CUP WASHER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a cup washer, and more specifically, to a cup washer that washes a cup by spraying water.

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2024-0001377 and 10-2024-0098457, filed on January 4 and Jul. 25, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

A cup washer is a device that washes a cup by spraying water. Recently, as the awareness of practicing carbon neutrality has expanded throughout society, the number of people carrying personal or reusable cups has increased. Accordingly, the number of government offices, companies, and stores where cup washers are installed for the hygiene and convenience of users (employees) is increasing.

Korean Patent No. 1983721 (hereinafter referred to as “prior document”) discloses a “cup automatic-washing apparatus”, in which the cup automatic-washing apparatus includes a cup feeder part, a cup conveyor part, a washer part, a cup washing unit, a cup rinsing unit, and a cup drying unit.

According to Prior Document 1, the cup feeder feeds a cup to be washed, which is to be introduced into the cup introduction part, to the cup conveyor part. The cup conveyor part sequentially conveys the cup to the cup washing unit, the cup rinsing unit, and the cup drying unit. Whenever the cup conveyor unit sequentially conveys the cup to the cup washing unit, the cup rinsing unit, and the cup drying unit, the washing unit moves up and down. The cup washing unit sprays a liquid detergent mixture onto the cup. The cup rinsing unit sprays washing water onto the inner and outer surfaces of the cup.

Therefore, since the cup washing unit and the cup rinsing unit are installed separately from each other, there is a limit to reducing the volume of the cup automatic-washing apparatus because a cup conveyor part for conveying a cup and a washer part should be provided.

In addition, since the nozzles of the cup washing unit and the cup rinsing unit continuously spray new washing water and the nozzles are configured to simply spray water, a large amount of water should be consumed to wash a cup.

DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem

The present disclosure was made to solve the above-described problems of a cup washer that washes a cup by spraying water.

Specifically, the present disclosure provides a cup washer, in which a cup washing structure is optimized to allow different nozzles to spray water using the pressure of a circulating pump and the water supply pressure to wash a cup that has been introduced into a tub.

In addition, the present disclosure provides a cup washer, in which a nozzle structure is optimized to allow washing performance to be enhanced even with a small amount of water.

In addition, the present disclosure provides a cup washer, in which flow resistance inside nozzles can be minimized, the ease of nozzle assembly can be enhanced, and leakage at nozzle joints can be minimized.

The technical problems to be addressed by the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems, which are not described above, will be clearly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the related art to which the present disclosure belongs.

Technical Solution

A cup washer described herein may include a tub, a first spray nozzle, and a second spray nozzle.

A cup may be placed inside the tub.

The first spray nozzle may spray water into the tub by the pressure of a circulating pump that circulates water drained from the tub.

The second spray nozzle may be connected to a feed pipe and may spray water into the tub by the water supply pressure.

The second spray nozzle may include a guide pipe, a venturi pipe, and a cone nozzle.

The guide pipe may be provided in a lower portion of the tub. The guide pipe may provide a flow path through which water moves upward by the water supply pressure.

The venturi pipe may be detachably coupled to an upper end opening of the guide pipe. The venturi pipe may have an air inlet in a constricted portion of the flow path through which water moves upward.

The cone nozzle may be detachably coupled to the upper end opening of the venturi pipe. The cone nozzle may spray water into the tub.

The cup washer described herein may include a rack.

The rack may be provided inside the tub, and the cup may be placed upside down.

The air inlet may be located outside the inlet of the cup placed upside down on the rack.

At least a portion of the cone nozzle may be located inside the inlet of the cup placed on the rack.

The cone nozzle may be detachably coupled to the upper end opening of the guide pipe.

The lower portion of the venturi pipe may surround the outer surface of the upper end opening of the guide pipe.

The lower portion of the cone nozzle may surround the outer peripheral surface of the upper end opening of the venturi pipe.

The air inlet may have an opening on the outer surface of the venturi pipe.

The distance from the center line of the flow path in the venturi pipe to the opening of the air inlet may be smaller than the lower radius of the venturi pipe and the lower radius of the cone nozzle.

The venturi pipe may have a concave groove on the outer surface.

The opening of the air inlet may be located inside the concave groove.

The first spray nozzle may be rotatably coupled to the outside of the guide pipe. The first spray nozzle may have multiple spray ports configured to spray water into the tub.

The upper end of the flow path of the guide pipe and the lower end of the flow path of the venturi pipe, which are connected to each other, may have the same inner diameter.

The upper end of the flow path in the venturi pipe and the lower end of the flow path in the cone nozzle, which are connected to each other, may have the same inner diameter.

Advantageous Effect

In a cup washer according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first spray nozzle may spray water into the tub by the pressure of a circulating pump configured to circulate water drained from the tub. The second spray nozzle may be connected to a feed pipe, allowing water to be sprayed into the tub by the water supply pressure. When the cup washer operates in the general washing mode, the first spray nozzle may spray water circulating through the tub and the sump into the interior and exterior of the cup to wash the cup. When the cup washer operates in the rapid washing mode, the second spray nozzle may spray raw water flowing in from the water supply, into the cup by the water supply pressure to wash the cup.

In a cup washer according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second spray nozzle may include a guide pipe, a venturi pipe, and a cone nozzle. The venturi pipe may be detachably coupled to an upper end opening of the guide pipe. The lower portion of the venturi pipe may be screw-coupled to the upper end opening of the guide pipe. The cone nozzle may be detachably coupled to the upper end opening of the venturi pipe. The lower portion of the cone nozzle may be screw-coupled to the upper end opening of the venturi pipe. The screw-coupled structures of the guide pipe, venturi pipe, and cone nozzle can minimize leakage at the joints while improving the ease of assembly of the second spray nozzle.

In the cup washer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the venturi pipe may provide a flow path through which water moves upward. The venturi pipe may have a constricted portion within a straight pipe, and a phenomenon in which the flow rate increases and the pressure decreases may occur in the restricted portion. The venturi pipe may form an air inlet in the constricted portion of the flow path. Therefore, when air flows into the air inlet located in the middle of the flow path in the venturi pipe, micro-bubbles can be generated in the water moving upward in the flow path in the venturi pipe. Therefore, the water sprayed by the second spray nozzle can enhance cleaning performance with a smaller flow rate compared to water without bubbles, due to the micro-sized bubbles.

