Description:A DISHWASHER

FIELD OF INVENTION

[01] The present invention relates to dishwashers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a household dishwasher configured to mount over a countertop sink or basin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[02] Dishwashers are commonly used for cleaning items/dishes automatically with washing fluid. In conventional dishwashers, a user has to manually select which kind of washing load is needed based on the heavy duty or delicate dishes. Further, the dishwashers are provided with a tub having an open front and a treating chamber. The treating chamber receives items such as kitchenware, glassware and the like. The items are arranged in the treating chamber and are made to undergo a washing operation. The dishwasher further includes a spraying system for recirculating liquid in the tub to remove soils from the dishes.

[03] With improvements in the dishwashing technology, several automatic dishwashing systems have been disclosed in the past. One example is disclosed in a United States Patent No. 11,064,862, entitled “Dishwashing system” (“the ‘862 Patent”). The ‘862 Patent discloses a dishwashing system that includes a dishwasher capable of washing tableware contained in a dishwashing rack, inside a washing chamber; a carry-in stand for placing the dishwashing rack that is to be carried into the washing chamber on; a carry-out stand for placing the dishwashing rack that is carried out from the washing chamber on; and a robot device including a robot arm mechanism. The carry-in stand and the dishwasher are arranged within a movable range of the robot arm mechanism. The robot arm mechanism transfers the dishwashing rack from the carry-in stand to the washing chamber, and also operates the dishwasher.

[04] Another example is disclosed in a PCT Publication No. 2021006306, entitled “Automatic dishwashing system, automatic dishwashing method, automatic dishwashing program, and storage medium (“the ‘306 Publication”). The ‘306 Publication discloses an automatic dishwashing system which may determine a type and a state of each dish, allow a robot to safely pick the dish up, and store the dish at a prescribed storage position, in a state where dishes are conveyed on a conveyor at three-dimensionally different angles. An automatic dishwashing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized by being provided with: a dish insertion part; a dish washing part; a dish conveying part; a dish information acquisition part which identifies a dish and acquires information about the dish; a dish placing part; and a dish pickup unit, wherein the acquisition information acquired by the dish information acquisition part includes at least one among the type, size, shape, color, position, orientation, direction, marker, or the code of the dish. When the dish information acquisition part identifies a dish which is being conveyed in the dish conveying part, the dish pickup part picks the dish up in correspondence to the state of the dish on the basis of the information acquired by the dish information acquisition part.

[05] Yet another example is disclosed in a PCT Publication No. 2020171067, entitled “Dishwashing assistance device and control program” (“the ‘067 Publication”). The ‘067 Publication discloses a dishwashing assistance device and a control program which reduce labor due to preliminary washing by performing the preliminary washing by means of a robot arm. The dishwashing assistance device (1) is provided with: a robot arm (100) which performs preliminary washing on dishes and places the dishes on a rack for a dishwashing machine; a camera (200) which captures images of the dishes and the rack; and a control terminal (300). As functions, the control terminal (300) is provided with: a determination unit (331) which determines the positions and the shapes of the dishes, and determines the position of the rack, from image data obtained from the images captured by the camera (200); an operation control unit (332) which performs, on the basis of the determination results from the determination unit (331), operation controls for the robot arm (100) and the camera (200); and a machine-learning unit (333) which performs machine learning on the basis of the shapes of the dishes from the image data obtained from the images captured by the camera (200).

[06] Although the above discussed dishwashers are useful, they have few problems. For example, the conventional dishwashers require a dedicated space for placing them and require arranging the dishes in the treating chamber. In most cases, the household dishwasher takes up a space in a base cabinet permanently. Further, the conventional dishwashers operate on a schedule for a pre-defined time period even when there are fewer dishes to clean. Furthermore, the conventional dishwashers do not allow partial loading of the items for cleaning. Additionally, the conventional dishwashers do not deep clean the dishes thereby leaving some stains in the dishes.

