WO2009057973A2

WO2009057973A2 - Opening and closing device for draining

Info

Publication number: WO2009057973A2
Application number: PCT/KR2008/006435
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hyeon-Ju Kim
Original assignee: Hyeon-Ju Kim
Priority date: 2007-10-31
Filing date: 2008-10-31
Publication date: 2009-05-07
Also published as: KR100873854B1; WO2009057973A3

Abstract

The present invention provides an opening and closing device for draining which is installed in a drain pipe of a washbasin, a bathtub or the like. The opening and closing device of the present invention includes a mounting pipe (110) which is mounted to the drain pipe of the washbasin, the bathtub or the like, and a drain port (120) which is provided in and coupled to the upper end of the mounting pipe (110) so as to be removable. The device further includes a movable body (130) which is supported at diametrically opposite portions in the drain port (120) by a rotary support means (140) so as to be reciprocally rotatable around the rotary support means (140).

Description

[DESCRIPTION]

[invention Title]

OPENING AND CLOSING DEVICE FOR DRAINING

[Technical Field] The present invention relates, in general, to opening and closing devices for draining and, more particularly, to an opening and closing device for draining which is installed in a drain pipe of a washbasin, a bathtub or the like and which is constructed such that water put into the washbasin, bathtub or the like can remain in a stored state or be drained therefrom by simple manipulation of a movable body, and such that the movable body can be easily separated from the drain pipe to enable a user to remove foreign substances, such as hair, from a drain hole, thus preventing the drain pipe from becoming clogged.

[Background Art]

Generally, a stopper is provided in a washbasin or a bathtub, installed in a bathroom or the like, in order to close a drain hole thereof and thus allow a user to retain water therein and use the water. Hitherto, various drain hole opening and closing devices have been proposed, for example, ones in which vertical movement of a stopper is controlled by a link structure for the sake of convenient use.

In the case of such a drain hole opening and closing device for washbasins or the like, to store water in a washbasin, a drain hole is closed by a stopper. To drain the water from the washbasin through the drain hole, the stopper is removed from the drain hole.

As one example, a representative conventional opening and closing device for draining installed in a washbasin will be explained with reference to FIG. 1. A washbasin 1 is installed at a position spaced apart from the ground by a predetermined height. Water supplied from a tap 3 is stored in the washbasin 1, and the water is drained from the washbasin 1 through a drain pipe after a user has washed. Furthermore, the drain pipe 11 which is coupled at the lower end thereof to a sewer pipe 13 is coupled to the washbasin 1 such that the upper end thereof is level with a bottom surface Ia of the washbasin.

In addition, the opening and closing device 10 includes a stopper 12 which is provided in the washbasin 1 and the drain pipe 11 to open or close a drain hole 10a of the washbasin 1, and a link structure which is provided in the rear portion of the washbasin 1 to move the stopper 12 upwards or downwards .

In the opening and closing device 10 for the washbasin 1, a horizontal rod 14b is provided at a first end thereof through a portion of the drain pipe 11 and coupled to the lower end of the stopper 12. A vertical rod 14a, the upper end of which protrudes from the rear portion of the washbasin 1 upwards, is connected to the horizontal rod 14b by a link joint 14c such that they cross over each other .

However, the conventional opening and closing device 10 requires a relatively large number of metal elements including the horizontal rod 14b, the vertical rod 14a and the link joint 14c, with the result that a process of assembling the device is complex. In addition, the device is operated in such a way that the vertical rod 14a provided behind the tap 3 must be moved upwards or downwards, thus being inconvenient to use.

Furthermore, if the opening and closing device 10 malfunctions, for example, if the link joint 14c becomes separated from the rods, it is not easy to repair the related parts, and relatively high repair costs are required.

Moreover, because the conventional opening and closing device cannot be separated from the drain pipe, even though foreign substances, such as hair, are caught by the horizontal rod 14b, the first end of which is inserted into the drain pipe 13 in the horizontal direction, it is very difficult to remove the foreign substances. Therefore, the drain pipe 13 easily becomes clogged, thus impeding drainage . [Disclosure] [Technical Problem]

Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an opening and closing device for draining which is installed in a drain hole formed in the underside of a washbasin, a bathtub or the like such that the drain hole is closed or opened by pushing a stopper in one direction, thus enabling water in the washbasin or bathtub to be stored therein or drained therefrom according to just simple manipulation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an opening and closing device for draining which is installed in such a way that a drain port is attached to a drain pipe of the washbasin or bathtub using magnetic force, so that the drain port can be easily separated from or attached to the drain pipe, thus making it easy to remove foreign substances, such as hair, from the drain hole, thereby preventing the drain hole from becoming clogged, and maintain the drain hole clean.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an opening and closing device for draining which has a simple structure and which can be easily separated from the drain pipe so that even if the device malfunctions, the repair and maintenance thereof is simple.

