Patent Description:
A dish washer is a household appliance which washes a food debris on a surface of the dish washer by high-pressure water sprayed from a spray nozzle.

The dish washer includes a tub in which a washing tank is formed, and a sump which is mounted on a bottom surface of the tub to store the water. The water stored in the sump is moved to an internal space of the tub by a pumping action of a washing pump and washes a dish disposed in the internal space of the tub. In addition, foreign maters in the water are filtered by a filter, and then, the water flows into the sump. The water circulates the sump and the tub so as to wash the dish.

<CIT> discloses an air jet generator which forms air bubbles in water supplied to a tub using a portion of water fed by a washing pump.

However, in the above-described air jet generator, a flow direction of the water is horizontal. Accordingly, when an upper space inside the pipe is not fully filled with the water, there is a problem that air bubbles are not easily formed by depressurizing or pressurizing the water.

Moreover, when the air jet generator is disposed in a state where the air jet generator is not fixed inside a space formed by a base, there is a problem that a connection structure of the air jet generator is damaged by vibrations generated when the dish washer is carried.

<CIT> relates to an air jet generator for generating air bubble in washing water, comprising: an impeller applying centrifugal force to flowing washing water; a pressure reduction portion for reducing pressure of the washing water passed through the impeller; an air suction portion for injecting air into the pressure reduction portion; a pressing portion for increasing pressure to brake the air introduced from the air suction portion; and an air tap formed with a plurality of holes to brake the air included in the washing water passed through the pressing portion.

<CIT> presents a dish washer that comprises: a tub having a dish washing space formed therein; a sump containing wash water to be supplied into the tub; a spray module for spraying the wash water toward dishes; a pump for supplying the wash water stored in the sump to the spray module; an air jet generator for receiving a part of the wash water discharged from the pump and generating air bubbles in the wash water; and a discharge module for discharging, to the bottom surface of the tub, the wash water including the air bubbles discharged from the air jet generator.

The present invention provides a structure capable of stably fixing an air jet generator to an inside of a dish washer.

In order to form air bubbles by using the air jet generator as much as possible, a pipe through which water flows may be formed to be perpendicular to the ground, i.e. in vertical direction or in direction of gravity. In this case, in order to minimize a channel length of the pipe used in the air jet generator, a structure may be adopted in which the air jet generator is mounted on a tub and the water passing through the air jet generator is directly sprayed to the tub. In this case, an upper portion of the air jet generator can be fixed to the tub, but a lower portion thereof may freely move due to external vibrations. In this structure, the structure and connection portion of the air jet generator may be damaged by vibrations generated when the dish washer is carried. The present invention also provides a dish washer capable of providing stability to the entire connection of the air jet generator in a structure in which the upper portion of the air jet generator is mounted on the tub.

An object of the present invention is not limited to the above-descried objects, and other objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the following descriptions. The objects are solved by the features of the independent claim. Features of preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

In an aspect, a dish washer is provided. The dish washer includes: a tub which forms a washing space, e.g. for disposing dishes therein; a base which is disposed below the tub and forms a space below the tub; a sump which is disposed below the tub in the space formed by the base and stores water; a washing pump which is disposed below the tub in the space formed by the base and supplies the water stored in the sump to the washing space; and an air jet generator which has a venturi shape including an air inlet formed on one side so as to receive a portion of the water discharged from the washing pump and form air bubbles in the water, and includes an inlet open downward and an outlet formed above a bottom surface of the tub.

The air jet generator includes a tub mounting portion which fixes an upper portion of the air jet generator to the bottom surface of the tub and a base fixing portion which is disposed below the tub mounting portion and fixes a lower portion of the air jet generator to the base. Accordingly, in a structure in which a channel is formed upward, the tub and the base are fixed, and the air jet generator can be stably disposed.

The base fixing portion includes a fixing rib which protrudes outward from a peripheral surface of the air jet generator. The fixing rib may extend in an up-down direction. The fixing rib is mounted to be fixed to the base. Accordingly, it is possible to reinforce strength of the air jet generator and to fix the air jet generator to the base.

The base may include an air jet generator fixing portion which includes a fixing groove opened upward so as to mount a portion of the fixing rib. Accordingly, it is possible to fix the air jet generator by the structure in which the fixing rib is mounted.

The air jet generator fixing portion may include a first plate which is in contact with the fixing rib to prevent the air jet generator from moving in a forward-rearward direction. The air jet generator fixing portion may further include a pair of second plates which perpendicularly extends from both ends of the first plate to prevent the air jet generator from moving in a right-left direction. Accordingly, it is possible to fix the air jet generator in the forward, rearward, right, and left directions.

A fixing rib groove may be formed in a lower end portion fixing rib. The fixing rib groove may be recessed upward so that the first plate is inserted. A vertical protrusion may be disposed in an end portion of the fixing rib. The vertical protrusion may be perpendicularly formed in both directions and may abut on each of the pair of second plates. The pair of second plates may be disposed to be in contact with both ends of the perpendicular portion which is perpendicularly formed in both directions on the end portion of the fixing rib. Accordingly, the fixing rib can be fixed to the air jet generator fixing portion.

The tub mounting portion may have a plate shape extending radially from an upper peripheral surface of the air jet generator. The tub mounting portion may be in close contact with the tub bottom surface below the tub bottom surface. Accordingly, the air jet generator can be fixed to the tub in the upward-downward direction.

The tub mounting portion may include an upper fixing plate which circumferentially protrudes on an outer peripheral surface of the air jet generator. The upper fixing plate may be disposed below the tub bottom surface. The tub mounting portion may include an upper fixing portion which passes through a lower hole formed in the tub bottom surface to protrude upward. Moreover, the dish washer may further include a fixing ring which is coupled to the upper fixing portion protruding upward from the tub bottom surface and prevents the air pulverizing pipe moving downward. Accordingly, the air jet generator can be fixed to the tub.

The air jet generator includes an air pulverizing pipe which may include a first pipe and a second pipe. The first pipe may have an inlet formed on a lower side of the first pipe. The first pipe may be open in an up-down direction. The first pipe may have a channel cross-sectional area which is reduced upward. The second pipe may be disposed above the first pipe. The second pipe may be open in the up-down direction. The second pipe may have a channel cross-sectional area which increases upward. An air inlet hole may be formed around a peripheral surface of the second pipe to communicate with an outside at an inlet end portion of the second pipe. An air tab may be mounted to be inserted into an upper portion of the second pipe from above the second pipe or to be withdrawn from above the upper portion of the second pipe. The air tab may have a plurality of air holes formed vertically to a channel formed in the second pipe. Accordingly, the air bubbles can be formed in the water flowing through the air jet generator.

