U.S. patent application number 13/076890 was filed with the patent office on 2011-08-18 for dishwasher.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG Electronics Inc.. Invention is credited to Taehee Lee, Sangheon YOON.
Application Number | 20110197933 13/076890 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44453808 |
Filed Date | 2011-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110197933 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YOON; Sangheon ; et
al. |
August 18, 2011 |
DISHWASHER
Abstract
A dishwasher is provided that prevents foreign materials from
remaining lodged in a filter. The dishwasher may include a sump in
which washing fluid is collected, a filter provided in the sump so
as to separate foreign materials from the washing fluid, and a
cleaning device including at least one blade that scrapes foreign
materials from the filter as the cleaning device moves, either in a
rotating direction or a linear direction.
Inventors: |
YOON; Sangheon; (Seoul,
KR) ; Lee; Taehee; (Seoul, KR) |
Assignee: |
LG Electronics Inc.
|
Family ID: |
44453808 |
Appl. No.: |
13/076890 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12827201 |
Jun 30, 2010 |
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13076890 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
134/110 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 15/4206 20130101;
A47L 15/4208 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
134/110 |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/42 20060101
A47L015/42 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 2, 2009 |
KR |
10-2009-0118333 |
Mar 31, 2010 |
KR |
10-2010-0029026 |
Claims
1. A dishwasher comprising: a washing space in which a rack for
receiving dishes and a nozzle for spraying washing water are
disposed; a sump in which the washing water supplied into the
washing space is collected; a filter part disposed in the sump to
filter foreign substances contained in the washing water; a
rotation part comprising a blade rotatably contacting the filter
part; a driving part providing a driving force to the rotation
part; and a rotation shaft separably coupled to the rotation part,
the rotation shaft comprising a hook selectively hooked to the
rotation part.
2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the rotation shaft
extends upward from the driving part, and the rotation part is
inserted into the outside of the rotation shaft.
3. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the driving part is
a bi-directional motor rotatable in clockwise and counter clockwise
directions, and when the driving part is rotated in the clockwise
or counter clockwise directions, the hook is hooked to the rotation
part.
4. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the driving part is
a unidirectional motor rotatable in clockwise and counter clockwise
directions, and when the rotation part is rotated in a direction
opposite to a rotation direction of the unidirectional motor, the
rotation part is hooked to the hook.
5. The dishwasher according to claim 1, further comprising: a shaft
coupling part disposed on the rotation part, the shaft coupling
part being coupled to the rotation shaft; and a hook rib disposed
inside the shaft coupling part, the hook rib being hooked to the
hook.
6. The dishwasher according to claim 5, wherein the hook rib
comprises: a hook support part disposed on an inner circumference
surface of the shaft coupling part, the hook support part
supporting the hook; and a stopper interfering with the rotation
shaft when the rotation shat is rotated at a preset angle.
7. The dishwasher according to claim 5, wherein the hook rib is
provided in plurality, and when the driving part is rotated in the
clockwise or counter clockwise directions, one hook rib of the
plurality of hook ribs is coupled to the hook.
8. The dishwasher according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of
hook ribs are disposed in directions facing each other.
9. The dishwasher according to claim 5, wherein the rotation shaft
comprises: a body part coupled to a motor shaft of the driving
part; a hook part having a sectional area less than that of the
body part, the hook part comprising a hook; and a support part
defining a boundary between the body part and the hook part, the
support part supporting the rotation part.
10. The dishwasher according to claim 9, wherein the support part
has the same diameter as that of the body part, and the hook part
has a shape cut inward from an outer circumference surface of the
support part.
11. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the hook part
comprises a recessed part recessed inward from an outer
circumference surface, and the hook is disposed on an end of a side
of the recessed part.
12. The dishwasher according to claim 11, wherein the recessed part
and the extending hook form a bent part.
13. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the hook is
provided in plurality.
14. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the filter part
comprises: a first filter; and a second filter receiving the first
filter therein, the second filter additionally filtering the
washing water passing through the first filter.
15. The dishwasher according to claim 14, wherein the rotation part
is disposed in a space between the first filter and the second
filter.
16. A dishwasher comprising: a washing space in which a rack for
receiving dishes and a nozzle for spraying washing water are
disposed; a sump in which the washing water supplied into the
washing space is collected; a washing pump disposed adjacent to the
sump, the washing pump supplying the washing water into a spray
arm; a filter member filtering foreign substances existing in the
washing water before the washing water inflowing into the sump is
introduced into the washing pump; a filter housing receiving the
filter member; a rotation shaft rotatably disposed on a side of the
filter housing; and a cleaning unit separably coupled to the
rotation shaft to clean the foreign substances attached to the
filter member, wherein the cleaning unit comprises a rotation part
selectively coupled to the rotation shaft according to a direction
in which the rotation shaft is coupled.
17. The dishwasher according to claim 16, wherein the rotation part
comprises: a shaft coupling part in which the rotation shaft is
disposed in one direction and inserted; and a hook rib hooked to
the rotation shaft in a state where the rotation shaft is disposed
in the other direction.
18. The dishwasher according to claim 17, wherein the rotation
shaft comprises: a recessed part which is recessed inward; and a
hook defined as an end of a side of the recessed part, the hook
being hooked to the hook rib.
19. The dishwasher according to claim 18, wherein the recessed part
comprises first and second recessed parts facing each other, and
each of the first and second recessed parts comprises the hook.
20. The dishwasher according to claim 16, wherein the rotation part
comprises a shaft coupling part receiving the rotation shaft while
the rotation part is moved downward, and when the rotation part is
rotated in a preset direction, the rotation part is hooked to the
rotation shaft.
