Household appliance for washing and storing dishware

Abstract

A household appliance for washing and storing dishware comprises a cabinet (2) for accommodating the dishware to be washed and stored and provided with a closing door, the cabinet (2) accommodates a first supply device (2) for washing water, a second supply device (5) for automatically supplying a washing agent, a compartment (6) for collecting washed water and one or more shelves (8) for placing dishes to be washed. The inner walls of the cabinet (2) are chemically or mechanically treated to have hydrophobicity or to prevent adhesion of water and chemical agents. The first supply device (4) is movably housed in the cabinet for movement between a rest position located within a seat (9) provided in the cabinet (2) and an operative position provided above the at least one shelf (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application is applied to the technical field of household cleaning equipment, and in particular relates to a household equipment for cleaning and storing tableware, which can be used as a dishwasher and can also be used to store tableware after cleaning. Background Art

[0002] As is known to all, common dishwashers are generally designed as household equipment dedicated to washing dishes and cookware after use.

[0003] However, conventional dishwashers are only used to temporarily store dishes after the wash cycle, and the dishes need to be removed in order to be placed in a cupboard or other compartment suitable for storage under hygienic conditions.

[0004] Furthermore, the typical configuration of a dishwasher requires it to be mounted on the floor, so when loading and unloading, the user must constantly bend over to remove or place various dishes, which makes operation ergonomically unsuitable.

[0005] Another disadvantage of the known solutions is that cleaning agent (regardless of its form) and any auxiliary products (such as salt or other chemical agents) need to be added at the beginning of each cleaning cycle.

[0006] US3080874 discloses a typical example of a dishwasher according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the device is provided with a cabinet, the interior of which accommodates a cleaning liquid supply system, which is located in a fixed position inside the cabinet.

[0007] WO2021151660 discloses a dishwasher that provides a water collection area after washing, which is provided with a waterproof surface. However, even in this case, the cleaning liquid supply device is fixed, and water accumulation inside the cabinet cannot be avoided, making the device unsuitable for storing tableware in sufficiently hygienic conditions even for a long time.

[0008] EP0573243 discloses a dishwasher which is designed to be hung on a wall, but which cannot in any case be used as a cabinet for long-term storage of washed dishes. Summary of the invention

[0009] The purpose of the present application is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages and to provide a household device for washing and storing tableware, which can be used as a household device for cleaning tableware and as a cabinet for long-term storage of clean tableware after washing under highly hygienic conditions.

[0010] A particular object is to provide a household device for washing and storing dishes which keeps the dishes clean while always ensuring a maximum of tidiness.

[0011] Another object is to provide a domestic device for washing and storing cutlery which allows loading and unloading of cutlery under ergonomic and safe conditions.

[0012] Another object is to provide a domestic appliance for washing and storing dishes which allows a single loading of a quantity of cleaning agent and any auxiliary products sufficient for more than one washing cycle.

[0013] These objects, as well as other objects which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a household appliance for washing and storing tableware, which, according to claim 1, comprises a cabinet for accommodating the tableware to be washed and stored, the cabinet being provided with a closing door and internally accommodating a first washing water dispensing device, a second supply device for automatically supplying detergent, a compartment for collecting the washed water, and one or more racks for placing the tableware to be washed.

[0014] The cabinet has an interior wall that has been chemically and / or mechanically treated to be hydrophobic or to prevent the adhesion of water and chemical agents.

[0015] Furthermore, the wash water supply device is movably accommodated to move between a rest position located in a seat in the rear wall of the cabinet and an operating position drawn out of the seat and arranged above the at least one positioning frame.

[0016] This way, the appliance can be used as a regular dishwasher and also as a cupboard for dishes when not in use.

[0017] In fact, at the end of the wash cycle, the wash water supply is automatically removed from the dishwashing and storage area.

[0018] Furthermore, chemical and / or mechanical treatment of the inner walls, making them hydrophobic or water-repellent, will ensure that all wash water is drained into the collection compartment and can be easily removed from it, thus avoiding the possibility of water stagnation, which can be a potential source of bacterial accumulation and mold, and does not guarantee the preservation of tableware in optimal hygienic conditions.

