CN113939217A

CN113939217A - Method for cleaning dishes or dish parts, dish container for containing dishes to be cleaned in a dishwasher, and dishwasher

Info

Publication number: CN113939217A
Application number: CN202080038160.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 哈拉尔德·迪施; 马蒂亚斯·库德勒; 马丁·施伦普; 比约恩·S·西摩尔斯巴赫
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 2019-05-27
Filing date: 2020-05-19
Publication date: 2022-01-14
Also published as: AU2020283797A1; DE102019114116A1; EP3975816A1; US20220192461A1; WO2020242819A1; AU2020283797B2

Abstract

A method for cleaning cutlery or cutlery parts (4) is provided, wherein the method comprises the following method steps: loading the tableware (4) to be cleaned into the tableware container (3); treating the dishes (4) to be cleaned with a washing liquid; and treating the washed dishes (4) with a clean rinsing liquid. The dish receptacles (3) are filled with dishes (4) to be cleaned such that the individual dish pieces (4) can be moved relative to each other and/or relative to the dish receptacles (3), wherein the dish pieces are moved at least once and preferably several times relative to each other and/or the dish receptacles (3) at least during a clean rinse and preferably also during a wash in order to avoid static contact points between the individual dish pieces (4) and/or between the dish pieces (4) and the dish receptacles (3). The invention further relates to a corresponding cutlery container (3) and to a dishwasher (1).

Description

Method for cleaning dishes or dish parts, dish container for containing dishes to be cleaned in a dishwasher, and dishwasher

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of commercial rinsing.

In particular, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for cleaning cutlery or cutlery parts accommodated by a cutlery receptacle.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a corresponding dish receptacle for receiving dishes to be cleaned in a dishwasher, and to a corresponding dishwasher, in particular a commercial ceramic dish or ware dishwasher, which is configured as a batch dishwasher with a treatment chamber or as a continuous conveyor dishwasher with at least one treatment zone and is designed to receive at least one dish receptacle for correspondingly cleaning the dishes received by the dish receptacle.

Background

Batch dishwashers are dishwashers that can be loaded and unloaded manually. Batch dishwashers may be dish-rack straight-through dishwashers, also known as hood dishwashers, or front-load dishwashers. The front loading dishwasher may be an under-counter machine, a countertop machine, or a stand-alone dishwasher having a front loading configuration.

Dishwashers configured as batch dishwashers generally have a treatment chamber for cleaning the washing appliances. Usually, a washing tank, in particular a single washing tank, is arranged below the treatment chamber, into which washing tank liquid can flow back from the treatment chamber under the influence of gravity. For this reason, batch dishwashers are sometimes also referred to as "single-box dishwashers".

In a typical single washing tank of a batch dishwasher, a washing liquid (typically water) is placed, to which detergent may be added, if appropriate.

Furthermore, a dishwasher configured as a batch dishwasher has a washing system with a washing pump, a line system connected to the washing pump, and a plurality of spray nozzles formed on at least one washing arm. The washing liquid in the washing tank can be delivered by the washing pump through a line system to the spray nozzles and sprayed through the spray nozzles in the treatment chamber onto the washing appliance to be cleaned. The sprayed washing liquid then flows back into the washing tank.

Continuous conveyor dishwashers are in particular cascade dishwashers (flight-type dish washers) or rack conveyor dishwashers. Continuous conveyor dishwashers are commonly used in the commercial field. In contrast to batch dishwashers (the washing means to be cleaned remain stationary in the machine during cleaning), in continuous-feed dishwashers the washing means are conveyed through the treatment zones of the continuous-feed dishwasher.

Continuous conveyor dishwashers generally have at least one pre-wash zone and also at least one main wash zone arranged downstream of the pre-wash zone(s) (as seen in the conveying direction of the dish items). Downstream of the main wash zone(s), viewed in the conveying direction, there are usually arranged at least one after-wash zone and at least one final-rinse zone, in particular a fresh-water final-rinse zone, which is connected downstream of the after-wash zone. Washing appliances held directly on the conveyor belt or held by the racks, seen in the conveying direction, typically pass through the inlet channel, the subsequent pre-wash zone(s), the main wash zone(s), the post-wash zone(s), the final rinse zone(s) and the drying zone in the conveying direction to the outlet section.

The washing zones of the continuous conveyor dishwasher described above are each assigned a washing system with a washing pump and a line system connected to the washing pump for supplying liquid to the spray nozzles of the washing zone. The washing liquid supplied to the spray nozzles is sprayed onto the washing appliances in the respective washing zones, which are conveyed through the respective washing zones by the conveyor of the continuous-feed dishwasher. Each washing zone is assigned a tank containing the liquid to be sprayed and/or the liquid to be supplied to the spray nozzles of the relevant zone.

In the case of continuous-feed dishwashers generally known from the prior art, the final rinse liquid, which may be pure or admixed with further additives, such as rinsing agents, in the form of fresh water, is sprayed onto the washing appliance via the spray nozzles of the final rinse zone. At least a portion of the sprayed final rinse liquid passes from one zone to another zone through the cascade system, opposite the direction of travel of the wash ware.