[Technical Solution]

In order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides an opening and closing device for draining, including: a mounting pipe mounted to a drain pipe coupled to a washbasin, a bathtub or the like,- a drain port provided in and coupled to an upper end of the mounting pipe so as to be removable; and a movable body- supported at opposite portions thereof in the drain port by a rotary support means so as to be reciprocally rotatable around the rotary support means.

The opening and closing device may further include a filtering unit provided between the drain port and the mounting pipe to remove a foreign substance from drain water.

The filtering unit may include a coupling part coupled to a lower end of the drain port, and a body part protruding from the lower end of the coupling part downwards, the body part having a filter net. Preferably, a rotation prevention protrusion may be provided on an outer surface of the coupling part, and a rotation prevention recess may be formed in an upper end of an inner surface of the mounting pipe, the rotation prevention protrusion being fitted into the rotation prevention recess. Furthermore, a coupling flange may extend outwards from a circumferential outer surface of an upper end of the filtering unit, the coupling flange having a coupling hole therein, and a coupling depression may be formed in a lower surface of the drain port, so that the filtering unit is coupled to the lower surface of the drain port by a coupling means .

The filtering unit may be coupled to a lower end of the drain port by an adhesive means. Preferably, an internal thread may be formed in a circumferential inner surface of an upper end of the filtering unit, and an external thread may be formed in a circumferential outer surface of a lower end of the drain port, so that the filtering unit is threaded over the drain port.

In addition, a first drain hole may be formed through the mounting pipe, and a first seating surface may be formed on the mounting pipe at an upper end of the first drain hole, the first seating surface being stepped. The drain port may include a second seating surface having a stepped shape, and an insert part fitted into the first drain hole of the mounting pipe, with a second drain hole formed through the drain port in a longitudinal direction. A pair of through holes may be formed in the insert part on a straight diametrical line at positions corresponding to each other. A first notch may be formed in the insert part at a position perpendicular to the through holes .

Furthermore, one of the pair of through holes may have a rectangular shape. As well, a second notch may be formed in the insert part at a position adjacent to a circular through hole of the pair of through holes .

In addition, first magnetic members and second magnetic members may be respectively provided in the first seating surface of the mounting pipe and the second surface of the drain port at positions corresponding to each other.

Moreover, a first thread may be formed in a circumferential inner surface of the mounting pipe, and a second thread may be formed in a circumferential outer surface of the drain port, the second thread engaging with the first thread.

Preferably, a coupling recess may be formed in a circumferential inner surface of the first drain hole of the mounting pipe, a locking recess may extend from a lower end of the coupling recess, and an insert protrusion may be provided on a circumferential outer surface of the insert part of the drain port to correspond to the coupling recess .

The movable body may include a stopper to open or close the second drain hole of the drain port, an 0-ring provided around a circumferential outer surface of the stopper, a first stop member to be inserted into the first notch of the drain port, and the rotary support means provided under a lower surface of the stopper, the rotary support means being coupled to through holes of the drain port .

The rotary support means may be provided under opposite first and second portions of the lower surface of the stopper which correspond to each other. The rotary support means may include a support shaft integrally provided under the first portion of the lower surface of the stopper, a support pipe provided under the second portion of the lower surface of the stopper, the support pipe having therein a seating hole in which a first support surface is formed, and an actuating unit installed in the support pipe.

Furthermore, a second stop member may extend from the support shaft downwards, with a bent protrusion bent from an end of the second stop member outwards, the bent protrusion being inserted into the second notch of the drain port .

In addition, a lead notch may be formed in a lower part of an entrance of the seating hole of the support pipe.

The actuating unit may be coupled to the rectangular through hole of the pair of through holes formed in the drain port . The actuating unit may include: a cam housing inserted into the seating hole of the support pipe provided under the lower surface of the stopper, the cam housing having a second support surface corresponding to the first support surface of the support pipe, and forming a space therein, with an elastic member provided in the space; a first cam provided in the space of the cam housing, the first cam being elastically supported by the elastic member; and a second cam engaging at a first end thereof with the first cam, the second cam being coupled to the rectangular through hole of the drain port.

In addition, a coupling protrusion may be provided in the space of the cam housing along a central axis thereof, and insert holes may be respectively formed through the first and second cams along central axes thereof, so that the coupling protrusion is inserted through the insert holes of the first and second cams.

As well, longitudinal grooves may be formed in the space of the cam housing at positions opposite to each other, and the first cam may have a first cylindrical body, with guide protrusions provided on an outer surface of the first cylindrical body, the guide protrusions being inserted into the respective longitudinal grooves to prevent the first cam from idling, and a first curved surface formed on a first end of the first cylindrical body, the first curved surface having a peak portion and valley portions which alternate with each other. The second cam may have a second cylindrical body, with a second curved surface formed on a first end of the second cylindrical body, the second curved surface engaging with the first curved surface, and a stop protrusion provided on a second end of the second cylindrical body, the stop protrusion being inserted into the rectangular through hole of the drain port to prevent the second cam from rotating.

Moreover, when the first curved surface of the first cam engages with the second curved surface of the second cam, a clearance may be partially defined therebetween.

