Compact counter-top hand-operated dishwashing appliance and use of the dishwashing appliance

Abstract

The present application relates to a compact counter-top hand-operated dishwashing appliance and to the use of the appliance. According to one aspect of the application, the appliance (10, 10') comprises a first unit (12, 12') and a second unit (14) which are not rigidly connected to each other and are separable, movable and independently positionable / repositionable with respect to each other. The first unit comprises a single compartment which houses a pump (13), a transformer (15) and a conduit or sleeve (16). The first unit also comprises a container (20, 60) which defines a reservoir for washing water, which is extractable with respect to the body portion of the first unit and is possibly angularly orientable, and the second unit defines a dishwashing chamber which comprises support elements (26, 26') of the same and / or different height and has a distribution function of positioning the dishes (plates, glasses, cutlery).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application filed on August 6, 2020, with national application number 202080056077.4 (PCT application number PCT / IB2020 / 057431) and invention title "Dishwashing Equipment". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to tableware washing equipment.

[0003] More specifically, the present invention relates to a tableware washing device for a compact countertop, namely a tableware washing device that can be positioned on the dripping surface of a kitchen sink. Background Technology

[0004] As we all know, tableware can be washed by hand or automatically by water-washing appliances, usually called dishwashers.

[0005] In recent years, dishwashers have become increasingly common and these appliances are appearing more and more in homes and often in catering or cafeteria facilities; this is due to a variety of factors, such as the comfort associated with the fact that people no longer waste as much time and effort as when washing dishes by hand, or due to the lower consumption of water and / or detergent used in washing (based on environmental practices, etc.).

[0006] Washing equipment or dishwashers come in different types and sizes, and are selected based on washing needs (load capacity expressed as the number of tables that can be washed in a washing cycle) and / or, for example, based on integration requirements in residential spaces (e.g., built-in dishwashers fitted into kitchen furniture structures or limited spaces due to smaller spaces).

[0007] However, conventional dishwashers may be too large in some situations and thus create space problems, and cannot be integrated into all living spaces, thus becoming unusable due to lack of space.

[0008] In addition, traditional dishwashers always require the intervention of skilled technicians responsible for installation and testing.

[0009] Additionally, the load capacity of a conventional dishwasher may be too high. For example, for a single person, in order not to waste too much water, electricity, and detergent, this person piles dishes into the dishwasher to make it run at full capacity. The downside is that the dirt on the dishes may become more difficult to remove, or there is the downside of the fact that the user does not have enough dishes to completely fill the appliance.

[0010] Other drawbacks associated with conventional dishwashers include the fact that they require connections to water pipes, drainage systems, and power sources; however, not all residential solutions are designed for dishwasher installation; this is a major disadvantage, as it is difficult to find a partition or space to accommodate conventional or even smaller dishwashers in limited living spaces (such as small apartments), for example, in kitchen cabinets, where the size of the cabinets themselves makes it difficult, if possible, to place a dishwasher.

[0011] Compact dishwashers, which do not require connection to water pipes and drainage systems in a manner similar to those of conventional “large” dishwashers and can be permanently or temporarily (e.g., stored in a compartment if not in use) placed on kitchen work surfaces, have been developed in an attempt to overcome these drawbacks.

[0012] Some compact dishwashers are connected to a sink faucet and the sink's drainage system via pipes; however, this type of appliance has disadvantages related to the fact that when the appliance is running, the user cannot use the water dispensed by the faucet for other purposes, and additionally, the faucet connection needs to be adjusted or a connecting element needs to be used to connect the faucet to the dishwasher's pipes.

[0013] Other types of compact dishwashers include a liquid reservoir located within the appliance that can be detached / separated from the appliance body to be filled with water and detergent, and then repositioned within the appliance body to allow it to operate correctly.

[0014] However, this solution also brings the disadvantage of requiring the assembly / disassembly of the detergent reservoir to allow it to be filled, and in the long run, this can lead to wear and tear on both the components or elements in the dishwasher body designed to house the reservoir and the reservoir itself.

