U.S. patent application number 17/467624 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-17 for dishwasher.
The applicant listed for this patent is Electrolux Professional S.p.A.. Invention is credited to Diego Favret, Sandro Gerotto, Francesco Lillo, Deny Longo, Gianni Moretto.
Application Number | 20220079413 17/467624 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220079413 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Longo; Deny ; et
al. |
March 17, 2022 |
DISHWASHER
Abstract
A dishwasher (1) comprises a washing chamber (2) configured for
receiving crockery (3) to be washed, which can be accessed via a
first lateral zone (5a) and a distinct second lateral zone (5b).
The dishwasher (1) comprises a lid (6) configured for being
rotated, with respect to the washing chamber (2), around a rotation
axis (7) passing through the washing chamber (2), between a first
position, in which it prevents accessing the said washing chamber
(2) both via the first lateral zone (5a) and via the second lateral
zone (5b), and a second position in which it allows accessing the
washing chamber (2) via at least one between the first lateral zone
(5a) and the second lateral zone (5b).
Inventors: |
Longo; Deny; (Pordenone,
IT) ; Favret; Diego; (Pordenone, IT) ; Lillo;
Francesco; (Pordenone, IT) ; Gerotto; Sandro;
(Pordenone, IT) ; Moretto; Gianni; (Pordenone,
IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Electrolux Professional S.p.A. |
Pordenone |
|
IT |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/467624 |
Filed: |
September 7, 2021 |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/42 20060101
A47L015/42; A47L 15/00 20060101 A47L015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 14, 2020 |
EP |
20196018.4 |
Claims
1. A dishwasher (1) comprising a washing chamber (2) configured for
receiving crockery (3) to be washed, and which can be accessed via
a first lateral zone (5a) and a distinct second lateral zone (5b),
characterized in that: it comprises a lid (6) configured for being
rotated, with respect to said washing chamber (2), around a
rotation axis (7) passing through said washing chamber (2), between
a first position, in which it prevents accessing said washing
chamber (2) both via said first lateral zone (5a) and via said
second lateral zone (5b), and a second position in which it allows
accessing said washing chamber (2) via at least one between said
first lateral zone (5a) and said second lateral zone (5b).
2. The dishwasher (1) as recited in claim 1, wherein said first
lateral zone (5a) and said second lateral zone (5b) are located,
with respect to said rotation axis (7), on diametrically opposed
positions.
3. The dishwasher (1) as recited in claim 1, wherein said lid (6)
is configured in such a way that, for being moved from said first
position to said second position, it is rotated around said
rotation axis (7) by a rotation angle (.alpha.1) comprised between
45.degree. and 135.degree..
4. The dishwasher (1) as recited in claim 1, wherein said lid (6)
is configured for allowing accessing said washing chamber (2) via
both said first lateral zone (5a) and said second lateral zone (5b)
when said lid (6) is in said second position.
5. The dishwasher (1) as recited in claim 4, wherein said lid (6)
is provided with a first opening (8a) and with a second opening
(8b) configured for being positioned, when said lid (6) is in said
second position, respectively at said first lateral zone (5a) and
at said second lateral zone (5b), in such a way that said washing
chamber (2) can be accessed via said first lateral zone (5a)
passing through said first opening (8a), and via said second
lateral zone (5b) passing through said second opening (8b).
6. The dishwasher (1) as recited in claim wherein said first
lateral zone (5a) and said second lateral zone (5b) are located,
with respect to said rotation axis (7), on diametrically opposed
positions; and wherein said first opening (8a) and said second
opening (8b) are located on said lid (6) on diametrically opposed
positions with respect to said rotation axis (7).
7. The dishwasher (1) as recited in claim 1, wherein said lid (6)
is configured for: allowing accessing said washing chamber (2) only
via said first lateral zone (5a) when said lid (6) is in said
second position; and being rotatable up to a third position,
different from said second position and from said first position,
in which it allows accessing said washing chamber (2) only via said
second lateral zone (5b).
8. The dishwasher (1) as recited in claim 7, wherein said first
lateral zone (5a) and said second lateral zone (5b) are located,
with respect to said rotation axis (7), on diametrically opposed
positions; and wherein said lid (6) is configured in such a way
that, for being moved from said second position to said third
position, it is rotated around said rotation axis (7) by
180.degree..