In the cup washer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cone nozzle may include a cap and a wedge. The wedge may form a pair of spiral inclined surfaces inclined in the length direction of the flow path on the upper end opening side of the venturi pipe. The pair of spiral inclined surfaces may form a symmetrical shape centered on the center line of the flow path in the venturi pipe. Therefore, water may generate a vortex as it moves upward from the upper end opening side of the venturi pipe. Therefore, the water sprayed from the third nozzle may not have a straight shape, but may have a full cone shape. Therefore, the washing range can be expanded as the water sprayed from the third nozzle is sprayed in the full cone shape. Therefore, the second nozzle generates micro-sized bubbles in the water moving upward in flow path in the venturi pipe. Then, as the water generating the bubbles spreads into two large spiral streams while passing through the wedge, the washing range of the water sprayed from the third nozzle can be expanded in the full cone shape.

In the cup washer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lower portion of the venturi pipe may surround the outer peripheral surface of the upper end opening of the guide pipe. The air inlet may have an opening on the outer surface of the venturi pipe. The distance from the center line of the flow path in the venturi pipe to the opening of the air inlet may be smaller than the radius of the lower portion of the venturi pipe. Therefore, water scattered from the bottom surface of the tub or the top surface of the rotary body can be blocked by the lower portion of the venturi pipe, thereby being prevented from flowing into the air inlet. Therefore, the second spray nozzle can spray clean water from the water supply pipe, which is not contaminated with water scattered from the bottom surface of the tub or the top surface of the rotary body, into the cup. In addition, the blockage of the air inlet by water or cup contents flowing into the air inlet or the non-occurrence of bubbles can be prevented.

In a cup washer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lower portion of the cone nozzle may surround the outer peripheral surface of the upper end opening of the venturi pipe. The air inlet may have an opening on the outer surface of the venturi pipe. The distance from the center line of the venturi pipe to the opening of the air inlet may be smaller than the radius of the lower portion of the cone nozzle. Therefore, the water scattered from the inner surface of the cup can be blocked by the lower portion of the cone nozzle, thereby being prevented from flowing into the inlet of the air inlet. Therefore, the second spray nozzle can spray clean water from the water supply pipe, which is not contaminated with the water scattered from the inner surface of the cup, into the cup. In addition, the blockage of the air inlet by water or cup contents flowing into the air inlet or the non-occurrence of bubbles can be prevented.

In the cup washer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the venturi pipe may have a concave groove on the outer surface thereof. The opening of the air inlet may be located inside the concave groove. Therefore, water, which is scattered from the bottom surface of the tub, the upper surface of the rotating body, and the inner surface of the cup, can be blocked by the outer peripheral surface of the venturi pipe, thereby being prevented from flowing into the air inlet. Therefore, the second spray nozzle can spray clean water from the water supply pipe, which is not contaminated with water scattered from the bottom surface of the tub, the top surface of the rotary body, and the inner surface of the cup, into the cup. In addition, the blockage of the air inlet by water or cup contents flowing into the air inlet or the non-occurrence of bubbles can be prevented.

In the cup washer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner peripheral surface of the lower portion of the venturi pipe and the inner peripheral surface of the lower portion of the cone nozzle may have the same diameter. In addition, the inner peripheral surface of the lower portion of the venturi pipe and the inner peripheral surface of the lower portion of the cone nozzle may have the same type of female screw thread. The outer peripheral surface of the upper end opening of the guide pipe and the outer peripheral surface of the upper end opening of the venturi pipe may have the same diameter. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the upper end opening of the guide pipe and the outer peripheral surface of the upper end opening of the venturi pipe may have the same type of male screw thread. Therefore, the venturi pipe can be removed, and the cone nozzle can be detachably coupled to the upper end opening of the guide pipe. Therefore, by separating the venturi pipe and coupling the cone nozzle to the upper end opening of the guide pipe in some cases, the flow resistance by the venturi pipe can be minimized, the flow rate and speed of water sprayed from the second spray nozzle can be increased, and the cleaning power can be improved.

In the cup washer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a cup is placed on the rack, at least a portion of the cone nozzle may be located inside the inlet of the cup placed on the rack. Therefore, the water sprayed from the third nozzle can hit the inner surface of the cup and effectively wash away foreign substances on the inner surface of the cup. The air inlet may be located outside the inlet of the cup placed upside down on the rack. Therefore, the blockage of the air inlet due to water scattered from the inner surface of the cup and non-occurrence of bubbles due to this can be minimized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cup washer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from a front upper side;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cup washer of FIG. 1 viewed from a rear upper side;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cup washer of FIG. 1 in the state in which a front panel is removed;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the cup washer of FIG. 1, illustrating the state in which a door is opened;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the cup washer of FIG. 1 in which a frame, a panel, a door, and a display unit are not illustrated;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cup washer of FIG. 4 in which a cup and a cup lid mounted on a rack are illustrated with imaginary lines;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a cup washer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional front view of the cup washer of FIG. 4, illustrating a cup placed on a rack with phantom lines;

FIG. 9 is a partial plan view of the cup washer of FIG. 4, illustrating a cup placed on a rack with phantom lines when the door is in an open state;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the spray unit of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating the spray unit of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a partial side view illustrating the venturi pipe and the cone nozzle of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view illustrating the venturi pipe and the wedge of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a partial side view illustrating the venturi pipe and the wedge of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a partial side view of the venturi pipe and the cone nozzle of FIG. 12, illustrating water movement paths and a spray form; and

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating the second spray nozzle of FIG. 11 in the state in which the venturi pipe is removed therefrom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in the following description of the present disclosure, descriptions of already well-known functions or constructions will be omitted in order to make the gist of the present disclosure clear.

The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction to be described in embodiments of the present disclosure may be orthogonal to each other. Each of the X and Y directions may be parallel to the horizontal direction, and the Z direction may be parallel to the vertical direction. When the X direction is parallel to the left-right direction, the Y direction may be parallel to the front-rear direction. When the X direction is parallel to the front-rear direction, the Y direction may be parallel to the left-right direction.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cup washer 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from a front upper side.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cup washer 1000 of FIG. 1 viewed from a rear upper side.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cup washer 1000 of FIG. 1 in the state in which a front panel 21 is removed.

Recently, as the awareness of practicing carbon neutrality has expanded throughout society, the number of people carrying personal or reusable cups has increased. Accordingly, the number of government offices, companies, and stores where cup washers are installed for the hygiene and convenience of users (employees) is increasing. The cup washer 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be installed in government offices, companies, or stores. The above-mentioned personal cup or reusable cup may mean a cup (made of a glass or plastic material), a mug, a tumbler, or the like.