The tub mounting portion may be formed on an upper end portion of the second pipe. The base fixing portion may extend downward from the tub mounting portion. The base fixing portion may be formed to extend to the first pipe. Accordingly, the air pulverizing pipe extending from the first pipe to the second pipe can be fixed as a whole.

In the context of this disclosure, the directions upward and downward are to be understood with respect to gravity, i.e. upward refers to a direction opposite to the direction of gravity, while downward refers to a direction in direction of gravity. Specific contents of other embodiments are included in the detail description and drawings.

Advantages and features of the present invention and a method for achieving the advantages and features will become apparent by referring to an embodiment described below in detail with reference with the accompanying drawings. However, the present inven-tion is not limited to the embodiment disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. That is, the present embodiment is provided to make the present invention to be complete and to fully inform a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. The same reference numerals indicate the same constituent elements through the entire specification.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings for explaining the dish washer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a configuration of a dish washer and a flow of water inside the dish washer when a dish is washed according to the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In <FIG>, when a tub <NUM> and a base <NUM> are disposed, a side on which the tub <NUM> is disposed is referred to as an upper side, and a side on which the base <NUM> is disposed is referred to as a lower side.

With reference to <FIG>, a dish washer <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a cabinet <NUM> forming an outline, a door <NUM> which is coupled to the cabinet <NUM> and opens or closes an inside of the cabinet <NUM>, a tub <NUM> which is installed inside the cabinet <NUM> and forms a washing space <NUM> to which the water or steam is applied, and a base <NUM> which is disposed below the tub <NUM> and forms a space 28a below the tub <NUM>.

The dish washer <NUM> according to the present embodiment may include a dispenser (not illustrated) which stores a detergent introduced by a user and introduces the detergent into the tub <NUM> in a washing step. The dispenser may be disposed in the door <NUM>. The tub <NUM> forms the washing space <NUM> in which the dish is disposed in order to wash the dish.

The base <NUM> may separate the tub <NUM> from the ground by a predetermined interval. The base <NUM> forms a space 28a in which a sump <NUM> and a washing pump <NUM> described later are disposed. The base <NUM> includes an air jet generator fixing portion <NUM> described later which fixes the air jet generator <NUM>.

The dish washer <NUM> includes racks <NUM> and <NUM> which store a dish inside the tub <NUM>, a spray module <NUM> which sprays the water toward the dish accommodated in the racks <NUM> and <NUM>, a sump <NUM> which supplies the water to the spray module <NUM>, and a washing pump <NUM> which pressure-feeds the water stored in the sump <NUM> to the spray module <NUM>.

The spray module <NUM> is configured to spray the water toward the dish, and includes spray nozzles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and supply pipes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> which connect the washing pump <NUM> and the spray nozzles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to each other.

The dish washer <NUM> further includes a washing motor <NUM> which drives the washing pump <NUM>, and a brushless direct current motor (BLDC) which can control a rotating speed may be used as the washing motor <NUM>.

The dish washer <NUM> may further include a water supply module <NUM> which supplies water to the sump <NUM> or the spray module, a water discharge module <NUM> which is connected to the sump <NUM> and discharges the water to the outside, a filter module <NUM> which installed in the sump <NUM> and filters the water, and a heating module which is installed in the sump <NUM> and heats the water.

The dish washer <NUM> includes the plurality of spray nozzles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the plurality of supply pipes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> through which the water pressure-fed from the washing pump <NUM> are respectively supplied to the plurality of spray nozzles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and a channel switcher <NUM> which supplies the water pressure-fed from the washing pump <NUM> to at least one of the spray nozzles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The water supply module <NUM> is configured to receive the water supplied from the outside and supply the water to the sump <NUM>, and opens or closes a water supply valve 61a to supply the water from the outside into the sump <NUM>. The water discharge module <NUM> is configured to discharge the water stored in the sump <NUM> to the outside and includes a water discharge channel <NUM> and a water discharge pump <NUM>.

The filter module <NUM> is configured to filter foreign matters such as a food debris contained in the water and is disposed in a flow path of the water flowing from the tub <NUM> into the sump <NUM>.

The dish washer <NUM> further includes the washing pump <NUM> which pressure-feeds the water stored in the sump <NUM> to the spray nozzles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The washing pump <NUM> includes a washing pump housing <NUM>, a washing pump impeller <NUM> which is disposed inside the washing pump housing <NUM> and rotated to supply the water to the spray nozzles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, a washing motor <NUM> which rotates the washing pump impeller <NUM>, and a heater <NUM> which heats the water inside the washing pump housing <NUM>.

The washing pump <NUM> is connected to the sump <NUM> through the water supply pipe 58a and connected to the channel switcher <NUM> through a water outlet pipe 58b. Branching pipe <NUM> is formed in the water outlet pipe 58b, and a portion of the water flowing from the washing pump <NUM> can flow to an air jet generator <NUM> through the branching pipe <NUM>.

Steam generated by the heater <NUM> disposed in the washing pump <NUM> flows to a steam nozzle 58c through a steam discharge pipe 58d and may be supplied into the tub <NUM> through the steam nozzle 58c.

The dish washer includes the air jet generator <NUM> which forms air bubbles having a minute size in the water.

In the dish washer according to the present embodiment, a portion of the water supplied by the washing pump <NUM> is supplied to the air jet generator <NUM> in addition to the spray module <NUM> through the branching pipe <NUM>.

The water is supplied to the air jet generator <NUM> through the channel branched off from the washing pump <NUM>, air flows into the supplied water, the air jet generator <NUM> pulverizes the supplied air to generate minute air bubbles. The air jet generator <NUM> is connected to the tub <NUM> or the sump <NUM>. Accordingly, when the pump is operated, the air jet generator <NUM> supplies the water having the generated air bubbles to the sump <NUM>, and thus, the water pressure-fed to the spray module <NUM> includes the air bubbles.

