Patent Application
20250098931
The present disclosure relates to a dish washer with an improved structure.
In general, a dish washer is an apparatus for spraying water at high pressure onto dishes accommodated therein to wash the dishes and drying the dishes. The dish washer operates in such a way as to spray water into the tub accommodating dishes to cause the sprayed water to reach the dishes and thereby wash off foreign materials such as leftovers remaining on the surfaces of the dishes.
The dish washer includes a main body, a tub positioned inside the main body to form a washing space, a door positioned in the front side of the tub to open or close the tub, a sump for supplying, collecting, circulating, and draining water, and a spray device for spraying water into the tub.
The dish washer includes a distribution device for reducing water consumption. For example, the distribution device selectively transfers water to the spray device by using a rotational force of a distribution motor. However, if water flows into the distribution motor, a fire may occur or the distribution device may be damaged.
An aspect of the disclosure provides a dish washer having a sump assembly with an improved structure.
An aspect of the disclosure provides a dish washer having a sump assembly with a compact structure.
An aspect of the disclosure provides a dish washer capable of preventing water from flowing into a distribution motor of a distribution device.
An aspect of the disclosure provides a dish washer having improved assembly of a switch of a distribution device.
A dish washer according to an embodiment may include a tub forming a washing room, a plurality of spray rotors configured to spray water to the washing room, and a sump assembly. The sump assembly may include a sump housing including a distribution chamber to accommodate water that is to be provided to the plurality of spray rotors, a distribution disk, positionable in the distribution chamber, and configured to provide the water that is accommodated in the distribution chamber to at least one of the plurality of spray rotors, a distribution motor configured to generate a rotational force to rotate the distribution disk, and a connecting shaft, positionable coaxially with a motor shaft of the distribution motor, and configured to transfer the rotational force of the distribution motor to the distribution disk, the connecting shaft including a guide body configured to guide water leaking from the distribution chamber to outside of the connecting shaft.
The sump housing may further include a chamber hole through to the distribution chamber, wherein a part of the connecting shaft passes through the chamber hole, and a flange, positionable to correspond to the chamber hole and extending along a longitudinal direction of the connecting shaft, the flange forming a guide flow path which is spaced from a circumferential surface of the connecting shaft and along which the water leaking from the distribution chamber flows.
The guide flow path may be a first guide flow path, and the guide body of the connecting shaft may include a second guide flow path along which water discharged from the first guide flow path flows, and a penetrating hole through which the water from the second guide flow path flows to the outside of the connecting shaft.
The sump assembly may further include a holder in which the distribution motor is mountable, and the holder may include a guide hole configured to guide water leaking from the connecting shaft to outside of the sump assembly to prevent the water from flowing to the distribution motor while the distribution motor mounted to the holder.
The holder may further include an insertion hole in which the motor shaft of the distribution motor is insertable so that while the motor shaft is inserted in the insertion hole, the motor shaft protrudes toward the connecting shaft, and a first protrusion extending upward to correspond to the insertion hole, and the connecting shaft may further include a second protrusion extending downward from a side of the connecting shaft adjacent to the distribution motor and covering the first protrusion.
An internal diameter of the second protrusion may be greater than an external diameter of the first protrusion.
The connecting shaft may further include a side guide portion positioned below the flange and configured to guide water in the first guide flow path to the second guide flow path.
An internal diameter of the side guide portion may be greater than an internal diameter of the flange.
The side guide portion may include a portion in a shape inclined downward toward the second guide flow path.
The connecting shaft may further include a shaft body extending along a vertical direction, wherein an end of the shaft body may be coupled to the distribution motor and another end of the shaft body may be coupled to the distribution disk, and the guide body may be positioned to a radially outer side from the shaft body.
The guide body may include a bottom portion, extending radially from a side of the shaft body adjacent to the distribution motor, and including the penetrating hole, and a side wall portion surrounding at least a part of the shaft body and extending toward the flange from the bottom portion.
The sump assembly may further include a switch mountable on a holder and configured to detect a rotation position of the connecting shaft.
The switch may be rotatable between a first position at which the switch is couplable to the holder and a second position to which the switch has rotated from the first position while being coupled to the holder and at which the switch is in contact with the connecting shaft.
The holder may further include a separation prevention protrusion by which a side of the switch is caught to prevent the switch from departing from the second position.
The holder may further include an elastic member configured to press another side of the switch such that no gap is between a side of the switch and the separation prevention protrusion.
A dish washer according to an embodiment may include a tub forming a washing room, a plurality of spray rotors configured to spray water to the washing room, a sump body including a distribution chamber to accommodate the water, a sump cover, to cover the distribution chamber, and including a plurality of connection ports respectively connected to the plurality of spray rotors, a distribution disk, positionable inside the distribution chamber, and configured to selectively open or close the plurality of connection ports, a distribution motor configured to generate a rotational force to rotate the distribution disk, a connecting shaft configured to transfer the rotational force of the distribution motor to the distribution disk, the connecting shaft being positioned coaxially with a rotation axis of the distribution motor and a rotation axis of the distribution disk, a holder coupleable to and decoupleable from the sump body to mount the distribution motor therein, the holder including a guide hole configured to drain water leaking from the distribution chamber to prevent the water from flowing to a motor shaft of the distribution motor.
The dish washer may further include a first guide body positioned to a radially outer side from the connecting shaft and configured to guide water discharged from the distribution chamber between the first guide body and the connecting shaft, and a second guide body positioned below the first guide body and configured to guide water discharged from the first guide body between the second guide body and the connecting shaft.
The dish washer may further include a penetrating hole formed by penetrating the second guide body and configured to guide water inside the second guide body to the guide hole of the holder.
The dish washer according to an embodiment may include a tub forming a washing room, a plurality of spray rotors configured to spray water to the washing room, and a sump assembly configured to provide water to the plurality of spray rotors, wherein the sump assembly may include a sump housing including a distribution chamber to accommodate the water that is to be provided to the plurality of spray rotors, a distribution disk positioned in the distribution chamber and configured to provide the water accommodated in the distribution chamber to at least one of the plurality of spray rotors, a distribution motor configured to generate a rotational force to rotate the distribution disk, a connecting shaft configured to transfer the rotational force of the distribution motor to the distribution disk, the connecting shaft rotating by interworking with a rotation of the distribution disk, a switch including an actuator configured to detect a rotation position of the connecting shaft, and a holder on which the switch is mountable, wherein the switch may be rotatable between a first position at which the switch is couplable to the holder and a second position to which the switch has rotated in one direction from the first position while coupled to the holder and at which the switch is positioned adjacent to the connecting shaft and the actuator is selectively pressed by the connecting shaft.
The holder may include a stopper configured to support a side of the switch adjacent to the connecting shaft while the switch is at the second position to limit the switch from rotating in the one direction from the second position.
According to an aspect of the disclosure, a size of a sump assembly may be reduced.
