CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Field of the Disclosure
[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a coupling and decoupling jig for
a dispenser assembly of a dishwasher, more particularly, a jig used in coupling or
decoupling a dispenser assembly to or from an inner space of a door provided in a
dishwasher.
Background of the Disclosure
[0003] Dishwashers are the apparatuses configured to remove food scraps which remains on
dishes or cooking tools (hereinafter, washing objects) using wash water.
[0004] At this time, dishwasher detergents or rinse may be used so as to shorten the duration
time of the dishwasher. Such dishwasher detergents or rinse may be stored in a dispenser
assembly mounted to an inner surface of a door and selectively supplied into the dishwasher
according to a procedure of a wash cycle.
[0005] Meanwhile, if there is some error in the dispenser assembly, a new dispenser assembly
has to be provided. However, there are no tools for decoupling or coupling the dispenser
assembly to the dishwasher and there might be concern about damage to the door while
replacing the malfunctioned dispenser assembly with a new one.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to address the above-noted and
other problems. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a jig for coupling
and decoupling a dispenser assembly to a dishwasher, without damage to a door of the
dishwasher.
[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a decoupling jig for a dispenser
assembly of a dishwasher provided to decouple the dispenser assembly detachably coupled
to an inner panel of a dishwasher door comprises a plate-shaped handle; and an insert
portion extended from one side of the handle and configured to be inserted between
the inner panel and the dispenser assembly to separate the inner panel from the dispenser
assembly.
[0008] An inclined surface may be provided in one end of the insert portion.
[0009] The insert portion may comprise a plurality of plates which are spaced a preset distance
apart from each other.
[0010] A slipperiness preventing portion is carved or embossed on a surface of the handle.
[0011] The slipperiness preventing portion may be configured to display information about
the insertion location or direction of the insert portion.
[0012] The decoupling jig for the dispenser assembly of the dishwasher may further comprise
a hook portion which forms a boundary between the handle and the insert portion.
[0013] The hook portion may be thicker than the insert portion.
[0014] The hook portion may be configured to contact with a rear surface of the dispenser
assembly.
[0015] The door may further comprise an outer panel located in opposite to the inner panel
and defining an exterior design of the door.
[0016] The inner panel may comprise an opening for insertedly coupling the dispenser assembly.
The inner panel may comprise a plurality of flanges projected toward the outer panel
from an area near the opening and allowing the dispenser assembly inserted in the
opening to be held.
[0017] The insert portion may be inserted between the dispenser assembly and the flange.
[0018] The decoupling jig for the dispenser assembly of the dishwasher may further comprise
at least one first decoupling jig inserted in an upward or downward direction of the
dispenser assembly. The decoupling jig may comprise at least one second decoupling
jig inserted in a lateral direction of the dispenser assembly.
[0019] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a coupling jig for a dispenser assembly
of a dishwasher provided to decouple the dispenser assembly detachably coupled to
an inner panel of a dishwasher door comprises a support portion configured to support
the dispenser assembly inserted via the opening in a rearward direction of the inner
panel; and a side wall bend from the support portion and configured to contact with
a rear surface of the inner panel.
[0020] A through hole may be provided in the support portion and configured to allow the
dispenser assembly to be visible with a naked eye.
[0021] The side wall may be configured to surround the dispenser assembly inserted via the
opening.
[0022] According to at least one of the embodiments, when using the coupling and decoupling
jigs for the dispenser assembly in accordance with the embodiments of the present
disclosure, the dispenser assembly may be coupled or decoupled smoothly and easily,
without damage to the door.
[0023] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from
the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that
the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments
of the invention, are given by illustration only, since various changes and modifications
within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled
in the art from this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description
given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which are given by illustration
only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective diagrams illustrating one example of the dishwasher
in accordance with the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a door inner panel and a dispenser assembly of FIG.
1;
FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram illustrating a state where an outer panel is removed
from the door of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram illustrating the dispenser assembly of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of 'A' showing a state where the dispenser assembly is
removed from FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram illustrating a coupling jig for a dispenser assembly
in accordance with the present disclosure;
FIG. 8 is a sectional diagram partially illustrating a process of coupling the dispenser
assembly to the inner panel of the door by using the coupling jig for the dispenser
assembly of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a perspective diagram illustrating a decoupling jig for a dispenser assembly
in accordance with the present disclosure; and
FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating a process of decoupling the dispenser assembly
from the inner panel of the door by using the decoupling jig for the dispenser assembly
of FIG. 9.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Description will now be given in detail according to exemplary embodiments disclosed
herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description
with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components may be provided
with the same reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated. The
accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features
and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited
by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed
to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which
are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings.