[0019] Advantageous embodiments of the application can be obtained from the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Further features and advantages of the present application will become more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the household appliance of the present application, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 is an exploded front view of the device, with some components omitted to allow for viewing the interior;

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 an exploded rear view of the device shown;

[0023] Figure 3 is a front view of the device, with some components omitted to allow for viewing the interior;

[0024] Figure 4 is in accordance with Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of the device taken along the AA profile;

[0025] Figure 5 is in accordance with Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of a device having a BB profile;

[0026] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an automatic cleaning agent dispensing device;

[0027] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the internal components of the automatic dispensing device;

[0028] Figure 8 Shows Figure 6 Some cross-sectional views of the automatic dispensing device;

[0029] Fig. 9 is the circuit diagram of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] With reference to the accompanying drawings, there is shown a preferred but non-exclusive configuration of a domestic device for washing and storing dishes according to the present application, which is designed for installation in domestic environments and commercial places, such as bars, restaurant kitchens and general communities.

[0031] Even though washing dishes is specifically mentioned herein for the sake of simplicity, it should be understood that the device is also suitable for washing and storing glassware, cutlery, pots and pans and all items that can usually be washed in a regular dishwasher.

[0032] The device is suitable both for connection to the electricity grid, for powering any electrical elements, and to the water grid, for supplying washing water, although it is theoretically possible to provide the cabinet with an autonomous power supply sufficient for one or more washing cycles and its own water supply tank.

[0033] In its most basic configuration, the apparatus, generally indicated at 1 , comprises a cabinet 2 designed to house the dishes during washing and during the preservation or storage phase.

[0034] The cabinet 2 shown in the figures has a parallelepiped shape, although it may also have other shapes and may be made of any material, but preferably, it is made of metal material.

[0035] The cabinet 2 is also provided with one or more closing doors (not shown), which may have hinged and / or sliding openings, also preferably made of metal.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the metal material of the cabinet 2 and the door can be low-carbon steel or aluminum alloy to reduce the overall weight.

[0037] The dimensions of the cabinet 2 may vary depending on the needs of the user and the required load capacity.

[0038] According to a preferred but not exclusive configuration, the cabinet 2 has overall dimensions allowing it to be hung on a wall, so that each user can place the household appliance 1 at the height that best suits him for loading / unloading under ergonomic conditions.

[0039] Preferably, the device 1 will be positioned so that the lower outer surface 3 of the cabinet 2 is at a height of between 165 and 175 centimeters from the ground for maximum ease of use.

[0040] The problems associated with increased installation height and increased pressure drop can be solved by increasing the head of the hydraulic circuit feed pump, for example by 0.25 bar.

[0041] The cabinet 2 will therefore be provided with means for anchoring it to a wall, which will be described in more detail below in its preferred form and which are dimensioned so as to be suitable for fixing it stably to the wall without deformation.

[0042] The cabinet 2 contains at least one first supply device 4 for washing water and a second automatic supply device 5 for detergent.

[0043] Furthermore, the cabinet 2 is provided with a compartment or collecting tray 6 for draining away waste water, which compartment 6 is provided in or arranged on a bottom wall 7 of the cabinet 2 and is suitably provided with a drain pipe or hole (not shown).

[0044] Typically for this type of household appliance, one or more shelves, grilles, glass racks, cutlery racks and other elements, generally indicated by 8, are provided inside the cabinet 2 for supporting cutlery and / or knives and / or cooking utensils during the washing process.

[0045] According to a particularly advantageous aspect, the inner surfaces of the cabinet 2, in particular those that may come into contact with the cleaning water, are chemically and / or mechanically treated, for example by a microfabrication process, to render them hydrophobic and / or water-repellent and to prevent the adhesion of water and chemicals used in cleaning.

[0046] Advantageously, the cabinet 2 houses, at its interior facing the door, one or more folding curtains (not shown) designed to prevent splashes of water from reaching the door itself.

[0047] Suitably, the curtain or curtains will be mechanically connected via a rack to a moving mechanism, which, when a washing cycle is started, is suitable for moving the curtains from a removal position, in which the curtains do not cover the door, thereby allowing access to the shelf 8 for placing the cutlery after opening the door, to an operating position, in which the curtains cover the door from the inside.