[0015] Document GB2548067 describes a device specifically for washing and cleaning tableware, and more specifically, a device for washing and cleaning knives made in the form of a stirrer. This device includes a base unit, which may be equipped with a means for driving a rotating brush, arranged in another unit for holding the knives and washing water, wherein the other unit is closed by means of a lid. This type of washing device is unsuitable for washing tableware such as plates and / or glasses. Furthermore, this device does not overcome the disadvantages described above and associated with the need to assemble / disassemble the detergent reservoir to allow for filling. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0017] More specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a dishwashing device that is compact in size and suitable for placement on a kitchen sink, for example, on the drip surface of the sink, and in particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a dishwashing device that can be universally adapted to all kitchen solutions.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a dishwashing device that does not require direct connection to water pipes and drainage systems.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a water washing device that is easy to use and easy to position when ready for use, as well as a device that facilitates loading and unloading of tableware and dries the tableware.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a water washing device that allows for washing dishes in a short time and with low water consumption.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a dishwashing apparatus that is compact in structure and does not, under any circumstances, generate an overall related size of the sink or create problems related to freeing up space in the sink when needed.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a dishwashing device for users that is suitable for allowing high resistance and reliability over time, and in addition, makes it simple to manufacture and cost-effective.

[0023] These and other objectives are achieved by means of the present invention having the features of claim 1.

[0024] According to the present invention, a compact countertop dishwashing apparatus comprising two operating units is provided herein, the two operating units being defined by a first unit and a second unit and non-rigidly connected to each other, being separable, movable and positionable / repositionable independently of each other, the first unit defining a control unit that houses the components / devices required for operation of the dishwashing apparatus, and the second unit defining a dishwashing chamber.

[0025] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are summarized by way of dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The structural and functional features of the dishwashing apparatus of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which represent embodiments of the invention provided by way of non-limiting example only, and in which:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a front view of a tableware washing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 The diagram schematically represents a top view of the dishwashing apparatus of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 A front axonometric view of a partial cross-section of a component of the washing apparatus of the present invention is schematically illustrated.

[0030] Figure 4 The diagram schematically represents a plan view of the components of the device of the present invention in an operational configuration;

[0031] Figure 5 The device of the present invention is illustrated schematically. Figure 3 A plan view of the device within the components;

[0032] Figure 6 The diagram schematically represents a front view of another component of the washing apparatus of the present invention;

[0033] Figures 7 to 9 The illustration schematically depicts a washing apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, and in particular, Figure 7 The figure shows an isometric view of a pressure cleaning device. Figure 8 An isometric view of the components of the washing equipment is shown, and Figure 9 The illustration shows a washing apparatus arranged relative to a water tank according to an alternative embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Referring to the above figures, the dishwashing apparatus of the present invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 10 in the above figures, basically comprises two units defined by a first unit 12 and a second unit 14, which are not rigidly connected to each other, are separable relative to each other, are movable, and are independently positionable / repositionable.

[0035] The first unit 12 defines a control unit that houses the components / devices required to operate the washing equipment, wherein the components / devices are housed in a single and separate compartment and include: a pump 13 (preferably a diaphragm type, and preferably a pump operating at a pressure of 3 to 9 bar, a flow rate of about 4 to 4.5 liters per minute, and a temperature between 60°C and 65°C); a transformer 15; a socket or terminal 11 for connection to a power source and an on / off switch (the transformer being adapted to power the pump 13); a pipe or sleeve 16 provided with a nozzle 17 (the nozzle 17 being, for example, a shower head type or having a flat blade type or other type suitable for this purpose), which is connected to the pump 13 for distributing detergent onto the dishes (described in detail below); and a container 20 included in the volume of the first unit 12, which is slidable and partially withdrawable and can be positioned / oriented relative to the first unit 12 (for loading water and detergent).

[0036] The container 20 includes an external handle 20' (or knob or equivalent gripping device) to allow the container to be pulled out when using the washing equipment and to allow the container to be repositioned when the equipment is not in use.

[0037] The container 20 can be pulled out relative to and oriented relative to the first unit 12, so as to be adaptable to all configurations for positioning the sink faucet or the overall size of the sink, such as Figure 4 As shown schematically in the diagram.

