Low-noise in-sink dishwasher

ES 2 276 993 T3

DESCRIPTION

Low noise sink dishwasher.

Background of the invention

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a sink dishwasher, intended for the automatic washing of domestic dishes, without requiring the physical space for a built-in automatic dishwasher. The invention also relates to a sink dishwasher with a sound absorbing lid, to reduce noise transmitted by the sink dishwasher to the surrounding environment.

Description of Related Art

Dishwashers provided in sinks use the bowl of a sink so that it forms part of the dishwasher housing and defines a washing chamber, with the open top of the bowl providing access to it. A liquid recirculation system sprays wash liquid throughout the wash chamber to clean the dishes inside. A lid covers the open top of the tub when using the sink dishwasher to prevent recirculated washing liquid from splashing or spraying out of the open top of the tub.

The impact of the sprayed liquid against the surface of the lid facing the washing chamber is transmitted, through the lid, to the surrounding environment. The resulting ambient noise is unsuitable for almost all consumers. Therefore, it is important to minimize the ambient noise generated by the sink dishwasher.

In JP 01 297005 A and DE 19860186 A1, dishwashers provided in known sinks are described.

Compendium of the invention

The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning dishes comprising a sink with a bowl, defining a washing chamber, with the upper part open to allow access to the washing chamber. A liquid recirculation system is provided to spray liquid into the washing chamber, in order to wash the dishes in it. The lid is mounted on the sink and can be moved to selectively cover the top of the bucket and thus close the wash chamber. The lid comprises an upper surface and a lower surface. The top surface faces away from the wash chamber when the lid covers the open top, and the bottom surface faces the wash chamber when the lid covers the open top. A sound absorbing layer and a vibration damping layer are provided between the upper and lower surfaces. The vibration damping layer can be located between the sound absorbing layer and the upper surface or the lower surface.

The sound absorbing layer can be made of a fibrous layer that forms interstitial spaces between the fibers. Non-woven fibers can be used. The vibration damping layer is made of a relatively dense material. A suitable material is mastic.

The sound absorbing layer is provided between the vibration damping layer and the upper surface. The vibration damping layer is located next to the bottom surface.

Furthermore, the lid may comprise a frame in which the upper and lower surfaces are mounted. Preferably, a frame circumscribes the sound absorbing layer and the vibration damping layer. The frame can be made of a material that also exhibits vibration damping characteristics, to prevent transmission of vibrations from the lower surface to the upper surface.

On the other hand, the lid may comprise a gasket mounted on the frame and closing the lid in relation to the sink. The frame may include a peripheral groove in which part of the gasket is received, by virtue of which the gasket is mounted to the frame.

Brief description of the drawings

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sink dishwasher according to the invention, showing the sink dishwasher mounted in a cabinet, the sink having a double bowl configuration and the bowl that is part of the sink dishwasher showing a lid, shown in the open position, to cover said cuvette.

Figure 2 is a perspective view substantially identical to Figure 1 but with the lid shown in the closed position.

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the main components of the sink dishwasher.

Figure 4 is an overall view of the cover of Figure 1 and showing the main components of the cover, comprising an upper cover and a lower cover mounted in a frame provided with a gasket, with an absorbent and a Sound absorber provided between the upper and lower covers.

Figure 5 is a top view of the cap of Figure 1, and showing the upper surface of the cap.

Figure 6 is a right side view of the upper surface of the lid.

Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of the bottom surface, showing the bottom surface viewed from inside the bowl.

Figure 8 is a side view of the lower surface.

Figure 9 is a perspective view, from above, of the frame.

Figure 10 is a side view of the frame.

Figure 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of Figure 2 and showing the mounting of the gasket on the frame.

Figure 12 is a sectional view of the gasket. Description of the preferred embodiment

Figure 1 shows a sink dishwasher 10 mounted on a traditional cabinet support 12, with doors 14 that allow access to the interior of the cabinet, in which the lower part of the sink dishwasher 10 is located.

The sink dishwasher 10 is shown in the vicinity of a double bowl sink 16, comprising a first bowl 18 and a second bowl 20. The first bowl 18 fulfills the function of a traditional sink bowl, and includes a drain opening 21 . The second bowl 20 fulfills the function of a traditional sink bowl and is also part of the sink dishwasher housing.