21. A dishwasher comprising: a washing space in which a rack for
receiving dishes and a nozzle for spraying washing water are
disposed; a sump in which the washing water supplied into the
washing space is collected; a filter part disposed in the sump to
filter foreign substances contained in the washing water; a
rotation part rotatably disposed inside the filter part; a blade
contacting the rotation part to clean foreign substances of the
filter part; a rotation shaft separably coupled to the rotation
part, the rotation shaft comprising first and second recessed
parts; and a plurality of hook ribs disposed on the rotation part,
the hook ribs interfering with the plurality of recessed parts.
22. The dishwasher according to claim 21, wherein the plurality of
hook ribs comprise: one hook rib interfering with the first
recessed part when the rotation part is rotated in a clockwise
direction; and another hook rib interfering with the second
recessed part when the rotation part is rotated in a counter
clockwise direction.
23. The dishwasher according to claim 21, wherein the rotation part
further comprises a shaft coupling part in which the rotation shaft
is received, and the plurality of hook ribs protrude from an inner
circumference surface of the shaft coupling part in direction
facing each other.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119
to Korean Application Nos. 10-2009-0118333, filed in Korea on Dec.
2, 2009 and 10-2010-0029026 filed in Korea on Mar. 31, 2010. This
application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/827,201 filed on Jun. 30, 2010, the
entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] A dishwasher is provided, and more specifically, a
dishwasher that prevents foreign materials from remaining lodged in
a filter is provided.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] Generally, a dishwasher washes dishes by directing washing
fluid onto wash items positioned therein. In detail, clean washing
water received in a sump is directed onto dishes in the washer by a
washing water injector, and is then returned to the sump and
re-supplied to the washing water injector via a filter apparatus in
the sump. At the end of the wash cycle, the used washing water,
together with foreign materials held in the filter apparatus, are
discharged to the outside of the dishwasher.
[0006] Foreign materials accumulated in the filter apparatus during
operation may generate flow resistance, thus reducing the flow rate
of the washing water passing through the filter apparatus. This
reduced flow rate may impact the washing performance of the
dishwasher and overload a washing water pump that pumps the washing
water. In addition, the foreign materials adhered to the filter are
not easily removed, causing a bad odor in the inside of the washer
due to decay of the foreign materials.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The embodiments will be described in detail with reference
to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to
like elements wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according
to an embodiment as broadly described herein;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a sump of the dishwasher
shown in FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a filter device
and a rotating device of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1;
[0011] FIGS. 4 and 5 are exploded perspective views of a mounting
structure of the rotating device shown in FIG. 3;
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates operation of the rotating device shown in
FIGS. 3-5;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a rotating device of a
dishwasher according to another embodiment as broadly described
herein;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a rotating device of a
dishwasher according to another embodiment as broadly described
herein;
[0015] FIGS. 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views of a sump of a
dishwasher according to another embodiment as broadly described
herein;
[0016] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a filter device
and a movement device of a dishwasher according to another
embodiment as broadly described herein;
[0017] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the movement
device shown in FIG. 11;
[0018] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of
FIG. 12;
[0019] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the filter device and
movement device shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, installed in a sump;
and
[0020] FIG. 15 illustrates operation of the movement device shown
in FIGS. 11-14.
[0021] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a coupled state
of a rotation part and a driving part according to another
embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a coupled state
of the driving part and a rotation shaft according to the
embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 18 is a side view illustrating a coupled state of the
driving part and the rotation shaft according to the
embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 19 is a front view illustrating a coupled state of the
driving part and the rotation shaft according to the
embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of the rotation part.
[0026] FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of the coupled state of
the rotation part and the driving part.
[0027] FIG. 22 is a sectional view illustrating a coupled state of
the rotation part and the rotation shaft according to the
embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 23 is a sectional view illustrating a coupled state of
a rotation part and a rotation shaft according to another
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, a dishwasher 1 as embodied and broadly
described herein may include a case 10, a tub 11 that is received
inside the case 10, a door 12 that is provided on a front surface
of the tub 11, and a sump 20 that is provided on a lower side of
the tub 11 to receive and store washing fluid. An upper rack 13 may
be positioned at an upper portion of the tub 11, spaced apart from
a lower rack 14 at a lower portion of the tub 11. The upper rack 13
and the lower rack 14 may be guided by guide rails provided on an
inner side of the tub 11 so as to be drawn out through the front of
the tub 11.
[0030] A washing motor 30 may provide a driving force to an
impeller 32 coupled thereto so as to provide a pumping force that
supplies washing fluid from the sump 20 to the tub 11. For ease of
discussion, the washing motor 30 and impeller 32 may hereinafter be
collectively referred to as a washing pump 33.
[0031] A lower nozzle 17, an upper nozzle 16, and a top nozzle 15
may receive washing fluid from the sump 20 and disperse the washing
fluid in the tub 11. The lower nozzle 17 may spray washing fluid
onto wash items mounted on the lower rack 14. A lower nozzle
connector 19 may connect the lower nozzle 17 to the sump 20. The
upper nozzle 16 may be positioned at a central portion of the tub
11 to spray washing fluid toward the upper rack 13, and the top
nozzle 15 may be positioned at a ceiling portion of the tub 11 to
spray washing fluid downward. A washing fluid guide 40 may guide
washing fluid from the washing pump to the top nozzle 15 and the
upper nozzle 16.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the sump 20 may include a sump
cover 22 that defines an upper surface of the sump 20, a filter
housing 25 positioned below the sump cover 22 that receives first
and second filters 110 and 130, and a preliminary filter 50 that is
provided on the sump cover 22 to perform an initial filtering of
the washing fluid before it is supplied to the first and second
filters 110 and 130.
