KR20240043059A - Cup washer - Google Patents

Abstract

One embodiment of the cup washing machine includes a washing unit that washes the received cup, and a door disposed on the upper side of the washing unit and opening and closing the open upper part of the washing unit, wherein the washing unit provides a space for receiving the cup and provides washing water. It may include a tub that is sprayed, and a hinge supporter that is disposed on the outside of the tub and has a hinge axis that is mounted on the door.

Description

Cup washer {CUP WASHER}

The present invention relates to a cup washing machine, and more specifically, to a cup washing machine that cleans cups carried by users.

The content described in this section simply provides background information about the present invention and does not constitute prior art.

Recently, in order to prevent environmental pollution, stores selling beverages are reducing the provision of disposable cups to customers, and the trend of customers visiting stores carrying reusable cups such as tumblers and carrying beverages in reusable cups is increasing. I'm doing it.

In order to provide convenience to customers, that is, users of reusable cups, it is necessary to provide cup washing machines in stores to clean the cups carried by users and to allow users to conveniently wash the cups carried by users.

Therefore, by placing a cup washing machine that can clean the cup carried by the user in the store, it is possible to provide the user with the convenience of washing his or her own cup. These cup washing machines need to have a structure that anyone can easily use. Related prior art is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0016470.

The cup washing machine may be provided with a washing unit where cups are accommodated and washed, and a door that opens and closes the washing unit. A rack on which a cup is placed may be provided inside the washing unit.

In order for the user to use the cup washer conveniently, the door that opens and closes the washing unit needs to have a structure that can be opened and closed without the user having to make a large movement. Additionally, the door needs to be designed in a structure that allows the user to easily open and close it without bending down.

Meanwhile, the washing unit may include a space of considerable size to accommodate a cup, and a rack may be accommodated in this space. In order to place a cup in the inner space of the cleaning unit or remove the cup from it, the user may make a relatively large movement or bend down.

Since these movements may cause inconvenience to the user, there is a need to develop a structure that allows the user to insert a cup into or remove a cup from the washing unit without bending down with a relatively small movement.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a cup washing machine equipped with a door having a structure that allows the user to open and close the washing unit with a relatively small movement.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cup washing machine that includes a rack that allows the user to conveniently place or remove a cup without bending down.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the objects mentioned above, and other objects and advantages of the present invention that are not mentioned can be understood by the following description and will be more clearly understood by the examples of the present invention. Additionally, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof indicated in the patent claims.

One embodiment of the cup washing machine includes a washing unit that washes the received cup, and a door disposed on the upper side of the washing unit and opening and closing the open upper part of the washing unit, wherein the washing unit provides a space for receiving the cup and provides washing water. It may include a tub that is sprayed, and a hinge supporter that is disposed on the outside of the tub and has a hinge axis that is mounted on the door.

The cup washer may include a rack on which a cup is placed, and a link unit that connects the door and the rack and raises the rack as the door opens and rotates. When the door is hinged and rotated to open or close, the rack can rise and fall in the tub by being guided by guide rails arranged in the vertical direction on the tub.

The cup washing machine according to one embodiment includes a washing unit for washing the received cup, a top cover disposed on the top of the washing unit, and a door disposed on the upper side of the washing unit and hinged and rotating in the up and down direction to open and close the open upper part of the washing unit. The washing unit may include a tub that provides a space to accommodate the cup and sprays washing water, and a hinge supporter disposed outside the tub and having a hinge axis mounted on the door.

The hinge supporter includes a hinge shaft that is coupled to the door and rotates together with the rotation of the door, and a support body that is coupled to the tub and supports the hinge shaft so that it can be inserted and rotated, and the support body allows the hinge shaft to rotate. It includes a first support part on which a coupling insertion hole is formed, a second support part coupled to the top cover and supporting the first support part, and a cover part coupled to the first support part to close the open portion of the insertion hole, the top cover comprising: The second support portion may include a seating groove portion into which the second support portion is seated.

The cup washer may include an opening/closing detection unit that is disposed on the lower side of the support, is coupled to the tub, and detects whether the door is open or closed by detecting rotation of the hinge axis.

The cup washer is disposed in front of the washing unit and includes a locking device that is coupled to the tub and locks the door. The locking device includes a locking control portion that is coupled to the tub and controls the operation of locking or unlocking the door, and one side of the locking control portion. It may include a locking device that is inserted and reciprocates with respect to the locking control unit to lock or unlock the door.

The door may include a locking portion into which the other side of the locking device is inserted and into which the locking device is inserted or released.

The cup washing machine may include a rack provided inside the tub on which the cup is seated, and a link unit that connects the door and the rack and raises the rack as the door opens and rotates.

One end of the link part may be rotatably coupled to the door, and the other end may be rotatably coupled to the rack.

The door may include a first mounting protrusion on one side of the link portion to be rotatable.

The rack includes a bottom, a connection part extending from the bottom, a guide part bent from the connection part and guiding the rack to move in the vertical direction of the washing unit, and a second mounting protrusion that protrudes from the guide part and is mounted so that the link part can rotate. may include.

The tub is formed to protrude from the inner surface of the side wall and includes a guide rail whose longitudinal direction is arranged in the vertical direction of the tub, and the guide portion may include a rail groove in which the guide rail is seated.

When the door is rotated open in a closed state, the rack is guided by the guide rail and rises in the tub, and when the door is rotated closed in the open state, the rack is guided by the guide rail and can descend in the tub.

