DISH WASHER

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of International Application No. PCT/KR2025/012869, filed on Aug. 25, 2025, which is based on and claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application Number 10-2024-0121093, filed on Sep. 5, 2024, and Korean Patent Application Number 10-2024-0201306, filed on Dec. 30, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a dishwasher, and more particularly, to a dishwasher having an improved alternating device.

BACKGROUND ART

A dishwasher is an apparatus that automatically washes food residues and the like on dishes using a detergent and water.

A dishwasher may include a main body, a tub disposed inside the main body, a sump for storing water below the tub, a basket disposed inside the tub to receive dishes, a spray unit for spraying water to the basket, and a duct for guiding water to the spray unit.

The basket is usually provided as a plurality of baskets, and a plurality of spray units may be provided to spray water to each place where each basket is disposed.

The dishwasher may include an alternating device that distributes and supplies water to each of the plurality of spray units.

DISCLOSURE

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a dishwasher with an improved structure for enhanced assemblability.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a dishwasher including an alternating device with an improved structure to allow a plurality of ducts to be connected.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a dishwasher including a duct with a structure that may be assembled to the alternating device in a plurality of directions.

Technical tasks to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

Aspects of embodiments of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a dishwasher includes a tub; a sump configured to receive water from the tub; an alternating device configured to guide the water received in the sump to outside of the sump, the alternating device including an upper surface, a cylindrical protrusion extending in an up-and-down direction from the upper surface, a recessed portion in the upper surface, and a plurality of outlets; a spray device configured to receive the water guided by the alternating device and spray the water received from the alternating device to wash tableware inside the tub, the spray device including a first spray unit, and a second spray unit including an inflow portion extending in an up-and-down direction and connected to the cylindrical protrusion of the alternating device; and a duct configured to guide water from the alternating device to the first spray unit; wherein the alternating device and the duct are configured so that the duct is coupled to the recessed portion in the upper surface of the alternating device, water flowing from the alternating device to the first spray unit flows through the plurality of outlets to the duct, and water flowing from the alternating device to the second spray unit flows through the cylindrical protrusion and the inflow portion.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the dishwasher may further include a sealing member configured to provide a seal between the duct and the recessed portion. The duct may include a duct flange configured to accommodate the sealing member.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the sealing member may be in a ring shape. The sealing member may include an outer protrusion on an outer portion of the sealing member, the outer protrusion being angled downward toward a lower end of the sealing member.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the sealing member may include a lower protrusion on a lower portion of the sealing member. The lower protrusion may be angled downward and in a center direction of the sealing member.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the sealing member may include an inner protrusion formed on a lower inner portion of the sealing member.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the alternating device may include a housing, and a disk inside the housing and configured to be rotatable to open and close the plurality of outlets.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the duct may include a duct body, and a hook protruding from the duct body. The alternating device may include a holder on an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical protrusion so as to be engageable with the hook.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the hook may extend in a direction intersecting a direction in which the cylindrical protrusion extends to guide the duct to be coupled to the alternating device.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cylindrical protrusion may include a recess portion in a lower outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical protrusion.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the duct may include a duct flange formed at a lower end of the duct body. A part of the duct flange may be configured to be received in the recess portion when the duct is coupled to the alternating device.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the dishwasher may further include a duct unit configured to guide water in the tub and coupled to a rear surface of the tub.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the duct may be coupled with the duct unit.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the duct may include a fixing rib protruding forwardly. The duct unit may include a rib groove configured to receive the fixing rib to couple the duct unit with the duct.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the duct may include a fastening hole. The alternating device may include a fastening dome. The dishwasher may further include a fastening member configured to extend through the fastening hole and the fastening dome so as to fasten the duct to the alternating device.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the recessed portion may include a seating surface on which the duct is seated, and a side wall configured to guide the duct to be seated on the seating surface. The plurality of outlets may be formed on the seating surface.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings listed below.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a tub and some configurations around the tub, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates the tub and some configurations around the tub from a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a flow path of a duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view illustrating portion A of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates the duct and some components around the tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a duct, a sump, and an alternating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the alternating device and the duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the alternating device and the duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the alternating device and the duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the alternating device and the duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a sealing member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged view of the alternating device and the duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged view of the alternating device and the duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

MODES OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments and the terms used in the present disclosure are not intended to limit the technology disclosed herein to specific forms, and the disclosure should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives to the corresponding embodiments.

In describing the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to designate similar constituent elements.

A singular expression may include a plural expression unless they are definitely different in a context.

The expressions “A or B,” “at least one of A or/and B,” or “one or more of A or/and B,” A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B or/and C,” or “one or more of A, B or/and C,” and the like used herein may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The term of “and/or” includes a plurality of combinations of relevant items or any one item among a plurality of relevant items.

Herein, the expressions “a first”, “a second”, “primary”, “secondary”, etc., may simply be used to distinguish an element from other elements, but is not limited to another aspect (importance or order) of elements.

When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “(functionally or communicatively) coupled,” or “connected” to another element (e.g., a second element), the first element may be connected to the second element, directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third element.

In this disclosure, the terms “including”, “having”, and the like are used to specify features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, elements, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more of the features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, component, or combinations thereof.

