HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE SINK

The present disclosure relates to a height-adjustable sink. According to an aspect, the height-adjustable sink includes: a main body; an upper plate provided above the main body; at least one connecting member connected to the main body and the upper plate to adjust the height of the upper plate with respect to the main body; and a holding unit configured to maintain the height of the upper plate in a state in which the height of the upper plate is adjusted.

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Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a height-adjustable sink.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, sinks are installed in the kitchens of homes or restaurants and used to clean food or tableware, and the installation height of sinks is based on a reference height that matches the height of a normal standing adult.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a sink 1 of the related art.

Referring to FIG. 1, the sink 1 of the related art includes a main body 2 and an upper plate 3 provided on an upper portion of the main body 2. The upper plate 3 includes a sink table 4 used to wash tableware, and a cooking table 5 used to dry tableware or clean food stuff. The main body 2 may include a door 6 that may be selectively opened and closed, a storage compartment 7 used to store tableware or cooking utensils, and a drawer (not shown).

In the sink 1 of the related art, the main body 2 and the upper plate 3 are fixed, and thus height adjustment is impossible.

Therefore, when children or disabled persons having a height less than the reference height are to use the sink 1, they have to use an additional foot plate to adjust their height to the reference height, making it inconvenient to use the sink 1. Conversely, people having a height greater than the reference height have to inconveniently bend over to use the sink 1.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Technical Problem

To solve the above-described problems of the related art, the present disclosure provides a sink including a height adjusting device for users having different heights to easily adjust the height of the sink.

Solution to Problem

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described objectives, a height-adjustable sink includes: a main body including a storage compartment; an upper plate placed on an upper side of the main body and including at least one of a sink table and a cooking table; and a height adjusting device configured to adjust a height of the at least one of the sink table and the cooking table with respect to the main body.

In addition, a height of the upper plate is adjusted as a whole with respect to the main body to simultaneously adjust heights of the sink table and the cooking table.

In addition, the upper plate includes a penetration portion through which the at least one of the sink table and the cooking table penetrates, and the at least one of the sink table and the cooking table is vertically moved through the penetration portion.

In addition, the upper plate includes a fixed upper plate having a fixed height and a movable upper plate movably provided on the main body and adjustable in height, wherein the sink table is provided on one of the fixed upper plate and the movable upper plate, and the cooking table is provided on the other of the fixed upper plate and the movable upper plate.

The height-adjustable sink further includes a manipulation portion provided on the upper plate; and a transmission portion configured to transfer manipulation force from the manipulation portion to the height adjusting device.

Advantageous Effects of Disclosure

According to the present disclosure, since the height of at least one of an upper plate or a lift plate of a sink is adjustable according to the height of a user, the user may more conveniently use the sink.

In addition, since the height of the upper plate or the lift plate is adjustable using a manipulation portion provided on the sink, a user may conveniently perform height adjustment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a sink of the related art.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views illustrating a sink according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views illustrating the sink of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the assembly of a manipulation portion and a holding unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly of an upper plate frame, a main body frame, and a gas cylinder according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a sink according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating the sink of the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating the sink of the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a connecting member according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a sink according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a front view illustrating the sink of the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating the sink of the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a sink according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a sink table according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a cutaway view illustrating a cooking table according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a cutaway view illustrating a sink table according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a connecting member of the sink table according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a cutaway view illustrating a cooking table according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a connecting member of the cooking table according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a sink according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

 MODE OF DISCLOSURE

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals denote like elements, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted. In the following description, terms ending with “module” and “unit” are used or interchangeably used only for ease of description, and it is not intended to distinguish meanings or functions with the terms. Moreover, in the following descriptions of embodiments, detailed descriptions related to well-known techniques may not be presented in order not to unnecessarily obscure subject matters of the embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for helping easy understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not for limiting the technical idea of the present disclosure, and it should be understood that modifications, equivalents, and replacements could be made without departing from the technical idea and scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views illustrating a sink according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2A illustrates a state in which an upper plate is placed at a lowest position, and FIG. 2B illustrates a state in which the upper plate is placed at a highest position. FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views illustrating the sink of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 3A illustrates a state in which the upper plate is placed at the lowest position, and FIG. 3B illustrates a state in which the upper plate is placed at the highest position. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating assembly of a manipulation portion and a holding unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating assembly of an upper plate frame, a main body frame, and a gas cylinder according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the sink 10 of the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body 11, the upper plate 20 placed on an upper portion of the main body 11, and a height adjusting device placed inside the main body 11 to connect the main body 11 and the upper plate 20 to each other and adjust the height of the upper plate 20 with respect to the main body 11.

