Wire bending system and wire bending method

Abstract

A wire bending system according to one embodiment comprises a bender for bending a wire which is provided on a rack, wherein the bender may be provided such that a bending angle of the wire is variably controlled by a computer numerical control (CNC) method. Therefore, when the bending angle of the wire is different from a design value due to an abnormality in components of the bender resulting from continuous and repeated bending work, the occurrence of such an error can be suppressed.

Description

Wire bending system and wire bending method

[0001] The present invention relates to a wire bending system and a wire bending method, and more specifically, to a wire bending system and a wire bending method for bending a wire of a rack equipped in a dishwasher.

[0002] The content described in this section merely provides background information regarding the present invention and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] A dishwasher is a device that cleans items stored inside, such as dishes and cooking utensils, by spraying cleaning water, such as water. At this time, the cleaning water used may contain detergent.

[0004] A dishwasher is generally configured to include a washing tub forming a washing space, a storage compartment for receiving objects to be washed inside the washing tub, a spray arm for spraying washing water into the storage compartment, and a sump for storing water and supplying washing water to the spray arm.

[0005] By using such a dishwasher, the time and effort required for washing items such as dishes after a meal can be reduced, thereby contributing to user convenience.

[0006] A storage compartment for placing dishes may be provided in the dishwasher. This storage compartment may include a rack for holding dishes. This rack may be provided with a structure in which a plurality of wires are spaced apart from each other and these wires are bent to form a three-dimensional shape.

[0007] To manufacture racks with three-dimensional shapes, it is necessary to bend wires. Generally, a bending device equipped with a die can be used to bend the wire.

[0008] When the mold bending device presses the rack, the wire is bent (i.e., bent) according to the shape of the mold, and a three-dimensional rack can be produced.

[0009] However, if such a mold bending device is used repeatedly, the mold may wear out or the assembly state of the mold with a joint structure may become loose.

[0010] Accordingly, the bending angle of the rack bent by the mold bending device may differ from the design value. In such cases, product defects may occur.

[0011] In particular, after bending the rack, it is welded to the structure forming the storage compartment; however, since the shape of the rack differs from the design values, welding becomes difficult, and even if welded, the overall structure of the storage compartment differs from the design values, which may result in product defects.

[0012] As related prior art, Korean registered patent 10-1533739 discloses a mold bending device.

[0013] The objective of the present invention is to provide a wire bending system and a wire bending method for bending a wire of a rack equipped in a dishwasher.

[0014] In addition, the objective of the present invention is to provide a wire bending system and a wire bending method that can resolve the problem of the bending angle of a rack deviating from the design value during long-term repetitive use.

[0015] In addition, the objective of the present invention is to provide a wire bending system and a wire bending method configured such that the bending angle of the wire is variably controlled by a computer numerical control (CNC) method.

[0016] The objects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned objects and advantages of the present invention may be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0017] One embodiment of a wire bending system includes a bender for bending a wire provided on a rack, and the bender may be configured so that the bending angle of the wire is variably controlled by a computer numerical control (CNC) method.

[0018] Therefore, if the bending angle of the wire differs from the design value due to abnormalities in the bender's parts caused by continuous and repetitive bending operations, the occurrence of such errors can be suppressed.

[0019] The bender may include a first bending device for bending a wire positioned on one side of the rack; a second bending device positioned behind the first bending device for bending a wire positioned on the other side of the rack; and a third bending device positioned behind the second bending device for bending the rack in the front-rear direction.

[0020] The bender may include a clamp that holds the wire and fixes its position; a bending part that bends the wire by applying pressure to a portion of the wire protruding from the clamp while it is fixed to the clamp; and a frame on which the clamp and the bending part are mounted so that they can move.

[0021] The clamp may include an upper piece positioned above the wire and descending to grasp the wire; and a lower piece positioned below the wire, operating separately from the upper piece, and ascending to grasp the wire.

[0022] The bending section may include an upper tool that is spaced apart from the upper piece, positioned above the wire, and descends to bend the wire in a downward direction; and a lower tool that is spaced apart from the lower piece, positioned below the wire, and rises to bend the wire in an upward direction.

[0023] The wire bending system can control the bending angle of the wire by controlling the vertical movement range of the upper and lower tools using a computer numerical control method.

[0024] If the bending angle of the wire differs from the design value, the bending angle at each point of the wire can be brought back to match the design value simply by changing the lowest movement position of the upper tool and the highest movement position of the lower tool without replacing parts.

[0025] One embodiment of a wire bending method may include the steps of: aligning a plurality of wires spaced apart from each other in the horizontal and vertical directions; welding the intersection points of each of the plurality of wires to form a mesh-shaped structure; bending the structure to process it into a three-dimensional shape; and performing finishing welding on the wires.