A lower hole (not illustrated) through which a portion of an upper side of the air jet generator <NUM> passes is formed on a bottom of the tub <NUM>. An upper portion of an air pulverizing pipe <NUM> of the air jet generator <NUM> described later passes through the lower hole. Therefore, a portion of the upper portion of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> of the air jet generator <NUM> is disposed on an upper side of the tub <NUM>.

The flow of the water will be described with reference to <FIG>. The water stored in the sump <NUM> of the dish washer <NUM> is supplied to the spray module <NUM> through the washing pump <NUM>, the water supplied to the spray module <NUM> is sprayed to the tub <NUM>, and the water sprayed to the tub <NUM> flows into the sump <NUM> again. In the dish washer <NUM> according to the present embodiment, a portion of the water fed from the washing pump <NUM> flows into the air jet generator <NUM> which generates the air bubbles in the water. A portion of the water flowing through the washing pump <NUM> flows into the air jet generator <NUM> through the branching pipe <NUM>.

A portion of the water discharged from the washing pump <NUM> is supplied to the air jet generator <NUM>. The water flowing into the air jet generator <NUM> passes through an impeller <NUM>, an air inlet hole <NUM>, the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> including a first pipe <NUM> and a second pipe <NUM>, and an air tab <NUM>, and thus, the air bubbles are generated in the water. That is, the water flowing into the air jet generator <NUM> flows swirly by the impeller <NUM>. Thereafter, a speed of the water increases while passing through the first pipe <NUM>, and air flowing into the air inlet hole is primarily pulverized by the washing water which is rotated at a high speed by the impeller <NUM> and the first pipe <NUM>, is secondarily pulverized while passing through the second pipe <NUM>, and is thirdly pulverized while passing through the air tab <NUM>, and thus, includes air bubbles having a minute size.

The water including the air bubbles flows into the sump <NUM> again. The water including the air bubbles may be discharged to the tub <NUM> and may flow into the sump <NUM>. Accordingly, when the washing pump <NUM> is operated by operating the dish washer <NUM>, the air bubbles are generated in the water.

Hereinafter, a configuration and disposition of the air jet generator according to the present disclosure and a fixing structure of the air jet generator will be described with reference to <FIG>.

In <FIG>, based on a direction in which the first pipe <NUM> and the second pipe <NUM> of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> are disposed, a direction in which the first pipe <NUM> is disposed may be referred to as an upward direction, and a direction in which the second pipe <NUM> is disposed may be referred to as a downward direction. Moreover, based on a direction in which the air chamber <NUM> and the fixing rib <NUM> are disposed, a direction in which the air chamber <NUM> is disposed may be referred to as a forward direction, and a direction in which the fixing rib <NUM> is disposed may be referred to as a rearward direction. A direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the fixing rib <NUM> is disposed and in which a reinforcing protrusion is disposed may be referred to as a right-left direction. Generally, an upward direction may be opposite to the direction of gravity, i.e. when the air pulverizing pipe is disposed in vertical direction, the upward direction may correspond to the flow direction of water within the air pulverizing pipe. Likewise, a downward direction may be in the direction of gravity, i.e. opposite to the upward direction. A front side of the dish washer may refer to the side of the dish washer to which the door <NUM> for opening and closing the washing space <NUM> is provided. Likewise, a rear side of the dish washer may refer to a side opposite to the front side. Accordingly, a rearward direction may refer to a direction toward the rear side of the dish washer, and a forward direction may refer to a direction toward the front side of the dish washer. A lateral direction may refer to a horizontal direction perpendicular to the forward-rearward direction.

The air jet generator <NUM> may be disposed on a rear side of a bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. The air jet generator according to the present embodiment may be disposed at an edge side of the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a mounting hole (not illustrated) through which a partial configuration of the air jet generator <NUM> passes is formed in a portion on which the air jet generator <NUM> is mounted, and a mounting surface 25b on which the air jet generator <NUM> is mounted is formed around the mounting hole.

A fixing ring <NUM> described later is disposed above the mounting surface 25b. The mounting surface 25b forms a flat surface to be in close contact with a lower side of the fixing ring <NUM>.

The air jet generator <NUM> may form a channel perpendicular to the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM> or a ground, i.e. a vertical channel. The air jet generator <NUM> has a shape of a venturi tube, and includes the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> in which the air inlet hole <NUM> through which an external air flows in from one side is formed, the air tab <NUM> which pulverizes the air existing in the water discharged from the air pulverizing pipe, and an air chamber <NUM> which forms a space through which the air flows therein and forms an air inlet hole communicating with an inside of the air pulverizing pipe on one side of a lower portion. Moreover, the air jet generator according to the present embodiment may further include the impeller <NUM> which applies a centrifugal force to the water flowing to the air pulverizing pipe.

The dish washer <NUM> may further include the branching pipe <NUM> which causes a portion of the water flowing from the washing pump <NUM> to the spray module <NUM> to flow to the air jet generator <NUM>. An end portion of the branching pipe <NUM> is coupled to the lower portion of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>. The branching pipe <NUM> and the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> may be coupled to each other using a fusion method.

A portion of the water flowing through the water outlet pipe 58b is supplied to the air jet generator <NUM> through the branching pip <NUM>. That is, the branching pipe <NUM> branches off at the water outlet pipe 58b and is connected to the air jet generator <NUM>.

The impeller <NUM> which applies a centrifugal force to the water flowing into the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> may be disposed at the end portion of the branching pipe <NUM>. An impeller mounting portion <NUM> on which the impeller <NUM> is mounted may be formed inside one side of the branching pipe <NUM>. The impeller <NUM> may be coupled to the impeller mounting portion <NUM> of the branching pipe <NUM> by a fusion method.

The impeller <NUM> includes a cylindrical impeller peripheral portion <NUM> and a vane <NUM> which is disposed inside the impeller peripheral portion <NUM> and forms a swirl in the water. In the impeller <NUM>, an outer surface of the impeller peripheral portion <NUM> is disposed to abut on an inside of a discharge end portion of the branching pipe <NUM>. As the water passing through the impeller <NUM> passes through the vane <NUM>, the water is rotated to generate the swirl.

The vane <NUM> of the impeller <NUM> applies the centrifugal force to the water flowing through the first pipe <NUM>. The vane <NUM> of the impeller <NUM> may be fixed or rotated, and the water passing through the vane <NUM> is rotated and flows into the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>.

The air pulverizing pipe <NUM> has the shape of a venturi tube and pulverizes the air flowing through the air inlet hole <NUM> by the water flowing through the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>.