[0026] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein
to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms.
These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another. It will
be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected with" another
element, the element can be directly connected with the other element or intervening
elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being
"directly connected with" another element, there are no intervening elements present.
The terminology used in the present disclosure is used only to describe specific embodiments,
not intended to limit the present disclosure. A singular representation may include
a plural representation unless it represents a definitely different meaning from the
context.
[0027] Referring to the accompanying drawings, preferred examples of a dishwasher in accordance
with the present disclosure will described.
[0028] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective diagrams illustrating one example of the dishwasher
in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the dishwasher includes a housing 1 defining an exterior
appearance; a tub 2 provided in the housing 1 and providing a washing space 21; a
door 3 for selectively opening/closing the washing space 21; a base 4 for supporting
the tub 2; one or more racks 5 provided in the tub 2 and in which washing objects
are accommodated; a sump (not shown) for storing wash water; one or more injection
arm 6 for injecting wash water to the washing objects; and a sealing member 9 disposed
between the tub 2 and the door 3 and preventing leakage of wash water.
[0030] The washing space 21 is formed in the tub 2 and the tub 2 has one open side. The
open side is able to be selectively open and closed by the door 3.
[0031] Hereinafter, the direction in which the open side of the tub 2 is located may be
defined as 'the forward direction' of the tub 2. In other words, the forward direction
means a positive direction of X-axis and a backward direction means a negative direction
of X-axis. A side direction of the tub 2 means Y-axis. An upward direction of the
tub 2 means a positive direction of Z-axis and a downward direction means a negative
direction of Z-axis.
[0032] The tub 2 may include a tub bottom 23 defining a bottom of the washing space 21,
a pair of tub walls and a tub top. A filter 7 configured be inserted in the sump and
the injection arm 6 may be coupled to the tub bottom 23. The wash water injected toward
the dishwashing objects from the injection arm 6 falls to the tub bottom 23 and passes
the filter 7 only to be collected in the sump.
[0033] The door 3 is rotatably coupled to the housing 1 to selectively open and close the
washing space 21. For example, a lower portion of the door 3 may be hingedly coupled
to the housing 1 as shown in FIG. 2. In this instance, the door 3 may be rotatable
on the lower portion to open and close the tub 2.
[0034] Meanwhile, the door 3 has to be rotatable so as to require somewhat space near its
axis and the space between the tub 20 and the door 3 seems to be sealed completely.
In other words,. A predetermined gap may be formed between the tub bottom 23 and the
door 3 so that wash water might leak outside through the gap. At this time, a sealing
member 9 may prevent the gap between the tub bottom 23 and the door by sealing the
gap.
[0035] In one embodiment, the door 3 may include an inner panel 31 provided in the washing
space 21; an outer panel 33 provided in opposite to the inner panel 31 and defining
an exterior design of the door 3; and a dispenser assembly 35 coupled to the inner
panel 31 and configured to supply dishwasher detergent to the washing space 21. When
the door 3 is closed (see FIG. 1), the outer panel 33 may be exposed outside. When
the door 3 is open (see FIG. 2), the inner panel 31 may be exposed outside.
[0036] A coupling unit 32 may be provided in the inner panel 31 to couple the dispenser
assembly 35. A predetermined area of the inner panel 31 is recessed from toward the
outer panel 33 to form the coupling unit 32 so as to fixedly couple the dispenser
assembly 35 to the inner panel 31. The dispenser assembly 35 may store dishwasher
detergent and rinse therein and detachably coupled to the coupling unit 32 toward
the washing space 21. The coupling unit 32 and the dispenser assembly 35 will be described
in detail, referring to FIGS. 3 through 6.
[0037] The outer panel 33 may include a control panel 8 configured to control the dishwasher.
The control panel 8 may include a power switch 81 for switching the power of the dishwasher
on and off; a manipulation unit 83 for allowing the user to input a control command
for the dishwasher; and a display unit 85 configured to display an operational state
of the dishwasher.