[07] Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide an improved dishwasher capable of cleaning dishes instantly without any manual effort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[08] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved dishwasher that avoids the drawback of known dishwashers.

[09] It is another object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher that takes up less space and uses less water to clean the dishes.

[010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher that can be mounted over the countertop sink or from the wall or ceiling with fewer components.

[011] In order to achieve one or more objects, the present invention provides a dishwasher for cleaning items such as kitchenware. The dishwasher comprises a frame, a support frame connected to the frame, and a robotic arm extending from the support frame. In one example, the frame mounts at the countertop sink. In another example, the frame suspends from a ceiling or a top frame or extends from a wall. The robotic arm includes one of a 6-axis or 7-axis robot. The robotic arm comprises a gripper device having gripping fingers capable of holding the item. The linear actuator comprises a motor encoder that adjusts the relative movement of the gripping fingers such that the speed slows down or stops giving relative pressure to the gripping fingers.

[012] The dishwasher comprises a spraying member and a brush member. The dishwasher comprises a high pressure water dispenser and a dryer positioned adjacent to the high pressure water dispenser. The support frame is aligned with the center of a countertop sink such that the robotic arm aligns with the center of the countertop sink. The robotic arm picks up an item and positions at an inclined angle facing the spraying member and the brush member. The spraying member sprays a soap solution and the brush member cleans the item. The robotic arm positions the item facing the high pressure water dispenser. The high pressure water dispenser dispenses water at a high pressure to clean the item, and the dryer blows air to dry the item. After drying, the robotic arm positions the item in a rack.

[013] Further, the dishwasher comprises a controller configured to control the amount of water and soap to be mixed, operation cycle of the spraying member, the brush member, the high pressure water dispenser and the dryer for cleaning the item. The controller further operates the robotic arm to hold, and align the item at the brush member and/or the high pressure water dispenser and the dryer, and to place the item in the rack.

[014] In one advantageous feature of the present invention, the dishwasher is portable and can be installed over the countertop sink or extending from the wall or ceiling thereby saving space. The frame is adjustable to fit the size of the countertop sink. Further, the height of the frame can be adjusted to provide sufficient space for the user to place items or to have the robotic arm for cleaning the items placed in the countertop sink.

[015] In one technical advantageous feature of the present invention, the dishwasher has a single 6 or 7 degrees of freedom robotic arm aligning with the center of the countertop sink.

[016] In another technical advantageous feature of the present invention, the dishwasher is capable of holding all type of items such as plates, spoons, bowls of all shapes and sizes. The robotic arm picks up the items one by one and moves around the brush member, cleans up using the high pressure water dispenser, dries the items and places the items on the rack or basket.

[017] In another technical advantageous feature of the present invention, the dishwasher utilizes one or more image capturing units to identify the items/objects in the countertop sink. The image capturing units help to identify the size i.e., height and width of the item and helps the robotic arm to hold at the edge of the item to prevent the item from breaking. Further, the image capturing units help the robotic arm to move the item towards the center of the brush member to clean the inner side of the item.

[018] In yet another technical advantageous feature of the present invention, the brush member and the spraying member are positioned at an inclined angle say 60 degrees. This allows the water or soap to be dispensed at an angle into the item and fall back into the countertop sink.

[019] In yet another technical advantageous feature of the present invention, the high pressure water dispenser is positioned at an angle, e.g., 60-degree angle to release water into the item.

[020] Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying FIGURES. As will be realized, the subject matter disclosed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject matter. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[021] In the following drawings like reference numbers are used to refer to like elements. Although the following figures depict various examples of the invention, the invention is not limited to the examples depicted in the figures:

[022] FIG. 1 illustrates an environment of a dishwasher, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[023] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a front perspective view and a rear perspective view, respectively of the dishwasher, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[024] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate position of an item or dish aligned with a brush member and a dryer, respectively, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[025] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a perspective view and a partial cut-section, respectively of a gripper device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[026] FIG. 7 illustrates the feature of the gripper device holding an item, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[027] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a controller housing, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[028] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a layered plates and a bottom plate, respectively, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[029] FIG. 11 illustrates an environment of a dishwasher, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[030] FIG. 12 illustrates the dishwasher mounted over a countertop sink, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[031] FIG. 13 illustrates the dishwasher mounted over the countertop sink without a robotic arm, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[032] FIG. 14 illustrates the dishwasher, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[033] FIG. 15 illustrates the dishwasher cleaning an item, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

[034] FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate an environment of a dishwasher, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[035] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments in which the presently disclosed subject matter may be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed dishwasher. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in functional or conceptual diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the presently disclosed dishwasher.