[Advantageous Effects]

An opening and closing device for draining according to the present invention is installed in a drain hole formed under a washbasin, a bathtub or the like such that the drain hole is closed or opened by pushing a stopper in one direction, thus enabling water to be stored in or drained from the washbasin or bathtub according to just simple manipulation. Furthermore, the opening and closing device is installed in such a way that a drain port is attached to a drain pipe of the washbasin or bathtub using magnetic force. Thus, the drain port can be easily separated from or attached to the drain pipe. Therefore, it is easy to remove foreign substances, such as hair, from the drain hole. As a result, the drain hole can be prevented from becoming clogged, and the drain hole can be maintained clean.

Moreover, the opening and closing device has a simple structure and can be easily separated from the drain pipe, so that even if the device malfunctions, the repair and maintenance thereof is simplified.

lDescription of Drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view showing a conventional opening and closing device for draining; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an opening and closing device for draining, according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an assembled sectional view of the opening and closing device for draining according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an actuating unit of a movable body according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a support shaft of the movable body according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an assembled sectional view of the movable body according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is of views illustrating the engagement between first and second cams according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing an opening and closing device for draining, according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 9a, 9b and 9c are assembled sectional view showing the opening and closing device of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is of views illustrating the operation of the opening and closing device for draining according to the present invention, showing a closed state of a drain hole; FIG. 11 is of views illustrating the operation of the opening and closing device for draining according to the present invention, showing an open state of the drain hole;

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating the operation of the opening and closing device for draining according to the present invention, showing a drain port being separated from the device;

FIG. 13 is a view showing an opening and closing device for draining, according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 14 is a view showing an opening and closing device for draining, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[Best Mode]

Hereinafter, an opening and closing device for draining according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings .

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an opening and closing device for draining according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an assembled sectional view of the opening and closing device for draining according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an actuating unit of a movable body according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a support shaft of the movable body according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is an assembled sectional view of the movable body according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is of views illustrating the engagement between first and second cams according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing an opening and closing device for draining, according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9a, 9b and 9c are assembled sectional views showing the opening and closing device of FIG. 8. As shown in FIGS. 2 through 9, the opening and closing device 100 for draining according to the present invention includes a mounting pipe 110, which is fitted into a drain pipe 104 of a washbasin 102.

Here, a first drain hole 112 is formed through the mounting pipe 110 along the central axis thereof. A first seating surface 114 which is stepped is formed on the mounting pipe 110 at the upper end of the first drain hole 112. A plurality of seating depressions 116 is formed in the first seating surface 114. A first magnetic member 117 is provided in each seating depression 116. Furthermore, a drain port 120 is removably provided on the upper end of the mounting pipe 110.

A second drain hole 122 is formed through the drain port 120 along the central axis thereof. A second seating surface 124 extends outwards from the upper end of the drain port 120 in a stepped shape. Seating depressions 126 are formed in the second seating surface 124 at positions corresponding to the respective first magnetic members 117 which are provided in the first seating surface 114 of the mounting pipe 110. A second magnetic member 127 is provided in each seating depression 126. An insert part 128 which is fitted into the first drain hole 112 of the mounting pipe 110 is provided on the lower end of the drain port 120.

That is, the second seating surface 124 of the drain port 120 is seated onto the first seating surface 114 of the mounting pipe 110. Here, the first and second seating surfaces 114 and 124 are attached to each other by attractive magnetic force between the first and second magnetic members 117 and 127.

Moreover, two through holes 129 and 129a are formed in the insert part 128 at diametrically opposite positions based on the central axis of the insert part 128. One of the through holes 129 and 129a, for example, the through hole 129, has a rectangular shape, and a remaining one of the through holes 129 and 129a, that is, the through hole 129a, has a circular shape. In addition, a first notch 128a and a second notch 128b are formed in the insert part 128. The first notch 128a is formed in the insert part 128 at a position spaced apart from the through holes 129 and 129a at a right angle. The second notch 128b is formed in the insert part 128 at a position adjacent to the circular through hole 129a of the two through holes 129 and 129a, that is, at a position approximately opposite the first notch 128a.

As well, a movable body 130 is provided in the second drain hole 124 of the drain port 120 and supported by a rotary support means 140 so as to be rotatable around the rotary support means 140 to open or close the second drain hole 124 of the drain port 120.

In detail, the movable body 130 includes a stopper 132, which is provided in the second drain hole 124 of the drain port 120 to open or close the second drain hole 124, and an 0-ring 134, which is provided around the circumferential outer surface of the stopper 132 to ensure the watertightness when the stopper 132 closes the second drain hole 124, thus preventing water leakage. Furthermore, a first stop member 136 protrudes outwards from the movable body 130 and is inserted into the first notch 128a of the drain port 120 to prevent the stopper 132 of the movable body 130 from excessively rotating in one direction. The rotary support means 140 is provided under the lower surface of the stopper 132. The rotary support means 140 is provided under the diametrically opposite portions of the lower surface of the stopper 132. In detail, a support shaft 142 which is inserted into the circular through hole 129a of the through holes 129 and 129a of the drain port 120 is integrally provided under a first portion of the lower surface of the stopper 132. A second stop member 142a extends downwards from the support shaft 142. A bent protrusion 142b is formed on the end of the second stop member 142a to be inserted into the second notch 128b of the drain port 120. Furthermore, a support pipe 144, which has therein a seating hole 146 in which a first support surface 145 is formed, is provided under a second portion of the lower surface of the stopper 132. A lead notch 144a is formed in the lower part of the entrance of the seating hole 146 of the support pipe 144. An actuating unit 150 is installed in the seating hole 146 of the support pipe 144.

