Description:DESCRIPTION

Technical Field
[001] This invention generally relates to dishwashers. More specifically, the invention relates to a washing unit for dishwashers.
Background
[002] Innovation and development aim to provide comfort and convenience in our day-to-day lives, with a kitchen serving as a center of our daily routines, where delicious meals are prepared, shared, and enjoyed. In today’s fast paced world, where time is considered a precious commodity, washing kitchenware (e.g., utensils, kitchen tools, etc.) poses a formidable challenge for many individuals. Moreover, due to hectic schedules and numerous responsibilities, kitchenware cleaning easily becomes a neglected chore. At times, people may leave dirty utensils in a kitchen sink overnight, which can create unhygienic conditions, allowing bacteria to multiply on the utensil’s surface. This can lead to food residue hardening, making it more difficult to clean later. One of often used existing techniques for maintaining kitchenware includes manual washing. However, the manual washing of the kitchenware may be time-consuming and require physical effort. In addition, sometimes manually washing the kitchenware, if not done properly, may be inefficient, unhygienic, result in excessive water usage, and the like.
[003] Further, with continued advancement in technology, dishwashers emerged as a game changer in a realm of kitchenware cleaning, offering a host of benefits that overcome the above-mentioned problems that are currently faced by individuals. The dishwashers provide a practical solution to the people, providing quick and efficient cleaning of the kitchenware while minimizing water consumption. They save time, maintain hygienic, and are convenient to use, making them an ideal choice for modern households. While the dishwashers offer numerous benefits in terms of convenience and efficiency, it's essential to acknowledge that they also come with certain drawbacks, such as time consumption, a full load requirement, incompatibility with small utensils, and the like. Typically, to start a cleaning cycle, a dishwasher is loaded with a variety of kitchenware, including dishware, cookware, cutlery, feeding bottles, glasses for beverages, etc.
[004] However, a drawback in the case of washing the kitchenware using the dishwasher is that any item (i.e., a single kitchenware item, e.g., a mug) can be taken out of the dishwasher once the entire cleaning cycle is complete. This means that different items with varying degrees of soiling and sizes, such as a heavily soiled masala pan and a lightly used butter knife, need to undergo the same cleaning cycle time when loaded together, which is not the case with manual washing. Therefore, to address these drawbacks and in order to provide convenience to the people to frequently and efficiently wash small kitchenware, there is a need for a washing unit for the dishwashers.
[005] The present invention is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the known arts.
SUMMARY
[006] In an embodiment, a washing unit for dishwashers is disclosed. In one example, the washing unit may include a chamber positioned within a cavity on an outer surface of a dishwasher in one or more ways. It should be noted that the chamber may be configured to operate independently from the dishwasher. The chamber may further include a plurality of spray nozzles affixed at pre-defined positions within the chamber. It should be noted that each of the plurality of spray nozzles may be configured for spraying water of a pre-defined temperature based on a user requirement. The washing unit may further include a lid coupled to the chamber via an opening mechanism, configured for accessing the chamber. It should be noted that the opening mechanism may include one of a push-pull latch mechanism, a sliding mechanism, a roller-based mechanism, and a link mechanism.
[007] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[008] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary washing unit for a dishwasher, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[009] FIG. 2 illustrates various components of a washing unit, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[010] FIGS. 3A – 3E illustrate isometric views representing different ways of positioning a chamber within a cavity on an outer surface of a dishwasher, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[011] FIGS. 4A – 4F represent different opening mechanisms used for coupling a lid to a chamber, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[012] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[013] Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary washing unit 102 for a dishwasher 100 is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The dishwasher 100 may correspond to any existing dishwasher that is configured to clean kitchenware. The kitchenware may include, for example, cutlery (e.g., knives, forks, spoons, etc.), dinnerware (e.g., plates, cups, bowls, etc.), cookware (e.g., pots, pans, bakeware, etc.) utensils (e.g., spatulas, ladles, tongs, etc.), and the like. The dishwasher 100 may include a washing unit 102. In some embodiments, the washing unit 102 may correspond to a mini dishwasher. Further, the dishwasher 100 may correspond to a main dishwasher 100. The washing unit 102 may be integrated anywhere on an outer surface of the dishwasher 100. For example, the washing unit 102 may be present on a front wall 106-2 of a door unit 106 of the dishwasher 100, as depicted via present FIG. 1. By way of another example, the washing unit 102 one of a side wall (e.g., a left-side wall or a right-side wall) of the door unit 106. As would be appreciated, the washing unit 102 may be integrated anywhere on the outer surface of the dishwasher 100.