The air pulverizing pipe <NUM> may include the first pipe <NUM> in which a cross-section area of a channel is reduced in a direction in which the water flows to reduce a pressure of the water flowing through the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>, and the second pipe <NUM> in which a cross-sectional area of a channel increase in the direction in which the water flows to pressurize the water including the air. Each of the first pipe <NUM> and the second pipe <NUM> has the channel which is open in an up-down direction. The first pipe <NUM> is located on an upstream side of the second <NUM>. The first pipe <NUM> is located below the second pipe <NUM>.

The air inlet hole <NUM> through which the external air flows into the air pulverizing pipe by a negative pressure generated in the pipe is formed on a peripheral surface of a lower end portion of the second <NUM>. The air inlet hole <NUM> is formed on an upstream end portion of the second <NUM>.

The air pulverizing pipe <NUM> is disposed below the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. The air pulverizing pipe <NUM> is disposed to be perpendicular to the ground or the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>.

In the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>, the first pipe <NUM>, the second pipe <NUM>, and an air tab mounting portion <NUM> are disposed in this order in the direction in which the water flows.

The air pulverizing pipe <NUM> further includes an air tab mounting portion <NUM>, on which the air tab <NUM> is mounted, at the discharge end portion through which the water is discharged. The air tab mounting portion <NUM> has a shape which surrounds the air tab <NUM> so that the air tab <NUM> is inserted into the air tab mounting portion <NUM>. The air tab mounting portion <NUM> is disposed on an upper side of the air pulverizing pipe.

A size of an inlet cross section of the first pipe <NUM> is smaller than a size of a discharge cross section of the second pipe <NUM>. The air pulverizing pipe <NUM> according to the present embodiment is disposed to be perpendicular to the ground or the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. The channel formed inside the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> according to the present embodiment is formed to be perpendicular to the ground or the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>.

The first pipe <NUM> is disposed below the second pipe <NUM>. However, the water flows from the lower side to the upper side, and thus, the first pipe <NUM> is disposed on an upstream side of the second pipe <NUM>. In the first pip <NUM>, the cross-sectional area of the channel is reduced in the flow direction of the water. A length of the channel formed by the first pipe <NUM> is shorter than a length of the channel formed by the second pipe <NUM>. A diameter D1 of the channel on a lower end portion of the first pipe <NUM> is smaller than a diameter D2 of the channel on an upper end portion of the second pipe <NUM>.

The first pipe <NUM> may include a first pipe lower portion <NUM> of which a channel cross-sectional area is rapidly reduced to reduce the pressure of the water flowing into the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>, and a first pipe upper portion <NUM> which is disposed on a downstream side of the first pipe lower portion <NUM> and increases or maintains a flow velocity of the water flowing in through the first pipe lower portion <NUM>.

The first pipe lower portion <NUM> is disposed below the first pipe upper portion <NUM>. A change ratio of the channel cross-sectional area of the first pipe upper portion <NUM> is larger than a change ratio of the channel cross-sectional area of the first pipe lower portion <NUM>.

The channel cross-sectional area of the first pipe lower portion <NUM> is rapidly reduced from the upstream side to the downstream side. A reduction ratio of the channel cross-sectional area of the first pipe lower portion <NUM> is larger than that of the first pipe upper portion <NUM>. The pressure of the water flowing through the first pipe <NUM> of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> is reduced while passing through the first pipe lower portion <NUM> and the first pipe upper portion <NUM>, and thus, a negative pressure may be formed.

The second pipe <NUM> is disposed above the first pipe <NUM>. The second pipe <NUM> is disposed on a downstream side of the first pipe <NUM>. The channel cross-sectional area of the second pipe <NUM> increases in the flow direction of the water, and pressurizes the water. The water moving along the second pipe <NUM> is pressurized, and thus, the air flowing into the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> through the air inlet hole <NUM> is secondarily pulverized.

The second <NUM> is formed to be longer than the first pipe <NUM>. The second pipe <NUM> according to the present embodiment may include a second pipe lower portion <NUM> which primarily pressurizes the water flowing into the first pipe and a second pipe downstream which secondarily pressurizes the water passing through the second pipe lower portion <NUM>. The second pipe lower portion <NUM> slowly pressurizes the water compared with the second pipe upper portion <NUM>. A change ratio of a channel cross-sectional area of the second pipe lower portion <NUM> is smaller than that of the second pipe upper portion <NUM>. That is, referring to <FIG>, a length of a channel of the second pipe lower portion <NUM> formed in an up-down direction is longer than a length of a channel of the second pipe upper portion <NUM> formed in the up-down direction. A difference between inner diameters of the channels formed in both end portions of the second pipe lower portion <NUM> in the up-down direction is smaller than a difference between inner diameters of the channels formed in both end portions of the second pipe upper portion <NUM> in the up-down direction.

In the second pipe lower portion <NUM>, the air flowing into the air inlet hole <NUM> is pulverized by the flow velocity and the centrifugal force of the water. In the second pipe upper portion <NUM>, the channel cross section is rapidly extended. Accordingly, the water is pressurized, and the air existing inside the water can be effectively pulverized.

The second pipe may further include an extended pipe portion <NUM> which maintains the channel cross section extended by the second pipe upper portion <NUM>. The extended pipe portion <NUM> is connected to an inner peripheral surface <NUM> of an air tab peripheral surface <NUM> described below. The extended pipe portion <NUM> and the inner peripheral surface <NUM> of the air tab peripheral surface <NUM> can adjust a distance of the air tab <NUM> separated from the air inlet hole <NUM>. In order to effectively pulverize the air by the air tab <NUM> described below, preferably, a distance H1 of the air tab <NUM> separated from the air inlet hole <NUM> is equal to or more than a diameter of the air tab <NUM>. Accordingly, a sum H1 of the lengths of the channel formed by the second pipe lower portion <NUM>, the second pipe upper portion <NUM>, the extended pipe portion <NUM>, and the inner peripheral surface (<NUM>) of the air tab peripheral surface <NUM> is equal to or more than the diameter of the air tab <NUM>.

The air inlet hole <NUM> is formed on an upstream end portion of the second pipe <NUM>. The air inlet hole <NUM> is formed on a lower end portion of the second pipe <NUM>.