[0038] Meanwhile, it is shown in FIG. 1 that the control panel 8 is formed as a part of
the outer panel 33 and the embodiments are not limited thereto. The control panel
8 may be provided in diverse types. As one example, the control panel 8 may be provided
as an independent part from the outer panel 33 and fixed to the housing 1. In this
case, the control panel 8 will not rotate together with the door 3 even when the door
3 is open.
[0039] The base 4 may be provided underneath the housing 1 to support the tub 2 so that
the tub 2 can be located at a predetermined height. Some space is formed in the base
4 and the space may accommodate diverse such mechanical devices as the sump and a
steam generator and the like.
[0040] The rack 5 is provided to accommodate the dishwashing objects and one or more racks
may be provided in the tub 2. In FIG. 2, only one rack 5 is installed in an upper
portion of the tub 2. That is shown for easy explanation sake and the embodiments
are not limited thereto. As one example, the dishwasher may include two or more racks
which are vertically spaced a preset distance apart from each other.
[0041] The racks 5 may be taken out outside the tub 2 through the open side. The user is
able to put dishwashing objects on the rack 5 and take out the washed objects from
the rack 5.
[0042] The sump is supplied water from an external water supply source and configured to
circulate the stored water within the dishwasher. More specifically, the water stored
in the sump may be injected to the dishwashing objects put on the racks 5 via the
injection arm 6. The injected water may fall to the tub bottom 23 and pass the filter
7 to be collected in the sump.
[0043] The injection arms 6 may be rotatably secured to the tub bottom 23 and configured
to inject wash water toward the dishwashing objects stored in the rack 5. At this
time, the injection arms 6 may inject the wash water while rotating. Compared with
the injection arms 6 configured to inject wash water in a state of standing still,
the injection arms in accordance with the embodiment can increase an injection range
of the wash water. Accordingly, the washing effect of the dishwasher can be increased.
[0044] Meanwhile, the wash water injected via the injection arms 6 may fall to the tub bottom
23 after colliding with the dishwashing objects stored on the racks 5. However, the
wash water may be injected in diverse directions and the shapes of the dishwashing
objects are unequal. The falling wash water may form flow paths in diverse directions.
The wash water flowing toward the filter 7 can be collected in the sump directly and
the other wash water flowing toward a side wall or a rear wall of the tub 2 is almost
safe from leaking outside the dishwasher.
[0045] However, complete sealing may not be provided between the door 3 and the tub bottom
23 and some gap might be formed. The wash water flowing toward the open side of the
tub 2. To prevent that, the sealing member 9 may be installed between the inner panel
31 of the door 3 and the tub bottom 23. The sealing member 9 is formed of an elastic
material so as to keep the shape even in the repeated opening/closing of the door
3. In addition, the wash water can be effectively closed by the airtight closing of
the tub bottom 23.
[0046] Hereinafter, the coupling structure of the dispenser assembly 35 will be described
in detail, referring to FIGS. 3 through 6.
[0047] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a door inner panel and a dispenser assembly of FIG.
1. FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram illustrating a state where an outer panel is removed
from the door of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram illustrating
the dispenser assembly of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of 'A' showing a state
where the dispenser assembly is removed from FIG. 4.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 6, the coupling unit 32 may be provided in the inner
panel 31 of the door 3 and the dispenser assembly 35 may be rotatably coupled to the
coupling unit 32.
[0049] A predetermined portion of the inner panel 31 is recessed toward the outer panel
33 to form the coupling unit 32 and the outer panel 33 may be closed airtight by the
outer panel 33. In other words, in a state where the door is closed, the coupling
portion 32 may be covered by the outer panel 33 not to be exposed outside.
[0050] The dispenser assembly 35 may be rotatably coupled to the coupling unit 32. More
specifically, the dispenser assembly 35 is a consumable supply. If necessary, the
dispenser assembly 35 may be coupled or decoupled to or from the coupling portion
32fo the inner panel 31.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the dispenser assembly 35 may include a dispenser body 351 rotatably
coupled to the coupling unit 32 of the inner panel 31; dishwasher detergent supply
unit 353 coupled to the dispenser body 351 and configured to supply dishwasher detergent
to the washing space 21; and a rinse supply unit 355 coupled to the dispenser body
351 and configured to supply rinse to the washing space 21. As the dispenser body
351 is inserted in the coupling unit 32 of the inner panel 31, the dishwasher detergent
supply unit 353 and the rinse supply unit 355 may be installed toward the washing
space 21.