In the cup washing machine according to the present invention, the door is rotatably supported by a hinge supporter and can rotate in the up and down directions. Additionally, the door may be placed above the washing unit. Accordingly, the user can open and close the door by rotating the hinge of the door. Accordingly, this structure can provide convenience to the user because the user can open and close the door with a relatively small movement without bending down.

Additionally, in the cup washer according to the present invention, when the door is opened from a closed state, the door hinge rotates upward, and thus the link portion and the rack can rise together. Conversely, when the door is closed from the open state, the door hinge rotates downward, and thus the link portion and the rack can descend together.

Accordingly, when the user opens the door, the link portion and the rack rise together, allowing the user to place the cup on the rack or retrieve the cup from the rack without bending down, and this structure can provide convenience to the user.

In addition to the above-described effects, specific effects of the present invention are described below while explaining specific details for carrying out the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a cup washing machine according to one embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a view of FIG. 1 viewed from another direction.
Figure 3 is a diagram showing a door open state in a cup washing machine according to an embodiment.
Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a cup washer with some parts omitted.
Figure 5 is a side view of Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a washing unit according to one embodiment.
Figure 7 is a front view showing a washing unit according to an embodiment.
Figure 8 is a side view showing a washing unit according to one embodiment.
Figure 9 is a rear view showing a washing unit according to one embodiment.
Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the upper cover of the door is omitted.
Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a hinge supporter according to an embodiment.
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the hinge supporter.
Figure 13 is a diagram showing a locking device according to one embodiment.
Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a tub and a link portion according to an embodiment.
Figure 15 is a perspective view showing a door, link portion, and rack according to one embodiment.
Figure 16 is an enlarged view showing part 16 of Figure 15.
Figure 17 is an enlarged view showing part 17 of Figure 15.
Figure 18 is an enlarged view showing part 18 of Figure 15.
Figure 19 is a diagram showing the inside of the tub.

The above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail later with reference to the attached drawings, so that those skilled in the art will be able to easily implement the technical idea of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of known technologies related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numerals are used to indicate identical or similar components.

Although first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, these components are of course not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component, and unless specifically stated to the contrary, the first component may also be a second component.

Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present application, terms such as “consists of” or “comprises” should not be construed as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, and some of the components or steps may include It may not be included, or it should be interpreted as including additional components or steps.

Throughout the specification, when referred to as “A and/or B”, this means A, B or A and B, unless specifically stated to the contrary, and when referred to as “C to D”, this means unless specifically stated to the contrary. Unless there is one, it means that it is C or higher and D or lower.

Throughout the specification, “up and down direction” refers to the up and down direction of the cup washer when the cup washer is installed for daily use. “Left-right direction” means a direction perpendicular to the up-and-down direction, and forward-forward direction means a direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the left-right direction. “Bilateral” or “lateral” is meant to include the left-right direction and the front-to-back direction.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a cup washing machine according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view of FIG. 1 viewed from another direction.

The cup washer according to the embodiment may be installed, for example, in a store that serves beverages. Users of the cup washer may be customers who purchase and drink beverages. To protect the environment, provision of disposable cups to customers at service stores has recently been restricted, and the scope of these restrictions is gradually expanding.

Accordingly, a cup washing machine may be provided at a service store so that a user carrying a reusable cup can wash and use the cup at the service store. The cup subject to cleaning may be a reusable cup such as a tumbler carried by the user. Therefore, the cup washing machine can have a structure that allows users to conveniently use it.

A washing unit 130 may be provided at the top of the cup washer to receive and wash cups. The washing unit 130 can be opened and closed by the door 150. At this time, the door 150 can hinge and rotate in the up and down directions of the cup washer to open and close the washing unit 130.

Due to this structure, the user can conveniently wash the cup by opening the door 150 with his hand, placing the cup in the washing unit 130, and then closing the door 150 again and operating the cup washer without bending his waist. there is.

In order for the user to use the cup washer without bending his or her back, the height of the washing unit 130 in the cup washer needs to be appropriately adjusted to fit the adult's body. Additionally, in order to increase space efficiency, the cup washer needs to be equipped with a relatively small volume.

For this reason, the cup washer may have a tower-shaped shape with a relatively small planar cross-sectional area and a relatively long vertical length. Due to the tower-type shape, the cup washer requires relatively large parts to be arranged in an upward and downward direction.

In addition, due to the tower-type shape, the cup washer may be at risk of tipping over. In order to prevent the cup washer from tipping over, it is necessary to lower the overall center of gravity by placing parts with a relatively large load at the bottom.

Below, the structure of the cup washing machine will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the door 150 in an open state in a cup washing machine according to an embodiment. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a cup washer with some parts omitted. Figure 5 is a side view of Figure 4.

The cup washer according to one embodiment may include a base plate 110, a water reservoir 120, a washing unit 130, an intermediate plate 140, a door 150, and a frame 160.

The base plate 110 is disposed at the bottom of the cup washer and can support other parts of the cup washer. The lower part of the base plate 110 may be placed on the ground. The base plate 110 may include a first part 111 and a second part 112. The lower surface of the first part 111 may be placed on the ground and may support the second part 112.

The second part 112 is placed on top of the first part 111, and the water storage tank 120 may be placed there. The frame 160 may be coupled to the second part 112. For example, a front supporter 161, a rear supporter 162, and a middle supporter 163 may be combined with the second part 112. Accordingly, the frame 160 can be supported by the second part 112.

