Sink having dishwashing function

WO2026177445A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-08-27LG ELECTRONICS INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2026/002246
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2025-02-24
Filing Date
2026-02-06
Publication Date
2026-08-27

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a sink (10) having a dishwashing function. The present invention may comprise: a sink bowl (30) including a first area (T1) and a second area (T2) connected to each other; and a dish rack (40) configured to move between the first area (T1) and the second area (T2) and store dishes. The present invention may further include a washing device (200) having a washing nozzle (250) for spraying washing water to the second area (T2). In this case, the washing device (200) may be configured to have a position outside the second area (T2) and a position moved to the second area (T2). The dish rack (40) and the washing device (200) may be configured to define a washing space in the second area (T2) when the washing device (200) moves to the second area (T2).
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Description

Sink with dishwashing function

[0001] The present invention relates to a sink having a dishwashing function.

[0002] Dishwashers commonly used in restaurants and homes are typically installed with washing and rinsing nozzles on the bottom and ceiling of the dishwasher, and are operated by pumping washing and rinsing water with a washing motor and spraying it through the washing and rinsing nozzles. Since these conventional dishwashers are installed around the kitchen sink, they require separate installation space, making it difficult to utilize kitchen space, and they have the disadvantage of being very difficult to install in narrow kitchens.

[0003] As such, typical kitchen layouts often separate the sink and dishwasher, which can lead to an inefficient dishwashing process. For instance, users must pre-wash dishes in the sink before transferring them to the dishwasher; however, water may drip onto the floor or countertop during this process, potentially requiring additional cleaning.

[0004] In addition, since dishwashers are generally placed lower than the sink, users must repeatedly bend over or reach out to use them, which can be inconvenient or burdensome, especially for users with limited mobility or back problems.

[0005] To address this, Korean registered patent No. 10-1570844 (Prior Patent 1) discloses a sink-integrated dishwasher technology. In Prior Patent 1, a dishwasher is integrally installed in the lower part of the sink; however, the dishwashing device occupies most of the space under the sink, and there is the inconvenience of having to cover the sink bowl with a separate cover to implement the dishwashing function.

[0006] U.S. registered patent US11,844,481B2 (Prior Patent 2) discloses a sink equipped with a dishwasher. Prior Patent 2 relates to a technology in which a dishwashing device is provided on one side of a sink bowl. Prior Patent 2 has a problem in that the space available for conventional sink functions is significantly reduced because one side of the sink bowl is always utilized solely for the dishwashing function. Additionally, Prior Patent 2 also has the inconvenience of requiring a separate cover to cover the top of the sink bowl.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the problems of the prior art as described above. The objective of the present invention is to provide a sink equipped with an integrated dishwashing device and to enable the entire area of ​​the sink bowl to be used as a standard sink bowl.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a washing device on one side of a sink bowl, and to enable the washing device to move to a washing area through linear or rotational movement.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to form a sealed cleaning space without a separate cover.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to enable the cleaning device to be stored in a storage space to prevent external exposure when the cleaning device is not in use.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to enable the dish rack to automatically move between the first area and the second area (washing area) by means of a driving device.

[0012] According to the features of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention may include a sink bowl comprising a first area and a second area connected to each other, and a dish rack configured to move between the first area and the second area and to store dishes. The present invention may further include a washing device equipped with a washing nozzle that sprays washing water into the second area. In this case, the washing device may be configured to have a position outside the second area and a position moved into the second area. When the dish rack and the washing device move into the second area, the dish rack and the washing device may be configured to define a washing space in the second area.

[0013] The above cleaning device may be configured to move to the second area through rotational motion, linear motion, or a combination of rotational and linear motion.

[0014] The above dish rack may include a shielding plate constituting at least one surface in the washing space.

[0015] When the dish rack and the washing device are placed in the second area, the washing device forms the upper surface of the washing space and the dish rack forms part of the side of the washing space, and the surface of the sink bowl forming the second area can form the bottom surface and the remaining side of the washing space.

[0016] When the above cleaning device moves to the second area, the cleaning device may be configured to form the upper surface of the cleaning space.

[0017] A lower nozzle facing the washing nozzle may be provided on the floor of the second area. The washing nozzle and the lower nozzle may spray washing water into the second area.

[0018] The sink or the sink bowl may be equipped with a driving device including a motor. The dish rack may move linearly between the first area and the second area by means of the driving device.