[0033] The filter housing 25 may have a concave shape that extends
downward to define a filter chamber in which the first and second
filters 110 and 130 are received. A washing fluid inlet 25a that
supplies washing fluid to the filters 110 and 130 may be formed at
an upper end of the filter housing 25. A pump inlet 28 that directs
washing fluid between the filters 110 and 130 and the washing pump
33 may extend outward from a lower end of the filter housing
25.
[0034] A draining device 29 that discharges foreign materials and
washing fluid during a draining cycle may extend outward from the
lower end of the filter housing 25, in a different direction from
the pump inlet 28, and may be connected to a draining pump 150 (see
FIG. 9). The filter housing 25 may also include an outlet 29a that
directs the washing fluid toward the draining device 29. The
washing fluid in the filter housing 25 may be discharged through
the outlet 29a and directed to the draining pump 150 via the
draining device 29.
[0035] The first filter 110 may filter foreign materials having a
relatively large volume/size from the washing fluid, and the second
filter 130 may be provided at an outer side of the first filter 110
to further filter the washing fluid that has already passed through
the first filter 110. The first and second filters 110 and 130 may
have a substantially cylindrical shape.
[0036] The first filter 110 may include a filter main body 111 and
a filter supporter 115 that extends along the filter main body 111
and supports the first filter 110 on the sump cover 22. The filter
supporter 115 may be supported on a corresponding side of the
preliminary filter 50, and the first filter 110 may be received
inside the second filter 130. The filter main body 111 may include
first through holes 112 that filter foreign materials from the
washing fluid.
[0037] The second filter 130 may include second through holes 132
that filter foreign materials from the washing fluid. The second
through holes 132 may have a mesh form that is more densely formed
than the first through holes 112. The second filter 130 may include
a lower end portion 131 that is connected to a filter connecting
part 27 formed on a lower inner portion of the filter housing
25.
[0038] A rotating cleaner 200 may be provided in the filter housing
25 to remove foreign materials accumulated in the second filter
130. The rotating cleaner 200 will be described in detail with
reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The rotating cleaner 200 may include a
rotating device 210 and a rotating motor 250 that provides a
driving force to the rotating device 210.
[0039] The rotating device 210 may be received in a space formed
between the first filter 110 and the second filter 130, at an outer
side of the first filter 110, with at least a part of the rotating
device 210 contacting an inner side of the second filter 130.
[0040] The rotating device 210 may include a frame 211, one or more
blades 215 provided on an outer circumferential surface of the
frame 211 so as to contact the inner side of the second filter 130,
and one or more blade couplers 217 that fix the one or more blades
215 to the frame 211.
[0041] The frame 211 may have a column shape formed by a plurality
of vertically spaced rings. The blades 215 may be oriented in a
longitudinal direction of the frame 211 and the blades 215 may be
connected to the outer side of the frame 211, at approximately the
same interval, or at different intervals as appropriate.
[0042] The blade coupler 217 may include a first coupler 217a that
supports one side of the blade 215 and a second coupler 217b that
supports the other side of the blade 215 such that the blade 215 is
positioned between the first and second couplers 217a and 217b.
[0043] Each first coupler 217a may include one or more
corresponding connecting ribs 218 and each second coupler 217b may
include one or more connecting holes 219 to which the connecting
ribs 218 are connected. A plurality of connecting ribs 218 and
connecting holes 219 may be provided along the longitudinal
direction of each of the first and second couplers 217a and 217b.
The blade 215 may include one or more through holes 216 positioned
corresponding to the connecting ribs 218 and connecting holes 219.
The connecting ribs 218 may penetrate through the through holes 216
and into the connecting holes 219 formed in the second coupler
217b.
[0044] At least a part of the blade 215 may extend outward beyond
the outer side of the blade coupler 217 so that the protruded
portion of the blade 215 may contact the second filter 130. The
blade 215 may be made of a rubber or plastic material, or other
materials that may be deformed in a predetermined direction.
Therefore, when the rotating device 210 rotates and the blade 215
contacts the second filter 130, the blade 215 may deform in a
predetermined direction. Alternatively, the blades 215 may be made
from a hard material so as to fill the width of the space formed
between the filters 110 and 130.
[0045] A rotating motor 250 may be provided at a lower portion of
the filter housing 25 to generate a driving force to rotate the
rotating device 210, with a rotating shaft 220 that transmits the
driving force of the rotating motor 250 to the rotating device 210.
The rotating motor 250 may include a motor shaft 252 connected to
the rotating shaft 220. A shaft housing 240 may receive the
rotating shaft 220 and a seal 230 may be provided inside the shaft
housing 240 to support the rotating shaft 220. The rotating shaft
220, which is connected to the rotating motor 250, may penetrate
through the lower surface of the filter housing 25 to connect to
the rotating device 210. The rotating device 210 may include a
shaft connector 213 to which the rotating shaft 220 is connected,
one or more reinforcing ribs 214 that extend from the shaft
connector 213 to the frame 211 to reinforce the strength thereof.
The shaft connector 213 may have a hollow shape and the reinforcing
ribs 214 may extend radially from the shaft connector 213.