[014] Further, the washing unit 102 may include a chamber (not shown). The chamber may be constructed using materials such as, stainless steel, plastic, composite of plastic and metal, etc. The chamber may be positioned within a cavity on the outer surface of the dishwasher 100 in one or more ways. This is further explained in detail in conjunction with FIGS. 3A – 3E. The chamber may be configured to operate independently from the dishwasher 100 as per a user requirement. In other words, the washing unit 102 including the chamber may be configured to operate independently from the dishwasher 100. In some embodiment, the washing unit 102 may be configured to operate parallel with the dishwasher 100 based on the user requirements. Further, the chamber may be configured for washing items that are of a pre-defined size. The items may include, for example, but are not limited to, wine glasses, mugs, spoons, forks, cups, feeding bottles, water bottles, glasses, small plates, small bowls, knives, and the like.
[015] The chamber may further include a plurality of spray nozzles affixed at pre-defined positions. For example, the plurality of spray nozzles may correspond to a set of eight spray nozzles. Further, each side wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall of the chamber may include two spray nozzles of the set of eight spray nozzles. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of spray nozzles may be configured for spraying water of a pre-defined temperature based on the user requirement. For example, based on a cleaning cycle selected by the user, each of the plurality of spray nozzles may spray water of the pre-defined temperature. The cleaning cycle, for example, may be a normal cycle, a heavy-duty cycle, a quick wash cycle, and the like. In another embodiment, the user may be able to set a temperature of the water. Further, a surface of the bottom wall of the chamber may include a filter. The filter may be configured to collect debris which comes out from the items.
[016] The washing unit 102 may further include a lid 104. As depicted in present FIG. 1, the lid 104 may be aligned with the outer surface of the dishwasher 100. In other words, the lid 104 may be aligned with the front wall 106-2 of the door unit 106 of the dishwasher 100. The lid 104 may be coupled to the chamber via an opening mechanism. The lid 104 may be configured for accessing the chamber. In other words, a user of the dishwasher 100 may open the lid 104 to access the chamber of the washing unit 102. The lid 104 may be made using materials, such as, stainless steel, plastic, glass, insulation materials, etc. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the lid 104 may include a glass pane 108. The glass pane 108 may be either a transparent glass pane or a translucent glass pane. Further, the glass pane 108 may enable the user to monitor a washing process or check if the items are properly positioned or not within the chamber, from outside during a cleaning cycle.
[017] The chamber may further include a dispensing mechanism for dispensing a cleaning agent (e.g., liquid detergent, washing tablet, rinse agent, sterilizing agent etc.). The dispensing mechanism may be a washing compartment. The washing compartment may further include a set of sections (for example: three sections). Further, a section of the set of sections may be configured to store one of the cleaning agent, the rinse agent, or the sterilizing agent. In one embodiment, the washing compartment may be coupled to the top wall within an inner periphery of the chamber near the two spray nozzles present on the top wall. In some embodiments, the washing compartment may be mounted on an inner surface of the lid 104.
[018] Further, the washing unit 102 may include a communication system. The communication system may include an interactive interface 110. The interactive interface 110 may be used by the user to operate the washing unit 102. It should be noted that the washing unit 102 may be operable without the dishwasher 100. In other words, the user may be able to operate the washing unit without the need for operating the dishwasher 100. In some embodiments, the user may operate the washing unit 102 parallelly along with the dishwasher 100.