The air inlet hole <NUM> may be formed between the first pipe <NUM> and the second pipe <NUM>. The air inlet hole <NUM> is formed in a portion at which the channel cross section of the first pipe <NUM> is reduced. The air inlet hole <NUM> is formed at the upstream end portion of the second pipe <NUM>. The air inlet hole <NUM> may be formed at a point at which the reduction in the pressure of the first pipe <NUM> ends. The air inlet hole <NUM> may be formed at a point at which the pressurization by the second pipe <NUM> starts.

The inside of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> and the outside of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> communicate with each other through the air chamber <NUM> described later by the air inlet hole <NUM>. In the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the external air can flow to the inside of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> through the air inlet hole <NUM>. Here, the outside indicates the outside of the air pulverizing pipe, and may include not only an outside of the cabinet <NUM> but also the space inside the cabinet <NUM> and may be an internal space of the tub <NUM>.

The pressure of the water flowing through the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> is reduced while passing through the first pipe <NUM>. A negative pressure is generated by the reduction in the pressure of the water passing through the first pipe, and thus, the external air is sucked into the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> through the air inlet hole <NUM>. The air flowing into the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> through the air inlet hole <NUM> is primarily pulverized by the rotating current flowing at a high speed along the first pipe <NUM>.

The air chamber <NUM> which reduces the noise generated in the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> according to the present embodiment. The air chamber <NUM> reduces the noise transmitted to the outside through the air inlet hole <NUM>.

The air chamber <NUM> according to the present embodiment forms a space into which the noise is transmitted. The air chamber <NUM> according to the present embodiment is disposed outside the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> in which the air inlet hole <NUM> is formed. The air chamber <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes the air inlet hole <NUM> which can communicate with the inside of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> on one side of the lower end portion.

The air inlet hole <NUM> according to the present embodiment is formed on the lower end portion of the air chamber <NUM>. Accordingly, even when the water flows into the chamber <NUM>, the water is extracted to the air inlet hole <NUM> formed on the lower end portion of the air chamber <NUM>, and thus, the water is not accumulated inside the air chamber <NUM>. An outside air inlet <NUM> through which the outside air flows into the air chamber <NUM> is formed in the air chamber <NUM> according to the present embodiment. The outside air inlet <NUM> according to the present embodiment is formed in an upper end portion of the air chamber <NUM>. Accordingly, the water flowing into the air chamber <NUM> is prevented from being extracted to the outside of the air chamber <NUM>.

The air chamber <NUM> according to the present embodiment is disposed outside the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> in which the air inlet hole <NUM> is formed. A space is formed inside the air chamber <NUM> according to the present embodiment, and the air chamber <NUM> includes a chamber body <NUM> of which one side is open and a chamber cover <NUM> which covers the open one side of the chamber body <NUM>.

The chamber body <NUM> according to the present embodiment protrudes from one side of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> to form a space therein and may be integrally formed with the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>. Moreover, the chamber cover <NUM> may be configured to be separated from the chamber body <NUM> so as to be coupled to the chamber body <NUM>.

The chamber body <NUM> and the chamber cover <NUM> according to the present embodiment communicate with the inner channel of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> and may be constituted by configurations separated from each other to form a space into which the noise is propagated. The chamber body <NUM> and the chamber cover <NUM> are manufactured into the configurations separated from each other and coupled to each other, and thus, it is possible to secure the space inside the air chamber <NUM>. The chamber cover <NUM> may be coupled to the chamber body <NUM> in a fusion method.

The chamber body <NUM> according to the present embodiment may be disposed on the one side forming a periphery of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> so that a coupling process including a separate manufacturing process can be omitted. The chamber body <NUM> according to the present embodiment is disposed on the one side forming the periphery of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> and may play a role of reinforcing rigidities of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> together with reinforcement protrusions <NUM>.

The chamber body <NUM> according to the present embodiment is formed on an outer periphery of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> in which the air inlet hole <NUM> is formed. The air inlet hole <NUM> is formed on one side of the air pulverizing pipe peripheral surface being in contact with an inner lower surface of the chamber body <NUM>. Accordingly, the water accumulated in the chamber body <NUM> can flow to the air inlet hole <NUM>. One side surface of the chamber body facing the air inlet hole <NUM> is open. The chamber cover <NUM> is disposed on the open one side surface of the chamber body <NUM> facing the air inlet hole <NUM>. The chamber cover <NUM> according to the present embodiment covers the open one side surface of the chamber body <NUM>. The chamber cover <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes the outside air inlet <NUM> through which the outside air flows. In addition, the chamber cover <NUM> includes an external connection pipe <NUM> which protrudes outward in a portion in which the outside air inlet <NUM> is formed. A separate connection hose (not illustrated) which is connected to the outside of the cabinet <NUM> may be mounted on the external connection pipe <NUM>.

The air chamber <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes an air guide pipe <NUM> which extends along the inner lower surface of the air chamber <NUM> in the air inlet hole <NUM>. The air guide pipe <NUM> expands a path through which the noise is propagated inside the air chamber <NUM> to reduce the noise. The air guide path <NUM> forms the inner lower surface of the chamber body <NUM>.

The air pulverizing pipe <NUM> according to the present disclosure includes an air tab mounting portion <NUM> which is formed to mount the air tab <NUM> above the extended pipe portion <NUM>. The air tab mounting portion <NUM> according to the present embodiment is formed to have a size to mount the air tab <NUM> inside the air tab mounting portion <NUM>. The air tab <NUM> is detachably mounted on the air tab mounting portion <NUM>. When the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> is mounted on the tub <NUM>, the air tab mounting portion <NUM> is disposed above the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>. The air tab mounting portion <NUM> is disposed above the second pipe <NUM> of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> in the direction in which the water flows.

The air tab mounting portion <NUM> is attached to the air table <NUM>. The air tab mounting portion <NUM> includes a fastening groove <NUM> which is formed to correspond to a fastening protrusion <NUM> of the air tab <NUM>. The air tab mounting portion <NUM> is disposed above the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>.

The air pulverizing pipe <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a tub mounting portion <NUM> which is attached to the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. The tub mounting portion <NUM> is formed on an outer periphery of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> on the upper side of the second pipe <NUM>. The tub mounting portion <NUM> is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the air tab mounting portion <NUM>. The tub mounting portion <NUM> includes an upper fixing plate <NUM> which circumferentially protrudes from an outer peripheral surface of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> and an upper fixing portion <NUM> which passes through a lower hole of the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM> and protrudes upward from the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. The upper fixing portion <NUM> is fastened to the fixing ring <NUM> described later.