[0052] In the dispenser body 351 may be provided a controller implemented to control the
opening and closing of the dishwasher detergent supply unit 353 and the rinse supply
unit 355 and a power supply unit configured to supply the electric power to the controller.
[0053] The dishwasher detergent supply unit 353 may include a dishwasher detergent body
3531 defining a chamber (not shown) for accommodating the dishwasher detergents; a
dishwasher detergent box cover 3533 for selectively opening and closing the dishwasher
detergent box 3531; and an open part 3535 for opening the dishwasher detergent box
cover 3533 manually.
[0054] When the door 3 is open, the dishwasher detergent box cover 3533 is arranged upwards.
At this time, the user pushes the open part 3535, the dishwasher detergent box cover
3533 is sliding and an inside of the dishwasher detergent box 3531 is exposed to be
ready to supply the dishwasher detergent. The user loads the dishwasher detergent
into the box and slidingly moves the dishwasher detergent box cover 3533 to re-close
the dishwasher detergent box 3531.
[0055] After that, a wash cycle is performed based on a selected course and the dishwasher
detergent box cover 3533 may be automatically open and closed by the controller provided
in the dispenser body 351.
[0056] The rinse supply unit 355 may include a rinse box 3551 for storing rinse therein;
a rinse box cover 3553 rotatably coupled to the rinse box 3551 and configured to selectively
open and close the rinse box 3551; and a plurality of rinse outlet holes 3555 formed
in the rinse box cover 3553. The user is able to open the rinse box cover 3553 and
fill the lack of rinse in the rinse box 3551. The rinse may be supplied to the washing
space 21 via the rinse outlet holes 3555.
[0057] Meanwhile, FIG. 5 illustrates that the rinse box cover 3553 is rotatably coupled
to the rinse box 3551 and the embodiments are not limited thereto. As one example,
the rinse box cover 3553 may be installed to be slidingly movable like the dishwasher
detergent box cover 3533.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 6, the coupling unit 32 may be formed by making a recess in the
inner panel 31 toward the outer panel 33. That is to prevent the dispenser assembly
35 from being too projected toward the washing space 21. When the dispenser assembly
35 is too projected above the inner panel 33 in a state where the door 3 is open (see
FIG. 2), the moving out process of the racks 5 might not be performed smoothly.
[0059] The coupling unit 32 may include an opening 321 in which the dispenser body 351 is
inserted; and a plurality of flanges 322 for fixing the dispenser body 351 in the
opening 321.
[0060] The opening 321 has a corresponding shape to the dispenser body 351 and a preset
size which is big enough to accommodate the dispenser body 351. Hereinafter, for easy
explanation sake, all of the dispenser body 351 and the opening 321 of the coupling
unit 32 are formed in a rectangular shape.
[0061] The flanges 322 may be projected from a neighboring area of the opening 321 toward
the outer panel 33 and contact with the dispenser body 351 inserted in the opening
321. In case the opening 321 is formed in a rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 6,
four flanges 322 may be projected from four sides of the opening 321 toward the outer
panel 33 (the positive direction of X-axis).
[0062] In contrast, the flanges 322 may be projected from the inner panel 31 toward the
washing space 21. However, in this instance, it could be difficult to insert the dispenser
assembly 35 in the opening 321. To insert or take out the dispenser assembly 35 smoothly,
it is preferred that the flanges 322 are projected toward the outer panel 33.
[0063] In one embodiment, one of the flanges 322 may be extended from the inner panel 31
toward the outer panel 33, while inclinedly extended toward the other opposite one.
In other words, one end of the opposite flange 322 may be inclinedly extended toward
the inside of the opening 321. In this instance, the flange 322 may prevent the separation
of the dispenser assembly 35 from the opening 321.
