribs <NUM> and the upper ribs <NUM> cross each other at the same height, the wash water flowing along the lower portion of each of the ribs <NUM> and <NUM> forms a spherical drop at a corner portion where the respective ribs <NUM> and <NUM> cross each other and a lower point by surface tension. In this case, the spherical drop formed on the lower portion of the intersection point between the respective ribs <NUM> and <NUM> has the smallest surface area that may not be good for drying of the wash water.

If the lower ribs <NUM> and the upper ribs <NUM> cross each other at different heights, the wash water flowing along the lower portion of the upper ribs <NUM> flows to the lower portion of the lower ribs <NUM> by self-load, and the wash water flowing to the lower portion of the lower ribs <NUM> is formed to be longitudinally spread along an extended length direction of the lower ribs <NUM>.

In this way, if the wash water drop is formed to be longitudinally spread along the lower surface of the lower ribs <NUM>, its surface area is more increased than that of the spherical water drop, whereby it may be more favorable for drying of the wash water.

Meanwhile, at least one of the upper ribs <NUM> may be provided with a guide rib <NUM>, a support rib <NUM> or a partition rib <NUM> selectively formed with a shape different from that of the upper rib to prevent dishes arranged on the fixed loading surface 300a from moving when the dishes are washed or the third rack <NUM> is inserted or withdrawn.

In this case, the guide rib <NUM> is formed to prevent the dishes arranged on the fixed loading surface 300a from moving, and its height is relatively higher than that of the upper rib <NUM>.

The guide rib <NUM> may prevent the dishes from moving in a crossing direction of the upper ribs <NUM>. Also, the guide rib <NUM> may prevent relatively large-sized dishes among the dishes arranged on the fixed loading surface 300a from moving.

The support rib <NUM> is formed to prevent the dishes arranged on the fixed loading surface 300a from moving like the guide rib <NUM>, and is provided with an uneven portion <NUM> having a plurality of grooves on an upper surface.

The uneven portion <NUM> of the support rib <NUM> may prevent the dishes from moving in a direction parallel with a direction where the upper ribs are formed. The uneven portion of the support rib may prevent relatively small-sized dishes among the dishes arranged on the fixed loading surface 300a from moving.

Also, the partition rib <NUM> is formed to separably load rod shaped eating utensils such as spoons and chopsticks among the dishes arranged on the fixed loading surface 300a, and is provided with a plurality of partition protrusions <NUM> spaced apart from one another on an upper surface at a predetermined interval.

As the eating utensils such as spoons and chopsticks are inserted and loaded among the partition protrusions <NUM>, the partition protrusions <NUM> of the partition rib <NUM> may load the eating utensils such as spoons and chopsticks without overlap and at the same time prevent the dishes from moving.

The guide rib <NUM>, the support rib <NUM> and the partition rib <NUM> may be formed in a single body with the upper rib <NUM> by modification of an upper shape of the upper rib <NUM>. Alternatively, the guide rib <NUM>, the support rib <NUM> and the partition rib <NUM> may be formed additionally to a separate rib arranged in parallel with the upper rib <NUM> separately from the upper rib <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the lower rib <NUM> will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

As shown, the lower rib <NUM> is arranged below the upper rib <NUM>, and is formed such that its upper portion is partially overlapped with or inserted into the lower portion of the upper rib <NUM>. The lower rib <NUM> is formed in the form of a bar having a predetermined width TW and a predetermined height LT.

Also, the width TW of the lower rib <NUM> is formed to be narrower than the height LT of the lower rib <NUM>. The wash water may easily be drained from the upper portion of the lower rib <NUM> by a difference between the height LT and the width TW of the lower rib <NUM>.

In this case, the height LT of the lower rib <NUM> may be formed at <NUM> to <NUM>. Preferably, the height LT of the lower rib <NUM> may be <NUM>. Also, the width TW of the lower rib <NUM> may be formed at <NUM> to <NUM>. Preferably, the width TW of the lower rib <NUM> may be <NUM>.

The lower rib <NUM> includes an upper inclined portion <NUM> forming the upper portion and a lower curvature portion <NUM> forming the lower portion.

In this case, the upper inclined portion <NUM> is formed with a pair of upper inclined portions <NUM> of which both sides are downwardly inclined based on a center of a length direction of the lower rib <NUM>, and each upper inclined portion <NUM> is inclined at a predetermined angle TA.

In this case, the upper inclined portion <NUM> is formed with a height TT1 of about <NUM>, and its angle TA may be formed between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, preferably at <NUM>° or more.

