Water washing device for tableware

Abstract

A small counter-type tableware water washing machine (10, 10') for manual use, comprising two operating units defined by a first unit (12, 12') and a second unit (14), which are not rigidly connected to each other but are separable, movable, and positionable / repositionable independently of each other, the first unit (12, 12') defining a control unit accommodating components / devices required for operation of the water washing machine, and the second unit (14) defining a tableware washing chamber.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water washing device for tableware.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a compact countertop dishwashing device, i.e., a device suitable for placement on the drip surface of a kitchen sink. [Background technology]

[0003] As is well known, tableware can be washed by hand or, more typically, automatically using a water-washing domestic appliance known as a dishwasher.

[0004] The use of dishwashers has become increasingly popular over the years, and these domestic appliances are frequently found in homes and in establishments commonly used for catering services or cafeterias. This is due to various factors, such as the fact that a person does not waste time or effort when washing tableware by hand, or the comfort associated with lowering the consumption of water and / or detergents used for washing (which is due to environmentally friendly initiatives, etc.).

[0005] Water washing machines or dishwashers come in different models and sizes, which are selected based on the cleaning needs (intended capacity as number of tables that can be washed in a washing cycle) and / or based on the installation requirements, for example, in a living space (e.g., built-in dishwashers that fit into kitchen furniture or limited spaces for smaller spaces).

[0006] However, conventional dishwashers may be larger than necessary in some situations, which may cause space problems and cannot be installed in all living spaces, thereby preventing the dishwasher from being used due to lack of space.

[0007] Additionally, conventional dishwashers require constant intervention from a technician to manage installation and testing.

[0008] Additionally, the capacity of a conventional dishwasher may be excessive for a single person, for example, who may load the dishwasher with tableware to run it at maximum capacity so as not to waste excessive amounts of water, electricity, and detergent. This entails drawbacks in the fact that stains on the tableware may be more difficult to remove, or drawbacks associated with the fact that the user does not have enough tableware to completely load the appliance.

[0009] Another drawback of conventional dishwashers is the fact that they require connections to the water mains, drainage system, and power supply (although not all residential solutions are designed for the installation of dishwashers). In cases of limited living space (such as a rented studio apartment), it can be difficult to find a compartment or space to place a conventional dishwasher or even a reduced-space washer. This is a significant drawback, considering that in kitchen cabinets, for example, the dimensions of the cabinets themselves make it difficult, if not impossible, to place a dishwasher.

[0010] Compact dishwashers have been developed in an effort to overcome these drawbacks, as they do not need to be connected to water mains and drain systems in the same manner as those of conventional "large" dishwashers, and can also be placed on a kitchen work surface either permanently or temporarily (e.g., stowed in a compartment when not in use).

[0011] Some small dishwashers are connected by means of a pipe to the sink's tap and its drainage system, however, these types of domestic appliances have drawbacks related to the fact that, when they are running, the user cannot use the water provided by the tap for other purposes and, in addition, they require the adaptation of tap connections or the use of connecting elements to enable the connection of the dishwasher's plumbing with said tap.

[0012] Other types of compact dishwashers have a liquid reservoir that can be filled with water and detergent and then removed / separated from the appliance body to allow it to be repositioned in the appliance body and operate correctly.

[0013] However, this solution also has drawbacks related to the need to assemble / disassemble the washing liquid reservoir to enable it to be filled, which, in the event of prolonged operation, can cause wear or even destruction of both the reservoir and the components or elements of the dishwasher body designed to house the reservoir.

[0014] GB 2548067 describes a device specialized for washing and cleaning tableware, more particularly cutlery, which is made similar to a mixer, and which comprises a base unit useful for containing cutlery and washing water, which can be provided with means for driving a rotating brush, and which is arranged in a further unit closed by a lid. This type of washing device is not suitable for washing tableware such as plates and / or glasses. Furthermore, this device does not overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks related to the need to assemble / disassemble the reservoir of washing liquid in order to be able to fill it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0015] [Patent Document 1] British Patent No. 2548067 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0016] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0017] More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a water flushing device, which is small in size and suitable for being placed on a kitchen sink, for example on the wet surface of the sink, etc. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a water flushing device that can be universally adapted to all kitchen solutions.

[0018] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tableware water washing apparatus which does not require direct connection to a mains water supply and drainage system.

[0019] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a water flushing device that is easy to use and to position during preparation for use, and that facilitates the loading, unloading, and drying of tableware.

[0020] A further object of the present invention is to provide a water washing device that can wash tableware in a short time with little water consumption.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is to provide a tableware water washing device which is compact and does not, in any case, cause problems related to the overall size of the sink or, if necessary, the free space of the sink.