The height adjusting device may adjust the heights of the main body 11 and the upper plate 20 and may include the holding unit 40 for maintaining the adjusted heights.

The main body 11 forms a lower portion of the sink 10 and supports the upper plate 20 in contact with the ground or floor.

The main body 11 may include the main body frame 15 forming a storage compartment 90, and a door 80 rotatably connected to the main body frame 15 for opening and closing the storage compartment 90.

The main body 11 may further include a drawer 95 configured to slide out and in.

The upper plate 20 may have a flat plate shape such that food or cooking utensils may be placed thereon.

The upper plate 20 may include a sink table 200 and a cooking table 300.

A front surface 21 of the upper plate 20 may cover the front side of the main body 11 such that a gap between the upper plate 20 and the main body 11 may not be seen from the outside when the height of the upper plate 20 is increased. In addition, the manipulation portion 60 may be provided on the front surface 21 of the upper plate 20 to operate the holding unit 40 (described later), and a handle 70 may be provided on the front surface 21 of the upper plate 20 to apply force when raising or lowering the upper plate 20.

However, the positions of the manipulation portion 60 and the handle 70 are not limited to the front surface 21. For example, the manipulation portion 60 and the handle 70 may be provided on a surface of the main body 11 or the door 80 instead of on a surface of the upper plate 20.

In addition, although not shown in the drawings, the front surface 21 and lateral surfaces 23 of the sink 10 may have a bellows structure. Here, the bellows structure refers to a wave-shaped shield structure configured to be folded when the upper plate 20 is at a minimum height and unfolded when the upper plate 20 is at a maximum height.

The sink table 200 includes a sink bowl 210 having a downwardly convex shape for washing tableware or storing water, a faucet 230 placed apart from an upper side of the sink bowl 210 and connected to a water supply pipe to drop water to the sink bowl 210, and a drain hole 240 formed in a lowermost surface of the sink bowl 210 to drain water from the sink bowl 210.

In the drawings, the sink table 200 is illustrated as having a tetragonal shape. However, the sink table 200 is not limited thereto. For example, the sink table 200 may have a circular or polygonal shape.

The cooking table 300 provides a multi-use space for preparing food ingredients and placing tableware after or before washing, and a plurality of anti-slip ridges or a plurality of water-draining curved portions may be formed on the cooking table 300. In addition, a cutting board may be placed on the cooking table 300 to cut food ingredients with a knife.

The upper plate 20 may include the upper plate frame 25 slidably coupled to a portion of the main body frame 15. The upper plate frame 25 may extend from a lower surface of the upper plate 20 and may accommodate a portion of the main body frame 15. That is, the upper plate frame 25 may include an accommodation portion 27 to accommodate a portion of the main body frame 15. Conversely, the upper plate frame 25 may be accommodated in the main body frame 15.

In addition, a plurality of upper plate frames 25 may extend from the upper plate 20 for height adjustment of the upper plate 20 without horizontal wobbling.

To prevent relative rotation in a state in which the upper plate frame 25 and the main body frame 15 are connected to each other, each of the upper plate frame 25 and the main body frame 15 may have a non-circular horizontal cross-sectional shape. The main body frame 15 and the upper plate frame 25 include protrusions 16 and 26 for fastening the holding unit 40 thereto.

The protrusions 16 and 26 may horizontally formed respectively on the main body frame 15 and the upper plate frame 25. In this case, the protrusions 16 and 26 may be spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction, and the holding unit 40 may be fastened to each of the protrusions 16 and 26.