The sprayed final-rinse liquid is collected in a tank of the post-wash zone (post-wash tank), from which it is delivered by a wash pump of a washing system, which is part of the post-wash zone, to spray nozzles of the post-wash zone (post-wash nozzles). In the post-wash zone, wash liquid is washed from the washing appliance. The liquid collected there flows into the washing tank of the at least one main washing zone, which is connected upstream of the post-washing zone, viewed in the transport direction of the washing appliance. Here, the liquid is typically supplied with detergent and sprayed onto the washing appliance by a pump system (washing pump), which is part of the washing system of the main washing zone, through a nozzle (washing nozzle). If no further main wash zone is provided, the liquid then flows from the wash tank of the main wash zone into the pre-wash tank of the pre-wash zone. The liquid in the pre-wash tank is sprayed by a pump system, which is part of the washing system of the pre-wash zone, through pre-wash nozzles of the pre-wash zone onto the washing appliance to remove coarse dirt from the washing appliance.

Whether the dishwasher is configured as a batch dishwasher or a continuous-feed dishwasher, proper cleaning and drying of the dishes or dish bulk in the dishwasher is increasingly challenging, especially in the commercial field. For example, in the context of consumer research, it has been determined that cutlery pieces account for up to 4% of the commercial dishwasher's workload. The largest part of this work involves the polishing and drying of the cutlery parts. The reasons for the high cost of polishing and hand drying include mainly residual moisture on the dishes as well as salt and detergent residues.

Additional reasons for spots and streaks on cleaned and dried cutlery pieces may include unsatisfactory water quality.

In order to improve the rinsing results, in particular for dish items, it is known from commercial rinsing practice to improve the quality of the water used during the fresh water final-rinsing operation by using a permeate water filtration system, thereby preventing the formation of spots on the dish items due to the dissolution of salts and minerals in the water.

Even with a corresponding water treatment system for water used for carrying out a fresh water final rinse, it is generally not possible to achieve optimum cleaning results for the cutlery parts. The reason is that in order to clean the cutlery pieces, they are all supplied to the dishwasher, wherein they are accommodated in a cutlery container. However, the cutlery containers known from the prior art are considered disadvantageous in terms of avoiding damaging contact points between the cutlery parts and the cutlery container. A flat basket pocket or cutlery compartment is generally used as a cutlery container.

The so-called "pannier basket" is basically a large surface area shelf-like carrier with a bottom for horizontally carrying cutlery pieces, said bottom being enclosed by an enclosing structure to prevent the cutlery pieces from sliding off the bottom. In the case of the flat basket, the cutlery parts are arranged horizontally on the bottom in any desired manner. In other words, the cutlery pieces are randomly scattered and, in some cases, superposed on the bottom.

In contrast, the cutlery container, which is referred to as a cutlery compartment, has four high side walls along the periphery of the bottom to orient the cutlery pieces substantially vertically. Thus, the cutlery compartment has one or more deep cutlery racks, wherein a plurality of cutlery pieces can each be accommodated vertically in the cutlery rack (i.e. in an upright state). The vertical (upright) orientation of the cutlery achieved by the cutlery compartment reduces the amount of moisture adhering to the cutlery compared to the orientation that can be achieved by a pannier pocket. It is also the case that the number and type of contact points between the cutlery parts is improved by the known cutlery compartments and this leads to a further reduction of adhering moisture.

The cutlery containers known from the prior art are considered to have the following problems: the number and type of contact points between the cutlery pieces, and between the cutlery pieces and the receptacle itself, are disadvantageous in terms of the overall cleaning result that can be achieved, whereby additional manual polishing and/or post-treatment steps must be required.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of these problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for cleaning cutlery or cutlery parts, by means of which a better overall cleaning result can be achieved. In particular, after the end of the cleaning process, the aim is to make the cleaned dishes as free from streaks and spots as possible, without additional manual polishing and post-treatment steps.

Furthermore, the invention provides a cutlery container, by means of which the overall cleaning result of the cutlery parts that can be achieved can be optimized.

Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a dishwasher, in particular a commercial ceramic dish or ware dishwasher, which is configured as a batch dishwasher with a treatment chamber or as a continuous conveyor dishwasher with at least one treatment zone and which is designed to treat cutlery items with an optimum cleaning result.

The object on which the invention is based is: as regards the method, this is achieved by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1; with regard to the cutlery container, this is achieved by the subject matter of independent patent claim 6; and with regard to dishwashers, by the subject matter of a further independent patent claim 11, wherein the improvements of the invention are advantageously specified in the corresponding dependent claims.

Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to a method for cleaning cutlery or cutlery parts, wherein a cutlery container (for example a cutlery container configured as a basket or cutlery compartment) is initially filled with cutlery to be cleaned or cutlery parts to be cleaned.

The dishes to be cleaned are subsequently treated with the washing liquid. This takes place, for example, during a washing phase, in a treatment chamber of a dishwasher configured as a batch dishwasher or in one of the washing zones of a dishwasher configured as a continuous-feed dishwasher.

