DISH WASHER

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0081831, filed on Jun. 24, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0046751, filed on Apr. 10, 2025. The disclosures of the prior applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates to a dish washer, and more particularly, to a dish washer including a nozzle that sprays water into a washing space.

2. Description of the Related Art

A dish washer is an apparatus that removes dirt from dishes placed in a washing space by spraying water onto the dishes.

The dish washer may have a plurality of sprayers disposed in the washing space. The dish washer may include a spray arm which rotates within the washing space and sprays water upward. Also, the dish washer may include a sprayer positioned in an upper part of the inside of the washing space to direct water downwardly.

The sprayer positioned in an upper part of the inside of the washing space to direct water downward includes a rotating component called a spinner which may distribute the downwardly-directed water radially outward. Thus, the downwardly-directed water may be dispersed over a wide area in the washing space.

Korean Patent Registration No. KR 10-1964646 B1 discloses a dish washer including a sprayer (or top nozzle). The disclosed sprayer is a structure in which water is dispersed over a lower part of a tub through a rotating spinner (or impeller).

Incidentally, vibration can occur at a nozzle body when the spinner rotates, since the spinner is directly connected to the sprayer.

Moreover, water released via a discharge hole may continue to move predominantly forward due to an inertial force acting in the direction in which the water is flowing. Another problem is that a retainer that supports the rotation of the spinner may have trouble being held securely in place.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure is to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems.

Another aspect is to provide a dish washer that allows a spinner to be securely mounted to a water guide while still rotating.

Yet another aspect is to provide a dish washer having a structure in which a spinner that rotates stably under the water guide can be attached in various ways.

A further aspect is to provide a dish washer that prevents a retainer from obstructing the flow of water dispersed by the spinner while still keeping the spinner securely in place.

A further aspect is to provide a dish washer that, when water is released via a discharge hole while moving along a flow path in the water guide, prevents the water from continuing to move predominantly forward due an inertial force acting in the direction in which the water is flowing.

In order to accomplish the above-mentioned aspects, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a dish washer including: a tub having a washing space therein; and a sprayer disposed in the tub and configured to spray water to the washing space.

The sprayer includes: a water guide having a discharge hole formed in an lower surface through which water is discharged. The sprayer includes a spinner rotatably disposed below the discharge hole. The sprayer includes a retainer supporting rotation of the spinner.

The retainer includes a rotation shaft that passes through the spinner and contacts the water guide.

An upper groove is formed on the water guide, which is recessed upwardly to accommodate an end portion of the rotation shaft.

The rotation shaft includes: a first rotation shaft disposed to pass through the spinner; and a second rotation shaft disposed to pass through the discharge hole and to contact the water guide.

The diameter of the first rotation shaft is greater than the diameter of the second rotation shaft.

A sloping surface is formed between the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft. The sloping surface becomes thicker from top to bottom.

The sprayer further includes a bracket connected to the water guide. The retainer is connected to the bracket.

The bracket is disposed to be fixed to the water guide, and the retainer is hooked to the bracket.

The bracket includes a front hook protruding forward so as to be attached to the retainer and a pair of side hooks protruding laterally so as to be attached to the retainer.

The bracket includes a first side projection and a second side projection which make contact with the retainer so as to restrict upward movement of the retainer. The first side projection and the second side projection are longitudinally spaced apart from each other.

The retainer includes: a first peripheral rib positioned outward of the spinner; and a second peripheral rib positioned above the first peripheral rib. The second peripheral rib is disposed outward of the first peripheral rib.

The second peripheral rib is positioned at the same height as or higher than the lower surface of the water guide.

The sprayer further includes a bracket connected to the water guide, to which the retainer is connected.

The second peripheral rib is positioned at the same height as or higher than a lower surface of the bracket.

The retainer further includes a rear rib that connects rear ends of the second peripheral rib. The rear rib is positioned in such a way as to make contact with a lower surface of the water guide.

An inner column is positioned inside the water guide so as to block part of a flow path formed inside the water guide. The inner column is disposed behind the discharge hole.

The discharge hole is disposed between a front end portion inside the water guide and the inner column. The front end portion is disposed forwardly spaced apart from the discharge hole.

Both left and right edges of the front end portion are curved.

The distance between the inner column and the discharge hole is shorter than the distance between the discharge hole and the front end portion.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the sprayer includes: a water guide having a discharge hole formed in an lower surface through which water is discharged; a spinner rotatably disposed below the discharge; and a retainer forming a space in which the spinner rotates.

The water guide includes a rotation shaft that passes through the spinner and contacts the retainer.