The holding unit 40 may include a gas spring 41. An end of the gas spring 41 may be coupled to one of the protrusions 16 and 26, and the other end of the gas spring 41 may be coupled to the other of the protrusions 16 and 26.

The gas spring 41 includes a cylinder 42 having a hollow tube shape and a piston rod 43 inserted into a hollow portion inside the cylinder 42. The length of the gas spring 41 is varied as the piston rod 43 vertically operates with respect to the cylinder 42. That is, gas is injected into the cylinder 42, and the position of the piston rod 43 is varied by pressure applied by the gas to the piston rod 43. A gas opening/closing pin 44 for selectively opening and closing internal gas and an opening/closing guide 45 for operating the gas opening/closing pin 44 are provided on an upper side of the piston rod 43, and an end of a cable 61 is connected to the gas opening/closing pin 44 and the opening/closing guide 45.

The cable 61 may be connected to the manipulation portion 60 through at least one link 62.

Therefore, when the manipulation portion 60 is manipulated, the at least one link 62 may be operated by the manipulation portion 60, and thus the cable 61 may be pulled to move gas filled in the gas spring 41 and thus to vertically move the piston rod 43 by pressure of the gas. In addition, when force pulling the cable 61 is removed, the position of the piston rod 43 is fixed.

In another example, a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder having a length variable using the pressure of a fluid or air may be used as a holding unit instead of the gas spring 41. The gas spring 41 may be implemented by well-known technology, and thus a detailed description thereof will not be presented here.

In the current embodiment, gas injected into the cylinder 42 applies pressure to the piston rod 43 to push the piston rod 43, and then the protrusion 16 provided on the main body frame 15 and the protrusion 26 provided on the upper plate frame 25 are moved away from each other, thereby moving the upper plate frame 25 away from the main body frame 15.

Conversely, when the gas is discharged from the inside of the cylinder 42, the piston rod 43 is moved into the cylinder 42, and the distance between the protrusions 16 and 26 is decreased. Thus, the upper plate frame 25 is placed close to the main body frame 15. In this case, since both ends of the main body frame 15 are inserted into accommodation portions 27 located on both sides of the upper plate frame 25, the height of the upper plate 20 may be decreased with respect to the main body 11.

Hereinafter, operations for adjusting the height of the sink 10 will be described.

Detailed manipulation operations are as follows. If the manipulation portion 60 is manipulated by a user, manipulation force is transmitted from the manipulation portion 60 to the gas spring 41 through the at least one link 62 and the cable 61. That is, it may be understood that in a state in which the manipulation portion 60 is pushed, the length of the gas spring 41 is variable. In other words, in a state in which the manipulation portion 60 is pushed, the upper plate 20 is moved upward away from the main body 11 by pressure of gas filled in the gas spring 41.

In detail, when it is intended to raise the upper plate 20, the manipulation portion 60 is pushed, and when it is intended to lower the upper plate 20, the upper plate 20 is pushed downward in a state in which the manipulation portion 60 is pushed.

In addition, during height adjustment, the handle 70 provided on the upper surface 20 at a position close to the manipulation portion 60 may be used. That is, while pushing the manipulation portion 60, the handle 70 may be raised or lowered for height adjustment.

Furthermore, in the current embodiment, the main body frame 15 and the upper plate frame 25 are described as having a flat plate shape. However, a truss structure formed by bars may be used as a frame supporting the upper plate 20.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a sink according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating the sink of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating the sink of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a connecting member according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

The current embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the shape of an upper plate 20, the configuration of a connecting member 30, and the arrangement of a holding unit 40. Therefore, in the following description, only characteristic parts of the current embodiment will be described, and descriptions of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be substituted with previous descriptions.

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, a front portion of the upper plate 20 of the current embodiment may protrude forward more than a main body. A manipulation portion may be provided on a lower surface of the front portion of the upper plate 20.

A user may hold the upper plate 20 and adjust the height of the upper plate 20 while pressing the manipulation portion 60. Although not shown in the drawings, a handle may be further provided on a side of the upper plate 20.