According to an aspect of the disclosure, because a rotation axis of a connecting shaft is positioned coaxially with a rotation axis of a distribution motor, distribution efficiency of a distribution device may be improved.
According to an aspect of the disclosure, by preventing water from flowing into a distribution motor of the distribution device, stability of use may be secured.
According to an aspect of the disclosure, a switch of the distribution device may be more easily assembled.
Configurations illustrated in the embodiments and the drawings described in the present specification are only the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and thus it is to be understood that various modified examples, which may replace the embodiments and the drawings described in the present specification, are possible.
Also, like reference numerals or symbols denoted in the drawings of the present specification represent members or components that perform the substantially same functions.
Also, the terms used in the present specification are merely used to describe embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be understood that when the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.
Also, in the entire specification, it will be understood that when a certain part is referred to as being “connected” to another part, it can be directly or indirectly connected to the other part. Likewise, it will be understood that when a certain part is referred to as being “coupled” to another part, it can be directly or indirectly coupled to the other part.
In the entire specification, it will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” or “over” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.
Also, it will be understood that, although the terms including ordinal numbers, such as “first”, “second”, etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component could be termed a second component, and, similarly, a second component could be termed a first component, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of associated listed items.
Meanwhile, in the following description, the terms “up and down directions”, “height direction”, “vertical direction”, “horizontal direction”, “upper direction”, “lower direction”, etc. are defined based on the drawings, and the shapes and positions of the components are not limited by the terms.
For example, referring to
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Referring to
The dish washer 1 may include a tub 12 provided inside the main body 10. The tub 12 may be substantially in a shape of a box. One side of the tub 12 may open. That is, the tub 12 may have an opening 12a. For example, a front side of the tub 12 may open.
The dish washer 1 may include a door 11 that opens or close the opening 12a of the tub 12. The door 11 may be installed in the main body 10 to open or close the opening 12a of the tub 12. The door 11 may be rotatably installed in the main body 10. The door 11 may be detachably installed in the main body 10.
The dish washer 1 may further include an accommodating container provided inside the tub 12 and configured to accommodate dishes therein.
The accommodating container may include a plurality of baskets 51, 52, and 53.
The accommodating container may include a middle basket 52 positioned at a middle area in height direction of the dish washer 1, and a lower basket 51 positioned at a lower area in height direction of the dish washer 1. The middle basket 52 may be supported on a middle guide rack 13b. The lower basket 51 may be supported on a lower guide rack 13a. The middle guide rack 13b and the lower guide rack 13a may be installed on a side surface 12d of the tub 12 in such a way as to be slidable toward the opening 12a of the tub 12. The side surface 12d of the tub 12 may include inner surfaces of right and left walls of the tub 12.
Dishes having relatively large volumes may be accommodated in the plurality of baskets 51 and 52. However, types of dishes that are accommodated in the plurality of baskets 51 and 52 are not limited to dishes having relatively large volumes. That is, dishes having relatively small volumes, as well as dishes having relatively large volumes, may also be accommodated in the plurality of baskets 51, 52, and 53.
The accommodating container may include an upper basket 53 positioned at an upper area in height direction of the dish washer 1. The upper basket 53 may be formed in a shape of a rack assembly, and dishes having relatively small volumes may be accommodated in the upper basket 53. For example, cutlery and cooking tools, such as a ladle, a knife, a spatula, etc., may be accommodated in the upper basket 53. Also, a small cup such as an espresso cup may be accommodated in the rack assembly. However, types of dishes that are accommodated in the upper basket 53 are not limited to the above-mentioned examples.
The upper basket 53 may be supported on an upper guide rack 13c. The upper guide rack 13c may be installed on the side surface 12d of the tub 12. For example, the upper basket 53 may slide on the upper guide rack 13c to be put into a washing room C or taken out of the washing room C.
The accommodating container is not limited to the shape shown in
The dish washer 1 may include the washing room C which is a space formed inside the tub 12. The washing room C may be defined as an internal space of the tub 12. The washing room C may mean a space where dishes put in the baskets 51, 52, and 53 are washed by water.
The dish washer 1 may include a spray device 40 that sprays water. The spray device 40 may receive water from a sump assembly 70 which will be described below.
The spray device 40 may include a plurality of spray units 41, 42, and 43.
For example, the plurality of spray units 41, 42, and 43 may include a first spray unit 41 positioned below the lower basket 51 in the height direction of the dish washer 1, a second spray unit 42 positioned below the middle basket 52 in the height direction of the dishwasher 1, and a third spray unit 43 positioned above the upper basket 53 in the height direction of the dish washer 1.
Each of the plurality of spray units 41, 42, and 43 may spray water while rotating. Each of the first spray unit 41, the second spray unit 42, and the third spray unit 43 may spray water while rotating. The plurality of spray units 41, 42, and 43 may also be referred to as a plurality of spray rotors 41, 42, and 43. Each of the first spray unit 41, the second spray unit 42, and the third spray unit 43 may also be referred to as a first spray rotor 41, a second spray rotor 42, and a third spray rotor 43, respectively.
However, the spray device 40 may spray water by another method than the above- described example. For example, the first spray unit 41 may be fixed to a side of a lower surface 12b of the tub 12, unlike the second spray unit 42 and the third spray unit 43. In this case, the first spray unit 41 may spray water in a substantially horizontal direction through a fixed nozzle, and water sprayed in the horizontal direction through the nozzle of the first spray unit 41 may change a direction by a turning assembly (not shown) positioned inside the washing chamber C to be sprayed upward. The turning assembly may be mounted on a rail by a holder and perform a translational movement along the rail.
The dish washer 1 may include an auxiliary spray device 30. The auxiliary spray device 30 may be positioned at a side of a lower portion of the washing room C to spray water to an area. The auxiliary spray device 30 may be designed to spray water of relatively higher pressure than the spray device 40, thereby intensively washing heavily contaminated dishes. The auxiliary spray device 30 may be omitted.
The auxiliary spray device 30 may be detachably installed in a lower area of the washing room C. The auxiliary spray device 30 may be detachably installed in the sump assembly 70 which will be described below. In the drawings, the auxiliary spray device 30 is shown to include a circular shape. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the auxiliary spray device 30 may be provided in a shape that is similar to the plurality of spray units 41, 42, and 43. The auxiliary spray device 30 may also be referred to as an auxiliary spray rotor 30.
Meanwhile, hereinafter, the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, and 30 may be a concept including at least two of the first spray unit 41, the second spray unit 42, the third spray unit 43, and the auxiliary spray device 30. Likewise, the plurality of spray rotors 4142, 43, and 30 may be a concept including at least two of the first spray unit 41, the second spray unit 42, the third spray unit 43, and the auxiliary spray device 30.
The dish washer 1 may include the sump assembly 70.
The sump assembly 70 may accommodate water. The sump assembly 70 may collect water of the washing room C. For example, the lower surface 12b of the tub 12 may be inclined downward toward the sump assembly 70 to enable the sump assembly 70 to smoothly collect water. Water of the washing room C may flow along the inclination of the lower surface 12b of the tub 12 and smoothly flow into the sump assembly 70.