The cup washer 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have a tower shape that is long substantially in the vertical direction. Therefore, the floor area required for installation of the cup washer 1000 may be small compared to the total volume of the cup washer 1000.

The cup washer 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a frame 10, a panel 20, a display unit 30, a tub 100, a spray unit 300, a water reservoir 50, a sump 60, a circulation pump 70, a drain pump 80, an additive storage part 500, an additive supply part 600, a drying part 400, and a controller 40. The controller 40 may integrally control the display unit 30, the circulation pump 70, the drain pump 80, and the additive supply part 600.

The frame 10 may configure the framework of the cup washer 1000. The frame 10 may include a base frame 13, a front frame 11, a rear frame 12, and a horizontal frame 14.

The base frame 13 may configure the lowermost portion of the cup washer 1000. The base frame 13 may be seated on the ground. The front frame 11 and the rear frame 12 may define a shape extending upward from the edges of the base frame 13. The horizontal frame 14 may interconnect the front frame 11 and the rear frame 12 in the horizontal direction.

The panel 20 may be coupled to the frame 10 to isolate the components of the cup washer 1000 from the external environment. The panel 20 may include a front panel 21, a rear panel 22, a door 25, and a storage unit cover 26.

The front panel 21 may be coupled to the frame 10 to define the front surface and both side surfaces of the cup washer 1000 under the door 25. The rear panel 22 may be coupled to the frame 10 to define the rear surface of the cup washer 1000 below the display unit 30.

A vent 22a may be provided in the rear panel 22. Outside air may flow into the drying part 400 through the vent 22a. An air outlet 22b may be provided in the rear panel 22. Air from the drying part 400 may be discharged to the outside through the air outlet 22b. A handle 23 may be provided on the rear panel 22. A manager may easily move the cup washer 1000 by holding the handle 23.

The display unit 30 may be provided in the upper portion of the cup washer 1000. The screen of the display unit 30 may face the front side of the cup washer 1000. Therefore, the user of the cup washer 1000 may visually check the screen of the display unit 30 from the front side of the cup washer 1000. The display unit 30 may output the operating state of the cup washer 1000, such as “wash”, “rinse”, and “dry”.

The display unit 30 may be configured with a touch panel. The user may input an operation command for the cup washer 1000 through the display unit 30.

The user may select a washing mode through the screen of the display unit 30. As an example, the user may select a “normal washing mode” or a “quick washing mode” through the screen of the display unit 30. The normal washing mode may refer to a mode in which a cup C is washed using a detergent and a rinse. The quick washing mode may refer to a mode in which the cup C is washed only by spraying water without a detergent or a rinse.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the cup washer 1000 of FIG. 1, illustrating the state in which a door 25 is opened.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the cup washer 1000 of FIG. 1, in which the frame 10, the panel 20, the door 25, and the display unit 30 are not illustrated.

The panel 20 may include a top panel 24. The top panel 24 may be coupled to the upper end portion of the front panel 21. The top panel 24 may isolate the components inside the front panel 21 from the external environment at the upper end portion of the front panel 21, except for an upper opening of the tub 100 and an upper opening of the additive storage part 500. The storage unit cover 26 may open or close the upper opening of the additive storage part 500.

The door 25 may open or close the top opening of the tub 100. The door 25 may be rotatably coupled to the top panel 24. When the door 25 is closed (see FIG. 1), the door 25 may protrude forward from the front panel 21. When the door 25 is closed, the user may easily rotate (open) the door 25 by lifting the forward protruding portion upward.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cup washer 1000 of FIG. 5, illustrating a cup C and a cup lid Ca mounted on the rack 200 with imaginary lines.

The tub 100 may provide therein a space (hereinafter, referred to as a “washing space”) in which the cup C is washed. The tub 100 may be in the form of a hollow three-dimensional object with an opening (hereinafter, referred to as a “cup inlet”) at approximately the upper end thereof. The door 25 can open or close the cup inlet. The user may put the cup C into the washing space or take out the cup C from the washing space through the cup inlet.

A rack 200 on which the cup C and the cup lid Ca are mounted may be provided in the washing space. The rack 200 may be put into or taken out from the washing space through the cup inlet. The cup C and the cup lid Ca may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the tub 100 while being mounted on the rack 200. The cup C may be placed on the rack 200 with its top and bottom turned upside down.

The cup washer 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a spray unit 300. The spray unit 300 may be installed in the lower portion of the tub 100. When the cup C is mounted on the rack 200, the upper opening of the cup C may be located above the spray unit 300. The spray unit 300 is able to spray water toward the inside and outside of the cup C in the washing space. The spray unit 300 may include a first spray nozzle 310 and a second spray nozzle 320.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the cup washer 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the movement paths of water, additive, and air, and the relative arrangement of components may differ from reality.

In FIG. 7, the dotted line arrows may indicate the path of water sprayed by the first spray nozzle 310. In addition, the solid arrows may indicate the path of water sprayed by the second spray nozzle 320. In addition, the thick black arrow may indicate the movement path of the additive. In addition, the thick white arrows may refer to air movement paths.

The water reservoir 50 is able to store water. The water reservoir 50 may be heavier than other components. The water reservoir 50 may be coupled to the top surface of the base frame 13. Therefore, the overall center of gravity of the cup washer 1000 may be lowered. Therefore, even when the cup washer 1000 is configured in a tower shape that is long substantially in the vertical direction, the possibility of the cup washer 1000 falling over may be reduced.

The water reservoir 50 may be connected to a water supply pipe. Water from the water supply pipe may be supplied to the water reservoir 50. A water level sensor may be installed in the water reservoir 50. An opening/closing valve may be provided between the water supply pipe and the water reservoir 50. The controller 40 can control the opening/closing valve by receiving a signal from the water level sensor.

A heater and a temperature sensor may be provided in the water reservoir 50. The heater may heat the water in the water reservoir 50. The controller 40 may control the heater by receiving a signal from the temperature sensor.

The water in the water reservoir 50 may be supplied into the tub 100 through the washing water supply part 90. The washing water supply part 90 may include a washing water supply pipe 91 and an opening/closing valve 92. The controller 40 may control the opening/closing valve 92.

The additive storage part 500 may store an additive therein. The additive may include a first additive and a second additive. The first additive may be provided as a detergent. The second additive may be provided as a rinse. The additive storage part 500 may include a first additive storage part and a second additive storage part. The first additive storage part may store the first additive therein. The second additive storage part may store the second additive therein.

