Abstract
A dishwasher system which comprises a washing unit. The washing unit comprises an outer housing and an inner housing enclosing a washing chamber and a door for closing a front opening of the washing chamber. The washing system also comprises a control unit for controlling the dishwashing operation.
Claims
1. A dishwasher system comprising: a. a washing unit with: i. an outer housing; ii. an inner housing enclosing a washing chamber; and iii. a door for closing a front opening of the washing chamber; and b. a control unit for controlling a dishwashing operation.
2. The dishwasher system according to claim 1, wherein the inner housing is arranged in an upper half of the outer housing.
3. The dishwasher system according to claim 1, wherein a drip pan is arranged below the inner housing.
4. The dishwasher system according to claim 1, wherein the inner housing comprises a floor pan with a drainage arranged at a lowest point of the floor pan.
5. The dishwasher system according to claim 4, wherein an exhaust valve is present to seal the drainage.
6. The dishwasher system according to claim 1, wherein an exhaust pump is present to exhaust the washing chamber.
7. The dishwasher system according to claim 1, wherein the washing unit comprises a docking panel arranged at the outer housing.
8. The dishwasher system according to claim 4, wherein the drainage and a docking panel are interconnected to each other by at least one continuously downward sloping fluid line such that a complete draining is possible.
9. The dishwasher system according claim 7, wherein the docking panel comprises at least one quick coupling arranged to interconnect to a counterpart.
10. The dishwasher system according to claim 9, wherein the counterpart is arranged stationary.
11. The dishwasher system according to claim 4, wherein the drainage is interconnected to a heat exchanger arranged in the outer housing.
12. The dishwasher system according to claim 1, wherein a reservoir for fresh water is arranged inside the outer housing.
13. The dishwasher system according to claim 1, wherein a reservoir for fresh water is arranged outside of the outer housing.
14. The dishwasher system according to claim 13, wherein the reservoir is arranged underfloor at a certain distance from the washing unit.
15. The dishwasher system according to claim 13, wherein the reservoir is thermally insulated.
16. The dishwasher system according to claim 13, wherein the reservoir comprises a heating element to heat the content of the reservoir.
17. The dishwasher system according to claim 11, wherein a reservoir for fresh water is interconnected to the heat exchanger such that thermal energy is transferred from waste water to fresh water.
18. The dishwasher system according to claim 1, wherein the washing chamber comprises at least two movable washing arms arranged horizontally behind each other.
19. The dishwasher system according to claim 1, wherein the washing chamber comprises at least two movable washing arms arranged vertically on different levels.
20. The dishwasher system according to claim 1, wherein insulating material is arranged between the inner housing and the outer housing.
21. The dishwasher system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit and/or a heating element and/or a reservoir are arranged outside of the outer housing and separable from the washing unit.
22. The dishwasher system according to claim 1, wherein a wall of the outer housing is arranged removable.
23. The dishwasher system according to claim 1, wherein the washing unit is mounted on rollers.
24. The dishwasher system according to claim 1, wherein the outer housing comprises at least one hoisting point by which the washing unit can be hoisted.
25. The dishwasher system according to claim 1, wherein the door is at least partially transparent such that at least a portion of the washing chamber can be viewed from outside even when the door is closed.
26. The dishwasher system according to claim 1, wherein an illumination is present to illuminate an inside of the washing chamber.
27. The dishwasher system according to claim 26, wherein the illumination is arranged inside the washing chamber.
28. The dishwasher system according to claim 26, wherein the illumination is arranged to emit light of different colors.
29. The dishwasher system according to claim 28, wherein a color of the light emitted indicates a status of the dishwasher system.
30. The dishwasher system according to claim 1, wherein the outer housing is at least partially made from a composite material.
31. The dishwasher system according to claim 1, wherein the washing unit has a total height of about 1000 mm and a total depth of about 750 mm and a width of between 600 mm and 300 mm.
32. The dishwasher system according to claim 1, wherein the washing unit is located in a passenger compartment of a vehicle, and wherein a reservoir for water is located in a cargo compartment of the vehicle.