[036] In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting. Rather, the subject matter preferably encompasses other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, the applicant does not intend for any term in the specification to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present subject matter encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

[037] Although the present subject matter describes a dishwasher, it is to be further understood that numerous changes may arise in the details of the embodiments of the dishwasher. It is contemplated that all such changes and additional embodiments are within the true scope of this subject matter.

[038] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the subject matter and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter.

[039] It should be understood that the present invention describes a dishwasher for cleaning items such as kitchenware. The dishwasher comprises a frame, a support frame connected to the frame, and a robotic arm extending from the support frame. The dishwasher comprises a spraying member and a brush member. The dishwasher comprises a high pressure water dispenser and a dryer positioned adjacent to the high pressure water dispenser. The robotic arm aligns with the center of the countertop sink. The robotic arm picks up an item and positions at an inclined angle facing the spraying member and the brush member. The spraying member sprays a soap solution and the brush member cleans the item. The robotic arm positions the item facing the high pressure water dispenser. The high pressure water dispenser dispenses water at a high pressure to clean the item, and the dryer blows air to dry the item.

[040] Various features and embodiments of a dishwasher are explained in conjunction with the description of FIGURES (FIGs) 1-16B.

[041] FIG. 1 shows an environment 10 in which a dishwasher 12 implements, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The dishwasher 12 implements at a wall mounted or freestanding unit 14 having a countertop sink or basin 16. The dishwasher 12 helps to clean and dry items 18 and place them in a frame 20. Optionally, the items 18 are placed in a rack or container 22. The items 18 include, but not limited to, plates, spoons, bowls, kitchenware, glassware, etc.

[042] FIGS. 2A and 2B show a front perspective view and a rear perspective view, respectively of the dishwasher 12, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. A person skilled in the art understands that the dishwasher 12 is made up of metal, hard plastic, or any other suitable material depending on the need. The dishwasher 12 includes a base frame 30. The dishwasher 12 includes first frames 32. The first frames 32 extend perpendicularly from the base frame 30. The base frame 30 and the first frames 32 mount at the top of the countertop sink 16, as shown in FIG. 1. Further, the base frame 30 includes one or more second frames 34. The second frames 34 that extend perpendicularly and upwards from the base frame 30. The height of second frames 34 are adjustable depending on the space available at the countertop sink 16 or the height at which a robotic arm 40 needs to be installed. Further, the dishwasher 12 includes third frames 36. The third frames 36 extend perpendicularly from the distal end of the second frames 34 and positions in parallel to the countertop sink 16. The third frames 36 includes a support plate 38. The support plate 38 comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and helps to hold a robotic arm 40 at a central axis to the countertop sink 16, as shown in FIG. 1.

[043] The support plate 38 receives a 6 or 7-axis robotic arm 40 depending on the need. The robotic arm 40 comprises a base 42, a shoulder 44 extending from the base 42, a first arm 46 extending from the shoulder 44, a second arm 48 extending from the first arm 46, an elbow 50 extending from the second arm 48, a hand 52 and a wrist 54. Each of the base 42, the first arm 46, the second arm 48, the elbow 50, the hand 52 and the wrist 54 has a servo-motor (not shown) to allow the robotic arm 40 to have three (3) degrees of freedom, a back and front flexion, external and internal expansion and rotation, an elbow joint equipped with 1 degree of freedom, and a wrist. The robotic arm 40 provides a high level of flexibility as it can move more and twist in different ways. In the present embodiment, the robotic arm 40 is mounted in such a way that the central axis of the robotic arm 40 aligns with the center of the countertop sink 16. This helps the robotic arm 218 to optimize for the payload and reach the entire area of the countertop sink 206.