The sump assembly 70 may include a circulation pump 500 that pumps water stored in the sump assembly 70 to the spray device 40.
The sump assembly 70 may include a drain pump 600 that drains water and foreign materials (for example, leftovers, etc.) remaining in the sump assembly 70.
The sump assembly 70 may pump collected water and provide the water to the spray device 40. The sump assembly 70 may include a connecting port 310 connected to the spray device 40 to supply water to the spray device 40.
For example, referring to
For example, the sump assembly 70 may supply water to the first spray unit 41 through the first connecting port 311. The sump assembly 70 may supply water to the second spray unit 42 through the second connecting port 312. The sump assembly 70 may supply water to the third spray unit 43 through the third connecting port 313.
However, the disclosure is not limited to the above-described example. For example, the second connecting port 312 and the third connecting port 313 may be configured as a single port, and water provided through the single port may flow into the duct 14. The water entered the duct 14 may diverge while flowing and be provided to at least one of the second spray unit 42 or the third spray unit 43.
The sump assembly 70 may pump collected water and provide the water to the auxiliary spray device 30. For example, the connecting port 310 may include a fourth connecting port 314 connected to the auxiliary spray device 30, and the sump assembly 70 may supply water to the auxiliary spray device 30 through the fourth connecting port 314. The fourth connecting port 314 may be omitted according to presence or absence of the auxiliary spray device 30.
Meanwhile, the plurality of connecting ports 311, 312, 313, and 314 may be a concept including at least two of the first connecting port 311, the second connecting port 312, the third connecting port 313, and the fourth connecting port 314.
The dish washer 1 may include a machine room L which is a space provided below the tub 12. A component for circulating water may be positioned in the machine room L.
For example, at least a part of the sump assembly 70 may be positioned in the machine room L. A major part of the sump assembly 70 may be positioned in the machine room L. That is, an area positioned in the washing room C among an entire area of the sump assembly 70 may be smaller than an area positioned in the machine room L among the entire area of the sump assembly 70. By reducing an area of the sump assembly 70 occupying the washing room C, an area of the washing room C may be secured. Therefore, a capacity of the washing room C may increase, thereby improving a dish storage capacity.
Referring to
The sump housing 100 may be detachably coupled to the lower surface 12b of the tub 12. For example, the sump housing 100 may be screw-coupled to the lower surface 12b of the tub 12, although not limited thereto. However, the sump housing 100 may be coupled to the tub 12 by various methods.
The sump housing 100 may include a water storage chamber 111 that stores water. The water storage chamber 111 may include a shape of which an upper side opens. The water storage chamber 111 may include a shape depressed downward.
For example, the water storage chamber 111 may accommodate water flowed thereto from a water supply pipe 21 through a water supply hole 170, and accommodate water flowed thereto from the tub 12.
The circulation pump 500 may pump water stored in the sump housing 100 and transfer the water to the spray device 40. The circulation pump 500 may be coupled to the sump housing 100. The circulation pump 500 may communicate with the water storage chamber 111.
The drain pump 600 may drain water and foreign materials stored in the sump housing 100. The drain pump 600 may be coupled to the sump housing 100. The drain pump 600 may communicate with the water storage chamber 111.
The dish washer 1 may include a supporting frame 80 detachably installed in the lower surface 12b of the tub 12. For example, the supporting frame 80 may surround an edge of the sump cover 300. The supporting frame 80 may include a step portion 81 that supports a filter assembly 60 which will be described below.
The dish washer 1 may include the filter assembly 60.
The filter assembly 60 may filter out foreign materials included in water flowed to the sump assembly 70. The filter assembly 60 may be positioned to correspond to the water storage chamber 111 of the sump assembly 70. The filter assembly 60 may be detachably installed in the sump assembly 70.
The filter assembly 60 may include at least one filter. For example, the filter assembly 60 may include a fine filter 61, a coarse filter 62, and a micro filter 63.
The fine filter 61 may be detachably installed in the lower surface 12b of the tub 12. For example, the fine filter 61 may include a horizontal plate shape.
The fine filter 61 may include a filter opening 61a. For example, the coarse filter 62 may pass through the filter opening 61a and be rested inside the water storage chamber 111. For example, the micro filter 63 may pass through the filter opening 61a and be rested inside the water storage chamber 111.
The coarse filter 62 may filter out foreign materials having relatively larger sizes than the fine filter 61. For example, the coarse filter 62 may be configured with a first coarse filter 62a and a second coarse filter 62b. The first coarse filter 62a and the second coarse filter 62b may be detachable from each other. The first coarse filter 62a may be positioned inside the second coarse filter 62b. In the drawings, the coarse filter 62 is shown to be configured with two coarse filters 62a and 62b. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the coarse filter 62 may be provided as one, three, or more coarse filters.
The micro filter 63 may filter out filth having relatively smaller sizes than the file filter 61. The micro filter 63 may surround a part of a circumferential surface of the coarse filter 62. The micro filter 63 may include a substantially cylindrical shape. The micro filter 63 may be positioned inside the water storage chamber 111. In the drawings, a diameter of the micro filter 63 is shown to be greater than a diameter of the filter opening 61a. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the diameter of the micro filter 63 may be smaller than the diameter of the filter opening 61a.
Water filtered through the filter assembly 60 may be pumped by the circulation pump 500 and provided to the spray device 40. Accordingly, clean water from which foreign materials have been removed may be sprayed to the washing room C through the spray device 40.
The sump assembly 70 may include the sump housing 100.
The sump housing 100 may accommodate water. The sump housing 100 may include the water storage chamber 111 in which water is stored. The sump housing 100 may include a distribution chamber 121 that accommodates water that is to be supplied to the spray device 40. The water storage chamber 111 and the distribution chamber 121 may be partitioned from each other.
For example, the sump housing 100 may include a first sump body 110 forming the water storage chamber 111, and a second sump body 120 forming the distribution chamber 121. For example, the distribution chamber 121 may be positioned above the water storage chamber 111.
Meanwhile, in the drawings, the distribution chamber 121 is shown to be integrated into the water storage chamber 111. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the water storage chamber 111 and the distribution chamber 121 may be provided as separate components.
The second sump body 120 may include a chamber hole 122 that communicates with the distribution chamber 121. A part of a connecting shaft 220 of a distribution device 200 which will be described below may be inserted in the chamber hole 122 and protrude to an inside of the distribution chamber 121.
The sump housing 100 may include a flange 150 corresponding to the chamber hole 122 and extending downward. The flange 150 may include a cut portion 150a. The cut portion 150a may be provided to prevent interference with a connector 700 which will be described below. Details about the flange 150 will be described below.
The second sump body 120 may include a water inlet 123 through which water flows into the distribution chamber 121. The water inlet 123 may be connected to the connector 700 which will be described below.