The greater the angle of the upper inclined portion <NUM> is, the smaller an adhesive force between the inclined surface of the upper inclined portion <NUM> and the wash water is. Therefore, the wash water drop may easily flow. However, if the upper inclined portion <NUM> is formed with an excessively great angle, strength of the lower rib <NUM> may be weak, whereby it is preferable to maintain an angle of <NUM>°.

The lower curvature portion <NUM> is formed below the upper inclined portion <NUM>, and is formed to be curved based on the lower portion of the lower rib <NUM> at both sides of the upper inclined portion <NUM>. The lower curvature portion <NUM> may be formed with a height LT1 of about <NUM>, and the lower curvature portion <NUM> may be formed with a radius LR of about <NUM>.

The heights TT1 and LT1 and radius LR of the upper inclined portion <NUM> and the lower curvature portion <NUM> may be varied in proportion to the size of the lower rib <NUM>, and their numerical values are not limited to specific values and are illustrated to describe a brief ratio relation.

The upper inclined portion <NUM> and the lower curvature portion <NUM> may improve drainage performance of the wash water by allowing the wash water dropped from the upper portions of the upper inclined portion <NUM> and the lower curvature portion <NUM> to flow along an inclined surface of the upper inclined portion <NUM> and a curved surface of the lower curvature portion <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the upper rib <NUM> will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

As shown, the upper rib <NUM> is arranged above the lower rib <NUM>, and is formed such that its lower portion is partially overlapped with the upper portion of the lower rib <NUM>. The upper rib <NUM> is formed in the form of a bar having a predetermined width LW and a predetermined height TT.

Also, the width LW of the upper rib <NUM> is formed to be narrower than the height TT. The wash water may easily be drained from the upper portion of the upper rib <NUM> by a difference between the height TT and the width LW of the upper rib <NUM>.

In this case, the height TT of the upper rib <NUM> may be formed at <NUM> to <NUM>. Preferably, the height TT of the upper rib <NUM> may be <NUM>. Also, the width LW of the upper rib <NUM> may be formed at <NUM> to <NUM>. Preferably, the width LW of the upper rib <NUM> may be <NUM>.

The upper rib <NUM> includes an upper curvature portion <NUM> forming the upper portion and a lower inclined portion <NUM> forming the lower portion.

The upper curvature portion <NUM> is formed above the lower inclined portion <NUM>, and is formed to be curved based on the upper portion of the lower rib <NUM> at both sides of the lower inclined portion <NUM>. The upper curvature portion <NUM> may be formed with the height TT2 of about <NUM>, and the lower curvature portion <NUM> may be formed with a radius TR of about <NUM>.

In this case, the lower inclined portion <NUM> is formed with a pair of lower inclined portions <NUM> of which both sides are upwardly inclined based on a center of a length direction of the lower rib <NUM>, and each lower inclined portion <NUM> is inclined at a predetermined angle LA.

In this case, the lower inclined portion <NUM> is formed with a height LT2 of about <NUM>, and its angle LA may be formed between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, preferably at <NUM>° or more.

The greater the angle of the lower inclined portion <NUM> is, the smaller an adhesive force between the inclined surface of the lower inclined portion <NUM> and the wash water is. Therefore, the wash water drop may easily flow. However, if the lower inclined portion <NUM> is formed with an excessively great angle, strength of the upper rib <NUM> may be weak, whereby it is preferable to maintain an angle of <NUM>°.

The heights and radius of the lower inclined portion <NUM> and the upper curvature portion <NUM> may be varied in proportion to the size of the upper rib <NUM>, and their numerical values are not limited to specific values and are illustrated to describe a brief ratio relation.

The upper curvature portion <NUM> and the lower inclined portion <NUM> may improve drainage performance of the wash water by allowing the wash water dropped from the upper portions of the upper curvature portion <NUM> and the lower inclined portion <NUM> to flow along a curved surface of the upper curvature portion <NUM> and an inclined surface of the lower inclined portion <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the lower rib <NUM> and the upper rib <NUM> may be formed in a single body in such a manner that the upper portion of the lower rib <NUM> and the lower portion of the upper rib <NUM> are overlapped with and/or at least partly inserted into each other. In this case, the upper rib <NUM> and the lower rib <NUM> may be overlapped with each other such that a tangent line of the upper curvature portion <NUM> and the lower inclined portion <NUM> of the upper rib <NUM> may be matched with a tangent line of the upper inclined portion <NUM> and the lower curvature portion <NUM> of the lower rib <NUM>.