After the dishes or dish items have been treated with the washing liquid (during the washing phase or in at least one washing zone), the washed dishes are finally rinsed with fresh water or a final rinsing liquid. This takes place, for example, during a final-rinse phase in the case of a dishwasher configured as a batch dishwasher or in at least one final-rinse zone, in particular a fresh-water final-rinse zone, in which the dishwasher is embodied as a continuous-feed dishwasher.

According to an embodiment, the final-rinsed dishes or the final-rinsed dish items can then be dried during drying, for example in a treatment chamber of a dishwasher configured as a batch dishwasher, or in at least one drying zone of a dishwasher configured as a continuous-conveyor dishwasher. For example, the drying of the final-rinsed dishes or the final-rinsed dish parts can be effected in particular by means of heated air, which drying is optionally provided here. As an alternative thereto, for example, the drying is carried out passively, i.e. taking into account the amount of heat introduced into the dishes during the final rinse.

According to the invention, in a first method step associated with the filling of the cutlery container, the cutlery container is filled with cutlery to be cleaned or cutlery pieces to be cleaned, so that the individual cutlery pieces can be moved relative to one another and/or relative to the cutlery container.

In other words, according to the invention, the dishes to be cleaned are not held by the dish receptacle, as is the case, for example, with a dish drawer, which is used in particular in domestic dishwashers and in which the dish parts are arranged and fixed horizontally.

Furthermore, it is intended according to the invention that the cutlery pieces are moved at least once relative to one another and/or relative to the cutlery container during the final rinse and preferably also during the wash to thereby avoid or at least reduce static contact points between the individual cutlery pieces and/or between the cutlery pieces and the cutlery container.

In this case, the present invention is based on the following findings: during the regular cleaning of the cutlery or cutlery parts, the static contact points between the cutlery parts and/or between the cutlery parts and the cutlery receptacle represent a (main) cause of unsatisfactory cleaning results. In particular, at the contact point, the wash liquid solution and/or the final-rinse liquid cannot be rinsed off or at least cannot be completely rinsed off during the fresh-water final-rinse phase or in the fresh-water final-rinse zone. Thus, after drying out, the surface of the dish parts remains speckled, which is produced by the constituents of the washing liquid solution and the post-rinse water. The greater the load of the cutlery container, the more contact points and the greater the size of the contact surface.

The term "contact point" as used herein is understood to mean a point-like, line-like, or planar contact between the cutlery pieces, or between the cutlery pieces and the cutlery receptacle.

In practice, this means that with conventional methods and conventional cutlery containers it is virtually impossible to clean the cutlery parts without contact points. Thus, according to the prior art, it is not possible to achieve perfect cleaning results, i.e. cleaning results that are completely free of spots and streaks; however, this is necessary in dietary settings where perfect tableware results are important. Thus, such eating establishments have also been used to date to manually polish the dishes after completing an automatic cleaning cycle, which represents a considerable additional time expenditure (up to several hours per day depending on the quantity of dishes). This is also undesirable in terms of hygiene, as commonly used wet wipes or wipes can be a source of bacteria.

By means of the invention and in particular by means of the method according to the invention, said drawbacks can be eliminated in an easily realizable but still effective manner. Firstly, by deliberately "loosely" containing the cutlery pieces to be cleaned with the cutlery container, i.e. by containing the cutlery pieces in such a way that the cutlery pieces to be cleaned can be moved relative to one another and/or relative to the cutlery container, and secondly, by moving the cutlery pieces at least once and preferably continuously or cyclically relative to one another and/or relative to the cutlery container at least during the (fresh) final-rinse operation and preferably also during the washing operation and/or during optionally provided airing operation, static contact points between the individual cutlery pieces and the cutlery container can be effectively prevented. The direct result is that both a perfect (clear water) final rinse result and a substantially perfect cleaning result can be achieved, since the static contact points are avoided and the main cause of the formation of spots or streaks is eliminated.

In order to deliberately move the cutlery parts relative to one another and/or relative to the cutlery container, various methods are suitable:

according to an embodiment of the invention, the movement of the cutlery parts relative to each other and/or relative to the cutlery container is performed at least once (and preferably continuously or cyclically) by applying mechanical pulses to the cutlery parts and/or to the cutlery container. Thus, the cutlery parts are accelerated at least briefly and their position relative to each other or their position relative to the cutlery container changes, so that a static contact point is effectively prevented. Here, it should be borne in mind that the mechanical impulse to be applied to the cutlery pieces and/or the cutlery container need not be so great as to overcome the adhesion forces that cause any water droplets to adhere to the cutlery pieces, since the application of the mechanical impulse is primarily intended to change the position of the cutlery pieces relative to each other or relative to the cutlery container, thereby avoiding static contact points.

Alternatively or additionally thereto, it is conceivable to tilt or turn the cutlery container relative to the horizontal plane in order to move the cutlery pieces (and thus avoid static contact points), wherein the cutlery pieces are moved relative to each other and/or relative to the cutlery container under the influence of gravity acting on the cutlery pieces.

Yet another method for moving the cutlery pieces relative to each other and relative to the cutlery container comprises: the magnetic field is applied at least once, in particular for a short period of time or cyclically, and is selected such that the cutlery parts are moved relative to one another and/or relative to the cutlery container as a result of the magnetic force acting on the cutlery parts and/or the cutlery container.