In detail, the actuating unit 150 is installed in the seating hole 146 of the support pipe 144, which is disposed under the drain port 120. The actuating unit 150 has a cam housing 152. A second support surface 152a is formed on the outer surface of the cam housing 152 to correspond to the first support surface 145 of the support pipe 144. A space 152b into which an elastic member S is seated is formed in the cam housing 152. A coupling protrusion 152c is provided in the space 152b along the central axis thereof . Longitudinal grooves 152d are formed in the circumferential inner surface of the space 152b of the cam housing 152 at diametrically opposite positions based on the central axis of the space 152b.

When it is desired to remove the actuating unit 150 from the support pipe 144 because of malfunction or damage of the actuating unit 150, the actuating unit 150 can be extracted from the support pipe 144 by inserting a gimlet or the like into the lead notch 144a of the support pipe 144 and pulling the cam housing 152 outwards. Alternatively, a handle (not shown) may be further provided under the lower surface of the cam housing 152 so that when the actuating unit 150 is fitted into the seating hole 146 of the support pipe 144, the handle is inserted into the lead notch 144a of the support pipe 144. In this case, when the actuating unit 150 malfunctions or is damaged, a user holds the handle, pulls the actuating unit 150 outwards, and thus removes it from the support pipe 144.

Furthermore, a first cam 154 is provided in a space 152b of the cam housing 152 and is elastically supported by the elastic member S. In addition, a second cam 156, a first end of which engages with the first cam 154, is provided in the space 152b of the cam housing 152. A second end of the second cam 156 is coupled to the rectangular through hole 129 of the through holes 129 and 129a of the drain port 120. As well, insert holes 154a and 156a which are fitted over the coupling protrusion 152c of the cam housing 152 are respectively formed through the first and second cams 154 and 156 along the central axes thereof. The first cam 154 includes a cylindrical body 154b. Guide protrusions 154c are provided on the circumferential outer surfaces of the cylindrical body 154b and are slidably inserted into the respective longitudinal grooves 152b of the cam housing 152 to prevent the first cam 154 from idling. A first curved surface 155 which has a peak portion 155a and valley portions 155b is formed on a first end of the first cam 154.

The second cam 156 includes a cylindrical body 156b. A second curved surface 157 which has peak portions 157a and a valley portion 157b to engage with the first curved surface 155 of the first cam 154 is formed on the first end of the cylindrical body 156b. A stop protrusion 158 which is inserted into the rectangular through hole 129 of the through holes 129 and 129a of the drain port 120 is provided on the second end of the cylindrical body 156b which is opposite the second curved surface 157, thus preventing the second cam 156 from actuating in the same motion as that of the first cam 154.

Furthermore, when the first and second curved surfaces 155 and 157 of the first and second cams 154 and 156 engage with each other, a clearance 159 is defined between the peak portion 155a of the first cam 154 and the valley portion 157b of the second cam 156, so that elastic force between the first cam 154 and the second cam 156 is always maintained by the elastic support force of the elastic member, thus preventing the stopper 132 from malfunctioning.

Meanwhile, a push indication portion 132a is further formed on the upper end of the opening and closing device 100 to indicate a push portion of the stopper 132 which is pushed to rotate it . Here, the push indication portion 132a may be formed on the upper surface of the stopper 312 or, alternatively, it may be formed on the upper surface of the drain port 120. It is preferable that the push indication portion 132a be formed on the upper surface of the stopper 132. With regard to the installation of the actuating unit 150, the elastic member S and the first and second cams 154 and 156 are fitted over the coupling protrusion 152c and inserted into the space 152b of the cam housing 152. Thereafter, a screw 160 is tightened into the coupling protrusion 152c to prevent the elastic member S and the first and second cams 154 and 156 from being removed from the space 152b of the cam housing 152. Subsequently, the actuating unit 150 is fitted into the seating hole 146 of the support pipe 145 of the stopper 132. In this state, the support shaft 142 of the stopper 132 and the actuating unit 150 are respectively inserted into the through holes 129 and 129a such that the stopper 132 is inserted into the first drain hole 122 of the drain port 120. Thereafter, the screw 160 which has supported the elastic member S and the first and second cams 154 and 156 is removed from the actuating unit 150. Then, the stop protrusion 158 of the second cam 156 is inserted into the rectangular through hole 129, thus completing the installation of the stopper 132 and the actuating unit 150.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 8, the opening and closing device 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a filtering unit 160 is further provided between a drain port 120 and a mounting pipe 110. The filtering unit 160 functions to remove foreign substances, such as hair, from drain water that flows through the first drain hole 112 of the mounting pipe 110.