9. The dishwasher (1) as recited in claim 7, wherein said lid (6)
is provided with an access opening (9) configured for being
positioned, when said lid (6) is in said second position, at said
first lateral zone (5a), so that said washing chamber (2) can be
accessed via said first lateral zone (5a) passing through said
access opening (9), and when said lid (6) is in said third
position, at said second lateral zone (5b), so that said washing
chamber (2) can be accessed via said second lateral zone (5b)
passing through said access opening (9).
10. The dishwasher (1) as recited in claim 1, comprising, within
said washing chamber (2), a rack (4) configured for accommodating
said crockery (3) on it, said rack (4) being static with respect to
said washing chamber (2), or being rotatable with respect to said
washing chamber (2) around said rotation axis (7) and being
operatively connected to said lid (6) in such a way that said rack
(4) rotates within said washing chamber (2) together with said lid
(6).
11. The dishwasher (1) as recited in claim 1, comprising an
electro-mechanical actuator (10) configured for automatically
rotating said lid (6).
12. The dishwasher (1) as recited in claim 1, comprising a washing
and/or rinsing nozzle (21), contained in said washing chamber (2),
configured for sprinkling washing and/or rinsing liquid on said
crockery (3) contained in said washing chamber (2).
13. The dishwasher (1) as recited in claim 1, wherein said washing
chamber (2) is laterally delimited by said lid (6) and by a first
lateral portion (13a), static with respect to said washing chamber
(2), interposed between said first lateral zone (5a) and said
second lateral zone (5b) of said washing chamber (2).
14. The dishwasher (1) as recited in claim 13, wherein said washing
chamber (2) is further laterally delimited by a second lateral
portion (13b), static with respect to said washing chamber (2),
interposed between said first lateral zone (5a) and said second
lateral zone (5b) on the opposite side with respect to said first
lateral portion (13a).
15. A method for operating the dishwasher (1) according to claim 1,
comprising the following steps: rotating said lid (6) until
reaching a position allowing accessing said washing chamber (2) via
said first lateral zone (5a); loading crockery (3) within said
washing chamber (2) via said first lateral zone (5a); rotating said
lid (6) until reaching said first position; activating said
dishwasher (1) for washing said crockery (3); rotating said lid (6)
until reaching a position allowing accessing said washing chamber
(2) via said second lateral zone (5b); and unloading said crockery
(3) from said washing chamber (2) via said second lateral zone
(5b).
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to European Patent
Application No. 20196018.4 filed on Sep. 14, 2020.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention refers to a dishwasher.
[0003] Nowadays, in public places where food and/or drinks are
served, for example coffee bars, pubs, restaurants, canteens, etc.,
there is typically the need of washing, in a quick and reliable
way, the crockery wherein the food and/or drinks are served.
[0004] For this purpose, most of such public places are provided
with a dishwasher having a washing chamber wherein the crockery is
loaded and automatically washed and rinsed.
[0005] Typically, such public places are provided with a counter
separating the part of the public place accessible to the customers
from the part reserved to the operators.
[0006] Typically, the dishwasher is positioned behind and under the
counter, so as to be accessible only by the operators.
[0007] Therefore, an operator has to bring the dirty crockery from
the part of the public place accessible to the customers to the
part reserved to the operators (i.e. behind the counter) in order
to load the crockery into the dishwasher.
[0008] A problem of such known solutions is therefore that the
operator needs relatively much time for loading the dishwasher,
which could be particularly problematic, in particular in the
busiest times, like, for example, breakfast time, lunchtime, dinner
time.
[0009] A further drawback of such known solutions is that the space
available to the operators behind and/or under the counter is
typically relatively small, and therefore the loading/unloading of
the dishwasher is quite uncomfortable, in particular since the door
of the known dishwashers suitable for being installed under a
counter opens by pivoting downwards with respect to the housing of
the dishwasher, interposing between the washing chamber and the
operator, and therefore keeping the latter relatively spaced from
the washing chamber to be loaded/unloaded.
[0010] The aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a
dishwasher that can be used in a public place and that allow to
reduce the time required to an operator for loading the
dishwasher.
[0011] Within this aim, a further object of the invention is
providing a dishwasher that can be loaded/unloaded in a way more
comfortable than the known solutions.