The retainer includes: a first peripheral rib disposed outward of the spinner; a second peripheral rib disposed above the first peripheral rib; and a central plate positioned at the center of the first peripheral rib, that contacts the rotation shaft. A groove is formed on the central plate, recessed downwardly to accommodate the bottom of the rotation shaft.

According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the sprayer includes: a water guide having a discharge hole formed in an lower surface through which water is discharged; a spinner rotatably disposed below the discharge; and a retainer forming a space in which the spinner rotates.

The retainer includes a first rotation shaft which passes through the spinner, and the water guide includes a second rotation shaft which extends down the discharge hole and is connected to the first rotation shaft.

The first rotation shaft includes a coupling projection protruding upward from an upper end. The second rotation shaft has a coupling portion groove which is recessed upwardly to accommodate the coupling projection.

Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

EFFECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to a dish washer according to the present disclosure, there are one or more of the following effects.

First, a spinner positioned between a retainer and a water guide may rotate with respect to a rotation shaft. The rotation shaft extends from the retainer and is positioned in such a way as to make contact with the water guide. That is, the rotation shaft may be securely held in place. Accordingly, the spinner may keep rotating stably.

Moreover, the rotation shaft may extend from the water guide and be positioned in such a way as to make contact with the retainer. Also, the rotation shaft may be formed by joining together a portion extending from the retainer and a portion extending from the water guide.

Second, the retainer may be attached to the water guide via a bracket. Also, the retainer may be directly connected to the water guide. With this connecting structure, the retainer may be secured directly or indirectly to the water guide. Moreover, the spinner may rotate stably.

Third, a second peripheral rib of the retainer is positioned at the same height as or higher than a lower surface of the water guide or bracket. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize obstructions the retainer may cause on the water being dispersed by the rotation of the spinner.

Fourth, when water is falling down through the discharge hole, an inner column inside the water guide and a curved structure formed on both left and right edges of a front end portion may help minimize the tendency of water continuing to move in the same direction. This offers the advantage of allowing water released and dispersed by the water guide and the spinner to be sprayed evenly across the entire area of the washing space.

The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sprayer according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sprayer according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the sprayer according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the sprayer according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the sprayer according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along VI-VI′ of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along VII-VII′ of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a sprayer according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a water guide of the sprayer according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of one side of the sprayer according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a sprayer according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of a water guide of the sprayer according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of one side of the sprayer according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a sprayer according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the sprayer according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a sprayer according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the sprayer according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of one side of a sprayer according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Advantages and features of the present disclosure, and a method of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in a variety of different forms. The present embodiments are provided to disclose completely the present disclosure and to fully inform the scope of the present disclosure to those who skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. The disclosure is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

Hereinafter, a dish washer according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sprayer according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, a sprayer including a water guide will be described.

The sprayer 10 of this disclosure is a device that supplies water to a washing space formed in a tub (not shown).

The sprayer 10 may be connected to a pump (not shown). The sprayer 10 may move water forced out of the pump to an upper part of the washing space and then spray the water to the washing space. The sprayer 10 may further include a separate component that sprays water from bottom to top, apart from the structure illustrated in the drawing.

The sprayer 10 may direct water downwardly. The sprayer 10 may direct water downwardly and distribute the downwardly-directed water radially outward.

The sprayer 10 may include a water guide 20 that guides water to an upper part of the tub. The water guide 20 may be a structure that is bent to correspond to the bottom, side, and top surfaces of the tub.

The water guide 20 moves water to an upper part of the tub. The water guide 20 allows water to fall downward.

The sprayer 10 includes a spinner 60 positioned under the water guide 20.

Specifically, the spinner 60 may be positioned under a discharge hole 30 (see FIG. 6) formed in the water guide 20.

The spinner 60 may rotate as it makes contact with water falling down from the water guide 20. The spinner 60 may distribute the water falling down from the water guide 20 radially outward.

The sprayer 10 may include a retainer 40 that supports the rotation of the spinner 60. The retainer 40 may be connected to the water guide 20. The retainer 40 may be connected directly to the water guide 20 or be connected indirectly to the water guide 20 via a bracket 80 to be described below.

The spinner 60 may be positioned in an inner space formed by the retainer 40.

The sprayer 10 may be connected to the water guide 20, and may include a bracket 80 that secures the retainer 40.