The water storage tank 120 is disposed on the upper side of the base plate 110 and can store water for washing the cup. The water storage tank 120 may be connected to city water through a pipe. Accordingly, water from the water supply can flow into the water storage tank 120 and be stored. Additionally, the water storage tank 120 may be connected to the washing unit 130 through a pipe. Accordingly, the water in the water storage tank 120 flows into the washing unit 130 and can be used to wash the cup accommodated in the washing unit 130.

A heating device may be provided inside the water storage tank 120. Water in the water storage tank 120 may be heated by a heating device and flow into the washing unit 130. Accordingly, the cup cleaning efficiency can be increased by washing the cup using heated hot water.

The water storage tank 120 may be filled with water. Accordingly, the reservoir 120 filled with water may have a relatively large load compared to other components. The water storage tank 120 may be placed on the base plate 110 and placed at the bottom of the cup washer.

Due to the load of the water-filled water tank 120 located at the bottom of the cup washer, the height of the overall center of gravity of the cup washer may be lowered. Accordingly, the cup washer, which is provided in a tower type with a relatively long vertical length, does not easily tip over and can maintain a stable state even when subjected to external shock.

The washing unit 130 is disposed at the upper part of the water storage tank 120 and can wash the accommodated cup. A space for accommodating a cup may be formed in the washing unit 130. The washing unit 130 may be connected to the water storage tank 120 through a pipe. Accordingly, water for washing may flow into the washing unit 130 from the water storage tank 120.

In another embodiment, the washing unit 130 may be directly connected to the water supply without going through the water storage tank 120. Therefore, depending on the user's choice, the cup can be washed using water flowing from the water storage tank 120, or the cup can be washed using water flowing directly from the water supply.

The intermediate plate 140 is disposed between the water storage tank 120 and the washing unit 130 and may support the washing unit 130. The cleaning unit 130 is disposed on the intermediate plate 140, and the intermediate plate 140 can support a portion of the load of the cleaning unit 130. The intermediate plate 140 has a generally plate-shaped shape and may be coupled to the frame 160 at the edge and supported by the frame 160.

The door 150 is disposed on the upper side of the washing unit 130 and can hinge and rotate in the up and down direction to open and close the open upper part of the washing unit 130. Referring to FIG. 3, the door 150 can be hinged and rotated in the up and down directions of the cup washer. Accordingly, the user can manually open the door 150, place the cup 10 inside the cleaning unit 130, close the door 150 again, and then proceed with washing the cup 10.

A top cover 210 may be provided at the top of the cleaning unit 130. A portion of the top cover 210 may be coupled to the upper edge of the washing unit 130 and the door 150 may be placed on it.

Another part of the top cover 210 may be provided with an inlet cover 213. The inlet cover 213 can open and close the inlet of detergent and rinse aid introduced into the washing unit 130, and can be provided to be removable from the top cover 210.

The user can open and close the door 150 at the top of the washer to place a cup in the washing unit 130 or remove the cup from the washing unit 130. At this time, since the door 150 hinges and rotates in the vertical direction, the user can conveniently move the door 150 without having to bend his or her waist.

In addition, because the door 150 hinges rotates, the area occupied by the cup washer when viewed from a plan view can be provided so that there is no change even when the door 150 is open. Accordingly, regardless of whether the door 150 is opened or closed, the planar cross-sectional area of the cup washer is constant, so there is no need for additional space to open the door 150.

In an embodiment, the cup is provided at the top of the washing unit 130 to be hinged and rotatable in the up and down directions of the cup washer, so that the user can conveniently use the cup washer by opening and closing the door 150 without bending the waist. Additionally, this structure eliminates the need for additional space to open the door 150, thereby improving space efficiency.

The frame 160 is supported by the base plate 110, is coupled to the intermediate plate 140, and can support the cleaning unit 130. The frame 160 provides an internal space for the cup washer, and various parts can be coupled thereto and support these parts.

The frame 160 may include a front supporter 161, a rear supporter 162, a middle supporter 163, and an upper supporter 164. Each component of the frame 160 can support the load of the washing unit 130 and the door 150 provided at the top of the cup washer.

The front supporter 161 is arranged in a pair spaced apart from each other in the front of the cup washer, the lower part is coupled to the base plate 110, and the longitudinal direction may be arranged in the vertical direction. A pair of front supports 161 are disposed in the front of the cup washer at positions spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of the cup washer, and may form a front corner portion of the cup washer.

The front supporter 161 may have an L-shaped cross-section to form a corner of the cup washer. The front supporter 161 can be coupled to the base plate 110 using a coupling mechanism such as a screw.

The rear supporter 162 is arranged in a pair spaced apart from each other at the rear of the cup washer, the lower part is coupled to the base plate 110, and the longitudinal direction may be arranged vertically. A pair of rear supports 162 are disposed at the rear of the cup washer at positions spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of the cup washer, and may be disposed adjacent to a rear corner of the cup washer. The rear supporter 162 can be coupled to the base plate 110 using a coupling mechanism.

The middle supporter 163 is arranged as a pair spaced apart from each other, is arranged between the front supporter 161 and the rear supporter 162, the lower part is coupled to the base plate 110, and the longitudinal direction is arranged in the vertical direction. You can. A pair of intermediate supports 163 may be disposed at positions spaced apart from each other in the central portion of the cup washer in the lateral direction of the cup washer.

The middle supporter 163 can be coupled to the base plate 110 by a coupling mechanism. In addition, the middle supporter 163 is coupled to the middle plate 140 and the upper supporter 164 by a coupling mechanism to be stably positioned. and can support the load of cup washer parts.