[0048] According to a unique aspect of the present application, a first supply device 4 for washing water is movably accommodated in the cabinet 2 to move between a static position and an operating position, in which the first supply device 4 is located in an appropriate housing 11 arranged in the rear wall of the cabinet 2, and in the operating position, the first supply device 4 is located above a support rack 8 for tableware or other items to be washed.

[0049] Preferably, a grille may also be provided in the cabinet 2 , which moves simultaneously with the first supply device 4 for washing water and holds the items on the corresponding shelves 8 .

[0050] Once the first supply device 4 is in the operating position, the electronic control unit starts the supply of washing water.

[0051] Possibly, two or more supply devices 4 for washing water may also be provided inside the cabinet 2 , these supply devices 4 being placed at different heights and all being movable inside the cabinet 2 in order to return to the appropriate housing 9 at the end of the washing cycle.

[0052] The one or more first supply devices 4 are rotatable to start rotating under the pressure of the supplied water, and the rotation manner is substantially similar to what occurs in a conventional dishwasher.

[0053] The supply means 4 of washing water may comprise distributors equipped with return springs which will rise under the effect of the water pressure; the distributors will be applied in the tank so that the lack of pressure causes them to stop in a position parallel to the device.

[0054] Alternatively, the supply means 4 of washing water may comprise a plurality of supply nozzles which are opposite each other and oriented at 90° to each other and which are associated with a filtering system which prevents them from clogging.

[0055] According to a first variant, the movement of the first supply means 4 can be caused by a foldable hydraulic cylinder which will be filled with water from the hydraulic supply circuit or from the main hydraulic network, and the first supply means 4 are then returned to position by a return spring without water supply.

[0056] According to a further variant, the movement of the first delivery device 4 for washing water can be generated by a rack motion mechanism, on which the supply device 4 is mounted, and the rack motion mechanism is powered by a 24V DC motor.

[0057] A position sensor connected to the frame will activate a logic section which starts / stops the movement of the device 4 via a switch connected to the motor.

[0058] A solenoid connected directly to the power supply (perhaps via a switch controlled by operating logic) would have the function of preventing the door from being opened while the device 1 is in operation.

[0059] The bottom wall 7 of the cabinet 2 is also provided with a water collecting compartment designed to allow draining water to flow by gravity towards a drain channel or hole, in which the components of the hydraulic circuit and the electromechanical equipment are also accommodated.

[0060] Any electromechanical components housed underneath must comply with current technical regulations. For maximum safety, components operating at 24V with a power supply that complies with the corresponding technical standards may be used.

[0061] Preferably, a tray 11 for holding tableware may be provided on the side of the water collection compartment 6, and the function of the tray 11 is also to hide the drainage channel.

[0062] If the water flow is not sufficient, additional nozzles need to be installed in the cutlery tray 11 .

[0063] The cabinet 2 may be provided with an upper opening to accelerate drying and / or for an additional heater.

[0064] Preferably, the cabinet 2 is of the self-supporting type and is reinforced at the upper corners to resist tensile stresses; the anchoring means may comprise a steel plate suitable for placement between the rear wall 10 of the cabinet 2 and the bolts fixing it to the wall.

[0065] The second automatic supply device 5 for cleaning agent comprises a main body 12, a blocking device 13 acted by a spring, a slider 14 and a rear door disposed at the bottom of the main body 12 for inserting a soap pad.

[0066] As long as the thickness of the coating is compatible with the corresponding compartments provided in the body 12 and the coating itself is water soluble, a single soap pad may be packaged in a single package.

[0067] Above each soap pad is a slider 14 with its own spring 16. The presence of a soap pad locks the slider 14 in the high position, while in the absence of a soap pad, the spring 16 moves the slider 14 to the low position. The locking device 13 is inserted into the rear opening of the lock, which is located in the upper compartment.

[0068] When the device 1 starts to work, the water pressure moves the locking device 13 forward, thereby compressing the corresponding spring 16.

[0069] Alternatively, the locking device 13 may be moved by controlling a 24V solenoid controlled by electronic equipment.

[0070] When the slider 14 is in a low position, the locking device 13 locks the slider 14 by positioning itself above the slider 14 to prevent it from rising; when the slider 14 is in a high position, the locking device 13 enters the front cavity of the slider 14 (near the hole).

