Household appliance for washing and storing tableware

Abstract

A household appliance for washing and storing tableware includes a cabinet (2) for storing the tableware to be washed and stored, the cabinet (2) being provided with a closing door. The cabinet (2) houses inside a first supply device (2) for washing water, a second supply device (5) for automatically supplying detergent, a partition chamber (6) for collecting the water after washing, and one or more shelves (8) for arranging the tableware to be washed. The cabinet (2) has an inner wall that is chemically or mechanically treated so as to be hydrophobic or to prevent the adhesion of water and chemicals. The first supply device (4) is movably accommodated in the cabinet so as to move between a standby position inside a seat portion (9) provided in the cabinet (2) and an operating position arranged above at least one of the shelves (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is applicable to the technical field of household cleaning devices, and in particular to a household device for cleaning and storing tableware, targeting a household device suitable for both use as a dishwasher and storage after cleaning.

Background Art

[0002] As is known, existing dishwashers are usually designed as dedicated household devices for cleaning used tableware and cooking utensils.

[0003] However, existing dishwashers are only used to temporarily store tableware after the cleaning cycle, and it is necessary to take out the tableware in order to place it in a cabinet or other storage area suitable for storing tableware in a hygienic state.

[0004] Furthermore, since a typical dishwasher needs to be installed on the floor, the user always has to bend down to take out and put in various dishes for loading and unloading, making this operation ergonomically inconvenient.

[0005] Another drawback of known solutions is that at the start of each cleaning cycle, it is necessary to add detergent (regardless of its form), and auxiliary products such as salt or other chemicals.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 3,080,874 discloses an example of a typical dishwasher according to the preamble of claim 1, which is provided with a cabinet, and inside the cabinet is accommodated a cleaning liquid supply system arranged at a fixed position inside the cabinet.

[0007] International Publication No. 2021 / 151660 discloses a dishwasher that provides a water collection area after washing, and this area is provided with a water-repellent surface. However, even in this case, the cleaning liquid supply device is fixed and cannot prevent water from accumulating inside the cabinet, so this device is not suitable for storing tableware hygienically for a long time.

[0008] European Patent No. 0573243 discloses a dishwasher designed to be suspended from a wall, but it cannot be used as a cabinet for storing washed tableware for a long time. Scope of the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a household appliance for washing and storing tableware that can be used as a household appliance for cleaning tableware and also as a cabinet for storing clean tableware hygienically for a long time after washing.

[0010] A specific object is to provide a household appliance for washing and storing tableware that can always hold clean tableware while maintaining the maximum quality.

[0011] Yet another object is to provide a household appliance for washing and storing tableware that enables the loading and unloading of tableware in an ergonomically favorable and safe state.

[0012] Yet another object is to provide a household appliance for washing and storing tableware that allows a sufficient amount of detergent and auxiliary products to be loaded at one time for performing multiple washing cycles.

[0013] These objects, and other objects that will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a household appliance for washing and storing dishes, which, according to claim 1, comprises a cabinet for storing the dishes to be washed and stored, the cabinet being equipped with a closing door, a first washing water discharging device, a second supply device for automatically supplying detergent, a compartment for collecting the water after washing, and one or more shelves for arranging the dishes to be washed, which are accommodated inside.

[0014] The cabinet has an inner wall that is chemically and / or mechanically treated to be hydrophobic or to prevent the adhesion of water and chemicals.

[0015] Furthermore, the washing water supply device is movably accommodated in the cabinet so as to move between a standby position inside a seat provided on the rear wall of the cabinet and an operating position where it is pulled out from the seat and arranged above at least one of the arranging shelves.

[0016] In this way, this appliance can be used as a normal dishwashing machine and, when not in use, can also be used as a cabinet for arranging dishes.

[0017] In fact, when the washing is finished, the washing water supply device will be automatically removed from the dishwashing and storage area.

[0018] Furthermore, by making the inner wall hydrophobic or water-repellent through chemical and / or mechanical treatment, all the washing water can be surely drained to the collection compartment and easily removed, avoiding water retention. Water can cause the accumulation of bacteria and mold and prevent the storage of dishes in an optimal hygienic state.