[0019] When washing is completed in the washing space, the main control unit can drive the driving device to move the dish rack to the first area.

[0020] A movable bracket may be attached to the above dish rack. The movable bracket may guide the linear movement of the dish rack while supported on the surface of the sink bowl.

[0021] The sink bowl and the movable bracket may define a driving space that extends along the direction of movement of the dish rack. A moving rail that guides the movement of the movable bracket may be disposed in the driving space.

[0022] The sink bowl and the movable bracket may define a driving space extended along the direction of movement of the dish rack. A sealing portion may protrude toward the opposite side on at least one of the surfaces of the sink bowl or the movable bracket facing each other.

[0023] The washing device can move to the second area by rotating around a rotation axis formed in a direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the dish rack.

[0024] A storage space for housing the washing device may be formed inside the sink bowl or between the sink bowl and the sink. The washing device may be configured to move between the second area and the storage space.

[0025] The storage space may be formed in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction in which the dish rack moves. The washing device may move linearly along the second direction to move out of the storage space and rotate to move to the second area.

[0026] A first drain for discharging water may be provided on the floor of the first area. A second drain for discharging water may be provided on the floor of the second area, independent of the first drain.

[0027] The sink having a dishwashing function according to the present invention, as examined above, has the following effects.

[0028] In the present invention, a washing device is integrally provided in the sink to wash dishes, so the user does not need to move dishes from the sink to the dishwasher one by one. Therefore, the user's convenience in washing dishes can be improved.

[0029] At this time, in the present invention, the dish rack can be moved from a first area inside the sink bowl to a second area and placed in a washing space for washing dishes. Therefore, when the user moves pre-washed dishes to the washing space, the user can simply move the dish rack itself, thus improving convenience of use.

[0030] Furthermore, in the present invention, the washing device can move to a second area through linear or rotational motion. Since the washing device can move to or from the second area, the user can normally use the entire area of ​​the sink bowl as a standard sink bowl. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the space of the sink bowl from being narrowed by the washing device, and the user can utilize the entire sink bowl in the conventional manner.

[0031] In addition, in the present invention, the dish rack can move to a second area and itself constitute the side of the washing space. The washing device can move to a second area and itself constitute the upper surface of the washing space. This eliminates the need for a separate cover to seal the washing space. Therefore, the structure of the sink becomes simpler, the number of parts can be reduced, and the user has the advantage of not needing to assemble a separate cover.

[0032] In this case, the dish rack can also constitute part of the surface of the washing space. The dish rack forms the surface of the washing space together with the washing device. Therefore, the number of parts required to create a sealed washing space can be further reduced.

[0033] Also, since the washing device forms the upper surface of the washing space, when the washing device moves away from the second area (washing space), the second area can be exposed upward. Therefore, dishes can be taken out upward, and the user can conveniently move the dishes without having to bend over.

[0034] In addition, in the present invention, the dish rack can automatically move between a first area and a second area by means of a driving device. Once a user places dishes on the dish rack, the dish rack moves to the washing area and switches to a state ready for dishwashing. Therefore, according to the present invention, dishwashing can be performed very simply.

[0035] Furthermore, the present invention includes a storage space, in which a washing device can be stored. Accordingly, when the washing device is not in use, the user can store the washing device in the storage space to prevent external exposure of the washing device. This enhances the aesthetic appeal of the sink and increases the space utilization rate of the sink.

[0036] In addition, in the present invention, after washing by the washing device is completed, the dish rack can be moved back to the first area. In this way, the washed dishes can be moved back to an open space to be effectively dried, and the effect of improved hygiene and convenience can be obtained.

[0037] In addition, in the present invention, a drain may be provided in each of the first and second regions of the sink bowl. Foreign substances generated during the pre-washing of tableware can be filtered out through the drain in the first region. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cleaning function of the washing device from being degraded due to foreign substances generated during the pre-washing.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a sink having a dishwashing function according to the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the state in which the tableware rack constituting the present embodiment is moved to a second area from the state of FIG. 1.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the state in which the cleaning device constituting the present embodiment has been moved to the second area.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of a sink bowl with the tableware rack constituting the present embodiment omitted.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the tableware rack constituting the present embodiment separated from the sink bowl.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a sink bowl constituting the present embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the tableware rack, movable bracket, and movable rail constituting the present embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the combined structure of the sink bowl and the movable bracket constituting the present embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a sink having a dishwashing function according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the washing device stored in the storage space in the state of FIG. 9.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a sink bowl constituting the embodiment of FIG. 9.