[0026] The processing step may include a step of bending a wire placed on one side of the rack; a step of bending a wire placed on the other side of the rack; and a step of bending the rack in the forward and backward directions.

[0027] In the wire bending system and wire bending method according to the present invention, by controlling the bending angle of the wire forming the rack using a computer numerical control method, the occurrence of such errors can be suppressed when the bending angle of the wire differs from the design value due to an abnormality in the bender's parts caused by continuous and repetitive bending operations. That is, the bending angle of the wire can be adjusted to compensate for the difference from the design value, thereby bringing the bending angle of the wire back to match the original design value.

[0028] In the embodiment, if the bending angle of the wire differs from the design value, the bending angle of the wire can be brought back to match the design value by simply controlling the bending angle of the wire using a computer numerical control method without replacing parts.

[0029] In addition, in the wire bending system and wire bending method according to the present invention, if the bending angle of the wire differs from the design value, the bending angle at each point of the wire can be brought back to match the design value simply by changing the lowest movement position of the upper tool and the highest movement position of the lower tool without replacing parts.

[0030] Accordingly, since parts are not replaced, the time, cost, and effort required to operate the wire bending system can be significantly reduced.

[0031] In addition to the effects described above, the specific effects of the present invention are described together with the specific details for implementing the invention below.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher shown in Figure 1.

[0034] Figure 3 is a drawing showing a vendor according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4 is a drawing showing a bent state of a wire placed on one side of a rack.

[0036] Figure 5 is a drawing showing the bent state of a wire placed on the other side of the rack.

[0037] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the rack in a bent state in the front-rear direction.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a vendor according to one embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a side view showing a vendor according to one embodiment.

[0040] Figure 9 is a front view showing a bender with some parts omitted from Figure 7.

[0041] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a part of a vendor according to one embodiment.

[0042] FIGS. 11 to 14 are drawings sequentially showing the bending process of a rack according to one embodiment.

[0043] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing a wire bending method.

[0044] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the steps of bending a structure to process it into a three-dimensional shape.

[0045] The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to the present invention are omitted if it is determined that such descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0046] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the first component may also be the second component.

[0047] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0048] Singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "composed of" or "comprising" should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, and should be interpreted as meaning that some of the components or steps may be omitted or additional components or steps may be included.

[0049] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless specifically stated otherwise, and "C to D" means C or more and D or less unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0050] [Overall Structure of the Dishwasher]

[0051] Hereinafter, the overall structure of a dishwasher (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1.

[0052] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dishwasher (1) according to the present invention comprises a case (10) forming an outer shape, a tub (20) installed inside the case (10) and forming a washing space (21) where an object to be washed is washed and having an open front, a door (30) that opens and closes the open front of the tub (20), a driving unit (40) located at the bottom of the tub (20) and supplying, collecting, circulating, and draining washing water for washing an object to be washed, a storage unit (50) detachably provided in the internal washing space (21) of the tub (20) and on which an object to be washed is placed, and a spraying unit (60) installed adjacent to the storage unit (50) and spraying washing water for washing an object to be washed.

[0053] At this time, the objects to be cleaned placed in the storage section (50) may be, for example, tableware such as bowls, plates, spoons, chopsticks, and other cooking utensils. Unless otherwise mentioned below, the objects to be cleaned will be referred to as tableware.

[0054] The tub (20) can be formed in a box shape with the entire front open and corresponds to a configuration known as a so-called washing tank.

[0055] A washing space (21) is formed inside the tub (20), and the open front can be opened and closed by a door (30).

[0056] The tub (20) can be formed by press forming a metal plate that is resistant to high temperature and moisture, for example, a stainless steel-based material.

[0057] Additionally, on the inner side of the tub (20), a plurality of brackets may be arranged for the purpose of supporting and installing functional components such as the storage unit (50), injection unit (60), etc., described later, inside the tub (20).

[0058] Meanwhile, the drive unit (40) may be configured to include a sump (41) for storing washing water, a sump cover (42) for separating the sump (41) from the tub (20), a water supply unit (43) for supplying washing water to the sump (41) from the outside, a drainage unit (44) for discharging washing water from the sump (41) to the outside, and a washing pump (45) and a supply path (46) for supplying washing water from the sump (41) to the spray unit (60). The sump cover (42) is positioned above the sump (41) and can serve to separate the tub (20) from the sump (41). Additionally, the sump cover (42) may be provided with a plurality of recovery holes for recovering washing water sprayed into the washing space (21) through the spray unit (60) to the sump (41).