According to a development of the method according to the invention, the dish parts are accelerated and/or moved at least during the airing so that the centrifugal forces acting on any water droplets adhering to the dish parts are at least partially greater than the adhesive forces with which the water droplets adhere to the dish parts.

In other words, according to this refinement, the dish pieces can be set into rotation, for example during a drying operation, such that at least a part of the water droplets adhering to the dish pieces leave the dish pieces as a result of the centrifugal forces acting.

However, as an alternative or in addition to rotationally moving the dish pieces, it is also contemplated to apply a shaking or vibrating motion to the dish pieces to "shake off" at least a portion of the water droplets adhered to the dish pieces.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it relates to an optimized dish container for accommodating dishes to be cleaned in a dishwasher, wherein the dish container is configured for accommodating dishes to be cleaned such that the individual dish parts are movable relative to each other and/or relative to the dish container.

In particular, in this context, it is envisaged that the cutlery container comprises or is assigned a pulse generator which is configured for applying mechanical pulses continuously, periodically or cyclically as required to the cutlery container and/or any cutlery which can be accommodated by the cutlery container, so that the cutlery pieces which can be accommodated by the cutlery container are moved relative to one another and/or relative to the cutlery container, to thereby avoid static contact points between the cutlery pieces which can be accommodated by the cutlery container or between the cutlery pieces and the cutlery container.

In a preferred embodiment of the cutlery container according to the invention, the pulse generator (which is part of the cutlery container or is assigned to it) is configured in particular as a piezoelectric oscillation exciter, an ultrasonic exciter or a mechanical unbalanced motor.

Alternatively or in addition thereto, it is conceivable to assign an electric motor, such as a stepping motor, to the cutlery container, by means of which the cutlery container can be rotated in a cyclically changing rotational direction. It is advantageous here to change the direction as abruptly as possible, so that high acceleration forces act for a short time on the cutlery pieces contained in the cutlery container, and therefore the cutlery pieces that can be contained by the cutlery container can move relative to one another and/or relative to the cutlery container as a result of the acceleration forces acting on the cutlery pieces. In this way, it is also possible to effectively prevent static contact points between the cutlery parts and the cutlery container.

As an alternative or in addition thereto, it is conceivable for the cutlery container to have or be assigned a tilting or rotating device which is configured for tilting or rotating the cutlery container relative to a horizontal plane as required, so that the cutlery parts which the cutlery container can accommodate are moved relative to one another and/or relative to the cutlery container under the influence of the weight of the cutlery parts. In this way, it is also possible to effectively prevent static contact points between the cutlery parts and the cutlery container.

As an alternative or in addition to such tilting or rotating means, it is conceivable that the cutlery container comprises or is assigned a drive which is configured for accelerating and/or moving any cutlery pieces contained by the cutlery container such that the centrifugal force acting on any water droplets adhering to the cutlery pieces is at least partially greater than the adhesive force with which the water droplets adhere to the cutlery pieces.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it relates to a dishwasher, in particular a commercial ceramic dish or ware dishwasher, which is configured as a batch dishwasher with a treatment chamber or as a continuous conveyor dishwasher with at least one treatment zone.

According to the invention, provision is made, in particular, for the dishwasher to comprise at least one cutlery receptacle which can be received at least partially and/or regionally in or by the treatment chamber or the at least one treatment zone and can accommodate cutlery items to be treated in the dishwasher.

Furthermore, the dishwasher according to the invention has a pulse generator (which is assigned to the dish container) and/or a tilting or rotating device (which is assigned to the dish container) and/or a drive (which is assigned to the dish container).

The pulse generator may comprise at least one oscillation exciter, which is configured in particular as a piezoelectric oscillation exciter, an ultrasonic exciter, or a mechanically unbalanced motor. In this context, however, an electric motor, such as a stepping motor, is also envisaged which is assigned to the cutlery container and is configured/designed to rotate the cutlery container in a cyclically changing direction of rotation or in some other manner such that the relatively high acceleration forces temporarily act on the cutlery pieces contained in the cutlery container and thereby at least indirectly generate a pulse.

Regardless of the specific implementation of the pulse generator, the pulse generator should be configured to apply at least one mechanical pulse, and preferably a plurality of mechanical pulses, cyclically or continuously as required to the cutlery container and/or any cutlery that the cutlery container may contain, such that in order to avoid static contact points the cutlery pieces move relative to each other and in particular also relative to the cutlery container.

The dishwasher according to the invention is especially configured such that: the dishwasher is configured to tilt or rotate the cutlery container relative to the horizontal as required, such that the cutlery pieces move relative to each other and in particular also relative to the cutlery container under the effect of gravity acting on the cutlery pieces, and thereby avoid static contact points.

With regard to the drive for dispensing the cutlery container, in particular such that the drive is configured for accelerating and/or moving any cutlery pieces contained by the cutlery container such that the centrifugal force acting on any water droplets adhering to the cutlery pieces is at least partially greater than the adhesive force with which the water droplets adhere to the cutlery pieces.

In particular, in the dishwasher according to the invention, the dish container is of the above-described type according to the invention.