[019] As depicted via the present FIG. 1, the interactive interface 110 may be present on a top section of the lid 104. It should be noted that placement of the interactive interface 110 may not be restricted to the top section. It may be positioned anywhere on the lid 104, or on the outer surface of the dishwasher 100 along with an interactive interface of the dishwasher 100. Further, in order to operate the washing unit 102, the interactive interface 110 may include a set of buttons. The set of buttons may be configured for performing one or more actions. Examples of the set of buttons may include, but are not limited to, a power button, a cycle selection button, an item type selection button, a control button, a timer button, a temperature selection button, and a sterilization button. Further, examples of the one or more actions may include, but are not limited to, turning ‘on’ or ‘off' the washing unit, selecting the cleaning cycle, pausing the cleaning cycle, resuming the cleaning cycle, selecting the temperature of the water, selecting a time for personalizing the cleaning cycle, and the like.
[020] In some embodiments, the communication system may further include a communication module. The communication module may be configured for sending messages to a user device or receiving commands via the user device. The user device may include, for example, but are not limited to, smartphone, tablet, netbook, and the like. In other words, the user may be able to operate the washing unit 102 via the user device. For example, once the user may have loaded the washing unit 102 with the items for the cleaning cycle, then the user may be able to start the cleaning cycle based on their requirement via an application installed on the user device. In other words, the user may be able to perform one or more actions via the application installed on the user device.
[021] As will be appreciated, the washing unit 102 may be configured to use hydraulic components of the dishwasher 100. In some embodiments, the washing unit 102 may have its own hydraulic components and will not use the hydraulic components of the dishwater 100. The hydraulic components may include a water pump, a water inlet port, a drain pump, water level sensors, etc. The water pump may be configured to draw water from a water source (e.g., a water tap) via a water inlet hose that is controlled via a water inlet valve to wash the items within the washing unit 102. The drain pump may be configured to discharge dirty water after completion of the cleaning cycle from the washing unit 102 through a drain hose. Further, the washing unit 102 may include a drying mechanism to dry the items after each cleaning cycle. The drying mechanisms may include, for example, but are not limited to, heated air drying, condensation drying, fan-assisted drying, zeolite drying, electric heating elements, evaporation, etc.
[022] Referring now to FIG. 2, various components of the washing unit 102 are illustrated via a pictorial depiction 200, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is explained in conjunction with FIG. 1. The washing unit 102 may include a chamber 202. Further, the washing unit 102 may include the lid 104. The lid 104 may be used to access the chamber 202. The lid 104 may be coupled to the chamber 202 via the opening mechanism. Examples of the opening mechanism may include, but are not limited to, a push-pull latch mechanism, a sliding mechanism, a roller-based mechanism, and a link mechanism. This is further explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 4A - 4F.
[023] In present FIG. 2, the opening mechanism used to couple the lid 104 with the chamber 202 is the push-pull latch mechanism. As will be appreciated, to access the chamber 202, the lid 104 may include a handle that may be used by the user for accessing the chamber 202 to load or unload the items within the chamber 202. In an embodiment, the chamber 202 may include a plurality of compartments (not shown) configured for storing different types of the items during the cleaning cycle. It should be noted that the user may be able to load or unload the chamber 202 of the washing unit 102 by opening the lid 104 even when the dishwasher 100 is operating.
[024] Further, the chamber 202 may be positioned within on the outer surface of the dishwasher 100 in one or more ways. The one or more ways may include, but are not limited to, incorporating the chamber 202 within a cavity created in the front wall 106-2 of the door unit 106 of the dishwasher 100, incorporating the chamber 202 within a cavity created on one of a side wall of the door unit 106, incorporating the chamber 202 on a bottom area of the dishwasher 100, and incorporating the chamber 202 on top area of the dishwasher 100. In present FIG. 2, the pictorial depiction 200 represents a cavity 204 that may be created on the front wall 106-2 of the door unit 106 of the dishwasher 100. Further, the chamber 202 may be positioned within the cavity 204. As will be appreciated, the one or more ways used for creating the cavity 204 to incorporate the chamber 202 on the outer surface of the dishwasher 100 is further depicted and explained in conjunction with FIG. 3A – 3E. The chamber 202 may be configured to operate independently from the dishwasher 100. The chamber 202 may be further configured for washing items of a pre-defined size. The items of the pre-defined size may include, for example, but are not limited to, small plates, mugs, drinking glasses, wine glasses, feeding bottles, small bowls, cups, knives, spoons, forks, etc.