[0064] The flange 322 may be formed of an elastic material. More specifically, the flanges
322 are inclinedly extended toward the opposite flanges 322 and a gap between ends
of the opposite flanges 322 may be smaller than the width of the opening 321. Accordingly,
the dispenser body 351 has to be inserted in the opening 321 while pushing the flanges
322 so that the flanges 322 can be then elastically deformable. Once the insertion
of the dispenser body 351 is complete, the elastic restoring force makes the flanges
322 press the outside of the dispenser body 351 strongly and the strong compressive
force makes the dispenser assembly 35 stably secured to the inner panel 31. Accordingly,
it is preferred that the flanges 322 are formed of an elastic material.
[0065] In one embodiment, the end of the flange 322 may be partially more projected than
the area near the flange so that only a predetermined area of the projected end can
contact with the dispenser body 351.
[0066] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 illustrating upper and lower portions of the
opening 321, the flange 322 may be formed in a plate shape with the uniform width.
In contrast, as shown in FIG. 6 illustrating both lateral sides of the opening 321,
the predetermined area of the end of the flange 322 may be more projected than the
neighboring area. In this instance, only the projected end portion may contact with
the dispenser body 351 and the dispenser body may be easily decoupled from the coupling
unit 32 more easily than the entire area of the flange 322 is configured to contact
with the dispenser body 351.
[0067] Meanwhile, the dispenser body 351 has to be inserted in the opening 321 to a proper
depth. Unless the dispenser body 351 is inserted to the proper depth, the flange 322
is likely to damage or the dispenser assembly 35 might fail to operate smoothly.
[0068] More specifically, if the dispenser body 351 is inserted to a too shallow depth,
the dispenser body 351 might fail to contact with the flange 322 sufficiently and
the dispenser assembly 35 might fail to be stably coupled. If the dispenser body 351
is inserted too deep, the flanges 322 might be damaged (which is plastic deformation).
In addition, the interference between the dispenser assembly 35 and the inner panel
31 might cause abnormal operation of the dishwasher detergent supply unit 353 or the
rinse supply unit 355.
[0069] As mentioned above, the dispenser assembly 35 has to be inserted in the opening 321
of the coupling unit32 to a predetermined proper depth. However, the standard of "the
proper depth" is unclear and the reality is that the standard depends on a skilled
worker's technical know-how. However, every installation engineer cannot be the skilled
worker and the proper insertion depth may be variable according to the model, which
might be a disadvantage. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the dispenser
assembly 35 is guided to be inserted to a proper depth by using a coupling jig for
the dispenser assembly 100 to solve such a disadvantage. The coupling jig 100 will
be described in detail, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0070] Meanwhile, the dispenser assembly 35 is fixedly coupled by the flanges 322. To decouple
the dispenser assembly 35, the flanges 322 have to be separated from the dispenser
assembly 35. However, there is no a decoupling device only for the dispenser assembly
35. A flat-head screwdriver, a chisel or other types of tools may be inserted between
the dispenser assembly 35and the flanges 322 and forcibly separate the flanges 322
from the dispenser assembly 35. In this instance, there is a strong possibility of
damage to the flanges 322 by the inserted screwdriver. The embodiments of the present
disclosure provide a decoupling jig 200 for the dispenser assembly which is capable
of decoupling the dispenser assembly 35 easily to prevent the damage to the flanges
322, which will be described later, referring to FIGS. 9 through 11.
[0071] FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram illustrating a coupling jig for a dispenser assembly
in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a sectional diagram partially
illustrating a process of coupling the dispenser assembly to the inner panel of the
door by using the coupling jig for the dispenser assembly of FIG. 7.
[0072] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the coupling jig 100 for the dispenser assembly includes
a support portion 110 supporting the dispenser body 351; and a side wall 120 configured
to adjust the insertion depth of the dispenser body 351 by contacting with the inner
panel 31.
[0073] At this time, the coupling jig 100 for the dispenser assembly may have a corresponding
shape to the dispenser body 351. For example, when the dispenser body 351 has a hexahedron
shape, the coupling jig 100 for the dispenser assembly may also have a hexahedron
box shape with one open side. The coupling jig 100 for the dispenser assembly may
accommodate the dispenser body 351 inserted in the opening 321 by contacting with
the coupling unit 32.
[0074] The dispenser body 351 inserted in the coupling unit 32 may contact with the support
portion 110 may stop the dispenser assembly 35 from being inserted further by supporting
the dispenser assembly 35.