[0046] The operation of the rotating cleaner 200 will be described
with reference to FIG. 6. The rotating motor 250 may be a
bi-directional motor that provides rotating force in two different
directions. Therefore, when power is applied to the rotating motor
250, the rotating shaft 220 may rotate in a direction "a" or a
direction "b", and, the rotating device 210 may rotate in the same
direction as the rotating shaft 220. The rotating motor 250 may be
rotated in the "a" or "b" direction according to a predetermined
period.
[0047] When the rotating device 210 is rotated, for example, in a
counterclockwise direction, the blade 215 also moves
counterclockwise as it contacts the inner circumferential surface
of the second filter 130. Foreign materials lodged in the second
filter 130 may be dislodged from the second filter 130 as the blade
215 scrapes the second filter 130, and clogging of the second
filter 130 may be prevented.
[0048] A driving cycle of the dishwasher 1 may include washing,
rinsing, and drying cycles. The washing cycle may include a water
supply process in which clean water is supplied from an external
source, a washing process in which wash items are washed using the
supplied washing water, and a draining process in which the foreign
materials and the used washing water are discharged. In certain
embodiments, washing water may be supplied to the sump, filtered,
and supplied to the washer, and this may be repeated several
times.
[0049] As the dishwasher operates, the rotating device 210 may be
rotated before the draining process starts. In other words, the
draining pump 150 may be driven after the rotating motor 250 is
operated. When the draining pump 150 is driven and the rotating
motor 250 is driven, and foreign materials are separated from the
filters 110 and 130 by the rotating device 210, the foreign
materials may be easily discharged through the draining device 29
together with the used washing water.
[0050] During a first washing process of the washing cycle, the
rotating motor 250 may be driven. Since during the first washing
process, a relatively large amount of foreign materials are lodged
in the filters 110 and 130, the rotating device 210 may be rotated
to dislodge the foreign materials from the filters 110 and 130.
During the rinsing process, where the collection of foreign
materials may be relatively small, the driving of the rotating
motor 250 may be stopped.
[0051] The rotating device 210 shown in FIG. 7 includes the frame
211, and a first blade 260 and a second blade 270 that are provided
on opposite sides of the frame 211 to scrape the inner surface of
the second filter 130. In certain embodiments, the first blade 260
and the second blade 270 may be positioned facing/opposite each
other and may have a length corresponding to a height of the frame
211. Other arrangements may also be appropriate.
[0052] The first blade 260 may include a plurality of first
protrusions 262 that protrude to the outside of the blade coupler
217 and a plurality of first grooves 264 that define a space
between the plurality of first protrusions 262. The first
protrusions 262 and the plurality of first grooves 264 are
alternately arranged from the upper portion of the first blade 260
to the lower portion thereof. Similarly, the second blade 270 may
include a plurality of second protrusions 272 that protrude to the
outside of the blade coupler 217 and a plurality of second grooves
274 that define a space between the plurality of second protrusions
272. In certain embodiments, the first protrusions 262 may be
positioned corresponding to the second grooves 274 and the second
protrusions 272 may be positioned corresponding to the first
grooves 264.
[0053] As described above, when a protrusion on one side is
positioned so as to correspond to a groove on the opposite side,
the first protrusion 262 can scrape one portion of the inner side
of the second filter 130 while the rotating device 210 is rotated,
and the second protrusion 272 can scrape the remaining portion of
the inner side of the second filter 130. When the blades are
configured as shown in FIG. 7, the cleaning of the second filter
130 may be accomplished at a low material cost.
[0054] The rotating device 210 shown in FIG. 8 includes the frame
211 and a third blade 280 and a fourth blade 290 provided on
opposite sides of the frame 211 so as to scrape foreign materials
from the second filter 130. In certain embodiments, the third blade
280 and the fourth blade 290 may be positioned opposite/facing each
other. Other arrangements may also be appropriate.
[0055] The third blade 280 may include a plurality of third
protrusions 282 that protrude to the outside of the blade coupler
217 and a plurality of third grooves 284 that define a space
between the plurality of third protrusions 282. The third blade 280
may be positioned at a lower portion of one side of the frame 211.
For example, the third blade 280 may extend downward from a center
"C" of the frame 211. The fourth blade 290 may extend from the
upper portion of the frame 211 to the lower portion thereof, and
may have a length corresponding to the height of the frame 211, and
may include a plurality of fourth protrusions 292 and a plurality
of fourth grooves 294.
[0056] A suction force directed toward the pump inlet 28 is applied
to the inside of the filter housing 25. In other words, when the
washing pump 33 is driven, the washing fluid in the filter housing
25 is forcibly supplied to the pump inlet 28 by the pumping force
of the washing pump 33. The pump inlet 28 is positioned at the
lower portion of the filter housing 25, and thus a strong flow of
washing fluid is generated at the lower portion of the filter
housing 25, and foreign materials included in the washing fluid are
further accumulated on the lower portions of the filters 110 and
130. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the blades are concentrated
on the lower portion of the frame 211, thereby making it possible
to effectively remove the foreign materials accumulated in the
second filter 130, and particularly in the lower portion of the
second filter 130.
[0057] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a sump of a dishwasher according
to another embodiment as broadly described herein. The sump 20
shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 includes the filter housing 25 that
receives the second filter 130 and a rotating device 310 that is
provided at the inner side of the second filter 130 to clean the
second filter 130. Although not shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first
filter 110 may be provided at the inner side of the rotating device
310 as described above.
[0058] The rotating device 310 may include one or more blades 215
as described above to scrape the second filter 130, and a roller
312 that easily rotates the rotating device 310. The roller 312 may
be freely and rotatably connected to the lower end portion of the
rotating device 310 and may be provided in plurality.