Preferably, the cutlery container can be replaceably received in the treatment chamber or in the at least one treatment zone of the dishwasher, wherein for this purpose a corresponding mounting or the like can be provided for replaceably receiving the cutlery container in the treatment chamber or in the at least one treatment zone of the dishwasher. By implementing the cutlery container as exchangeably received in the treatment chamber or the at least one treatment zone of the dishwasher, the cutlery container can also be used for pre-dipping the cutlery parts contained by the cutlery container in the pre-cleaning station.

In one embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention, it is configured as a batch dishwasher, wherein the drive is preferably integrated completely in a treatment chamber of the dishwasher configured as a batch dishwasher, via which drive the cutlery container is movable relative to the treatment chamber, in particular such that the cutlery pieces which the cutlery container can contain are movable relative to one another and/or relative to the cutlery container.

Alternatively or additionally, the drive is configured for moving the cutlery container relative to the treatment chamber such that a centrifugal force acting on any water droplets adhering to the cutlery pieces is at least partially greater than an adhesion force causing the water droplets to adhere to the cutlery pieces. For example, in this context, the drive may be configured for rotating the cutlery container about a horizontal axis of rotation, turning the cutlery container about a vertical axis of rotation, and/or moving the cutlery container in a linear manner, in particular as required or in a continuous, periodic, or cyclical manner, relative to the treatment chamber.

According to a preferred implementation of the dishwasher of the invention, a magnetic drive or magnetic coupling is used, via which the drive integrated in the dishwasher can be actively connected to the dish container (serving as an output) in order to move the dish container accordingly.

For example, it is conceivable that the at least one drive element is arranged in a treatment chamber of the dishwasher or in the at least one treatment zone of the dishwasher and has, for example, a plurality of magnetic poles, in particular permanent magnetic poles, which are mounted on a shaft which can be rotated relative to the treatment chamber or relative to the treatment zone. Furthermore, in this context, it is conceivable for the cutlery container to have a driven element, wherein the driven element can be positively connected to a drive element of the dishwasher as required and in particular in a contactless manner via a magnetic coupling, so that a torque or a rotational force is transmitted from the drive element to the driven element and the cutlery container.

In principle, with a dishwasher according to the invention, it is advantageous if the pulse generator and/or the tilting or rotating device and/or the drive of the dishwasher are actuated via a control device, in particular a control device of the dishwasher, in particular such that the pulse generator, the tilting or rotating device and/or the drive are/is activated during a drying phase or in a drying zone and/or during a final-rinse phase, in particular a fresh-water final-rinse phase, or in a final-rinse zone, in particular a fresh-water final-rinse zone.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

In the drawings:

fig. 1 schematically shows a front view of a first exemplary embodiment of a dishwasher according to the invention, wherein in fig. 1 the dishwasher is embodied as a hood dishwasher and wherein the dishwasher is shown in its open state;

FIG. 2 schematically shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a dishwasher according to FIG. 1 according to the present invention;

fig. 3 schematically shows a plan view of a drive unit integrated in the treatment chamber of the dishwasher according to fig. 1 and configured for correspondingly manipulating a cutlery container received in the treatment chamber of the dishwasher;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a front view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a dishwasher according to the present invention, wherein in FIG. 4 the dishwasher is embodied as an in-counter dishwasher and is shown in an open state;

FIG. 5 schematically shows a side view of the dishwasher according to FIG. 4 according to the invention;

fig. 6 schematically shows a front view of a drive unit for handling a cutlery container received in a treatment chamber of a dishwasher, which drive unit is used in an exemplary embodiment of a dishwasher according to fig. 4 according to the invention and is integrated in the treatment chamber; and

fig. 7 schematically shows a partial cross-sectional view of the drive unit according to fig. 6.

Detailed Description

The object of the invention (described in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings) is to eliminate the contact points between the cutlery pieces contained by the cutlery pieces container and between said cutlery pieces and the cutlery pieces container itself using a cutlery container which is movable relative to the treatment chamber or the at least one treatment zone of the dishwasher, since the movement of the cutlery container during the cleaning and/or drying process continuously slightly changes the position of each cutlery piece and therefore no longer presents any static contact points.

Instead, the point of contact changes continuously during the cleaning and/or drying cycle. This ensures that the entire dish surface of each dish piece is freely accessible to, for example, wash liquor solution, final rinse liquor, and heated air for drying during the cleaning and/or drying cycle. Thus, spot-free, glossy results of the cutlery pieces can be provided, wherein in particular the manual labor for manual polishing or additional post-treatment steps are eliminated.

In the drawings, there is schematically shown an exemplary embodiment of a dishwasher according to the present invention. These are commercial dishwashers, each configured as a batch dishwasher.

In particular, the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention, which is shown in fig. 1 to 3, relates to a batch dishwasher which is embodied as a hood-type or (rack-type) flow-through dishwasher 1, while the exemplary embodiment according to fig. 4 to 7 relates to a batch dishwasher which is embodied as a rack-type dishwasher 1.

The commercial dishwasher 1, which is embodied as a batch dishwasher, has a program control device 11 for controlling at least one cleaning program and has a treatment chamber 2, which is closed by at least one door and/or at least one hood in the machine housing, for receiving a washing appliance to be cleaned, such as for example crockery dishes, cutlery 4, pots, pans, trays and/or glasses.