The upper supporter 164 is disposed on the upper side of the middle supporter 163, is disposed as a pair spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction, is disposed in the front-back direction in the longitudinal direction, and can be coupled to the cleaning unit 130. A pair of upper supports 164 may be disposed at positions spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of the cup washer at the top of the cup washer.

The cleaning unit 130 can be coupled to the upper supporter 164 using a coupling mechanism. Therefore, the upper supporter 164 can support the load of the washing unit 130.

The upper supporter 164 may be provided in plural numbers spaced apart from each other in the upper and lower directions of the cup washer. Accordingly, in Figure 5, etc., an embodiment is shown in which a total of four pairs are provided, one pair on both sides of the cup washer and one pair on the top and bottom of the cup washer. However, the number of upper supports 164 is not limited to this.

Each upper supporter 164 can be coupled to the front supporter 161, the rear supporter 162, and the middle supporter 163. Therefore, the load of the washing unit 130 is transmitted to the front supporter 161, the rear supporter 162, and the middle supporter 163 through the upper supporter 164, and finally can be transmitted to the base plate 110. .

With this structure, the cup washer can stably support the cleaning unit 130 provided inside. The upper supporter 164 can be coupled to the front supporter 161, the rear supporter 162, and the middle supporter 163 by a screw coupling mechanism.

In an embodiment, parts provided at the top of the cup washer, including the washing unit 130, are supported by the frame 160, and each part may ultimately be supported by the base plate 110. Due to this structure, even when relatively heavy parts such as the washing unit 130 are provided at the top of the cup washer, each part can be stably supported by the frame 160 and the base plate 110.

The cup washer may include a front panel 170 and a rear panel 180. The front panel 170 may be placed in front of the cup washer and cover the water storage tank 120 and the washing unit 130. The front panel 170 can be coupled to the rear supporter 162 of the frame 160 using a coupling mechanism.

The rear panel 180 can be coupled to the frame 160 to cover the rear of the cup washer. The rear panel 180 may be provided with a first vent 181 to ventilate the inside and outside of the cup washer. Air flowing into the drying module 132, which will be described below, may flow into the cup washer through the first vent 181.

A handle 260 that allows a user or manager to hold the cup washer may be attached to the rear panel 180 to facilitate use of the cup washer.

The cup washer may be coupled to the upper part of the rear supporter 162 and include a display unit 190 disposed on one side of the door 150. The display unit 190 may be disposed on one side of the door 150 and protrude from the door 150.

Accordingly, the user can view the display unit 190 from the front of the cup washer. The display unit 190 may display various information about the use of the cup washer in the form of images, text, and videos.

The user can operate the cup washer or know the operating status of the cup washer by looking at the information displayed on the display unit 190. Additionally, the display unit 190 may be equipped with a command input means that is input by, for example, a capacitive touch method. Accordingly, the user can control the operation of the cup washer using the display unit 190.

The cup washer may include a first circuit board portion 220 and a substrate portion supporter 230. The first circuit board unit 220 is disposed on one side of the water storage tank 120 and may include a control unit that controls the operation of the cup washer. The first circuit board unit 220 may be placed on one side of the water storage tank 120 at the lower part of the cup washer to create free space due to the arrangement of the water storage conduit having a relatively small volume compared to the washing unit 130.

The lower part of the substrate supporter 230 may be coupled to the base plate 110, the upper portion may be coupled to the intermediate plate 140, and the first circuit board portion 220 may be coupled thereto. The substrate supporter 230 can be stably coupled to the base plate 110 using a coupling mechanism.

The board supporter 230 may be used not only to fix the first circuit board part 220, but also to fix the piping disposed at the bottom of the cup washer.

The cup washer may include an exterior portion 250 that is coupled to the rear panel 180 and covers the rear supporter 162. The rear supporter 162 may be equipped with a plurality of fastening mechanisms to connect it to other parts of the cup washer.

Therefore, in the case of a structure that exposes the rear supporter 162 with the fastening mechanism to the outside, the visual aesthetics of the cup washer may be reduced. Therefore, a structure covering the rear supporter 162 to which the fastening mechanism is fastened is needed.

The exterior portion 250 covers the rear supporter 162 and can be coupled with a relatively small number of fastening mechanisms compared to the rear supporter 162. Due to this structure, the exterior portion 250 is disposed on the outside of the cup washer at a position corresponding to the rear supporter 162, allowing the cup washer to appear neat as a whole.

Hereinafter, the specific structure of the cleaning unit 130 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the washing unit 130 according to one embodiment. Figure 7 is a front view showing the washing unit 130 according to one embodiment.

Figure 8 is a side view showing the washing unit 130 according to one embodiment. Figure 9 is a rear view showing the washing unit 130 according to one embodiment. The washing unit 130 may include a tub 131, a drying module 132, a sump 133, a circulation pump 134, and a drain pump 135.

The tub 131 provides a space to accommodate the cup and through which washing water can be sprayed. A rack on which a cup is mounted may be provided inside the tub 131, and a spray means for spraying water may be provided at the bottom. The open top of the tub 131 can be opened and closed by the door 150.

The drying module 132 is placed on one side of the tub 131 and connected to the tub 131, and can spray heated air for drying into the tub 131. After washing the cup 10 with water is completed, moisture remains on the surface of the cup. The drying module 132 can dry the cup by spraying heated air, that is, hot air, on the cup to dry the water remaining in the cup.

