EA040785B1 - DEVICE AND METHOD FOR WASHING DISHES - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to automated cleaning of kitchen utensils. In particular, the present invention relates to a dishwasher and a method for washing dishes/tableware.

Background of the invention

Dishwashers, i.e. machines for washing dishes and the like, have been available since the 1950s; however, these devices are, for the most part, of the same type and configuration, namely, they consist of a chamber in which contaminated objects are washed with water and detergent.

Currently available household dishwashers are most efficient and effective when used with a full load, which can be a fairly large number of items. The use of these machines is not practical for washing a small number of items, such as those left by one or two people after a small meal or snack. Accordingly, most users wait until enough dishes have accumulated to fill the machine and start it after filling - once a day or every few days. As the dishwasher fills up, dirty items either dry out so that the dirt sticks to the items, making them harder to clean, or become covered in mold, resulting in an unsightly and unsanitary environment. To minimize such drawbacks, soiled items may be pre-washed prior to loading, but such an additional manual step is inconvenient and reduces the advantage of owning a dishwasher as such.

Household dishwashers are typically installed under the kitchen worktop, with a front panel door that hinges at the bottom. Consequently, loading and unloading of the machine takes place through a door that is open below knee height and requires the user to bend over, which is an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous process.

Dishwashers for commercial applications such as restaurants and catering use continuous conveyors to transport items that are washed in multiple stages. For example, GB 1023772 A (Thring) describes a dishwasher in which the items to be washed are loaded into a separate basket, which, when transported down the conveyor, goes through a washing cycle and up through a drying cycle. Each basket has mesh sides and a tray-like bottom to accommodate various loads of crockery, utensils and cutlery. DE 476329 C1 (Gustav) describes a dishwasher in which hanging dish baskets are transported by a conveyor through a prewash vessel and a spray chamber. The baskets for dishes are given a pivoting movement so that the water jets can act on all parts of the plates located in the baskets for dishes. GB 190921745 A (Jones) describes a plate washing machine in which the plates are mounted in holders attached to a conveyor which moves the plates through water tanks and rotating brushes. Such machines are too bulky, complex and expensive to use at home.

There continues to be a need for a fully automated dishwasher that is compact, economical, easy to use, and capable of washing a small number of items such as plates, cups and cutlery quickly and efficiently.

Glossary

For a clear understanding of the present invention, the terms used in the following description are defined below:

Drinking utensils means cups, glasses, and the like. The term should not be limited to any particular type or category of drinking vessels. The mention of cups also includes glasses and vice versa.

Cutlery includes cutlery items such as knives, forks and spoons, as well as other hand-held kitchen utensils such as peelers, pushers, whisks, etc. References to cutlery are also intended to include kitchen utensils and vice versa, unless the context precludes this.

Glassware is synonymous with Drinkware.

Table set. Cutlery set refers to one or more pieces of cutlery used by one person at one meal, and may include cutlery items traditionally laid out or placed on a table for one person to eat. The exact composition of the dinner set may vary depending on the meal being served/consumed, but generally includes a knife, fork and spoon. Additional items may be laid out for formal meals. An appetizer may involve the use of fewer pieces of cutlery.

Eating utensils means plates, bowls, etc. The concept of a plate should also be understood as any object related to eating utensils, unless this is excluded by the context.

Dinnerware includes eating utensils, drinking utensils and cutlery.

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Brief description of the present invention

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a dishwashing apparatus comprising a housing containing a sequence of zones, each zone adapted to perform a step of a dishwashing cycle; loading / unloading area at the top of the hull; a plurality of grippers for receiving and conveying contaminated items, wherein the grippers are arranged in sets containing a set of grippers for eating utensils, each gripper for eating utensils is configured to receive and transfer a separate item related to utensils for food, a set of grippers for canteens appliances, each cutlery grip is configured to receive and carry a separate cutlery set consisting of cutlery and/or accessories, a set of drinking utensil grips, each drinking utensil grip configured to receive and carry a separate item, pertaining to drinking utensils; and drive means for transporting the gripper loaded with the contaminated item in a closed loop from the loading/unloading area to the housing, through each of the wash step zones and from the housing back to the loading/unloading zone, while the driving means are used to transport the gripper from one set of grippers regardless of the captures from every other capture set.

The device is a fully automated single dishwasher.

In one embodiment, the housing contains a washing zone, a rinsing zone and a drying zone. Also, the housing may contain a sanitization zone.