Although not shown in the figures, it is advantageous from an ergonomic point of view if, in particular, a batch dishwasher implemented as a straight-through dishwasher 1 is equipped with a corresponding work station (loading work station and unloading work station, respectively) on both its loading side and its unloading side. Thus, the basket pocket loaded with soiled washing appliances can be pushed from the loading counter into the dishwasher 1. After the washing appliances have been treated in the treatment chamber 2 of the dishwasher 1, the basket with the cleaned washing appliances is then removed from the machine onto a removal station.

The action time, i.e. the time over which the cleaning or washing liquid wets the washing appliances in the treatment chamber 2 of the batch dishwasher, depends inter alia on the duration of the washing phase defined by the treatment program. For normally soiled washing appliances, such as dishes, bowls, cups and/or glasses, the cleaning cycle consisting of a washing phase and a subsequent final rinsing phase generally takes 50 to 100 seconds. However, especially if the soiling on the washing appliances is relatively thick, it may be necessary to treat these washing appliances for a longer time.

In the figures, exemplary embodiments of a dishwasher 1 according to the invention are shown, each having a cutlery container 3 which can be received in a treatment chamber 2 of the dishwasher 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutlery container 3 is configured as a cutlery compartment. In principle, however, it is also conceivable for the cutlery receptacles 3 to be configured as flat basket pockets.

The cutlery container 3 serves for containing cutlery 4 to be cleaned in the treatment chamber 2 of the dishwasher 1. In this case, the cutlery container 3 (cutlery compartment) is configured for containing the cutlery 4 to be cleaned in such a way that the individual cutlery pieces 4 can be moved relative to one another and in particular also relative to the cutlery container 3 itself.

Exemplary embodiments of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention (schematically illustrated in the figures) each have a drive 5 which is preferably completely receivable or receivable in the treatment chamber 2 of the dishwasher 1 and serves to drive a cutlery container 3, which can be received in the treatment chamber 2, accordingly. In particular, the drive 5 is configured to apply at least one mechanical pulse, and preferably a plurality of mechanical pulses, as required continuously, periodically or cyclically to the cutlery containers 3 and thus also to the cutlery 4 contained by the cutlery containers 3, so that the individual cutlery pieces 4 contained by the cutlery containers 3 move relative to one another and relative to the cutlery containers 3 themselves, effectively eliminating static contact points between the cutlery pieces 4, and between the cutlery pieces 4 and the cutlery containers 3.

In particular, the drive 5 (which is assigned to the cutlery container 3 and is preferably received in the treatment chamber 2 of the dishwasher 1) is configured for periodically, continuously or cyclically accelerating or moving the cutlery container 3, and thus the cutlery pieces 4 contained by the cutlery container 3, as required, such that any water droplets adhering to the cutlery pieces 4 are detached from the cutlery pieces 4 by centrifugal force.

As can be gathered from the illustration of fig. 3, in a first exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention, the drive 5 is configured as a rotary drive, the corresponding spindle 7 being drivable by means of a motor, the spindle 7 in turn driving a drive disk 9 in a rotary manner in the treatment chamber 2 of the dishwasher 1 by means of a mechanism 8. The plate container 3, which is embodied in particular as a plate compartment, can be placed (exchangeably) on the drive plate 9 in order to achieve an active connection between the drive 5 on the one hand and the plate container 3 on the other hand.

In this context, however, an active connection between the drive 5 and the output and the cutlery container 3 is of course also envisaged, said connection operating substantially in a "contactless" manner, for example by means of a magnetic coupling.

The drive unit used in fig. 4 to 7 is a drive unit or drive 5 which is embodied as a tilting or rotating device 10 and serves to tilt or rotate the cutlery container 3 continuously, periodically or cyclically as required relative to the horizontal, so that the cutlery pieces 4 held by the cutlery container 3 move relative to one another and in particular also relative to the cutlery container 3 under the effect of the gravitational force acting on the cutlery pieces 4 and thus also effectively eliminate static contact points.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but results from a summary of all features disclosed herein.

In particular, in this context, it is conceivable, according to the invention, for a pulse generator (assigned to the cutlery container 3) to be arranged in the treatment chamber 2 or treatment zone of the dishwasher 1 in order to apply at least one mechanical pulse to the cutlery container 3 as required, as a result of which the cutlery pieces 4 held by the cutlery container 3 are moved relative to one another and in particular also relative to the cutlery container 3 itself. The pulse generator may comprise, for example, an oscillatory actuator, in particular a piezoelectric oscillatory actuator, an ultrasonic actuator, or a mechanically unbalanced motor.

Alternatively or in addition thereto, it is conceivable for an electric motor, such as a stepping motor, to be assigned to the cutlery container 3, by means of which the cutlery container 3 can be rotated in a cyclically changing rotational direction. It is advantageous here to change the direction (direction of rotation) as abruptly as possible, so that high acceleration forces act for a short time on the cutlery pieces contained in the cutlery container 3, and therefore the cutlery pieces that can be contained by the cutlery container 3 can move relative to one another and/or relative to the cutlery container 3 as a result of the acceleration forces acting on the cutlery pieces.