The second sump body 120 may include a water outlet 124 through which water in the distribution chamber 121 is discharged. The water outlet 124 may be connected to a valve assembly 800 which will be described below.
For example, the sump housing 100 may include a third sump body 130. The third sump body 130 may mean an appearance of the sump housing 100 excluding the first sump body 110 and the second sump body 120.
For example, the third sump body 130 may include a base portion 131 connecting the first sump body 110 to the second sump body 120, and an edge portion 132 protruding upward from an outer edge of the base portion 131. The base portion 131 may be coupled to the tub 12. The edge portion 132 may include an insertion groove 133 to which a first sealing member 91 which will be described below is coupled. However, a shape of the third sump body 130 is not limited to the above-described example, and may include various shapes.
The sump housing 100 may include a circulation pump connecting portion 141 to which the circulation pump 500 is connected. The circulation pump connecting portion 141 may communicate with the water storage chamber 111. Water stored in the water storage chamber 111 may flow into the circulation pump 500 through the circulation pump connecting portion 141.
The sump housing 100 may include a drain pump connecting portion 142 to which the drain pump 600 is connected. The drain pump connecting portion 142 may communicate with the water storage chamber 111. Water and foreign materials remaining in the water storage chamber 111 may flow into the drain pump 600 through the drain pump connecting portion 142.
The sump housing 100 may include a drain pipe connecting portion 143 to which a drain pipe 22 is connected. The drain pipe connecting portion 143 may communicate with the drain pump connecting portion 142. For example, water and foreign materials accommodated in the water storage chamber 111 may flow into the drain pipe 22 via the drain pump connecting portion 142 and the drain pipe connecting portion 143, by a pumping force of the drain pump 600. The water and foreign materials flowed into the drain pipe 22 may be discharged to the outside of the dish washer 1.
The sump housing 100 may include a water supply port 144 to which the water supply pipe 21 is connected. The water supply port 144 may communicate with the water storage chamber 111. For example, the water supply port 144 may communicate with the water supply hole 170 formed in the water storage chamber 111. During a water supply operation, water may be stored in the water storage chamber 111 via a water supply source (not shown), the water supply pipe 21 connected to the water supply source, the water supply port 144, and the water supply hole 170. Also, water supplied from the water supply source (not shown) may flow into the water supply pipe 21 via a water softener (not shown).
The sump housing 100 may include an auxiliary port 145. For example, a turbidity sensor 93 may be detachably installed in the auxiliary port 145. The turbidity sensor 93 may detect a contamination level of water accommodated in the water storage chamber 111. A controller (not shown) of the dish washer 1 may control a washing operation (or a rinsing operation) based on information detected by the turbidity sensor 93. The controller (not shown) may control the number of times which a washing operation (or a rinsing operation) is performed, a time for which a washing operation (or a rinsing operation) is performed, etc., based on information detected by the turbidity sensor 93. Meanwhile, the disclosure is not limited to the above-described example, and, for example, the controller may notify a user of information detected by the turbidity sensor 93.
The sump housing 100 may include a holder coupling portion 160. The sump housing 100 may include the holder coupling portion 160 to which a holder which will be described below is detachably coupled. For example, the holder coupling portion 160 of the sump housing 100 may be coupled to a sump coupling portion 470 of a holder 400. The holder coupling portion 160 of the sump housing 100 may be coupled to the sump coupling portion 470 by a screw S, although not limited thereto. However, various coupling methods may be applied. In the drawings, three holder coupling portions are shown. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and two or less holder coupling portions 160 or four or more holder coupling portions 160 may be provided.
The sump assembly 70 may include the distribution device 200.
The distribution device 200 may supply water accommodated in the distribution chamber 121 to the spray device 40. The distribution device 200 may provide water to at least one of the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, and 30. The distribution device 200 may cause water to be selectively sprayed from the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, and 30. The distribution device 200 may reduce water consumption of the dish washer 1.
The distribution device 200 may include a distribution motor 210, the connecting shaft 220, and a distribution disk 230.
The distribution motor 210 may generate a rotational force for rotating the distribution disk 230. The distribution device 210 may include a motor shaft 211. The motor shaft 211 of the distribution motor 210 may form a rotation axis of the distribution motor 210. The motor shaft 211 may be positioned toward the distribution disk 230.
The connecting shaft 220 may connect the distribution motor 210 to the distribution disk 230. The connecting shaft 220 may transfer a rotational force generated by the distribution motor 210 to the distribution disk 230. The connecting shaft 220 may rotate together with the distribution motor 210 by interworking with a rotation of the distribution motor 210.
For example, the connecting shaft 220 may include a shaft body 221 and a cam body 222.
An end of the shaft body 221 may be coupled to the rotation axis of the distribution motor 210, and another end of the shaft body 221 may be connected to a rotation axis of the distribution disk 230. For example, the shaft body 221 may include a hollow portion 221a in which the motor shaft 211 of the distribution motor 210 is inserted. The hollow portion 221a may be formed by opening an end of the shaft body 221. For example, the shaft body 221 may extend in a vertical direction.
The cam body 222 may be formed at a side of the shaft body 221 adjacent to the distribution motor 210. The cam body 222 may be provided at an outer side in radial direction of the shaft body 221. The cam body 222 may be positioned at an outer side in radial direction of the motor shaft 211 of the distribution motor 210. The cam body 222 may be in contact with a switch 240 which will be described below.
The distribution disk 230 may be positioned in the distribution chamber 121. The distribution disk 230 may rotate by receiving a rotational force of the distribution motor 210. The distribution disk 230 may rotate to selectively open or close the plurality of connecting ports 311, 312, 313, and 314 respectively connected to the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, and 30. Therefore, water in the distribution chamber 121 may be selectively provided to the plurality of spray units 41, 42, 43, and 30.
For example, the distribution disk 230 may include a disk body 231, a shaft coupling portion 232, and a communication hole 233.
The disk body 231 may form an appearance of the distribution disk 230. For example, the disk body 231 may include a substantially plate shape.
The shaft coupling portion 232 may be connected to the connecting shaft 220. The shaft coupling portion 232 may be detachably coupled to the other end of the shaft body 221 of the connecting shaft 220. For example, the shaft coupling portion 232 may form the rotation axis of the distribution disk 230. The shaft coupling portion 232 may be formed at a center of the disk body 231.
The communication hole 233 may penetrate the disk body 231. According to a rotation of the distribution disk 230, the communication hole 233 may communicate with at least one of the plurality of connecting ports 311, 312, 313, and 314. Water in the distribution chamber 121 may flow into the spray unit connected to a connection port communicating with the communication hole 233 through the connection port.
The distribution device 200 may include the switch 240 that detects a rotation position of the connecting shaft 220. The switch 240 may be mounted on the holder 400. The switch 240 may be rotatably coupled to the holder 400. Details about the switch 240 will be described below.
The sump assembly 70 may include the sump cover 300.