[0019] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are obtained by the dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of the domestic appliance according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting examples with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

[0021]

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[0022] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a preferred but non-limiting configuration of a domestic appliance for washing and storing dishes to be washed and stored according to the present invention is shown, which is designed to be installed not only in a domestic environment but also in commercial establishments such as bars, restaurant kitchens, or general communities.

[0023] Although this document particularly refers to dishwashing for the sake of brevity, it will be understood that this appliance is suitable for washing and storing all items that can be washed in a normal dishwasher, including glasses, cutlery, pans, etc.

[0024] This device is suitable for connection to both a power network for power supply to any electrical components and a water network for supply of cleaning water. However, it is also theoretically possible for the cabinet to be equipped with both independent power supply means and a water supply tank with sufficient capacity to carry out one or more cleaning cycles.

[0025] In the most basic configuration, the device (indicated as 1 as a whole) comprises a cabinet 2 designed to accommodate tableware both during cleaning and at the stage of storage or stowage.

[0026] The cabinet 2 is shown in the drawings as having a cuboid shape, but it may have other shapes and can be made of any material, preferably a metal material.

[0027] This cabinet 2 is provided with one or more closing doors which may have hinge-type and / or slide-type openings (not shown), and preferably this is also made of metal.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the metal material of this cabinet 2 and the door is low-carbon steel or an aluminum alloy, whereby the overall weight is reduced.

[0029] The dimensions of the cabinet 2 may be varied according to the needs of the user and the required input capacity.

[0030] According to a preferred but non-limiting configuration, since the cabinet 2 has overall dimensions that enable it to be suspended from a wall, each user can arrange the household device 1 at a height appropriate for themselves and carry out loading / unloading in an ergonomically correct state.

[0031] Preferably, when the position of this device 1 is such that the lower outer surface 3 of the cabinet 2 is at a height of 165 - 175 cm from the ground, it becomes most easy to use.

[0032] Problems related to the increase in installation height and additional pressure loss will be solved by enhancing the head of the supply pump in the water supply circuit, for example, by increasing the pressure by 0.25 bar.

[0033] Therefore, this cabinet 2 will be provided with means for mounting on the wall, and the preferred forms and sizes of the mounting means for stably fixing to the wall without deformation will be described in more detail below.

[0034] This cabinet 2 houses inside both at least one first supply device 4 for washing water and a second automatic supply device 5 for detergent.

[0035] Furthermore, this cabinet 2 is provided with a compartment or collection tray 6 for waste water designed for drainage, and this compartment 6 is made in or arranged on the bottom wall 7 of the cabinet 2, and a drain pipe or drain hole (not shown) is appropriately provided.

[0036] Typically, in this type of household appliance, one or more shelves, grids, glass holders, cutlery holders, and other elements (collectively indicated by 8) for supporting tableware and / or cutlery and / or cooking utensils during washing are provided inside the cabinet 2.

[0037] According to a particularly advantageous aspect, the inner surface of the cabinet 2, especially the surfaces that may come into contact with washing water, is chemically and / or mechanically treated, for example, using a microfabrication process, to be hydrophobic and / or water-repellent, preventing the adhesion of both the water and chemicals used for washing.

[0038] Advantageously, the cabinet 2 will accommodate one or more folding curtains (not shown) designed to prevent splashed water from hitting the door itself at a position facing the door inside the cabinet.

[0039] Suitably, one or more curtains are mechanically connected via a rack to a movement mechanism suitable for moving the curtain from a retracted position where, when the washing cycle is started, it does not cover the door and the shelves 8 on which the dishes are placed are accessible by opening the door, to an operating position where it covers the door from the inside.

[0040] According to a characteristic aspect of the present invention, a first supply device 4 for washing water is accommodated inside the cabinet 2 so as to be movable between a standby position inside a suitable housing 9 provided in the rear wall 10 of the cabinet 2 and an operating position where the first supply device 4 will be arranged above the support shelf 8 for the dishes or other items to be washed.