In detail, the filtering unit 160 includes a coupling part 162 which is coupled to the lower surface of the drain port 120, and a body part 164 which protrudes downwards from the lower end of the coupling part 162 and has a filter net 164a which removes foreign substances from drain water. The upper end of the coupling part 162 is removably coupled to the lower surface of the drain port 120. The coupling part 162 and the body part 164 having the filter net 164a are inserted into the first drain hole 112 of the mounting pipe 110, thus filtering drain water that flows through the first drain hole 112.

Here, a plurality of rotation prevention protrusions 166 is provided on the circumferential outer surface of the coupling part 162. Rotation prevention recesses 118 into which the respective rotation prevention protrusions 166 are fitted are formed in the inner surface of the mounting pipe 110, that is, in the upper portion of the inner surface of the first drain hole 112 of the mounting pipe 110. Thanks to the engagement between the rotation prevention protrusions 166 and the rotation prevention recesses 118, when the drain port 120 provided with the filtering unit 160 is installed in the first drain hole 112 of the mounting pipe 110, the push indication portion 132a of the stopper 132 can be always oriented forwards. In addition, after the drain port 120 with the filtering unit 160 is coupled to the mounting pipe 110, the filtering unit 160 and the drain port 120 can be prevented from being undesirably rotated with respect to the mounting pipe 110.

Meanwhile, the filtering unit 160 can be coupled to the lower surface of the drain port 120 by various methods. For example, as shown in FIG. 9a, a coupling flange 168 which has coupling holes 168a therein extends outwards from the circumferential outer surface of the upper end of the filtering -unit 160. Coupling depressions 123 are formed in the lower surface of the drain port 120 at positions corresponding to the coupling holes 168a of the coupling flange 168. Thus, the filtering unit 160 may be removably- coupled to the lower surface of the drain port 120 by tightening a coupling means 170, such as screws, into the coupling depressions 123 via the coupling holes 168a. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9b, the filtering unit 160 may be coupled to the lower surface of the drain port 120 in such a way that an adhesive means 180, such as adhesive agent or a both-side adhesive tape, may be applied or interposed between the upper surface of the filtering unit 160 and the lower surface of the drain port 120.

As a further alternative, as shown in FIG. 9c, an internal thread 169 is formed in the circumferential inner surface of the upper end of the filtering unit 160, and an external thread 121 is formed in the circumferential outer surface of the lower end of the drain port 120, that is, in the circumferential outer surface of the insert part 128 which is fitted into the filtering unit 160. Thus, the filtering unit 160 may be coupled to the drain port 120 by a threaded coupling method. The operation of the opening and closing device for draining according to the present invention having the above-mentioned construction will be described in detail below.

FIG. 10 illustrates the operation of the opening and closing device of the present invention, showing a closed state of the drain hole. FIG. 11 illustrates the operation of the opening and closing device of the present invention, showing an open state of the drain hole.

First, the mounting pipe 110 of the opening and closing device 100 is inserted into and fastened to the drain pipe 104 of the washbasin 102. When one desires to put water into the washbasin 102, as shown in FIG. 10, the user closes the second drain hole 122 of the drain port 120 using the stopper 132 and puts water into the washbasin 102. After the second drain hole 122 of the drain port 120 has been closed and the user has used water put into the washbasin 102, when the user wants to drain the water, the user pushes the push indication portion 132a, which is formed on the upper surface of the stopper 132. Then, the stopper 132 is rotated around the rotary support means 140 in one direction by 90° . Thereby, the second drain hole 122 of the drain port 120 is opened, so that the water is drained through the first drain hole 112 of the mounting pipe 110. At this time, foreign substances which are drained along with the water are removed from the water by the filter net 164a of the filtering unit 160, which is coupled to the lower end of the drain port 120.

In detail, when the user pushes the push indication portion 132a of the of the stopper 132, the stopper 132 is rotated such that the push indication portion 132a is inserted into the first drain hole 122 of the drain port 120 and a portion of the stopper 132 which is opposite the push indication portion 132a protrudes outwards.

Here, when the user pushes the push indication portion 132a of the stopper 132 to rotate the stopper 132, the first cam 154 compresses the elastic member S and is rotated in a state in which the first and second curved surfaces 155 and 157 of the first and second cams 154 and 156 which are provided under the lower surface of the stopper 132 engage with each other. At this time, while the first cam 154 moves backwards it is continuously biased by the elastic force of the elastic member S towards the second curved surface 157 of the second cam 156 which is stationary in the through hole 129 of the drain port 120. In addition, the peak portion 155a of the first curved surface 155 moves towards the peak portions 157a of the second cam 156. When the peak portion, 155a of the first curved surface 155 passes over the peak portions 157a of the second curved surface 157 and moves towards the valley portion 157b of the second curved surface 157, the first cam 154 is advanced by the elastic force of the elastic member S. Thus, the stopper 132 is rotated by 90^° around the support shaft 142 and the second cam 156. Ultimately, the second drain hole 122 of the drain port 120 is opened.