The first and second cuvettes 18, 20 are spaced apart from each other so as to define an intermediate flange portion 22 that intersects a peripheral flange 24 that surrounds both cuvettes 18, 20. Preferable2

ES 2 276 993 T3 mind, the double bowl sink is made of stainless steel.

There is a traditional faucet 28 located on the peripheral flange 24 of the double bowl sink and provides water to both the first and the second bowls 18, 20.

In Figures 1 and 2 it can be seen that the sink dishwasher 10 comprises a washing chamber 30 defined by the second bowl 18, with an open top. A lid 32 is hingedly mounted on the peripheral flange 24 of the double bowl sink 16 and can be moved between an open position, shown in Figure 1, and a closed position, shown in Figure 2.

A drain 34, together with a water inlet 36, are provided at the bottom of the second bowl 20 and allow the drainage of the water from the washing chamber 30 and the introduction of water into it. The drain 34 is coupled with a drain pipe 35 which serves as a drain during the use of the bowl 20 as a traditional sink and when it is used as a washing chamber 30 of the sink dishwasher 10.

Figure 3 shows, schematically, the main components of the sink dishwasher 10, including a frame 40 comprised of multiple wire segments to support a plurality of dishes and utensils. The exact shape and configuration of frame 40 is not relevant to the invention and can preferably be manufactured in a manner similar to that found in automatic dishwashers.

A spray arm 42 is preferably mounted to the bottom of frame 40 so that the spray arm can rotate freely relative to frame 40 and is removed from the wash chamber when the frame is removed. The spray arm 42 engages with the water inlet 36 when the frame 40 is positioned in the second bowl 20.

The drain 34 has an outlet coupled, in fluid circulation relationship, with a water flow heater 44. The outlet of the water heater 44 constitutes the inlet of a recirculation pump 46, the outlet of which is sent to a valve 48, which forms part of the water inlet 36.

Drain 34, water inlet 36, water flow heater 44, recirculation pump 46, valve 48, and spray arm 42 together form a recirculation system for recirculating wash liquid through the entire wash chamber 30.

The drain 34 has another outlet, connected, in fluid circulating relationship, with a drain pump 52. The outlet of the drain pump 52 is connected, in fluid circulating relationship, with the conventional drain pipe of the second bucket 20. The drain pump 52 enables liquid to be efficiently drained from the flushing chamber 30, such as, by For example, when it is no longer desired to recirculate the washing liquid through the recirculation system.

A controller 54, preferably a microprocessor-based controller, is electronically coupled with flow heater 44, recirculation pump 46, and drain pump 52, in order to control their respective operations. If valve 48 is an actuated valve, such as a solenoid actuated valve, rather than a check valve, then controller 54 may also be connected to valve 48 to control its operation.

Controller 54 operates flow heater 44, recirculation pump 46, and drain pump 52 for execution of a wash cycle. Preferably, the wash cycle is one of the many well known wash cycles stored in the memory of the microprocessor.

There is a user interface 58 located next to the second bucket 20, electronically coupled to the controller 54. The user interface 58 allows the user to select the desired wash cycle from among the multiple wash cycles stored in the microprocessor memory and enter any data or operating parameters required or optional for wash cycles.

The various components of the lid 32 are shown in Figure 4. The lid 32 comprises an upper surface 70 and a lower surface 72, both mounted on a frame 74 to form the structural framework of the lid 32. A layer 78 of sound absorption and a vibration damping layer 76 between the upper surface 70 and the lower surface 72, surrounded by the frame 74. A gasket 80 is mounted on the frame and engages, in closing relationship, with the sink.

In Figures 4-6 it can be seen that the upper surface 70 of the lid consists of a generally flat upper face 71, bounded by a downwardly directed lip 82. There is a recess 84, defined by a beveled periphery, formed in the upper face 71 of the upper surface 70. The recess 84 is substantially rectangular and extends laterally along the upper surface 70. Preferably, the recess does not reach to the peripheral edge of the lid.

A series of longitudinally extending ribs 88 are located in recess 84 and effectively divide recess 84 into multiple sub-recesses 90. Preferably, the height of ribs 88 does not exceed the plane defined by upper surface 70.