The drying module 132 may be equipped with a heating device to heat the air flowing into the drying module 132. Additionally, the drying module 132 may be equipped with a blowing fan 1321 that forces air to flow through a flow path formed in the drying module 132.

The sump 133 is disposed on the lower side of the tub 131 and connected to the tub 131, and can store water sprayed from the tub 131. The water stored in the sump 133 circulates between the tub 131 and the sump 133 by the circulation pump 134 and is sprayed from the tub 131 by a spray device to wash the cup 10 accommodated in the tub 131. can do.

The circulation pump 134 is disposed on the lower side of the tub 131 to be connected to the tub 131 and the sump 133, and can circulate water between the tub 131 and the sump 133. The circulation pump 134 can force water to flow from the sump 133 to the tub 131.

The circulation pump 134 may be connected to an injection device located at the bottom of the tub 131. Accordingly, when the circulation pump 134 operates, the water stored in the sump 133 flows into the spray device and is sprayed into the tub 131 by the spray device to clean the cup.

The drain pump 135 is disposed on the lower side of the tub 131 to be connected to the sump 133 and can discharge water from the sump 133 to the outside. When washing the cup with water is completed, the drain pump 135 operates so that the water stored in the sump 133 can be discharged to the outside of the cup washer through a drain pipe connected to the drain pump 135.

The washing process of the cup 10 with water stored in the water tank 120 is as follows. Water may flow into the water storage tank 120 through a pipe from the water supply and be stored. The water in the water storage tank 120 may be heated by a heating device provided in the water storage tank 120. Heated hot water in the water storage tank 120 may flow into the tub 131 through a pipe and be stored in the sump 133 disposed below the tub 131.

When the circulation pump 134 operates to wash the cup, hot water passes from the sump 133 through the spray device and is sprayed into the tub 131 to wash the cup. The hot water sprayed into the tub 131 flows back into the sump 133, flows back into the spray device by the circulation pump 134, and can be sprayed into the tub 131 by the spray device.

While the circulation pump 134 operates, hot water for washing sequentially flows through the sump 133, the spray device, and the tub 131, and this flow can be repeated. When cup washing with hot water is completed, the circulation pump 134 is stopped and the drain pump 135 operates to discharge the water stored in the sump 133 to the outside.

When drainage by the drain pump 135 is completed, the drying module 132 operates to spray hot air inside the tub 131, and after hot air spraying proceeds for a set time, the cup washing operation including the drying process is completed. It can be.

The cup washer can both wash with detergent and rinse with rinse aid. Below, the structure provided to inject detergent and rinse aid into the tabu will be described in detail.

Meanwhile, in the cup washing process using hot water, the washing process using detergent and the rinsing process using rinse may be separated from each other. After completing the process of washing the cup by mixing detergent in hot water, the water in the sump 133 contains detergent and foreign substances. Therefore, such contaminated water can be discharged to the outside by operating the drain pump 135.

After discharging the contaminated water to the outside, hot water can be introduced into the sump 133 again, the rinse water mixed with the hot water, and the circulation pump 134 can be operated to perform rinsing. In this way, the cleaning efficiency of the cup washer can be increased by separating the washing process using detergent and the rinsing process using rinse.

The washing unit 130 may include a detergent storage unit 136, a rinse storage unit 137, a detergent injection unit 138, a rinse injection unit 139, a detergent pump 1301, and a rinse pump 1302. .

The detergent storage unit 136 is disposed at the rear of the tub 131 and can store detergent. The rinse storage unit 137 is disposed separately from the detergent storage unit 136 at the rear of the tub 131 and can store rinse. Therefore, detergent and rinse aid may not mix with each other.

The top cover 210 may be provided with a detergent inlet 211 into which detergent is injected and a rinse inlet 212 into which rinse aid is injected. The detergent inlet 211 may be connected to the detergent storage unit 136, and the rinse inlet 212 may be connected to the rinse storage unit 137. Accordingly, the detergent and rinse flowing into the detergent inlet 211 and the rinse inlet 212 can be stored in the detergent storage unit 136 and the rinse storage unit 137.

The detergent injection unit 138 is connected to the detergent storage unit 136 and the tub 131, and can inject detergent into the tub 131. The inlet of the detergent injection unit 138 may be connected to the detergent storage unit 136 and the outlet may be connected to the tub 131.

The rinse injection unit 139 is connected to the rinse storage unit 137 and the tub 131, and can inject rinse into the tub 131. The inlet of the rinse injection unit 139 may be connected to the rinse storage unit 137 and the water outlet may be connected to the tub 131.

The detergent pump 1301 is connected to the detergent injection unit 138 and can pump detergent into the tub 131. The rinse pump 1302 is connected to the rinse injection unit 139 and can pump rinse into the tub 131. The operation of the detergent pump 1301 and the rinse pump 1302 may be controlled by a control unit.

The control unit can mix detergent and water by operating the detergent pump 1301 during the washing process, and can mix the rinse and water by operating the rinse pump 1302 during the rinsing process.

The water storage tank 120 may be connected to the tub 131 through a pipe so that water from the water storage tank 120 flows into the tub 131. Accordingly, the water in the water storage tank 120 is heated to become hot water, then flows into the tub 131, and may be stored in the sump 133 until the circulation pump 134 operates.

Meanwhile, as described above, the tub 131 may be provided with a water supply path directly connected to the water supply. Accordingly, depending on the user's choice, the cup can be subjected to normal washing or rapid washing.

In general washing, the cup is washed using hot water heated in the water tank 120, and it is possible to clean the cup using detergent and rinse, but it may take a relatively long time.