[0038] In this configuration, the container includes a rotationally constrained connection relative to the first unit 12 (this rotationally constrained connection is of the hinged type or a similar known type suitable for this purpose), which allows the container 20 to rotate relative to the first unit 12 (according to the vertical axis of rotation) once the container 20 is withdrawn relative to the first unit 12; specifically, the container 20 is rotated according to the longitudinal extension direction of the container (by...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 The container 20 (in the direction indicated by the arrow "X") is pulled out relative to the first unit, and once pulled out (at the end of its pull-out), the container 20 can be rotated 90° relative to the first unit to the right or left so as to achieve an overall rotation of 180° (it should be understood that the container can also be rotated and positioned in all positions included within the 180° angle so as to be oriented according to the position of the tap 44 of the sink 40).

[0039] Inside the first unit 12, there is also a device or apparatus 50 for supplying detergent (typically liquid soap for dishes) to be mixed with water in the container 20. This device 50, including a manually controlled valve 51 with a plunger 51', comprises, in a preferred embodiment, an elastic return spring (not shown) (however, the return to the "zero" position of the plunger 51' can also be manually actuated or actuated using an "interlocking" type mechanism), wherein the plunger 51—in the preferred embodiment shown in the figures—is (along a path)... Figure 5 When the vertical direction (indicated by the arrow "K") is pulled / moved upwards, the detergent contained in compartment 51" is allowed to fall by gravity, which mixes with the water (a mixture of water and soap) in the container. Figure 5 The detergent is mixed (as shown in conduit 52), and the detergent is drawn from pump 13 and delivered to pipe or sleeve 16 (by...). Figure 5 (as shown in conduit 54), and the plunger—upon release—returns to its initial position due to the restoring action of the spring, thereby shutting off / interrupting the supply of soap to container 20; as previously described, the valve is actuated manually, and this actuation is performed by means of knob 51”, which, in the preferred embodiment of the figures, allows for gripping to manually lift the plunger.

[0040] The container 20 also includes an "overflow" valve 54, which functions to indicate that water from the tap 44 will overfill the container 20.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the functional components described above and housed in the first unit 12 are arranged in a "tower" configuration according to mutually parallel horizontal planes in order to reduce the overall size of the first unit 12, wherein, as Figure 2 The first unit 12, as schematically shown, is arranged next to and adjacent to the second unit 14.

[0042] Figures 7 to 9 An alternative embodiment of the washing apparatus of the present invention is illustrated, the washing apparatus being generally indicated by 10', and in this washing apparatus, compared with the preferred embodiment described above ( Figures 1 to 6 Common details are indicated using the same reference numerals.

[0043] The first unit 12' houses the components / devices required for operating the washing equipment. These components / devices are housed in a single and separate compartment, and as described above, these components include a pump 13 (similar to a pump described with reference to the preferred embodiment), a transformer 15, a socket or terminal 11 for connection to a power line and an on / off switch, a pipe or sleeve 16 provided with a nozzle 17 (which is, for example, a shower head type or a flat blade type or other type suitable for this purpose), which is connected to the pump 13 for distributing the washing liquid onto the dishes (described in detail below), and a container 60 included in the volume of the first unit 12'. The container 60 is slidable by means of a handle or gripping element 60' and can be partially pulled out, and can be positioned / oriented relative to the first unit in a manner similar to that described above with reference to the preferred embodiment (therefore, the container 60 will not be described in detail).

[0044] According to an alternative embodiment, the device or apparatus 50 for supplying detergent has the same features as those in the preferred embodiment, except that the device or apparatus 50 is housed in the first unit 12' in a different manner, and more specifically, unlike the manual actuation of the plunger 51, it tends to move along a horizontal axis.

[0045] According to this implementation, the components inside the first unit 12' are arranged according to a generally horizontal plane.

[0046] The second unit 14 defines a dishwashing room, which is consistent with the reference. Figures 1 to 6 The second unit of the preferred embodiment described is completely similar, and therefore will not be described further.

[0047] Referring to an alternative embodiment, the first unit 12' is configured to define a support base for the second unit 14, which is positioned above the first unit 12', as follows: Figure 7 As shown schematically in the diagram.

[0048] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The illustration schematically depicts the dishwashing apparatus of the present invention when arranged on a conventional kitchen sink 40 or the like.

[0049] In particular, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The illustration shows a water washing device with a tower-like configuration, including a first unit 12, wherein a second unit 14 is arranged adjacent to the first unit 12.