The upper fixing plate <NUM> is formed in a ring shape protruding outward along the outer periphery of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>. The upper fixing plate <NUM> is disposed below the bottom surface of the tub <NUM>. The upper fixing plate <NUM> is disposed to face the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. The upper fixing plate <NUM> prevents the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> from moving upward from the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. The upper fixing plate <NUM> is disposed below the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM> and is disposed to be in close contact with the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>.

The upper fixing portion <NUM> has a tubular shape protruding upward from the upper fixing plate <NUM>, passes through the lower hole formed in the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>, and is disposed above the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>.

A portion of the upper fixing portion <NUM> is disposed above the bottom surface of the tub <NUM>. The upper fixing portion <NUM> forms a thread so that the fixing ring <NUM> is fastened to the outer peripheral surface of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>. The bottom surface of the tub <NUM> is disposed between the upper fixing plate <NUM> and the fixing ring <NUM> fastened to the upper fixing portion <NUM>. The upper fixing portion <NUM> is coupled to the fixing ring <NUM> and prevents the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> from moving downward. The upper fixing portion <NUM> engages with the fixing ring <NUM> so that the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM> and the upper fixing plate <NUM> come into close contact with each other.

The fixing ring <NUM> has a ring shape and is fastened to the upper fixing portion <NUM> of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>. An inner peripheral surface <NUM> of the fixing ring <NUM> has a thread corresponding to the upper fixing portion <NUM>. In the fixing ring <NUM>, a plurality of reinforcing ribs <NUM> which maintain rigidities of the fixing ring <NUM> and function as a handle are formed along an outer periphery. The reinforcing ribs <NUM> are formed to be perpendicular to an outer peripheral surface of the fixing ring <NUM> at regular intervals.

The air pulverizing pipe <NUM> includes an upper portion which is disposed above the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM> and a lower portion which is disposed below the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. The upper portion and the lower portion of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> can be classified based on the upper fixing plate <NUM> of the tub mounting portion <NUM>. In the lower portion of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>, the first pipe <NUM>, the air inlet hole <NUM>, and the second pipe <NUM> are disposed. In the upper portion of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>, the air tab mounting portion <NUM> is disposed.

The air pulverizing pipe <NUM> is fastened to the tub <NUM> between the second pipe <NUM> and the air tab mounting portion <NUM> on which the air tab <NUM> is mounted. In the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> according to the present embodiment, a large amount of air is pulverized by the second pipe <NUM> and the air tab <NUM>, and vibrations and the noise may be generated. However, the air jet generator <NUM> according to the present embodiment is fixed to the tub <NUM> at the second pipe <NUM> and the portion adjacent to the air tab <NUM> in which the vibrations are generated. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the vibrations generated in the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>.

The bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM> is disposed between the upper fixing plate <NUM> of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> and the fixing ring <NUM>. A sealer <NUM> for preventing the water flowing on the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM> from leaking downward from the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM> is disposed between the upper fixing plate <NUM> of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> and the fixing ring <NUM>. The sealer <NUM> may be disposed below and/or above the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>.

A lower peripheral plate which extends radially from an outer peripheral surface is formed on a lower end portion of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>. The lower peripheral plate <NUM> may form a surface parallel to the upper fixing plate <NUM> formed in the upper end portion of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>.

The lower peripheral plate <NUM> has a ring shape extending radially on the outer peripheral surface of the first pipe <NUM>. However, the lower peripheral plate <NUM> forms a cut surface 142a on a surface which comes into contact with a first plate 29a of the air jet generator fixing portion <NUM> described later. The cut surface 142a of the lower peripheral plate <NUM> comes into contact with the first plate 29a and restricts a forward-rearward movement of the air jet generator <NUM>.

The pulverizing pipe <NUM> includes the reinforcing protrusions <NUM> which are formed to reinforce rigidities of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> on the outer periphery around which the first pipe <NUM> and the second pipe <NUM> are formed. The reinforcing protrusions <NUM> may reinforce the first pipe <NUM> and the second pipe <NUM> which are formed to be long with a relatively small diameter.

The reinforcing protrusions <NUM> are formed to protrude from the outer periphery of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> in a length direction in which the first pipe <NUM> and the second pipe <NUM> form the channel. Four reinforcing protrusions <NUM> according to the present embodiment may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> at an interval of <NUM>°.

The reinforcing protrusion <NUM> connects the upper fixing plate <NUM> and the lower peripheral plate <NUM> to each other, and is disposed to be perpendicular to the upper fixing plate <NUM> and the lower peripheral plate <NUM>.

The air pulverizing pipe <NUM> includes a base fixing portion <NUM> which fixes a lower portion of the air jet generator <NUM> to the base <NUM>. The base fixing portion <NUM> protrudes to have a rib shape outward from the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> and is mounted on the base <NUM>. The base fixing portion <NUM> may incudes the fixing rib <NUM> which protrudes outward from a peripheral surface of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> and extends in the up-down direction.

The air pulverizing pipe <NUM> may include the fixing rib <NUM> which protrudes outward from the peripheral surface of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> and extends in the up-down direction to be mounted on the base <NUM>. The fixing rib <NUM> may be one of the plurality of reinforcing portions <NUM> which are formed on the outer periphery of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>. The fixing rib <NUM> may form a rib which further protrudes outward than the other reinforcing protrusions <NUM> formed on the outer periphery of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>.

The fixing rib <NUM> is fixed to the air jet generator fixing portion <NUM> of the base <NUM> to fix the lower portion of the air jet generator <NUM>. The fixing rib <NUM> is formed inside an outer end portion of the upper fixing plate <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the air jet generating fixing portion <NUM> is connected to the fixing rib <NUM> of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> to fix the lower portion of the air jet generator <NUM>. The air jet generator fixing portion <NUM> protrudes upward from the bottom surface of the base <NUM> and forms a rib insertion space <NUM> into which the fixing rib <NUM> is inserted.

The air jet generator fixing portion <NUM> includes a first plate 29a which is inserted into a fixing rib groove 114a of the fixing rib <NUM>, and a pair of second plates 29b and 29c which extends to be perpendicularly bent from both ends of the first plate 29a and is in contact with both ends of a vertical protrusion <NUM> which is perpendicularly formed in both directions from an end portion of the fixing rib <NUM>.