When an element is said to be “connected”, “coupled”, “supported” or “contacted” with another element, this includes not only when elements are directly connected, coupled, supported or contacted, but also when elements are indirectly connected, coupled, supported or contacted through a third element.

Throughout the description, when an element is “on” another element, this includes not only when the element is in contact with the other element, but also when there is another element between the two elements.

The terms “portion”, “module”, and “member” may be implemented in hardware or software. Depending on the embodiments, a plurality of “portions”, “parts”, “modules”, and “members” may be implemented as a single element, or a single “portions, “part”, “module”, or “member” may include a plurality of elements.

Terms, such as “portion”, “unit”, “member”, “block”, “module”, and the like may refer to a unit that handles at least one function or operation. For example, these terms may refer to at least one piece of hardware, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA)/application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one piece of software stored in memory, or at least one process processed by a processor.

The designations given to each step may be used to identify the steps and do not indicate the order of the steps relative to each other, and the steps may be performed in any order other than the order specified unless the context clearly indicates a particular order.

Meanwhile, the terms “up”, “down”, “front”, “rear”, and the like used in the following description may be defined with reference to the drawings, and the shape and position of each element are not limited by these terms. For example, “up-and-down direction” may refer to a Z direction relative to the drawings, and “up” and “down” may refer to upward (+Z direction) and downward (−Z direction) relative to the drawings, respectively. “Front-to-back direction” may refer to an X direction relative to the drawings, and “front” and “rear” may refer to forward (+X direction) and backward (−X direction) in the X direction relative to the drawings, respectively.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a tub and some configurations around the tub, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates the tub and some configurations around the tub from a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body 10. The main body 10 may form an exterior of the dishwasher 1.

The dishwasher 1 may include a tub 12 provided inside the main body 10. The tub 12 may be provided in a substantially box shape.

One side of the tub 12 may be open. For example, the tub 12 may have an opening 12a. The opening 12a may be formed on a front side of the tub 12.

The dishwasher 1 may include a receiving space C formed by the tub 12. The receiving space C may be defined as an inner space of the tub 12. The receiving space C may be formed on an inner side of the main body 10.

The receiving space C of the dishwasher 1 may be referred to as a washing chamber C. The washing chamber C may refer to a space where the tableware stored in a storage container is washed and dried.

The dishwasher 1 may include a door 11. The door 11 may be configured to open or close the tub 12. The door 11 may be configured to open or close the opening 12a of the tub 12. The door 11 may be configured to open or close the washing chamber C. The door 11 may be installed on the main body 10 to open or close the tub 12. The door 11 may be rotatably mounted to the main body 10. The door 11 may be detachably mounted to the main body 10.

The door 11 may be rotatably mounted to the main body 10. For example, the door 11 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10 via a hinge 15. For example, an upper portion of the door 11 may be configured to rotate relative to the tub 12 about a lower portion of the door 11. The lower portion of the door 11 may be rotatably secured to the main body 10. When the door 11 opens the opening 12a of the tub 12, the door 11 may be opened from an upper side of the opening 12a.

The dishwasher 1 may include a storage container 50. The storage container 50 may be provided inside the tub 12. The storage container 50 may accommodate tableware. The storage container 50 may store tableware. The storage container 50 may be stackable with tableware. The storage container 50 may hold tableware. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the storage container 50 may be configured to receive not only tableware, but also a variety of items that may be washed within the washing chamber C.

The storage container 50 may include at least one basket for storing tableware. The storage container 50 may include at least one rack assembly for storing tableware. The basket and the rack assembly may be interchangeable. It should be appreciated that the basket described below may also be referred to as a rack assembly.

For example, the storage container 50 may include a plurality of baskets 51, 52, and 53. The plurality of baskets 51, 52, and 53 may be configured to receive a variety of tableware. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the storage container 50 may include only a portion of the plurality of baskets 51, 52, and 53. For example, the storage container 50 may further include an additional basket other than the plurality of baskets 51, 52, and 53. For example, the storage container 50 may include a single basket.

The storage container 50 may include an intermediate basket 52 positioned in the middle in a height direction (Z-direction) of the dishwasher 1. The intermediate basket 52 may be inserted into the washing chamber C or withdrawn from the washing chamber C through the opening 12a of the tub 12. The intermediate basket 52 may be configured to be slidably moved by an intermediate guide rail 13b. For example, the intermediate basket 52 may be configured to be supported on the intermediate guide rail 13b. For example, the intermediate guide rail 13b may be configured to be movable along a substantially front-to-back direction (X-direction) relative to the tub 12.

The storage container 50 may include a lower basket 51 positioned at a lower portion in the height direction of the dishwasher 1. The lower basket 51 may be inserted into the washing chamber C or withdrawn from the washing chamber C through the opening 12a of the tub 12. The lower basket 51 may be configured to be slidably moved by a lower guide rail 13a. For example, the lower basket 51 may be configured to be supported on the lower guide rail 13a. For example, the lower guide rail 13a may be configured to be movable substantially along the front-to-back direction (X-direction) relative to the tub 12.