The device can be designed so that the supply of detergent and rinse aid and drying air to the zones of the respective washing steps is sufficiently localized within each zone so that unwanted transfer of detergent and rinse aid or drying air between the zones is prevented or limited to level that does not impair the performance of the dishwasher cycle. This can be achieved by supplying detergents and rinses and air for drying through the spray nozzles, with the angles and pressure of the spray nozzles in each zone set so as to minimize cross-contamination between the zones of the washing stages.

Alternatively, the zone of each wash step in the housing may be separated from adjacent zones by a physical partition to restrict the movement of detergents and rinses or drying air between zones, while still allowing the passage of loaded grippers from one zone to another. An example of a suitable partition wall is a curtain of plastic strips. Locations where the wash step areas are separated by partitions may be referred to as wash step chambers.

A plurality of grips or holders are arranged or placed in sets or groups, where each set contains a plurality of such grips, each of which is configured to receive and transfer a separate item of one category of soiled tableware. Accordingly, the dishwashing device comprises a set of grippers, each of which is designed to receive a separate item related to eating utensils (eg, plates, bowls, etc.); a set of grips, each of which is designed to receive a separate cutlery set, consisting of cutlery and/or accessories (for example, cutlery items such as a fork/spoon/knife and other kitchen utensils); and a set of grips, each of which is designed to receive glassware and/or drinking utensils.

The device is designed so that grippers of this type are arranged in rows, i.e. each grip set contains one row. In one embodiment, the device comprises three rows of grips: a row of food utensils, a row of cutlery grips, and a row of glassware/drinkware grips, with each row containing grips specifically designed to accommodate individual items of different categories of soiled canteen. utensils: for example, one plate, one cutlery (i.e. one or more pieces of cutlery) or one glass.

The device is designed to quickly and efficiently wash soiled tableware used by just one person at a time immediately without a) waiting for the washing chamber to fill in a conventional dishwashing device located under the kitchen worktop, the capacity of which can be designed for a dozen or more dishes. sets, or b) turning on a regular dishwasher with only a few items in it, which is a waste of energy and detergent, and also slow. The grippers are designed to receive and carry single items and are specifically designed for food dishes, drinking utensils and cutlery/utensils, allowing the device to efficiently wash just a few items in a quick wash cycle. The food and drink holders are configured to receive and carry one single item, such as plates and cups, respectively. The cutlery/utensils gripper is configured to carry one or more cutlery items, such as one or more items selected from a knife, fork, or spoon, that may have been used (i.e., soiled) by one person at a single meal or snack .

In another embodiment of the invention, the housing includes an inlet flap for the entry of the grip and an exit flap for the exit of the grip.

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The grips from each set of grips are transportable through the device independently of the grips from each other set. This can be achieved by providing independent drive means on each set of grips. In one embodiment of the invention, the drive means comprises a pair of guide assemblies, where each assembly comprises a rack and pinion drive mechanism in which a gear wheel is sandwiched between a closed loop mobile rack and a fixed rack that is not a closed loop.

The disclosed device is designed to quickly wash one or more contaminated items as needed, without the need to accumulate enough items to fill a large wash chamber in order to justify the expenditure of resources (energy, water, detergent, time) required to start a wash cycle in a conventional dishwasher.

Grippers specifically designed to receive one of the plates/dishes, cutlery and cups/glasses are convenient for loading and washing just one or more cutlery sets at a time.

Since each set of grips is independently movable, the device can be adapted to different washing needs or occasions. For example, if a person ate a bowl of soup and did not drink during the meal, the bowl and spoon can be loaded into the food holder and the cutlery holder, respectively, which subsequently go through a washing cycle in the body, while the dish holder for drinking can be excluded from the cycle. If a person has eaten a soup sandwich, the sandwich plate can be sent to be washed on the second plate grab. Likewise, if two people were eating together, the second set of cutlery can be washed immediately by sending an additional set of grippers through the wash cycles, and so on.

The appliance described in this document can be placed on a work surface near a kitchen sink. In another embodiment, the apparatus is mounted in a kitchen counter such that the loading/unloading area on top of the cabinet is effectively flush with the table in a similar placement as a conventional sink/drain drain. The device receives the contaminated item/items, transfers them to the housing, washes, rinses, disinfects, dries and quickly returns the items placed one after another, ready for reuse.