[0059] That is, the washing water sprayed from the spray unit (60) toward the dishes falls to the bottom of the washing space (21) and can be recovered back into the sump (41) via the sump cover (42).

[0060] The washing pump (45) is provided on the side or bottom of the sump (41) and pressurizes the washing water and supplies it to the spraying unit (60).

[0061] One end of the washing pump (45) may be connected to the sump (41) and the other end may be connected to the supply path (46). The washing pump (45) may be equipped with an impeller (451) and a motor (453), etc. When power is supplied to the motor (453), the impeller (451) rotates, and the washing water in the sump (41) is pressurized and then supplied to the spraying unit (60) through the supply path (46).

[0062] Meanwhile, the supply channel (46) can selectively supply washing water supplied from the washing pump (45) to the spraying unit (60).

[0063] For example, the supply channel (46) may include a first supply channel (461) connected to the lower injection arm (61), and a second supply channel (463) connected to the upper injection arm (62) and the top nozzle (63), and the supply channel (46) may be equipped with a switching valve (465) that selectively opens and closes the supply channels (461, 463).

[0064] At this time, the switching valve (465) can be controlled so that each supply path (461, 463) opens sequentially or simultaneously.

[0065] Meanwhile, the spraying unit (60) is provided to spray washing water onto dishes stored in the storage unit (50).

[0066] More specifically, the spraying unit (60) may include a lower spraying arm (61) located at the bottom of the tub (20) and spraying washing water to the lower rack (51), an upper spraying arm (62) located between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52) and spraying washing water to the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52), and a top nozzle (63) located at the top of the tub (20) and spraying washing water to the top rack (53) or the upper rack (52).

[0067] In particular, the lower spray arm (61) and the upper spray arm (62) are rotatably provided in the washing space (21) of the tub (20) so as to spray washing water while rotating toward the dishes in the storage unit (50).

[0068] The lower spray arm (61) can be rotatably supported on the upper side of the sump cover (42) so that it can rotate at the lower side of the lower rack (51) and spray cleaning water toward the lower rack (51).

[0069] Additionally, the upper spray arm (62) can be rotatably supported by a spray arm holder (467) so that it can spray cleaning water while rotating between the lower rack (51) and the upper rack (52).

[0070] Meanwhile, although not shown, the lower surface (25) of the tub (20) may be further provided with means to divert the cleaning water sprayed from the lower spray arm (61) to an upward direction (U-direction) in order to increase cleaning efficiency.

[0071] Since the detailed configuration of the injection unit (60) can be any configuration already known in the industry, the description of the specific configuration of the injection unit (60) below will be omitted.

[0072] Meanwhile, the washing space (21) may be provided with a storage section (50) for storing tableware.

[0073] The storage portion (50) is provided so that it can be pulled out from inside the tub (20) through the open front of the tub (20).

[0074] For example, FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in which a storage unit is provided, comprising a lower rack (51) located at the bottom of the tub (20) and capable of storing relatively large dishes, an upper rack (52) located above the lower rack (51) and capable of storing medium-sized dishes, and a top rack (53) located at the top of the tub (20) and capable of storing small dishes. The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described based on an embodiment of a dishwasher equipped with three storage units (50) as illustrated.

[0075] These lower racks (51), upper racks (52) and top racks (53) can each be configured to be pulled out to the outside through the open front of the tub (20).

[0076] To this end, guide rails (not shown) may be provided on both side walls forming the inner surface of the tub (20), and, for example, the guide rails may include an upper rail, a lower rail, and a top rail.

[0077] Wheels may be provided on the lower rack (51), upper rack (52), and top rack (53), respectively. By pulling the lower rack (51), upper rack (52), and top rack (53) out through the front of the tub (20), the user can store dishes in them or easily take out dishes that have been washed from them.

[0078] The guide rail may be provided as a fixed guide rail in the form of a simple rail to guide the withdrawal and insertion of the storage unit (50), or as an extendable guide rail that guides the withdrawal and insertion of the storage unit (50) and increases the withdrawal distance according to the withdrawal of the storage unit (50).

[0079] Meanwhile, the door (30) is intended to open and close the open front of the tub (20) described above.

[0080] A hinge portion (not shown) for opening and closing the door (30) is provided at the lower part of the normally open front, and the door (30) is opened by rotating the door (30) with the hinge portion as a rotation axis.

[0081] Here, on the outer surface of the door (30), a handle (31) for opening the door (30) and a control panel (32) for controlling the dishwasher (1) may be provided.

[0082] As described above, the control panel (32) may be equipped with a display (33) that visually displays information regarding the current operating status of the dishwasher, and a button section (34) that includes a selection button for inputting a user's selection operation and a power button for inputting a user's operation to turn the dishwasher on and off.