33. The dishwasher system according to claim 32, wherein a water pump and/or a heating element and/or a heat exchanger is/are located in the cargo compartment of the vehicle.
34. The dishwasher system according to claim 1, wherein the washing unit comprises a tank for water and/or washing liquids, said tank comprising a separation element that partitions an inner volume of the tank into fluidically interconnected sub-volumes.
35. The dishwasher system according to claim 34, wherein the separation element comprises at least one baffle plate.
36. The dishwasher system according to claim 34, wherein the separation element comprises at least one tube.
37. The dishwasher system according to claim 1, further comprising a rack, wherein when arranged in the washing chamber, the rack is mechanically interconnected to the washing chamber such that relative movements between the washing chamber and the rack are inhibited.
38. A retention system for dishware and/or cutlery items in a dishwasher system, wherein the retention system comprises an elastic net interconnected with a rack and/or a washing unit and which is arranged to fasten the items to be cleaned to the rack.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0068] The herein described invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description of the given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which should not be considered as limiting to the invention described in the appended claims.
[0069] FIG. 1 schematically shows a dishwasher system in an aircraft in a frontal view;
[0070] FIG. 2 schematically shows a first variation of a dishwasher system installed in the galley of an aircraft in a frontal view;
[0071] FIG. 3 schematically shows a second variation of a dishwasher system installed in the galley of an aircraft in a frontal view;
[0072] FIG. 4 schematically shows a first variation of a washing unit for a dishwasher system in a perspective view;
[0073] FIG. 5 schematically shows a rack for a dishwasher system in a perspective view;
[0074] FIG. 6 shows a variation of a washing unit for dishwasher system, partially clipped for illustrative purposes, in a perspective view;
[0075] FIG. 7 shows another variation of a dishwasher system, partially clipped for illustrative purposes, in a perspective view;
[0076] FIG. 8 shows another variation of a washing unit of a dishwasher system in a perspective view;
[0077] FIG. 9 shows detail A of FIG. 8;
[0078] FIG. 10 shows another variation of a washing unit in a frontal view;
[0079] FIG. 11 shows cross section BB of FIG. 11;
[0080] FIG. 12 shows the variation of a washing unit of FIG. 11 in a perspective view from below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0081] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, an embodiment that is presently preferred, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed.
[0082] FIG. 1 schematically shows a dishwasher system 1 arranged inside of the fuselage 6 of an aircraft 5. The dishwasher system 1 comprises a washing unit 12 which is arranged in the passenger compartment 8 that is separated from the cargo compartment 9 by the floor 7. The dishwasher system 1 further comprises a control unit 35 which is also arranged in the passenger compartment 8, but separated and in a certain distance from the washing unit 12. The control unit 35 is electrically interconnected with the washing unit 12 by means of an electrical connection 38. As well, the dishwasher system 1 comprises a fluid providing unit 37 which is arranged underfloor in the cargo compartment 9 of the aircraft 1. The fluid providing unit 37 is fluidically interconnected with the washing unit 12 by means of a fluidic connection 39, which may be one or multiple hoses (not shown in detail). As well, the fluid providing unit 37 may be electrically interconnected with the washing unit 12 and/or the control unit 35 by means of electrical lines.
[0083] FIG. 2 schematically shows a variation of a dishwasher system 1 installed in a galley 2 of an aircraft (not shown). The washing unit 12 of this dishwasher system 1 is arranged instead of a lower cabinet 3 and comprises an outer housing 13 with a door 26 which can be opened to insert or remove items to be cleaned (not shown). As shown, the washing unit 12 is interconnected with a control unit 35 that is located in an upper cabinet 4 at a certain distance from the washing unit 12. The control unit 35 also comprises a user interface 36 which allows a user to control operation of the dishwasher system 1. Under the floor 7, in the cargo compartment 9, a fluid providing unit 37 is arranged. The fluid providing unit 37 comprises a first water pump as well as a water boiler (not shown) in order to provide the washing unit 12 by means of a fresh water line 40a with heated water. Fresh water is taken from the fresh water system 10 of the aircraft. As well, the fluid providing unit 37 comprises a second water pump (not shown) which is fluidically interconnected by means of a grey water line 40b with the washing unit 12 as well as with the aircraft's grey water system 11 in order to remove polluted washing fluid from the washing unit 12. Washing fluid removed from the washing unit 12 may be filtered and/or heated before being provided to the washing unit 12. Alternatively at least part of it may be dumped to the grey water system 11. Although not shown explicitly, the control unit 35 may be interconnected with the fluid providing unit 37, e.g. by an electrical line providing power and/or control signals.