A shield wall 24 may be formed on a lower surface of the upper plate 20 in a downward direction. Owing to the shield wall 24, a gap between the upper plate 20 and the main body 11 may not be exposed in a state in which the height of the upper plate 20 is increased.

The sink 10 of the current embodiment may further include the connecting member 30 supporting the upper plate 20 and connected to the holding unit 40.

The connecting member 30 may include a first connecting member 31 rotatably connected to the main body 11, and a second connecting member 32 rotatably connected to the upper plate 20.

The first connecting member 31 may be rotatably connected to the second connecting member 32.

An extension portion 33 may be provided on the upper plate 20 such that the first connecting member 31 and the second connecting member 32 may have short lengths, and each of the first connecting member 31 and the second connecting member 32 may be connected to the extension portion 33.

The first connecting member 31 and the second connecting member 32 may cross each other inside the main body 11 and may thus approximately form an ‘X’ shape when viewed from a side.

An end of the first connecting member 31 is coupled to a first coupling portion 110 provided on the main body 11, and the other end of the first connecting member 31 is coupled to a first movement portion 130 slidable on a first movement frame 120 provided on the upper plate 20. First coupling portions 110 and first movement frames 130 may be provided on both sides of the main body 11 and both sides of the upper plate 20 according to the number of first connecting members 31.

The first coupling portion 110 includes: a first horizontal portion 111 coupled to the main body 11 using a screw or link; and a first vertical portion 112 extending upward from a side of the first horizontal portion 111 and coupled to the end of the first connecting member 31. In addition, the end of the first connecting member 31 is rotatably hinged to a lateral surface of the first vertical portion 112. That is, the end of the first connecting member 31 is rotatably coupled to the first vertical portion 112 using a first hinge pin 113 inserted through the first connecting member 31 and the first vertical portion 112.

First movement frames 120 may be provided respectively on both sides of the upper plate 20. The first movement frame 120 includes: a first upper surface portion 121 having an upper surface coupled to the lower surface of the upper plate 20; and a first lateral surface portion 122 extending downward from a side of the first upper surface portion 121; and a first lower surface portion 123 extending inward from an end portion of the first lateral surface portion 122. A lateral side of the first movement frame 120 approximately has a ⊏-shape formed by the first upper surface portion 121, the first lateral surface portion 122, and the first lower surface portion 123. In addition, an outer surface of the first movement portion 130 is slidable in a space formed by the first upper surface portion 121, the first lateral surface portion 122, and the first lower surface portion 123 of the first movement frame 120.

The other end of the first connecting member 31 is hinged to a lateral surface of the first movement portion 130 such that when the first movement portion 130 slides along the first movement frame 120, the inclination of the first connecting member 31 may vary. In other words, since the first connecting member 31 is hinged to the first vertical portion 112 and the first movement portion 130, the angle of the first connecting member 31 is varied with respect to the upper plate 20 and the main body 11. When the angle between the first connecting member 31 and the main body 11 is relatively large, the first movement portion 130 is relatively close to a front side of the first movement frame 120, and when the angle between the first connecting member 31 and the main body 11 is relative small, the first movement portion 130 is relatively close to a rear side of the first movement frame 120. While the other end of the first connecting member 31 slides, the end of the first connecting member 31 may rotate on the first coupling portion 110.

An end of the second connecting member 32 is coupled to a second coupling portion 150 provided on the upper plate 20, and the other end of the second connecting member 32 is coupled to a second movement portion 170 slidable on a second movement frame 160 provided on the main body 11. Second coupling portions 150 and second movement frames 160 may be provided on both sides of the lower surface of the upper plate 20 and both sides of an upper surface of the main body 11 according to the number of second connecting members 32.

The second coupling portion 150 includes: a second horizontal portion 152 having an upper surface coupled to the lower surface of the upper plate 20 using a screw or link; and a second vertical portion 151 extending downward from a side of the second horizontal portion 152 and coupled to the end of the second connecting member 32. The end of the second connecting member 32 is rotatably hinged to a lateral surface of the second vertical portion 151. That is, the end of the second connecting member 32 is rotatably coupled to the second vertical portion 151 using a hinge pin inserted through the second connecting member 32 and the second vertical portion 151.