Also, the lower curvature portion <NUM> of the lower rib <NUM> and the upper curvature portion <NUM> of the upper rib <NUM> may be formed with convex shaped curved surfaces but may be formed with plane shaped inclined surfaces (not shown) if necessary.

Otherwise, the upper inclined portion <NUM> of the lower rib <NUM> and the lower inclined portion <NUM> of the upper rib <NUM> may be formed as plane type inclined surfaces but may be formed as curvature type curved surfaces (not shown) if necessary.

That is, in the embodiment of the present invention the lower rib <NUM> is provided with the upper inclined portion <NUM> and the lower curvature portion <NUM> and the upper rib <NUM> is provided with the upper curvature portion <NUM> and the lower inclined portion. However, if necessary, all of the upper portions and the lower portions of the lower rib <NUM> and the upper rib <NUM> may be formed as the inclined surfaces or the curved surfaces.

If the lower curvature portion <NUM> and the upper curvature portion <NUM> are formed as curved surfaces, a sectional area of each of the ribs <NUM> and <NUM> may be increased to improve strength of each of the ribs <NUM> and <NUM>. Also, an angle of the wash water flowing along each of the curvature portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be changed to actively flow the wash water.

That is, as the lower curvature portions <NUM> and the upper curvature portions <NUM> are extended from the center to the lower portion or the upper portion of each of the ribs <NUM> and <NUM>, the flowing angle of the wash water of each of the curvature portions <NUM> and <NUM> is changed by the curved shape of the lower curvature portion <NUM> and the upper curvature portion <NUM>. This angle change in each of the curvature portions <NUM> and <NUM> may flow the wash water more quickly by changing the adhesive force and surface tension between each of the ribs <NUM> and <NUM> and the wash water.

<FIG> illustrates a connection state between the lower rib <NUM> (or the upper rib <NUM>) and the outer edge rib <NUM> (or the middle partition rib <NUM>).

The lower rib <NUM> and the outer edge rib <NUM> are connected with each other by the same manner as the connection state between the upper rib <NUM> and the middle partition rib <NUM>. The connection state between the lower rib <NUM> and the outer edge rib <NUM> will be described as an example.

As shown, the rib connector <NUM> is formed between the lower rib <NUM> and the outer edge rib <NUM>. The rib connector <NUM> is intended to prevent the wash water from remaining between the lower rib <NUM> and the outer edge rib <NUM> by forming a curvature portion between the lower rib <NUM> and the outer edge rib <NUM>.

The rib connector <NUM> may be provided with an upper curvature portion <NUM> and a lower curvature portion <NUM> formed at the lower rib <NUM> adjacent to the outer edger rib <NUM>. In this case, the upper curvature portion <NUM> and the lower curvature portion <NUM> are formed to form the curved surface based on the inner side of the fixed loading surface 300a to make sure of the loading space of the fixed loading surface 300a.

The upper curvature portion <NUM> may improve drainage performance of the wash water by allowing the wash water remaining in the upper portion of the lower rib <NUM> to flow to the upper inclined portion <NUM> of the lower rib <NUM> along the curved surface.

Also, the lower curvature portion <NUM> may improve drainage performance of the wash water by allowing the wash water remaining between the lower rib <NUM> and the outer edge rib <NUM> to flow to the lower curvature portion of the lower rib <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the operation of the racks provided in the dishwasher according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the elements mentioned below are to be understood with reference to the above description and drawings.

When describing the operation of the third rack according to the present invention, a first use state of the variable space loading unit, which is an initial state, will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, and a second use state of the variable space loading unit, which is a variable state, will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a second use state of the third rack of the dishwasher according to the present invention, and <FIG> is a side view showing the second use state of the third rack of the dishwasher according to the present invention.

In order for the user to wash dishes using the dishwasher <NUM>, the user opens the door <NUM> of the dishwasher <NUM>, withdraws at least one of the first, second, and third racks <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, loads dishes into the withdrawn rack, reintroduces the rack, in which the dishes are placed, into the washing tub <NUM> of the dishwasher <NUM>, and closes the door <NUM>.

Subsequently, when the user operates the dishwasher <NUM>, wash water is individually or simultaneously supplied to the upper spraying unit <NUM>, the lower spraying unit <NUM>, and the top spraying unit in response to the operation of the drive unit <NUM>, and the dishes loaded in the racks <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are washed, rinsed, and dried. The washing, rinsing, and drying of the dishes described above are very similar to the operation of a general dishwasher <NUM>, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Before the dishwasher <NUM> is operated, it is necessary to place dishes in the respective racks. In addition, it is necessary to withdraw a specific one of the racks in order to place dishes in the specific rack.