The additive supply part 600 may supply the additive stored in the additive storage part 500 into the tub 100. The additive supply part 600 may include a first additive supply part and a second additive supply part. The first additive supply part may supply the first additive to the inside of the tub. The second additive supply part may supply the second additive to the inside of the tub.

As described above, the user may select a washing mode through the screen of the display unit 30. As an example, the user may select a “normal washing mode” or a “quick washing mode” through the screen of the display unit 30.

The normal washing mode may refer to a mode in which a cup C is washed using a detergent and a rinse. The quick washing mode may refer to a mode in which a cup C is washed only by spraying water without a detergent or a rinse.

The normal washing mode may include a normal washing step and a drying step. When the user selects the “normal washing mode” through the screen of the display unit 30, the water in the water reservoir 50 may be supplied into the tub 100 through the washing water supply part 90. The washing water supply part 90 may include a washing water supply pipe 91 and an opening/closing valve. In this case, the additive supply part 600 may supply the additive into the tub 100 for a set period of time. The additive may be mixed with water within the tub 100.

The water mixed with the additive may flow into the sump 60 on the lower side of the tub 100 through the filter part 800 by gravity. The circulation pump 70 may press the water flowing into the sump 60 toward the first spray nozzle 310.

The first spray nozzle 310 may spray the water mixed with the additive toward the inside and outside of the cup C. In addition, the circulation pump 70 may supply water flowing into the sump 60 into the tub 100 through the washing water spray unit 95. The washing water spray unit 95 may spray the water mixed with the additive toward the cup lid Ca.

The circulation pump 70 may operate for a set period of time. When the set period of time elapses, the water flowing into the sump 60 may move to a drain pipe 81 through the drain pump 80 and may be drained out of the cup washer 1000 (completing of the normal washing step).

The additive may include a first additive and a second additive. The first additive may be provided as a detergent. The second additive may be provided as a rinse. In this case, the normal washing step may include a first normal washing step and a second normal washing step.

The first normal washing step may be the step of washing the cup C with the water mixed with the first additive. The second normal washing step may be the step of washing the cup C with the water mixed with the second additive. The first normal washing step and the second normal washing step may be performed sequentially.

Once the normal washing step is completed, the drying step may be performed. The drying part 400 may supply heated air into the tub 100. During this process, moist air within the tub 100 may be discharged to the outside. The drying step may be performed for a set period of time (completing of the drying step).

The second spray nozzle 320 may be connected to the water supply pipe. A three-way valve may be installed between the water supply pipe and the water reservoir 50. The second spray nozzle 320 may be connected to the water supply pipe through the three-way valve. An opening/closing valve may be provided between the second spray nozzle 320 and the three-way valve. The controller 40 may control the three-way valve and the open/close valve.

The quick washing mode may include a quick washing step and a drying step. When the user selects the “quick washing mode” through the screen of the display unit 30, the second spray nozzle 320 may be connected to the water supply pipe through the three-way valve. In the quick washing mode, the additive may not be supplied into the tub 100.

The second spray nozzle 320 may spray water not mixed with the additive into the cup C. The opening/closing valve may open the flow path between the water supply pipe and the second spray nozzle 320 for a set period of time. When the set period of time elapses, the water flowing into the sump 60 may move to a drain pipe 81 through the drain pump 80 and may be drained out of the cup washer 1000 (completing of the quick washing step).

Once the quick washing step is completed, the drying step may be performed. The drying part 400 may supply heated air into the tub 100. During this process, moist air within the tub 100 may be discharged to the outside. The drying step may be performed for a set period of time (completing of the drying step).

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional front view of the cup washer 1000 of FIG. 4, illustrating a cup C placed on a rack 200 with phantom lines. Reference numeral 61 in FIG. 8 may denote a water pipe connecting an inlet of a circulating pump 70 and a sump 60. Reference numeral 71 in FIG. 8 may denote a water pipe connecting an outlet of the circulating pump 70 and a first spray nozzle 310.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cup washer 1000 of FIG. 4, illustrating a cup C placed on a rack 200 with phantom lines when the door in an open state.

A spray unit 300 is disposed in the tub 100 and coupled to the sump 60. The spray unit may spray water toward the cup C. The sump 60 may include a portion forming a space where water is stored and a portion where the spray unit 300 is mounted and a pipe connected to the water supply is coupled.

The spray unit 300 may include a first spray nozzle 310 and a second spray nozzle 320. The first spray nozzle 310 may be configured to rotate, and the second spray nozzle 320 may be configured to be fixed without rotating. The first spray nozzle 310 may be installed in the lower portion of the tub 100 to be rotatable, and may spray water to the inside of the tub 100 and to the cup C accommodated in the tub 100 while being rotated by the water pressure without a separate device such as a motor.

The second spray nozzle 320 may extend in the vertical direction of the tub 100 and may include at least one spray port. The first spray nozzle 310 may extend from the outer periphery of the second spray nozzle 320 toward opposite side surfaces of the tub 100 and include at least one spray port. The first spray nozzle may be configured to be rotatable relative to the second spray nozzle 320.

The first spray nozzle 310 may have a generally flat appearance, and a space in which water flows may be formed inside the first spray nozzle. The second spray nozzle 320 may be coupled to the central portion of the first spray nozzle 310. Therefore, in order to secure a space where the second spray nozzle 320 is coupled, the first spray nozzle 310 may have a shape in which the cross-sectional area is relatively wide in the central portion and decreases toward the ends.

A first spray port 311a, through which washing water is sprayed, may be formed on the top surface of the first spray nozzle 310, and multiple first spray ports 311a may be provided. Therefore, in order to secure an area where the multiple first spray ports 311a are formed, the first spray nozzle 310 may be formed in a generally flat shape in which the top surface is wider than the side surface.

The second spray nozzle 320 may be provided in a shape that extends relatively long in the vertical direction. The second spray nozzle may have a spray port formed on the upper side for spraying washing water and an inner space through which water flows. The second spray nozzle 320 may have an external shape in the form of a cylinder. As another embodiment, the second spray nozzle 320 may have an external shape in the form of a polygonal column.

Room temperature water or heated hot water may flow through the first spray nozzle 310 and the second spray nozzle 320 and be sprayed into the tub 100. The first spray nozzle 310 may extend to the outer periphery of the second spray nozzle 320. The first spray nozzle 310 may be configured to rotate and may arranged such that its length is oriented laterally relative to the tub 100.

The first spray nozzle 310 may spray water into the tub 100 by the pressure of a circulating pump 70 that circulates water drained from the tub 100. The first spray nozzle 310 may spray water when the cup washer 1000 operates in a general washing mode.