[0050] Figure 9 The illustration shows a dishwashing apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention when arranged on a conventional kitchen sink 40 or the like.

[0051] When used for washing tableware arranged in the washing compartment 22 of the second unit 14, the washing device is arranged on the dripping surface 42 of the sink 40, wherein the sleeve 16 is provided with a nozzle 17, which is positioned corresponding to the second unit 14 and arranged above the washing compartment 22, and wherein the container 20 and the drain valve 30 are respectively arranged in the position of flowing out from the first unit 12 and the second unit 14.

[0052] Once container 20 (or 60) is pulled out relative to the first unit 12 (12'), it is oriented according to the position of the tap 44 of the sink 40.

[0053] To wash dishes, the washing equipment is connected to the power line, the container 20 (60) is filled with water from the tap 44 of the sink 40 and the manual valve is actuated to allow detergent from the dedicated reservoir to flow out, and once the operation of the first unit 12 (12') has been activated by means of the on / off switch 56, the user manually directs the washing nozzle 17 to facilitate accurate cleaning of the plates in the washing compartment 22.

[0054] Once the washing operation is complete, the first unit 12 (12') is shut off by means of an on / off switch and the wastewater is discharged through the drain valve 30.

[0055] During the dishwashing step, the tap is kept open to maintain a sufficient and adequate water level in container 20 (60); however, according to an alternative embodiment, container 20 (60) is sized according to a sufficient amount of water for a complete wash, and in this case, the container is filled and the tap is subsequently turned off.

[0056] Once washing is complete and the washing equipment is not in use, it can be moved around and kept in place, thus freeing up space on the sink.

[0057] The washing operation using the water washing device of the present invention takes about 60 to 120 seconds, and the water consumption (according to the experimental tests conducted) is between about 4 liters and 8 liters; the tests conducted found that the washing time is about 1 to 2 minutes and the water consumption per minute is less than 5 liters.

[0058] The advantages of the washing equipment of the present invention can be observed by referring to the above.

[0059] The dishwashing device of the present invention has the advantages of compact structure and small size, and the two units that make up the dishwashing device are relatively separate from each other and can be positioned and repositioned, allowing the device to be easily adapted to different types and sizes of water tanks.

[0060] Another advantage is that even when the washing equipment is not in use, the two units (the first unit and the second unit) that make up the washing equipment can be separated from each other, which also allows for a reduction in space.

[0061] Another advantage of the washing apparatus of the present invention is that the second unit (which defines the washing chamber) is separate from the first unit and can be easily washed (to remove any stains or lime residue that may form after several washing cycles). Furthermore, the washing apparatus is easy to dry, allowing it to be repositioned when not in use.

[0062] Another advantage is that in the event of a malfunction or failure, only one of the two units can be replaced, thus saving costs.

[0063] Another advantage is that the washing device of the present invention allows for a complete wash in a short time of 1 to 2 minutes with very low water consumption and less than 5 liters / minute.

[0064] Although the invention has been described above with reference to embodiments provided by way of non-limiting example only, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above description. Therefore, the invention protects all modifications and variations falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A compact, countertop, manually operated tableware washing device (10, 10'), said tableware washing device (10, 10') being able to be arranged on a sink (40) in a kitchen or the like, and said tableware washing device (10, 10') comprising a first unit (12, 12') in contact with a dripping surface (42) of said sink (40) and a second unit (14) arranged relative to the first unit (12, 12'), characterized in that, The first unit (12, 12') and the second unit (14) are not rigidly connected to each other and are separable, movable, and independently positionable / repositionable relative to each other. The first unit (12, 12') includes a single independent compartment, which is separated from each other to accommodate: a pump (13); a transformer (15) adapted to power the pump (13) and having opposing output ports for connection to a power source via a socket or terminal (11); and a conduit or sleeve (16) provided with a manually operable nozzle (17) and The first unit is connected to the pump (13) for distributing washing liquid onto the tableware. The first unit also includes a container that defines a reservoir for washing water suitable for direct filling with a sink tap. The container is retractable relative to the body portion of the first unit (12, 12') and can be angularly oriented to suit the position of the tap (44). The second unit (14) defines a top-open tableware washing chamber that includes support elements (26, 26') of the same and / or different heights and has a dispensing function for manually positioning and handling the tableware.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The partially removable container includes a means for angular orientation, the means including a rotational constraint connection relative to the first unit (12, 12') according to a vertical axis of rotation, so that when the container is removable relative to the first unit (12, 12'), it is oriented in a horizontal plane and, depending on the positioning of the faucet (44) of the sink (40), is within an angular range of 0° to 180° according to the vertical axis.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pump (13) is a diaphragm pump and operates at a pressure of 3 to 9 bar, a flow rate of about 4 to 4.5 liters per minute and a temperature between 60°C and 65°C.