The bracket 80 is attached to the water guide 20. The bracket 80 may be positioned in such a way as to be secured to the water guide 20. The bracket 80 is attached to the retainer 40. The retainer 40 is attached to the water guide 20 via the bracket 80.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sprayer according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The sprayer according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

The sprayer 10 includes a water guide 20. A discharge hole 30 (see FIG. 6) for releasing water is formed in a lower surface of the water guide 20. An upper hook 22 for fixing the bracket 80 is positioned on an upper surface of the water guide 20.

An upper projection 24 which protrudes upward is positioned on the upper surface of the water guide 20. The upper projection 24 may be positioned over the discharge hole 30. The upper projection 24 may form an upper groove 26 (see FIG. 6) on the inside.

The sprayer 10 includes a spinner 60.

The spinner 60 may rotate and distribute water falling down through the discharge hole 30 radially outward.

The spinner 60 includes a disc-shaped rotating plate 62 and a plurality of vanes 66 protruding upward from an upper surface of the rotating plate 62.

The rotating plate 62 has a plate hole 64 formed between the plurality of vanes 66. The plate hole 64 may open upward and downward between the plurality of vanes 66. The plate hole 64 may be formed in different sizes and shapes between the plurality of vanes 66.

A shaft hole 68 through which a rotation shaft 70 to be described later penetrates is formed at the center of the rotating plate 62.

The plurality of vanes 66 may be shaped to extend helically from the center of the rotating plate 62.

The sprayer 10 includes a retainer 40 that supports the rotation of the spinner 60.

The retainer 40 may support the rotation of the spinner 60. The retainer 40 is secured to the water guide 20 via the bracket 80. The retainer 40 may be hooked to the bracket 80.

The retainer 40 includes a first peripheral rib 42 and a second peripheral rib 44 positioned above the first peripheral rib 42.

The first peripheral rib 42 may be roughly ring-shaped. The first peripheral rib 42 is positioned under the spinner 60.

The second peripheral rib 44 may be positioned in such a way as to make contact with the bracket 80 or the water guide 20. The second peripheral rib 44 may be positioned above the first peripheral rib 42. The second peripheral rib 44 may be positioned a certain distance above the first peripheral rib 42.

The second peripheral rib 44 may be larger in size than the first peripheral rib 42.

The retainer 40 may include a plurality of horizontal ribs 48 which extend inward from the first peripheral rib 42. The plurality of horizontal ribs 48 may extend toward the center of the first peripheral rib 42.

The plurality of horizontal ribs 48 may extend in a direction in which they intersect each other. The plurality of horizontal ribs 48 may be connected to a central plate 50 to be described below.

The retainer 40 may include a central plate 50 positioned inside the first peripheral rib 42. The rotation shaft 70 may be positioned on an upper surface of the central plate 50.

The rotation shaft 70 may extend upward from the upper surface of the central plate 50. The rotation shaft 70 may form an axis about which the spinner 60 rotates. The rotation shaft 70 penetrates the shaft hole 68 of the spinner 60.

The rotation shaft 70 includes a first rotation shaft 72 positioned in the shaft hole 68 of the spinner 60 and a second rotation shaft 74 positioned over the first rotation shaft 72, that makes contact with the water guide 20.

The retainer 40 includes a vertical rib 46 which extends vertically.

The vertical rib 46 connects the first peripheral rib 42 and the second peripheral rib 44. A plurality of vertical ribs 46 may be disposed in such a way as to be circumferentially spaced apart. The vertical rib 46 may extend downward from the second peripheral rib 44, and may be bent at a lower end thereof in the direction of the first peripheral rib 42.

The vertical rib 46 includes a first vertical rib 46a which connects the first peripheral rib 42 and the second peripheral rib 44 and a second vertical rib 46b which connects the first peripheral rib 42 and a rear rib 52 to be described below.

The retainer 40 includes a rear rib 52 which connects rear ends of the second peripheral rib 44 together. The rear rib 52 may be positioned lower than the second peripheral rib 44.

The retainer 40 includes a front fixing portion 54 and a side fixing portion 56 which are attached to the bracket 80 or the water guide 20.

The front fixing portion 54 may be positioned at the front of the second peripheral rib 44. The side fixing portion 56 may be positioned at a side of the second peripheral rib 44. The side fixing portion 56 may be positioned where the second peripheral rib 44 and the rear rib 52 are connected.

The sprayer 10 includes the bracket 80. The bracket 80 is attached to the water guide 20. The bracket 80 is attached to the retainer 40.

The bracket 80 may be attached to the water guide 20 in a shape that covers the top of the water guide 20.

The bracket 80 includes a bracket body 81. The bracket body 81 may make contact with an upper surface, a front surface, and side surfaces of the water guide 20.