Quick cleaning uses room temperature raw water supplied from the water supply to clean the cup, and since it does not use detergent or rinse, the cleaning time is relatively short, so it can be conveniently used by users who want to quickly clean a cup that is relatively less contaminated. .

Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the upper cover of the door 150 is omitted. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the hinge supporter 510 according to one embodiment.

A cup washing machine according to an embodiment may include a washing unit 130, a top cover 210, and a door 150. The cleaning unit 130 can wash the accommodated cup 10. The top cover 210 is placed at the top of the washing unit 130 and the door 150 can be placed on it. The door 150 is disposed on the upper side of the washing unit 130 and can hinge and rotate in the up and down direction to open and close the open upper part of the washing unit 130.

The cleaning unit 130 can be coupled to the door 150 so that it hinges and rotates. The user can open and close the door 150 by rotating the door 150 in the up and down directions. The washing unit 130 may include a tub 131 and a hinge supporter 510.

The tub 131 provides a space where the cup 10 is accommodated and washing water can be sprayed. The hinge supporter 510 is disposed outside the tub 131 and may include a hinge axis 511 mounted on the door 150.

The hinge supports 510 are provided as a pair arranged at positions spaced apart from each other, and the pair of hinge supports 510 may be arranged symmetrically to each other. Each of the pair of hinge supports 510 may be rotatably coupled to the door 150. Likewise, each of the parts described below constituting the hinge supporter 510 may be provided in pairs.

The hinge supporter 510 may include a hinge shaft 511 and a support body 512. The hinge shaft 511 is coupled to the door 150 and may rotate together with the rotation of the door 150. The hinge axis 511 may be fixedly coupled to the door 150. Therefore, when the user rotates the door 150, the door 150 and the hinge axis 511 can rotate together.

The support body 512 may be coupled to the tub 131 and supported so as to be rotatable by inserting a hinge shaft 511 therein. The support body 512 may be fixedly coupled to the tub 131, and the hinge shaft 511 may be rotatably coupled to the support body 512. Therefore, when the user rotates the door 150, the hinge axis 511 rotates with respect to the support body 512, and accordingly, the door 150 can rotate with respect to the support body 512.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the hinge supporter 510. As shown in FIG. 12, the support body 512 may include a first support part 5121, a second support part 5122, and a cover part 5123.

The first support portion 5121 may be formed with an insertion hole 5121a through which the hinge shaft 511 is rotatable. The hinge shaft 511 is inserted into the insertion hole 5121a and can hinge and rotate with respect to the first support portion 5121, and the door 150 can also rotate together with the hinge shaft 511.

The second support part 5122 may be coupled to the top cover 210 and support the first support part 5121. The first support portion 5121 and the second support portion 5122 may be formed integrally. The first support part 5121 may be formed to protrude from the second support part 5122.

The cover portion 5123 may be coupled to the first support portion 5121 to close the open portion of the insertion hole 5121a. When the cover part 5123 is removed, the hinge axis 511 is inserted into the insertion hole 5121a of the first support part 5121, and the cover part 5123 is coupled to the first support part 5121 again, the hinge axis (511) may be rotatably coupled to the first support portion (5121).

The top cover 210 may include a seating groove 216 in which the second support portion 5122 is seated. The second support portion 5122 may be fixedly coupled to the top cover 210. Accordingly, the hinge axis 511 can stably rotate with respect to the support body 512.

The top cover 210 is provided with a recessed seating groove 216, into which the second support portion 5122 can be seated. The seating groove portion 216 may be provided as a pair disposed at positions spaced apart from each other corresponding to the pair of second support portions 5122.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the second support part 5122 is seated in the seating groove 216, the second support part 5122 can be fixedly coupled to the top cover 210 by a coupling mechanism such as a screw. there is. Accordingly, the support body 512 can be fixedly coupled to the top cover 210 and stably support the hinge axis 511 to rotate.

In the embodiment, the door 150 is rotatably supported by the hinge supporter 510 and can rotate in the up and down directions. Additionally, the door 150 may be placed above the washing unit 130. Accordingly, the user can open and close the door 150 by rotating the hinge of the door 150. Accordingly, since the user can open and close the door 150 with a relatively small movement without bending down, this structure can provide convenience to the user.

The cup washer may include an open/close detection unit 520. The opening/closing detection unit 520 may be provided as a pair disposed at positions spaced apart from each other corresponding to a pair of hinge supports 510.

The opening/closing detection unit 520 is disposed on the lower side of the support 512, is coupled to the tub 131, and can detect whether the door 150 is open or closed by detecting the rotation of the hinge axis 511. The opening/closing detection unit 520 detects that the hinge axis 511 rotates, and when the door 150 is closed, the hinge axis 511 rotates more than a set angle compared to the arrangement angle of the hinge axis 511. In one case, it may be detected that the door 150 is open.

The opening/closing detection unit 520 is connected to the control unit, and the control unit that receives the opening signal of the door 150 from the opening/closing detection unit 520 can detect the opening of the door 150 and proceed with each step of the washing operation accordingly. there is.

For example, the opening/closing detection unit 520 and the support body 512 are electrically connected to each other, and the support body 512 may be provided with a switch structure that turns on or off depending on whether the hinge axis 511 rotates beyond a set angle. You can. The opening/closing detection unit 520 can detect the opening/closing of the door 150 by receiving a signal from the switch structure provided on the support 512.