[0083] Meanwhile, the inner surface of the door (30) forms one side of the tub (20) when the door (30) is closed, and at the same time, forms a seating surface that can support the lower rack (51) of the storage unit (50) when the door (30) is fully opened.

[0084] To this end, when the door (30) is fully opened, it is preferable that the inner surface of the door (30) be formed in a horizontal plane state in the same direction as the guide rail in which the lower rack (51) is guided extends.

[0085] Meanwhile, a moisture-absorbing drying device (80) may be provided in the lower or internal part of the tub (20) to absorb moisture contained in the air discharged from the tub (20) during the drying process and then recirculate the air back to the tub (20).

[0086] As described, the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) may be configured to include a blower (82) that generates an airflow, a heating unit (83) that heats the air sucked in from the tub (20), and a moisture absorbent (85) that absorbs moisture contained in the air.

[0087] FIG. 2 illustrates, by way of example, that the absorbent (85), heating unit (83), and blower (82) constituting the moisture-absorbing drying device (80) are arranged in a space formed below the lower surface (25) of the tub (20). However, alternatively, the absorbent (85) and heating unit (83) may be arranged inside the tub (20), and the blower (82) may be arranged outside the tub (20). In addition, they may be arranged in a different way.

[0088] The dishwasher can perform a washing process to wash dishes by spraying washing water onto dishes contained in the tub (20) and a rinsing process to rinse dishes. Additionally, the dishwasher can perform a drying process to dry dishes by spraying air onto dishes contained in the tub (20).

[0089] Meanwhile, in the case of a dishwasher using a moisture-absorbing drying device (80), the absorbent (85) may absorb moisture during the drying process and become wet with water. Therefore, to dry the wet absorbent (85), the dishwasher may perform a regeneration process in which heated air is sprayed onto the absorbent (85).

[0090] Hereinafter, a wire bending system and a wire bending method for bending the wire of a rack (55) provided in a dishwasher will be described in detail. Hereinafter, the rack (55) refers to the part provided by the wire in the storage unit (50) described above.

[0091] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a bender (70) according to one embodiment. The wire bending system of the embodiment can bend the wire of a rack (55) equipped in a dishwasher.

[0092] The wire bending system may include a bender (70) that bends the wire provided in the rack (55). For example, it may include three bending devices as described below.

[0093] Generally, for this wire bending, a bending device having a mold with a shape capable of producing a bent wire of a desired shape may be used. When the mold bending device presses the rack (55), the wire is bent (i.e., bent) according to the shape of the mold, and a three-dimensional rack (55) can be produced.

[0094] However, if such a mold bending device is used repeatedly, the mold may wear out or the assembly state of the mold with a joint structure may become loose.

[0095] Accordingly, the bending angle of the rack (55) bent by the mold bending device may differ from the design value. In this case, product defects may occur.

[0096] In particular, after bending the rack (55), the rack (55) is welded to a structure forming a storage unit (50). However, since the shape of the rack (55) differs from the design value, welding becomes difficult, and even if welded, the overall structure of the storage unit (50) differs from the design value, which may result in product defects.

[0097] To solve this problem, a wire bending system capable of adjusting the bending angle of the wire is required. Therefore, in the embodiment, the bender (70) may be equipped so that the bending angle of the wire is variably controlled by a Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) method.

[0098] The bender (70) is equipped with a control unit that controls the operation of the bender (70), and the control unit can control the bending angle of the wire using a computer numerical control method. The adjustment of such bending angle is described in detail below.

[0099] In the embodiment, the bender (70) controls the bending angle of the wire forming the rack (55) using a computer numerical control method. This prevents the occurrence of errors that may arise when the bending angle of the wire differs from the design value due to a malfunction in the part of the bender (70) caused by continuous and repetitive bending operations. That is, the bending angle of the wire can be adjusted to match the original design value by compensating for the difference from the design value.

[0100] When using a mold bending device, if the mold wears out due to continuous and repetitive use and the bending angle of the wire differs from the design value, the mold must be replaced. Since the three-dimensional shape of the rack (55) has a complex structure, the mold with a corresponding shape also has a complex structure.

[0101] Therefore, due to the complexity of the molds, replacing these molds requires a significant amount of time, cost, and effort.

[0102] In the embodiment, if the bending angle of the wire differs from the design value, the bending angle of the wire can be brought back to match the design value by simply controlling the bending angle of the wire using a computer numerical control method without replacing parts.

[0103] Accordingly, since parts are not replaced, the time, cost, and effort required to operate the wire bending system can be significantly reduced.