A guide groove 82 is formed on an upper surface of the bracket body 81. The guide groove 82 may extend longitudinally. The guide groove 82 may guide the movement of the bracket 80 which is mounted onto the water guide 20.

An upper projection 24 of the water guide 20 may be positioned in the guide groove 82.

An upper hook hole 84 is formed in the upper surface of the bracket body 81. The upper hook hole 84 is positioned in front of the guide groove 82. An upper hook 22 positioned on the upper surface of the water guide 20 is inserted into the upper hook hole 84.

As the upper hook 22 is inserted into the upper hook hole 84, the bracket 80 may be secured to the water guide 20.

The bracket 80 includes a front hook 86 protruding forward from a front surface of the bracket body 81 and a side hook 88 protruding laterally from a side surface of the bracket body 81.

The front hook 86 may be caught on the front fixing portion 54 of the retainer 40. The side hook 88 may be caught on the side fixing portion 56 of the retainer 40.

The bracket 80 includes a first side projection 90 protruding from the side surface of the bracket body 81. The bracket 80 includes a second side projection 92 protruding from the side surface of the bracket body 81.

The first side projection 90 and the second side projection 92 may be formed as a pair. The first side projection 90 and the second side projection 92 may be longitudinally spaced apart from each other.

The first side projection 90 and the second side projection 92 each may restrict upward movement of the retainer 40.

The bracket 80 includes an additional projection 96 protruding from the side surface of the bracket body 81. The additional projection 96 may be configured to be connected to the tub (not shown).

FIG. 3 is a side view of the sprayer according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. A structure of the retainer, the spinner, the bracket, and the water guide will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

The bracket 80 is secured to the water guide 20. The retainer 40 is secured to the bracket 80. The spinner 60 is rotatably placed on the retainer 40.

The second peripheral rib 44 of the retainer 40 makes contact with the first side projection 90 and second side projection 92 of the bracket 80. The first side projection 90 and the second side projection 92 each may restrict upward movement of the retainer 40 by making contact with the second peripheral rib 44.

The side hook 88 of the bracket 80 is inserted into the side fixing portion 56 of the retainer 40. The front hook 86 of the bracket 80 is inserted into the front fixing portion 54 of the retainer 40. The second peripheral rib 44 may be positioned in such a way as to make contact with a side surface of the bracket 80. The second peripheral rib 44 may be positioned in such a way as to make contact with a side surface of the bracket body 81.

The second peripheral rib 44 is positioned in such a way as not to obstruct movement of water spreading radially outward by the rotation of the spinner 60. The first peripheral rib 42 is positioned under the spinner 60.

The vertical rib 46 is positioned a certain distance apart from the spinner 60.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the sprayer according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. A structure of the retainer, the spinner, the bracket, and the water guide will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

The front hook 86 and the side hook 88 are secured to the front fixing portion 54 and the side fixing portion 56, respectively.

The second peripheral rib 44 is formed to be larger than the first peripheral rib 42. Thus, the second peripheral rib 44 is positioned farther outward than the first peripheral rib 42. The second peripheral rib 44 makes contact with the first side projection 90 and the second side projection 92.

The rear rib 52 is positioned under the water guide 20.

The horizontal ribs 48 each extend radially from the central plate 50 and are connected to the first peripheral rib 42.

The spinner 60 may have a plurality of plate holes 64 formed in the rotating plate 62. The plurality of plate holes 64 may be formed in different sizes and shapes.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the sprayer according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. A structure of the retainer, the spinner, the bracket, and the water guide will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

The front hook 86 is secured to the front fixing portion 54.

The second peripheral rib 44 is positioned under the first side projection 90. The second peripheral rib 44 is positioned higher than the rear rib 52.

The spinner 60 is positioned over the first peripheral rib 42. The spinner 60 is positioned under the second peripheral rib 44. The spinner 60 is positioned between the first peripheral rib 42 and the second peripheral rib 44.

The vertical rib 46 is positioned laterally apart from the spinner 60.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along VI-VI′ of FIG. 5. A structure of the retainer, the spinner, the bracket, and the water guide will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

The upper hook 22 of the water guide 20 is inserted into the upper hook hole 84 of the bracket 80. The upper projection 24 of the water guide 20 is positioned in the guide groove 82 of the bracket 80.

An upper groove 26 is formed on the water guide 20, which is recessed upwardly to accommodate an end portion of the rotation shaft 70. The upper groove 26 is formed on a lower surface of the upper projection 24 to accommodate an end portion of the rotation shaft 70. The rotation shaft 70 may be securely held in place.