[0071] Like this, water just flows into the device from the front hole of the first compartment.If slide block 14 is in high position, water just is transported downward from the channel 15 of slide block 14 rear side;If slide block 14 is in low position, water just is transported to the next compartment 18 from the hole 17 of slide block 14 upper part.

[0072] When water encounters the soap pad, it will dissolve the soap pad and then flow out through the bottom channel 15. The slider 14 will prevent water from entering from below, and the slider 14 moves between two equilibrium positions depending on the presence or absence of the soap pad.

[0073] If the water pressure is too great, one or more ball or Tesla type non-return valves must be installed in the passage to prevent water from intruding into the other chambers. In this way, a single washing cycle can be performed with a single soap pad. A button must be inserted in the last compartment to signal when the soap pad is approaching the end.

[0074] Fig. 9 The diagram of a household appliance 1 in the Modelica environment is shown, divided for convenience into an upper part reproducing the hydraulic part and a lower part representing the electromechanical circuit including gears, limit switches and switches regulating the working logic. In the hydraulic diagram, water is introduced through the device on the left, and the pressure expands two cylinders connected to two control valves, which are connected to the nozzles shown on the right.

[0075] The electromechanical solution is carried out downstream of the power supply, which is connected to the various switches that regulate the operating logic of the various functions. The switches control the activation of the mechanical means for moving the water supply equipment. The motor for the movement is connected directly below and mechanically connected to the two racks that move the water supply equipment and (possibly) the splash curtain (on the right). The bottom connection to the motor is obtained through a reduction mechanism that regulates the angle of the "rack". Downstream of this, there is an angle sensor (as control logic) to connect to the means that control the switches and start / stop their operation. The position sensor connected to the top rack (integrated with the water supply equipment) activates a part of the logic that starts / stops the movement of the device through the switch connected to the motor.

[0076] Finally, at the bottom left, a solenoid connected directly to the power supply (perhaps via a switch controlled by the operating logic) has the function of preventing the door from being opened while the device is running.

Claims

1. A household device for washing and storing tableware, comprising: - a cabinet (2) for accommodating dishes to be washed and stored, and equipped with a closing door, wherein the cabinet (2) contains: - a first supply (2) for cleaning water; - a second supply device (5) for automatically dispensing cleaning agent to the first supply device (4); - a compartment (6) for collecting the water after washing; - one or more racks (8) for placing dishes to be washed, Characterized in that the inner wall of the cabinet (2) is chemically or mechanically treated to be hydrophobic or to prevent the adhesion of water and chemicals, and the first supply device (4) for cleaning water is movably accommodated in the cabinet to move between a static position in a seat (9) located in the cabinet (2) and an operating position, in which the first supply device is arranged above at least one of the shelves (8).

2. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing (9) is arranged in the rear wall (10) of the cabinet (2).

3. The household appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The cabinet (2) is made of metal material.

4. The household appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that The metal material is low carbon steel or aluminum alloy.

5. The household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The cabinet (2) comprises an anchoring device, which is suitable for hanging and fixing the cabinet to a wall by means of fixing bolts or the like.

6. The household appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that The cabinet (2) is of self-supporting type and is reinforced at the upper corners to resist traction.

7. The household appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that The anchoring device comprises a steel plate which is suitable for being placed between the rear side of the cabinet (2) and the fixing bolts.

8. A household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The movement of the first supply means (4) is provided by a 24V DC electric motor connected to a rack.

9. A household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The first supply device (2) comprises a water distributor, which is suitable for rotating under the pressure of the washing water and is provided with a return spring to be lifted by the water pressure.

10. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The first supply device (4) comprises water supply nozzles which are opposite to each other and oriented at 90° to each other and are associated with a filtering system for preventing clogging of the water supply nozzles.

11. A household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The water collecting compartment (6) accommodates the hydraulic circuit and the electromechanical device.

12. A household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The cabinet (2) is provided with an upper opening to accelerate drying and / or for an additional heater.

13. A household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The front of the cabinet (2) accommodates one or more folding curtains for protecting the door.

14. The household appliance according to claim 13, characterized in that The one or more curtains are mechanically connected by a rack to a movement mechanism adapted to move the curtains from a removal position not covering the door to an operating position covering the door at the start of a cleaning cycle.

Images