[0041] Preferably, a grid that moves simultaneously with the first supply device 4 for washing water is provided inside the cabinet 2, and this grid may hold the objects on the associated shelf 8.

[0042] Once the first device 4 reaches the operating position, then the electronic control unit activates the supply of washing water.

[0043] In some cases, two or more supply devices 4 for washing water may be arranged inside the cabinet 2 so as to be movable at different heights and return to the appropriate housing 9 after the washing cycle ends.

[0044] One or more first supply devices 4 may be rotatable and may start to rotate by the pressure of the supplied water, substantially in the same manner as a general dishwashing machine.

[0045] The supply device 4 for washing water may be provided with a dispenser equipped with a restoring spring that is lifted by the water pressure. The dispenser is adapted to be attached to the slot and stops in a position parallel to the device when the pressure is lost.

[0046] Alternatively, the cleaning water supply device 4 may include a plurality of water discharge nozzles that face each other and are arranged at an angle of 90° to each other, and are associated with a filtering system that prevents clogging.

[0047] According to a first modification, the movement of the first supply device 4 may be caused by a foldable hydraulic cylinder that can be filled with water from a hydraulic supply circuit or from a general hydraulic network, and is returned to its original position by a return spring when the water supply runs out.

[0048] According to a further modification, the movement of the first distribution device 4 for cleaning water may be caused by a rack movement mechanism to which the supply device 4 is attached and which is driven by a 24V DC motor.

[0049] A position sensor connected to the rack activates a part of the logic and starts / stops the movement of the device 4 via a switch connected to the motor.

[0050] A solenoid directly connected to the power supply (optionally via a switch controlled by the operating logic) will have the function of preventing the door from being opened during the operation of the device 1.

[0051] The bottom wall 7 of the cabinet 2 is also provided with a water collection area designed to allow the discharged water to flow by gravity into a drainage channel or drainage hole, and the parts of the hydraulic circuit and electromechanical devices will also be housed therein.

[0052] All the electromechanical parts housed below must comply with current technical standards. For maximum safety, it is possible to use parts that operate at 24V and are supplied by a power supply that complies with the corresponding technical standards.

[0053] Preferably, a tray 11 for storing the filter cartridge is arranged adjacent to the water collection area 6, which also has the function of hiding the drainage channel.

[0054] When the water flow rate is insufficient, it is necessary to provide an additional nozzle inside the catalyzer tray 11.

[0055] The cabinet 2 may be provided with an upper opening or an additional heater for accelerating drying.

[0056] Preferably, the cabinet 2 is self - supporting, and the upper corner parts are strengthened to resist traction. The installation means may include a steel plate suitable for being arranged between the rear wall 10 of the cabinet 2 and the bolts for fixing it to the wall.

[0057] The second automatic supply device 5 for detergent may be composed of a main body 12, a shut - off device 13 actuated by a spring, a slider 14, and a rear door for inserting a soap pad arranged at the bottom inside the main body 12.

[0058] If the coating thickness conforms to each compartment provided in the main body 12 and the coating itself is water - soluble, it is also possible to enclose one pad in one package.

[0059] Above each pad, a slider 14 equipped with a unique spring 16 is arranged. Due to the presence of the pad, the slider 14 is fixed in the upper position, while when there is no pad, the spring 16 moves the slider 14 to the lower position. The locking device 13 is inserted through the rear opening of the lock and is housed in the upper compartment.

[0060] When the device 1 starts working, the locking device 13 moves forward by water pressure and compresses the corresponding spring 16.

[0061] Alternatively, the locking device 13 may be moved by a 24V solenoid controlled by control electronics.

[0062] When the slider 14 is in the lower position, the locking device 13 is located above the slider 14 and locks the slider 14 to prevent it from rising. When the slider 14 is in the upper position, the locking device 13 enters the front cavity (near the hole) of the slider 14.

