DE102013100995A1 - Connecting device for connecting a spray arm at rinsing basket of cleaning and/or disinfection machine for washing a medical instrument, has non-return valve provided with valve housing portion which is formed one-piece with dispatcher - Google Patents

Abstract

The connecting device has several pipe unions (21) that are provided with a dispatcher (16) and a non-return valve (18). The non-return valve of the pipe union is provided with a valve housing portion which is formed one-piece with the dispatcher. The dispatcher and the valve housing portion are welded with one another. A seal element is arranged within the valve housing portion in a sliding manner.

Description

The invention relates to a connection device for connecting a arranged on a washing basket of a cleaning and / or disinfecting device for dispensing a medium to a medium supply, with a plurality of connecting pieces having distributor and a check valve connected to one of the connecting pieces.

Cleaning and / or disinfecting machines are well known in the art. They have a rinsing container that provides a washing room. In the intended use case, the washing compartment serves to receive items to be cleaned and / or to be disinfected, which may be, for example, medical instruments and appliances. The washing compartment is accessible via a feed opening of the washing container, which can be closed in a fluid-tight manner by means of a door which is pivotably arranged on the washing container.

It comes in the intended use case for Spülgutreinigung typically a wash basket used. This is to be equipped with the items to be cleaned and then introduce the user side through the feed opening into the washing compartment. After successful rinsing, d. H. Cleaning and / or disinfection of the items to be washed, the washing basket can be removed together with the items to be washed recorded by the user side of the washing compartment through the feed opening again.

Within the flushing chamber, a spraying device is arranged, which serves the loading of items to be washed with rinsing liquor. The spraying device typically has spray arms that are rotatably mounted. It can be distinguished on the other hand between the machine-side spray arm on the one hand and the basket-side spray arms. In this case, "spray gun arms" concern such spray arms that are installed in the washing compartment of the machine. There may be provided two such spray arms, wherein the one cover side and the other bottom side of the washing compartment is formed. "Basket-side spray arms" mean, however, such spray arms, which are arranged on the spray basket, which can therefore be moved together with the sprayer on the user side. For fluidic connection of these spray arms to a medium supply, a connection device is provided, which is arranged outside the washing container and provides coupling points, which in the intended use form a fluidic connection of the connection device with the respective associated spray arms of the washing basket.

The spray arms can optionally be charged with rinsing liquor on the one hand and with drying air on the other hand. The connection device has for this purpose via appropriate distributor. In this case, each distributor is associated with a check valve, so that an influx of rinsing water into the air circuit on the one hand and the ingress of air into the rinsing water cycle on the other hand is prevented.

Typical washing baskets for cleaning and / or disinfecting machines previously known from the prior art have two spray arms. Accordingly, the connection device for connecting the spray arms to a medium supply is equipped with two distributors, wherein each of the spray arms of the spray basket is associated with a distributor. At each of the two manifolds, a check valve is connected in each case, so that a total of two check valves are provided. In the intended use case one of the two check valves is opened and the other check valve is closed. Depending on the position of the check valves, it can then flow into the rinsing container, either rinsing liquor or drying air, via the connection device and the spray arms connected thereto.

The above-described construction has proven itself in everyday practice. Nevertheless, there is a need for improvement, especially from a manufacturing point of view. It is therefore an object of the invention to improve the previously known from the prior art construction to the effect that manufacturing technology is achieved a simplification, also with a view to a mounting or dismounting.

To solve this problem, a connection device of the type described above is proposed with the invention, which is characterized in that the check valve has a valve housing which is integrally formed with the manifold.

According to the invention, in contrast to the prior art, a distributor-non-return valve construction component that can be handled as an integral structural component is used. This component is inventively formed in that the manifold and the valve housing provided by the check valve are integrally formed. This is achieved, for example, in that the distributor and the valve housing are materially connected to one another, for example by welding.

According to the construction known from the prior art, differently designed manifolds are used for each spray arm to be connected. At this distributor are in the final assembled state respectively differently formed check valves fluidly connected. This hitherto different design of manifolds on the one hand and check valves on the other hand takes into account the fact that in cross-section differently shaped connecting lines are used. However, it has been recognized that such differently designed connecting lines are not required and that standardized connecting lines can be used, both with regard to the rinsing liquor cycle and with regard to the air circulation.

This circumstance makes the inventive design to use. It is proposed a unified one-piece design of manifold and valve body, so that in contrast to the prior art now not four individual components find use that applies it to assemble. According to the embodiment of the invention rather a component formed from a manifold and a valve housing component is used, which are connected to both the Spülflotten cycle and the air circuit and optionally to a device for dispensing a medium, such as one of the rinsing basket-side spray arms can. As a consequence, a plurality of distributor check valve assemblies are used for the devices provided by the washing basket for dispensing a medium, such as spray arms, without the need for production-related distinction in this respect. The embodiment of the invention therefore simplifies the production and the final assembly.