[0049] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0050] The present invention relates to a sink (10) having a dishwashing function. The sink (10) of the present invention is equipped with a washing device (200) so that a washing function can be performed inside a sink bowl (30). Here, the washing function includes not only washing dishes but also washing food ingredients such as fruits. Below, we will focus on the washing device (200) and a dish rack (40) that can be moved to a washing space.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 1, a sink bowl (30) is placed in the sink (20). The sink (20) can be viewed as part of the sink (10). Although omitted in the drawing, the sink (20) is equipped with a faucet to supply water into the sink bowl (30). The faucet supplies water to the sink bowl (30) to wash dishes contained in the sink bowl (30) or to wash food ingredients such as fruits. Alternatively, the faucet may be equipped with a water purification device to provide drinking water.

[0052] A portion of the sink bowl (30) may be housed inside the sink (20), and a portion may be exposed to the top. The portion exposed to the top is housed in a dish rack (40) and becomes a sink space (31) for storing dishes. The sink space (31) may have a roughly cuboid shape. As another example, the side and bottom surfaces of the sink space (31) may be curved.

[0053] The sink space (31) includes a first area (T1) and a second area (T2). The first area (T1) and the second area (T2) divide the sink space (31), and the first area (T1) and the second area (T2) are connected to each other in a first direction. Here, the first direction is the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1, which is the left-right direction relative to the drawing. The dish rack (40) can move through the first area (T1) and the second area (T2) via linear motion. This structure will be explained again below. For reference, the first area (T1) and the second area (T2) are separated by a dotted line in the drawing.

[0054] The first area (T1) may be an area where the dish rack (40) is placed in a basic position. The basic position refers to a location for pre-rinsing dishes contained in the dish rack (40) or for drying dishes washed by the washing device (200). The basic position may also be viewed as an initial position. When the dish rack (40) is removed from the first area (T1), the first area (T1) becomes a space where dishes or food ingredients can be washed with water supplied through a faucet. FIG. 1 illustrates the state in which the dish rack (40) is placed in the first area (T1). It may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the dish rack (40). In this embodiment, the upper surface of the first area (T1) has a rectangular planar structure.

[0055] The second area (T2) above may be an area where the dish rack (40) is placed at the washing location. The washing location refers to a location where dishes, etc. contained in the dish rack (40) are washed by the washing device (200). That is, at the washing location, the dishes contained in the dish rack (40) can be automatically washed by the washing device (200). Since the user can move the dish rack (40) itself manually or automatically when moving the pre-washed dishes to the washing space, the convenience of use can be improved.

[0056] At this time, when the dish rack (40) and the washing device (200) move to the second area (T2), the second area (T2) becomes the washing space. That is, when the dish rack (40) and the washing device (200) move to the second area (T2), the washing space can be considered to be the same as the second area (T2). Therefore, no separate reference numeral is assigned to the washing space in the drawing.

[0057] Looking at FIG. 2, the dish rack (40) moves to the second area (T2), and the first area (T1) becomes an empty space. The first area (T1), which has become an empty space, can then be used by the user to wash dishes again.

[0058] The second area (T2) is configured to have a cleaning device (200) positioned therein. The cleaning device (200) is not always positioned in the second area (T2), but is positioned in the second area (T2) only in a cleaning mode. To this end, the cleaning device (200) can move to the second area (T2) through rotational motion, linear motion, or a combination of rotational and linear motion. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the cleaning device (200) positioned outside the second area (T2), and FIG. 3 shows the cleaning device (200) moved to the second area (T2).

[0059] Referring to FIG. 4, in which the dish rack (40) is omitted, the structure of the sink bowl (30) can be seen that the sink bowl (30) may be equipped with a plurality of drains (32, 33). The drains (32, 33) serve as outlets for draining water from the sink space (31). In this embodiment, a first drain (32) through which water is discharged is provided at the bottom of the first area (T1). A second drain (33) through which water is discharged is provided at the bottom of the second area (T2) and is independent of the first drain (32). This structure allows foreign substances generated during the pre-washing of dishes to be filtered out through the first drain (32) of the first area (T1). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the second drain (33) from becoming clogged due to foreign substances generated during the pre-washing, or the lower nozzle (200) described later from malfunctioning, thereby preventing a decrease in the washing function. The lower nozzle (100) can be positioned above the second drain (33).