The sump cover 300 may cover at least a part of the sump housing 100. The sump cover 300 may cover the distribution chamber 121. For example, the sump cover 300 may be supported by the supporting frame 80. The sump cover 300 may be positioned in the washing room C.
The sump cover 300 may be provided as a component of the distribution device 200. The sump cover 300 may also be referred to as a distribution cover 300.
For example, the sump cover 300 may be integrated into the sump housing 100 to form the distribution chamber 121.
In the drawings, the sump cover 300 is shown to include a circular shape. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the sump cover 300 may include a polygonal shape.
The sump cover 300 may include the connecting port 310. For example, a plurality of connecting ports 310 may be provided. The connecting ports 310 may include the first connecting port 311, the second connecting port 312, the third connecting port 313, and the fourth connecting port 314. In the drawings, four connecting ports 310 are shown. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and, for example, the second connecting port 312 and the third connecting port 312 may be provided as a single connecting port.
The sump cover 300 may include a fixing portion 320. The fixing portion 320 may fix the auxiliary spray device 30. For example, the fixing portion 320 may be screw-coupled to the auxiliary spray device 30, although not limited thereto. However, various coupling methods may be applied.
The sump assembly 70 may include the holder 400.
The holder 400 may mount some components of the sump assembly 70 thereon. The holder 400 may install some components of the sump assembly 70 therein. The holder 400 may enable some components of the sump assembly 70 to be compactly positioned, thereby reducing a size of the sump assembly 70. The holder 400 may be positioned below the sump housing 100.
The holder 400 may mount the distribution motor 210 thereon. For example, the distribution motor 210 may be mounted in the holder 400 by a screw S. For example, the distribution motor 210, the holder 400, and the sump housing 100 may be coupled to each other by the screw S.
The holder 400 may include a holder body 410 forming an appearance of the holder 400, and an insertion hole 430 penetrating the holder body 410.
The motor shaft 211 of the distribution motor 210 may be inserted in the insertion hole 430 and protrude toward the connecting shaft 220. The motor shaft 211 of the distribution motor 210 may pass through the insertion hole 430 and be coupled to the connecting shaft 220. The motor shaft 211 of the distribution motor 210 may pass through the insertion hole 430 and be inserted in the hollow portion 221a.
The holder 400 may include a guide hole 420 that guides water discharged from the distribution chamber 121. The guide hole 420 may guide water discharged from the distribution chamber 121 to outside of the distribution motor 210 to prevent the water discharged from the distribution chamber 121 from flowing into the distribution motor 210. The guide hole 420 may drain water discharged from the distribution chamber 121 to outside of the sump assembly 70. Details about this will be described below.
The holder 400 may mount the switch 240 thereon. For example, the holder 400 may include a switch mounting portion 440. Details about this will be described below.
The holder 400 may include a connector coupling portion 450 to which the connector 700 is coupled. The connector 700 may be installed in the connector coupling portion 450 and communicate with the water inlet 123 of the sump housing 100.
The holder 400 may include a valve coupling portion 460 to which the valve assembly 800 is coupled. The valve assembly 800 may be installed in the valve coupling portion 460 and communicate with the water outlet 124 of the sump housing 100.
The holder 400 may include the sump coupling portion 470 coupled to the sump housing 100. For example, the sump coupling portion 470 may correspond to the holder coupling portion 160 of the sump housing 100. The sump coupling portion 470 may be coupled to the holder coupling portion 160 by a screw S.
The sump assembly 70 may include the circulation pump 500. The circulation pump 500 may pump water stored in the water storage chamber 111. The circulation pump 500 may be detachably installed in the circulation pump connecting portion 141 of the sump housing 100. The circulation pump 500 may include an inlet port 510 through which water flows in from the water storage chamber 111, and an outlet port 520 through which water introduced through the inlet port 510 is discharged. The inlet port 510 may be connected to the circulation pump connecting portion 141, and the outlet port 520 may be connected to the connector 700.
For example, the circulation pump 500 may be positioned in the horizontal direction in the machine room L. The circulation pump 500 may include a circulation motor (not shown) that generates a rotational force to pump water stored in the water storage chamber 111. A motor shaft (not shown) of the circulation motor may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the height direction of the dish washer 1. The motor shaft of the circulation motor may be positioned in the horizontal direction. In this case, it may be possible to increase a height of the washing room C by reducing a height of the machine room L. Therefore, a capacity of the washing room C may increase, which may be advantageous in securing a space of the washing room C.
The sump assembly 70 may include the drain pump 600. The drain pump 600 may drain water and foreign materials remaining in the water storage chamber 111. The drain pump 600 may be detachably installed in the drain pump connecting portion 142 of the sump housing 100. The drain pump 600 may communicate with the drain pipe 22.
For example, the drain pump 600 may be positioned in the horizontal direction in the machine room L. The drain pump 600 may include a drain motor (not shown) that generates a rotational force to pump water and foreign materials accommodated in the water storage chamber 111. A motor shaft (not shown) of the drain motor may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the height direction of the dish washer 1. The motor shaft of the drain motor may be positioned in the horizontal direction. In this case, it may be possible to increase the height of the washing room C by reducing the height of the machine room L. Therefore, the capacity of the washing room C may increase, which may be advantageous in securing the space in the washing room C.
The sump assembly 70 may include the connector 700. The connector 700 may transfer water pumped by the circulation pump 500 to the distribution chamber 121. An end 710 of the connector 700 may be connected to the outlet port 520 of the circulation pump 500. Another end 720 of the connector 700 may be connected to the water inlet 123 of the distribution chamber 121.
The connector 700 may be detachably installed in the holder 400. The connector 700 may be installed in the connector coupling portion 450 of the holder 400. The other end 720 of the connector 700 may be inserted in the connector coupling portion 450. The connector 700 may be connected to the water inlet 123 of the sump housing 100 in the state of being coupled to the holder 400.
The sump assembly 70 may include the valve assembly 800. The valve assembly 800 may open or close a flow path between a water tank (not shown) and the distribution chamber 121. For example, the dish washer 1 may retrieve relatively clean water used in a rinsing operation through a retrieving pipe 23 and store the water in the water tank (not shown). Water stored in the water tank may be supplied to the sump assembly 70 during a next water supply operation and reused. Therefore, water consumption of the dish washer 1 may be reduced. While the valve assembly 800 opens the flow path between the water tank and the distribution chamber 121, water in the distribution chamber 121 may flow to the water tank through the retrieving pipe 23. While the valve assembly 800 closes the flow path between the water tank and the distribution chamber 121, water in the distribution chamber 121 may not flow to the water tank through the retrieving pipe 23.
The valve assembly 800 may be detachably installed in the holder 400. The valve assembly 800 may be installed in the valve coupling portion 460 of the holder 400. The valve assembly 800 may be coupled to the valve coupling portion 460. The valve assembly 800 may be connected to the valve coupling portion 460 of the holder 400. The valve assembly 800 may be connected to the water outlet 124 of the sump housing 100 in the state of being coupled to the holder 400.