[0084] FIG. 3 schematically shows another variation of a dishwasher system 1, where grey water from the washing unit 12 is directly pumped to the grey water system 11 of the aircraft. Although not shown explicitly, the control unit 35 may be interconnected with the fluid providing unit 37, e.g. by an electrical line providing power and/or control signals.
[0085] FIG. 4 schematically shows a variation of a washing unit 12 with a rack 41 containing several glasses and dishes 42 to be cleaned in a washing chamber 28. The washing unit 12 comprises an outer housing 13 in which a door 26 is arranged. As well, it comprises an inner housing 14 which encloses the washing chamber 28. The rack 41 can be slid in and out. In order to be able to bring the washing unit 12 intorespectively remove it fromthe cabin of an aircraft, the washing unit 12 comprises several rollers 34 which allow it to be rolled on the floor of the aircraft. As well, the outer dimensions of the washing unit 12 shown in FIG. 4 are essentially equal to the outer dimensions of a standardized airline service trolley. Thus, the variation of a washing unit 12 shown in FIG. 4 may be installed in a standard galley stowage compartment which otherwise foreseen to receive a service trolley.
[0086] FIG. 5 schematically shows a variation of a rack 41 for a dishwasher system according to the invention. The rack 41 comprises lateral protrusions 43 which are arranged to interact with corresponding receptors of a washing unit, as will be shown in FIG. 6. As indicated in FIG. 5, the rack 41 may comprise a retention system 44 for the items 42 that are stored in it. In the variation shown, the retention system 44 is an elastic net that prevents the glasses and plates from moving if the aircraft is accelerated e.g. during takeoff or landing.
[0087] FIG. 6 schematically shows a washing unit 12 with a rack 41, the outer housing 13 of the washing unit 12 being partially clipped in order to reveal the washing chamber 28 as well as a wash fluid tank 30 arranged under the washing chamber 28. As shown, rack rails 29 are arranged in the washing chamber 28. These rack rails 29 have an essentially u-shaped cross section which is arranged to serve as a receptor for the lateral protrusions 43 of the rack 41. When the rack 41 is inserted in the washing chamber 28, the lateral protrusions 43 can move in the rack rails 29 in a sliding manner. At the same time, this sliding mechanism prevents the rack from relative movements with respect to the washing unit 12 in any direction other than the direction of this sliding movement. As also shown in FIG. 6, the wash fluid tank 30 may comprise a separation element 31, which in this variation of the invention comprises several baffle plates that are aligned in vertical direction and prevent liquids present in the wash fluid tank 30 from sloshing. In another variation of the invention, a separation element may comprise tubular elements 31, as indicated in FIG. 7.
[0088] As also indicated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, a washing unit 12 may comprise multiple interfaces arranged at docking panels 18 in order to interconnect it with other components or units. As shown, such interfaces may include fluid inlets and outlets 19, 20. As well, electrical interfaces 21 may be present for e.g. power supply or to transmit sensor and/or control signals to and/or from the washing unit 12. As indicated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, good results may be obtained if such interfaces 19, 20, 21 are arranged at the backside of the washing unit 12.