[0012] A further object of the present invention is providing a
dishwasher that can be used also in a relatively limited space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Above aim and objects are solved by a dishwasher comprising
a washing chamber configured for receiving crockery to be washed,
and which can be accessed via a first lateral zone and a distinct
second lateral zone; the dishwasher comprises a lid configured for
being rotated, with respect to the washing chamber, around a
rotation axis passing through the washing chamber, between a first
position, in which it prevents accessing the washing chamber both
via the first lateral zone and via the second lateral zone, and a
second position in which it allows accessing the washing chamber
via at least one between the first lateral zone and the second
lateral zone.
[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the first lateral zone and
the second lateral zone are located, with respect to the rotation
axis, on diametrically opposed positions.
[0015] Advantageously, the lid is configured in such a way that,
for being moved from the first position to the second position, it
is rotated around the rotation axis by a rotation angle comprised
between 45.degree. and 135.degree., preferably equal to
90.degree..
[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the lid is configured for
allowing accessing the washing chamber via both the first lateral
zone and the second lateral zone when the lid is in the second
position.
[0017] Advantageously, the lid is provided with a first opening and
with a second opening configured for being positioned, when the lid
is in the second position, respectively at the first zone and at
the second zone, in such a way that the washing chamber can be
accessed via the first zone passing through the first opening, and
via the second zone passing through the second opening.
[0018] Advantageously, the first opening and the second opening are
located on the lid on diametrically opposed positions with respect
to the rotation axis.
[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, the lid is configured
for: [0020] allowing accessing the washing chamber only via the
first lateral zone when the lid is in the second position; [0021]
being rotatable up to a third position, different from the second
position and from the first position, in which it allows accessing
the washing chamber only via the second lateral zone.
[0022] Advantageously, the lid is configured in such a way that,
for being moved from the second position to the third position, it
is rotated around the rotation axis by 180.degree..
[0023] Advantageously, the lid is provided with an access opening
configured for being positioned, when the lid is in the second
position, at the first zone, so that the washing chamber can be
accessed via the first zone passing through the access opening,
and, when the lid is in the third position, at the second zone, so
that the washing chamber can be accessed via the second zone
passing through the access opening.
[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the dishwasher comprises,
within the washing chamber, a rack configured for accommodating
crockery on it; in a first advantageous embodiment, the rack is
static with respect to the washing chamber, while in a further
advantageous embodiment, the rack is advantageously rotatable with
respect to the washing chamber around the rotation axis and
operatively connected to the lid in such a way that the rack
rotates within the washing chamber together with the lid.
[0025] Advantageously, the dishwasher may comprise an
electro-mechanical actuator configured for automatically rotating
the lid.
[0026] Advantageously, the dishwasher may comprise a washing and/or
rinsing nozzle, contained in (and preferably, but not necessarily
static with respect to) the washing chamber, configured for
sprinkling washing and/or rinsing liquid on crockery contained in
the washing chamber, preferably from above and/or laterally to the
crockery.
[0027] Advantageously, the washing chamber is laterally delimited
by the lid and by a first lateral portion, static with respect to
the washing chamber, interposed between the first lateral zone and
the second lateral zone of the washing chamber.
[0028] Advantageously, the washing chamber is further laterally
delimited by a second lateral portion, static with respect to the
washing chamber, interposed between the first lateral zone and the
second lateral zone on the opposite side with respect to the first
lateral portion.