[0104] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a wire placed on one side of the rack (55) in a bent state. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a wire placed on the other side of the rack (55) in a bent state. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the rack (55) in a bent state in the front-rear direction.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 3, the benders (70) may be provided in three, for example. For clarity in the specification, each separate bender (70) is referred to as a bending device and described separately.

[0106] The bender (70) may include a first bending device (71), a second bending device (72), and a third bending device (73). The first bending device (71) to the third bending device (73) may be movably coupled to a single straight guide rail (74). Accordingly, each of the first bending device (71) to the third bending device (73) may be guided by the guide rail (74) and spaced apart from each other and positioned at a suitable location.

[0107] The first bending device (71) can bend a wire positioned on one side of the rack (55). The second bending device (72) is positioned behind the first bending device (71) and can bend a wire positioned on the other side of the rack (55). The third bending device (73) is positioned behind the second bending device (72) and can bend the rack (55) in the forward and backward directions.

[0108] The first bending device (71) and the second bending device (72) may have an overall symmetrical shape. However, the parts used for the bending operation in the first bending device (71) to the third bending device (73) may be provided to have the same or similar shape and function.

[0109] The first bending device (71) to the third bending device (73) can be arranged sequentially from front to back according to the order in which they are used for bending operations.

[0110] The rack (55) can align multiple linear wires spaced apart from each other in the horizontal and vertical directions before being fed into each bending device. Afterward, the intersection points of each of the multiple wires can be welded to form a mesh-shaped structure.

[0111] According to this preliminary work, the rack (55) can be a flat structure having a mesh shape overall, formed by combining multiple wires. This flat rack (55) can be sequentially fed into multiple benders (70), namely the first bending device (71) to the third bending device (73), to be bent and become a rack (55) with a three-dimensional shape.

[0112] After the wire passes through the first bending device (71) and is bent on one side, it passes through the second bending device (72) and is bent on the other side, and then passes through the third bending device (73) above and can be bent in the forward and backward directions. In this way, the wire of the rack (55) is bent sequentially, and the rack (55) can be processed into a three-dimensional structure having a designed structure.

[0113] First, the rack (55) before bending is fed into the first bending device (71), and the wire placed on one side of the rack (55) can be bent. When passing through the first bending device (71), as shown in FIG. 4, the wire on one side of the rack (55) is bent so that a three-dimensional shape can be formed on that side.

[0114] Next, the rack (55) is fed into the second bending device (72), and the wire placed on the other side of the rack (55) can be bent. When passing through the second bending device (72), as shown in FIG. 5, the wire on the other side of the rack (55) (opposite side of the part bent by the first bending device (71)) is bent, and a three-dimensional shape can be formed on the other side.

[0115] The rack (55) that has passed through the first bending device (71) and the second bending device (72) can have both sides bent to form a three-dimensional shape.

[0116] Next, the rack (55) is fed into the third bending device (73) and can be bent in the front-rear direction of the rack (55). When passing through the third bending device (73), as shown in FIG. 6, the wire that was not bent in the first bending device (71) and the second bending device (72) is bent so that the rack (55) can finally be processed into a designed three-dimensional shape.

[0117] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a bender (70) according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a side view showing a bender (70) according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a front view showing a bender (70) with some parts omitted from FIG. 7.

[0118] As described above, the first bending device (71) to the third bending device (73) may each be equipped with a separate bender (70), and some parts may be identical or similar to each other. Accordingly, the drawings from FIG. 7 onwards illustrate, for example, the first bending device (71). The specific structure of the second bending device (72) and the second bending device (72) can be obviously derived from the drawings of the first bending device (71) and the following description.

[0119] A bender (70) according to one embodiment may include a clamp (100), a bending part (200), and a frame (300).

[0120] The clamp (100) can hold the wire and fix its position. The clamp (100) can be provided so that its longitudinal direction is positioned laterally.

[0121] The clamp (100) is provided with a pair of pieces, namely an upper piece (110) and a lower piece (120), so that they may be engaged or separated from each other, allowing the pair of pieces to hold the wire to be bent. The pair of pieces can each move up and down to hold or release the wire.

[0122] The bending part (200) can bend the wire by applying pressure to the portion of the wire protruding from the clamp (100) while fixed to the clamp (100).

[0123] With the clamp (100) holding the wire, the bending part (200) can move up or down while in contact with the portion of the wire protruding from the clamp (100), thereby pressing the wire and bending the wire to form the three-dimensional shape of the rack (55).

[0124] The bending section (200) is equipped with a pair of tools, namely an upper tool (210) and a lower tool (220), and each tool can move up and down to bend the wire.

[0125] A clamp (100) and a bending part (200) may be movably mounted on the frame (300). The clamp (100) and the bending part (200) may be positioned on a part of the frame (300) and mounted so as to be movable up and down relative to the frame (300).