[0089] FIG. 8 schematically shows a variation of a washing unit 12 which is arranged to receive two racks 41. At the frontal face of the washing unit 12 a control comprises a controt panel 36 that serves as a user interface is arranged. Between the control panel 36 and the opening of the washing chamber 28, a slit-like air outlet 32 that extends along the whole with of the door opening is arranged. As soon as the door 26 is opened, an airflow is generated and released from the air outlet 32, forming an air curtain 33 that prevents the warm and wet air escaping from the washing chamber 28 from touching the frontal surface of the washing unit 12 and the galley. Thus condensation of water on these surfaces can be avoided. In the variation of a washing unit 12 shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the airflow used to generate the air curtain 33 comprises cooling air taken from the control unit, which in this variation is also arranged in the outer housing 13 of the washing unit 12.
[0090] FIGS. 10 to 12 show another variation of a washing unit 12 of a dishwasher system 1 according to the invention. The washing unit 12 has a width (y-direction) of about 450 mm. A control unit 35 is arranged at the frontal side of the lower part of the washing unit's 12 outer housing. Thus it can easily be accessed from outside. As well, the washing unit 12 comprises a user interface arranged above the door 26, respectively above the front opening 27. As shown in FIG. 11, the washing chamber 28 is arranged in the upper half of the outer housing 13 and is enclosed by the inner housing 14. The inner housing 14 comprises a floor pan 16 with a drainage 17 that is arranged at the lowest point of the floor pan 16. In the washing chamber, a total of four movable washing arms 25 are arranged. The washing arms 25 are arranged vertically (z-direction) on two different levels, two being arranged at the top side of the washing chamber 28, while the others are arranged on the bottom side of the washing chamber 28. As well, the washing arms 25 are arranged horizontally (x-direction) behind each other. The washing unit 12 furthermore comprises a drip pan 15 that is arranged below the inner housing 14 and is arranged to receive liquids leaking from the inner housing 14 or the fluidic components arranged below the inner housing 14, as will subsequently be explained. Below the inner housing 14 a reservoir 22 is arranged in which a heating element to heat the content of the reservoir 22 is arranged. The reservoir 22 shown is thermally is insulated. The drainage 17 is fluidically interconnected with the reservoir 22 and a fluid outlet 20 arranged at a docking panel 18 that is arranged on the bottom side of the outer housing 13. Therefore a fluid line 24 with a continuously downward slope is made from tubes. Thus, grey water can easily be fully drained from the washing unit 12 if needed. At the docking panel 18 an exhaust valve 23 is arranged and configured to open, respectively close, the fluid line 24. The panel 18 furthermore comprises a fluid inlet 19 to receive fresh water as well as an electrical interface. All fluidic and electrical interfaces 18, 19, 20 comprise quick couplings (not shown in detail) what are arranged to interact to counterparts arranged on the floor at the location the washing unit 12 is intended to be installed. As schematically shown in FIG. 12, the door 26 of this variation of the invention comprises a transparent window.
[0091] The docking panel 18 may also be arranged close to the frontal surface of the washing unit 12 in order to be accessible for manipulation and/or visual inspection.
TABLE-US-00001 REFERENCE NUMERALS 1 Dishwasher system 2 Galley 3 Lower cabinet 4 Upper cabinet 5 Aircraft (vehicle) 6 Fuselage 7 Floor 8 Passenger compartment 9 Cargo compartment 10 Aircraft fresh water system 11 Aircraft grey water system 12 Washing unit 13 Outer housing 14 Inner housing 15 Drip pan 16 Floor pan 17 Drainage 18 Docking panel (adapter plate) 19 Fluid inlet 20 Fluid outlet 21 Electrical interface (power and/or control) 22 Reservoir 23 Exhaust valve 24 Fluid line (tube, hose) 25 Washing arms 26 Door 27 Front opening 28 Washing chamber 29 Rack rail (holder) 30 Wash fluid tank 31 Separation element 32 Air outlet/inlet 33 Air curtain 34 Roller 35 Control unit 36 User interface (control panel) 37 Fluid providing unit 38 Electrical connection 39 Fluidic connection 40a Fresh water line 40b Grey water line 41 Rack 42 Items (dishware, glasses) 43 Protrusion 44 Retention system