[0059] A roller guide 60 that guides the rotation of the roller 312
may be provided in the filter housing 25. The roller guide 60 may
have a predetermined shape that corresponds to a rotating path of
the rotating device 310. For example, the roller guide 60 may be
formed as a groove that receives the roller 312, or may be provided
as a separate component that supports the roller 312.
[0060] The draining device 29 is provided at the lower end portion
of the filter housing 25 so that, during the draining cycle of the
dishwasher, when the draining pump 150 is operated, the foreign
materials and the washing fluid inside the filters 110 and 130 may
be discharged to the outside through the draining unit 29.
[0061] During operation, washing fluid used for washing in the tub
11 moves to the sump 20 together with the foreign materials, and
may be supplied to the filter housing 25 through the washing fluid
inlet 25a. When the washing pump 33 is driven to apply a pumping
force, a suction force is generated in the pump inlet 28, and
washing fluid may flow from the washing fluid inlet 25a toward the
pump inlet 28, that is, in a direction f1.
[0062] Since the blade 215 is positioned along the flow path of the
washing fluid, the washing fluid pressurizes at least one surface
of the blade 215 and thus, the blade 215 may be rotated by the
pressing force f1. The direction represented by f1 may be defined
as a direction that follows a shortest path from the washing fluid
inlet 25a to the pump inlet 28. Therefore, most of the washing
fluid supplied to the sump 20 will be supplied to the pump inlet 28
along the f1 direction. Consequently, the blade 215 may be rotated
counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 10.
[0063] During the draining cycle of the dishwasher, when the
draining pump 150 is driven, the suction force applied to the
foreign materials and the washing fluid, is applied to the draining
device 29, and the washing fluid may flow to the draining device 29
in a direction f2. Since the blade 215 is positioned on the
draining path of the washing fluid, the washing fluid pressurizes
at least one surface of the blade 215 and thus, the blade 215 be
rotated by the pressing force f2. Consequently, the blade 215 may
be rotated clockwise as shown in FIG. 10.
[0064] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a separate driver
for rotating the rotating device is not required and the filter may
be naturally cleaned by the flowing force of the washing fluid.
Another embodiment including a movement device instead of a
rotating device will now be described with respect to FIGS.
11-14.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 14, the sump 20 may include the
filter housing 25 that receives the first filter 110 and the second
filter 130, a movement device 400 that is movably provided inside
the filter housing 25 so as to move vertically, up and down, a
motor 250 that is provided at a lower portion of the filter housing
25 to provide a driving force, and a rotating shaft 450 that
rotates in response to the driving of the motor 250.
[0066] In detail, the movement device 400 may include a mover 410
that moves up and down along the rotating shaft 450, a moving guide
420 that guides the movement of the mover 410, and a blade 430 that
is provided at the outside of the moving part 410 to clean an inner
side of the second filter 130. The rotating shaft 450 includes a
first screw thread 451 that is threadably connected to the mover
410 and a seal coupler 452 that is formed below the first screw
thread 451 so as to be coupled to the seal 230.
[0067] The mover 410 includes a guide coupler 411 that is coupled
with the moving guide 420, an extension 414 that extends outward
from the guide coupler 411, a blade coupler 416 positioned at an
outer periphery of the extension 414, with the blade 430 coupled
with the blade coupler 416 so as to contact to the second filter
130.
[0068] A shaft coupling part 412 is formed as a recess within the
guide coupler 411 to which the rotating shaft 450 is coupled. The
lower part of the shaft coupling part 412 is opened to receive the
rotating shaft 450 and the shaft coupling part 412 may be formed as
a recess or depression that extends from the lower part to the
upper part. The shaft coupling part 412 includes a second screw
thread 413 corresponding the first screw thread 451 so that the
mover 410 may be threadably coupled with the rotating shaft
450.
[0069] The outer circumference of the guide coupler 411 may have a
polygonal shape. In FIG. 12, the outer circumference of the guide
coupler 411 is hexagonal, but may be a quadrangle, an octagon, or
other shape as appropriate. An inner coupling part 422 may be
formed within the moving guide 420, and may have a polygonal shape
corresponding to the guide coupler 411 so as to be coupled
therewith. The moving guide 420 may include a fixing part 426 so
that the moving guide 420 may be coupled with the first filter 110.
The moving guide 420 may be fixed at a position inside the first
filter 110 by the fixing part 426.
[0070] As described above, as the guide coupler 411 is
surface-coupled within the moving guide 420, each having a
polygonal shape, although a rotation force is applied to the guide
coupler 411, the guide coupler 411 is fixed with respect to the
moving guide 420 such that its rotation can be prevented.
[0071] In certain embodiments, the outer surface of the guide
coupler 411 that contacts the coupling part 422 of the moving guide
420 may have a sawtooth shape so that when a friction force is
applied between the outside of the guide coupler 411 and the
coupling part 422, rotation of the guide coupler 411 can be
prevented.
[0072] The blade coupler 416 encloses the lower outer side of the
guide coupler 411 and is spaced apart from the guide coupler 411.
The extension 414 extends from the outer side of the guide coupler
411 to the inner side of the blade coupler 416. The extension 414
may be provided as a plurality of extensions 414.
[0073] A flow opening 415 may be formed between the guide coupler
411 and the blade coupler 416 to allow washing fluid to flow
downward therethrough. In the draining cycle of the dishwasher,
washing fluid including foreign materials may flow downward through
the flow opening 415 and may be discharged to the draining device
29 through the outlet 29a.
