Device for cleaning dinnerware

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for cleaning or rinsing dinnerware, comprising a handle (2) formed in the manner of a pull-out rinsing hose, on which a brush (3) rotatably driven by a motor (11) is provided. A nozzle (10) is provided in the region of the shaft (4) of the brush (3). The handle (2) comprises a hand lever (6), to which a shut-off element is assigned. Depending on the position of the hand lever (6), the shut-off element is positioned such that either water flows only to the nozzle (10) and exits therefrom, or water also flows to the motor (11), which sets the shaft (4) for the brush (3) into rotation, and exits in the region of the brush (3). In addition, a chamber (7) for cleaning agent, which can be supplied to the brush (3) by actuation of a pump using a control knob (8), is provided in the handle (2).

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR CLEANING DISHES

[0002] The invention relates to a device for cleaning dishes.

[0003] Sometimes there is no dishwasher or one is not used because there is only a small amount of dishes or because they need to be pre-washed before the plates, glasses, etc. are put in the dishwasher.

[0004] Document GB 584,273 A shows a device for cleaning dishes with a base body designed as a handle, a brush driven in rotation by a shaft, a nozzle for water, a chamber for holding a supply of cleaning agent, a supply line for water, and a hand lever. Furthermore, the interior of the chamber for cleaning agent is accessible through a closable opening, with a shut-off device associated with a hand lever. The round brush has radially projecting or hemispherically projecting bristles.

[0005] US 2,019,705 A shows a cleaning device provided with a chamber for cleaning agents accessible through a closed opening. Water is supplied to the known device via a fitting.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of providing a device for cleaning dishes which is easy to handle and allows a thorough cleaning of dishes as well as the pre-cleaning of dishes which are to be placed in a dishwasher.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention with a device having the features of claim 1. Preferred and advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] The device according to the invention comprises a handle which essentially has the shape of a conventional hand-held shower head. A brush which is driven in rotation by a shaft is provided on the handle. Furthermore, the handle has a nozzle which can be supplied with water. A chamber for holding a supply of cleaning agent is provided in the handle. Finally, the handle of the device according to the invention is equipped with a line for supplying water and a hand lever for controlling the function of the device.

[0009] The rotating brush allows dishes and the like to be cleaned with the help of the brush, whereby the water coming out of the nozzle can either be used to pre-rinse without using the brush or to assist the cleaning with the brush.

[0010] The different functions of the device - only water coming out of the nozzle (rinsing dishes) or rotating the brush together with water coming out of the nozzle (cleaning dishes) - can be controlled by means of the hand lever.

[0011] The chamber can advantageously be designed to hold dissolved or liquid cleaning agent and can be removable. For example, liquid cleaning agent can be poured into the chamber, or a solid tablet with cleaning agent can be introduced and dissolved in the chamber with water. A pump is assigned to the chamber to convey cleaning agent from the chamber to the nozzle, which is preferably provided in the area of ​​the brush. An actuating button can be provided on the outside of the handle to actuate the pump. A shut-off device is assigned to the hand lever so that the various functions of the device according to the invention can be selected.It can be provided that the shut-off device is closed in a first position of the hand lever, that in a second position of the hand lever the line for supplying water via the shut-off device is connected to the line to the nozzle and that in a third position of the hand lever the line for supplying water via the shut-off device is connected to the line to the nozzle and to the line to the motor.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, the brush is detachably attached to the shaft. This allows the brush to be replaced with another brush or another cleaning device, such as a scouring pad. In particular, a round brush can be provided for cleaning glasses, with a fixed, straight brush arranged next to it.

[0013] It is advantageous that the device according to the invention can be easily combined with a fitting, for example a kitchen fitting. The line for supplying water is guided through the fitting, in particular the fitting in the form of a mixer tap, and connected to it. The device can also be arranged, e.g., attached, on / in a sink or washbasin or on a worktop (possibly removable).