The second spray nozzle 320 may be coupled to the first spray nozzle 310, may be arranged in the central portion of the first spray nozzle 310, and may be configured to protrude upward with respect to the first spray nozzle 310. The second spray nozzle 320 may be fixedly connected to the sump 60 and may not rotate.

When the second spray nozzle 320 is directly connected to the water supply by a feed pipe 51 and the cup washer operates in a rapid wash mode, the cup C can be washed by spraying raw water flowing in from the water supply to the cup 10 by the water supply pressure. As another embodiment, the second spray nozzle 320 may be connected to a water reservoir 120 by a pipe, and may be supplied with water from the water tank 120.

In the embodiment, the spray unit 300 may include a first spray nozzle 310 that sprays water to the cup C while rotating, and a second spray nozzle 320 that does not rotate but is located adjacent to the inner surface of the cup C. Therefore, the inner and outer surfaces of the cup C may be effectively cleaned using the first spray nozzle 310 and the second spray nozzle 320.

Washing may be performed while the cup C is placed upside down in the tub 100. That is, the open portion (inlet) of the cup C is placed to faces the lower portion of the tub 100, so that water sprayed from the first spray nozzle 310 and the second spray nozzle 320 can be directed to the interior of the cup C.

The first spray nozzle 310 is arranged such that its length is oriented laterally relative to the tub 100, so that the first spray nozzle can spray throughout the entire interior of the tub 100, whereby both the inner and outer surfaces of the cup C accommodated in the tub 100 can be washed.

When the cup C is placed in the tub 100, at least a portion of the cone nozzle 323 of the second spray nozzle 320 may be located in the interior (inside the inlet) of the cup C placed on the rack 200. Therefore, the second spray nozzle 320 can quickly complete cup washing by mainly washing the inner surface of the cup C in the rapid washing mode.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the spray unit 300 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating the spray unit 300 in FIG. 8.

The first spray nozzle 310 may include a rotary body 311. The rotary body 311 may include multiple spray ports configured to spray water into the tub 100. The rotary body 311 may provide a flow path for water between itself and the outer peripheral surface of the guide pipe 321.

The rotary body 311 may include a first spray port 311a and a second spray port 311b. Multiple first spray ports 311a may be provided on the top surface of the rotary body 311 at positions spaced apart from each other outward from the center of rotation of the first spray nozzle 310.

The first spray ports 311a may be intensively provided, for example, in a specific region spaced apart from the center of rotation of the first spray nozzle 310. In another embodiment, the first spray ports 311a may be provided at positions spaced apart from the center of rotation of the first spray nozzle 310 and arranged at an interval in the length direction of the rotary body 311.

The second spray ports 311b may be provided on the bottom surface of the rotary body 311 at positions spaced apart from each other outward from the center of rotation, and may be arranged such that their discharge directions are opposite to each other with respect to the center of rotation of the first spray nozzle 310.

The second spray ports 311b may be provided to obtain a driving force to rotate the first spray nozzle 310. That is, the water discharged from the second spray ports 311b may generate a driving force to rotate the first spray nozzle 310.

The rotary body 311 may be fabricated by, for example, manufacturing two pieces and joining these pieces together to form therein a space in which water flows. Therefore, the rotary body 311 can include two pieces, that is, a first piece and a second piece. The first piece may form the upper portion of the rotary body 311. The second piece may form the lower portion of the rotary body 311 and may be joined with the first piece to form a space where water flows.

The first spray ports 311a can be formed in the first piece. Multiple first spray ports 311a may be provided at positions spaced apart from the center of the rotation of the first spray nozzle 310 on opposite sides. In addition, respective first spray ports 311a may be arranged to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the rotation center.

The first spray ports 311a may be provided so that their discharge directions are inclined with respect to the vertical and horizontal directions of the tub 100. The discharge directions of the multiple first spray ports 311a may be provided to be inclined oppositely with respect to the center of rotation of the first spray nozzle 310. That is, the first spray ports 311a located at symmetrical positions with respect to the center of rotation of the first spray nozzle 310 may be provided to be inclined in opposite directions, respectively.

Due to this structure, when water is discharged from the first spray ports 311a, the water can be sprayed in inclined directions relative to the vertical and horizontal directions of the tub 100 to be spread throughout the entire space inside the tub 100. Therefore, even when the size of the first spray nozzle 310 is relatively small, the water sprayed from the first spray nozzle 310 can be sprayed throughout the entire interior of the tub 100. Accordingly, even when the cup C placed in the tub 100 is large, both the inner and outer surfaces of the cup C can be washed.

In addition, since the discharge directions of the first spray ports 311a is provided to be inclined, the water sprayed from the first spray ports 311a applies a driving force to the first spray nozzle 310 in an inclined direction. Accordingly, the first spray nozzle 310 can rotate with the water pressure without a separate device such as a motor.

The second spray ports 311b may be formed in the second piece. In addition, a pair of second spray ports 311b may be arranged such that their water discharge directions are opposite to each other, that is, symmetrical with respect to the center of rotation of the first spray nozzle 310. In addition, the pair of second spray ports 311b may be arranged such that their water discharge directions are parallel to the horizontal direction of the tub 100 and perpendicular to the length direction of the first spray nozzle 310.

In FIG. 10, the water discharge direction of the second spray port 311b disposed on the left may be directed forward the paper of the drawing, and the water discharge direction of the second spray port 311b disposed on the right of the drawing may be directed rearward from the paper.

That is, in order for the water discharged from the second spray ports 311b to generate the rotational force of the first spray nozzle 310, the discharge directions of the second spray port 311b may be set to be perpendicular to the length direction of the first spray nozzle 310 and opposite to each other at opposite end portions of the first spray nozzle 310.

Due to this structure, the water discharged from the second spray ports 311b is sprayed in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the first spray nozzle 310 to apply a driving force to the first spray nozzle 310. Accordingly, the first spray nozzle 310 can be rotated by the water pressure.

Therefore, the first spray nozzle 310 can be rotated by obtaining a driving force from the discharged water due to the structure that defines the water discharge directions of the first spray ports 311a and the second spray ports 311b.

The second spray ports 311b may be provided at positions radially further outside from the center of rotation of the first spray nozzle 310 than the first spray ports 311a, that is, closer to the ends of the first spray nozzle 310 than the first spray ports 311a. Due to this structure, the rotational force of the first spray nozzle 310 may be further increased by the water sprayed from the second spray port 311b.