A simple drive mechanism transports the grippers in a closed loop, where the start and end are in the loading / unloading area at the top of the device body, and allows you to handle multiple items at short intervals. The disadvantages of the prior art regarding pre-rinsing, leaning forward, waiting for a full load, waiting for the cycle to end to enable subsequent reuse of items have been eliminated. Dirty items in the kitchen sink or on the table, etc., are also avoided, allowing a clean, uncluttered kitchen to be obtained.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for washing tableware which includes loading a soiled tableware item into a gripper located in a loading/unloading area on top of a dishwashing apparatus body, the gripper being selected from a group of available gripper types consisting of a dish gripper for food, configured to receive a separate item related to eating utensils; a cutlery grip configured to receive a separate cutlery set consisting of cutlery; and a drinkware grip configured to receive a separate item related to the drinkware; transporting the loaded grip through a series of zones contained in the body, where each zone is designed to perform a stage of the dishwashing cycle, so that the soiled item goes through a complete wash cycle; transporting the loaded gripper from the body and returning it to the loading/unloading area, wherein each type of gripper is transported through the body independently of each other type of gripper.

In the context of this document, the term dinnerware includes any item used - and therefore contaminated - in eating, such as items normally found in a dinner set, i.e. plates, bowls, cutlery, cups and glasses. The term also includes items used to prepare and serve meals. As a consequence, the term is synonymous with the collective term dishware, as used in the phrase dishwashing and in the term dishwashing machine itself.

Description of graphic materials

The following is a description of an embodiment of the present invention by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which FIG. 1 is a plan view diagram of a dishwashing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2 is a diagram showing a side view of the dishwashing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, with the front panel removed to display the internal components;

fig. 3 is a diagram showing a plan view of the dishwashing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with rail grips removed to show top drain placement;

fig. 4 is a side view diagram of the drive mechanism and components for transporting the grippers through the device shown in FIG. 1;

fig. 5 is a diagram showing a plan view of the internal drain pan and additional components of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

Detailed description of the invention

The following is a description of an embodiment of the present invention, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying figures.

With reference to FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 is installed adjacent to a kitchen sink 10, with the top of the cabinet containing the loading/unloading area flush with the counter top 11. The apparatus 100 comprises three separate rows of grippers: a row of grippers 1 for plates, each of which is shaped , allowing the reception and retention of a typical dish; a series of cutlery grippers 2 each adapted to receive one or more cutlery items; and a series of drinkware grippers 3 each adapted to receive a typical glass/cup. Each grip is supported by a transverse axle, at each end of which is a chain-type wheel located in its respective guide, which allows the grips 1, 2, 3 to move independently around the device.

Each gripper 1, 2, 3, when a contaminated object is loaded into it, moves down into the housing through the corresponding inlet flaps 4, 5, 6, passes through successive zones of the washing stages and exits the housing through the outlet flaps 7, 8, 9.

As shown in FIG. 2, as each respective gripper 1, 2, 3 enters the housing through the entry flaps 4, 5, 6, they pass through four separate zones and processes.

The first zone is a wash zone 17 in which a wash cycle is performed while moving the grippers through the zone. Items are sprayed with dish detergent, which is stored in the device in the dish detergent tank 39, from a plurality of movable or fixed spray nozzles 13 located at different locations and directed at the contaminated item/items.

The second zone is a rinsing zone 18 in which the rinsing water is sprayed onto the objects from a plurality of movable or fixed spray nozzles 14 located at different locations and directed at the soiled object/objects.

The third zone is a sanitizing zone 19 in which heated water or steam is sprayed to sanitize items from a plurality of movable or fixed spray nozzles 15 located at different locations and directed at the item/items to be sanitized.

The end zone is a drying zone 20 in which heated or cooled air is directed onto the objects from a plurality of movable or fixed air jets 16 located at different locations and directed towards the object/objects to be dried.

Drain container 21, located at the bottom of the unit, serves as a receiver for water and waste, and also accommodates electric motors, dish detergent container, water heaters, steamers and valves, power supply, controllers, etc. and equipped with a sump 22 for waste collection.

As shown in FIG. 3, the top tier 23 of the device, located below the grips, performs an additional function of drainage, as it allows waste and liquids to drain through this area and down into the housing and into the sump 21 below. This arrangement provides for ease of cleaning where a kitchen faucet can be used to flush the entire area of the gripper tray.

To keep this surface clean, several spray nozzles 24 are located throughout this area.