In summary, the invention relates in particular to a commercial dishwasher 1 for rinsing or cleaning different washing appliances, which dishwasher is configured as a single-box dishwasher 1 (batch dishwasher) or as a multiple-box dishwasher 1 (continuous conveyor dishwasher), in which dishwasher 1 a movable dish container 3, in particular in the form of a dish rack, is located for cleaning and/or drying dish items 4.

In particular, in this context, it is conceivable that the cutlery containers 3 (in particular cutlery racks) can be moved in a rotating manner relative to the treatment chamber 2 or treatment zone of the dishwasher 1. As an alternative or in addition thereto, the cutlery container 3 can also be moved in an oscillating manner. However, it is naturally also conceivable in principle that the cutlery container 3 can be moved in any other desired manner of movement (for example horizontally, vertically, etc.) relative to the treatment chamber 2 or the treatment zone of the dishwasher 1.

In particular, the cutlery container 3 can be moved in a direction-changing manner by a suitable drive 5 of the dishwasher 1.

In this case, it is advantageous in respect of the cutlery containers 3 that they are cutlery racks which are essentially as small as possible or have as small as possible a contact surface for the cutlery parts 4.

The dish container is preferably moved in such a way that the water droplets are removed from the dish parts 4 by physical forces (centrifugal force, gravity, etc.), thus supporting drying.

In a preferred implementation, the cutlery container 3, together with the bottom frame assigned to the cutlery container 3, can preferably be completely removed from the treatment chamber 2 or the treatment region of the dishwasher 1, so that further washing racks can also be inserted accordingly.

During the cleaning and/or airing process, the movement of the dish containers 3 can preferably be adjusted and controlled in a flexible manner, for example continuously or cyclically, at a constant rotational speed.

List of reference numerals

1 dishwasher 1

2 Process Chamber 2

3 tableware container 3

4 tableware Components 4

5 driver 5

6 bearing

7 spindle 7

8 mechanism

9 drive plate

10 tilting or rotating device 10

11 control device

Claims

1. Method for cleaning cutlery or cutlery parts (4), wherein the method comprises the following method steps:

-loading the dishes (4) to be cleaned into the dish receptacle (3);

-treating the dishes (4) to be cleaned with a washing liquid; and

-treating the washed dishes (4) with a clean rinsing liquid;

wherein the cutlery container (3) is filled with the cutlery (4) to be cleaned such that the individual cutlery pieces (4) are movable relative to one another and/or relative to the cutlery container (3), wherein at least during a clean rinse and preferably also during a wash the cutlery pieces (4) are moved at least once and preferably several times relative to one another and/or relative to the cutlery container (3) in order to avoid static contact points between the individual cutlery pieces (4) and/or between the cutlery pieces (4) and the cutlery container (3).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

wherein the cutlery parts (4) are moved relative to each other and/or relative to the cutlery container (3) in that a mechanical pulse is applied at least once and preferably several times to the cutlery parts (4) and/or the cutlery container (3).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,

wherein, for moving the cutlery parts (4), the cutlery receptacles (3) are inclined or rotated relative to a horizontal plane, and wherein the cutlery parts (4) are moved relative to each other and/or relative to the cutlery receptacles (3) under the effect of the gravitational force acting on the cutlery parts (4).

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3,

wherein a magnetic field is applied to move the cutlery parts (4), and wherein the cutlery parts (4) are moved relative to one another and/or relative to the cutlery container (3), in particular as a result of the magnetic field acting on the cutlery parts (4) and/or the cutlery container (3).

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4,

wherein the method further comprises the following method steps after the method step of a clean rinse:

-drying the rinsed dishes (4),

wherein during airing the cutlery parts (4) are moved at least once and preferably several times relative to each other and/or relative to the cutlery container (3) in order to avoid static contact points between the individual cutlery parts (4) and/or between the cutlery parts (4) and the cutlery container (3); and/or

Wherein the cutlery pieces (4) are accelerated and/or moved at least during airing such that the centrifugal forces acting on any water droplets adhering to the cutlery pieces (4) are at least partially greater than the adhesion forces adhering the water droplets to the cutlery pieces (4).

6. A cutlery container (3) for containing cutlery to be cleaned in a dishwasher (1), wherein the cutlery container (3) is configured for containing the cutlery (4) to be cleaned such that individual cutlery pieces (4) are movable relative to one another and/or relative to the cutlery container (3),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the cutlery receptacles (3) comprise or are assigned a pulse generator, wherein the pulse generator is configured for applying at least one mechanical pulse to the cutlery receptacles (3) and/or to any cutlery (4) that can be held by the cutlery receptacles (3) as required or continuously, such that the cutlery pieces (4) that can be held in the cutlery receptacles (3) can be moved at least once relative to one another and/or relative to the cutlery receptacles (3) in order to avoid static contact points between individual cutlery pieces (4) held in the cutlery receptacles (3) or between individual cutlery pieces and the cutlery receptacles (3).

7. Cutlery container (3) according to claim 6,

wherein the pulse generator comprises at least one oscillation exciter, wherein the oscillation exciter is configured in particular as a piezoelectric oscillation exciter, an ultrasonic exciter or a mechanically unbalanced motor.