The first plate 29a and the second plates 29b and 29c are connected to each other, and extend upward from the bottom surface <NUM> of the base <NUM>. The first plate 29a and the second plate 29b and 29c are disposed to be perpendicular to each other.

The first plate 29a fixes the air jet generator <NUM> in the forward-rearward direction. The pair of second plates 29b and 29c fix the air jet generator <NUM> in the right-left direction.

The first plate <NUM> and the pair of second plates 29b and 29c form a rib insertion space <NUM> into which an insertion portion 114b of the fixing rib <NUM> is inserted. The insertion portion 114b of the fixing rib <NUM> inserted into the rib insertion space <NUM> fixes the air jet generator <NUM> in the forward, rearward, right, left directions.

The fixing rib <NUM> includes the fixing rib groove 114a which is inserted into the first plate 29a of the air jet generator fixing portion <NUM>. The fixing rib groove 114a is formed upward from a lower end portion of the fixing rib <NUM>. The first plate 29a is inserted into the fixing rib groove 114a which is formed upward from the lower end portion of the fixing rib <NUM>.

The vertical protrusion <NUM> which is perpendicularly bent in the fixing rib and extends in both directions is formed on the outer end portion of the fixing rib <NUM>. The vertical protrusion <NUM> forms a surface perpendicular to the fixing rib <NUM> and both end portions of the vertical protrusion <NUM> abut on the pair of second plates 29b and 29c.

The fixing rib <NUM> includes a strength reinforcement rib 114c which extends from an outer peripheral surface of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>, and the insertion portion 114b which extends outward from the strength reinforcement rib 114c and is inserted into rib insertion space <NUM> of the air jet generator fixing portion <NUM>. The fixing rib groove 114a is formed between the strength reinforcement rib 114c and the insertion portion 114b.

A length of the fixing rib <NUM> extending radially outward from the fixing rib groove 114a decreases from the upper end of the fixing rib groove 114a to the lower end thereof. A length 114D (shown in <FIG>) of the fixing rib <NUM> which extends radially outward from the fixing rib groove 114a on the upper end of the fixing rib groove 114a is longer than a length 115D (shown in <FIG>) of the vertical protrusion <NUM> which is formed in the right-left direction on the upper end of the fixing rib groove 114a.

The insertion portion 114b is formed on the end portion of the fixing rib groove 114a, is in contact with the first plate 29a, and prevents the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> from moving in the forward-rearward direction. Both end portions of the vertical protrusion <NUM> formed on the end portion of the insertion portion 114b are in contact with the pair of second plates 29b and 29c, and thus, the insertion portion 114b prevents the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> from moving in the right-left direction.

A lower end portion of the insertion portion 114b includes an inclined surface 114b1 which is formed to facilitate the insertion of the first plate 29a. The inclined surface 114b1 is formed radially outward of the air jet generator in the lower end portion of the insertion portion 114b.

The air tab <NUM> has a disk shape and includes a plurality of holes <NUM> penetrating the air tab <NUM>. The water passing through the second pipe <NUM> passes through the air tab. The air in the water is thirdly pulverized while passing the plurality of holes <NUM> formed in the air tab <NUM>.

The holes <NUM> formed in the air tab <NUM> are densely disposed in the air tab <NUM> having a disk shape at regular intervals. The air tab <NUM> may be an air tab having through holes or holes which are formed to be long right and left. In addition, the air tab <NUM> may have cross long holes in which oval holes formed long upward and downward and oval holes formed long right and left are coupled.

As a contact area between the hole <NUM> formed in the air tab <NUM> and the air bubbles increases, a shearing force acting on the air bubbles increases and a generation amount of air bubbles increases, and thus, the long hole is more preferable than the through hole. However, if a size of the hole like the cross long hole excessively increases, reliability of the air tab decreases. Accordingly, the long hole is preferable. If the size of the hole formed in the air tab increases, the size of the pulverized air increases. Accordingly, in order to generate micro bubbles, it is preferable that the hole formed in the air tab has a predetermined size or less.

The air tab <NUM> includes an air tab plate <NUM> in which the holes <NUM> are formed and which forms a surface perpendicular to the flow direction of the water, an air tab peripheral surface <NUM> which extends in a direction perpendicular to the peripheral surface of the air tab plate <NUM>, and a fastening protrusion <NUM> which protrudes radially outward on one side of the air tab peripheral surface <NUM>.

The air tab peripheral surface <NUM> extends downward from the air tab plate <NUM>. The air tab plate <NUM> and the air tab peripheral surface <NUM> may be formed in one configuration, but may be also be formed in separate configurations.

The air tab peripheral surface <NUM> may have a cylindrical shape having a hollow inner portion. The air tab plate <NUM> is disposed above the air tab peripheral surface <NUM>. The inner peripheral surface <NUM> of the air tab peripheral surface <NUM> is mounted on the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>, and forms a channel to which the water inside the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> flows. The inner peripheral surface <NUM> of the air tab peripheral surface <NUM> may have the same diameter as that of the extended pipe portion <NUM> of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>.

The fastening protrusion <NUM> meshes with the fastening groove <NUM> of the air tab mounting portion <NUM> to be fastened thereto, and fixes the air tab <NUM> so that the air tab <NUM> is disposed inside the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>.

The air tab <NUM> may be attached to or detached from the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> upward. Accordingly, when soil is accumulated in the air tab and the channel air tab is blocked, the air tab <NUM> may be detached from the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> to remove the soil.

An upper portion of the air tab <NUM> is coupled to the nozzle <NUM>. The air tab <NUM> and the nozzle may be coupled to each other in a fusion method.

The air tab <NUM> may include a fastening member <NUM> for fastening the nozzle <NUM> disposed above the air tab <NUM>. The fastening member <NUM> of the air tab <NUM> is formed to protrude upward on the upper portion of the air tab <NUM> and may have a groove into which a fastening hook <NUM> formed in the nozzle <NUM> can be inserted. The fastening member <NUM> of the air tab <NUM> is fastened to the fastening hook <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>, and thus, the nozzle <NUM> and the air tab <NUM> can be fixed to each other.

The nozzle <NUM> is disposed above the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> is disposed above the air jet generator <NUM> and discharges the water passing through the air jet generator <NUM> to the inside of the tub <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> is disposed above the air tab <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> according to the present embodiment may be coupled to the air tab <NUM> by a fusion method.