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the base body is designed as a handle.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the chamber is designed to hold dissolved or liquid cleaning agent and that a pump for conveying cleaning agent to the nozzle, which is provided in the region of the brush, is assigned to the chamber.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that an actuating button is provided on the outside of the handle for actuating the pump.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the interior of the chamber for cleaning agents is accessible through an opening with a closure.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a shut-off device is assigned to the hand lever.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a line extends from the shut-off device to the nozzle and another line extends to the motor actuated by flowing water for rotating the brush.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the motor is a turbine and that a reduction gear is provided between the motor and the brush.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the shut-off device is closed in a first position of the hand lever, that in a second position of the hand lever the line for supplying water via the shut-off device is connected to the line to the nozzle and that in a third position of the hand lever the line for supplying water via the shut-off device is connected to the line to the nozzle and to the line to the motor.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the positions of the hand lever are secured by releasable, for example spring-loaded, locking means.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the brush is a round brush.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the brush is a cup brush.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the nozzle is provided in the center of the cup brush.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the round brush is a brush with bristles projecting radially from its core and with bristles projecting hemispherically from the free end of the core of the round brush.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a straight brush is arranged next to the round brush.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the bristles of the straight brush and the bristles of the round brush are arranged so as to interlock at least in some areas.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the brush is releasably attached to the shaft.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a shearing sponge can be attached to the shaft instead of the brush. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the line for supplying water is routed through a fitting, in particular a fitting in the form of a mixer tap, and connected to the latter.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a weight is attached to the line for supplying water below the fitting.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the base body is designed as a housing and that two round-head brushes are rotatably mounted on the housing, wherein the round-head brushes are driven in opposite directions of rotation by a water-driven motor, such as a turbine.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a valve is provided in the supply line for water to the motor, which valve can be actuated by means of a lever.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the round-head brushes are assigned a nozzle from which water emerges in the direction of the round-head brushes.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a chamber is provided for receiving cleaning agent.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the chamber is connected to the supply line via a line. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the end of the line connected to the chamber is equipped with a valve for controlling the access of water into the chamber.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a line is provided between the chamber and the nozzle.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a Venturi device is assigned to the nozzle so that water mixed with cleaning agent is sucked from the chamber to the nozzle.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a drive gear of the motor meshes with a gear that is coupled to one round-head brush, and that the gear meshes with another gear that is connected to the second round-head brush.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the chambers for cleaning agents are removably mounted.

[0041] Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the partly schematic drawings. It shows:

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a device according to the invention mounted on a fitting,

[0043] Fig. 2 the handle with the brush seen from the brush,

[0044] Fig. 3 the handle with a scouring sponge, Fig. 4 the handle with a brush arrangement for cleaning glasses,

[0045] Fig. 5 shows a side view of another embodiment of the device according to the invention for cleaning glasses,

[0046] Fig. 6 the device from Fig. 5 in plan view,

[0047] Fig. 7 schematically shows the gear for driving the

[0048] Round head brushes of the device according to Fig. 5 and 6, Fig. 8 and 9 a dosing device associated with the Venturi device, and the

[0049] Fig. 10 to 12 the practical application of the device of Fig. 5 to 7 with splash guard.

[0050] A device 1 according to the invention for cleaning dishes comprises a handle 2, which essentially has the shape of a conventional hand shower. A line 5 for supplying water is connected to the handle 2. The handle 2 can be connected to the line 5 via an external thread 27 (or a quick-release coupling). In the illustrated embodiment, the line 5 leads through a fitting 20, with a weight 24 provided on the line 5 below the fitting 20. A line 23 for cold water and a line 25 for hot water lead to the fitting 20. The temperature of the water exiting the fitting 20 and entering the line 5 as needed can be adjusted using a mixing lever 22.

[0051] A brush 3 with bristles 12 is arranged on a shaft 4 on the handle 2. The brush 3 is removable from the shaft 4 in order to replace the brush 3 or to exchange it for a different type of brush or another cleaning device.

[0052] The shaft 4 is driven by a motor 11 located in the handle 2, so that the brush 3 is also rotated. The motor 11 is preferably a motor 11 that is driven by flowing

[0053] powered by water.

[0054] A chamber 7 for cleaning agent is provided in the handle 2. The chamber 7 is designed to hold liquid or dissolved cleaning agent. The chamber 7 can be integrated into the handle 2 and, if necessary, be removable from the handle 2. If cleaning agent is introduced in the form of a tablet or powder, water is introduced or poured into the chamber 7 so that the cleaning agent dissolves and can be dispensed further if necessary. To pump cleaning agent out of the chamber 7, a pump is provided which can be operated by an actuating button 8 from outside the handle 2.