For example, the lower guide rail 13a may be formed in step with a lower surface 12b of the tub 12. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the example described above, and in an example, the lower basket 51 may be configured to be slidable by separate rollers.

The plurality of baskets 51 and 52 may store relatively bulky tableware. However, the type of tableware stored in the plurality of baskets 51 and 52 is not limited to relatively bulky tableware. In other words, the plurality of baskets 51 and 52 may store not only relatively bulky tableware, but also relatively small tableware.

The storage container may include an upper basket 53 positioned at an upper portion in the height direction (Z-direction) of the dishwasher 1a. The upper basket 53 may be provided in the form of a rack assembly, in which relatively low-volume tableware may be stored. For example, the upper basket 53 may store cooking utensils or cutlery, such as ladles, knives, flippers, and the like. The upper basket 53 may store small cups, such as an espresso mugs. However, the types of tableware stored in the upper basket 53 are not limited to the above examples.

The upper basket 53 may be inserted into the washing chamber C or withdrawn from the washing chamber C through the opening 12a of the tub 12. The upper basket 53 may be configured to be slidably moved by an upper guide rail 13c. For example, the upper basket 53 may be configured to be supported on the upper guide rail 13c. For example, the upper guide rail 13c may be configured to be movable substantially along the front-to-back direction (X-direction) relative to the tub 12.

The lower basket 51, the intermediate basket 52, and the upper basket 53 may be designated based on their relative positions for ease of description, and the expressions “lower”, “intermediate”, and “upper” do not limit the position of the baskets. In the following, for ease of description, the upper basket 53 may be referred to as the basket 53, and it should be appreciated that the description of the basket 53 is applicable to any configuration for storing tableware.

The dishwasher 1 may include the washing chamber C. The washing chamber C may be formed in the interior of the tub 12. The washing chamber C may be defined as an inner space of the tub 12. The washing chamber C may refer to a space where tableware stored in the storage container 50 may be washed and dried.

The dishwasher 1 may include a spray device (e.g., a sprayer) 40 configured to spray water. The spray device 40 may spray water into the washing chamber C. The spray device 40 may spray water toward the tableware stored in the storage container. The spray device 40 may be supplied with water from a sump 70 and/or at least one duct 100, 220, and 230, which will be described later.

The spray device 40 may include at least one spray unit. The spray device 40 may include a single spray unit or a plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, and 44.

For example, the spray device 40 may include a first spray unit 41. For example, the first spray unit 41 may be connected to at least one duct (e.g., a duct 100), and water in the sump 70 may be supplied to the first spray unit 41 via the at least one duct (e.g., the duct 100). The first spray unit 41 will be described in more detail later.

For example, the spray device 40 may include a second spray unit 42 disposed below the lower basket 51 in the height direction of the dishwasher 1. For example, the second spray unit 42 may be connected to the sump 70, and water in the sump 70 may be directly supplied to the second spray unit 42.

For example, the spray device 40 may include a third spray unit 43 disposed below the intermediate basket 52 in the height direction of the dishwasher 1. For example, the third spray unit 43 may be connected to at least one duct (e.g., the duct 220), and water in the sump 70 may be supplied to the third spray unit 43 through the at least one duct (e.g., the duct 220).

For example, the spray device 40 may include a fourth spray unit 44 disposed above the upper basket 54 in the height direction of the dishwasher 1. For example, the fourth spray unit 44 may be connected to at least one duct (e.g., the duct 230), and water in the sump 70 may be supplied to the fourth spray unit 44 via the at least one duct (e.g., the duct 230).

However, the number of spray units is not limited to the above example. The spray device 40 may include two or fewer spray units. The spray device 40 may include five or more spray units.

Each of the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, and 44 may be configured to spray water while rotating. Each of the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, and 44 may be referred to as a spray rotor.

The dishwasher 1 may include an auxiliary spray device 30. The auxiliary spray device 30 may be disposed at a lower side of the washing chamber C to spray water onto a partial area of the washing chamber C. The auxiliary spray device 30 may be designed to spray water at a relatively high pressure compared to the spray device 40, allowing for intensive washing of heavily soiled tableware. The auxiliary spray device 30 may be configured to spray water while rotating. The auxiliary spray device 30 may be referred to as an auxiliary spray unit 30. In addition, the auxiliary spray device 30 may be referred to as an auxiliary spray rotor 30.

The auxiliary spray device 30 may be provided as one configuration of the spray device 40. Hereinafter, the plurality of spray units may be a concept that includes at least two of the first spray unit 41, the second spray unit 42, the third spray unit 43, or the auxiliary spray unit 30.

The dishwasher 1 may selectively include the auxiliary spray device 30. In other words, the auxiliary spray device 30 may be omitted from the dishwasher 1.

The dishwasher 1 may include the sump 70. The sump 70 may be configured to receive water (e.g., a washing water). The sump 70 may collect water from the washing chamber C. For example, to facilitate water collection by the sump 70, the lower surface 12b of the tub 12 may be arranged to be inclined downwardly toward the sump 70. Water from the washing chamber C may flow along the slope of the lower surface 12b of the tub 12 and smoothly enter the sump 70.