[044] The robotic arm 40 comprises a gripper device 56 connecting the wrist 54. FIGS. 5 and 6 show the feature of the gripper device 56, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The gripper device 56 includes a connecting port 58 for receiving the wrist 54. The gripper device 56 includes gripping fingers 60 capable of holding items 84 in place. Here, the gripper device 56 holds the item 84 at the edge to prevent the item 84 from breaking. The gripper device 56 encompasses a linear actuator 62 having a motor encoder 64. The linear actuator 62 ensures the gripping fingers 60 are locked in their position and the item 84 is held firmly, as shown in FIG. 7. In the present invention, the linear actuator 62 helps to hold the item 84 even when the power is cut off suddenly. Further, the motor encoder 64 is configured to detect the speed i.e., rotation per minute of the motor. The motor encoder 64 adjusts the relative movement of the gripping fingers 60 such that the speed slows down or stops giving relative pressure to the gripping fingers 60 in order to protect the motor and control the pressure.

[045] In addition, the dishwasher 12 comprises a first housing 70. The first housing 70 mounts at the base frame 30. The first housing 70 comprises an inlet port 72 capable of receiving water or soap water from a soap water outlet 110 (FIG. 10). Further, the first housing 70 comprises a spraying member 74. The spraying member 74 is capable of dispensing or spraying the soap water for cleaning the item 84. Further, the first housing 70 comprises a brush member 76. The brush member 76 extends from the first housing 70. As can be seen from at least FIGS. 2A and 3, the spraying member 74 and brush member 76 position at a 60-degree angle from the base frame 30. This allows the item 84 to be held at an angle facing downward such that the soap water sprayed on to the item 84 falls down into the countertop sink 16. In the present invention, the spraying member 74 receives soap water via the inlet port 72 and sprays the soap water on to the item 84 in order to clean the item 84, as shown in FIG. 3. Here, the brush member 76 rotates at a required speed (rotations per minute) in order to clean the item 84. As specified above, the robotic arm 40 holds the item 84 facing down at an angle. This helps the brush member 76 to clean the inner side of the item 84. In one example, an additional water spray (not shown) is provided to spray water from the top onto the item 84 while the brush member 76 is cleaning the item 84. This allows the outer side of the item 84 to get cleaned while the brush member 76 cleans the inner side of the item 84.

[046] Further, the dishwasher 12 comprises a high pressure water dispenser 80. The high pressure water dispenser 80 dispenses clean water to clear the remains of the soap water on the item 84. Furthermore, the dishwasher 12 comprises a dryer 82 for blowing air to air-dry the item 84, as shown in FIG. 4. In one example, the high pressure water dispenser 80 is positioned at an angle, e.g., 60-degree angle to release water into the item 84. This allows water to fall within the countertop sink 16.

[047] In one embodiment, the dishwasher 12 comprises a controller housing 90. FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the controller housing 90, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one example, the controller housing 90 mounts at the base frame 30. In another example, the controller housing 90 mounts adjacent to the base frame 30. In another example, the controller housing 90 mounts over the support plate 38. A person skilled in the art understands that the controller housing 90 can mount in any other fashion without departing from the scope of the present invention. The controller housing 90 includes layered plates 91 (stack of plates layered one above the other), as shown in FIG. 10. The controller housing 90 includes a pipe or hose 92, a power supply 94 such as a battery, a soap box 95 for storing soap solution, a motor 96 and a controller 98 (e.g., Printed Circuit Board). The controller 98 is configured to control the amount of water and soap to be mixed, operation cycle of the spraying member 74, the brush member 76, the high pressure water dispenser 80 and the dryer 82 for cleaning the item 84. In addition, the controller 98 controls the operation of the robotic arm 40 to hold, and align the item at the brush member 76 and/or the high pressure water dispenser 80 and dryer 82. Further, the controller 98 controls the operation of the robotic arm 40 to place the item 84 in the frame 20 or rack 22.