[0126] The vendor (70) may include a feeder (410), a transfer shuttle (420), and an operating device (430).

[0127] The feeder (410) is positioned spaced apart from the clamp (100) and can accommodate an unbent wire. A rack (55) containing the wire before bending is placed on the feeder (410), and the bending operation can proceed after the wire is clamped by the clamp (100).

[0128] A rack (55) composed of wires placed on a feeder (410) may be a flat structure having a mesh shape overall, formed by combining multiple wires.

[0129] A transfer shuttle (420) is positioned between a feeder (410) and a clamp (100) and can transfer a wire from the feeder (410) to the clamp (100). The upper part of the transfer shuttle (420) is configured to move up and down to support a rack (55) containing a wire.

[0130] Additionally, the transfer shuttle (420) may be equipped with a transfer device including, for example, a motor device, a wire gripping device, and other necessary devices for transferring the rack (55) in the forward and backward directions.

[0131] The operating device (430) can operate the clamp (100) and the bending part (200). The upper piece (110) and lower piece (120) of the clamp (100), and the upper tool (210) and lower tool (220) of the bending part (200) move in the up and down directions, respectively, for the bending operation, and this movement operation can be performed by the operating device (430).

[0132] The operating device (430) is mounted on the frame (300) and may be provided in multiple numbers to operate each of the clamp (100) and the bending part (200).

[0133] The operating device (430) can be provided as any device that moves the clamp (100) and the bending part (200) up and down. For example, the operating device (430) can be provided as a piston-cylinder device that operates with at least one of hydraulic or pneumatic pressure.

[0134] The operating device (430), equipped with a piston-cylinder device, has high reliability of operation and a simple structure, so the bending operation of the rack (55) can be carried out efficiently.

[0135] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a part of a bender (70) according to one embodiment. The clamp (100) may include a pair of pieces, namely an upper piece (110) and a lower piece (120).

[0136] The upper piece (110) is positioned on the upper side of the wire and can descend to grasp the wire. The lower piece (120) is positioned on the lower side of the wire, operates separately from the upper piece (110), and can ascend to grasp the wire.

[0137] The upper piece (110) descends and the lower piece (120) ascends to stably fix the wire, and by using the bending part (200) to press the wire, the wire can be bent to form a three-dimensional shape of the rack (55).

[0138] When the upper piece (110) rises again and the lower piece (120) descends, the wire can be pulled out of the clamp (100). By repeating this lifting and lowering motion of the upper piece (110) and the lower piece (120), the wire can be bent at the portions spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction to form a three-dimensional shape.

[0139] The upper piece (110) may include a first protrusion (111) in which the width gradually decreases and a wire is extended and arranged at the end. The lower piece (120) may include a second protrusion (121) in which the width gradually decreases, is provided in a shape symmetrical to the first protrusion (111), and a wire is extended and arranged thereon.

[0140] The first protrusion (111) and the second protrusion (121) can generally have a pointed shape and a shape that narrows toward the end. Due to this shape, the bending part (200) can bend the wire smoothly without interference from the upper piece (110) and the lower piece (120) even if it is only slightly separated from the upper piece (110).

[0141] Since the wire is arranged to extend from the first protrusion (111) and the second protrusion (121), it can be arranged to protrude from them while being held in place by the first protrusion (111) and the second protrusion (121).

[0142] Accordingly, the bending part (200) can easily bend the wire by applying pressure to a specific point of the wire protruding from the first protrusion (111) and the second protrusion (121) while the wire is held in place by the first protrusion (111) and the second protrusion (121).

[0143] The bending section (200) may include a pair of tools, namely an upper tool (210) and a lower tool (220). The upper tool (210) is positioned spaced apart from the upper piece (110), is positioned above the wire, and can descend to bend the wire in a downward direction. The lower tool (220) is positioned spaced apart from the lower piece (120), is positioned below the wire, and can ascend to bend the wire in an upward direction.

[0144] The upper tool (210) and the lower tool (220) operate independently of each other, and in a single bending operation, either the upper tool (210) or the lower tool (220) operates to apply pressure to the wire, thereby bending the wire.

[0145] The upper tool (210) may include a first projection (211) that gradually decreases in width in at least a portion and presses the wire downward at the end. The lower tool (220) may include a second projection (221) that gradually decreases in width in at least a portion and presses the wire upward at the end.

[0146] The first projection (211) and the second projection (221) generally have a pointed shape and are provided so that their width decreases toward the end, so that they can bend the wire by contacting the wire and applying pressure to a specific point of the wire.