The second spray nozzle 320 may extend upward to a height higher than the top surface of the first spray nozzle 310. Therefore, the second spray nozzle 320 may be vertically long to be at least partially positioned inside the cup C when the cup C is placed in the tub 100.

The second spray nozzle 320 may include a guide pipe 321, a venturi pipe 322, and a cone nozzle 323.

The guide pipe 321 may be provided in the lower portion of the tub 100 and may provide a flow path through which water moves upward by the water supply pressure. The upper portion of the guide pipe 321 may protrude upward from the first spray nozzle 310.

The venturi pipe 322 may be detachably coupled to an upper end opening of the guide pipe 321. The lower portion of the venturi pipe 322 may be screw-coupled to the upper end opening of the guide pipe 321.

The venturi pipe 322 may provide a flow path through which water moves upward. The upper end of the flow path in the guide pipe 321 and the lower end of the flow path of the venturi pipe 322, which are connected to each other, may have the same inner diameter. Therefore, the occurrence of turbulence due to the step of the inner wall of the flow path between the upper end of the flow path in the guide pipe 321 and the lower end of the flow path in the venturi pipe 322 can be prevented. Therefore, the occurrence of loss of head of water moving upward between the upper end of the flow path in the guide pipe 321 and the lower end of the flow path in the venturi pipe 322 can be prevented. That is, when water flows from the guide pipe 321 to the venturi pipe 322, energy loss due to the shape of the flow path and friction with the inner wall of the flow path can be prevented.

The venturi pipe 322 may provide an air inlet 322h in the constricted portion of the flow path. The venturi pipe 322 may literally take the form of a venturi pipe. The venturi pipe may have a constricted portion within a straight pipe, and a phenomenon in which the flow rate increases and the pressure decreases may occur in the restricted portion.

Therefore, when air flows into the air inlet 322h located in the middle of the flow path in the venturi pipe 322, micro-sized bubbles can be generated in the water moving upward in the flow path of the venturi pipe 322. Therefore, the water sprayed by the second spray nozzle 320 may enhance cleaning performance with a smaller flow rate compared to water without bubbles, due to the micro-sized bubbles.

FIG. 12 is a partial side view illustrating the venturi pipe 322 and the cone nozzle 323 of FIG. 11.

The cone nozzle 323 may be detachably coupled to the upper end opening of the venturi pipe 322. At least a portion of the cone nozzle 323 may be located inside the inlet of the cup C placed on the rack 400.

The upper end of the flow path in the venturi pipe 322 and the lower end of the flow path in the cone nozzle 323, which are connected to each other, may have the same inner diameter. Therefore, the occurrence of turbulence due to the step of the inner wall of the flow path between the upper end of the flow path in the venturi pipe 322 and the lower end of the flow path in the cone nozzle 323 can be prevented. Therefore, the occurrence of loss of head of water moving upward between the upper end of the flow path in the venturi pipe 322 and the lower end of the flow path in the cone nozzle 323 can be prevented. That is, when water flows from the venturi pipe 322 to the cone nozzle 323, energy loss due to the shape of the flow path and friction with the inner wall of the flow path can be prevented.

The center lines 320x of the flow path in the guide pipe 321, the flow path in the venturi pipe 322, and the flow path of the cone nozzle 323 may all be positioned on the same straight line. The cone nozzle 323 may include a cap 323a and a wedge 323b.

The cap 323a may have a third spray port 323c that sprays water upward into the tub 100. The lower portion of the cap 323a may be screw-coupled to the upper end opening of the venturi pipe 322.

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view illustrating the venturi pipe 322 and the wedge 323b of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a partial side view illustrating the venturi pipe 322 and the wedge 323b of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a partial side view illustrating the venturi pipe 322 and cone nozzle 323 of FIG. 12, illustrating water movement paths and a spray form.

The wedge 323b may be provided inside the cap 323a. The wedge 323b may be provided on the upper end opening side of the venturi pipe 322 inside the cap 323a. The wedge 323b may have a pair of spiral inclined surfaces 323d inclined in the length direction of the flow path on the upper end opening side of the venturi pipe 322. The pair of spiral inclined surfaces 323d may form a symmetrical shape centered on the center line 320x of the flow path in the venturi pipe 322.

Therefore, water can form a swirl as it moves upward from the upper end opening side of the venturi pipe 322. Therefore, water sprayed from the third spray port 323c may not have a straight line shape, but may have a full cone shape. Therefore, the washing range can be expanded as water sprayed from the third spray port 323c is sprayed in the full cone shape.

Therefore, the second spray nozzle 320 generates a flow of micro-sized bubbles in the water moving upward in the flow path in the venturi pipe 322, and as the water with the generated flow of bubbles spreads into two large spiral water streams while passing through the wedge 323b, the washing range of the water sprayed from the third spray port 323c can be increased into the full cone shape.

The lower portion of the venturi pipe 322 may surround the outer peripheral surface of the upper end opening of the guide pipe 321. The lower portion of the venturi pipe 322 may be screw-coupled to the upper end opening of the guide pipe 321. A female screw thread may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the lower portion of the venturi pipe 322, and a male screw thread may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end opening of the guide pipe 321.

The lower portion of the cone nozzle 323 may surround the outer peripheral surface of the upper end opening of the venturi pipe 322. The lower portion of the cone nozzle 323 may be screw-coupled to the upper end opening of the venturi pipe 322. A female screw thread may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the lower portion of the cone nozzle 323, and a male screw thread may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end opening of the venturi pipe 322.

The screw-coupled structures of the guide pipe 321, the venturi pipe 322, and the cone nozzle 323 can minimize water leakage at the joints while improves the ease of assembly of the second spray nozzle 320.

The lower portion of the venturi pipe 322 may surround the outer peripheral surface of the upper end opening of the guide pipe 321. The lower portion of the venturi pipe 322 may be screw-coupled to the upper end opening of the guide pipe 321. The distance from the center line 320x of the venturi pipe 322 to the opening of the air inlet 322h may be smaller than the radius of the lower portion of the venturi pipe 322. Therefore, water, which is scattered from the bottom surface of the tub 100 or the top surface of the rotary body 311, may be blocked by the lower portion of the venturi pipe 322, thereby being prevented from flowing into the air inlet 322h.

Therefore, the second spray nozzle 320 can spray clean water from a feed pipe 51 (water supply pipe), which is not contaminated by water scattered from the bottom surface of the tub 100 or the top surface of the rotary body 311, into the cup. In addition, the blockage of the air inlet 322h or the non-occurrence of bubbles due to water or cup contents introduced into the air inlet 322h can be prevented.