[0075] In one embodiment, a through hole 111 may be formed in the support portion 110 and
the through hole 111 may allow the user to observe the coupling process of the dispenser
assembly 35 with the naked eye only to enhance ease of work.
[0076] The side wall 120 is bent from the support portion 110 to surround the support portion
110. The side wall 120 may surround the dispenser body 351 inserted in the opening
321 of the coupling unit 32 and one end of the side wall may in contact with the coupling
unit 32 of the inner panel 31. In other words, the side wall 120 may adjust the insertion
depth of the dispenser assembly 35 by maintaining the gap between the coupling unit
32 of the inner panel 31 and the support portion 110.
[0077] In this instance, the side of the support portion 110 and the height of the side
wall 120 may be variable according to the type of the dishwasher or dispenser assembly.
A worker is able to insert the dispenser assembly 35 to the proper depth, only when
selecting a proper coupling jig 100 to the type of the dishwasher or dispenser assembly.
Accordingly, the damage to the inner panel 31 may be prevented and working hours may
be reduced.
[0078] FIG. 9 is a perspective diagram illustrating a decoupling jig for a dispenser assembly
in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 9 (a) illustrates an upper surface
of the decoupling jig for the dispenser assembly and FIG. 9 (b) illustrates a lower
surface of the decoupling jig for the dispenser assembly. FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams
illustrating a process of decoupling the dispenser assembly from the inner panel of
the door by using the decoupling jig for the dispenser assembly of FIG. 9.
[0079] Referring to FIGS. 9 through 11, the decoupling jig 200 for the dispenser assembly
200 may be inserted between the dispenser assembly 35 and the flanges 322 and separate
the dispenser assembly 35 from the flanges 322.
[0080] More specifically, the decoupling jig 200 for the dispenser assembly may include
a first decoupling jig 210 configured to be inserted in an upward or downward direction
of the dispenser assembly 35; and a second decoupling jig 220 configured to be inserted
in a lateral direction of the dispenser assembly 35.
[0081] At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the upward direction, the downward direction and
the lateral direction of the dispenser assembly 35 may be the directions defined with
respect to a state where the dispenser assembly 35 is coupled once the door 3 is closed.
In other words, a positive direction of Z-axis in the state where the door 3 is closed
may be defined as 'the upward direction". A negative direction of Z-axis is defined
as 'the downward direction'. Positive and negative directions of Y-axis are defined
as 'the lateral direction'. Meanwhile, FIG. 10 illustrates that the first decoupling
jig 210 is inserted in the downward direction of the dispenser assembly 35 and the
embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The first decoupling
jig 210 may be inserted in the upward direction of the dispenser assembly 35.
[0082] Meanwhile, when the opening 321 of the coupling portion 32 is provided in the rectangular
shape as shown in FIG. 6, at least three decoupling jigs 210 and 220 are required
so as to facilitate the decoupling process of the dispenser assembly 35. More specifically,
at least three of the four flanges 322 have to be separated from the dispenser body
351 to decouple the dispenser assembly 35 easily. For easy explanation, the decoupling
jig 200 for the dispenser assembly 200 including one first decoupling jig 210 and
two second decoupling jigs 220 will be described hereinafter. However, the embodiments
of the present disclosure are not limited thereto and the decoupling jig 200 may include
two first decoupling jigs 210 and one second decoupling jig 220.
[0083] Referring to FIGS. 9 (a) and (b) again, the first decoupling jig 210 may include
a first handle 211; a first insert portion 213 extended from one side of the first
handle 211; and a second hook portion 215 which forms a boundary between the first
handle 211 and the first insert portion 213.
[0084] The first handle 211 may be formed in a plate shape to be held by the user easily.
The worker is able to insert the first insert portion 213 between the dispenser body
351 and the flanges 322, when applying a force in a state of holding the first handle
211.
[0085] A first slipperiness preventing portion 212 may be provided in one surface of the
first handle 211. For example, the first slipperiness preventing portion 212 may have
the letters carved or embossed on a surface of the first handle 211. In this instance,
the first slipperiness preventing portion 212 may increase the friction between the
worker's hand and the first handle 211 to prevent the accidents caused by the hand
slip.
[0086] Moreover, the first slipperiness preventing portion 212 may provide the worker with
information about the decoupling jig. For example, the first slipperiness preventing
portion 212 may provide information about the insertion location (the bottom) and
the insertion direction (the outside) of the decoupling jig as shown in FIG. 9 (a).