[025] It should be noted that washing unit 102 including the chamber 202 and the lid 104 may be incorporated into the cavity 204 such that the lid 104 of the washing unit 102 may be in-line with the front wall 106-2 of the door unit 106. Further, as depicted via present FIG. 2, the chamber 202 may include the plurality of spray nozzles (e.g., exemplary spray nozzles 206). The plurality of spray nozzles may be affixed at pre-defined positions within the chamber 202. The pre-defined positions may correspond to positions within an inner periphery of the chamber 202, e.g., on the inner periphery of each side wall (e.g., the left-side wall and the right-side wall), the top wall, and the bottom wall). The plurality of spray nozzles may be configured for spraying water of the pre-defined temperature based on the user requirement. In other words, the plurality of spray nozzles may be configured for distributing water of the pre-defined temperature within the chamber 202 to wash the items of the pre-defined size. The plurality of spray nozzles may include, for example, a flat fan nozzle, a hollow cone nozzle, a full cone nozzle, etc. The pre-defined temperature may include different ranges of temperature i.e. a range of 4 degree Celsius to 6 degree Celsius, a range between 40 degree Celsius to 50 degree Celsius, a range between 50 degree Celsius to 65 degree Celsius, etc.
[026] As will be appreciated, the pre-defined temperature may be set as per the cleaning cycle. In other words, the plurality of spray nozzles may be configured for spraying cold water, hot water, normal water, etc. as per the user requirements. Further, the chamber 202 may include the dispensing mechanism. The dispensing mechanism may be configured for dispensing the cleaning agent (e.g., liquid detergent, washing tablet, rinse agent, sterilizing agent, etc.). The dispensing mechanism may be the washing compartment configured for storing the cleaning agent. The washing compartment may further include the set of sections, e.g., three sections. Further, the section of the set of sections may store one of the cleaning agent, the rinse agent, or the sterilizing agent. In some embodiments, the washing compartment may be coupled to the top wall within the inner periphery of the chamber 202. In another embodiment, the washing compartment may be mounted on the inner surface of the lid 104. Further, as depicted via the present FIG. 2, the surface of the bottom wall of the chamber 202 may include a filter 208. The filter 208 may be configured to collect debris which comes out from the items. The chamber 202 may further include the plurality of compartments (not shown). The plurality of compartments may be configured for storing different types of the items during the cleaning cycle. The plurality of compartments may include, for example, but are not limited to, a cup shelf, a cutlery shelf, a glass shelf, clips for bottles, etc.
[027] By way of an example, consider a scenario where the user wants to wash small size snacking plates (e.g., five snacking plates each of size of 6 inches in diameter) quickly without waiting for a full load capacity of the dishwasher 100. For this, initially, the user may place the five snacking plates within a corresponding shelf (e.g., a plate shelf) present within the chamber 202. In order to place the five snacking plates, the user may unlock the lid 104 by pulling the lid 104 via the handle and place the five snacking plates into the plate shelf for washing. Then, the user may push the lid 104 to lock the lid 104 for washing. Further, the user may turn on the power and select the cleaning cycle (e.g., the normal cycle), adjust the timing for the cleaning cycle (e.g., 10 minutes), the temperature of the water (e.g., 45 degrees Celsius) etc. through the set of buttons present on the interactive interface 110. In some embodiments, the timing and the temperature may be automatically adjusted as per the cleaning cycle selected by the user. Further, the user may adjust the timing and the temperature to personalize the cleaning cycle. Once the cleaning cycle is complete, the user may remove the five snacking plates from the chamber 202 for usage. In an embodiment, once the cleaning cycle is complete, an indication (e.g., a musical tone) may be generated to notify the user about completion of the cleaning cycle.