The dishwasher 1 may include a circulation pump 71 that pumps the water stored in the sump 70 to the spray device 40. The circulation pump 71 may be provided as one configuration of the sump 70. The circulation pump 71 may be disposed in a machine chamber L.

The dishwasher 1 may include a drain pump 72 that drains water and/or foreign matter (e.g., food residues) remaining in the sump 70. The drain pump 72 may be provided as one configuration of the sump 70. The drain pump 72 may be disposed in the machine chamber L.

The sump 70 may be configured to supply water to at least one of the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, 44, and 30. The sump 70 may be configured to selectively supply water to the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, 44, and 30.

The dishwasher 1 may include the machine chamber L, which is a space provided below the tub 12. The machine chamber L may be a space in which a configuration for circulating and/or draining water is disposed. The dishwasher 1 may include a base frame 20 that forms the machine chamber L. The machine chamber L may be partitioned from the washing chamber C.

At least a portion of the sump 70 may be disposed in the machine chamber L. For example, the majority of the sump 70 may be disposed in the machine chamber L. In other words, an area of the sump 70 positioned in the washing chamber C may be smaller than an area of the sump 70 positioned in the machine chamber L. By reducing the area of the sump 70 that occupies the washing chamber C, the area of the washing chamber C may be secured. Accordingly, the capacity of the washing chamber C may be increased, thereby improving storage capacity of tableware.

The dishwasher 1 may include a filter 60. The filter 60 may be configured to filter foreign matter contained in the water flowing into the sump 70. The water filtered by the filter 60 may be delivered to the spray device 40 by the sump 70. The filter 60 may be detachably mounted to the sump 70. For example, the filter 60 may include at least one of a fine filter, a coarse filter, or a micro filter.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a flow path of a duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view illustrating portion A of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 illustrates the duct and some components around the tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the dishwasher 1 may include at least one duct 100, 220, and 230. The at least one duct 100, 220, and 230 may guide water. The at least one duct 100, 220, and 230 may guide water to the spray device 40.

The dishwasher 1 may include the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, 44, and 30. Each of the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, 44, and 30 may be configured to spray water while rotating. Each of the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, 44, and 30 may be referred to as the spray rotor.

However, the spray device 40 may also spray water in a manner different from that described above. For example, the second spray unit 42 may be fixed to the lower surface 12b of the tub 12. In this case, the second spray unit 42 is configured to spray water in a substantially horizontal direction by a fixed nozzle, and the water sprayed in the substantially horizontal direction from the nozzle of the second spray unit 42 may be redirected by a diverting assembly (not shown) disposed inside the washing chamber C to move upwardly. The diverting assembly may be installed on a rail (not shown) and configured to be movable in translation along the rail. Although the second spray unit 42 has been described as an example, other spray units may also be configured to spray water using fixed nozzles in the same manner as the example described above.

The dishwasher 1 may include the at least one duct 100, 220, and 230. The at least one duct 100, 220, and 230 may be disposed inside the tub 12. The at least one duct 100, 220, and 230 may be disposed in the washing chamber C. The at least one duct 100, 220, and 230 may guide water. The at least one duct 100, 220, and 230 may guide the water supplied from the sump 70. The at least one duct 100, 220, and 230 may deliver the water supplied from the sump 70 to the spray device 40.

The dishwasher 1 may include a first duct 100. The first duct 100 may be configured to guide water inside the tub 12. The first duct 100 may guide washing water supplied from the sump 70. The first duct 100 may guide washing water to the first spray unit 41. Washing water flowing out of the first duct 100 may flow to the first spray unit 41.

For example, the first duct 100 may include a shape extending along a first direction D1. For example, the first duct 100 may include a shape extending along a direction in which the upper basket 53 moves. For example, the first duct 100 may include a shape extending substantially along the front-to-back direction (X-direction). For example, the first direction D1 may correspond to the direction in which the basket 53 moves.

For example, the first duct 100 may include a shape extending along a second direction D2. For example, the second direction D2 may be a direction that intersects the first direction D1. For example, the first duct 100 may include a shape extending along a substantially vertical direction (Z-direction).

The dishwasher 1 may include a duct unit 200. The duct unit 200 may be configured to guide washing water inside the tub 12. The duct unit 200 may be connected to the sump. The duct unit 200 may be supplied with water from the sump 70. The duct unit 200 may guide the washing water supplied from the sump 70. The duct unit 200 may guide washing water to the third spray unit 43 and/or the fourth spray unit 44. Washing water flowing out of the duct unit 200 may flow to the third spray unit 43 and/or the fourth spray unit 44.

For example, the duct unit 200 may include a shape extending along the first direction D1. For example, the duct unit 200 may include a shape extending along a direction in which the upper basket 53 moves. For example, the duct unit 200 may include a shape extending substantially along the front-to-back direction (X-direction). For example, the first direction D1 may correspond to the direction in which the basket 53 moves.

For example, the duct unit 200 may include a shape extending along the second direction D2. For example, the second direction D2 may be a direction that intersects the first direction D1. For example, the duct unit 200 may include a shape extending substantially along the vertical direction (Z-direction). However, the present disclosure is not limited to the example described above, and it should be appreciated that the duct unit 200 may include a variety of shapes to guide washing water to the third spray unit 43 and/or the fourth spray unit 44.