[0063] In this way, water flows into the device from the front hole of the first partition chamber. When the slider 14 is in the upper position, the water is sent downward from the channel 15 located on the back side of the slider 14. When the slider 14 is in the lower position, the water is sent to the next partition chamber 18 from the hole 17 above the slider 14.

[0064] When water contacts the soap pad, it dissolves the soap pad, and then it is discharged through the bottom channel 15. The inflow of water from below is prevented by the slider 14 that moves between two equilibrium positions according to the presence or absence of the soap pad.

[0065] When the water pressure is excessive, in order to prevent water from flowing into other chambers, it is necessary to install one or more ball-type or Tesla-type check valves in the channels. In this way, it will be possible to use one pad in one cleaning cycle. In the last partition chamber, a button indicating that the pad is running low must be inserted.

[0066] Figure 9 shows the circuit diagram of the household appliance 1 in the Modelica environment. For the sake of convenience, it is divided into an upper part that reproduces the hydraulic section and a lower part that represents the electromechanical circuit including gears, limit switches, and switches that control the working logic. In the hydraulic circuit, water is introduced through the left device, the pressure spreads to two cylinders connected to two control valves, and is connected to the nozzles drawn on the right.

[0067] The electromechanical scheme is executed downstream of the power supply connected to various switches that regulate the operating logic of the functions. These switches control the operation of the machinery used to move the water supply device. A drive electric motor is directly connected below and mechanically connected to two racks (on the right) to move the supply device and (optionally) the splash guard curtain. The bottom connection to the drive motor is made instead through a reduction mechanism that adjusts the angle of the "rack". Downstream of this, there is an angle sensor connected (as control logic) to a device that controls the switches to start / stop these operations. A position sensor (integrated with the water supply device) connected to the top of the rack activates part of the logic and starts / stops the movement of the device via a switch connected to the motor.

[0068] Finally, a solenoid directly connected to the power supply (optionally via a switch controlled by the operating logic) in the lower left has the function of preventing the door from opening during the operation of the device.

Claims

1. A household appliance for washing and storing tableware, - comprising a cabinet (2) for storing the tableware to be washed and stored, the cabinet (2) being provided with a closing door, and the cabinet (2) - a first supply device (2) for washing water, - a second supply device (5) for automatically discharging detergent into the first supply device (4), - a water collection chamber (6) for collecting the water after washing, - one or more placement shelves (8) for placing the tableware to be washed, being housed inside, the cabinet (2) has an inner wall that is treated chemically or mechanically to be hydrophobic or to prevent the adhesion of water and chemicals, and the first supply device (4) for washing water is movably housed in the cabinet so as to move between a standby position inside a seat portion (9) made inside the cabinet (2) and an operating position arranged above at least one of the placement shelves (8). A household appliance.

2. The household appliance according to claim 1, wherein the housing portion (9) is made on the rear wall (10) of the cabinet (2).

3. The household appliance according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the cabinet (2) is made of a metal material.

4. The household appliance according to claim 3, wherein the metal material is low-carbon steel or an aluminum alloy.

5. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cabinet (2) is provided with mounting means suitable for enabling suspension and fixing to a wall using fixing bolts or the like.

6. The household appliance according to claim 5, wherein the cabinet (2) is self-standing and the upper corner portions are strengthened to resist traction.

7. The household appliance according to claim 6, wherein the mounting means includes a steel plate suitable for being arranged between the rear portion of the cabinet (2) and the fixing bolt.

8. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the movement of the first supply device (4) is performed by a 24V DC motor connected to a rack.

9. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first supply device (2) is a water dispenser suitable for rotating by the water pressure of the washing water, and is provided with a restoring spring lifted by the water pressure.

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

11. The water collection chamber (6) houses a hydraulic circuit and an electromechanical device, the household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The cabinet (2) is provided with an upper opening and / or an additional heater for speeding up drying, the household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The cabinet (2) houses one or more folding curtains in the front part for protecting the door, the household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The one or more curtains are mechanically connected via a rack to a moving mechanism suitable for moving from a retracted position that does not cover the door to an operating position that covers the door at the start of the washing cycle, the household appliance according to claim 13.

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