[0022] It is a further object of the present invention to provide the user with a tableware water washing apparatus that is suitable for providing high durability and reliability over time, as well as being easy to manufacture and cost-effective. [Means for solving the problem]

[0023] These and other objects are achieved according to the invention with the features of claim 1.

[0024] According to the present invention, there is provided a compact counter-type tableware water washing machine comprising two operating units defined by a first unit and a second unit that are not rigidly coupled to each other and are separable, movable and positionable / repositionable independently relative to each other, wherein the first unit defines a control unit housing components / devices required for operation of the water washing machine, and the second unit defines a tableware washing chamber.

[0025] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are outlined by the dependent claims.

[0026] The structural and functional features of the tableware water washing machine of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, which represent embodiments of the present invention, provided exclusively as non-limiting examples. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a front view of a tableware water washing device of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a top view of a tableware water washing device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front axonometric view, partially in section, of components of the water cleaning device of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a plan view of components of the apparatus of the present invention in an operational configuration. [Figure 5] 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a plan view of a device in the component of FIG. 3 of the apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are schematic representations of front views of further components of the water cleaning device of the present invention; [Figure 7] 1A and 1B show a schematic representation of a water cleaning device of the present invention, in particular an axonometric view of a pressure washer, according to an alternative embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 shows an axonometric view of the components of the water cleaning device. [Figure 9]10 shows an alternative embodiment of a water flushing device positioned relative to a sink. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Referring to the above figures, the tableware water washing machine of the present invention, generally designated by reference numeral 10 in the above figures, essentially comprises two units defined by a first unit 12 and a second unit 14, which are not rigidly connected to each other but are separable, movable and positionable / repositionable independently relative to each other.

[0029] The first unit 12 defines a control unit accommodating the components / devices required for the operation of the water cleaning apparatus, said components being housed in single and separate compartments, and comprising a pump 13 (preferably of the diaphragm type, which preferably operates at a pressure of 3-9 bar, a flow rate of approximately 4-4.5 liters / minute and a temperature comprised between 60-65°C), a transformer 15, a socket or terminal 11 for connection to the mains and an on / off switch (the transformer is suitable for supplying the pump 13), a water inlet or outlet pipe 16 provided with a nozzle 17 (for example a shower head type nozzle, or a flat blade type or another type of nozzle suitable for the purpose) which is connected to the pump 13 (described in detail below) for dispersing the cleaning liquid on the tableware, and a container 20 provided within the volume of the first unit 12 and which is slidable (for dispensing water and cleaning detergent) and partly extractable and positionable / orientable relative to the first unit.

[0030] The container 20 has an external handle 20' (or knob or equivalent gripping means) to allow the container to be withdrawn when the water cleaning device is in use and to allow it to be repositioned when the device is not in use.

[0031] The container 20 can be provided with the possibility to be pulled out and oriented relative to the first unit 12 in order to be able to fit into all the positioning configurations of the sink faucet or the overall dimensions of the sink, as shown diagrammatically in FIG.

[0032] In this case, the container has a rotation-limiting connection (of the hinge type or similarly known and suitable for the purpose) to the first unit 12, which allows the container 20 to rotate relative to the first unit 12 (by a vertical axis of rotation) when it is pulled out relative to the first unit 12. In particular, when the container 20 is pulled out relative to the first unit according to its longitudinal extension (the direction indicated by the arrow "X" in Figures 3 and 4), and when pulled out (at the end of the movement), the container 20 can be rotated 90° to the right or left relative to the first unit, so as to achieve a total rotation of 180° (the container can also be rotated in all positions included in 180° and positioned in all positions, in order to allow the orientation of the container 20 according to the position of the faucet 44 of the sink 40).

[0033] Furthermore, means or device 50 for supplying detergent (typically liquid dish soap) to be mixed with the water in the container 20 is also arranged inside the first unit 12, said device 50 comprising a manual control valve 51 with a plunger 51', which in a preferred embodiment is provided with a resilient return spring (not shown) (although the return of said plunger 51' to its "zero" position can also be operated manually or by means of an "interlock" type mechanism), said plunger 51 (in the preferred embodiment shown in the figures) 5) and allows gravity to lower the detergent contained in section 51''' which is drawn from pump 13 and conveyed to inlet or outlet pipe 16 (indicated by conduit 54 in FIG. 5), and upon release, allows the return action of the spring to return to its initial position to close / block the supply of soap to container 20. Actuation of the valve is of the manual type as shown so far, and in the preferred embodiment of the figures is performed by means of knob 51'', whose engagement allows manual lifting of plunger 51'.

[0034] The container 20 further includes an "overflow" valve 54 which functions to indicate overfilling of the container 20 by water flowing from the tap 44.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the functional components described above and housed in the first unit 12 are arranged offset according to horizontal planes parallel to each other in a "tower" type configuration, as shown schematically in Figure 2, in order to reduce the overall size of the first unit 12 described above, with the first unit 12 positioned next to and adjacent to the second unit 14.