There is an opening 92 for a hinge arm 92 formed in the downwardly directed lip 82 at the rear edge of the upper surface 70, sized so that it can receive a hinge arm (not shown) for mounting the lid. 32 in the sink in an articulated way.

Apertures 94 are formed in the downwardly directed lip 82 to receive fasteners 96 to secure the top surface 70 to the frame 74.

In Figures 4 and 7-8 the lower surface 72 of the lid 32 is shown in more detail. The lower surface 72 comprises a central part 100, generally flat, surrounded by a channel 102 extending downwards (in the perspective of Figure 4), with an inner edge 104 formed by the junction of the channel 102 with the central part 100 (see FIG. 11), and an outer edge formed by lip 106, extending outward. Lip 106 is positioned above central portion 100. Peripheral mounting flange 108 extends from peripheral lip 106. A series of openings 110 are formed in peripheral lip 106, and are used to secure bottom surface 72 in frame 74.

The upper and lower surfaces 70, 72, like the sink, are made of stainless steel.

Figures 4 and 9-11 describe the details of frame 74, comprising inner, middle, and outer walls 120, 122, and 124, partially defining a

ES 2 276 993 T3 inner channel 126, or gasket channel, and a middle channel 128. The inner wall 120 ends below the middle wall 122 and is connected to it by a first transverse wall 130, which closes the bottom of the channel 126 of the board. Similarly, the middle wall 122 terminates below the outer wall 124. A second transverse wall 132 extends between the middle and outer walls to close the bottom of the middle channel 122.

A peripheral rib 134 extends from the first transverse wall 130 into the gasket channel 126, interrupted by openings 136 for fasteners. Once the lid is mounted (FIG. 11), lip 106 rests against first flange 130 and fasteners traverse the lip and into fastener openings to secure bottom surface 72 to frame 74.

A plurality of fasteners 138 extend from the inner 120 and middle walls 122 and penetrate the gasket channel 126, and are used to secure the gasket 80 in the gasket channel 126. The fasteners are spaced around the interior of the gasket channel 126.

Protrusions 144 are formed in the middle channel 128, the function of which is to reinforce outer wall 124. In addition, protrusions 144 provide a structure in which fasteners 96 can be received, passing through outer wall 124 and openings. 94 of the lip 82 directed downward from the upper surface, in order to secure the upper surface 70 in the frame 74.

The outer wall 124 terminates in an upturned lip 150 that defines an outer channel 152 dimensioned to receive the downwardly directed edge of lip 82 from the top surface 70 when the top surface 70 is mounted on the frame 74. There are multiple openings 154 for fasteners along outer wall 124 and are used to receive fasteners 96 passing through said fastener openings 94 to thereby mount top surface 72 to frame 74.

Preferably, frame 74 is molded from a suitable plastic, such as polypropylene. It is preferable that the plastic is somewhat flexible, in order to allow the inner, middle and outer walls 120, 122 and 124 to flex slightly, at least, with respect to each other, which facilitates the movement of the surface to be decoupled. inside of the outside surface. In addition, plastic has acoustic properties that prevent sound transmission, thus acoustically isolating the upper surface from the lower surface.

The structure of the frame 74 and the upper and lower surfaces 70,72 has the singularity of allowing mounting on one side. That is, the upper and lower surfaces 70, 72 can be mounted to the frame 74 without turning the frame 74 inside out. Frame 74 can be considered to have an upper side and a lower side. Referring to Figure 11, the top side is the side that can be seen when looking down or at the first and second transverse tabs 130, 132. The bottom side is the side that can be seen when looking up or at the open tops of the inner and outer channels 126, 144.

To mount the top and bottom surfaces 70, 72 on the frame 74, the bottom surface 72 is positioned against the frame so that the channel is within the open interior of the frame 74, and the lip 106 and mounting flange 108 support against the first and second transverse flanges 130, 132. A screw 96 passes through the opening 110 of the first transverse flange 130 to secure the bottom surface 72 in the frame 74.

The upper surface 70 is mounted on the frame by positioning it so that the downwardly directed lip 82 is received in the outer channel 152. On the other hand, screws 96 pass through the openings 94 of the upper surface and the outer wall 124, in order to of securing the upper surface 70 on the frame 74. The gasket is received in the inner channel 126 and conceals the screws, providing an aesthetically pleasing assembly.