The first rack <NUM> is moved while being guided along the fixed guide rails provided at the lower parts of the inner opposite surfaces of the washing tub <NUM>. When withdrawn, the first rack <NUM> is located on the location surface of the door <NUM>. Dishes are received in the first rack <NUM> in the state in which the first rack <NUM> is located on the location surface of the door <NUM>.

The second rack <NUM> and the third rack <NUM> are moved while being guided along the telescopic guide rails provided at the inner opposite surfaces of the washing tub <NUM>. Dishes are loaded into the second rack <NUM> and the third rack <NUM> in the state in which the second rack <NUM> and the third rack <NUM> are supported by the telescopic guide rails, the lengths of which have been increased.

Relatively small-sized dishes are received in the third rack <NUM>. The dishes may be received in the variable space loading unit <NUM> provided at one side of the third rack <NUM> and the fixed space loading unit provided at the other side of the third rack <NUM>.

In the first use state of the variable space loading unit <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, dishes are loaded into the variable space loading unit <NUM> in the state in which the variable space loading unit <NUM> is raised relative to the outer edge rib <NUM> or the middle partition rib <NUM>.

At this time, the downward movement of the variable space loading unit <NUM> is restricted by the lifting unit <NUM>. That is, when the lifting unit <NUM> is moved to the front side of the third rack <NUM>, the front slide protrusion 255a provided at the front extension 254a of the lifting unit <NUM> and the rear slide protrusion 255b provided at the rear extension 254b of the lifting unit <NUM> are respectively held in the front holding hole 246a formed in the front inclined slot 245a of the variable space loading unit <NUM> and the rear holding hole 246b formed in the rear inclined slot 245b of the variable space loading unit <NUM>. As a result, the position of the variable space loading unit <NUM> is restricted.

In the case in which the sizes of dishes to be loaded into the fixed space loading unit <NUM> and the raised variable space loading unit <NUM> are greater than the sizes of the loading spaces of the fixed space loading unit <NUM> and the raised variable space loading unit <NUM>, the variable space loading unit <NUM> may be moved downward to increase the loading space of the variable space loading unit <NUM>.

The loading space of the variable space loading unit <NUM> is increased as follows. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the user moves the lifting lever <NUM> of the lifting unit <NUM> to the rear of the third rack <NUM>. As a result, the front extension 254a and the rear extension 254b of the lifting unit <NUM> moves to the rear of the third rack <NUM> together with the lifting lever <NUM>.

Consequently, the front slide protrusion 255a and the rear slide protrusion 255b, which are respectively formed at the front extension 254a and the rear extension 254b, are respectively separated from the front holding hole 246a and the rear holding hole 246b of the variable space loading unit <NUM> and then respectively slide along the front inclined slot 245a and the rear inclined slot 245b.

As a result, the supported state of the variable space loading unit <NUM> maintained by the front slide protrusion 255a and the rear slide protrusion 255b of the lifting unit <NUM> is released, and the front slide protrusion 255a and the rear slide protrusion 255b move downward along the front inclined slot 245a and the rear inclined slot 245b by gravity. Consequently, the loading space of the variable space loading unit <NUM> is increased.

The variable space loading unit <NUM> moving downward in response to the movement of the lifting unit <NUM> is suspended by the front support link 248a and the rear support link 248b while being moved in the manner of a pendulum by the front support link 248a and the rear support link 248b, which support the lower surface of the variable space loading unit <NUM>. As a result, the loading space of the variable space loading unit <NUM> is increased.

Meanwhile, the wash water that has washed the dishes in the third sack <NUM> is dropped to the fixed loading surface 300a of the fixed space loading unit <NUM> and the variable loading surface <NUM> of the variable space loading unit <NUM>, and is drained to the communication hole <NUM> formed by each of the ribs <NUM> and <NUM> through the lower rib <NUM> and the upper rib <NUM>, which form the fixed loading surface 300a and the variable loading surface 300b.

In this case, the dishes loaded in each of the loading surfaces 300a and 300b may be supported in the upper end of the upper curvature portion <NUM> of the upper rib <NUM> to minimize the wash water remaining between the dishes and the upper rib <NUM>.