Second movement frames 160 may be provided respectively on both sides of the main body 11. The second movement frame 160 includes: a second lower surface portion 161 having a lower surface coupled to the upper surface of the main body 11; a second lateral surface portion 162 extending upward from a side of the second lower surface portion 161; and a second upper surface portion 163 extending outward from an end portion of the second lateral surface portion 162. A lateral side of the second movement frame 160 approximately has a ⊏-shape formed by the second lower surface portion 161, the second lateral surface portion 162, and the second upper surface portion 163. In addition, a second movement portion 170 is provided on the second movement frame 160 and is slidable in a space formed by the second lower surface portion 161, the second lateral surface portion 162, and the second upper surface portion 163.

The other end of the second connecting member 32 is hinged to a lateral surface of the second movement portion 170 such that when the second movement portion 170 slides along the second movement frame 160, the inclination of the second connecting member 32 may vary. In other words, since the second connecting member 32 is hinged to the second vertical portion 151 and the second movement portion 170, the angle of the second connecting member 32 is varied with respect to the upper plate 20 and the main body 11.

When the angle between the second connecting member 32 and the main body 11 is relatively large, the second movement portion 170 is relatively close to a front side of the second movement frame 160, and when the angle between the second connecting member 32 and the main body 11 is relative small, the second movement portion 170 is relatively close to a rear side of the second movement frame 160. While the other end of the second connecting member 32 slides, the end of the second connecting member 32 may rotate on the second coupling portion 150.

In summary, the first coupling portion 110 and the second coupling portion 150 are symmetrically provided between the lower surface of the upper plate 20 and the main body 11, and the first movement frame 120 and the second movement frame 160 are symmetrically provided between the lower surface of the upper plate 20 and the main body 11.

In addition, the first coupling portion 110 and the second movement frame 160 coupled to the upper plate 20 may be provided in one piece, and the second coupling portion 150 and the first movement frame 120 coupled to the main body 11 may be provided in one piece.

In addition, unlike in the first embodiment in which the holding unit 40 is fastened between the main body frame 15 and the upper plate frame 25, the holding unit 40 may be placed between the first and second connecting members 31 and 32. The holding unit 40 may include a gas spring 41.

In detail, a protrusion may be formed on a lateral surface of one of the first and second connecting members 31 and 32 to couple an end of the holding unit 40 to the protrusion, and a protrusion may be formed on a lateral surface of the other of the first and second connecting members 31 and 32 to couple the other end of the holding unit 40 to the protrusion, such that the holding unit 40 may be fastened between the protrusions.

When the length of the gas spring 41 is varied according to a user's manipulation, the first movement portion 130 and the second movement portion 170 may slide respectively on the first movement frame 120 and the second movement frame 160. If pressing force applied to the manipulation portion 60 is released, adjustment of the height of the upper plate 20 may be stopped even when the upper plate 20 is being moved. In this manner, the height of the upper plate 20 may be diversely varied.

For example, when the upper plate 20 is moved downward, the length of the gas spring 41 may be shortened, and the second movement portion 170 may slide along the second movement frame 160 in a backward direction with reference to FIG. 9. In addition, upper end portions of the first and second connecting members 31 and 32 are moved downward such that the angles of the first and second connecting members 31 and 32 may decrease with respect to the main body 11.

Conversely, when the upper plate 20 is moved upward, the manipulation portion 60 may be pushed to increase the length of the gas spring 41, and the second movement portion 170 may slide forward along the second movement frame 160. In addition, the upper end portions of the first and second connecting members 31 and 32 are moved upward such that the angles of the first and second connecting members 31 and 32 may increase with respect to the main body 11.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a sink according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 11 is a front view illustrating the sink of the third embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating the sink of the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

The current embodiment is the same as the second embodiment except for the configuration of a connecting member 30. Therefore, in the following description, only characteristic parts of the current embodiment will be described, and descriptions of the same parts as those in the second embodiment will be substituted with previous descriptions.