Here, when the stopper 132 rotates, the first cam 154 slides forwards or backwards under the guidance of the guide protrusions 154c, which are inserted in the respective longitudinal grooves 152d formed in the space

152b of the cam housing 152.

Due to the above operation, in the process of opening the second drain hole 122 of the drain port 120, when the peak portion 155a of the first cam 154 passes over the peak portions 157a of the second cam 156, the first cam 154 is pushed by the elastic force of the elastic member S, and the peak portion 155a of the first cam 154 can smoothly enter the valley portion 157b of the second cam 156 after passing over peak portions 157a of the second cam 156.

Meanwhile, the actuating unit 150 may be configured such that a horizontal surface is formed in the space 152b of the cam housing 152 and extends a predetermined length from a first end thereof opposite the second cam 156 towards a second end thereof, in detail, to a position at which the horizontal surface does not interfere with the second cam 156, and such that a horizontal surface is formed on the body of the first cam 154 and is in contact with the horizontal surface of the cam housing 152 so as to be slidable forwards and backwards with respect to the horizontal surface of the cam housing 152. In this case, the actuating unit 150 can also perform the same operation as that of the above-mentioned embodiment. Therefore, the actuating unit 150 of this case can also be regarded as falling within the technical bounds of the present invention.

Furthermore, while the first and second cams 154 and 156 engage with each other, the first and second cams 154 and 156 maintain the state in which the peak portion 155a of the first cam 154 is not completely seated into the valley portion 157b of the second cam 156, in other words, the top point of the peak portion 155a of the first cam 154 does not reach the bottom point of the valley portion 157b of the second cam 156. Therefore, the clearance 159 is defined between the first and second cams 154 and 156, so that the state in which the elastic member S biases the first cam 154 towards the second cam 156 is maintained, thus preventing the stopper 132 from undesirably rotating or moving. In addition, when the stopper 132 is opened, the second stop member 142a provided on the support shaft 142 rotates along with the support shaft 142, and the bent protrusion 142b of the second stop member 142a is inserted into the second notch 128b of the drain port 120, thus preventing the stopper 132 from excessively rotating.

As such, when the stopper 132 rotates in a normal or reverse direction, the first stop member 136 is stopped by the first notch 128a or the second stop member 142a is stopped by the second notch 128b. Hence, the stopper 132 rotates in a normal or reverse direction within an angular range of 90^° , thus reliably opening or closing the second drain hole 122 of the drain port 120.

Due to the above-mentioned operation, as shown in FIG. 11, the second drain hole 122 of the drain port 120 is opened by rotating the stopper 132 and is maintained in the open state, so that water which has been contained in the washbasin 102 can be drained.

Meanwhile, from the state in which the second drain hole 122 of the drain port 120 is opened by rotating the stopper 132, when it is desired to close the second drain hole 122, as shown in FIG. 10, the portion of the stopper 132 which is in a state of being protruded from the drain port 120, that is, the portion of the stopper 132 which is opposite the push indication portion 132a, is pushed. Then, the first cam 154 of the actuating unit 150, which is provided under the stopper 132, is reversely rotated with respect to the second cam 156.

Here, when the second drain hole 122 of the drain port 120 is closed by the reverse rotation of the stopper 132, the bent protrusion 142b of the second stop member 142a of the stopper 132 is removed from the second notch 128b, and the first stop member 136 is inserted into and stopped by the first notch 128a, which is formed in the drain port 120, thus preventing the stopper 132 from excessively rotating.

As such, the second drain hole 122 of the drain port 120 is closed by rotating the stopper 132 through the above-mentioned process. In this state, the washbasin 102 can be filled with water.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the operation of the opening and closing device for draining according to the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, to remove foreign substances, such as hair, from the drain pipe 104 of the washbasin 102, the first drain hole 112 of the mounting pipe 110, the second drain hole 122 of the drain port 120 or the filter net 164a of the filtering unit 160, the user rotates the stopper 132 of the movable body 130 of the opening and closing device 100 by 90^° to open the second drain hole 122, as shown in FIG. 10. Thereafter, the user holds the stopper 132, which is in the state of having rotated by 90^° , and pulls it upwards. Then, the first and second magnetic members 117 and 127, which have attached the drain port 120 to the mounting pipe 110, are separated from each other, and the drain port 120 is thus removed from the mounting pipe 110. After the drain port 120 has been separated from the mounting pipe 110, the user removes foreign substances, such as hair, from the first or second drain hole 112 or 122 or the filter net 164a of the filtering unit 160. Subsequently, to couple the drain port 120 to the mounting pipe 110 again, the user inserts the drain port 120 into the first drain hole 112 of the mounting pipe 110. Then, the second magnetic members 127 provided in the drain port 120 are attached to the first magnetic members 117 provided in the mounting pipe 110. Thereby, the coupling of the drain port 120 and the filtering unit 160 to the mounting pipe 110 is completed.