In FIG. 4 shows the drive mechanism and its components. A simple drive mechanism consists of a pair of guide assemblies, each of which consists of a rack and pinion drive mechanism, with a gear 26 sandwiched between two racks, one of which is a stationary or fixed rack 30, and the second is a driven movable rack or chain 25 The direction of movement of the movable or drive chain 25, indicated by arrow 41, determines the direction of movement of grippers 1, 2, 3, indicated by arrow 42.

The drive chain, which in turn is driven by a reversible AC or DC motor 29, is provided with a worm gear 28 for braking purposes. The chain wheel or tensioner 27 is used to capture the drive chain and ensure its movement along the corresponding guide 25.

The fixed guide 30 does not form a closed loop, but ends in part of the path of movement 31 of the gripper. This allows the claws to come together 32 at the top of the device and remain in place even when the drive chain is moving. As a result, each of the grippers moves independently of the others.

In FIG. 5 shows a drain pan with additional internal components. The drain pan 21 receives all liquids and waste to be disposed of through the device and sends it to the municipal sewer. The design provides a sump 33 for solid waste, so

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Claims (5)

that only liquids are drained into drain 34. Other components include drive motors 35, 36, 37, water heater/steamer 38, dish detergent container 39, power supply 41, and controller. 40. The operation of the disclosed device will now be described. Each of the grips 1, 2, 3 is provided with a pair of guides, which allows the grips 1, 2, 3 to be carried in any combination through each of the four treatment cycles, namely washing, rinsing, sanitizing and drying. All operations are performed without user intervention. Each row of grippers 1, 2, 3 operates independently of the other rows and grippers, thus allowing each work item to pass through the device independently of the other items, allowing it to work as needed. A grate in the upper tier 23 below all grips 1, 2, 3 allows waste to flow through the device into a lower drain pan 21 inside the device. When a soiled item is placed in a specially designed receptacle with grippers 1, 2 or 3, the gripper descends into the housing and begins to pass through the zones of the washing stage. The entrance leaf 4, 5, 6 for each row allows the grippers 1, 2, 3 to enter the device. Washing stage 1: as the gripper 1, 2, 3 moves through the washing zone 17 to the object of work (contaminated item), dish detergent is sprayed in the gripper 1, 2, 3 from the spray nozzles 13 located below the grate, as well as the lower tier of the zone . Washing stage 2: as the gripper 1, 2, 3 continues to move through the device, it enters the rinsing zone 18 and a second cycle begins in which clean fresh water is sprayed onto the work object in the gripper from other spray nozzles 14 located below the grate, and also the lower tier of the zone. Washing step 3: as the gripper 1, 2, 3 continues to move through the device, it enters the sanitization zone 19 where the cycle of the third step begins, where heated water or steam is sprayed onto the surface of the work item in the gripper as a sanitizing step. Washing stage 4: as the gripper 1, 2, 3 continues to move through the device, it enters the drying zone 20 and the fourth, final stage begins, the drying cycle, in which hot or ambient air is blown over the surface of the work object located in the gripper, as drying and cooling stages. At this point, the grip 1, 2, 3 continues to move back to the top surface of the device through the exit gate 7, 8, 9, where the grip 1, 2, 3 rolls freely and docks behind the other corresponding grips on the open top of the body (loading / unloading area ), ready for unloading and further use. CLAIM 1. Device for washing dishes, containing a housing containing a sequence of zones, each zone is adapted to perform a stage of the dishwashing cycle; loading / unloading area at the top of the hull; a plurality of grippers for receiving and conveying contaminated items, wherein the grippers are arranged in rows, each row contains grippers of a different type with respect to other rows, while the rows contain a number of grippers for food utensils, each gripper for food utensils is configured to receive and carrying an individual item related to eating utensils, a row of cutlery grips, each cutlery grip being configured to receive and carry a separate cutlery set consisting of cutlery and/or accessories, a row of drinking utensil grips, wherein each drinkware gripper is configured to receive and carry a separate drinkware item; and drive means for transporting the gripper loaded with a contaminated object in a closed circuit from the loading/unloading area to the housing, through each of the zones of the washing stages and from the housing back to the loading/unloading zone, while the driving means are used to transport the gripper from one row of grippers regardless of the captures from every other capture set. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing contains a washing zone, a rinsing zone and a drying zone. 3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the housing also contains a sanitization zone. 4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each zone is separated from adjacent zones by a physical barrier, said barrier being adapted to allow the gripper to pass through it. 5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the housing contains an input flap for -