8. Cutlery container (3) according to claim 6 or 7, or according to the preamble of claim 6,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the cutlery receptacles (3) have a tilting or rotating device (10) or the cutlery receptacles (3) are assigned a tilting or rotating device (10), wherein the tilting or rotating device (10) is configured for tilting or rotating the cutlery receptacles (3) relative to a horizontal plane as required, such that the cutlery pieces (4) are moved relative to one another and/or relative to the cutlery receptacles (3) under the effect of the gravitational force acting on the cutlery pieces (4).

9. Cutlery container (3) according to any of claims 6 to 8 or according to the preamble of claim 6,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the cutlery container (3) comprises a drive (5) or the cutlery container (3) is assigned a drive (5) in order to accelerate and/or move any cutlery pieces (4) contained by the cutlery container (3) such that the centrifugal force acting on any water droplets adhering to the cutlery pieces (4) is at least partially greater than the adhesion force with which the water droplets adhere to the cutlery pieces (4); and/or

An electric motor, in particular a stepping motor, is assigned to the cutlery receptacles (3), so that the cutlery receptacles can be rotated by the electric motor in cyclically changing rotational directions.

10. Cutlery container (3) according to any of claims 6 to 9,

wherein the cutlery receptacle (3) is configured as a basket or cutlery compartment.

11. Dishwasher (1), in particular a commercial ceramic dish or ware dishwasher, configured as a programmable machine with a treatment chamber or as a continuous-feed dishwasher with at least one treatment zone, wherein the dishwasher (1) comprises a cutlery receptacle (3) which can be received, preferably exchangeably, at least partially and/or regionally in the treatment chamber (2) or in the at least one treatment zone and can receive cutlery (4) to be treated in the dishwasher (1), wherein the dishwasher (1) has at least one of the following features:

(a) a pulse generator which is assigned to the cutlery container (3) and is configured for applying at least one mechanical pulse to the cutlery container (3) and/or to the cutlery (4) which the cutlery container (3) can contain, as required or continuously, such that the cutlery pieces (4) which the cutlery container (3) can contain can be moved at least once relative to one another and/or relative to the cutlery container (3) in order to avoid static contact points between the cutlery pieces (4) which can be contained in the cutlery container (3) or between the cutlery pieces and the cutlery container (3);

(b) tilting or rotating means (10) which are assigned to the cutlery receptacles (3) and are configured for tilting or rotating the cutlery receptacles (3) as required relative to a horizontal plane, so that the cutlery pieces (4) which can be accommodated by the cutlery receptacles (3) are moved relative to one another and/or relative to the cutlery receptacles (3) under the effect of the gravitational force acting on the cutlery pieces (4); and/or

(c) A drive (5) which is assigned to the cutlery container (3) and which is configured for accelerating and/or moving the cutlery pieces (4) which the cutlery container (3) can contain, such that the centrifugal force acting on any water droplets adhering to the cutlery pieces (4) is at least partially greater than the adhesive force with which the water droplets adhere to the cutlery pieces (4).

12. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 11,

wherein the cutlery container (3) is a cutlery container (3) according to any of claims 6 to 10, wherein the cutlery container (3) is replaceably received in the treatment chamber (2) or the at least one treatment zone, and wherein the cutlery container (3) is configured for pre-dipping the cutlery pieces (4) contained by the cutlery container (3) in a pre-cleaning station.

13. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 11 or 12,

wherein the dishwasher (1) is configured as a programmable machine, and wherein the drive (5) is preferably fully integrated in a treatment chamber (2) of the dishwasher (1) configured as a programmable machine, via which drive (5) the cutlery receptacle (3) is movable relative to the treatment chamber (2), while in particular the cutlery pieces (4) which the cutlery receptacles (3) can receive are movable relative to one another and/or relative to the cutlery receptacles (3), and/or the centrifugal force acting on any water droplets adhering to the cutlery pieces (4) is at least partially greater than the adhesion force with which the water droplets adhere to the cutlery pieces (4), wherein the drive (5) is configured for rotating the cutlery receptacles (3) about a horizontal axis of rotation relative to the treatment chamber (2) as desired, Rotating it about a vertical axis of rotation and/or moving it in a linear manner.

14. The dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 13,

wherein at least one drive element is provided in the treatment chamber (2) or the at least one treatment zone of the dishwasher (1) and has a plurality of magnetic poles loaded on a shaft rotatable relative to the treatment chamber (2) or treatment zone, and wherein the cutlery container (3) has a driven element, wherein the driven element can be actively connected to the drive element via a magnetic coupling as required, so that a torque or a rotational force is transmitted from the drive element to the driven element and the cutlery container (3).

15. The dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 14,

wherein the pulse generator and/or the tilting or rotating device (10) and/or the drive (5) can be actuated as required via a control device, in particular a control device of the dishwasher (1), in particular such that the pulse generator and/or the tilting or rotating device (10) and/or the drive (5) is/are activated during a drying phase or in a drying zone and/or during a clean rinsing phase or in a clean rinsing zone, in particular in a clean water rinsing zone, and/or during a washing phase or in a washing zone.