[0074] The blade 430 may protrude outward from the outer
circumferential surface of the blade coupler 416, in certain
embodiments, and may be rounded upward. While the mover 410 is
moved up and down, the blade 430 scrapes the inner circumferential
surface of the second filter 130 so that foreign materials attached
to the second filter 130 may be removed.
[0075] The operation of the movement device 400 will be described
with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.
[0076] In FIG. 14, the upper part of the guide coupler 411 is
coupled to the lower end portion of the moving guide 420, and the
lower part of the guide coupler 411 is coupled to the first screw
thread 451 of the rotating shaft 450. In this state, when the
rotation motor 250 is driven to rotate the rotating shaft 450, the
first screw thread 451 and the second screw thread 413 are engaged,
and, the guide coupler 411 is subjected to a rotating force due to
the rotation of the first screw thread 451. However, the guide
coupler 411 is surface-coupled to the moving guide 420 due to its
polygonal shape such that rotation is restricted. Consequently, the
guide coupler 411 is not rotated, and is moved upward in response
to the rotation of the first screw thread 451. When the guide
coupler 411 is moved, the blade 430 is moved upward as it contacts
the second filter 130, and foreign materials attached to the second
filter 130 may be removed.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 15, if the guide coupler 411 reaches the
upper part of the coupling part 422 of the moving guide 420, the
operation of the rotation motor 250 may be stopped. The operation
time of the rotation motor 250 may be previously set based on a
movement distance of the guide coupler 411 and the rotation number
of the rotating shaft 450. When so positioned, the extension 414 is
located at the lower side of the moving guide 420 and the first
filter 110 and the blade coupler 416 may be disposed at the outer
side of the first filter 110. In the state shown in FIG. 15, when
the rotation motor 250 is rotated in an opposite direction, the
guide coupler 411 may be moved downward along the moving guide 420,
and the blade 430 may clean the second filter 130 again.
[0078] Meanwhile, the pump inlet 28 and the outlet 29a are disposed
at the lower part of the filter housing 25 such that a washing
fluid flowing force is applied to the lower part of the filter
housing 25, thereby causing foreign material to be accumulated at
the lower part of the filter housing 25. In this embodiment, the
blade 430 may be moved up and down in the range of an approximately
intermediate height from the lower part of the second filter 130,
as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 so that the lower part of the second
filter 130 is repeatedly scraped, thereby increasing cleaning
efficiency.
[0079] A dishwasher is provided that prevents a filter from
clogging due to foreign materials by improving a structure of a
sump.
[0080] A dishwasher is provided that can remove foreign materials
from a filter by cleaning at least one surface of the filter.
[0081] A dishwasher as embodied and broadly described herein may
include a sump in which washing water is collected; a filter unit
that is provided inside the sump to separate foreign materials in
the washing water; a rotating unit that is rotatably provided to
one side of the filter unit; and at least one blade that is
provided to the rotating unit and scrapes the foreign materials in
the filter unit.
[0082] A dishwasher according to another embodiment as broadly
described herein may include a sump in which washing water is
collected; a filter unit that is provided inside the sump to
separate foreign materials in the washing water; a filter housing
that receives the filter unit; and a rotating unit that is
rotatably supported on the filter housing and cleans an inner side
of the filter unit.
[0083] A dishwasher according to another embodiment as broadly
described herein may include a sump in which washing water is
collected; a plurality of filter units that are provided inside the
sump and separate foreign materials in the washing water; a
cleaning unit that is interposed between the plurality of filter
units and cleans foreign materials accumulated in the filter unit,
the cleaning unit being rotatably provided.
[0084] In a dishwasher as embodied and broadly described herein,
the rotating unit can be provided on at least one side of the
filter unit to clean the foreign materials accumulated in the
filter unit, making it possible to prevent the filter unit from
clogging due to the foreign materials.
[0085] In addition, foreign materials accumulated in the filter can
be effectively cleaned and the flow of washing water is smooth,
thereby improving washing performance.
[0086] Moreover, the foreign materials are removed from the filter
surface to prevent the filter from clogging, thereby improving
filtering performance.
[0087] Further, the foreign materials separated from the filter can
be discharged to the outside of the dishwasher in a draining cycle,
thereby preventing a bad odor due to the decay of the foreign
materials.
[0088] Also, the washing performance is improved and the discharge
of the foreign materials is facilitated, thereby improving the
reliability of the product.
[0089] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a coupled state
of a rotation part and a driving part according to another
embodiment. FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a coupled
state of the driving part and a rotation shaft according to the
embodiment. FIG. 18 is a side view illustrating a coupled state of
the driving part and the rotation shaft according to the
embodiment. FIG. 19 is a front view illustrating a coupled state of
the driving part and the rotation shaft according to an
embodiment.
[0090] Referring to FIGS. 16 to 19, the rotation unit 200 according
to an embodiment includes the driving motor 250 for providing a
driving force, the rotation part 210 rotated by the driving force
of the driving motor 250, and the rotation shaft 220 for
transmitting the driving force of the driving motor 250 to the
rotation part 210.
[0091] In detail, the driving motor 250 includes a housing coupling
part for coupling the driving motor 250 to the housing 25 and a
terminal part 254 extending to a side of the driving motor 250 to
supply a power.
[0092] The rotation shaft 220 extends upward from the driving motor
250. As described above, the rotation shaft 220 is coupled to the
motor shaft 252 and separably coupled to the inside of the shaft
coupling part 213.
[0093] The rotation shaft 220 includes a body part 221 having an
approximately cylindrical shape and coupled to the motor shaft 252
and a hook part 223 extending upward from the body part 221 and
coupled to the inside of the shaft coupling part 213.