[0060] Looking at the structure of the tableware rack (40), the tableware rack (40) provides a space where tableware can be stored. The tableware rack (40) has a shape that is recessed downwards. The tableware rack (40) may include a rack frame (41) that forms the skeleton of the tableware rack (40) and a plurality of rack wires (42) connected to the rack frame (41). The rack wires (42) may be in the form of a plurality of elongated structures woven together.

[0061] The rack frame (41) is a type of frame structure provided around the upper edge of the dish rack (40). The rack frame (41) can be combined with a movable bracket (60) to be described below. When the dish rack (40) moves between the first area (T1) and the second area (T2), the rack frame (41) serves as a part that guides the movement of the dish rack (40) together with the movable bracket (60).

[0062] The above dish rack (40) may be provided with a shielding plate (44). The shielding plate (44) may form one side of the dish rack (40). The shielding plate (44) forms at least one surface in the washing space. Here, the washing space is the space defined by the surface of the sink bowl (30), the washing device (200), and the shielding plate (44). That is, the washing space becomes a space where washing is performed automatically by the washing device (200). The shielding plate (44) forms one surface of the washing space to prevent the washing water in the washing space from leaking into the first area (T1).

[0063] When the tableware rack (40) moves to the second area (T2), the shielding plate (44) can partition the first area (T1) and the second area (T2). To this end, when the tableware rack (40) moves to the second area (T2), the shielding plate (44) is positioned to face the first area (T1).

[0064] When the dish rack (40) and the washing device (200) are placed in the second area (T2), the washing device (200) forms the upper surface of the washing space and the dish rack (40) forms part of the side of the washing space, and the surface of the sink bowl (30) forming the second area (T2) may form the bottom surface and the remaining side of the washing space. The surface of the sink bowl (30) refers to the inner surface of the sink space (31). In this embodiment, the shielding plate (44) forms one of the four sides of the washing space, and the remaining three sides form the inner surface of the sink space (31).

[0065] Referring to FIG. 5, the sink bowl (30) may be provided with a moving rail (50). The moving rail (50) may be arranged along each side of the sink bowl (30). The moving rail (50) may guide the movement of the dish rack (40). The moving rail (50) allows the dish rack (40) to move between a first area (T1) and a second area (T2) without significant friction. Referring to FIG. 7, the moving rail (50) is provided with a moving block (55) so that the moving block (55) can move along the moving rail (50).

[0066] The above-mentioned moving rail (50) may be composed of an LM guide. The above-mentioned moving rail (50) becomes an LM rail, and the above-mentioned moving block (55) becomes an LM block. A ball is provided inside the above-mentioned moving block (55) so that the above-mentioned moving block (55) can move smoothly along the moving rail (50) with minimal friction. Since the above-mentioned moving block (55) is coupled to a moving bracket (60) to be described later, a tableware rack (40) connected to the moving bracket (60) can move in a straight line together with the above-mentioned moving block (55).

[0067] Looking at FIG. 5, the moving rail (50) is formed to be longer than the moving bracket (60), so that a part of the moving rail (50) is exposed and the remaining part is covered by the moving bracket (60). At this time, the exposed part of the moving rail (50) becomes a path through which the moving bracket (60) can move.

[0068] The tableware rack (40) may be seated on the upper part of the movable bracket (60). More precisely, the rack frame (41) of the tableware rack (40) may be seated on the upper part of the movable bracket (60). The tableware rack (40) may be separated from the movable bracket (60). As another example, the tableware rack (40) and the movable bracket (60) may always remain connected.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 8, the structure may be such that the rack frame (41) encloses the protruding portion of the fastener (68) that connects the movable bracket (60) and the movable block (55). In this way, the protruding portion of the fastener (68) can hook onto the rack frame (41) and move together in a first direction. As another example, the movable bracket (60) and the rack frame (41) of the tableware rack (40) may be connected by a separate fastener, such as a screw.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 6, the sink bowl (30) may be equipped with a driving device (M) including a motor. The dish rack (40) may move linearly between the first area (T1) and the second area (T2) by the driving device (M). The driving device (M) is positioned on the side of the sink bowl (30) so as not to be exposed to the outside. The driving device (M) may be positioned on each side of the sink bowl (30). As another example, the driving device (M) may be positioned on the sink (20) rather than the sink bowl (30). As yet another example, the driving device (M) may be omitted, and the user may move the dish rack (40) manually.