[0029] The invention is also related to a method for operating a
dishwasher according to the invention, comprising the following
steps: [0030] rotating the lid until reaching a position allowing
accessing the washing chamber via the first lateral zone; [0031]
loading crockery within the washing chamber via the first lateral
zone; [0032] rotating the lid until reaching the first position;
[0033] activating the dishwasher for washing the crockery; [0034]
rotating the lid until reaching a position allowing accessing the
washing chamber via the second lateral zone; [0035] unloading the
crockery from the washing chamber via the second lateral zone.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] Other advantages and features of a dishwasher according to
the present invention will be clear from the following detailed
description, provided only as a not limitative example, in
which:
[0037] FIG. 1 is a prospective view of a first advantageous
embodiment of a dishwasher according to the invention, with the lid
in the first position;
[0038] FIG. 2 is a prospective view of the dishwasher of FIG. 1,
with the lid in the second position;
[0039] FIG. 3 is a frontal view of the dishwasher of FIGS. 1 and 2,
with the lid in the first position;
[0040] FIG. 4 is a cross section operated according to plane IV-IV
of FIG. 3;
[0041] FIG. 5 is a frontal view of the dishwasher of the previous
figures, with the lid in the second position;
[0042] FIG. 6 is a cross section operated according to plane VI-VI
of FIG. 5;
[0043] FIG. 7 is a lateral cross section of the dishwasher
illustrated in the previous figures;
[0044] FIG. 8a is a schematic plane view of the lid of the
dishwasher of the previous figures, in the first position;
[0045] FIG. 8b is a schematic plane view of the lid of the
dishwasher of the previous figures, in the second position;
[0046] FIG. 9 is a prospective view of a second advantageous
embodiment of a dishwasher according to the invention, with the lid
in the first position;
[0047] FIG. 10 is a prospective view of the dishwasher of FIG. 9,
with the lid in the second position;
[0048] FIG. 11 is a prospective view of the dishwasher of FIGS. 9
and 10, with the lid in the third position;
[0049] FIG. 12 is a frontal view of the dishwasher of FIGS. 9 to
11, with the lid in the first position;
[0050] FIG. 13 is a cross section operated according to plane
XIII-XIII of FIG. 12;
[0051] FIG. 14 is a frontal view of the dishwasher of FIGS. 9 to
13, with the lid in the second position;
[0052] FIG. 15 is a cross section operated according to plane XV-XV
of FIG. 14;
[0053] FIG. 16 is a frontal view of the dishwasher of FIGS. 9 to
15, with the lid in the third position;
[0054] FIG. 17 is a cross section operated according to plane
XVII-XVII of FIG. 16;
[0055] FIG. 18 is a lateral cross section of the dishwasher
illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 17;
[0056] FIG. 19a is a schematic plane view of the lid of the
dishwasher FIGS. 9 to 18, in the first position;
[0057] FIG. 19b is a schematic plane view of the lid of the
dishwasher FIGS. 9 to 18, in the second position;
[0058] FIG. 20a is a schematic plane view of the lid of the
dishwasher FIGS. 9 to 18, in the first position;
[0059] FIG. 20b is a schematic plane view of the lid of the
dishwasher FIGS. 9 to 18, in the third position.
[0060] In the figures, same parts are indicated with the same
reference numbers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0061] A dishwasher 1 according to the invention comprises a
washing chamber 2 configured for receiving crockery 3 to be washed,
for example a cup (like in the advantageous embodiments illustrated
in attached figures) and/or a glass and/or a dish, etc.
[0062] Advantageously, the dishwasher 1 comprises one or more
racks, for example a single rack 4, like in the advantageous
examples of attached figures, configured for accommodating crockery
3 on it.
[0063] In the advantageous embodiments illustrated in attached
figures, the washing chamber 2 is advantageous dimensioned for
receiving a single cup at a time; anyway, in other advantageous
embodiments, not illustrated, the washing chamber 2 can be
dimensioned for receiving a lot of crockery 3 at a time, for
example positioned in a single rack 4, or in a plurality of racks,
not illustrated, preferably arranged on top of each other.
[0064] The washing chamber 2 can be accessed via a first lateral
zone 5a, and via a distinct second lateral zone 5b.
[0065] The dishwasher 1 comprises a lid 6 configured for being
rotated, with respect to the washing chamber 2, around a rotation
axis 7 passing through the washing chamber 2, between a first
position, in which the lid 6 prevents accessing the washing chamber
2 both via the first lateral zone 5a and via said second lateral
zone 5b, and a second position in which the lid 6 allows accessing
the washing chamber 2 via at least one between the first lateral
zone 5a and the second lateral zone 5b.
[0066] For example, in relation to a first advantageous embodiment
of the invention, illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8a, the lid 6 is
illustrated in the first position in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 8a, and in
the second position in FIGS. 2, 5, 6 and 8b.
[0067] In relation to a second advantageous embodiment of the
invention, illustrated for example in FIGS. 9 to 20b, the lid 6 is
illustrated in the first position in FIGS. 9, 12, 13, 19a and 20a,
and in the second position in FIGS. 10, 14, 15 and 19b.
[0068] In advantageous embodiments, like for example the ones
illustrated in attached figures, the rack 4 may be operatively
connected to the lid 6 (for example by a suitable kinematic, not
illustrated) in such a way that the rack 4 may rotate within the
washing chamber 2 together with the lid 6.
[0069] In a further advantageous embodiment, the rack 4 is static
with respect to the washing chamber 2.