In the current embodiment, an extension portion 33 may provided on a main body 11, and connecting members 31 and 32 may be connected to the extension portion 33. That is, in the second embodiment, the extension portion 33 is provided on the upper plate 20. In the current embodiment, however, the extension portion 33 may be provided on the main body 11.

Furthermore, in the current embodiment, a holding unit 40 is spaced apart from a lower side of an upper plate 20 in parallel with the upper plate 20. That is, a side of the holding unit 40 may be coupled to one of the first and second connecting members 31 and 32, and the other side of the holding unit 40 may be coupled to the other of the first and second connecting members 31 and 32. One and the other sides of the connecting member 30 may be coupled at the same height.

In the current embodiment, the first and second connecting members 31 and 32 may be provided inside a shield wall 24. Since the first connecting member 31, the second connecting member 32, and the holding unit 40 are provided inside the shield wall 24, an accommodation space inside the main body 11 may be more usefully used.

The holding unit 40 may include a level coil spring.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a sink according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13A illustrates a state in which an upper plate is at a lowermost position, and FIG. 13B illustrates a state in which the upper plate is at an highest position. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a sink table according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 15 is a cut-away view illustrating a cooking table according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

The current embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the configuration of an upper plate 20. Therefore, in the following description, only characteristic parts of the current embodiment will be described, and descriptions of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be substituted with previous descriptions.

In the current embodiment, the sink table 200 and the cooking table 300 may be raised independently of each other. That is, unlike in the first embodiment in which the sink table 200 and cooking table 300 are raised together, the sink table 200 and the cooking table 300 may be raised independently of each other.

In the current embodiment, the upper plate 20 may include a penetration portion through which the sink table 200 or the cooking table 300 passes. That is, the sink table 200 or the cooking table 300 may be moved upward through the penetration portion. The penetration portion may have the same shape as the shape of the sink table 200 or the cooking table 300.

The sink table 200 may include a lift surface portion 201 and a shield wall 202 that form the outer side of the sink table 200. In the drawings, the lift surface portion 201 has a tetragonal shape. However, the lift surface portion 201 is not limited thereto. For example, the lift surface portion 201 may have a circular or polygonal shape.

If the sink table 200 is lowered to a minimum height, the lift surface portion 201 and the upper plate 20 are placed at the same height without a height difference. However, the lift surface portion 201 may have a size that is greater than the penetration portion of the upper plate 20 not to expose a gap between a main body 11 and the lift surface portion 201, and in this case, a height difference corresponding to the thickness of the lift surface portion 201 may be between the upper plate 20 and the lift surface portion 201.

A sink bowl 210 is provided in a center region of the lift surface portion 201, and a faucet 230 may be provided in a rear region of the lift surface portion 201 such that water may fall from the faucet 230 to the sink bowl 210. A drain hole 240 may be provided in a lowermost surface of the sink bowl 210, and the lowermost surface of the sink bowl 210 may have, but is not limited to, a flat shape or a curved shape.

A manipulation portion 60 may be provided on a side of the lift surface portion 201 to operate a holding unit 40. In addition, a handle 70 may be provided on the lift surface portion 201 at a position close to the manipulation portion 60.

The shield wall 24 may prevent a gap between the lift surface portion 201 and the upper plate 20 from being exposed when the height of the lift surface portion 201 is increased.

When the sink table 200 is lowered to a minimum height, a lower surface of the lift surface portion 201 may be brought into contact with and supported by a main body frame 15.

In addition, sides of two or more holding units 40 may be coupled to the lower surface of the lift surface portion 201, and the other sides of the two or more holding units 40 may be coupled to the main body frame 15. The two or more holding units 40 may be symmetrically arranged around the sink bowl 210.

Like the sink table 200, the cooking table 300 may be independently raised, and the cooking table 300 may include a lift surface portion 301 and a shield wall 302. In the drawings, the cooking table 300 is illustrated as having a tetragonal shape. However, the cooking table 300 is not limited thereto. For example, the cooking table 300 may have a circular or polygonal shape.

The operations and configurations of the lift surface portion 301 and the shield wall 302 are the same as the operations and configurations of the lift surface portion 201 and the shield wall 202 except for detailed configurations for implementing the function of the cooking table 300.