[0071] The above driving device (M) may be composed of a motor. The above driving device (M) may include a pinion gear (M') that is rotated by the above driving device (M). The pinion gear (M') may engage with a rack portion (65) provided on the movable bracket (60) to convert rotational motion into linear motion of the rack portion (65). As shown in FIG. 8, the rack portion (65) may be fixed on a seating end (63) provided on the movable bracket (60). By means of the rack portion (65), the movable bracket (60) may guide the linear motion of the dish rack (40) while being supported on the surface of the sink bowl (30).

[0072] When washing is completed in the washing space, the main control unit (not shown) can drive the drive device (M) to move the dish rack (40) to the first area (T1). For example, when washing by the washing device (200) is completed, the main control unit can move the dish rack (40) to the first area (T1) to allow drying to take place. The main control unit may receive a user input signal and move the dish rack (40) in the first area (T1) to the second area (T2).

[0073] Referring to FIG. 8, the sink bowl (30) and the movable bracket (60) can define a driving space (DS) that extends along the direction of movement of the dish rack (40). A moving rail (50) that guides the movement of the movable bracket (60) may be placed in the driving space (DS). More precisely, the connecting portion (61) of the movable bracket (60) and the bent portion (62) extending in a bent form from the connecting portion (61) together with the seating portion (38) of the sink bowl (30) can define the driving space (DS). A portion of the movable rail (50) may be placed inside the driving space (DS). The driving space (DS) extends in a first direction, which is the direction of movement of the dish rack (40).

[0074] The above connecting part (61) can be inserted into the inside of the sink bowl (30), that is, toward the sink space (31), through a connecting slot (37) formed in the sink bowl (30). The rack frame (41) of the dish rack (40) is seated on the upper surface of the connecting part (61), and the opposite lower surface can form the driving space (DS).

[0075] As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 8, a sealing portion (SM) may protrude toward the opposite side from at least one of the surfaces of the sink bowl (30) or the movable bracket (60) facing each other. The sealing portion (SM) prevents water from leaking out between the sink bowl (30) and the movable bracket (60). FIG. 8 shows the sealing portion (SM) protruding from the surface of the sink bowl (30). Alternatively, the sealing portion (SM) may protrude from the bent portion (62) of the movable bracket (60), or be provided on both the bent portion (62) and the sink bowl (30).

[0076] Referring again to FIG. 5, a lower nozzle (100) may be provided in the second area (T2). The lower nozzle (100) is provided on the bottom surface of the second area (T2). The lower nozzle (100) may include a plurality of spray arms. The lower nozzle (100) may be positioned above the second drain (33). The lower nozzle (100) may spray high-pressure cleaning water into the second area (T2). More precisely, when the cleaning device (200) is positioned in the second area (T2) to form the cleaning space, the lower nozzle (100) may spray cleaning water into the second area (T2). When the cleaning device (200) is positioned in the second area (T2), the lower nozzle (100) may be configured to face the cleaning nozzle (250) of the cleaning device (200).

[0077] The lower nozzle (100) may spray cleaning water while rotating. Although not illustrated, the lower nozzle (100) may spray cleaning water while rotating by a driving source. Reference numeral 110 indicates a lower spray port provided in the lower nozzle (100). As another example, the lower nozzle (100) may be omitted. In this case, only the cleaning device (200) may spray cleaning water.

[0078] The washing device (200) is positioned on one side of the sink bowl (30). In FIG. 5, the washing device (200) is positioned outside the second area (T2). In this way, the first area (T1) and the second area (T2) become one connected space, allowing the user to use a large sink space (31). A cover portion (210) is provided on the bottom surface of the washing device (200) to form the upper surface of the washing space.

[0079] The washing device (200) is equipped with a washing nozzle (250). The washing nozzle (250) can spray high-pressure washing water into the second area (T2). The washing nozzle (250) may include a plurality of spray arms. More precisely, when the washing device (200) is positioned in the second area (T2) to form the washing space, the washing nozzle (250) can spray washing water into the second area (T2).