The sump assembly 70 may include a sealing member for reducing or preventing leakage of water.
For example, the sealing member may include a first sealing member 91 for sealing between the tub 12 and the sump housing 100. The first sealing member may be inserted in an insertion groove 133 formed in the edge portion 132 of the sump housing 100. The first sealing member 91 may include a ring shape.
For example, the sealing member may include a second sealing member 92 for sealing between the sump housing 100 and the distribution device 200. The second sealing member 92 may seal between the flange 150 and the connecting shaft 220. The second sealing member 92 may include a ring shape.
Referring to
For example, a rotation axis of the connecting shaft 220 may be positioned on the same line as the rotation axis of the distribution motor 210 and the rotating axis of the distribution disk 230. The rotation axis of the connecting shaft 220 may be identical to the rotation axis of the distribution motor 210 and the rotating axis of the distribution disk 230. The rotation axis of the connecting shaft 220, the rotation axis of the distribution motor 210, and the rotation axis of the distribution disk 230 may extend in the vertical direction. The rotation axis of the connecting shaft 220, the rotation axis of the distribution motor 210, and the rotating axis of the distribution disk 230 may be substantially identical to the height direction of the distribution chamber 121. The rotation axis of the connecting shaft 220, the rotating axis of the distribution motor 210, and the rotating axis of the distribution disk 230 may be substantially identical to a direction in which water in the distribution chamber 121 flows to the spray device 40.
Typically, according to an example, a motor shaft of a distribution motor is positioned substantially perpendicular to a direction in which water in a distribution chamber flows to a spray device. Therefore, while water is distributed, pressure loss of the water increases, which reduces injection pressure of the water.
However, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the rotation axis of the distribution disk 230 may be positioned in the vertical direction inside the distribution chamber 121 and the communication hole 233 of the distribution disk 230 may communicate with the connecting port 310 in the vertical direction. Also, water pumped by the circulation pump 500 and flowed into the distribution chamber 121 may flow upward toward the connecting port 310 by a rotation of the distribution disk 230 provided immediately below the connecting port 310 in the distribution chamber 121. By this structure, the water may flow in the substantially same direction as the rotation axis of the distribution chamber 121, which reduces flow loss of the water. As a result, the dish washer 1 may implement an efficient flow path system.
Typically, according to another example, a rotating axis of a distribution motor is positioned parallel to a rotation axis of a distribution disk, and a plurality of gears for transferring a rotational force of the distribution motor to the distribution disk are separately provided. For example, a first gear coupled to the distribution motor and a second gear engaged with the first gear and coupled to the distribution disk are provided. In this case, there are difficulties in arranging the plurality of gears in consideration of tolerances and an additional component (for example, a bearing, etc.) for reducing friction is required. Because power of the distribution motor is not directly transferred to the distribution disk, distribution efficiency of the distribution device may deteriorate due to power loss of the distribution motor. In addition, the gears, which are relatively expensive components, may increase a cost of a dish washer.
However, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, because the connecting shaft 220 is provided coaxially with the rotation axis of the distribution motor 210 and the rotation axis of the distribution disk 230, a rotational force may be transferred directly from the distribution motor 210 to the distribution disk 230. Therefore, power loss of the distribution motor 210 may be reduced, and no separate member (for example, a gear, a bearing, etc.) for guiding a rotation of the distribution device 200 may be required. As a result, the distribution efficiency of the distribution device may be improved, and a manufacturing cost of the distribution device may be reduced.
Referring to
The flange 150 may communicate with the chamber hole 122. The flange 150 may extend toward the distribution motor 210. The flange 150 may extend along a longitudinal direction of the connecting shaft 220. The flange 150 may extend in the vertical direction. The flange 150 may include a substantially cylindrical shape.
The flange 150 may be spaced from a circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 220 to form a first guide flow path 151. The flange 150 may surround the circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 220. The flange 150 may be positioned to a radially outer side from the connection shaft 220. For example, the flange 150 may be spaced from a circumferential surface of the shaft body 221 of the connecting shaft 220 to form the first flow path 151. The flange 150 may surround the circumferential surface of the shaft body 221. The flange 150 may be positioned to a radially outer side from the shaft body 221.
The flange 150 may guide water leaking from the distribution chamber 121. The flange 150 may accommodate water leaking from the distribution chamber 121. The flange 150 may collect water leaking from the distribution chamber 121.
The first guide flow path 151 may be formed between the connecting shaft 220 and the flange 150. The first guide flow path 151 may be formed between the shaft body 221 and the flange 150. The first guide flow path 151 may be positioned to a radially outer side from the shaft body 221. For example, the first guide flow path 151 may extend in the vertical direction.
Water discharged from the distribution chamber 121 may flow along the first guide flow path 151.
For example, water discharged downward from the distribution chamber 121 through the chamber hole 122 may flow downward along the first guide flow path 151. Water discharged from the second sealing member 92 may flow downward along the first guide flow path 151. That is, the flange 150 may form the first guide flow path 151 to guide water between the flange 150 and the shaft body 221.
Meanwhile, the flange 150 may also be referred to a first guide body 150. The flange 150 may also be referred to as a first guide portion 150. The flange 150 may also be referred to as a first guide member 150.
The connecting shaft 220 may guide water leaking from the distribution chamber 121. The connecting shaft 220 may accommodate water leaking from the distribution chamber 121. The connecting shaft 220 may collect water leaking from the distribution chamber 121. For example, the connecting shaft 220 may accommodate and guide water discharged from the first guide flow path 151.
The connecting shaft 220 may form a second guide flow path 233.
The second guide flow path 223 may be formed in at least a part of the connecting shaft 220. For example, the cam body 222 may be spaced from at least a part of the circumferential surface of the shaft body 221 to form the second guide flow path 223, although not limited thereto. However, the cam body 222 may be provided as a separate component from the connecting shaft 200. For example, the cam body 22 may be coupled to the circumferential surface of the shaft body 221 to form the second guide flow path 223.
The second guide flow path 223 may be formed between the shaft body 221 and the cam body 222. The second guide flow path 223 may be positioned to a radially outer side from the shaft body 221. The second guide flow path 223 may be positioned to a radially outer side from the motor shaft 211 of the distribution motor 210. For example, the second guide flow path 223 may extend in the vertical direction.
For example, the second guide flow path 223 may be provided below the first guide flow path 221, although not limited thereto. For example, a part of an upper area of the second guide flow path 223 may overlap with a part of a lower area of the first guide flow path 221.
Water discharged from the first guide flow path 151 may flow along the second guide flow path 223.
For example, water discharged from the first guide flow path 151 may flow downward along the second guide flow path 223. Water falling from the first guide flow path 151 may flow downward along the second guide flow path 223. That is, the connecting shaft 220 may guide water between the shaft body 221 and the cam body 222 by forming the second guide flow path 223.