In another embodiment, the support body 512 is equipped with a Hall sensor structure capable of detecting the rotation of the hinge axis 511, and the opening/closing detection unit 520 receives a signal from the Hall sensor structure to open and close the door 150. can be detected.

Figure 13 is a diagram showing a locking device 530 according to one embodiment. The cup washer may include a locking device 530 that locks the door 150. The locking device 530 is disposed in front of the washing unit 130 and outside the washing unit 130, is coupled to the tub 131, and can lock the door 150.

During the washing process in which water is sprayed into the tub 131 and hot air for drying is sprayed into the tub 131, it is necessary to lock the door 150 to protect the user and prevent water from leaking out. Locking and unlocking the door 150 may be performed by the control unit.

The locking device 530 may include a locking control unit 531 and a locking device 532. The locking control unit 531 is coupled to the tub 131 and can control the operation of locking or unlocking the door 150. The locking control unit 531 is connected to the control unit of the cup washer and can lock or unlock the door 150 by receiving a control signal from the control unit.

One side of the locking device 532 is inserted into the locking control unit 531 and moves back and forth with respect to the locking control unit 531 according to the operation of the locking control unit 531 to lock or unlock the door 150. The locking device 532 has a generally reclining U-shape, one end is movably coupled to the lock control unit 531, and the other end is provided to be movable with respect to the locking part 151 of the door 150, so that the locking part ( 151) can be inserted or de-inserted.

As shown by both arrows in FIG. 13, the locking device 532 may be provided to reciprocate with respect to the locking control unit 531. The locking control unit 531 can lock or unlock the door 150 by reciprocating the locking device 532.

The door 150 may be provided with a locking portion 151 that allows the locking device 532 to move back and forth to lock or unlock the door 150. The other side of the locking device 532 is inserted into the locking portion 151, and the locking device 532 can be inserted or released according to the movement of the locking device 532.

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the tub 131 and the link portion 540 according to one embodiment. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the door 150, link part 540, and rack 400 according to one embodiment. The cup washer may include a rack 400 and a link unit 540.

The rack 400 is provided inside the tub 131 and a cup can be seated thereon. The rack 400 is manufactured using wire and has an overall mesh structure, so that sprayed water can pass through the rack 400 and easily clean the cups mounted on the rack 400.

The link unit 540 connects the door 150 and the rack 400, and can raise the rack 400 as the door 150 opens and rotates. The link portion 540 may be formed in a generally flat and long bar shape. The link units 540 may be provided as a pair disposed at positions spaced apart from each other.

With the door 150 fully open, the upper part of the link part 540 is located at the rear of the washing unit 130 so that the user does not feel uncomfortable when placing the cup on or taking it out of the rack 400. Needs to be. Accordingly, the link portion 540 forms a gentle curve in the longitudinal direction, and the upper end of the link portion 540 can be rotatably coupled to the rear portion of the door 150.

The link unit 540 may be connected to the door 150, and the rack 400 may be connected to the link unit 540. Accordingly, the link unit 540 and the rack 400 may rise or fall with respect to the tub 131 depending on the opening and closing of the door 150.

When the door 150 is opened from a closed state, the door 150 hinges and rotates upward, and thus the link portion 540 and the rack 400 can rise together. Conversely, when the door 150 is closed from the open state, the door 150 hinges and rotates downward, and thus the link portion 540 and the rack 400 can descend together.

Therefore, when the user opens the door 150, the link portion 540 and the rack 400 rise together, allowing the user to place the cup on the rack 400 or retrieve the cup from the rack 400 without bending down. Therefore, this structure can provide convenience to users.

Figure 16 is an enlarged view showing part 16 of Figure 15. Figure 17 is an enlarged view showing part 17 of Figure 15.

One end of the link portion 540 may be rotatably coupled to the door 150 and the other end may be rotatably coupled to the rack 400 . Accordingly, the link unit 540 can rotate with respect to both the door 150 and the rack 400.

Due to this structure, even if the door 150 rotates in the process of opening and closing, the link portion 540 rotates so that the rack 400 can move linearly in the vertical direction of the tub 131 in response to the rotational movement of the door 150. You can. Accordingly, while the door 150 rotates, the rack 400 may rise or fall in a straight line in the vertical direction of the tub 131.

The door 150 may include a first mounting protrusion 152 that is mounted on one side of the link portion 540 so that it can rotate. The first mounting protrusion 152 protrudes from the door 150 toward the inside of the door 150, and the upper end of the link portion 540 may be rotatably coupled to the first mounting protrusion 152.

Therefore, when the door 150 rotates, the link coupled to the first mounting protrusion 152 rises and falls while rotating with respect to the door 150, and accordingly, the rack 400 rotatably coupled to the link moves in a straight line in the vertical direction. can rise or fall.

Referring to FIG. 15, the rack 400 may include a bottom portion 410, a connection portion 460, a guide portion 470, and a second mounting protrusion 480. It is seated on the bottom 410, and the cup seated on the rack 400 can be supported from below. In order to stably support the cup, the bottom portion 410 may be generally provided in a form widely spread in the lateral direction of the tub 131, front, back, left, and right.

The connection part 460 extends from the bottom part 410 and a guide part 470 may be connected to the end. The guide part 470 is bent from the connection part 460 and can guide the rack 400 to move in the vertical direction of the washing unit 130 as the door 150 rotates. The guide unit 470 is guided by a guide rail 1319, which will be described later, and can move in the vertical direction of the tub 131.