[0080] The washing water is sprayed through the nozzle spray port (255) of the washing nozzle (250), and the spray arms constituting the washing nozzle (250) may rotate. Reference numeral 230 indicates a spray nozzle, and washing water may also be discharged through the spray nozzle (230). As another example, high-temperature air may be injected through the spray nozzle (230) to dry dishes, or high-temperature steam may be sprayed to improve the washing function. Referring to FIG. 6, the washing device (200) is equipped with a detergent inlet (256), and detergent may be supplied through the detergent inlet (256).

[0081] Although not shown, the washing nozzle (250) may receive washing water through a washing pipe provided inside the washing device (200). The washing pipe extends through the inside of the sink (10) to receive raw water from the outside and supply it to the washing nozzle (250).

[0082] Additionally, although not shown, the sink (10) is equipped with a sump assembly to circulate washing water. This allows for saving washing water. For example, a sump may be placed in the machine room inside the sink (10). The sump may be located at the bottom of the sink bowl (30) to store washing water. Since this structure is typical of a dishwasher, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0083] When the dish rack (40) and the washing device (200) are placed in the second area (T2) (state of FIG. 3), the washing device (200) can form the upper surface of the washing space. After washing, the washing device (200) can move out of the second area (T2) (state of FIG. 2). In this way, in the present embodiment, the washing device (200) is configured to be movable, thereby increasing the space utilization rate of the sink bowl (30).

[0084] At this time, the washing device (200) can move to the second area (T2) by rotating around a rotation axis (270) formed in a direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the dish rack (40). The rotation axis (270) may be provided along the part connecting the washing device (200) and the sink bowl (30). Referring to FIG. 2, the washing device (200) rotates around the rotation axis (270) in the direction of the arrow to be positioned in the second area (T2) and the washing space can be defined. That is, the washing device (200) can act as a cover that shields the upper part of the washing space without a separate cover.

[0085] As another example, the washing device (200) can move to a second area (T2) via linear motion. The washing device (200) may be stored horizontally in a space (not shown) provided on one side of the sink (20) and then slide into the second area (T2).

[0086] Although not shown, the washing device (200) may be equipped with a contamination sensor for measuring the contamination level of the dishes. The contamination sensor may be provided on the cover portion (210) constituting the bottom surface of the washing device (200) and may face the washing space. The contamination sensor can detect the contamination level of the dishes by measuring the turbidity of the washing water injected into the washing space. Based on this, the main control unit may automatically set the washing time and the temperature of the washing water.

[0087] In addition, the sink bowl (30), the dish rack (40), or the washing device (200) may be equipped with a sensor / camera to measure the weight of the dish rack (40) or to photograph the dish rack (40) to recognize the amount of dishes, and the acquired information may be transmitted to the main control unit. After detecting the amount of dishes, the main control unit may adjust the operating time of the washing device (200) and the temperature of the washing water, etc.

[0088] FIGS. 9 to 11 illustrate a sink (10) having a dishwashing function according to another embodiment of the present invention. To describe only the parts that differ from the preceding embodiment, a storage space (39) in which the washing device (200) is housed may be formed inside the sink bowl (30) or between the sink bowl (30) and the sink (20). The washing device (200) is configured to move between the second area (T2) and the storage space (39).

[0089] FIG. 9 shows the washing device (200) in a state where it has been removed from the storage space (39). The washing device (200) can be removed in a second direction (arrow ① direction) that is orthogonal to the first direction in which the dish rack (40) moves. To this end, the storage space (39) is also extended in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. In this state, when the washing device (200) is rotated in the direction of arrow ② around the rotation axis (270), the washing device (200) can be placed in a second area (T2) to define the washing space. In this way, the washing device (200) can move out of the storage space (39) by moving in a straight line along the second direction, and move to the second area (T2) by moving in a rotational motion.

[0090] FIG. 10 shows the washing device (200) stored in the storage space (39). The washing device (200) can be stored in the storage space (39) in the direction of arrow ③. Referring to FIG. 11, a storage channel (39') is continuously formed in the lower part of the storage space (39). Additionally, a separate seating section (39'') may be provided at the bottom of the storage channel (39').

[0091] The above washing device (200) may be manually pulled out and stored by the user, but may also be pulled out / stored while being raised by a separate driving source (not shown).