Meanwhile, the cam body 222 may also be referred to as a second guide body 222. The cam body 222 may also be referred to as a second guide portion 222. The cam body 222 may also be referred to as a second guide member 222.
In the drawings, the flange 150 is shown to correspond to a component of the sump housing 100 and the cam body 222 is shown to correspond to a component of the connecting shaft 220. However, this is only an example. The flange 150 may be provided as an independent component from the sump housing 100. The cam body 222 may be provided as an independent component from the connecting shaft 222. The flange 150 and the cam body 222 may be provided as separate components, or integrated into one body and provided as a single component. Therefore, the first guide flow path 151 and the second guide flow path 223 may be provided as separate flow paths or a single flow path. Also, any one of the first guide flow path 151 or the second guide flow path 223 may be omitted.
The connecting shaft 220 may form a discharge flow path 2224a (see
For example, the connecting shaft 220 may include a penetrating hole 2224 that forms the discharge flow path 2224a. The penetrating hole 2224 may be provided in a lower portion of the cam body 222, although not limited thereto. However, the discharge flow path 2224a may be formed by components having various shapes, instead of a hole. For example, the discharge flow path 2224a may be formed by a cylindrical flange having a hollow portion.
Water in the second guide flow path 223 may flow to the outside of the connecting shaft 220 through the penetrating hole 2224. The penetrating hole 2224 may be provided in a lower portion of the connecting shaft 220. At least one penetrating hole 2224 may be provided.
The connecting shaft 220 may include a side guide portion 2223. The side guide portion 2223 may accommodate water in the first guide flow path 151. The side guide portion 2223 may receive water falling from the first guide flow path 151. The side guide portion 2223 may be positioned below the flange 150.
The side guide portion 2223 may guide water in the first guide flow path 151 to the second guide flow path 223. The side guide portion 2223 may cause water discharged from the first guide flow path 151 to flow into the second guide flow path 223. For example, the side guide portion 2223 may be provided at an upper end of the cam body 222.
In the drawings, the side guide portion 2223 is shown to include a circular plate shape (substantially, a dish shape) extending radially outward from an area of the circumferential surface of the shaft body 221, not corresponding to the second guide flow path 223. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The side guide portion 2223 is not limited in shape and position as long as the side guide portion 2223 guides water in the first guide flow path 151 to the second guide flow path 223.
For example, the side guide portion 2223 may include a shape inclined downward toward the second guide flow path 223 to easily guide water. For example, referring to
Referring to
The connecting shaft 220 may include a second protrusion 224 extending downward from a side of the connecting shaft 220 adjacent to the distribution motor 210. The second protrusion 224 may cover the first protrusion 431. The second protrusion 224 may surround a circumferential surface of the first protrusion 431. The second protrusion 224 may include a substantially cylindrical shape.
For example, referring to
Successively, an example of a flow process of water will be described. Water discharged from the distribution chamber 121 may flow downward along the first guide flow path 151. The water discharged from the distribution chamber 121 may be guided between the shaft body 121 and the flange 150 through the first guide flow path 151. The water discharged from the first guide flow path 151 may be guided by the side guide portion 2223 and flow into the second guide flow path 223. The water flowed into the second guide flow path 223 may flow downward along the second guide flow path 223. The water in the second guide flow path 223 may be discharged to the outside of the connecting shaft 220 through the third guide flow path (discharge flow path) 2224a. For example, water in the second guide flow path 223 may pass through the penetrating hole 2224 and be discharged to the outside of the connecting shaft 220. The water escaped from the connecting shaft 220 may flow along an upper surface of the holder 400 and be guided to the outside of the sump assembly 70 through the guide hole 420 of the holder 400. In summary, water discharged from the distribution chamber 121 may be guided to a radially outer side from the connecting shaft 220 and drained through the guide hole 420 of the holder 400. Accordingly, by preventing water leaking from the distribution chamber 121 from flowing into the distribution motor 210, moisture infiltration into the distribution motor 210 may be prevented. As a result, issues (for example, a fire, a failure of the distribution device, etc.) that may occur due to leakage of water may be prevented in advance. In other words, stability of use of the dish washer 1 may increase.
Referring to
Referring to
For example, the holder 400 may include at least one wall 421, 422, 423 surrounding a side of the guide hole 420. The at least one wall 421, 422, and 423 may extend upward from the holder body 410. Therefore, water may flow into the guide hole 430 without flowing to another component (for example, the valve assembly 800, the connector 700, etc.) mounted on the holder 400.
For example, the holder body 410 may include a shape inclined downward toward the guide hole 420. Therefore, water may be smoothly guided toward the guide hole 420.
In the drawings, the guide hole 420 is shown to penetrate the holder body 410. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the guide hole 420 may be provided as a groove to collect water discharged from the connecting shaft 220. The guide hole 420 may also be referred to as a guide groove 420.
Referring to
For example, the cam body 222 may include a bottom portion 2221 and a side wall portion 2222.
The bottom portion 2221 may extend radially from a side adjacent to the distribution motor 210 of the shaft body 221. For example, a penetrating hole 2224 may be formed in the bottom portion 2221.
The side wall portion 222 may surround at least a part of the shaft body 221 and extend toward the flange 150 from the bottom portion 2221. The side wall portion 2222 may be positioned to a radially outer side from the shaft body 221. The side wall portion 2222 may extend in the vertical direction. The side wall portion 2222 may form the second side flow path 223. The side guide portion 2223 may be formed at an upper end of the side wall portion 2222.
The cam body 222 may include a convex portion 222a protruding radially outward, and a concave portion 222b depressed radially inward from the convex portion 222a. For example, a plurality of convex portions 222a and a plurality of concave portions 222b may be provided, and the convex portions 222a and the concave portions 222b may be alternately positioned along a circumference of the cam body 222. The convex portions 222a and the concave portions 222b may be provided on the side wall portion 2222 of the cam body 222. The convex portions 222a and the concave portions 222b may be in contact with the switch 240. The convex portions 222a and the concave portions 222b may be in contact with an actuator 241 of the switch 240.
The switch 240 may be mounted on the holder 400 to detect a rotation position of the connecting shaft 220. The switch 240 may be positioned adjacent to the connecting shaft 220.
The switch 240 may include the actuator 241 that is in contact with the cam body 222 of the connecting shaft 220. The actuator 241 may protrude toward the cam body 222. The actuator 241 may be in contact with the convex portion 222a and the concave portion 222b of the cam body 222. The switch 240 may be turned on while the actuator 241 is in contact with the convex portion 222a and turned off while the actuator 241 is in contact with the concave portion 222b.
For example, the controller may designate rotation positions of the distribution disk 230 according to on and off times of the switch 240, and control the distribution motor 210 to rotate the distribution disk to a specific rotation position among the designated rotation positions of the distribution disk 230.
The switch 240 may be detachably coupled to the holder 400. The switch 240 may be rotatably coupled to the holder 400.