[028] In some embodiments, once the user may have loaded the chamber 202 with the five snacking plates, the user may initiate the cleaning process via the application installed within the user device. Further, the user may be indicated via a message (e.g., a text message or an audio message) on the user device. As will be appreciated, in addition to operating the washing unit 102 via the user device, the user may be able to operate the dishwasher 100 independently or along with the washing unit 102 based on their requirement via the application installed within the user device 102. It should be noted that washing unit 102 and the dishwasher 100 may interact with the user device via a communication network.
[029] Referring now to FIGS. 3A – 3E, isometric views representing different ways of positioning the chamber 202 within a cavity on the outer surface of the dishwasher 100 are illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 3A – 3E are explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2.
[030] As depicted via an isometric view 300A of FIG. 3A, in some embodiments, the washing unit 102 including the chamber 202 and the lid 104 may be present on a bottom area 302A of the dishwasher 100. In this embodiment, the chamber 202 may be positioned within a cavity (same as the cavity 204) created on the bottom area 302A of the dishwasher 100. Further, as depicted via the isometric view 300A, the washing unit 102 may be incorporated such that the lid 104 of the washing unit 102 may be in-line with a front wall 304A of the bottom area 302A.
[031] Further, as depicted via an isometric view 300B of FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the washing unit 102 including the chamber 202 and the lid 104 may be positioned on a right-side wall 302B of the door unit 106 of the dishwasher 100. In this embodiment, the chamber 202 may be positioned within a cavity (same as the cavity 204) created on the right-side wall 302B of the door unit 106. Further, as depicted via the isometric view 300B, the washing unit 102 may be incorporated such that the lid 104 of the washing unit 102 may be in-line with a front wall 304B of the right-side wall 302B.
[032] Further, as depicted via an isometric view 300C of FIG. 3C, in some embodiments, the washing unit 102 including the chamber 202 and the lid 104 may be positioned on a left-side wall 302C of the door unit 106 of the dishwasher 100. In this embodiment, the chamber 202 may be positioned within a cavity (same as the cavity 204) created on the left-side wall 302C of the door unit 106. Further, as depicted via the isometric view 300C, the washing unit 102 may be incorporated such that the lid 104 of the washing unit 102 may be in-line with a front wall 304C of the left-side wall 302C.
[033] As depicted via an isometric view 300D of FIG. 3D, in some embodiments, the washing unit 102 including the chamber 202 and the lid 104 may be present on a top area 302D of the dishwasher 100. In this embodiment, the chamber 202 may be positioned within a cavity (same as the cavity 204) created on the top area 302D of the dishwasher 100. Further, as depicted via the isometric view 300D, the washing unit 102 may be incorporated such that the lid 104 of the washing unit 102 may be in-line with a front wall 304D of the top area 302D.
[034] As depicted via an isometric view 300E of FIG. 3E, in some embodiments, the washing unit 102 including the chamber 202 and the lid 104 may be present on the front wall 106-2 on the door unit 106 of the dishwasher 100. In this embodiment, the chamber 202 may be positioned within a cavity created on the front wall 106-2 of the door unit 106. In this embodiment, a depth of the cavity may not be same as a depth of the cavity 204. In particular, the depth of the cavity may be less than the depth of the cavity 204. Further, as depicted via the isometric view 300E, the washing unit 102 may be incorporated such that the lid 104 of the washing unit 102 is projected outside at some distance away from the front wall 106-2 of the door unit 106.
[035] Referring now to FIGS. 4A – 4F, different opening mechanisms used for coupling the lid 104 to the chamber 202 are illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 4A – 4F are explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. In an embodiment, the opening mechanism used for coupling the lid to the chamber 102 may include, but is not limited to, one of the push-pull latch mechanism, the sliding mechanism, the roller-based mechanism, and the link mechanism.