The second mounting protrusion 480 protrudes from the guide portion 470 and can be mounted so that the link portion 540 can rotate. The second mounting protrusion 480 protrudes from the rack 400 toward the inside of the rack 400, and the upper end of the link portion 540 may be rotatably coupled to the second mounting protrusion 480.

Therefore, when the door 150 rotates, the link coupled to the second mounting protrusion 480 rises and falls while rotating with respect to the rack 400, and accordingly, the rack 400 rotatably coupled to the link moves in a straight line in the vertical direction. can rise or fall.

Figure 18 is an enlarged view showing part 18 of Figure 15. Figure 19 is a diagram showing the inside of the tub 131.

The tub 131 is formed to protrude from the inner surface of the side wall and may include a guide rail 1319 whose longitudinal direction is disposed in the vertical direction of the tub 131. The guide rails 1319 may be provided as a pair arranged to face each other, and the guide portion 470 of the rack 400 to which the guide rails 1319 are coupled may also be provided as a pair.

Correspondingly, the guide unit 470 is arranged in the vertical direction of the tub 131 in the longitudinal direction and may include a rail groove 471 in which the guide rail 1319 is seated. As the rail groove 471 is guided by the guide rail 1319 and moves, the entire rack 400 can be moved by being guided by the guide rail 1319.

The guide rail 1319 may be arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction of the tub 131. Accordingly, the guide rail 1319 seated in the rail groove 471 is guided by the guide rail 1319 and can move in the vertical direction of the tub 131.

The rack 400 can rise and fall in a straight line in the vertical direction of the tub 131 along the guide rail 1319. Therefore, even if the door 150 and the link unit 540 rotate when the door 150 is opened and closed, the rack 400 can rise and fall in the vertical direction of the tub 131 without rotating.

When the door 150 is opened by rotating in a closed state, the rack 400 is guided by the guide rail 1319 and can rise from the tub 131. Conversely, when the door 150 is rotated and closed in an open state, the rack 400 is guided by the guide rail 1319 and can descend from the tub 131.

Accordingly, when the user opens the door 150, the rack 400 rises, and the user can conveniently place a cup on the rack 400 in an elevated position from the tub 131 without bending down. When the user closes the door 150 after placing the cup on the rack 400, the rack 400 and the mounted cup are lowered and placed in the designed position inside the tub 131, and cleaning can proceed.

After completing washing, when the user opens the door 150 again, the rack 400 and the cup rise, and thus the user can conveniently collect the cup from the rack 400 without bending down.

As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the illustrative drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. It is obvious that transformation can occur. In addition, although the operational effects according to the configuration of the present invention were not explicitly described and explained while explaining the embodiments of the present invention above, it is natural that the predictable effects due to the configuration should also be recognized.

130: Washing unit
131: Tub
150: door
400: rack
410: bottom part
460: connection part
470: Guide unit
510: Hinge supporter

Claims (11)

a washing unit for washing the accommodated cup;
A top cover disposed on top of the washing unit; and
A door disposed above the washing unit and opening and closing the open upper part of the washing unit
Including,
The washing unit,
A tub that provides a space to accommodate the cup and sprays washing water; and
A hinge supporter disposed outside the tub and having a hinge axis mounted on the door.
Including,
Cup washer. According to paragraph 1,
The hinge supporter is,
The hinge shaft is coupled to the door and rotates together with the rotation of the door; and
A supporter coupled to the tub and supported so that the hinge shaft is inserted and rotatable.
Including,
The support is,
a first support portion formed with an insertion hole through which the hinge axis is rotatably coupled;
a second support part coupled to the top cover and supporting the first support part; and
A cover part coupled to the first support part to close the open portion of the insertion hole.
Including,
The top cover is,
Comprising a seating groove in which the second support part is seated,
Cup washer. According to paragraph 2,
An opening/closing detection unit disposed below the support, coupled to the tub, and detecting whether the door is open or closed by detecting rotation of the hinge axis.
Including,
Cup washer. According to paragraph 2,
A locking device disposed in front of the washing unit, coupled to the tub, and locking the door,
The locking device is,
a locking control unit coupled to the tub and controlling the operation of locking or unlocking the door; and
A locking device on one side of which is inserted into the lock control unit and moves back and forth with respect to the lock control unit to lock or unlock the door.
Including,
Cup washer. According to clause 4,
The door is
A locking portion into which the other side of the locking device is inserted and the locking device is inserted or released.
Including,
Cup washer. According to paragraph 1,
A rack provided inside the tub and on which a cup is seated; and
A link unit that connects the door and the rack and raises the rack as the door opens and rotates.
Including,
Cup washer. According to clause 6,
The link part is,
One end is rotatably coupled to the door, and the other end is rotatably coupled to the rack,
Cup washer. In clause 7,
The door has a first mounting protrusion mounted so that one side of the link portion is rotatable.
Including,
Cup washer. In clause 7,
The rack is,
bottom part;
a connection part extending from the bottom;
a guide part bent from the connection part and guiding the rack to move in a vertical direction of the washing unit; and
A second mounting protrusion protrudes from the guide portion and is mounted so that the link portion can rotate.
Including,
Cup washer. According to clause 9,
The tub is formed to protrude from the inner surface of the side wall and includes a guide rail whose longitudinal direction is disposed in the vertical direction of the tub,
The guide portion includes a rail groove in which the guide rail is seated,
Cup washer. According to clause 10,
When the door is rotated and opened in a closed state, the rack is guided by the guide rail and rises from the tub,
When the door is rotated and closed in an open state, the rack is guided by the guide rail and descends from the tub.
Cup washer.

Images