The lower portion of the cone nozzle 323 may surround the outer peripheral surface of the upper end opening of the venturi pipe 322. The lower portion of the cone nozzle 323 may be screw-coupled to the upper end opening of the venturi pipe 322. The distance from the center line 320x of the flow path in the venturi pipe 322 to the opening of the air inlet 322h may be smaller than the radius of the lower portion of the cone nozzle 323. Therefore, the water, which is scattered from the inner surface of the cup, may be blocked by the lower portion of the cone nozzle 323, thereby being prevented from flowing into the air inlet 322h.

Therefore, the second spray nozzle 320 may spray clean water from the feed pipe 51 (the water supply pipe), which is not contaminated with the water scattered from the inner surface of the cup, into the cup. In addition, the blockage of the air inlet 322h or the non-occurrence of bubbles due to water or cup contents introduced into the air inlet 322h can be prevented.

The venturi pipe 322 may have a concave groove 322ha on the outer surface, and the opening of the air inlet 322h may be located inside the concave groove 322ha (see FIG. 11). Therefore, the distance from the center line 320x of the flow path in the venturi pipe 322 to the opening of the air inlet 322h may be smaller than the radius of the outer surface of the venturi pipe 322. Therefore, the water which is scattered from the bottom surface of the tub 100, the top surface of the rotary body 311, and the inner surface of the cup C, may be blocked by the outer surface of the venturi pipe 322 around the concave groove 322ha, thereby being prevented from flowing into the air inlet 322h.

Therefore, the second spray nozzle 320 can spray clean water from the feed pipe 51 (the water supply pipe), which is not contaminated by the water scattered from the bottom surface of the tub 100, the top surface of the rotary body 311, and the inner surface of the cup, into the cup. In addition, the blockage of the air inlet 322h or the non-occurrence of bubbles due to water or cup contents introduced into the air inlet 322h can be prevented.

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating the second spray nozzle 320 of FIG. 11 in the state in which the venturi pipe 322 is removed therefrom.

The inner peripheral surface of the lower portion of the venturi pipe 322 and the inner peripheral surface of the lower portion of the cone nozzle 323 may have the same diameter. In addition, the inner peripheral surface of the lower portion of the venturi pipe 322 and the inner peripheral surface of the lower portion of the cone nozzle 323 may have the same type of female screw thread.

The outer peripheral surface of the upper end opening of the guide pipe 321 and the outer peripheral surface of the upper end opening of the venturi pipe 322 may have the same diameter. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the upper end opening of the guide pipe 321 and the outer peripheral surface of the upper end opening of the venturi pipe 322 may have the same type of male screw thread.

Therefore, the venturi pipe 322 may be removed, and the cone nozzle 323 may be detachably coupled to the upper end opening of the guide pipe 321. Therefore, in some cases, by separating the venturi pipe 322 and coupling the cone nozzle 323 to the upper end opening of the guide pipe 321, the flow rate and speed of the water sprayed from the second spray nozzle 320 can be increased and the washing power can be improved by minimizing the flow path resistance by the venturi pipe 322.

When the cup C is placed on the rack 400, the top surfaces of the cup and the first spray nozzle 310 may be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. Accordingly, the first spray nozzle 310 can rotate smoothly without being obstructed by the cup and the rack 400.

The cup C can be washed by the water sprayed to the tub 100 in the state of being placed on the rack 400. In this case, the second spray nozzle 320 may be provided to at least partially protrude upward from the lower end of the rack 400.

The cup C may be placed upside down on the rack 400. Therefore, the open inlet portion of the cup C may be placed at the lower end of the rack 400, and the closed bottom surface of the cup C may be placed in the upper portion of the rack 400.

The length of the first spray nozzle 310 may be larger than the maximum diameter of the cup C seated on the rack 400. Therefore, when the cup C is seated on the rack 400, at least a portion of the opposite end portions of the first spray nozzle 310 may be disposed outside the cup C.

Due to this structure, water sprayed from the first spray nozzle 310 can hit both the inner and outer surfaces of the cup C, and thus the interior and exterior of the cup C can be washed entirely.

When the cup C is seated on the rack 400, at least a portion of the cone nozzle 323 may be located inside the inlet of the cup C placed on the rack 400. Accordingly, water sprayed from the third spray port 323c may hit the inner surface of the cup C and effectively wash away foreign substances on the inner surface of the cup C.

The air inlet 322h may be located outside the inlet of the cup C placed upside down on the rack 400 (see FIG. 6). Therefore, the blockage of the air inlet 322h by water scattered from the inner surface of the cup C and the non-occurrence of bubbles due to this may be minimized.

The spray unit 300 may include a bracket 330 (see FIG. 11). The bracket 330 may include a first bracket 331 and a second bracket 332. The first spray nozzle 310 may be rotatably coupled to the first bracket 331. The spray unit 300 may be mounted in the tub 100 by coupling the second bracket 332, on which the first bracket 331 is mounted, to the lower portion (the bottom surface) of the tub 100.

Meanwhile, the first spray nozzle 310 may include a flow path former 312. The flow path former 312 may extend downward from the rotary body 311 and may provide a flow path for water to move upward between the flow path former and the outer peripheral surface of the guide pipe 321. That is, the flow path former 312 may protrude downward from the central portion of the second piece to surround at least a portion of the guide pipe 321, thereby providing a flow path for water to flow into the first spray nozzle 310.

Water may flow into the interior of the first spray nozzle 310 through the flow path surrounded by the inner surface of the flow path former 312 and the outer peripheral surface of the guide pipe 321, and may be sprayed into the tub 100 through the first spray ports 311a and the second spray ports 311b.

The first bracket 331 may include a first coupler 331a and a second coupler 331b. The first coupler 331a may include a hole into which the flow path former 312 is inserted, and may be provided to surround the outer peripheral surface of the flow path former 312 along the circumferential direction. The flow path former 312 may be inserted into the first coupler 331a, enabling the first spray nozzle 310 to rotate relative to the first bracket 331.

The second coupler 331b may be provided in a flange shape protruding in the radial direction of the first coupler 331a, and may be coupled to the second bracket 332. The second coupler 331b may be formed integrally with the first coupler 331a, and the second coupler 331b may be fixedly coupled to the second bracket 332, so that the second bracket 332 does not rotate while the first spray nozzle 310 is rotatable relative to the second bracket 332.