A discharge hole 30 is formed in the lower surface of the water guide 20. The discharge hole 30 is positioned under the upper projection 24. A rim 31 is formed around the discharge hole 30, on the lower surface of the water guide 20.

The rim 31 is positioned around the discharge hole 30, on the lower surface of the water guide 20. The rim 31 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the water guide 20. The rim 31 may be ring-shaped.

An inner column 28 is positioned inside the water guide 20. The inner column 28 is positioned upstream of the discharge hole 30 inside the water guide 20. The inner column 28 is positioned at the rear of the discharge hole 30 inside the water guide 20.

The inner column 28 may distribute water flowing through the discharge hole 30. Thus, it is possible to prevent water flowing down through the discharge hole 30 from continuing to move predominantly forward.

The distance D1 between the inner column 28 and the discharge hole 30 may be shorter than the distance D2 between the discharge hole 30 and a front end portion 33 of the water guide 20.

The spinner 60 is rotatably disposed on the rotation shaft 70. The spinner 60 may be disposed higher than the first peripheral rib 42 or the horizontal ribs 48. The spinner 60 may be positioned lower than the second peripheral rib 44.

The rotation shaft 70 includes a first rotation shaft 72 positioned in the shaft hole 68 of the spinner 60 and a second rotation shaft 74 connected to the water guide 20. The thickness 72d of the first rotation shaft 72 may be larger than the thickness 74d of the second rotation shaft 74.

The second rotation shaft 74 is positioned in such a way as to penetrate the discharge hole 30.

The second rotation shaft 74 is positioned over the first rotation shaft 72. A sloping surface 76 along which the rotation shaft 70 becomes thicker from top to bottom is formed between the second rotation shaft 74 and the first rotation shaft 72.

Water flowing down through the discharge hole 30 may be dispersed radially as it makes contact with the sloping surface 76.

The retainer 40 is positioned in such a way as to be secured to the bracket 80. The retainer 40 is secured to the bracket 80 as the front hook 86 is inserted into the front fixing portion 54.

The first peripheral rib 42 and the horizontal ribs 48 may be positioned under the spinner 60.

The vertical rib 46 may be positioned longitudinally apart from the spinner 60. The second peripheral rib 44 may be positioned at the same height as or higher than the lower surface of the water guide 20.

The rear rib 52 may be positioned under the lower surface of the water guide 20.

The rotation shaft 70 may be formed integrally with the central plate 50. The rotation shaft 70 may extend upward from the central plate 50.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along VII-VII′ of FIG. 5. An inside structure of the water guide will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

An inner column 28 is positioned inside the water guide 20. The rotation shaft 70 may be positioned inside the water guide 20. The discharge hole 30 is located where the rotation shaft 70 is positioned.

Accordingly, the discharge hole 30 is positioned in front of the inner column 28. The inner column 28 may be roughly in the shape of a rectangular cylinder. The inner column 28 allows for lateral distribution of water flowing toward the front where the discharge hole 30 is positioned.

Both left and right edges 32 of the front end portion 33 inside the water guide 20 may be curved. Thus, when water is moving forward, distributed by the inner column 28, the water may flow along the left and right edges 32 of the front end portion 33, creating a flow of water at the rear where the discharge hole 30 is formed.

That is, water moving forward from the rear of the discharge hole 30 and water moving backward from the front thereof may be mixed and released via the discharge hole 30. Thus, it is possible to minimize the tendency of water continuing to move predominantly forward or backward when the water is flowing along the discharge hole 30.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a sprayer according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The sprayer according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

Hereinafter, a construction of the sprayer will be described based on the differences with FIG. 2.

The sprayer 10 includes a water guide 20. An upper hook 22 for fixing the bracket 80 is positioned on an upper surface of the water guide 20. An upper projection 24 which protrudes upward is positioned on the upper surface of the water guide.

The sprayer 10 includes a spinner 60. The spinner 60 includes a rotating plate 62 and a plurality of vanes 66 protruding upward from an upper surface of the rotating plate 62.

The sprayer 10 includes a retainer 40 that supports the rotation of the spinner 60.

The retainer 40 includes a first peripheral rib 42 and a second peripheral rib 44 positioned above the first peripheral rib 42.

The retainer 40 includes a plurality of horizontal ribs 48 extending inward from the first peripheral rib 42 and a central plate 50 positioned inside the first peripheral rib 42.

The retainer 40 according to this embodiment does not include the rotation shaft 70. There is no rotating plate 70 positioned on the central plate 50.

The retainer 40 includes a vertical rib 46 which extends vertically.