[0070] In advantageous embodiments, like the ones illustrated in
attached figures, the first lateral zone 5a and the second lateral
zone 5b are located, with respect to the rotation axis 7, on
diametrically opposed positions.
[0071] In a first advantageous embodiment, like the one illustrated
for example in FIGS. 1 to 8b, the lid 6 is configured for allowing
accessing the washing chamber 2 via both the first lateral zone 5a
and the second lateral zone 5b when it is in the second
position.
[0072] In this first advantageous embodiment, like illustrated for
example in FIGS. 1 to 8b, the lid 6 is preferably provided with a
first opening 8a and with a second opening 8b configured for being
positioned, when the lid 6 is in the second position (as
illustrated for example in FIGS. 6 and 8b), respectively at the
first zone 5a and at the second zone 5b, in such a way that the
washing chamber 2 can be accessed via the first zone 5a passing
through the first opening 8a, and via the second zone 5b passing
through the second opening 8b.
[0073] In this first advantageous embodiment, like illustrated for
example in FIGS. 1 to 8b, the lid 6 is preferably configured in
such a way that, for being moved from the first position (for
example the position illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 8a) to the
second position (for example the position illustrated in FIG. 8b,
and in dotted lines in FIG. 8a), it has to be rotated around the
rotation axis 7 by a first rotation angle .alpha.1 comprised
between 45.degree. and 135.degree., preferably equal to
90.degree..
[0074] Advantageously, the lid 6 can be configured in such a way
that it can be taken from the first position to the second position
both by a counterclockwise rotation, like in the examples of FIGS.
8a, 8b, or by a clockwise rotation.
[0075] In a further advantageous embodiment, the lid 6 can be
configured in such a way that it can be taken from the first
position to the second position both by a clockwise rotation and by
a counterclockwise rotation.
[0076] In an advantageous embodiment, the lid 6 can be configured
in such a way that it can be moved from the second position to the
first position by a second rotation, in the opposite direction with
respect to the rotation for taking the lid 6 from the first
position to the second position, advantageously of the same first
rotation angle .alpha.1.
[0077] In a further advantageous embodiment, the lid 6 can be
configured in such a way that it can be moved from the second
position to the first position, or to a further position in which
it prevents accessing the washing chamber 2 both via the first
lateral zone 5a and via said second lateral zone 5b, by a further
rotation in the same direction of rotation used for taking the lid
6 from the first position to the second position, for example of a
further first rotation angle .alpha.1 comprised between 45.degree.
and 135.degree., preferably equal to 90.degree..
[0078] In an advantageous embodiment, the lid 6 is configured for
being kept in the first and/or in the second position by one or
more end-of-stroke devices, not illustrated.
[0079] Preferably, in the advantageous embodiment in which the
first lateral zone 5a and the second lateral zone 5b are located,
with respect to the rotation axis 7, on diametrically opposed
positions, the first opening 8a and the second opening 8b are
located on the lid 6 on diametrically opposed positions with
respect to the rotation axis 7.
[0080] In a second advantageous embodiment, like for example the
one illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 20b, the lid 6 is configured for
[0081] allowing accessing the washing chamber 2 only via the first
lateral zone 5a when it is rotated in the second position (as
illustrated for example in FIGS. 10, 14, 15 and 19b), and for being
rotatable up to a third position (illustrated for example in FIGS.
11, 16, 17, 20b), different from the second position and from the
first position, in which it allows accessing the washing chamber 2
only via the second lateral zone 5b.
[0082] In this second advantageous embodiment, like illustrated for
example in FIGS. 19a and 19b, the lid 6 is preferably configured in
such a way that, for being moved from the first position (for
example the position illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 19a) to the
second position (for example the position illustrated in FIG. 19b,
and in dotted lines in FIG. 19a), it has to be rotated (preferably,
like in the example of attached figures, but not necessarily,
counterclockwise) around the rotation axis 7 by a first rotation
angle .alpha.1 comprised between 45.degree. and 135.degree.,
preferably equal to 90.degree..
[0083] In an advantageous embodiment, the lid 6 can be configured
in such a way that it can be moved from the second position to the
first position by a second rotation around the rotation axis 7, in
the opposite direction with respect to the rotation for taking the
lid 6 from the first position to the second position,
advantageously of the same rotation angle .alpha.1.