[036] A pictorial depiction 400A of FIG. 4A depicts the push-pull latch mechanism used for coupling the lid 104 to the chamber 202. As depicted via the present FIG. 4A, the lid 104 may be coupled with the chamber 202 via a set of hinges 402A to access the chamber 202. The set of hinges 402A may be present near a lower edge of the lid 104 to couple the lid 104 to the chamber 202 as depicted via the FIG. 4A. The set of hinges 402A may be supported by a spring-loaded mechanism to hold the lid 104 at a required angle as per the user requirement. The lid 104 may open outside at any inclined angle ranging from, for example, 30 degree angle up to 180 degree angle. The opening of the lid 104 may be facilitated through the push-pull latch mechanism situated at a top wall 404A of the chamber 202. The user may simply push or pull the lid 104 via the handle present on the lid 104 for accessing the chamber 202. For example, as depicted via the present FIG. 4A, the lid 104 may be pulled out to open the chamber 202 in order to access the chamber 202. Further, after accessing, the user may push back the lid 102 to close the chamber 202.
[037] A pictorial depiction 400B of FIG. 4B depicts another exemplary representation of a usage of the push-pull latch mechanism used for coupling the lid 104 to the chamber 202. As depicted in the FIG. 4B, the lid 104 may be coupled with the chamber 202 via a set of hinges (i.e., an exemplary hinge 402B). The set of hinges may be present on an upper edge of the lid 104 on both sides to couple the lid 104 to the chamber 202. In an embodiment, each of the set of hinges may be supported by the spring-loaded mechanism (or a piston) and a circular mechanism, as depicted via the present FIG. 4B. The lid 104 may be configured to open outside at any inclined angle ranging from, for example, 30 degree angle up to 180 degree angle, based on the user requirement. The user may simply push or pull the lid 104 via a handle 406B for accessing the chamber 202. The opening of the lid 104 may be facilitated through the push-pull latch mechanism situated at a bottom wall 404B of the chamber 202.
[038] A pictorial depiction 400C and 400D of FIG. 4C and 4D, respectively, represents a sliding mechanism used for coupling the lid 104 to the chamber 202. As depicted in FIG. 4C, the lid 104 may be coupled with the chamber 202 via a set of tracks (e.g., an exemplary track 406). Further, the user may be able to able to slide the lid 104 to access the chamber 202 via the handle 406B present below the interactive interface 110, as depicted via FIG. 4C. The chamber 202 may include the set of tracks on both sides of the chamber 202, as depicted via FIG. 4D. Further, the set of tracks may be present at a bottom frame of the chamber 202. The lid 104 may be configured to slide on the set of tracks via the sliding mechanism. Once the lid 104 may completely be retracted outside via the set of tracks as depicted via FIG. 4D, the lid 104 may be able to bend at a pre-defined angle. The pre-defined angle for which the lid 104 may be able to bend may include, for example, a range between 30 degree angle to 60 degree angle.
[039] A pictorial depiction 400E and 400F of FIG. 4E and 4F, respectively, represents a roller-based mechanism used for coupling the lid 104 to the chamber 202. As depicted in the FIG. 4E and 4F, the lid 104 may be coupled with the chamber 202 via a set of tracks (e.g., an exemplary track 402E). Further, the lid 104 may slide over the set of tracks through the roller-based mechanism (or the link mechanism). The set of tracks, i.e., the exemplary track 402E may be present on an outer edge within the inner periphery of the top wall 404A and the bottom wall 404B of the chamber 202. Further, the user may be able to drag the lid 104 through the handle 406B for opening or closing the chamber 202 in order to access the chamber 202. It should be noted that, a position of the interactive interface 110 and the handle 406B may vary based on positioning of the washing unit 102 on the outer surface of the dishwasher 100.