The retainer 40 includes a front fixing portion 54 and a side fixing portion 56 which are attached to the bracket 80 or the water guide 20.

The sprayer 10 includes the bracket 80. The bracket 80 is attached to the water guide 20. The bracket 80 is attached to the retainer 40.

The bracket 80 includes a bracket body 81.

A guide groove 82 and an upper hook hole 84 are formed on an upper surface of the bracket body 81.

The bracket 80 includes a front hook 86 protruding forward from a front surface of the bracket body 81 and a side hook 88 protruding laterally from a side surface of the bracket body 81.

The bracket 80 includes a first side projection 90 and a second side projection 92 which protrude from the side surface of the bracket body 81.

Although not shown, the rotation shaft 70 has a structure in which it is attached to the water guide 20. The positioning and coupling structure of the rotation shaft 70 will be described below with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a water guide of the sprayer according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. A rotation shaft positioned in the water guide will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

A discharge hole 30 is formed in the lower surface of the water guide 20. The water guide 20 includes a rotation shaft 70 that penetrates the discharge hole 30 and extends downward.

The rotation shaft 70 includes a first rotation shaft 72 positioned in the shaft hole 68 of the spinner 60 and a second rotation shaft 74 positioned over the first rotation shaft 72 and connected to the water guide 20.

The thickness of the first rotation shaft 72 is larger than the thickness of the second rotation shaft 74. A sloping surface 76 whose diameter becomes larger toward the bottom is formed between the first rotation shaft 72 and the second rotation shaft 74.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of one side of the sprayer according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The positioning and coupling structure of the rotation shaft will be described below with reference to FIG. 10.

The rotation shaft 70 is positioned under the upper projection 24 of the water guide 20. The rotation shaft 70 extends downward from an inner surface of the water guide 20.

The rotation shaft 70 penetrates the discharge hole 30 formed in the lower surface of the water guide 20 and extends downward.

The rotation shaft 70 includes a second rotation shaft 74 connected to the water guide 20 and a first rotation shaft 72 positioned under the second rotation shaft 74 and connected to the spinner 60.

The first rotation shaft 72 is positioned in the shaft hole 68 of the spinner 60. The bottom of the first rotation shaft 72 is positioned in such a way as to make contact with the central plate 50 of the retainer 40.

The second rotation shaft 74 is positioned in such a way as to penetrate the discharge hole 30.

A groove is formed on an upper surface of the central plate 50, recessed downwardly where the central plate 50 makes contact with the rotation shaft 70. The bottom of the rotation shaft 70 may make contact with the groove portion which is recessed downwardly from the central plate 50. Part of the spinner 60 may be positioned in the groove portion which is recessed downwardly from the central plate 50.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a sprayer according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of a water guide of the sprayer according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of one side of the sprayer according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, the sprayer according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11 through FIG. 13.

The description will focus on the structure and positioning of the rotation shaft 70 for which there are differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, the first rotation shaft 72 is positioned on the central plate 50 of the retainer 40. The first rotation shaft 72 protrudes upward from an upper surface of the central plate 50. The first rotation shaft 72 is positioned in the shaft hole 68 of the spinner 60.

The first rotation shaft 72 includes a coupling projection 72a protruding upward from an upper end. The coupling projection 72a protrudes upward from an upper surface of the first rotation shaft 72.

Referring to FIG. 12, a second rotation shaft 74 coupled to the first rotation shaft 72 is positioned in the water guide 20. The second rotation shaft 74 penetrates the discharge hole 30 formed in a lower surface of the water guide 20 and extends downward. The second rotation shaft 74 is positioned in such a way as to penetrate the discharge hole 30.

The second rotation shaft 74 includes a sloping surface 76 whose cross-sectional diameter becomes wider under the discharge hole 30.

The second rotation shaft 74 includes a rotation shaft coupling portion 75 which extends downward from the sloping surface 76 and is coupled to the first rotation shaft 72. An upwardly-recessed coupling portion groove 75a is formed at the center of the rotation shaft coupling portion 75.

The coupling projection 72a of the first rotation shaft 72 is accommodated in the coupling portion groove 75a of the second rotation shaft 74. The rotation shaft coupling portion 75 may have the same diameter as the first rotation shaft 72.

When the retainer 40 is mounted to the bracket 80 or the water guide 20, the first rotation shaft 72 and the second rotation shaft 74 may be coupled together. When the retainer 40 is mounted to the bracket 80 or the water guide 20, the coupling projection 72a of the first rotation shaft 72 is accommodated in the coupling portion groove 75a of the second rotation shaft 74.