In Figures 4 and 11-12, it can be seen that gasket 80 comprises a hollow closure body 160 connected to a base 162 by a tapered or neck portion 164. The closure body 160 has a curved upper surface 166 ending in an inner flange 168, which abuts against the inner wall 120, and an outer flange 170, which abuts against the middle wall 122. The curved top surface 166 may be compressed towards the interior recess 172 of the closure body 160, to facilitate the engagement of the lid 32 with the sink, in sealing relationship, when the lid is in the closed position.

The union of the base 162 with the neck 164 forms annular grooves whose cross section is complementary to the profile of the fasteners 138. To mount the gasket 80 in its channel 126, the base 162 is inserted into the channel 126 until the fasteners 138 are received in annular grooves 172. Reception of pawls 138 in annular grooves 172 allows for removable mounting of gasket 80 on frame 74, which makes it possible to easily replace the gasket, if necessary.

It is preferred that, after the cover 32 is mounted, the vibration damping layer 76 is adjacent to or permanently attached to the central portion 100 of the bottom surface 72. The sound absorbing layer 78 is provided between the vibration damping layer 76 and the upper surface 70.

The vibration damping layer 76 is preferably made of a very dense and non-porous material that substantially prevents the transmission of sound from the washing chamber to the upper surface 70, by dissipating the vibration energy through its conversion into heat. A preferred material is known as mastic, and it is attached directly to the central portion 100 of the bottom surface 72.

The sound absorption layer 78 fulfills the function of absorbing sound waves, thus also preventing the transmission to the upper surface 70 of the sound generated by the movement of the lower surface 72. A suitable material to achieve these functions is a material compressible and porous, with a serpentine air path. The compressible nature of the material facilitates the absorption of sound waves that propagate as a result of the vibration of the lower surface in the lid, while the porous nature of the material is intended to create a longer path through which the waves have to pass. sound to reach the upper surface. As the path length increases, the sound wave experiences more reflections through the material. Increased reflections absorb sound waves by converting pressure

ES 2 276 993 T3 of wave in mechanical energy to a greater extent thanks to the vibration of the material that forms the sound absorption layer.

A preferred material is fibrous wadding. The fibrous wadding is compressible and the interstitial spaces formed between the fibers increase the effective length that sound must travel to pass through the sound absorbing layer 78. The effective length of the sound path will be greater than the physical thickness of the fibrous wadding. In the most preferred form, the fibrous batting comprises non-woven fibers, preferably sandwiched between woven backing layers. The preferred fiber is polyester.

The construction of the lid according to the invention is especially advantageous for reducing or eliminating the sound generated by the sink washing machine and passing, through the lid, into the surrounding environment. Almost all sound from the wash chamber is generated by the impact of the sprayed wash liquid against the sink and bottom surface 72. The impact of the washing liquid against the lower surface 72 can transmit noise from the washing chamber, through the lid, by direct radiation and by inducing a vibration on the lower surface 72, which can be transmitted to the upper surface 70 and the surrounding environment.

The vibration associated with the impact of washing liquid against the bottom surface 72 is substantially eliminated, solely, by the mass of the vibration damping layer 76. In other words, the mass of the vibration damping layer 76 is large enough that the force of the water acting on the lower surface 72 cannot induce a substantial vibration of the lower surface 72. As a vibration of the lower surface 72 is induced, the sound absorbing layer 78 will compress and expand in response to the vibrations, to dampen residual vibrations.

The lid construction, too, blocks the propagation of sound from the wash chamber. Sound passing through the vibration damping layer is absorbed by the sound absorbing layer as described above.

Furthermore, mounting the top and bottom surfaces on the frame enhances the sound reduction features of the lid. Since the upper and lower surfaces are mounted on the frame and not on each other, the frame effectively decouples the upper and lower surfaces in order to isolate noise. Therefore, no direct transmission of sound can occur between the upper and lower surfaces.

While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain particular embodiments thereof, the illustrative and non-limiting nature thereof should be understood, and the scope of the appended claims should be interpreted as broadly as the prior art allows.