The wash water dropped to the upper rib <NUM> flows to the lower inclined portion <NUM> along the curved surface of the upper curvature portion <NUM> of the upper rib <NUM>. The wash water flowing to the lower inclined portion <NUM> flows along the inclined surface of the lower inclined portion <NUM> and then is spread by surface tension in a length direction of the upper rib <NUM> or dropped to the lower portion of the lower inclined portion <NUM> by self-load.

The wash water spread by surface tension at the lower portion of the lower inclined portion <NUM> may form a wider surface area by spreading and then may be dried more easily. The wash water dropped from the lower inclined portion <NUM> may be drained together with the other dish water.

Also, the wash water dropped to the lower rib <NUM> flows to the lower curvature portion <NUM> along the inclined surface of the upper curvature portion <NUM> of the lower rib <NUM>. The wash water flowing to the lower curvature portion <NUM> flows along the curved surface of the lower curvature portion <NUM> and then is spread by surface tension in a length direction of the lower rib <NUM> or dropped to the lower portion of the lower curvature portion <NUM> by self-load.

The wash water spread by surface tension at the lower portion of the lower curvature portion <NUM> may form a wider surface area by spreading and then may be dried more easily. The wash water dropped from the lower curvature portion <NUM> may be drained together with the other dish water.

Meanwhile, the wash water dropped to and remaining in the intersection point between the lower rib <NUM> and the upper rib <NUM> may flow from the upper rib <NUM> to the lower rib <NUM> in accordance with a crossing shape of each of the ribs <NUM> and <NUM> and may be dropped to the lower portion of the rack <NUM> and then drained, or may be spread from the lower portion of the lower rib <NUM> and then dried.

That is, the wash water dropped to and remaining in the intersection point between the lower rib <NUM> and the upper rib <NUM> may flow to the lower side of the upper rib <NUM> along the upper curvature portion and the lower inclined portion <NUM> of the upper rib <NUM>. The wash water flowing to the lower side of the upper rib <NUM> may flow to the upper inclined portion <NUM> and the lower curvature portion <NUM> of the lower rib <NUM>.

In this case, in case of the intersection point where the upper rib <NUM> and the lower rib <NUM> meet, the upper curvature portion <NUM>/the lower inclined portion <NUM> and the upper inclined portion <NUM>/the lower curvature portion <NUM> may cross each other by being spaced apart from each other in an up and down direction, whereby an area of the wash water, which may remain by surface tension, is reduced.

That is, in case of the intersection point between the upper rib <NUM> and the lower rib <NUM>, since the lower portion of the upper rib <NUM> and the upper portion of the lower rib <NUM> are formed to partially cross each other, an area smaller than that when the upper rib <NUM> and the lower rib <NUM> cross each other at the same height is formed.

Therefore, the wash water flowing to or remaining in the intersection point between the upper rib <NUM> and the lower rib <NUM> may more easily be dropped from the intersection point between the upper rib <NUM> and the lower rib <NUM> and then drained due to downsizing of the area on which surface tension of the wash water may act.

As described above, according to the rack of the present invention, the loading space of the dishes may efficiently be used in accordance with the shape size of the dishes loaded in the loading space.

Also, according to the rack for the dishwasher and the dishwasher having the same of the present invention, it is possible to improve drying efficiency of the dishes by improving drainage performance of the rack when the dishwasher washes the dishes.

Claim 1:
A rack for a dishwasher, the rack comprising:
an outer edge rib (<NUM>) forming a loading space for dishes to be washed; and
a loading surface (300a, 300b) formed inside the outer edge rib (<NUM>) for loading the dishes therein, wherein the loading surface (300a, 300b) is formed by:
a plurality of lower ribs (<NUM>) arranged to be extended in one direction of the outer edge rib (<NUM>); and
upper ribs (<NUM>) arranged to be extended in a direction crossing the lower ribs (<NUM>) and formed at a position higher than the lower ribs (<NUM>),
wherein the lower rib (<NUM>) comprises:
an upper inclined portion (<NUM>) forming an upper portion of the lower rib (<NUM>), the upper inclined portion (<NUM>) is provided with an inclined surface of which both sides are downwardly inclined;
a lower curvature portion (<NUM>) arranged below the upper inclined portion (<NUM>) and provided with a curved surface of which both lower sides are curved toward a center,
wherein the upper rib (<NUM>) comprises:
an upper curvature portion (<NUM>) provided with a curved surface of which both sides are downwardly curved;
a lower inclined portion (<NUM>) provided with an inclined surface of which both lower sides are inclined toward a center.