[0147] Due to this structure, the first projection (211) and the second projection (221) can reduce the radius of curvature of the bending portion of the wire, thereby enabling the production of a three-dimensional rack (55) with a precise shape. However, in order to prevent the first projection (211) and the second projection (221) from damaging the wire during the bending process, it may be appropriate for the ends of the first projection (211) and the second projection (221) to be formed blunt rather than sharp.

[0148] In the embodiment, the bending angle of the wire can be controlled by controlling the vertical movement range of the upper tool (210) and the lower tool (220) using a computer numerical control method.

[0149] The wire, in a straight state, can be pressed by the upper tool (210) and the lower tool (220) at multiple points along its length to form an overall three-dimensional shape. At this time, the bending angles at each point may differ from one another.

[0150] For example, at a point where the bending angle is relatively large, the upper tool (210) or the lower tool (220) can move relatively long after contacting the wire. On the other hand, at a point where the bending angle is relatively small, the upper tool (210) or the lower tool (220) can move relatively short after contacting the wire.

[0151] FIGS. 11 to 14 are drawings sequentially illustrating the bending process of a rack according to one embodiment. Hereinafter, the process of manufacturing a rack with a three-dimensional shape by bending a wire will be explained with reference to the drawings.

[0152] FIGS. 11 to 14 illustrate a case where the upper tool (210) and the lower tool (220) are used alternately to bend each point of the wire, but in other embodiments, it is obvious that the upper tool (210) and the lower tool (220) may be used in any order as needed, rather than in the order in which the upper tool (210) and the lower tool (220) are used alternately.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 11, first, with the wire forming the rack (55) fixed to the clamp (100), the upper tool (210) lowers and presses the first point of the tip portion of the wire. As the upper tool (210) continues to lower, the wire can be bent at a designed angle.

[0154] When bending is completed, the upper tool (210) rises, and the upper piece (110) and lower piece (120) of the clamp (100) rise and fall, respectively, to release the wire. Afterwards, the transfer device transfers the wire so that the second point of the wire is placed at a position corresponding to the lower tool (220).

[0155] Referring to FIG. 12, the lower tool (220) is then raised to press the second point of the wire, so that the second point of the wire can be bent at a designed angle.

[0156] Afterwards, the lower tool (220) descends again and the wire transport process proceeds so that the third point of the wire is placed at a position corresponding to the upper tool (210).

[0157] Referring to FIG. 13, the upper tool (210) then descends to press the third point of the wire, so that the third point of the wire can be bent at a designed angle.

[0158] Afterwards, the upper tool (210) rises again and the wire transfer process proceeds so that the fourth point of the wire is placed at a position corresponding to the lower tool (220).

[0159] Referring to FIG. 14, the lower tool (220) is then raised to press the fourth point of the wire, so that the fourth point of the wire can be bent at a designed angle. By repeating these processes, the wire can be bent at multiple points, and the rack (55) can be processed into a three-dimensional shape.

[0160] As described above, by sequentially passing the wire through three benders (70), namely the first bending device (71), the second bending device (72), and the third bending device (73), the bending of a plurality of wires constituting the rack (55) is completed, and the three-dimensional shape processing of the rack (55) can be completed.

[0161] The range of movement of these upper tool (210) and lower tool (220) can be controlled by a control unit equipped in the wire bending system using a computer numerical control method.

[0162] If a problem occurs in the part of the bender (70) due to continuous and repetitive bending operations and the bending angle of the wire differs from the design value, the vertical movement range of the existing fixed upper tool (210) and lower tool (220) can be changed using a computer numerical control method.

[0163] At this time, the movement range of the upper tool (210) and the lower tool (220) can be changed by changing the lowest movement position of the upper tool (210) and the highest movement position of the lower tool (220) using a computer numerical control method. Of course, the vertical movement range of the upper tool (210) and the lower tool (220) can be changed differently at each point of the bending wire.

[0164] Accordingly, if the bending angle of the wire differs from the design value, the bending angle at each point of the wire can be adjusted to match the design value again simply by changing the lowest movement position of the upper tool (210) and the highest movement position of the lower tool (220) without replacing parts.

[0165] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a wire bending method. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of bending a structure to process it into a three-dimensional shape.

[0166] The wire bending method according to the embodiment can be carried out using the wire bending system described above.

[0167] For wire bending, a plate-shaped raw material equipped with multiple wires can be prepared first. To do this, the multiple wires can be aligned spaced apart from each other in the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively (S110).

[0168] Next, the intersection points of each of the multiple wires can be welded to form a mesh-shaped structure (S120). Once the welding is completed, a mesh-shaped plate structure is provided, and by bending the wires using a bender (70) on this structure, a rack (55) with a three-dimensional shape can be produced.