[0094] Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the hook part 223 may have a shape
having a non-uniform rotation radius. When viewed from an upper
side, the hook part 223 has a shape similar to an approximately
rectangular shape.
[0095] The hook part 223 has a sectional area less than that of the
body part 221. Also, the hook part 223 may be disposed inside the
shaft coupling part 213.
[0096] A support part 222 for supporting the rotation part 210 is
disposed on a boundary between the body part 221 and the hook part
223. The support part 222 defines an upper end of the body part 221
and a lower end of the hook part 223.
[0097] The support part 222 has a diameter equal to that of the
body part 221. The hook part 223 has a shape cut inward from an
outer circumference surface of the support part 222 and extending
upward.
[0098] The hook part 223 includes first and second hooks 225 on
which the rotation part 210 is hooked.
[0099] In detail, an inwardly recessed first recessed part 224 is
defined in one side of the hook part 223. The first hook 225 may be
defined as a hook disposed on an upper end of the first recessed
part 224.
[0100] An inwardly recessed second recessed part 227 is defined in
the other side of the hook part 223. The second hook 228 may be
defined as a hook disposed on an upper end of the second recessed
part 227.
[0101] The first and second recessed parts 224 and 227 face each
other with respect to an internal center (center of gravity) of the
hook part 223.
[0102] As shown in FIG. 9, the second recessed part 227 and the
extending second hook 228 may form a bent portion to have an
approximately "" shape. Also, as shown in FIG. 19, the first
recessed part 224 and the extending first hook 225 may form a bent
portion to have an approximately "" shape.
[0103] FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of the rotation part.
[0104] Referring to FIG. 20, the rotation part 210 according to an
embodiment includes a plurality of frames 211 having an
approximately ring shape. The plurality of frames 211 may be
vertically spaced from each other. The rotation part 210 may have
an approximately cylindrical shape with respect to the frames
211.
[0105] The rotation part 210 further includes a plurality of blades
215 respectively extending outward from the frames 211 and a blade
fixing part 217 for coupling the blades 215 to the frames 211.
[0106] The blades 215 contact an inner surface of the second filter
130. Also, when the rotation part 210 is rotated, the blades may
remove the foreign substances accumulated on the second filter
130.
[0107] Also, the rotation part 210 includes a shaft coupling part
213 to which the rotation shaft 220 is coupled and a plurality of
reinforcing ribs 214 extending from the shaft coupling part 213
toward the frames 211.
[0108] The shaft coupling part 213 is disposed at an approximately
central portion of the frames 211. Also the shaft coupling part 213
extends upward from a lower end of the rotation part 210. The shaft
coupling part 213 has a hollow shaft having a diameter greater than
that of the rotation shaft 220 to allow the rotation shaft 220 to
be inserted therein.
[0109] The reinforcing ribs 214 extend from the shaft coupling part
213 in a radius direction of the frames 211. Also, the reinforce
ribs 214 may be provided in plurality in a direction in which the
blades 215 are disposed.
[0110] A hook rib 270 on which the rotation shaft 220 is hooked is
disposed inside the shaft coupling part 213. The hook rib 270 may
be provided in plurality in direction facing each other. Also, the
hook rib 270 may protrudes from an inner circumference surface of
the shaft coupling part 213.
[0111] The hook rib 270 includes a hook support part 272 protruding
along the inner circumference surface of the shaft coupling part
213 to support the first and second hooks 225 and 228. The hook
support part 272 may have the approximately same curvature radius
as that of the shaft coupling part 213.
[0112] The hook part 223 of the rotation shaft 220 may be rotatably
disposed inside the hook support part 272 in a state where the
first and second hooks 225 and 228 are supported by the hook
support part 272.
[0113] The hook rib 270 further includes a stopper 274 protruding
from an end of a side of the hook support part 272 toward a center
direction of the shaft coupling part 213.
[0114] The stopper 274 prevents the rotation shaft 220 from idling
within the shaft coupling part 213 in a state where the rotation
shaft 220 is rotated at a predetermined angle.
[0115] That is, the rotation part 210 is not rotated any more in
itself by interfering with the stopper 274 after the rotation part
210 is rotated at a predetermined angle to assemble (couple) the
rotation part 210 with the rotation shaft 220 in a state where the
rotation part 210 is coupled to the rotation shaft 220. Here, the
"predetermined angle" may be a preset angle.
[0116] The hook part 223 includes a first interference part 224a
disposed on a side of the first recessed part 224 and a second
interference part 227a disposed on a side of the second recessed
part 227.
[0117] The stopper 274 may interfere with the first or second
interference part 224a or 227a according to a rotation direction of
the rotation shaft 220. Also, the rotation shaft 220 and the
rotation part 210 are rotated together with each other after the
rotation shaft 220 interferes with the stopper 274.
[0118] Also, the hook rib 270 further include a support coupling
part 276 supported by the support part 222. The support coupling
part 276 may be defined as a lower end of the hook rib 270.
[0119] FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of the coupled state of
the rotation part and the driving part. FIG. 22 is a sectional view
illustrating a coupled state of the rotation part and the rotation
shaft according to an embodiment.
[0120] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, an operation of the rotation
part 210 and the rotation shaft which are coupled to each other
will be described below.
[0121] FIG. 21 illustrates a state in which the rotation part 210
is moved downward toward the rotation shaft 220 and then inserted
into the outside of the rotation shaft 220. The rotation part 210
is inserted in a state where the rotation shaft 220 is disposed in
one direction. Here, the rotation part 210 and the rotation shaft
220 are not hooked (coupled) with each other.