[048] Further, the bottom plate 91 has a water inlet 100 for receiving water from a water source (not shown, e.g., a tap). The bottom plate 91 includes a hand wash outlet 102 connected to the hose 92. Further, the bottom plate 91 includes shaver outlets 104. The bottom plate 91 includes a sink clean outlet 106. The bottom plate 91 includes a high pressure water outlet 108. The high pressure water outlet 108 connects to the high pressure water dispenser 80 for dispensing water to clean the item 84. The bottom plate 91 includes a soap water outlet 110. The soap water outlet 110 connects to the inlet port 72. The soap water outlet 110 receives the soap and water mixed at a mixing unit 112. In other words, the mixing unit 112 mixes the soap and water in a given concentration depending on the type of item 84 or stains to be removed.

[049] In operation, one or more image capturing units or cameras (not shown) are installed at the robotic arm 40 or the support plate 38 or controller housing 90 or combination thereof. The image capturing units detect the presence of one or more items 84 in the countertop sink 16 and transmit a signal to the controller 98. Subsequently, the controller 98 employs the robotic arm 40 to pick up the item 84 using the gripper device 56. As specified above, the gripper device 56 encompasses the linear actuator 62 having the motor encoder 64. Here, the linear actuator 62 ensures the gripping fingers 60 are locked in their position and the item 84 is held firmly. Further, the controller 98 instructs the robotic arm 40 to position the item 84 facing the brush member 76, as shown in FIG. 3. Concurrently or consecutively, the controller 98 employs the mixing unit 112 to mix the water and soap and send the soap mixed water to the inlet port 72 via the soap water outlet 110. Here, the spraying member 74 sprays the soap mixed at the item 84 and the brush member 76 is operated to clean the item 84.

[050] Subsequently, the controller 98 instructs the robotic arm 40 to position the item 84 facing the high pressure water dispenser 80. Here, the controller 98 instructs the high pressure water dispenser 80 to dispense water at high pressure to clean the remains of the soap water at the item 84. Subsequently, the controller 98 operates the dryer 82 to dry the item 84. After drying, the robotic arm 40 places the item 84 in the frame 20, as shown in FIG. 1. The above process is repeated for each item 84 present in the countertop sink 16. This way, the presently disclosed dishwasher 12 operates for a time period depending on the number of items 84 rather than a fixed time period to complete a cleaning cycle. The flexibility in operating the dishwasher 12 enables time and water saving in the household.

[051] In one example, after placing the dried items 84 in the frame 20, the dishwasher 12 employs the sink clean outlet 106 to dispense water at a high pressure to crush the particle remains in the countertop sink 16 such that the crushed particles are expelled into a drain hole in the countertop sink 16 thereby cleaning the countertop sink 16.

[052] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, an environment 200 of a dishwasher 202 is shown, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The dishwasher 202 mounts at a unit 204 having a countertop sink or basin 206. Here, the unit 204 connects to a wall or standing unit 208. Here, the countertop sink 206 has a dish receiving area 210 indicating an area in the countertop sink 206 used for receiving soiled items 230 or for cleaning the items 230.

[053] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the dishwasher 202, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Here, the dishwasher 202 includes a base frame 212, first frames 214 extending from the base frame 212, and second frames 215 extending from the first frames 214. The second frames 215 encompass a controller housing 216. The controller housing 216 includes and operates similar to the controller housing 90, as explained above. The controller housing 90 further includes an arm connector 217. The arm connector 217 connects to a robotic arm 218. The robotic arm 218 includes and operates similar to the robotic arm 40, as explained above. Similar to the above disclosed dishwasher 12, the dishwasher 202 includes a first housing 220 having a brush member 222. Further, the dishwasher 202 includes a dryer 224. FIG. 13 shows the dishwasher 202 (without the robotic arm 218) illustrating the positioning of the first housing 220 and the dryer 224. As can be seen, the first housing 220 and the dryer 224 mount at the base frame 212 connecting the countertop sink 206. Here, the dishwasher 202 receives an item 230 such as glassware, utensil, etc., at the brush member 222 and the dryer 224, as shown in FIG. 15.