The duct unit 200 may include a second duct 220. The second duct 220 may guide washing water to the third spray unit 43. The duct unit may include a third duct 230. The third duct 230 may guide washing water to the fourth spray unit 44.

The duct unit 200 may be fixed to a rear surface 12c of the tub 12. The duct unit 200 may be coupled to the rear surface 12c of the tub 12 by a duct fastening member (not shown). Washing water may be guided to the spray device 40 along the rear surface 12c of the tub 12.

The first duct 100 may be coupled to the duct unit 200. The first duct 100 may be fixed to the rear surface 12c of the tub 12. Washing water passing through the first duct 100 may be guided to the first spray unit 41 along the rear surface 12c of the tub 12. This will be described in more detail later.

The ordinal numbers “first”, “second”, and “third” do not limit the configuration of the first duct 100, the second duct 220, and the third duct 230. For example, the first duct 100 may be referred to as the second duct, and the second duct 220 may be referred to as the first duct.

Each of the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, 44, and 30 may be configured to spray water while rotating. Each of the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, 44, and 30 may be referred to as the spray rotor.

However, the spray device 40 may also spray water in a manner different from that described above. For example, the first spray unit 41 may be fixed to the lower surface 12b of the tub 12. In this case, the first spray unit 41 may be configured to spray water in the substantially horizontal direction by a fixed nozzle, and the water sprayed in the substantially horizontal direction from the nozzle of the first spray unit 41 may be redirected by a diverting assembly (not shown) disposed inside the washing chamber C to move upwardly. The diverting assembly may be installed on a rail (not shown) and configured to be movable in translation along the rail. Although the first spray unit 41 has been described as an example, other spray units may also be configured to spray water using fixed nozzles in the same manner as the example described above.

The dishwasher 1 may include a spray rotor 150. The spray rotor 150 may be configured to spray water inside the tub 12. The spray rotor 150 may spray the water supplied from the first duct 100 into the tub 12. The spray rotor 150 may spray the water supplied from the first duct 100 toward tableware. The spray rotor 150 may be rotatably coupled to the first duct 100. The spray rotor 150 may spray water while rotating. Depending on the flow rate of water supplied from the first duct 100 to the spray rotor 150, the rotational speed of the spray rotor 150 may vary. In the drawings, six spray rotors 150 are shown, but there is no limitation on the number of spray rotors 150. The first spray unit 41 may include the spray rotor 150. The first spray unit 41 may include a plurality of spray rotors 150.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the duct, the sump, and an alternating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the alternating device and the duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the alternating device and the duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an alternating device 300.

As described above, the dishwasher 1 may include the sump 70 configured to receive washing water. The washing water in the sump 70 may be supplied to the spray device 40. The spray device 40 may include the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, 44.

The dishwasher 1 may include the alternating device 300. The alternating device 300 may selectively allow the washing water in the sump 70 to flow to the spray device 40. The alternating device 300 may allow washing water to be selectively supplied to at least one of the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, and 44. The alternating device 300 may allow washing water to selectively flow to at least one of the first spray unit 41, the first duct 100, the second duct 220, and the third duct 230.

The alternating device 300 may include a housing 301. The housing 301 may include an inlet 320 into which washing water is introduced. Washing water may enter the alternating device 300 through the inlet 320. The inlet 320 may be open in a downward (−Z direction).

The housing 301 may include an outlet 310 through which washing water flows out. Washing water may flow out of the alternating device 300 through the outlet 310. The housing 301 may include a plurality of outlets 310. In other words, the outlet 310 may be provided in a plurality. The outlet 310 may be open in an upward (+Z direction).

The first duct 100 may be coupled to the housing 301. The first duct 100 may be connected to the housing 301 to be supplied with washing water. The outlet 310 may include a first outlet 311. The first duct 100 may be connected to the first outlet 311. The first duct 100 may be configured to be supplied with washing water flowing out of the first outlet 311. In other words, washing water may flow out of the first outlet 311 and be guided to the first spray unit 41 by the first duct 100.

The second spray unit 42 may be coupled to the housing 301. The second spray unit 42 may be connected to the housing 301 to be supplied with washing water. The outlet 310 may include a second outlet 312. The second spray unit 42 may be connected to the second outlet 312. The second spray unit 42 may be configured to be supplied with washing water flowing out of the second outlet 312.

The second duct 220 may be coupled to the housing 301. The second duct 220 may be connected to the housing 301 to be supplied with washing water. The outlet 310 may include a third outlet 313. The second duct 220 may be connected to the third outlet 313. The second duct 220 may be configured to be supplied with washing water flowing out of the third outlet 313. In other words, washing water may flow out of the third outlet 313 and be guided to the third spray unit 43 by the second duct 220.

The third duct 230 may be coupled to the housing 301. The third duct 230 may be connected to the housing 301 to be supplied with washing water. The outlet 310 may include a fourth outlet 314. The third duct 230 may be connected to the fourth outlet 314. The third duct 230 may be configured to be supplied with washing water flowing out of the fourth outlet 314. In other words, washing water may flow out of the fourth outlet 314 and be guided to the fourth spray unit 44 by the third duct 230.