[0055] The chamber 7 is equipped with a filling opening to which a closure 9 is assigned.

[0056] In the area of ​​the brush 3 there is a nozzle 10 from which water emerges when desired.

[0057] The handle 2 contains a shut-off device that can be operated using a hand lever 6. When the hand lever 6 is in its rest position (position "0"), the shut-off device is closed and no water flows out of the handle 2 of the device 1, nor does the brush 3 rotate.

[0058] When the hand lever 6 is pushed into its first position (position "1") by approaching the handle 2, in which position it is held by a spring-loaded locking device, the shut-off device is set so that water flows from the line 5 to the nozzle 10 without the motor 11 being actuated. When the hand lever 6 is moved into the third position (position "2"), in which it is also held by a spring-loaded locking device, the shut-off device is set so that water flows from the line 5 through the motor 11 and the brush 3 is set in rotation. At the same time, water can emerge from the nozzle 10 arranged in the center of the brush 3 (cup brush).

[0059] If the motor 11 is designed as a turbine driven by water, a reduction gear can be provided between the motor 11 and the shaft 4 of the brush 3.

[0060] Since the brush 3 can be removed from the shaft 4, it can be replaced by another cleaning device. For example, it is possible to attach a scouring sponge 13, as shown in Fig. 3, to the handle 2 of the device 1 according to the invention. A brush arrangement with a round brush 14 can also be attached to the handle 2 of the device 1. The round brush 14 comprises a cylindrical part with bristles 17 projecting radially from its core 15 and bristles at its free end which form a hemisphere on their outer surface, so that a round brush 14 which can be set in rotation is formed. Associated with this round brush 14 is a stationary, straight brush 16, the bristles 17 of which touch the bristles 18 of the round brush 14. In particular, it is provided that the bristles 17 and 18 are arranged so as to overlap one another. The straight brush 16 is rigidly attached to the handle 2. This brush arrangement (Fig.4 ) is particularly intended for cleaning ( drinking ) glasses .

[0061] The embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention shown in Fig. 5, 6 and 7 comprises two round-head brushes 31 and 32 which are rotationally driven about mutually parallel axes of rotation. A motor driven by flowing water, for example a turbine 33, is provided for the rotational drive. The gear 39 (Fig. 7) coupled to the shaft of the turbine 33 engages with a gear 40 which is coupled to the round-head brush 31 on the left in Fig. 5. The gear 40 engages with a further gear 40 which is coupled to the round-head brush 32 on the right in Fig. 5. In this way, the round-head brushes 31 and 32 are rotated in opposite directions to one another, as illustrated by arrows 38 in Fig. 7.

[0062] The gear wheels 40 and 39 are provided on a base body 30. In addition to the turbine 33, the base body 30 also houses a chamber 43 for cleaning agent. The chamber 43 for cleaning agent has a closable opening 44 through which a liquid cleaning agent or a solid cleaning agent (tablet) can be filled into the chamber 43. If solid cleaning agent is placed in the chamber 43, water for dissolving a solid cleaning agent (tablet) can be filled into the chamber 43 via a line 45 by actuating the valve 46.

[0063] The drive motor, designed as a turbine 33, is supplied with water via a line 34. The free end of the line 34 can be connected to a water supply line at one end (external thread, union nut).

[0064] A valve 35 is provided in the line 34, which can be operated via a lever 36.

[0065] Line 45, which leads to the detergent chamber 43, branches off from the water supply line 34. Line 45 branches off from line 34 upstream of valve 35. One of the round-head brushes, for example round-head brush 32, is height-adjustable along its axis and is biased into its raised position by a spring 37. The lower end of the axis of round-head brush 32 is associated with lever 36; when round-head brush 32 is pressed downwards, lever 36 assumes a position in which valve 35 is open.

[0066] The right-hand round-head brush 32 in Fig. 5 is arranged higher in its basic position than the left-hand round-head brush 31 in Fig. 5. The round-head brush 32 is mounted so as to be displaceable downwards in the direction of its axis against the force of a spring 47, since the right-hand round-head brush 32 in Fig. 5 is pressed upwards by the spring 37. The upper end position of the round-head brush 32 is defined by a stop 60 which is arranged on the shaft of the round-head brush 32.