The user can put water into the washbasin 102 or drain the water therefrom again in a such way as to close or open the second drain hole 122 of the drain port 120 using the rotation of the stopper 132. FIG. 13 illustrates an opening and closing device for draining, according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, in the opening and closing device 100 according to this embodiment, an internal thread 110a and an external thread 120a are respectively formed in a stepped circumferential inner surface of a mounting pipe 110 and a stepped circumferential outer surface of a drain port 120. Therefore, the drain port 120 is threaded into and thus coupled to the mounting pipe 110. The operation of the opening and closing device according to this embodiment remains the same as the former embodiment, therefore further explanation is deemed unnecessary.

However, in this embodiment, to separate the drain port 120 from the mounting pipe 110, the user places the stopper 132 upright. Thereafter, the user holds the stopper 132 and rotates the drain port 120 in a predetermined direction with respect to the mounting pipe 110. Then, the drain port 120 is loosened and separated from the mounting pipe 110. Meanwhile, to couple the drain port 120 to the mounting pipe 110, the user inserts the drain port 120 into the first drain hole 112 of the mounting pipe 110 and rotates the drain port 120 in the direction opposite the direction in which the drain port 120 is loosened from the mounting pipe 110. Then, the drain port 120 is threaded into and thus coupled to the mounting pipe 110.

FIG. 14 illustrates an opening and closing device for draining, according to a yet another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, in the opening and closing device 100 according to this embodiment, a coupling recess 110b is formed in a circumferential inner surface of a first drain hole 112 of a mounting pipe 110. The coupling recess 110b extends a predetermined length in a vertical direction and communicates with the open upper end of the first drain hole 112. A locking recess 110c extends from the lower end of the coupling recess 110b in the circumferential direction of the first drain hole 112.

Furthermore, an insert protrusion 128c is provided on a circumferential outer surface of an insert part 128 of the drain port 120 to correspond with the coupling recesses 110b of the mounting pipe 110.

Here, the coupling recess 110b of the mounting pipe 110 comprises a plurality of coupling recesses 110b which are formed at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and the insert protrusion 128c of the drain port 120 also comprises a plurality of insert protrusions 128c, which are provided at positions corresponding to the respective coupling recesses 110b. Preferably, the four coupling recesses 110b and the four insert protrusions 128c are provided such that they correspond to each other.

The operation of the opening and closing device according to this embodiment remains the same as the former embodiment, therefore further explanation is deemed unnecessary. However, in this embodiment, to separate the drain port 120 from the mounting pipe 110, the user places the stopper 132 upright. Thereafter, the user holds the stopper 132 and rotates the drain port 120 in a predetermined direction, that is, in a direction opposite the direction in which the locking recesses 110c extend from the coupling recesses 110b. Then, the insert protrusions 128c of the drain port 120 are removed from the respective locking recesses 110c and disposed in the respective coupling recesses 110b. From this state, the user pulls the drain port 120 upwards, in other words, outwards from the mounting pipe 110. Then, the drain port 120 is separated from the mounting pipe 110.

Conversely, to couple the drain port 120 to the mounting pipe 110, the user aligns the insert protrusions 128c of the drain port 120 with the respective coupling recesses 110b of the mounting pipe 110 and pushes the drain port 120 downwards. Then, the insert protrusions 128c is inserted into the respective coupling recesses 110b and disposed at the lower ends of the coupling recesses 110b. From this state, the user rotates the drain port 120 in the direction in which the locking recesses 110c extend from the coupling recesses 110b. Then, the insert protrusions 128c are inserted into the respective locking recesses 110c, thus locking the drain port 120 to the mounting pipe 110. Although the preferred embodiments of the opening and closing device for draining according to the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims. [industrial Applicability]

As described above, the present invention provides an opening and closing device for draining. In detail, the opening and closing device is installed in a drain pipe of a washbasin, a bathtub or the like and is constructed such that water put into the washbasin, bathtub or the like can be maintained in a stored state or be drained therefrom only by manipulating a movable body. Furthermore, because the movable body can be easily separated from the drain pipe, foreign substances, such as hair, can be easily removed from a drain hole, thus preventing the drain pipe from becoming clogged.

Claims

[CLAIMS]

[Claim l]

An opening and closing device for draining, comprising: a mounting pipe mounted to a drain pipe coupled to a washbasin, a bathtub, and so on; a drain port provided in and coupled to an upper end of the mounting pipe so as to be removable; and a movable body supported at opposite portions thereof in the drain port by a rotary support means so as to be reciprocally rotatable around the rotary support means.

[Claim 2]

The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 1, further comprising: a filtering unit provided between the drain port and the mounting pipe to remove a foreign substance from drain water .

[Claim 3]

The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 2, wherein the filtering unit comprises: a coupling part coupled to a lower end of the drain port; and a body part protruding from the lower end of the coupling part downwards, the body part having a filter net. [Claim 4]

The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 3, wherein a rotation prevention protrusion is provided on an outer surface of the coupling part, and a rotation prevention recess is formed in an upper end of an inner surface of the mounting pipe, the rotation prevention protrusion being fitted into the rotation prevention recess .