[0169] Next, the above structure can be bent to form a three-dimensional shape (S130). The step of processing the structure may consist of a step of bending a wire placed on one side of the rack (55) (S131), a step of bending a wire placed on the other side of the rack (55) (S132), and a step of bending the rack (55) in the forward and backward directions (S133).

[0170] After going through each of these steps, the multiple wires constituting the rack (55) are bent into an overall designed shape, and the rack (55) can be processed into a designed three-dimensional shape.

[0171] Next, finishing welding can be performed on the wire (S140). In step S140, welding can be performed by fixing the rack (55), which has been processed into a three-dimensional shape, to the storage unit (50). Accordingly, finishing welding can be performed on the wire.

[0172] If a defect occurs in the part of the bender (70) due to repetitive bending operations and the bending angle of the wire differs from the design value, such finishing welding may be difficult, and even if finishing welding is performed, the storage part (50) may result in product defects.

[0173] In the embodiment, as described above, if the bending angle of the wire differs from the design value, the lowest moving position of the upper tool (210) and the upper moving position of the lower tool (220) are simply changed without replacing parts, thereby bringing the bending angle of each point of the wire back to match the design value, and thus effectively suppressing defects in the finishing weld and product defects.

[0174] The bender (70) may include a first bending device (71) for bending a wire positioned on one side of a rack (55), a second bending device (72) for bending a wire positioned on the other side of the rack (55) positioned behind the first bending device (71), and a third bending device (73) for bending the rack (55) in a forward and backward direction positioned behind the second bending device (72).

[0175] After one side of the wire is bent by passing through the first bending device (71), the other side is bent by passing through the second bending device (72), and then the wire can be bent in the forward and backward directions by passing through the third bending device (73).

[0176] By using multiple benders (70), the rack (55), which is a mesh-shaped flat structure, can be sequentially bent in the front and rear directions to effectively suppress processing defects and process the rack (55) so that the error can be reduced compared with the design value.

[0177] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated drawings, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration of the present invention were not explicitly described while explaining the embodiments of the present invention above, it is natural to acknowledge that the effects predictable by said configuration should also be recognized.

Claims

1. In a wire bending system for a rack equipped in a dishwasher, The above wire bending system includes a bender that bends a wire provided on the rack, and The above bender is equipped so that the bending angle of the wire is variably controlled by a computer numerical control (CNC) method, Wire bending system.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above vendor, A first bending device for bending a wire positioned on one side of the above rack; A second bending device positioned at the rear of the first bending device and bending a wire positioned on the other side of the rack; and A third bending device positioned at the rear of the second bending device and bending the rack in the front-rear direction including, Wire bending system.

3. In Paragraph 2, The wire passes through the first bending device to bend one side, then passes through the second bending device to bend the other side, and subsequently passes through the third bending device to bend in the forward and backward directions. Wire bending system.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above vendor, A clamp that holds a wire and fixes its position; A bending part that bends the wire by applying pressure to a portion of the wire protruding from the clamp while fixed to the clamp; and A frame on which the above clamp and the above bending part are mounted so as to be movable including, Wire bending system.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above vendor, A feeder positioned spaced apart from the above clamp and on which an unbent wire is seated; A transfer shuttle disposed between the feeder and the clamp and transferring a wire from the feeder to the clamp; and Operating device for operating the above clamp and the above bending part including, Wire bending system.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above operating device is, A piston-cylinder device equipped with at least one of hydraulic or pneumatic operation, Wire bending system.

7. In Paragraph 4, The above clamp is, An upper piece positioned above the wire and descending to grasp the wire; and A lower piece positioned below the wire, operating separately from the upper piece, and rising to grasp the wire. including, Wire bending system.

8. In a wire bending method using the wire bending system described in paragraph 1, A step of aligning multiple wires spaced apart from each other in the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively; A step of forming a mesh-shaped structure by welding the intersection points of each of the multiple wires; A step of bending the above structure to process it into a three-dimensional shape; and The stage of performing finishing welding on the wire including, Wire bending method.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above processing step is, A step of bending a wire positioned on one side of the rack; A step of bending a wire positioned on the other side of the rack; Step of bending the above rack in the forward and backward directions including, Wire bending method.

10. In Paragraph 8, The above vendor, A first bending device for bending a wire positioned on one side of the above rack; A second bending device positioned at the rear of the first bending device and bending a wire positioned on the other side of the rack; and A third bending device positioned at the rear of the second bending device and bending the rack in the front-rear direction Includes, The wire passes through the first bending device to bend one side, then passes through the second bending device to bend the other side, and subsequently passes through the third bending device to bend in the forward and backward directions. Wire bending method.

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