When the retainer 40 is mounted to the bracket 80 or the water guide 20, the first rotation shaft 72 is positioned in the shaft hole 68 of the spinner 60. When the retainer 40 is mounted to the bracket 80 or the water guide 20, the rotation shaft coupling portion 75 of the second rotation shaft 74 is positioned in the shaft hole 68 of the spinner 60.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a sprayer according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the sprayer according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the sprayer according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15.

The sprayer according to the fourth embodiment does not include a bracket. Thus, the retainer 40 is directly connected to the water guide 20.

A construction of the sprayer will be described based on the differences with the sprayer according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

An upper projection 24 which protrudes upward is positioned on the upper surface of the water guide 20. The upper projection 24 may be positioned over the discharge hole 30. The upper projection 24 may form an upper groove 26 on the inside.

A front hook 86 which protrudes forward is positioned on a front surface of the water guide 20. A side hook 88 which protrudes laterally is positioned on a side surface of the water guide 20.

The front hook 86 may be caught on the front fixing portion 54 of the retainer 40. The side hook 88 may be caught on the side fixing portion 56 of the retainer 40.

Thus, the retainer 40 may be directly coupled to the water guide 20.

The retainer 40 includes a first peripheral rib 42 and a second peripheral rib 44 positioned above the first peripheral rib 42.

The retainer 40 includes a plurality of horizontal ribs 48 which extend inward from the first peripheral rib 42 and a vertical rib 46 which extends vertically.

The sprayer 10 includes a spinner 60.

The spinner 60 may rotate and distribute water falling down through the discharge hole 30 radially outward.

The spinner 60 includes a disc-shaped rotating plate 62 and a plurality of vanes 66 protruding upward from an upper surface of the rotating plate 62.

The rotating plate 62 has a plate hole 64 formed between the plurality of vanes 66. The plate hole 64 may open upward and downward between the plurality of vanes 66. The plate hole 64 may be formed in different sizes and shapes between the plurality of vanes 66.

A shaft hole 68 through which a rotation shaft 70 to be described later penetrates is formed at the center of the rotating plate 62

The plurality of vanes 66 may be shaped to extend helically from the center of the rotating plate 62.

The sprayer 10 includes a retainer 40 that supports the rotation of the spinner 60.

The retainer 40 may support the rotation of the spinner 60. The retainer 40 is secured to the water guide 20 via the bracket 80. The retainer 40 may be hooked to the bracket 80.

The retainer 40 includes a rear rib 52 which connects rear ends of the second peripheral rib 44 together. The rear rib 52 may be positioned lower than the second peripheral rib 44.

The retainer 40 includes a front fixing portion 54 and a side fixing portion 56 which are attached to the bracket 80 or the water guide 20.

The front fixing portion 54 may be positioned at the front of the second peripheral rib 44. The side fixing portion 56 may be positioned at a side of the second peripheral rib 44. The side fixing portion 56 may be positioned where the second peripheral rib 44 and the rear rib 52 are connected.

The second peripheral rib 44 may be positioned in such a way as to make contact with the water guide 20. The second peripheral rib 44 may be positioned in such a way as to make contact with the front surface and side surface of the water guide 20.

The second peripheral rib 44 may be positioned above the first peripheral rib 42. The second peripheral rib 44 may be positioned a certain distance above the first peripheral rib 42.

The second peripheral rib 44 may be formed to be larger than the first peripheral rib 42.

The spinner 60 may be positioned over the first peripheral rib 42 or the horizontal rib 48. The spinner 60 may be positioned lower than the second peripheral rib 44.

The second peripheral rib 44 may be positioned at the same height as or higher than the lower surface of the water guide 20.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a sprayer according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the sprayer according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, the sprayer according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17. As for the structure of the sprayer according to the fifth embodiment, the water guide and the rotation shaft positioned therein may be formed in the same structure as the one illustrated in FIG. 12. Thus, the structure of the water guide and the second rotation shaft positioned therein can be described with reference to FIG. 12.

An upper projection 24 which protrudes upward is positioned on the upper surface of the water guide 20. The upper projection 24 may be positioned over the discharge hole 30.

The sprayer 10 includes a retainer 40 that supports the rotation of the spinner 60.

The retainer 40 may be directly connected to the water guide 20.

The retainer 40 includes a central plate 50 positioned under the spinner 60. The rotation shaft 70 may be positioned on an upper surface of the central plate 50.

The first rotation shaft 72 is positioned on the central plate 50 of the retainer 40. The first rotation shaft 72 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the central plate 50. The first rotation shaft 72 is positioned in the shaft hole 68 of the spinner 60.