[0084] In this second advantageous embodiment, like illustrated for
example in FIGS. 20a and 20b, the lid 6 is preferably configured in
such a way that, for being moved from the first position (for
example the position illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 20a) to the
third position (for example the position illustrated in FIG. 20b,
and dotted lines in FIG. 20a), it has to be rotated around the
rotation axis 7 by a second rotation angle .alpha.2, opposite to
the first rotation angle .alpha.1, comprised between 45.degree. and
135.degree., preferably equal to 90.degree..
[0085] In an advantageous embodiment, the lid 6 can be configured
in such a way that it can be moved from the third position to the
first position by a rotation around the rotation axis 7, in the
opposite direction with respect to the rotation for taking the lid
6 from the first position to the third position, advantageously of
the second rotation angle .alpha.2.
[0086] In an advantageous embodiment, like for example the one
illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 20b, the lid 6 is configured in such a
way that, for being moved from the second position to the third
position, or vice versa, it has to be rotated around the rotation
axis 7 by 180.degree..
[0087] In an advantageous embodiment, the lid 6 is configured for
being kept in the third position by one or more end of stroke
devices, not illustrated.
[0088] In the second advantageous embodiment, illustrated for
example in FIGS. 9 to 20b, the lid 6 is provided with an access
opening 9 configured for being positioned, when the lid 6 is in the
second position (illustrated for example in FIG. 19b), at the first
zone 5a, so that the washing chamber 2 can be accessed via the
first zone 5a passing through the access opening 9, and, when the
lid 6 is in the third position (illustrated for example in FIG.
20b), at the second zone 5b, so that the washing chamber 2 can be
accessed via the second zone 5b passing through the access opening
9.
[0089] In an advantageous embodiment, the dishwasher 1 may comprise
an electro-mechanical actuator 10, for example an electric motor,
schematically illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 18, configured for
automatically rotating the lid 6, so as to selectively take it
automatically in the first position, in the second position and, if
provided, in the third position.
[0090] In a preferred embodiment, the dishwasher 1 advantageously
comprises an electronic control unit 11, schematically illustrated
in FIGS. 7 and 18, configured for controlling the electric and
electronic components of the dishwasher 1; preferably, the
electro-mechanical actuator 10 is controlled by the electronic
control unit 11.
[0091] In advantageous embodiments, like the ones illustrated in
attached figures, the lid 6 is provided with one or more grasping
devices, for example one or more handles 12, for facilitating the
manual rotation of the lid 6 with respect to the washing chamber
2.
[0092] In advantageous embodiments, like for example the ones
illustrated in attached figures, the dishwasher 1 comprises a user
interface 25 (comprising for example a button, like in the
advantageous examples of attached figures, and/or a knob, and/or a
display, preferably a touch sensitive display), operatively
connected to the electronic control unit 11 and configured for
allowing a user to interact with the dishwasher 1, for example for
programming and/or launching a washing program.
[0093] In advantageous embodiments, like for example the ones
illustrated in attached figures, the washing chamber 2 is laterally
delimited by the lid 6 and by a first lateral portion 13a, static
with respect to the washing chamber 2, separating the first lateral
zone 5a from the second lateral zone 5b of the washing chamber
2.
[0094] In a further advantageous embodiment, illustrated for
example in FIGS. 1 to 8b, the washing chamber 2 is further
laterally delimited by a second lateral portion 13b, static with
respect to the washing chamber 2, separating the first lateral zone
5a from the second lateral zone 5b, on the opposite side with
respect to the first lateral portion 13a; preferably, the second
lateral portion 13b is diametrically opposed to the first lateral
portion 13a with respect to the rotation axis 7.
[0095] In advantageous embodiments, like for example the ones
illustrated in attached figures, the lid 6 is hollow and defines an
internal volume 14, cylindrical or substantially cylindrical, which
axis of symmetry advantageously coincides with the rotation axis
7.
[0096] In advantageous embodiments, the internal volume 14 of the
lid 6 is laterally delimited by an internal surface 14a, and the
washing chamber 2 is laterally delimited by the internal surface
14a and by the first lateral portion 13a.
[0097] In further advantageous embodiments, in which the dishwasher
1 is provided with both the first lateral portion 13a and the
second lateral portion 13b, as for example the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 20b, the washing chamber 2 is laterally
delimited by the internal surface 14a, by the first lateral portion
13a, and by the second lateral portion 13b.