[040] Various embodiments provide a washing unit for dishwashers. The disclosed washing unit may include a chamber positioned within a cavity on an outer surface of a dishwasher in one or more ways. The chamber may be configured to operate independently from the dishwasher. The chamber may further include a plurality of spray nozzles affixed at pre-defined positions within the chamber. Each of the plurality of spray nozzles may be configured for spraying water of a pre-defined temperature based on a user requirement. The disclosed washing unit may include a lid coupled to the chamber via an opening mechanism, configured for accessing the chamber. The opening mechanism may be one of a push-pull latch mechanism, a sliding mechanism, a roller-based mechanism, and a link mechanism.
[041] Thus, the present disclosure may overcome drawbacks of traditional dishwashers that are designed to function at maximum capacity for a lengthy cleaning cycle duration. The present disclosure discloses a washing unit for the dishwashers that may cater to problems associated with the existing dishwashers. The disclosed washing unit may be integrated within a dishwasher. The washing unit may be configured to operate independently without the need to operate the dishwasher by taking advantage of existing hydraulic components of the dishwasher. The disclosed washing unit may be used to wash or sterilize frequently used kitchenware items, e.g., mugs, drinking glasses, bowls, and other similar items, independently without the need to operate the dishwasher. In addition to washing these types of the items, the washing unit may be used for washing and sterilizing baby products (e.g., feeding bottles, small toy items, pacifiers, breast pumps, etc.), pet items (e.g., pet feeding utensils, pet toys, etc.), and the like. Furthermore, the disclosed washing unit may be used to rinse raw vegetables and fruits to remove pesticides, residues, micro-organisms from a surface of these raw vegetables and fruits. The disclosed washing unit may enable users to quickly wash these small items, such as the frequently used kitchenware items, baby products, pet items, and the like, in less time, hence providing flexibility to the users to wash these small items with minimal load as per their convenience at any time. Further, the disclosed washing unit may be efficient in terms of energy and water consumption. Additionally, the disclosed washing unit includes an inbuilt AI assistance that may provide provision to the users to operate the washing unit based on their requirement at any time via their user devices (e.g., a smartphone).
[042] Although the present invention has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the claims. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognize that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in accordance with the invention.
[043] Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or process steps may be implemented by, for example, a single unit. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly be advantageously combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. Also, the inclusion of a feature in one category of claims does not imply a limitation to this category, but rather the feature may be equally applicable to other claim categories, as appropriate.
, Claims:1. A washing unit (102) for dishwashers (100), the washing unit (102) comprising:
a chamber (202) positioned within a cavity (204) on an outer surface of a dishwasher (100) in one or more ways, wherein the chamber (202) is configured to operate independently from the dishwasher (100), and wherein the chamber (202) comprising:
a plurality of spray nozzles affixed at pre-defined positions within the chamber (202), wherein each of the plurality of spray nozzles is configured for spraying water of a pre-defined temperature based on a user requirement; and
a lid (104) coupled to the chamber (202) via an opening mechanism, configured for accessing the chamber (202), wherein the opening mechanism comprises one of a push-pull latch mechanism, a sliding mechanism, a roller-based mechanism, and a link mechanism.

2. The washing unit (102) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a communication system, wherein the communication system comprising:
an interactive interface (110) comprising a set of buttons for performing one or more actions; and
a communication module for sending messages to a user device and receiving commands via the user device.

3. The washing unit (102) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the set of buttons comprises a power button, a cycle selection button, an item type selection button, a control button, a timer button, a temperature selection button, and a sterilization button.

4. The washing unit (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chamber (202) comprising a dispensing mechanism configured for dispensing a cleaning agent, and wherein the chamber (202) is configured for washing items of a pre-defined size.

5. The washing unit (102) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the chamber (202) comprises a plurality of compartments configured for storing different types of the items during a cleaning cycle.

6. The washing unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more ways of positioning the chamber (202) within the cavity (204) comprises incorporating the chamber (202) within a cavity created in a front wall (106-2) of a door unit (106) of the dishwasher (100), incorporating the chamber (202) within a cavity created on one of a side wall of the door unit (106), incorporating the chamber (202) within a cavity created on a bottom area (304A) of the dishwasher (100), and incorporating the chamber (202) within a cavity created on a top area (304D) of the dishwasher (100).