[0036] Figures 7-9 show an alternative embodiment of the water flushing apparatus of the present invention, generally designated 10', with details shared with the preferred embodiment described above (Figures 1-6) being designated using the same reference numerals.

[0037] The first unit 12' houses the components / devices required for the operation of the water cleaning apparatus housed in a single compartment or in separate compartments, and in the case described above these components consist of a pump 13 (similar to that described with reference to the preferred embodiment), a transformer 15, a socket or terminal 11 for connection to the mains power supply and an on / off switch, a water inlet or outlet pipe 16 connected to the pump 13 for dispersing the cleaning liquid over the tableware and provided with a nozzle 17 (for example a shower head type nozzle or a flat blade type nozzle or another type of nozzle suitable for the purpose), and a container 60 provided within the volume of the first unit 12' which is slidable and partially extractable by means of a handle or mating element 60' and which is positionable / orientable relative to said first unit in a similar manner as that described above with reference to the preferred embodiment (whereby not described in further detail).

[0038] According to the alternative embodiment, the means or device 50 for supplying cleaning detergent has similar features to those in the preferred embodiment, but the difference lies in the fact that the means or device 50 is housed differently in the first unit 12' and more particularly different from the manual actuation of a plunger 51 which moves deflectively by a horizontal axis.

[0039] According to such an embodiment, the components within the first unit 12' are arranged according to a substantially horizontal plane.

[0040] The second unit 14 defines a tableware washing chamber entirely similar to the second unit according to the preferred embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 6, and therefore will not be the subject of further description.

[0041] Referring to an alternative embodiment, the first unit 12′ is configured to define a support base for a second unit 14 positioned above said first unit 12′, as shown schematically in FIG. 7.

[0042] 1 and 2 show a schematic representation of the tableware water washing apparatus of the present invention when placed in a conventional kitchen sink 40 or the like.

[0043] In particular, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a water washing apparatus comprising a first unit 12 having a tower-like configuration, with a second unit 14 disposed adjacent to the first unit 12. As shown in FIG.

[0044] FIG. 9 shows a tableware water washing device of the present invention according to an alternative embodiment where a conventional kitchen sink 40 or the like is placed.

[0045] When the water washing device is used to wash tableware placed in the washing section 22 of the second unit 14, it is placed on the wet surface 42 of the sink 40, the discharge pipe 16 is provided on a nozzle 17 positioned corresponding to the second unit 14 having the nozzle 17 placed above the washing section 22, and the container 20 and discharge valve 30 are positioned to flow out from the first unit 12 and the second unit 14, respectively.

[0046] When pulled out relative to the first unit 12 (12'), the vessel 20 (or 60) is oriented depending on the position of the faucet 44 of the sink 40.

[0047] To wash tableware, the water washing device is connected to the mains, the container 20 (60) is filled with water flowing from the tap 44 of the sink 40, the manual valve is actuated to allow detergent to flow out of the dedicated reservoir, and operation of the first unit 12 (12') is activated using the on / off switch 56, and the user manually directs the washing nozzle 17 to facilitate accurate washing of the dishes in the washing section 22.

[0048] When the cleaning operation is finished, the first unit 12 (12') is switched off using the on / off switch and the waste water is discharged by the discharge valve 30.

[0049] During the tableware washing process, the tap remains open to maintain an appropriate and sufficient level of water in the container 20 (60), however, according to an alternative embodiment, the container 20 (60) is sized with a sufficient amount of water to perform a complete wash, in which case the container is filled and then the tap is subsequently closed.

[0050] When cleaning is completed and the water cleaner is not in use, it can be removed and optionally kept in place to free up space above the sink.

[0051] A flushing operation using the water flushing device of the present invention requires approximately 60 to 120 seconds with a water consumption comprised between approximately 4 and 8 liters (depending on the experiments carried out). Tests carried out have found that the flushing time is approximately 1 to 2 minutes with a water consumption of less than 5 liters per minute.

[0052] The advantages achieved by the water washing device of the present invention can be observed in light of the above.

[0053] The tableware water washing machine of the present invention has the advantage of being compact and small in size. The tableware water washing machine is composed of two units, which can be separated, arranged and rearranged relative to each other, allowing the machine to be easily adapted to different types and sizes of sinks.

[0054] A further advantage is the fact that the water cleaning device consists of two units (a first unit and a second unit) which are separate from each other, allowing for space reduction even when the water cleaning device is not in use.

[0055] A further advantage of the water washing device of the present invention lies in the fact that the second unit (defining the washing chamber) can be easily washed (to remove any dirt or limestone deposits that may have formed after multiple washing cycles) separately from the first unit, and is also easy to dry so that it can be relocated when not in use.