In the current embodiment, portions of the upper plate 20 that are adjustable in height are referred to as the lift surface portions 201 and 301. However, the portions may be understood as lift plates separate from the upper plate 20.

FIG. 16 is a cutaway view illustrating a sink table 200 according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a connecting member 30 of the sink table 200 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 18 is a cutaway view illustrating a cooking table 300 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a connecting member 30 of the cooking table 300 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the current embodiment, the sink table 200 and the cooking table 300 have the same structure as in the second and fifth embodiments except for the configuration of a connecting member 30 and the arrangement of a holding unit 40. Therefore, in the following description, only characteristic parts of the current embodiment will be described, and descriptions of the same parts as those in the second and fifth embodiments will be substituted with previous descriptions.

In the current embodiment, a connecting member 30 may include a first connecting member 31 and a second connecting member 32 like in the second embodiment. Although the first and second connecting members 31 and 32 of the second embodiment are arranged in a front-to-rear direction, the first and second connecting members 31 and 32 of the current embodiment may be arranged in a left-to-right direction.

The connecting member 30 may include the first connecting member 31 rotatably connected to the sink table 200 and the cooking table 300, and the second connecting member 32 rotatably connected to a main body frame 15.

The first and second connecting members 32 may cross each other inside a main body 11 and may thus approximately form an ‘X’ shape when viewed from a front side.

Furthermore, in the current embodiment, a plurality of connecting members 30 may connect the main body 11 to the sink table 200, and the main body 11 to the cooking table 300. That is, in the current embodiment, a plurality of first connecting members 31 and a plurality of second connecting members 32 may connect the main body 11 to the sink table 200, and the main body 11 to the cooking table 300.

In addition, although both ends of the holding unit 40 are connected to the connecting member 30 in the second embodiment, an end of the holding unit 40 may be coupled to a shaft 190 connecting the plurality of second connecting members 32, and the other end of the holding unit 40 may be coupled to a lower surface of a sink bowl 210 or a lower surface of lift surface portions 201 and 301.

In addition, a gas spring coupling portion 191 may be provided on the lower surface of the sink bowl 210 or the lift surface portions 201 and 301, and the other end of the holding unit 40 may be coupled to the gas spring coupling portion 191.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a sink according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

The current embodiment is the same as the second to fourth embodiments except for the configuration of an upper plate 20. Therefore, in the following description, only characteristic parts of the current embodiment will be described, and descriptions of the same parts as those in the second to fifth embodiments will be substituted with previous descriptions.

In the current embodiment, the upper plate 20 includes a fixed upper plate 28 and a movable upper plate 29. The fixed upper plate 28 is fixed to a main body 11, and the movable upper plate 29 is coupled to the main body 11 in a vertically movable manner.

In addition, the fixed upper plate 28 may further include a lift surface portion 201.

The movable upper plate 29 may function as a cooking table 300 as described above.

As described above, the sink 10 is configured such that the height of the upper plate 20 may easily be adjusted by simply manipulating a manipulation portion 60, and thus even tall users may conveniently use the sink 10 without having to bend down for washing dishes and cooking.

While the height-adjustable sinks have been described according to the first to sixth embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art may properly combine the first to sixth embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure relates to a sink including a height adjusting device for users having different heights to easily adjust the height of the sink.

Claims

1. A height-adjustable sink comprising:

a main body;
an upper plate placed on an upper side of the main body and comprising at least one of a sink table and a cooking table; and
a height adjusting device configured to adjust a height of the at least one of the sink table and the cooking table with respect to the main body.

2. The height-adjustable sink of claim 1, wherein a height of the upper plate is adjusted as a whole with respect to the main body to simultaneously adjust heights of the sink table and the cooking table.

3. The height-adjustable sink of claim 2, wherein the main body comprises a main body frame,

the upper plate comprises an upper plate frame connected to the main body frame, and
the height adjusting device is connected to the main body frame and the upper plate frame and comprises a holding unit configured to maintain a state in which the height of the upper plate is adjusted.