[0122] In the state shown in FIG. 21, when the driving motor 250 is
operated, the rotation shaft 220, i.e., the hook part 223 may be
rotated at a predetermined angle. Here, the hook part 223 and the
rotation part 210 do not interfere with each other. Thus, the
rotation shaft 220 is independently rotated.
[0123] When the rotation shaft 220 is rotated at the predetermined
angle, the hook part 223 interferes with the stopper 274. That is,
the hook part 223 interferes with the stopper 274 in a state where
the rotation shaft 220 is disposed in the other direction.
[0124] After the hook part 223 and the stopper 274 interfere with
each other, the rotation shaft 220 may be rotated together with the
rotation part 210.
[0125] Since the plurality of hook ribs 270 are disposed to face
each other, the rotation shaft 220 may be hooked to the rotation
part 210 by any one of the hook ribs 270 even though the driving
motor 250 is operated in a clockwise or counter clockwise
direction.
[0126] For example, when the driving motor 250 is rotated in the
clockwise direction, the first interference part 224a may be hooked
to one hook rib 270 of the plurality of hook ribs, i.e., one
stopper 274.
[0127] On the other hand, when the driving motor 250 is rotated in
the counter clockwise direction, the second interference part 227a
may be hooked to the other hook rib 270 of the plurality of hook
ribs, i.e., the other stopper 274.
[0128] As described above, if a user inserts the rotation part 210
into the rotation shaft 220, the rotation shaft 220 and the
rotation part 210 are hooked to each other while the driving motor
250 is rotated.
[0129] To separate the rotation part 210, the rotation part 210 may
be rotated in the direction shown in FIG. 12 to release the hooked
state of the rotation part 210 and the rotation shaft 220 and then
left the rotation part 210.
[0130] Thus, the separated rotation part 210, i.e., the blades 215
may be cleaned. Therefore, the foreign substances accumulated on
the blades 215 may be effectively removed.
[0131] In summary, the rotation part 210 and the rotation shaft 220
may be selectively hooked to each other according to a direction in
which the rotation part 210 and the rotation shaft 220 are
coupled.
[0132] According to the above-described configurations, the filter
parts 110 and 130 are cleaned during the operation of the rotation
unit 200. Also, to clean the blades 210, the rotation part 210 may
be easily separated.
[0133] Another embodiment is proposed.
[0134] The present disclosure may be applied to a case in which the
driving motor 250 is a unidirectional rotation motor. When the
driving motor 250 is a motor which is rotated only in a clockwise
direction, one hook rib 270 may be disposed at a position at which
the hook rib 270 is hooked to the rotation shaft 220.
[0135] In this case, the rotation part 210 may be rotated in a
relatively counter clockwise direction (a direction opposite to the
rotation direction of the driving motor) with respect to the
rotation shaft 250 and hooked to the rotation shaft 250.
[0136] FIG. 23 is a sectional view illustrating a coupled state of
a rotation part and a rotation shaft according to another
embodiment.
[0137] Referring to FIG. 23, a user inserts a rotation part 210
downward toward a rotation shaft 220. Then, the rotation part 210
may be rotated in one direction to hook the rotation part 210 to
the rotation shaft 220.
[0138] When the driving motor 250 is a bi-directional motor, the
rotation shaft 220 may be hooked by any one of a plurality of hook
ribs 270. Thus, a rotation direction of a rotation part 210 for
coupling is not important.
[0139] However, when the driving motor 250 is a unidirectional
motor which is rotated only in a clockwise direction, the rotation
part 210 may be rotated in a counter clockwise direction to hook
the rotation part 210 to the rotation shaft 220.
[0140] Since a process for separating the rotation part 210 is
equal to that described in the above-described embodiment, its
description will be omitted herein.
[0141] As described above, since the rotation unit for cleaning the
filter, i.e., the rotation part and the blade are separably coupled
to the rotation shaft without using a separate coupling member, the
cleaning process of the rotation unit may be easily performed.
[0142] According to the dishwasher according to the embodiments,
since the rotation unit is disposed on at least one side of the
filter part to clean the foreign substances accumulated on the
filter part, a phenomenon in which the filter part is blocked by
the foreign substances may be prevented.
[0143] Also, since the blade for scratching the filter part is
separably coupled to the driving part, the cleaning process of the
blade may be effectively performed.
[0144] Also, since the blade is coupled to the driving part while
it is rotated by a manual force or a force of a motor, the blade
may be easily assembled or disassembled without using a separate
coupling member.
[0145] Also, since the foreign substances existing on the filter
are effectively cleaned, the washing water may smoothly flow to
improve the washing performance of the dishwasher.
[0146] Also, since the foreign substances are removed from a
surface of the filter to prevent the filter from being blocked, the
filtering performance of the washing water may be improved.
[0147] Also, since the foreign substances separated from the filter
are discharged to the outside of the dishwasher during the water
discharge process, it may prevent a bad small from occurring by
decomposition of the foreign substances.
[0148] Also, the washing performance of the dishwasher may be
improved and the foreign substances may be easily discharged.
Therefore, reliability of the product may be improved.
[0149] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a
number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood
that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope
of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various
variations and modifications are possible in the component parts
and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within
the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.
In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts
and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
[0150] Any reference in this specification to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the
specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it
is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the
art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in
connection with other ones of the embodiments.
[0151] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a
number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood
that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope
of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various
variations and modifications are possible in the component parts
and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within
the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.
In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts
and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
* * * * *