The alternating device 300 may include a disk 302. The disk 302 may be a circular plate. However, the shape of the disk 302 is not limited thereto. The size of the maximum diameter of the disk 302 may be configured to correspond to a size of a diameter inside the housing 301.

The disk 302 may be configured to open or close the outlet 310. The disk 302 may be received in the housing 301 and may be rotatably arranged. The disk 302 may be configured to rotate to open at least one of the plurality of outlets 311, 312, 313, and 314.

The housing 302 may include a reinforcing rib 305. The reinforcing rib 305 may be formed on an inner surface 301a of the housing 301. The reinforcing rib 305 may have a shape protruding downwardly from the inner surface of the housing 301. The reinforcing rib 305 may be provided in a plurality. The housing 301 may include the reinforcing ribs 305 to maintain its shape even when washing water is introduced at high pressure.

The alternating device 300 may include coupling portions 350, 330, and 338. The coupling portion 350, 330, and 338 may be provided around the outlet 310. The coupling portion 350, 330, and 338 may include a recessed portion 350 and protrusions 330 and 338, which will be described later.

The alternating device 300 may include the protrusions 330 and 338. The protrusions 330 and 338 may have a cylindrical shape. The protrusions 330 and 338 may be formed on an upper surface 301b of the housing 301. The protrusions 330 and 338 may extend in the up-and-down direction (Z-direction).

The protrusions 330 and 338 may be provided in a plurality. The protrusions 330 and 338 may be coupled with the duct unit 200 and/or the spray units 41, 42, 43, 44, and 30. The protrusions 330 and 338 may include a first protrusion 330 and a second protrusion 338.

The second spray unit 42 may include an inflow portion 331. The inflow portion 331 may be formed below the second spray unit. The inflow portion 331 may have a cylindrical shape. The inflow portion 331 may be configured to be received in the protrusion 330. The inflow portion 331 may extend in the up-and-down direction (Z-direction). In other words, the second spray unit 42 may be coupled with the alternating device 300, including the inflow portion 331 received in the protrusion 330. The second spray unit 42 may be coupled to the alternating device 300 in a perpendicular direction.

The duct unit 200 may include a duct inflow portion 336. The duct inflow portion 336 may be formed below the duct unit 200. The duct inflow portion 336 may have a cylindrical shape. The duct inflow portion 336 may be configured to be received in the second protrusion 338. The duct inflow portion 336 may extend in the up-and-down direction. The duct unit 200 may be coupled with the alternating device 300, including the duct inflow portion 336 received in the second protrusion 338.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the alternating device and the duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the alternating device and the duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a sealing member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the alternating device 300.

The dishwasher 1 may include the auxiliary spray device 30. The auxiliary spray device 30 may be supplied with washing water through an inlet hole 331a formed in the inflow portion 331.

An inlet flow path 331b of the inflow portion 331 may have a cross-sectional area that increases as washing water flows through. In other words, the inlet flow path 331b of the inflow portion 331 may increase in the cross-sectional area as it is directed upward. Accordingly, the flow velocity of the washing water may decrease as it passes through the inlet flow path 331b. A large cross-sectional area of the flow path decreases the flow velocity of the washing water, so the flow velocity of the washing water may be slower in the upward direction.

As such, the flow velocity at a lower end of the inflow portion 331 where the inflow portion 331 and the protrusion 330 are coupled may be sufficiently large. Thus, leakage may be minimized through a gap between the coupling portion of the inflow portion 331 and the protrusion 330.

The protrusion 330 may include a recess portion 330a. The recess portion 330a may be a portion formed by recessing an outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 330. The recess portion 330a may be formed on a lower outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 330. The recess portion 330a may be configured to accommodate a portion of a duct flange 120, which will be described later.

The dishwasher 1 may include a sealing member 400. The sealing member 400 may be configured to seal between the first duct 100 and the housing 301. The sealing member 400 may be formed in a ring shape. The sealing member 400 may include an elastic material. The sealing member 400 may include a more flexible material than the housing 301.

The first duct 100 may include a duct body 110 and a duct flange 120. The duct flange 120 may be disposed below the duct body 110. The duct flange 120 may receive the sealing member 400.

The sealing member 400 may include an outer protrusion 401. The outer protrusion 401 may be formed on an outer portion of the sealing member 400. The outer protrusion 401 may be inclined downward toward an end thereof. The outer protrusion 401 may be provided in a plurality. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the number of outer protrusions 401 is not limited. The sealing member 400 may include the outer protrusion 401 that is inclined downward toward the end, which may provide a better seal between the duct flange 120 and the sealing member 400 than the sealing member 400 that does not include the outer protrusion 401.

The sealing member 400 may include a lower protrusion 402. The lower protrusion 402 may be formed on a lower portion of the sealing member 400. The lower protrusion 402 may be inclined toward a center direction of the sealing member 400 toward an end thereof. The sealing member 400 may include the lower protrusion 402 that is inclined toward the center of the sealing member 400 toward the end, which may provide a better seal between the sealing member 400 and the alternating device 300 than the sealing member 400 that does not include the lower protrusion 402.