[0056] A further advantage is the fact that in the event of a malfunction or breakdown, only one of the two units can be replaced, with the resulting cost savings.

[0057] A further advantage lies in the fact that the water cleaning device of the present invention is capable of carrying out a complete cleaning in a short time, in the range of 1 to 2 minutes, with a very low consumption of less than 5 liters per minute.

[0058] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments thereof, which are provided by way of non-limiting example only, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the above description. Therefore, the present invention protects all such modifications and variations within the scope of protection of the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A small counter-type dish washing machine (10, 10') for manual use, comprising two operating units defined by a first unit (12, 12') and a second unit (14), which are not rigidly connected to each other but are separable, movable and positionable / repositionable independently of each other, the first unit (12, 12') defining a control unit accommodating components / devices required for the operation of the water washing machine and comprising single sections separated from each other to accommodate a pump (13), a transformer (15) having a corresponding output port for connection to a power source using a socket or terminal (11), and a water supply or discharge pipe (16) partially located within the first unit, provided with a nozzle (17) and connected to the pump (13), the first unit comprising a slidable and partially extractable container (20, 60) positionable / orientable relative to the first unit and defining a reservoir for washing water, the container (20) being configured to accommodate a pump (13), a transformer (15) having a corresponding output port for connection to a power source using a socket or terminal (11), and a water supply or discharge pipe (16) partially located within the first unit, provided with a nozzle (17) and connected to the pump (13), the first unit comprising a slidable and partially extractable container (20, 60) which is positionable / orientable relative to the first unit and defines a reservoir for washing water, the container (20) being configured to accommodate a pump (13), a pump (13), a water supply or discharge pipe (16) having a nozzle (17) and connected to the pump (13), the first unit comprising a slidable and partially extractable container (20, 60) which is positionable / orientable relative to the first unit, and which defines a reservoir for washing water, the container (20) being configured to accommodate a pump (13), a pump (13), a transformer (15) having a corresponding output port for connection to a power source using a socket or terminal (11), and a water supply or discharge pipe (16) partially located within the first unit, provided with The first unit (12, 12') comprises a means or device (50) for supplying a washing detergent to be mixed with the water in the container (20), said device (50) comprising a manual plunger (51') provided with a resilient return spring. A dishwashing water device (10, 10') comprising a control valve (51), characterized in that when the plunger (51) is pulled / moved, it allows gravity to lower the detergent contained in a section (51''') of a container (20, 60) to be mixed with water, which is drawn by a pump (13) and conveyed to a water supply pipe or a discharge pipe (16), and when released, it returns to its starting position by the return action of a spring to close the supply of soap to the container (20, 60), and that the valve is operated manually using a knob (51'').

2. 2. A water washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first unit (12, 12') comprises an on / off switch (56) for the water washing device.

3. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the container (20, 60) comprises a rotation-limited connection with a vertical axis of rotation to the first unit (12, 12') so that when pulled out relative to the first unit (12, 12'), the container (20, 60) can be oriented with the vertical axis of rotation in a horizontal plane and in an angular range comprised between 0° and 180° depending on the position of the tap (44) of the sink (40).

4. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second unit (14) comprises a cleaning section (22) that is open at the top and is circumferentially delimited by a wall (24).

5. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support elements (26, 26') can be rearranged or folded depending on the type of tableware to be washed and / or the number of said tableware.

6. 5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the second unit (14) comprises a drain valve (30) that is retractable or retractable relative to the structure of the second unit (14).

7. 7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, in use, it is placed over a kitchen sink (40) or the like, with the first unit (12) and the second unit (14) being placed on a drip surface (42) of the sink (40), the first unit and the second unit being positioned side-by-side adjacent to each other.

8. 8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, in use, it can be placed in a kitchen sink (40) or the like, with the first unit (12') in contact with the drip surface (42) of the sink (40) and the second unit (14) being placed on top of the first unit (12').

9. Use of a water cleaning device according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, - positioning the water flushing device on the drip surface (42) of the sink or on the surface of the sink; - connecting the device to the mains power supply; - depending on the position of the tap (44) of the sink (40), partially withdrawing the container (20, 60) relative to the body of the first unit (12, 12') and its possible angular orientation, filling the container (20, 60) and activating the manual valve (51) for the detergent to drain from the dedicated reservoir; - activating the operation of the first unit (12, 12') by means of the on / off switch (56); - manual washing of dishes placed in the washing section (22) of the second unit (14) by means of a nozzle (17) connected to the first unit (12, 12') by means of a discharge pipe (16); - ending the cleaning process by switching off the device and draining the wastewater through the drain valve (30); Use of a water cleaning device, characterized in that it comprises:

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