[Claim 5] The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 2, wherein a coupling flange extends outwards from a circumferential outer surface of an upper end of the filtering unit, the coupling flange having a coupling hole therein, and a coupling depression is formed in a lower surface of the drain port, so that the filtering unit is coupled to the lower surface of the drain port by a coupling means.

[Claim 6]

The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 2, wherein the filtering unit is coupled to a lower end of the drain port by adhesive means.

[Claim 7] The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 2 , wherein an internal thread is formed in a circumferential inner surface of an upper end of the filtering unit, and an external thread is formed in a circumferential outer surface of a lower end of the drain port, so that the filtering unit is threaded over the drain port .

[Claim 8]

The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first drain hole is formed through the mounting pipe, and a first seating surface is formed on the mounting pipe at an upper end of the first drain hole, the first seating surface being stepped.

[Claim 9] The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drain port includes a second seating surface having a stepped shape, and an insert part fitted into the first drain hole of the mounting pipe, with a second drain hole formed through the drain port in a longitudinal direction, a pair of through holes are formed in the insert part on a straight diametrical line at positions corresponding to each other, and a first notch is formed in the insert part at a position perpendicular to the through holes.

[Claim 10]

The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 9, wherein one of the pair of through holes has a rectangular shape.

[Claim ll]

The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 10, wherein a second notch is formed in the insert part at a position adjacent to a circular through hole of the pair of through holes .

[Claim 12]

The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of first magnetic members and a plurality of second magnetic members are respectively provided in the first seating surface of the mounting pipe and the second surface of the drain port at positions corresponding to each other.

[Claim 13] The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 9, wherein a first thread is formed in a circumferential inner surface of the mounting pipe, and a second thread is formed in a circumferential outer surface of the drain port, the second thread engaging with the first thread.

[Claim 14] The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 9, wherein a coupling recess is formed in a circumferential inner surface of the first drain hole of the mounting pipe, a locking recess extends from a lower end of the coupling recess, and an insert protrusion is provided on a circumferential outer surface of the insert part of the drain port to correspond to the coupling recess .

[Claim 15]

The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movable body comprises: a stopper to open or close the second drain hole of the drain port,- an 0-ring provided around a circumferential outer surface of the stopper; a first stop member to be inserted into the first notch of the drain port; and the rotary support means provided under a lower surface of the stopper, the rotary support means being coupled to through holes of the drain port.

[Claim 16] The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 15, wherein the rotary support means is provided under opposite first and second portions of the lower surface of the stopper which correspond to each other, the rotary support means comprising: a support shaft integrally provided under the first portion of the lower surface of the stopper; a support pipe provided under the second portion of the lower surface of the stopper, the support pipe having therein a seating hole in which a first support surface is formed; and an actuating unit installed in the support pipe.

^• [Claim 17]

The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 16, wherein a second stop member extends from the support shaft downwards, with a bent protrusion bent from an end of the second stop member outwards, the bent protrusion being inserted into the second notch of the drain port .

[Claim 18] The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 16, wherein a lead notch is formed in a lower part of an entrance of the seating hole of the support pipe.

[Claim 19] The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 16, wherein the actuating unit is coupled to the rectangular through hole of the pair of through holes formed in the drain port .

[Claim 20]

The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 19, wherein the actuating unit comprises: a cam housing inserted into the seating hole of the support pipe provided under the lower surface of the stopper, the cam housing having a second support surface corresponding to the first support surface of the support pipe, and forming a space therein, with an elastic member provided in the space; a first cam provided in the space of the cam housing, the first cam being elastically supported by the elastic member; and a second cam engaging at a first end thereof with the first cam, the second cam being coupled to the rectangular through hole of the drain port.

[Claim 2l]

The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 20, wherein a coupling protrusion is provided in the space of the cam housing along a central axis thereof, and insert holes are respectively formed through the first and second cams along central axes thereof, so that the coupling protrusion is inserted through the insert holes of the first and second cams .

[Claim 22] The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 21, wherein longitudinal grooves are formed in the space of the cam housing at positions opposite to each other, and the first cam has a first cylindrical body, with guide protrusions provided on an outer surface of the first cylindrical body, the guide protrusions being inserted into the respective longitudinal grooves to prevent the first cam from idling, and a first curved surface formed on a first end of the first cylindrical body, the first curved surface having a peak portion and valley portions which alternate with each other, and the second cam has a second cylindrical body, with a second curved surface formed on a first end of the second cylindrical body, the second curved surface engaging with the first curved surface, and a stop protrusion provided on a second end of the second cylindrical body, the stop protrusion being inserted into the rectangular through hole of the drain port to prevent the second cam from rotating.

[Claim 23] The opening and closing device for draining according to claim 22, wherein when the first curved surface of the first cam engages with the second curved surface of the second cam, a clearance is partially defined therebetween.