4. The height-adjustable sink of claim 3, wherein the main body frame and the upper plate frame respectively comprise protrusions on sides thereof to fasten the holding unit to the protrusions, and

the protrusions are spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction,
wherein an end of the holding unit is coupled to the protrusion of the main body frame, and the other end of the holding unit is coupled to the protrusion of the upper plate frame.

5. The height-adjustable sink of claim 2, further comprising a connecting member configured to connect the main body and the upper plate to each other,

wherein the height adjusting device is connected to the connecting member and comprises a holding unit configured to maintain a state in which the height of the upper plate is adjusted.

6. The height-adjustable sink of claim 5, wherein the connecting member comprises a first connecting member and a second connecting member,

wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member respectively comprise a plurality of first connecting members and a plurality of second connecting members that cross each other, and
an end portion of one of the plurality of first connecting members and the plurality of second connecting members is slidably coupled to the main body or the upper plate.

7. The height-adjustable sink of claim 5, wherein the holding unit is connected to one of the plurality of first connecting members and the plurality of second connecting members, and

a side of the holding unit is slidably coupled to the upper plate or the main body.

8. The height-adjustable sink of claim 1, wherein the upper plate comprises a penetration portion through which the at least one of the sink table and the cooking table penetrates, and

the height of the at least one of the sink table and the cooking table is adjusted as the at least one of the sink table and the cooking table is vertically moved through the penetration portion.

9. The height-adjustable sink of claim 8, wherein the sink table and the cooking table are adjusted in height independently of each other.

10. The height-adjustable sink of claim 8, wherein the sink table comprises a lift plate and a sink bowl connected to the lift plate, and

the height adjusting device is connected to the lift plate or the sink bowl.

11. The height-adjustable sink of claim 10, further comprising a connecting member connected to the main body and the lift plate or connected to the main body and the sink bowl,

wherein the connecting member comprises:
a first connecting member; and
a second connecting member extending in a direction crossing an extension direction of the first connecting member,
wherein an end portion of at least one of the first connecting member and the second connecting member is slidably coupled to one of the main body, the lift plate, or the sink bowl.

12. The height-adjustable sink of claim 11, wherein the height adjusting device is connected to one of the first connecting member and the second connecting member and to the lift plate or the sink bowl, and the height adjusting device comprises a holding unit to maintain a height adjusted state.

13. The height-adjustable sink of claim 1, wherein the upper plate comprises a fixed upper plate having a fixed height and a movable upper plate movably provided on the main body and adjustable in height,

wherein the sink table is provided on one of the fixed upper plate and the movable upper plate, and the cooking table is provided on the other of the fixed upper plate and the movable upper plate.

14. The height-adjustable sink of claim 13, wherein the fixed upper plate comprises a penetration portion, and

the cooking table or the sink table is adjusted in height as the cooking table or the sink table is vertically moved through the penetration portion.

15. The height-adjustable sink of claim 14, wherein the sink table and the cooking table are adjusted in height independently of each other.

16. The height-adjustable sink of claim 3, wherein the holding unit comprises a gas spring or a hydraulic spring.

17. The height-adjustable sink of claim 3, wherein the holding unit comprises a level coil spring.

18. The height-adjustable sink of claim 1, further comprising:

a manipulation portion provided on the upper plate; and
a transmission portion configured to transfer manipulation force from the manipulation portion to the height adjusting device.

19. The height-adjustable sink of claim 18, wherein the height adjusting device comprises a gas spring comprising an opening/closing pin used to adjust a gas flow,

wherein the transmission portion comprises:
at least one link configured to be operated by the manipulation portion; and
a cable connected to the at least one link and the opening/closing pin.
Patent History
Publication number: 20200277770
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 28, 2016
Publication Date: Sep 3, 2020
Inventors: Jeong-Hyeon Hong (Seoul), Woo-Kee Min (Seoul)
Application Number: 16/068,064
Classifications
International Classification: E03C 1/328 (20060101); E03C 1/33 (20060101); A47B 33/00 (20060101); A47B 77/02 (20060101); A47B 77/06 (20060101); A47B 51/00 (20060101);