The first rotation shaft 72 includes a coupling projection 72a protruding upward from an upper end. The coupling projection 72a protrudes upward from an upper surface of the first rotation shaft 72.

The sprayer 10 includes a spinner 60.

The spinner 60 may rotate and distribute water falling down through the discharge hole 30 radially outward.

The spinner 60 includes a disc-shaped rotating plate 62 and a plurality of vanes 66 protruding upward from an upper surface of the rotating plate 62.

The rotating plate 62 has a plate hole 64 formed between the plurality of vanes 66. The plate hole 64 may open upward and downward between the plurality of vanes 66. The plate hole 64 may be formed in different sizes and shapes between the plurality of vanes 66.

A shaft hole 68 through which a rotation shaft 70 to be described later penetrates is formed at the center of the rotating plate 62

The plurality of vanes 66 may be shaped to extend helically from the center of the rotating plate 62.

A second rotation shaft 74 (see FIG. 12) coupled to the first rotation shaft 72 is positioned in the water guide 20. The second rotation shaft 74 penetrates the discharge hole 30 formed in a lower surface of the water guide 20 and extends downward. The second rotation shaft 74 is positioned in such a way as to penetrate the discharge hole 30.

The second rotation shaft 74 includes a sloping surface 76 whose cross-sectional diameter becomes wider under the discharge hole 30.

The second rotation shaft 74 includes a rotation shaft coupling portion 75 (see FIG. 12) which extends downward from the sloping surface 76 and is coupled to the first rotation shaft 72. An upwardly-recessed coupling portion groove 75a (see FIG. 12) is formed at the center of the rotation shaft coupling portion 75.

The coupling projection 72a of the first rotation shaft 72 is accommodated in the coupling portion groove 75a of the second rotation shaft 74. The rotation shaft coupling portion 75 may have the same diameter as the first rotation shaft 72.

The first rotation shaft 72 and the second rotation shaft 74 are coupled together. The first rotation shaft 72 and the second rotation shaft 74 may be coupled together by an adhesive means (not shown). The first rotation shaft 72 may be coupled to the second rotation shaft 74 by welding.

Thus, when the retainer 40 including the first rotation shaft 72 is attached to the water guide 20 including the second rotation shaft 74, the spinner 60 may rotate stably with respect to the rotation shafts 72 and 74.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of one side of a sprayer according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, the sprayer according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 18.

The sprayer includes a water guide 20.

A discharge hole 30 is formed in the lower surface of the water guide 20. The water guide 20 includes a rotation shaft 70 that penetrates the discharge hole 30 and extends downward.

The rotation shaft 70 includes a first rotation shaft 72 positioned in the shaft hole 68 of the spinner 60 and a second rotation shaft 74 positioned over the first rotation shaft 72 and connected to the water guide 20.

The thickness of the first rotation shaft 72 is larger than the thickness of the second rotation shaft 74. A sloping surface 76 whose diameter becomes larger toward the bottom is formed between the first rotation shaft 72 and the second rotation shaft 74.

The rotation shaft 70 is positioned under the upper projection 24 of the water guide 20. The rotation shaft 70 extends downward from an inner surface of the water guide 20.

The rotation shaft 70 penetrates the discharge hole 30 formed in the lower surface of the water guide 20 and extends downward.

The rotation shaft 70 includes a second rotation shaft 74 connected to the water guide 20 and a first rotation shaft 72 positioned under the second rotation shaft 74 and connected to the spinner 60.

The first rotation shaft 72 is positioned in the shaft hole 68 of the spinner 60. The bottom of the first rotation shaft 72 is positioned in such a way as to make contact with the central plate 50 of the retainer 40.

The second rotation shaft 74 is positioned in such a way as to penetrate the discharge hole 30.

The sprayer 10 includes a retainer 40 that supports the rotation of the spinner 60. The retainer 40 is positioned under the first rotation shaft 72. The retainer 40 may be a structure that protrudes radially from the bottom of the first rotation shaft 72.

The retainer 40 may have a sloping structure in which its radial protrusion length increases from the bottom to the top of the first rotation shaft 72. This makes it easy to mount the spinner 60 from the top along the retainer 40. For that matter, with the spinner 60 positioned over the retainer 40, the spinner 60 will not easily fall out downward through the retainer 40.

While the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned specific exemplary embodiments, various modifications may be made by a person with ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the subject matters of the present disclosure that are claimed in the claims, and these modifications should not be appreciated individually from the technical spirit or prospect of the present disclosure.