[0067] If - as indicated in Fig. 5 - a glass 37 is placed on the right-hand round-head brush 32 and pressed downwards in the direction of the arrow 49, the lever 36 is pivoted downwards via the spring 47 into the position shown in Fig. 5, so that the valve 35 is opened and water flows to the turbine 33 and the round-head brushes 31 and 32 are set in rotation.

[0068] A nozzle 41 is provided from which water can emerge in the direction of the round-head brushes 31 and 32.

[0069] The nozzle 41 is connected to a supply line 48 which leads from the chamber 43 for cleaning agent. The nozzle 41 is assigned a Venturi device which sucks in the water mixed with cleaning agent from the chamber 43 so that water mixed with cleaning agent exits the nozzle 41 in the direction of the round-head brushes 31 and 32. A metering device 50 is assigned to the Venturi device. The metering device 50 is provided in the line 48 which leads to the nozzle 41, in the suction area of ​​the Venturi device. The metering device 50 comprises a hollow body 51 and a flap 52 which is loaded by a (plastic) spring into the open position shown in Fig. 9. The flap 52 closes under the suction effect of the Venturi device. This allows the necessary (minimal) amount of detergent to be sucked in, which is necessary for washing glasses.After closing the flap 52, no more detergent flows into the supply line 48 of the nozzle 41, and only clear water flows to the nozzle 41 for rinsing the glasses. After the rinsing process is completed and without the Venturi vacuum effect, the flap 52 opens again due to the (plastic) spring, and the supply line 48 to the nozzle 41 fills (completely) with detergent again.

[0070] With the embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention shown in Figs. 5 to 7, an effective and simple rinsing of drinking glasses, cups, beer mugs and similar vessels is possible in a simple manner.

[0071] It is advantageous to provide two round-head brushes 31 and 32 that rotate in opposite directions. The round-head brushes 31 and 32 are driven by a water-driven turbine 33, which is coupled to the round-head brushes 31 and 32 via a gear drive.

[0072] The round-head brush 32 on the right in Fig. 5 is provided with a movable axis and, in the rest position, is arranged somewhat higher than the round-head brush 31 on the left in Fig. 5. The axis of the right-hand round-head brush 32 is connected via the spring 48 to the lever 36 which, in the rest position, interrupts the water supply by closing the valve 35. When a glass 37 is placed over the round-head brush 32, whereby the glass 37 is pushed onto the round-head brush 32 as far as the bottom of the glass, the round-head brush 32 is pressed down and the lever 36 opens the valve 35 so that water flows to the turbine 33. In this way, both round-head brushes 31 and 32 are put into operation via the gear transmission with the gears 39 and 40.

[0073] The nozzle 41 receives water mixed with cleaning agent from the chamber 43 via a Venturi device and supports the cleaning of glasses 37 or similar vessels.

[0074] As soon as the cleaning of a glass 37 is finished, the glass 37 is lifted upwards from the round-head brush 32, so that the round-head brush 32 assumes its raised starting position under the action of the spring 47 assigned to it and the lever 36 assumes the position in which the valve 35 is closed.

[0075] The device 1 according to Figs. 5 to 7 can - as shown in Figs. 8 to 10 - have a splash guard 50 to protect against splashed water droplets. Additionally, a drainage tray 51 can be provided in the area of ​​the housing 30.

[0076] Figs. 8, 9 and 10 show how the device 1 according to Figs. 5 to 7 can be provided with the splash guard 50. The splash guard 50 can be attached to a sink or a worktop by means of screws or by means of suction cups.

[0077] The device according to Figs. 5 to 10 can be attached to a washbasin or a worktop, for example by means of screws, with the line 34 passing through the screw connection.

[0078] The supply line 34 can be connected to the angle valves under a sink using a T-piece. Alternatively, the device can be attached to a countertop or sink using suction cups, as shown in Figs. 5 to 10. In this case, the supply line 34 can be designed to run freely.