4. The water washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first unit (12, 12') includes the on / off switch (56) used by the washing equipment.

5. The water washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container includes an "overflow" valve (54) that indicates that water from a tap (44) overfills the container.

6. The washing equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The container includes a handle (20', 60') or similar gripping element to allow the container to be pulled out when using the washing equipment.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first unit (12, 12') includes a device or apparatus (50) for supplying detergent to be mixed with water in the container, and the apparatus (50) includes a manually controlled valve (51) including a plunger (51') provided with a resilient return spring, the plunger (51') allowing detergent contained in the compartment (51''') to fall when pulled / moved, the detergent to be mixed with water in the container to be drawn by the pump (13) and delivered to the conduit or sleeve (16), and the plunger to return to its initial position and shut off the supply of soap to the container due to the return action of the spring when released, the valve being actuated by a manual type by means of a knob (51'').

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The device or apparatus (50) for supplying detergent to be mixed with water in the container has a plunger (51') that is pulled along a vertical axis.

9. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The device or apparatus (50) for supplying detergent to be mixed with water in the container has a plunger (51') that moves along a horizontal axis.

10. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second unit (14) includes a washing compartment (22) which is open at the top and defined by a wall (24) at the periphery.

11. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support elements (26, 26') can be repositioned or folded according to the type and / or number of dishes to be washed.

12. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second unit (14) includes a drain valve (30) that is of the type that can be withdrawn or retracted relative to the structure of the second unit (14).

13. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In use, the device can be placed on a sink (40) in a kitchen or similar space, wherein the first unit (12) and the second unit (14) are arranged adjacent to each other and side by side on the drip surface (42) of the sink (40).

14. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, In use, the device can be placed on a sink (40) in a kitchen or similar place, wherein the first unit (12') is in contact with the dripping surface (42) of the sink (40), and wherein the second unit (14) is arranged above the first unit (12').

15. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first unit (12, 12') includes the on / off switch (56) used by the washing equipment. The first unit (12, 12') further includes a device or apparatus (50) for supplying detergent to be mixed with water in the container, and the apparatus (50) includes a manually controlled valve (51) comprising a plunger (51') provided with a resilient return spring, the plunger (51') allowing detergent contained in the compartment (51''') to descend when pulled / moved, the detergent mixing with water in the container to be drawn by the pump (13) and delivered to the conduit or sleeve (16), and the plunger returning to its initial position upon release due to the return action of the spring and shutting off the supply of soap to the container, the valve being actuated manually by means of a knob (51''). The second unit (14) includes a washing compartment (22) that is open at the top and defined by a wall (24) at its periphery. The second unit (14) also includes a drain valve (30) that is of the type that can be withdrawn or retracted relative to the structure of the second unit (14).

16. The use of a water washing device according to claim 15, characterized in that, It includes the following steps: - Position the washing device on the dripping surface (42) of the water tank (40) or on the surface of the water tank; - Connect the device to the power supply line; - The container is partially pulled out relative to the body of the first unit (12, 12'), the container is oriented at a possible angle according to the position of the tap (44) of the sink (40), the container is filled and the manually controlled valve (51) is operated to allow the detergent to flow from the dedicated reservoir. - The operation of the first unit (12, 12') is actuated by means of the on / off switch (56); - The plates arranged in the washing compartment (22) of the second unit (14) are manually washed by means of the nozzle (17), which is connected to the first unit (12, 12') by means of the sleeve (16). - The washing step is terminated by shutting down the equipment and the wastewater is discharged through the drain valve (30).

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