[0098] In advantageous embodiments, like the ones illustrated in
attached figures, the washing chamber 2 comprises a lower tub 15
positioned below the region of the washing chamber 2 adapted to
accommodate the crockery 3, so as to collect washing and/or rinsing
liquid dripping from the crockery 3.
[0099] In advantageous embodiments, like the ones illustrated in
attached figures, the lid 6 is configured for rotating with respect
to the lower tub 15 around the rotation axis 7.
[0100] In advantageous embodiments, the dishwasher 1 comprises a
washing and/or rinsing system 16 configured for circulating washing
and/or rinsing liquid (e.g. water, or water mixed with a washing
and/or rinsing additive) within the washing chamber 2 for washing
and/or rinsing crockery 3 contained within the latter.
[0101] Preferably, the washing and/or rinsing system 16 is
controlled by the electronic control unit 11.
[0102] In advantageous embodiments, the washing and/or rinsing
system 16 comprises a pump 17, configured for circulating washing
and/or rinsing liquid through pipes 18.
[0103] In advantageous embodiments, the washing and/or rinsing
system 16 comprises a boiler 19, configured for heating the washing
and/or rinsing liquid before delivering it on the crockery 3.
[0104] In advantageous embodiments, the washing and/or rinsing
system 16 comprises an inlet duct 30, configured for being
connected to water mains, not illustrated, external to the
dishwasher 1, from which water can enter the washing and/or rinsing
system 16.
[0105] In advantageous embodiments, the washing and/or rinsing
system 16 comprises a drain conduit 20, configured for draining
washing and/or rinsing liquid outside the washing chamber 2.
[0106] In advantageous embodiments, the washing and/or rinsing
system 16 comprises a washing and/or rinsing nozzle 21, contained
in, and preferably static with respect to the washing chamber 2,
and configured for sprinkling washing and/or rinsing liquid on
crockery 3 contained in the washing chamber 2, preferably from
above and/or laterally to the crockery 3.
[0107] In advantageous embodiments, like for example the ones
illustrated in attached figures, in which the washing and/or
rinsing system 16 comprises a pump 17, the washing and/or rinsing
nozzle 21 is advantageously fluidly connected to the pump 17, which
is advantageously configured for delivering washing and/or rinsing
liquid to the washing and/or rinsing nozzle 21.
[0108] In advantageous embodiments, like for example the ones
illustrated in attached figures, in which the washing and/or
rinsing system 16 comprises a boiler 19, the washing and/or rinsing
nozzle 21 is advantageously fluidly connected to the boiler 19, so
that the washing and/or rinsing nozzle 21 can sprinkle on the
crockery 3 hot washing and/or rinsing liquid coming from the boiler
19; if the pump 17 is advantageously provided, the latter can be
advantageously configured for moving the washing and/or rinsing
liquid from the boiler to the washing and/or rinsing nozzle 21.
[0109] In advantageous embodiments, the washing and/or rinsing
system 16 comprises, in addition or as an alternative to the
washing and/or rinsing nozzle 21, a rotating spraying arm 22
contained in the washing chamber 2 and configured for rotating
within the washing chamber 2 and for spraying one or more jets of
washing and/or rinsing liquid against crockery 3 contained
therein.
[0110] In advantageous embodiments, like for example the ones
illustrated in attached figures, in which the washing and/or
rinsing system 16 comprises a pump 17, the rotating spraying arm 22
is advantageously fluidly connected to the pump 17, which is
advantageously configured for delivering washing and/or rinsing
liquid to the rotating spraying arm 22.
[0111] In advantageous embodiments, like for example the ones
illustrated in attached figures, in which the washing and/or
rinsing system 16 comprises a boiler 19, the rotating spraying arm
22 is advantageously fluidly connected to the boiler 19, so that
the rotating spraying arm 22 can sprinkle on the crockery 3 hot
washing and/or rinsing liquid coming from the boiler 19; if the
pump 17 is advantageously provided, the latter can be
advantageously configured for moving the washing and/or rinsing
liquid from the boiler to the rotating spraying arm 22.
[0112] In advantageous embodiments, like for example the ones
illustrated in attached figures, the dishwasher 1 is configured for
being positioned on a plane or substantially plane surface 23, for
example the counter of a public place, perpendicular to the
rotation axis 7.