[0079] In summary, an embodiment of the invention can be described as follows:

[0080] A device 1 for cleaning or rinsing dishes comprises a handle 2 designed like a hand shower, on which a brush 3 is provided, driven in rotation by a motor 11. A nozzle 10 is provided in the area of ​​the shaft 4 of the brush 3. The handle 2 comprises a hand lever 6, to which a shut-off device is assigned. Depending on the position of the hand lever 6, the shut-off device is positioned so that either water flows only to the nozzle 10 and exits therefrom, or water also flows to the motor 11, which rotates the shaft 4 for the brush 3 and exits in the area of ​​the brush 3. In addition, a chamber 7 for cleaning agent, which can be supplied to the brush 3 by actuating a pump with the aid of an actuating button 8, is provided in the handle 2.

Claims

Claims:

1. Device (1) for cleaning / rinsing dishes, characterized by a base body, a brush (3) provided on the base body and driven in rotation by a shaft (4), a nozzle (10) which can be pressurized with water, a chamber (7) for receiving a supply of cleaning agent, a line (5) for supplying water and a hand lever (6) for controlling the function of the device (1).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the base body is designed as a handle (2).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the chamber (7) is designed to hold dissolved or liquid cleaning agent and that the chamber (7) is assigned a pump for conveying cleaning agent to the nozzle (10) which is provided in the region of the brush (3).

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that an actuating button (8) is provided on the outside of the handle (2) for actuating the pump.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the interior of the chamber (7) for cleaning agent is accessible through an opening with a closure (9).

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a shut-off device is associated with the hand lever (6).

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that from the shut-off device a line leads to the nozzle (10) and another line leads to the motor (11) actuated by flowing water for rotating the brush (3).

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the motor (11) is a turbine and that a reduction gear is provided between the motor (11) and the brush (3).

9. Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the shut-off device is closed in a first position of the hand lever (6), that in a second position of the hand lever (6) the line for supplying water via the shut-off device is connected to the line to the nozzle (10) and that in a third position of the hand lever (6) the line (5) for supplying water via the shut-off device is connected to the line to the nozzle (10) and to the line to the motor (11).

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the positions of the hand lever (6) are secured by releasable, for example spring-loaded, locking means.

11. Device according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that the brush (3) is a round brush (14).

12. Device according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that the brush (3) is a cup brush.

13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the nozzle (10) is provided in the center of the cup brush.

14. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the round brush (14) is a brush with bristles (18) projecting radially from its core (15) and with bristles (18) projecting hemispherically from the free end of the core (15) of the round brush (14).

15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that a straight brush (16) is arranged next to the round brush (14).

16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the bristles (17) of the straight brush (16) and the bristles (18) of the round brush (14) are arranged to interlock at least in some areas.

17. Device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the brush (3) is releasably attached to the shaft (4).

18. Device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that a shearing sponge (13) can be attached to the shaft (4) instead of the brush (3).

19. Device according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the line (5) for supplying water is guided through a fitting (20), in particular a fitting in the form of a mixer tap, and is connected to the latter.

20. Device according to claim 19, characterized in that a weight (24) is attached to the line (5) for supplying water below the fitting (20).

21. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the base body is designed as a housing (30) and that two round-head brushes (31 and 32) are rotatably mounted on the housing (30), the round-head brushes (31 and 32) being driven in opposite directions of rotation (arrows 38) by a water-driven motor, such as a turbine (33).

22. Device according to claim 21, characterized in that in the supply line (34) for water to the motor a valve (35) is provided, which by means of a lever (36) can be operated.

23. Device according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the round-head brushes (31 and 32) are assigned a nozzle (41) from which water emerges in the direction of the round-head brushes (31, 32).

24. Device according to one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that a chamber (43) is provided for receiving cleaning agent.

25. Device according to claim 24, characterized in that the chamber (43) is connected to the supply line (34) via a line (45).

26. Device according to claim 25, characterized in that the end of the line (45) connected to the chamber (43) is equipped with a valve (46) for controlling the access of water into the chamber (43).

27. Device according to one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that a line (48) is provided between the chamber (43) and the nozzle (41).

28. Device according to claim 27, characterized in that the nozzle (41) is associated with a Venturi device, so that water mixed with detergent from the Chamber (43) to the nozzle (41).

29. Device according to one of claims 21 to 28, characterized in that a drive gear (39) of the motor is connected to a gear (40) which is connected to the one round-head brush (31) is coupled, and that the gear (40) meshes with another gear (40) which is connected to the second round head brush (32).

30. Device according to one of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the chambers (7 and 43) for cleaning agents are removably mounted.

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