Especially, the information about the insertion direction is related with a location
of an inclined surface 214 which will be described later.
[0087] The first insert portion is configured to be inserted between the dispenser body
351 of the dispenser assembly 35 and the flanges 322. The first inert portion 213
may separate the dispenser body 351 from the flanges 322 to decouple the dispenser
assembly 35 from the coupling unit 32.
[0088] Meanwhile, the first insert portion 213 may be formed in a thin and long plate shape.
Suh a thin long plate shape is weak and likely to break easily. It is preferred that
the first insert portion 213 is configured of plural short plates (see FIG. 9).
[0089] A first inclined surface 214 may be formed in one end of the first insert portion
213. The first inclined surface 214 allows the first insert portion 213 to gradually
become thicker from one end, so that the first insert portion 213 can be smoothly
inserted between the dispenser body 351 and the flanges 322.
[0090] The first hook portion 215 may be thicker than the first insert portion 213 and configured
to prevent the worker's hand from slipping toward the first insert portion 213 to
prevent accidents.
[0091] In addition, the first hook portion 215 may function as a stopper by contacting with
a rear surface of the dispenser body 351 or the flanges 322. In other words, the first
hook portion 215 which is thicker than the first insert portion 213 will not be inserted
between the dispenser body 351 and the flanges 322. Accordingly, when the first hook
portion 2145 contacts with the rear surface of the dispenser body 351 or the end of
the flange 322, the first insert portion 213 will not be inserted further and the
first hook portion 215 may restrict the insertion depth of the first insert portion
213.
[0092] The second decoupling jig 220 is substantially equal or similar to the first decoupling
jig 210 in the shape and structure. Accordingly, only the structure and configuration
of the second decoupling jig 220 will be described in brief and repeated configuration
will be omitted.
[0093] However, the insertion location of the first decoupling jig 210 may be different
from that of the second decoupling jig 220 so that the size of the first decoupling
jig 210 may be different from that of the second decoupling jig 220. FIGS. 9 and 10
illustrate that the second decoupling jig 220 is smaller than the first decoupling
jig 210. Alternatively, the second decoupling jig 220 may be larger than the first
decoupling jig 210.
[0094] The second decoupling jig 220 may include a second handle 221; a second insert portion
223 extended from the second handle 221; and a second hook portion 215 which forms
a boundary between the second handle 221 and the second insert portion 223. A second
slipperiness preventing portion 222 may be provided in one surface of the second handle
221 and a second inclined surface 224 may be provided in one end of the second insert
portion 223.
[0095] Meanwhile, the decoupling jig 200 for the dispenser assembly may further include
a connecting member 230 for connecting the plurality of the decoupling jigs 210 and
220 with each other. The coupling member 230 may be provided to connect the decoupling
jigs 210 and 220 as one body so as to prevent some of the decoupling jigs from being
missing.
[0096] Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 will be described the process for decoupling
the dispenser assembly 35 from the inner panel 31 by using the decoupling jig 200
for the dispenser assembly.
[0097] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the decoupling jig 200 for the dispenser assembly is
inserted between the dispenser assembly 35 and the flange 322 to separate the flange
322 from the dispenser assembly 35.
[0098] More specifically, the first insert portion 213 of the first decoupling jig 210 and
the second insert portion 223 of the second decoupling jig 220 are inserted between
the dispenser body 351 and the flange 322 to separate them from each other. In this
instance, the insertion locations and the insertion directions of the decoupling jigs
210 and 220 may be determined based on the contents displayed on the first and second
slipperiness preventing portions 212 and 222.
[0099] For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the second decoupling jig 220 is located in the
side of the dispenser assembly 35 to locate the second slipperiness preventing portion
222 toward the outside. Hence, the second decoupling jig 220 is inclinedly inserted
between the dispenser body 351 and the flange 322. At this time, the second inclined
surface 351 contacts with the dispenser body 351 and the second inclined surface 351
is relatively thin enough to be inserted between the dispenser body 351 and the flange
322 smoothly and easily. After that, the worker rotates the second handle 221 to make
the second insert portion 223 contact with the dispenser body 351. As the second insert
portion 223 is thicker than the second inclined surface 224, the flange 322 can be
spaced apart from the dispenser body 351 as far as the thickness of the second insert
portion 223.