The duct flange 120 may include an outer wall 121 and/or an inner wall 122. The outer wall 121 may be formed on an outer side than the inner wall 122. A diameter of the outer wall 121 may be larger than a diameter of the inner wall 122. A portion of the sealing member 400 may be received between the outer wall 121 and the inner wall 122.

The sealing member 400 may include an inner protrusion 403. The inner protrusion 403 may be formed on a lower inner portion of the sealing member 400. A diameter of an inner circumferential surface 404 of the inner protrusion 403 may be smaller than a diameter of an outer circumferential surface of the inner wall 122. Accordingly, the inner protrusion 403 of the sealing member 400 may be prevented from being assembled to the duct flange 120 with the inner protrusion 403 of the sealing member 400 facing upward. In other words, the sealing member 400 may include the inner protrusion 403 to prevent incorrect assembly.

The duct body 100 may be in contact with a guide. A part of the duct flange 120 may be received in the recess portion 330a. The first duct 100 may include the duct flange 120 that is partially received in the recess portion 330a, which may increase the coupling force between the first duct 100 and the alternating device 300.

The alternating device 300 may include the recessed portion 350 to which the first duct 100 is coupled. The recessed portion 350 may be formed on the upper surface 301b of the housing 301. The recessed portion 350 may be formed recessed into the upper surface 301b of the housing 301.

The recessed portion 350 may include a seating surface 351 and a side wall 352. The recessed portion 350 may be a space formed by the seating surface 351 and the side wall 352. The first duct 100 may be seated in the recessed portion 350.

The seating surface 351 may be formed at a lower end of the recessed portion 350. The seating surface 351 may be formed to be flat. The first duct 100 may be seated on the flat seating surface 351. The sealing member 400 may be configured to seal between the first duct 100 and the seating surface 351.

The first outlet 311 may be formed on the seating surface 351. Unlike the second outlet 312, the third outlet 313, and the fourth outlet 314, the first protrusion 330 and/or the second protrusion 338 may not be formed around the first outlet 311.

The side wall 352 may be configured to secure the first duct 100. The side wall 352 may be configured to support the first duct 100. The side wall 352 may guide a direction in which the first duct 100 is coupled to the alternating device 300.

The first duct 100 may include a hook 130. The hook 130 may be configured to protrude from the duct body 110. The hook 130 may be configured to extend in a direction parallel to the seating surface 351.

The alternating device 300 may include a holder 333 that engages with the hook 130. The holder 333 may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the first protrusion 330. The holder 333 may be configured to extend in a direction parallel to the seating surface 351. The holder 333 may be configured to extend in the same direction as the direction in which the hook 130 extends.

The hook 130 may be engaged with the holder 333 to guide the first duct 100 such that the first duct 100 is received in the recessed portion 350. The hook 130 may be engaged with the holder 333 to couple the first duct 100 and the alternating device 300.

The hook 130 may be engaged with the holder 333, allowing the first duct 100 to rotate by a given angle with respect to the holder 333. The first duct 100 may include the hook 130 that is engageable with the holder 333 to facilitate assembly of the first duct 100 to the alternating device 300.

The first duct 100 may include a fastening hole 160. The fastening hole 160 may be formed in a fastening rib 161 protruding from the duct body 110. The alternating device 300 may include a fastening dome 360. The fastening dome 360 may be formed on the upper surface 301b of the housing 301.

The dishwasher 1 may include a fastening member 80 that passes through the fastening hole 160 and is secured to the fastening dome 360. The fastening member 80 may be a screw. However, the type of the fastening member 80 is not limited to a screw. For example, the fastening member 80 may be a rivet. For example, the fastening member 80 may be a pin. For example, the fastening member 80 may be a clamp.

FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged view of the alternating device and the duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged view of the alternating device and the duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the first duct 100.

The second spray unit 42 may include a spray rotor 48 that rotates about the inflow portion 331. The spray rotor 48 may rotate and spray washing water into the interior of the tub 12.

As described above, the first duct 100 may include a shape extending along the first direction D1. The first duct 100 may include a shape extending along the second direction D2. A portion of the duct body 110 from an end where the duct flange 120 is formed to before the shape extending along the second direction D2 may be referred to as a lower duct body 111.

The lower duct body 111 may be located below the spray rotor 48. The lower duct body 111 may not interfere with the second spray unit 42 despite the rotation of the spray rotor 48.

The auxiliary spray device 30 may include an auxiliary spray rotor 31 that rotates about the inflow portion 331. The auxiliary spray rotor 31 may rotate and spray washing water into the interior of the tub 12.

The lower duct body 111 may be located below the auxiliary spray rotor 31. The lower duct body 111 may not interfere with the auxiliary spray device 30 despite the rotation of the auxiliary spray rotor 31.

While the first duct 100 has been described as an example, other ducts 220 and 230 may also include structures for being assembled in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, as in the example described above.

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 16, the dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the first duct 100 and the duct unit 200.

The first duct 100 may include a fixing rib 170. The fixing rib 170 may be formed in a shape in which the first duct 100 extends along the second direction D2. The fixing rib 170 may be configured to protrude forwardly from the first duct 100.