[054] The above embodiment is disclosed to present an alternate embodiment whereby the dishwasher 202 mounts to the wall 208. Here, the arm connector 217 is mounted in such a way that a central axis of the robotic arm 218 is aligned with the center of the countertop sink 206. This allows the robotic arm 218 to optimize for the payload and reach the entire area of the countertop sink 206.

[055] Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, an environment 300 of a dishwasher 302 is shown, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. The dishwasher 302 mounts over a countertop sink 304 connected to a wall or standing unit 306. In one example, the standing unit 306 has a top frame or ceiling 308.

[056] In accordance with the present embodiment, the dishwasher 302 suspends from the top frame 308 with the help of frames 310. Here, the frames 310 extend downward from the top frame 308. The dishwasher 302 comprises a housing 312 that connects to the frames 310. The housing 312 includes a robotic arm 314 similar to the robotic arm 40, as explained above. Similar to the above disclosed dishwasher 12, the dishwasher 302 includes a brush member 316 and a dryer 318. A person skilled in the art understands that the presently disclosed embodiment is shown to illustrate the dishwasher 302 suspending from the top frame or ceiling 308. As specified above, the robotic arm 40 aligns with the center of the countertop sink 304 and is capable of withstanding optimal load.

[057] The presently disclosed dishwasher provides several advantages over the prior art. The dishwasher presents an instant cleaning of one or more items in the countertop sink. The dishwasher avoids using a complete cycle, spending a significant amount of time and water to clean the fewer items in the countertop sink. The dishwasher does not need manual intervention to set up the timer, adjust the type of mode, etc. The dishwasher takes up little space when compared to other dishwashers that are mounted on the countertop sink itself or adjacent to the countertop sink. The dishwasher deep cleans the items with proper inspection. Further, the dishwasher shreds the food remains in the countertop sink with a water jet thereby avoiding manual cleaning of the debris in the countertop sink. The dishwasher is portable and can be folded/raised up allowing a user to use the countertop sink for other purposes.

[058] A person skilled in the art appreciates that the dishwasher may come in a variety of sizes depending on the need and comfort of the user. Further, different materials in addition to or instead of materials described herein may also be used and such implementations may be construed to be within the scope of the present subject matter. Further, many changes in the design and placement of components may take place without deviating from the scope of the presently disclosed dishwasher.

[059] In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of some embodiments, specific components, devices, methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present subject matter. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the subject matter.

[060] In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but may nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill. Hence as various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the subject matter, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[061] The foregoing description of embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the subject matter. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel principles and subject matter disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the innovative faculty. It is contemplated that additional embodiments are within the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

[062] Reference Numerals:
Environment 10
Dishwasher 12
Freestanding Unit 14
Countertop Sink Or Basin 16
Items 18
Frame 20
Rack Or Container 22
Base Frame 30
First Frames 32
Second Frames 34
Third Frames 36
Support Plate 38
Robotic Arm 40
Base 42
Shoulder 44
First Arm 46
Second Arm 48
Elbow 50
Hand 52
Wrist 54
Gripper Device 56
Connecting Port 58
Gripping Fingers 60
Linear Actuator 62
Motor Encoder 64
First Housing 70
Inlet Port 72
Spraying Member 74
Brush Member 76
High Pressure Water Dispenser 80
Dryer 82
Item 84
Controller Housing 90
Layered Plates 91
Pipe or Hose 92
Power Supply 94
Soap Box 95
Motor 96
Controller 98
Water Inlet 100
Hand Wash Outlet 102
Shaver Outlets 104
Sink Clean Outlet 106
High Pressure Water Outlet 108
Soap Water Outlet 110
Mixing Unit 112
Environment 200
Dishwasher 202
Unit 204
Countertop Sink Or Basin 206
Wall Or Standing Unit 208
Dish Receiving Area 210
Base Frame 212
First Frames 214
Second Frames 215
Controller Housing 216
Robotic Arm 218
First Housing 220
Brush Member 222
Dryer 224
Environment 300
Dishwasher 302
Countertop Sink 304
Wall Or Standing Unit 306
Top Frame Or Ceiling 308
Frames 310
Housing 312
Robotic Arm 314
Brush Member 316
Dryer 318
, Claims:CLAIMS:
WE CLAIM:

1. A dishwasher (12, 200, 300), comprising:
a frame (30; 32; 36; 212; 214; 215; 310);
a support frame (38, 217) connected to the frame (30;32;34;36;212; 214; 215; 310);
a robotic arm (40; 218; 314) extending from the support frame (38, 217);
characterized in that:
a first housing (70; 220; 316) comprising a spraying member (74) and a brush member (76; 222; 316), wherein the spraying member (74) and the brush member (76; 222; 316) are positioned at an inclination of 60 degrees;
a high pressure water dispenser (80); and
a dryer (82; 224; 318) positioned adjacent to the high pressure water dispenser (80),
wherein the robotic arm (40; 218; 314) aligns with the center of the countertop sink (16; 206; 304) to have load optimization and reach to the entire area of the countertop sink (16; 206; 304),
wherein the robotic arm (40; 218; 314) picks up an item (84; 230) and positions at a downward and inclined angle facing the spraying member (74) and the brush member (76; 222; 316), wherein the spraying member (74) sprays a soap solution and the brush member (76; 222; 316) cleans the item (84; 230),
wherein the robotic arm (40; 218; 314) positions the item (84; 230) facing the high pressure water dispenser (80), wherein the high pressure water dispenser (80) dispenses water at a high pressure to clean the item (84; 230), and wherein the dryer (82; 224; 318) blows air to dry the item (84; 230).

2. The dishwasher (12, 200, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame (30; 32; 36; 212; 214; 215) mounts at the countertop sink (16; 206; 304), or suspends from a ceiling or a top frame (308) or extends from a wall (306).

3. The dishwasher (12, 200, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the robotic arm (40; 218; 314) positions the item (84; 230) the (84; 230) in a rack (22) after drying the item (84; 230).

4. The dishwasher (12, 200, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the robotic arm (40; 218; 314) is a 6 or 7-axis robot.

5. The dishwasher (12, 200, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the robotic arm (40; 218; 314) comprises a gripper device (56), and wherein the gripper device (56) comprises gripping fingers (60) capable of holding the item (84).

6. The dishwasher (12, 200, 300) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the gripper device (56) comprises a linear actuator (62), and wherein the linear actuator (62) helps the gripping fingers (60) to lock their position to hold the item (84) firmly.

7. The dishwasher (12, 200, 300) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the linear actuator (62) comprises a motor encoder (64), and wherein the motor encoder (64) adjusts the relative movement of the gripping fingers (60) such that the speed slows down or stops giving relative pressure to the gripping fingers (60).

8. The dishwasher (12, 200, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dishwasher (12, 200, 300) comprises a controller (98) configured to control the amount of water and soap to be mixed, operation cycle of the spraying member (74), the brush member (76; 222; 316), the high pressure water dispenser (80) and the dryer (82; 224; 318) for cleaning the item (84; 230).

9. The dishwasher (12, 200, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dishwasher (12, 200, 300) comprises a controller (98) configured to operate the robotic arm (40; 218; 314) to hold, and align the item at the brush member (76; 222; 316) and/or the high pressure water dispenser (80) and the dryer (82; 224; 318).

10. The dishwasher (12, 200, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dishwasher (12, 200, 300) comprises a mixing unit (112) for mixing soap and water in a given concentration depending on the type of item (84) or stains to be removed.