For example, the switch 240 may include a coupling hole 243. The coupling hole 243 may be formed by penetrating a switch main body. The coupling hole 243 may be coupled to a coupling shaft 442 of the switch mounting portion 440 which will be described below.
A terminal connector 242 may be coupled to a terminal 244 of the switch 240. Information detected by the switch 240 may be transferred to another component through the terminal connector 242. For example, the terminal connector 242 may include a wire, and the wire of the terminal connector 242 may be electrically connected to the controller.
The switch 240 may be rotatable between a first position P1 (see
The holder 400 may include the switch mounting portion 440.
The switch mounting portion 440 may include a resting portion 441 on which the switch is rested. For example, the resting portion 441 may be provided on an upper surface of the holder body 410.
The switch mounting portion 440 may include the coupling shaft 442 that is couplable to the switch 240. The switch 240 may be stably mounted on the holder 400 through the coupling shaft 442. The coupling shaft 442 may extend upward from the resting portion 441. For example, the coupling shaft 442 of the switch 240 may be rotatably coupled to the coupling hole 243 of the switch 240, which will be described below, although not limited thereto. However, in contrast to the above-described example, the switch mounting portion 440 may include a coupling hole and the switch 240 may include a coupling shaft.
The switch mounting portion 440 may include a cover portion 443 that covers at least a part of the switch 240. The cover portion 443 may protect the switch 240. For example, the cover portion 443 may include a first extension portion 443a extending in the vertical direction from the holder body 410, and a second extension portion 443b extending in the horizontal direction from the first extension portion 443a. The first extension portion 443a may correspond to a side portion of the switch 240, and the second extension portion 443b may corresponding to an upper portion of the switch 240.
The switch mounting portion 440 may include an opening 444 in which the actuator 241 of the switch 240 is accommodated. The actuator 241 of the switch 241 may pass through the opening 444 and be positioned adjacent to the cam body 222 of the connecting shaft 220. For example, the opening 444 may be formed in the first extension portion 443a.
The switch mounting portion 440 may include a separation prevention protrusion 445. The separation prevention protrusion 445 may prevent the switch 240 from departing from the second position P2. The separation prevention protrusion 445 may prevent the switch 240 from moving from the second position P2 to the first position P1. A side of the switch 240 may be caught by the separation prevention protrusion 445. For example, a side of the switch 240 may be a side that is far from the connecting shaft 220 while the switch 240 is at the second position P2.
For example, the separation prevention protrusion 445 may be formed in the second extension portion 443b, although not limited thereto. However, the separation prevention protrusion 445 is not limited in position and shape as long as the separation prevention protrusion 445 prevents the switch 240 from departing from the second position P2.
The switch 240 may be prevented from easily departing from the second position P2 due to the separation prevention protrusion 445. Accordingly, because the switch 240 is stably positioned at the second position P2, the switch 240 may accurately detect a rotation position of the connecting shaft 220. For example, the switch 2430 may be stably located at the second position P2 even though an impact, shaking, etc. occurs. Also, assembly of the switch 240 may be improved.
The switch mounting portion 440 may include an elastic member 446. The elastic member 446 may press another side of the switch 240 such that no gap is made between a side of the switch 240 and the separation prevention protrusion 445. For example, the other side of the switch 240 may be a side that is close to the connecting shaft 220 while the switch 240 is at the second position P2.
The switch 240 may be located exactly at the second position P2 by the elastic member 446, and the second position P2 may be fixed. Accordingly, the switch 240 may accurately detect a rotation position of the connecting shaft 220. Also, the assembly of the switch 240 may be improved.
For example, the elastic member 446 may extend upward from the holder body 410 and include a shape bent toward the other side of the switch 240, although not limited thereto. However, the elastic member 446 may include various shapes to maintain a specific position of the switch 240.
The switch 240 may include a stopper 247. The stopper 247 may limit a rotation of the switch 240. The stopper 247 may limit a rotation of the switch 240 in one direction R from the second position P2.
More specifically, while the switch 240 rotates from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the stopper 247 may prevent the switch 240 from rotating further toward the connecting shaft 220 beyond the second position P2. Therefore, the switch 240 may be located exactly at the second position P2.
The switching mounting portion 440 may include a fixing rib 448 for fixing the switch 240 located at the second position P2. The fixing rib 448 may firmly mount the switch 240 on the holder 400 by limiting a movement of the switch 240. Because the switch 240 is stably mounted on the holder 400 by the fixing rib 448, the switch 240 may not shake even though an external impact occurs.
A plurality of fixing ribs 448 may be provided. For example, the fixing ribs 448 may include a first fixing rib 448a, a second fixing rib 448b, and a third fixing rib 448c. The first fixing rib 448a, the second fixing rib 448b, and the third fixing rib 448c may support some of sides of the switch 240. The first fixing rib 448a may support a side of the connector terminal 244. The second fixing rib 448b may support another side of the connector terminal 244. The third fixing rib 448c may support the other side of the switch 240. The third fixing rib 448c may support a part of the upper portion of the switch 240.
An example of a coupling process of the switch 240 will be described with reference to
Referring to
For example, the coupling hole 243 of the switch 240 may be coupled to the coupling shaft 442 of the switch mounting portion 440, although not limited thereto. However, the switch 240 may include a coupling shaft and the switch mounting portion 440 may include a coupling hole.
The switch 240 located at the first position PI may rotate in one direction R. While the switch 240 rotates, the actuator 241 of the switch 240 may pass through the opening 444 and be positioned adjacent to the cam body 222 of the connecting shaft 220.
Referring to
The switch 240 may be located exactly at the second position P2 and stably mounted on the holder 400 by some components (for example, the separation prevention protrusion 445, the elastic member 446, the stopper 447, the fixing rib 448, etc.) of the switch mounting portion 440.
Referring to
While the switch 240 is coupled to the holder 400 in the vertical direction, the switch 240 may interfere with the connecting shaft 220. For example, while the switch 240 is coupled to the holder 400 in the vertical direction, the switch 240 may be caught by the side guide portion 223. That is, it may be difficult to locate the switch 240 directly at the second position P2. Accordingly, to prevent the switch 240 from interfering with the connecting shaft 220, the switch 240 may be first located at the first position P1 and then rotate in one direction R from the first position P1 to be located at the second position P2. As a result, while the switch 240 is coupled to the holder 400, the switch 240 may be easily located at the second position P2 without interfering with the connecting shaft 220. Therefore, the assembly of the switch 240 may be improved.
So far, specific embodiments have been shown and described. However, the disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made by one of ordinary skill in the technical art to which the disclosure belongs without departing from the gist of the technical idea of the disclosure defined by the claims below.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2022-0080949 | Jun 2022 | KR | national |
This application is a continuation application, under 35 U.S.C. § 111(a), of international application No. PCT/KR2023/008386, filed Jun. 16, 2023, which claims priority under 35 U. S. C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0080949, filed Jun. 30, 2022, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/KR2023/008386 | Jun 2023 | WO |
| Child | 18973465 | US |