The duct unit 200 may include a rib groove 270. The rib groove 270 may be open toward in a rearward (−X direction). The fixing rib 170 may be received in the rib groove 270. The duct unit 200 may include the rib groove 270 that receives the fixing rib 170 to support the first duct 100.

As described above, the duct unit 200 may be coupled to the rear surface 12c of the tub 12 by a duct fastening member (not shown). The first duct 100 may be coupled to the duct unit 200 with the fixing rib 170 received in the rib groove 270. Accordingly, the first duct 100 may be secured to the rear surface 12c of the tub 12.

The dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the tub 12, the sump 70 configured to receive washing water, a spray device 40 configured to spray water to wash tableware inside the tub 12, the spray device comprising the first spray unit 41 and the second spray unit 42 comprising an inflow portion extending in an up-and-down direction, the duct 100 configured to guide water to the first spray unit 41, and the alternating device 300 configured to guide water in the sump 70 to the spray device 40. The alternating device 300 may include the plurality of outlets 310 through which water flows out to the duct 100, the recessed portion 350 formed recessed in an upper surface of the alternating device 300 such that the duct 100 is coupled thereto, and the protrusion 330 having a cylindrical shape extending in the up-and-down direction to be connectable to the second spray device 40.

The dishwasher may further include the sealing member 400 configured to seal between the duct 100 and the recessed portion 350, and the duct 100 may include the duct flange 120 configured to accommodate the sealing member 400.

The sealing member 400 may be formed in a ring shape, and the sealing member 400 may include the outer protrusion 401 formed on an outer portion of the sealing member 400 and inclined downward toward an end thereof.

The sealing member 400 may include the lower protrusion 402 formed on a lower portion of the sealing member 400 and inclined toward a center direction of the sealing member 400 toward an end thereof.

The sealing member 400 may include the inner protrusion 403 formed on a lower inner portion of the sealing member 400.

The alternating device 300 may include the housing 301, and the disk 302 provided inside the housing 301 and rotatable therein to open or close the outlet 310.

The duct 100 may include the duct body 110 and the hook 130 protruding from the duct body 110. The alternating device 300 may further include the holder formed on an outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 330 and engaged with the hook 130.

The hook 130 may extend in a direction intersecting a direction in which the protrusion 330 extends to guide the duct to be coupled to the alternating device 300.

The protrusion 330 may include the recess portion 330a formed recessed in a lower outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 330.

The duct 100 may further include the duct flange 120 formed at a lower end of the duct body 110. A part of the duct flange 120 may be configured to be received in the recess portion 330a.

The dishwasher may further include the duct unit 200 configured to guide water in the tub 12 and coupled to a rear surface of the tub 12.

The duct may be coupled with the duct unit 200.

The duct may include the fixing rib 170 protruding forwardly. The duct unit 200 may include the rib groove 270 configured to receive the fixing rib 170 so as to couple with the duct 100.

The duct 100 may include the fastening hole 160. The alternating device 300 may include the fastening dome 360. The dishwasher may further include the fastening member 80 configured to couple the fastening hole 160 and the fastening dome 360 so as to fasten the duct and the alternating device 300.

The recessed portion 350 may be formed by the seating surface 351 on which the duct is seated and the side wall 352 configured to guide the duct 100 to be seated on the seating surface 351, and the outlets 310 may be formed on the seating surface.

The dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the tub 12 configured to receive tableware, the sump 70 configured to receive water, the spray device 40 including the first spray unit 41 and the second spray unit 42 configured to spray water to wash tableware inside the tub 12, the alternating device 300 including the housing 301, the recessed portion 350 formed recessed in an upper surface of the housing 301, and the protrusion 330 formed in a cylindrical shape extending in an up-and-down direction on the upper surface of the housing and configured to supply water received in the sump 70 to the spray device, and the duct 100 seated in the recessed portion 350 to guide water so as to connect the alternating device 300 and the first spray unit 41. The second spray unit 42 may include an inflow portion 331 extending in the up-and-down direction to be connectable to the alternating device 300 and disposed lower than the first spray unit 41.

The alternating device 300 may further include the plurality of outlets 310 through which water flows out to the spray device and the inlet 320 through which water flows into an interior of the housing from the sump 70, and the spray device 40 may be provided around the plurality of outlets 310.

The duct 100 may include the duct body 110 and the hook 130 protruding from the duct body 110 and extending in a direction parallel to a lower end of the recessed portion 350.

The alternating device 300 may further include the holder formed on an outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 330 and extending in the same direction as a direction in which the hook 130 extends to be engaged with the hook 130.

The recessed portion 350 may be formed by the seating surface 351 on which the duct 100 is seated and the side wall 352 configured to guide the duct 100 to be seated on the seating surface 351.

According to the spirit of the present disclosure, the structure of the dishwasher may be improved.

According to the spirit of the present disclosure, the dishwasher may be provided by including the ducts with different assembly directions, thereby improving having assemblability.

According to the spirit of the present disclosure, leakage of water may be prevented by including a variety of structures for sealing the duct and the alternating device.

According to the spirit of the present disclosure, the sealing member may include the inner protrusion to prevent incorrect assembly.

The effects to be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

While the present disclosure has been particularly described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood by those of skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.