[0113] In advantageous embodiments, like for example the ones
illustrated in attached figures, the dishwasher 1 comprises a base
24 configured for being positioned on the plane or substantially
plane surface 23 (preferably by suitable feet, not illustrated,
protruding from a bottom region of the base 24) and for supporting
the washing chamber 2.
[0114] Preferably, the lid 6 is slidably supported by the base 24,
in such a way to rotate with respect to the latter around the
rotation axis 7.
[0115] Preferably, the base 24 contains one or more components of
the washing and/or rinsing system 16, and/or the electronic control
unit 11.
[0116] The functioning of the dishwasher 1 is described in the
following.
[0117] A user, for example an operator of a public place where food
and/or drinks are served, for example a coffee bar, a pub, a
restaurant, etc., or also directly a customer of such a public
place having used crockery 3, can load such crockery 3, for example
a cup, within the washing chamber 2 of the dishwasher 1 by rotating
the lid 6 until reaching a position (for example the second
position in the advantageous embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 8a, and of
FIGS. 9 to 20b) allowing accessing the washing chamber 2 via the
first lateral zone 5a.
[0118] Advantageously, if the dishwasher 1 is positioned on a
counter of a public place, the dishwasher 1 can be positioned in
such a way that the first lateral zone 5a faces the part of the
public place accessible to the customers; in this way the user
(operator and/or customer) can load the dirty crockery 3 without
the need of taking it on the part of the public place reserved to
the operators.
[0119] Once loaded the crockery 3, the lid 6 is rotated (e.g.
manually, or by an electro-mechanical actuator, if provided) until
reaching the first position, and the dishwasher 1 is activated for
washing the crockery 3, according to a washing program, preferably
memorized in the electronic control unit 11.
[0120] Advantageously, the dishwasher 1 can be configured in such a
way to automatically activate a washing program when the lid 6 is
taken in the first position; in a further advantageous embodiment,
the dishwasher 1 is configured for activating a washing program
after a user has performed an action (for example pressed a button)
on a user interface 25.
[0121] Once the washing program is completed, the lid 6 can be
rotated (e.g. manually, or by an electro-mechanical actuator, if
provided) until reaching a position (for example the second
position in the advantageous embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 8a, or the
third position in the advantageous embodiment of FIGS. 9 to 20b)
allowing accessing the washing chamber 2 via the second lateral
zone 5b.
[0122] Then, the washed crockery 3 can be unloaded from the washing
chamber 2 via the second lateral zone 5b.
[0123] Advantageously, if the dishwasher 1 is positioned on a
counter of a public place, in such a way that the first lateral
zone 5a faces the part of the public place accessible to the
customers, and that the second lateral zone 5b faces the part of
the public place reserved to the operators, an operator can unload
the crockery 3 directly from the part of the public place reserved
to the operators, where the clean crockery can be stored.
[0124] It is seen therefore how the invention achieves the proposed
aim and objects, there being provided a dishwasher that, thanks to
the possibility to access the washing chamber from two lateral
zones, one of which can be positioned, for example, so as to face
the part of the public place where the crockery is used (i.e. the
part accessible to the customer), allows to reduce the time
required to an operator for loading the dishwasher, since, for
example, the user does not necessarily need to take the crockery
from such part of the public place to the part of the public place
reserved to the operators in order to load the dishwasher.
[0125] In addition, since the two distinct lateral zones via which
the washing chamber can be accessed can be made accessible or not,
simply by rotating a single lid, the dishwasher according to the
invention can be loaded/unloaded in a way more easy and comfortable
than the known solutions.
[0126] Since the dishwasher according to the invention is not
provided with a door which opens by pivoting downwards with respect
to the housing of the dishwasher, interposing between the washing
chamber and the operator, the dishwasher according to the invention
can be used also in a relatively limited space.
[0127] A further advantage of the present invention, in particular
of the advantageous embodiment in which the lid is configured for
allowing accessing the washing chamber via both the first lateral
zone and the second lateral zone when such a lid is in the second
position, is that it guarantees a high level of hygiene in case it
is used for being loaded by a first person (e.g. a customer) from
the first lateral zone, and for being unloaded by a different
person (e.g. by an operator) from the second lateral zone; in fact,
in this case, the first person and the second person, in order
respectively to load and unload the washing chamber, can come into
contact respectively with different regions of the dishwasher,
reducing the risk of transmission of disease agents between such
people.
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