A lower side of the nozzle <NUM> is formed to abut on an upper side of the air tab <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> may include the fastening hook <NUM> which is fastened to the fastening member <NUM> of the air tab <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> is coupled to the air tab <NUM>. Accordingly, the user rotates the nozzle protruding upward from the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM> to separate the air tab from the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>.

The nozzle has a cylindrical shape including a hollow inside. The nozzle <NUM> includes an inflow hole <NUM> into which the water passing through the air tab downward flows, and a plurality of discharge holes 204a, 204b through which the water is discharged to the tub <NUM> are formed on a peripheral surface of the upper portion of the nozzle <NUM>. The plurality of discharge holes 204a, 204b are formed at regular intervals along the peripheral surface of the nozzle <NUM>. The plurality of discharge holes 204a, 204b are formed along the peripheral surface of the nozzle <NUM>, and thus, the water including the air bubbles can be discharged to the bottoms surface of the tub <NUM> in various ways.

The nozzle <NUM> may include three discharge holes 204a, 204b. The three discharge holes 204a, 204b may be disposed to be separated from each other at regular angles along the peripheral surface of the nozzle <NUM>. Each of the plurality of discharge holes 204a, 204b is formed at an angle θ of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, and thus, increase a spray range of the washing water sprayed to the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. The three discharge holes 204a, 204b according to the present embodiment can be open at angles different from each other.

The nozzle <NUM> includes a nozzle upper portion 200a which forms an upper surface, and a nozzle lower portion 200b which is connected to the nozzle upper portion 200a below the nozzle upper portion 200a and is mounted on an upper portion of the air tab fixing member <NUM>.

The nozzle upper 200a and the nozzle lower portion 200b are connected to each other, and thus, the plurality of discharge holes 204a, 204b are formed on the peripheral surface of the nozzle <NUM>. The nozzle upper portion 200a and the nozzle lower portion 200b may be coupled to each other in a fusion method. In the nozzle, the nozzle upper portion and the nozzle lower portion are not separated from each other, and may be integrated with each other. The nozzle lower portion 200b includes a fastening hook <NUM> which is coupled to the fastening member <NUM> of the air tab fixing member <NUM>. A plurality of fastening hooks <NUM> are formed along a lower peripheral surface of the nozzle lower portion 200b. The plurality of fastening hooks <NUM> may be separated from each other at regular intervals along the lower peripheral surface of the nozzle lower surface 200b.

The water including the air bubbles through the air jet generator <NUM> is discharged to the bottom surface of the tub <NUM> and flows to the sump. As the water flows to the bottom surface of the tub <NUM>, the bottom surface of the tub <NUM> can be washed.

In the air jet generator <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the channel through which the water flows is disposed to be perpendicular to the ground of the bottom surface of the tub <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize a region in which the water flowing through the second pipe <NUM> cannot flow due to a rapid expansion of the channel in the second pipe upper portion <NUM>.

When an installation process of the air jet generator according to the present invention is described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> of the air jet generator <NUM> is mounted on the base <NUM>. In this case, the fixing rib <NUM> of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> is mounted on the air jet generator fixing portion <NUM> of the base <NUM>.

Thereafter, the tub <NUM> is disposed above the base <NUM>, and the upper fixing portion <NUM> of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> is fitted into the lower hole formed in the bottom surface <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. Thereafter, the fixing ring <NUM> is coupled to the upper fixing portion <NUM>, and thus, the air pulverizing pipe <NUM> can be fixed. In this case, the fixing rib <NUM> of the air jet generator <NUM> is fixed to the base <NUM>, the lower portion of the air jet generator is fixed, the tub mounting portion <NUM> is fixed to the tub <NUM>, and thus, the upper portion of the air jet generator can be fixed.

Therefore, the air jet generator <NUM> is stably mounted on the base <NUM> and the tub <NUM>, and thus, it is possible to prevent the air jet generator <NUM> from being damaged by vibrations generated when the dish washer <NUM> is carried. Thereafter, as illustrated in <FIG>, the nozzle <NUM> to which the air tab <NUM> is connected can be mounted on the upper side of the air pulverizing pipe <NUM>.

Hereinbefore, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and described. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment described above, various modifications can be performed by a person having an ordinary knowledge in a technical field to which the present invention belongs within a scope which does not depart from the gist of the present invention described in claims, and the modifications should not be individually understood from the technical idea or prospect of the present invention.

According to the dish washer of the present invention, the following one or more effects can be obtained.

First, the upstream side and the downstream side of the air jet generator through which the water flows are mounted on and fixed to the tub and the base, respectively, and thus, the air jet generator can be stably disposed and fixed even when external vibrations are applied.

Second, in the structure in which the water flows upward, the upper portion of the air jet generator is fixed to the tub in the up-down direction and the lower portion thereof is fixed to the base in forward, rearward, right, and left directions. Accordingly, the air jet generator is fixed in six directions as a whole, and thus, damages of the air jet generator are prevented while the air jet generator is carried.

Claim 1:
A dish washer comprising:
a tub (<NUM>) forming a washing space (<NUM>);
a base (<NUM>) disposed below the tub (<NUM>) and forming a space (28a) below the tub (<NUM>);
a sump (<NUM>) disposed in the space (28a) formed by the base (<NUM>) for storing water;
a washing pump (<NUM>) disposed in the space (28a) formed by the base (<NUM>) for supplying the water stored in the sump (<NUM>) to the washing space (<NUM>); and
an air jet generator (<NUM>) with an air pulverizing pipe (<NUM>) having a venturi shape for forming air bubbles in water, the air pulverizing pipe (<NUM>) including an inlet disposed in the space (28a) formed by the base (<NUM>) and connected to the washing pump (<NUM>), an air inlet hole (<NUM>) formed on one side thereof, and an outlet disposed within the tub (<NUM>),
wherein the air jet generator (<NUM>) includes: a tub mounting portion (<NUM>) fixing a first portion of the air jet generator (<NUM>) to the tub, and a base fixing portion (<NUM>) fixing a second portion of the air jet generator (<NUM>) to the base (<NUM>);
characterized in that: the base fixing portion (<NUM>) includes a fixing rib (<NUM>) fixed to the base (<NUM>), the fixing rib (<NUM>) protruding from the air jet generator and extending along the air pulverizing pipe (<NUM>).