[0092] The foregoing description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sink bowl comprising a first region and a second region connected to each other; A tableware rack configured to move between the first and second regions and to store tableware; and A cleaning device equipped with a cleaning nozzle that sprays cleaning water into the second area; comprising The above cleaning device is configured to have a position outside the second area and a position moved to the second area, and A sink having a dishwashing function configured such that when the dish rack and the washing device move to the second area, the dish rack and the washing device define a washing space in the second area.

2. The sink having a dishwashing function according to claim 1, wherein the washing device is configured to move to or move out of the second area through rotational motion or linear motion or a combination of rotational motion and linear motion.

3. In claim 1, the washing device moves to the second area by rotating around a rotation axis formed along the direction of movement of the dish rack, or A sink having a dishwashing function that moves to the second area by rotating around a rotation axis formed along a direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the dish rack.

4. The sink having a dishwashing function according to claim 1, wherein the dish rack comprises a shielding plate constituting at least one surface in the washing space.

5. A sink having a dishwashing function according to claim 1, wherein the dish rack and the washing device are disposed in a second area, the dish rack constitutes part of the side of the washing space, the washing device constitutes the upper surface of the washing space, and the surface of the sink bowl constituting the second area constitutes the bottom surface and the remaining side of the washing space.

6. A sink having a dishwashing function according to claim 1, wherein when the washing device moves to the second area, the washing device is configured to form the upper surface of the washing space.

7. In claim 1, the bottom of the second region is provided with a lower nozzle facing the washing nozzle, and The above washing nozzle and the above lower nozzle are a sink having a dishwashing function that sprays washing water into the above second area.

8. In claim 1, the sink basin on which the sink bowl is placed or the sink bowl is provided with a driving device including a motor, and The above dish rack is a sink having a dishwashing function that moves linearly between the first area and the second area by the above driving device.

9. A sink having a dishwashing function according to claim 8, wherein when washing is completed in the washing space, the main control unit drives the driving device to move the dish rack to the first area.

10. In claim 1, a movable bracket is coupled to the tableware rack, and A sink having a dishwashing function in which the above-mentioned movable bracket guides the linear movement of the dish rack while supported on the surface of the sink bowl.

11. In claim 10, the sink bowl and the movable bracket define a driving space extended along the direction of movement of the dish rack, and A sink with a dishwashing function in which a moving rail guiding the movement of the moving bracket is arranged in the above-mentioned driving space.

12. In claim 1, a movable bracket that guides the linear movement of the dish rack is coupled to the dish rack, and A sink having a dishwashing function in which a sealing portion protrudes toward the opposite side on at least one of the surfaces of the sink bowls facing each other or the surfaces of the movable brackets.

13. In claim 1, a storage space for accommodating the washing device is formed inside the sink bowl or between the sink bowl and the sink on which the sink bowl is placed. The washing device is a sink having a dishwashing function configured to move between the second area and the storage space.

14. In claim 13, the storage space is formed in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction in which the tableware rack moves, and The washing device is a sink having a dishwashing function that moves linearly along the second direction to move out of the storage space and moves rotationally to the second area.

15. In claim 1, the bottom of the first region is provided with a first drain through which water is discharged, and A sink having a dishwashing function, wherein the bottom of the second area is equipped with a second drain that is independent of the first drain and discharges water.

16. A sink having a dishwashing function according to claim 1, wherein the washing device is equipped with at least one of a detergent inlet for injecting detergent or a contamination sensor for measuring the contamination level of the washing space.

17. A sink having a dishwashing function according to claim 8, wherein the moving bracket has a rack formed along the direction of movement of the dish rack, and the driving device includes a pinion gear that meshes with the rack, thereby converting the rotational motion of the pinion gear into the linear motion of the dish rack.

18. The sink having a dishwashing function, wherein the movable bracket comprises a connecting portion on which the dish rack is seated and a bent portion that is bent and extended from the connecting portion and forms the driving space together with the seating portion of the sink bowl, and the movable rail is accommodated inside the driving space.

19. A sink having a dishwashing function according to claim 9, wherein the main control unit automatically returns the dish rack to the basic position after the washing is completed to induce natural drying.

20. In claim 16, the lower portion of the sink bowl is further provided with a sump assembly for recovering, circulating, or discharging the washing water used in the washing space, and A sink having a dishwashing function in which the main control unit controls the operating time of the washing device and the temperature of the washing water based on the contamination level of the dishes or the weight information of the dish rack detected by the contamination level sensor.