[0100] The process mentioned above is repeated for the plurality of the decoupling jigs
210 and 220. After that, the worker is able to decouple the dispenser body 351 from
the coupling unit 32 by pulling the dispenser assembly 35 in the negative direction
of X-axis.
[0101] As described above, when using the coupling and decoupling jigs for the dispenser
assembly in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the dispenser
assembly 35 may be coupled or decoupled smoothly and easily, without damage to the
door.
[0102] The foregoing embodiments are merely exemplary and are not to be considered as limiting
the present disclosure. The present teachings can be readily applied to other types
of methods and apparatuses. This description is intended to be illustrative, and not
to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations
will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The features, structures, methods, and
other characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined
in various ways to obtain additional and/or alternative exemplary embodiments. As
the present features may be embodied in several forms without departing from the characteristics
thereof, it should also be understood that the above-described embodiments are not
limited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified,
but rather should be considered broadly within its scope as defined in the appended
claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and
bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metes and bounds, are therefore intended
to be embraced by the appended claims.
1. A decoupling jig configured to decouple a dispenser assembly of a dishwasher from
an inner panel of a dishwasher door, the decoupling jig comprising:
a handle having a plate shape; and
an insert portion that extends from a side of the handle and that is configured to
insert between the inner panel and the dispenser assembly to decouple the dispenser
assembly from the inner panel of the dishwasher door.
2. The decoupling jig of claim 1, wherein the insert portion includes an inclined surface
at an end of the insert portion.
3. The decoupling jig according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert
portion comprises a plurality of plates that are spaced apart from each other by a
distance.
4. The decoupling jig according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle
includes a grip portion that is carved or embossed on a surface of the handle.
5. The decoupling jig of claim 4, wherein the grip portion is configured to convey information
about an insertion location at the dispenser assembly or an insertion direction of
the insert portion with respect to the dispenser assembly.
6. The decoupling jig according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising
a hook portion that defines a boundary between the handle and the insert portion.
7. The decoupling jig of claim 6, wherein the hook portion protrudes outside of the insertion
portion and has a thickness greater than a thickness of the insert portion and wherein
the hook portion is configured to contact an outer surface of the dispenser assembly.
8. The decoupling jig according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dishwasher
door comprises an outer panel that is located opposite of the inner panel and that
defines at least a portion of an exterior of the dishwasher door.
9. The decoupling jig of claim 8, wherein the inner panel defines an opening configured
to receive the dispenser assembly, and
wherein the inner panel comprises a plurality of flanges configured to hold the dispenser
assembly in the opening, the plurality of flanges projecting from an area around the
opening toward the outer panel.
10. The decoupling jig of claim 9, wherein the insert portion is configured to insert
between the dispenser assembly and at least one of the plurality of flanges.
11. The decoupling jig of claim 9 or 10, wherein the insertion portion comprises a first
insertion portion and a second insertion portion spaced apart from the first insertion
portion, and
wherein at least a portion of each flange of the plurality of flanges is configured
to be disposed between a space between the first and second insertion portions.
12. The decoupling jig according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:
at least one first decoupling jig configured to insert between the inner panel and
an upper surface of the dispenser assembly or between the inner panel and a lower
surface of the dispenser assembly; and
at least one second decoupling jig configured to insert between the inner panel and
a lateral surface of the dispenser assembly.
13. The decoupling jig of claim 12, further comprising a connecting member that connects
the at least one first decoupling jig and the at least one second decoupling jig.
14. The decoupling jig of claim 12 or 13, wherein the at least one first decoupling jig
comprises a first insertion portion and a second insertion portion spaced apart from
the first insertion portion,
wherein the at least one second decoupling jig comprises a third insertion portion
and a fourth insertion portion spaced apart from the third insertion portion,
wherein the inner panel comprises a flange configured to hold the dispenser assembly
to the inner panel, and
wherein at least a portion of the flange is configured to be disposed between the
first and second insertion portions or between the third and fourth insertion portions.
15. The decoupling jig according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispenser
assembly is configured to decouple from the inner panel based on rotation of the insertion
portion in a state in which the insertion portion is inserted in a gap between the
inner panel and the dispenser assembly.