At least a portion of the second spray nozzle 320 may be disposed inside the cup C, and at least a portion of the first spray nozzle 310 may be disposed outside the cup C. Therefore, water sprayed from the second spray nozzle 320 can mainly collide with the inner surface of the cup C, and water sprayed from the first spray nozzle 310 can collide with both the inner and outer surfaces of the cup C. Therefore, the cup washer can clean the inner and outer surfaces of the cup C simultaneously and completely.

An additive inlet may be formed in the inner wall of the tub 100. The additive inlet may include a first additive inlet configured to supply a first additive into the tub 100 and a second additive inlet configured to supply a second additive into the tub 100.

That is, the additive supply part 600 may supply an additive into the tub 100 through the additive inlet. The first spray nozzle 310 may be disposed below the additive inlet. The second spray ports 311b provided in the first spray nozzle 310 may spray water laterally relative to the tub 100. Therefore, water sprayed from the second spray ports 311b may hit the inner wall of the tub 100.

Since the first spray nozzle 310 is disposed below the additive inlet, the detergent and rinse flowing downward along the inner wall of the tub 100 from the additive inlet can collide with the water sprayed from the second spray nozzle 311b.

The detergent and rinse can be effectively mixed with the water due to the collision with the water. Accordingly, detergent or rinse can be actively mixed with water, thereby improving the washing efficiency in the cup washer.

In FIG. 8, the flow direction of water circulating through the tub 100 by the circulating pump 70 in the general washing mode is illustrated by solid arrows. In addition, the flow direction of water flowing into the tub 100 in the rapid washing mode is illustrated by a hidden line arrow.

The flow paths for water supplied from the first spray nozzle 310 and the second spray nozzle 320 are partitioned from each other, and the flow path for the water supplied to the first spray nozzle 310 may be arranged on the outer periphery of the flow path for the water supplied to the second spray nozzle 320. Due to this structure, the water supplied to the first spray nozzle 310 and the water supplied to the spray nozzle 320 can be supplied to respective nozzles and sprayed into the tub 100 without being mixed with each other.

The first spray nozzle 310 may include a rotary coupler 313 that extends upward from the rotary body 311 and surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the guide pipe 321 along the circumferential direction. A hole (hereinafter referred to as a “first insertion hole”) into which the guide pipe 321 is inserted may be provided in the central portion of the first piece, in which the first insertion hole may be provided inside the rotary coupler 313. Therefore, the first spray nozzle 310 may be rotatably coupled to the guide pipe 321.

A sealing member 313a may be coupled to the inner surface of the rotary coupler 313. The sealing member 313a may be an O-ring. The inner diameter of the sealing member 313a may be larger than the outer diameter of the guide pipe 321. Therefore, the first spray nozzle 310 can rotate smoothly around the guide pipe 321, and the amount of water leaking between the inner peripheral surface of the rotary coupler 313 and the outer peripheral surface of the guide pipe 321 can be minimized.

The second bracket 332 may be coupled to the bottom surface of the tub 100 to provide a flow path for water to move to the flow path former 312 between the second bracket 332 and the outer peripheral surface of the guide pipe 321.

A hole (hereinafter referred to as a “second insertion hole”) may be formed on the bottom surface of the tub 100 (see FIG. 8). The guide pipe 321 may be inserted into the second insertion hole. Since the second insertion hole has a diameter larger than the diameter of the guide pipe 321, water can flow through the second insertion hole and flow into the first spray nozzle 310.

Water used in the general washing mode may flow into the tub 100 to be stored in the sump 60 below the tub 100, and may pass through the second insertion hole and the flow path former 312 sequentially from the sump 60 to flow into the first spray nozzle 310 and to be sprayed into the tub 100 through the first spray ports 311a and the second spray ports 311b.

Meanwhile, water used in the rapid washing mode may flow into the guide pipe 321 through a pipe connected to the water supply and may be sprayed into the tub 100 through the third spray port 3211 of the second spray nozzle 320.

The second spray nozzle 320 may be provided to extend upward through the central portion of the first spray nozzle 310.

A flow path (hereinafter referred to as a “first flow path”) may be in the outer periphery of the second spray nozzle 320. Water flowing in the first flow path may be sprayed into the tub 100 through the first spray nozzle 310. A flow path (hereinafter referred to as a “second flow path”) may be provided inside the second spray nozzle 320, and water flowing in the second flow path may be sprayed into the tub 100 through the second spray nozzle 320.

The first flow path may be provided in the space between the outer periphery of the second spray nozzle 320 and the first spray nozzle 310. In other words, the first flow path may be provided between the outer surface of the second spray nozzle 320 and the inner surface of the first spray nozzle 310 and surround the outer periphery of the second flow path. Therefore, the first flow path may be provided as a space having a generally donut shape when viewed in planar cross-section.

The first flow path may be connected to the circulating pump 70, allowing water flowing in from the circulating pump 70 to flow therethrough. The first flow path may provide a path for water to be sprayed into the tub 100. The first flow path may be connected to the first spray nozzle 310.

In addition, the first flow path may be connected to the first spray nozzle 310, allowing the water flowing through the first flow path to be sprayed into the tub 100 through the first spray nozzle 310. In the general washing mode, water can be sprayed into the tub 100 and wash the cup C while circulating the tub 100 and the sump through the first flow path.

The second flow path may be provided in the inner space of the second spray nozzle 320 to be separated from the first flow path. The second flow path may be provided to be separated from the first flow path, and water may flow through the second flow path. The second flow path may provide a path for water to be sprayed into the tub 100. The second flow path may be connected to the second spray nozzle 320. At least a portion of the second flow path may be provided inside the second spray nozzle 320.

In addition, the second flow path may be connected to the second spray nozzle 320, allowing the water flowing in the second flow path to be sprayed into the tub 100 through the second spray nozzle 320. In the rapid cleaning mode, water may flow into the second flow path to be sprayed into the tub 100 through the second spray nozzle 320 to wash the cup C.

This structure allows water flowing in each of the first flow path and the second flow path to flow smoothly without being mixed with each other. Thus, the first flow path and the second flow path can be arranged in adjacent positions, and the volume of the entire flow paths can be reduced.

Although specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated above, it is evident to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the technical idea and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications or variations should not be understood individually from the technical spirit and viewpoint of the present disclosure, and the modifications and variations should be deemed to fall within the scope of the claims of the present disclosure.

Number	Date	Country	Kind
10-2024-0001377	Jan 2024	KR	national
10-2024-0098457	Jul 2024	KR	national

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CPC

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Priority Claims (2)