The valve housing and / or the distributor are each formed from housing shells, which are welded together.

Manufacturing technology, the housing shells are formed in a first step. These housing shells may be, for example, half-shells. In a subsequent step, the half-shells are equipped with the components necessary for proper operation, such as sealing body, intermediate or attachment parts, seals and / or the like. Then the populated housing shells are assembled and welded together to the final training of the manifold and / or the check valve.

The check valve has a sealing body received by the valve housing, which cooperates with a sealing surface provided by the valve housing.

This sealing body may be, for example, a sealing ball. This is arranged displaceably within the valve body. In the case of sealing, it bears against the sealing surface provided by the valve housing, whereby the check valve is closed on the flow outlet side. When medium is applied in the opposite direction, the sealing ball releases the valve opening and moves from its sealing position into an open position. In this position, the check valve can be flowed through in countercurrent of a medium.

To guide the sealing ball within the valve housing guide ribs are provided. These ensure, on the one hand, that the sealing body is guided in accordance with its intended purpose so that, in the intended application, a tight contact of the sealing body with the corresponding mating surface of the valve housing is ensured. On the other hand, due to the guide ribs caused by flow obstacles pressure loss is minimized. Preferably, at least 4 guide ribs, in particular 6 guide ribs are present. As a result, a secure guidance and a secure hold of the sealing ball is ensured in the flow in the open state, without the sealing ball vibrated by the fluid flow.

Overall, with the embodiment according to the invention, a connection device is provided, which, in contrast to the prior art, has fewer individual components which, moreover, have a standardized design. The used distributor check valve components are equally suitable for connection to the individual spray arms of the rinse basket, which simplifies both the production and the assembly or disassembly.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to FIGS. Showing:

1 a schematic view of a cleaning and / or disinfecting machine according to the invention;

2 in a schematic-perspective view of a distributor;

3 in a sectional side view of a distributor 2 ;

4 in a plan view from below a distributor 2 ;

1 lets in a schematic representation of a cleaning and / or disinfection machine 1 recognize according to the invention. This has a housing 2 That a rinse tank 3 receives. The washing container 3 is in turn through Spülbehälterwände 4 limited and provides a flushing room 5 ready. Inside the dishwasher 5 is a wash basket 8th movably arranged by an in 1 not shown feed opening the washing 3 can be removed or supplied to this.

Inside the dishwasher 5 are in the embodiment shown four spray arms 6 and 7 on the one hand, and 9 and 10 arranged on the other hand. At the spray arms 6 and 7 These are spray tank-side spray arms, wherein the spray arm 6 on the ceiling side of the washing compartment 3 and the spray arm 7 on the floor side of the washing container 3 is trained.

At the other spray arms 9 and 10 these are sprayer-side spray arms, ie spray arms attached to the wash basket 8th arranged and designed to be movable with this.

Outside the washing container 3 is a connection device 14 formed, the fluidic connection of the Spülkorbseitigen spray arms 9 and 10 serves at a medium supply. It can spray arms 9 and 10 over a fan 25 either air or via a circulation pump 12 Rinse liquor to be performed.

The connection device 14 has two distributors described in more detail below 15 and 16 , The two distributors 15 and 16 are each connected to a check valve 17 respectively 18 connected, with the check valve 18 between distributor 16 and blowers 25 and the check valve 8th between distributor 15 and circulation pump 12 is arranged.

The two distributors 15 and 16 each have a connection piece 21 respectively 22 , with the connecting piece 21 the distributor 16 and the connecting piece 22 the distributor 16 assigned. The connecting pieces 21 and 22 each serve the fluidic coupling of the spray arms 9 and 10 to the connection device 14 , Spülkorbseitig are connecting lines for this purpose 23 and 24 provided, to which the connecting pieces 21 and 22 in the coupled state of the connection device 14 are fluidically connected. Of course - unlike in 1 represented - over the connecting lines 23 and 24 also each more than a spray arm 9 . 10 fluidically with a connecting piece 21 . 22 connected and thus a distributor 15 . 16 be assigned.

By means of the connection device 14 can the Spülkorbseitigen Sprüharmen 9 and 10 either rinsing liquor or drying air are supplied as follows: In the collecting pot 11 of the washing container 3 accumulates in the intended use case in a known manner rinse liquor. The collection pot 11 is over a pipeline 13 to the circulation pump 12 connected. This in turn is fluidically with the distributors 15 and 16 in connection, for what purpose the lines 19 and 20 are provided. During operation of the circulation pump 12 is that the distributor 15 associated check valve 17 open. That the distributor 16 associated check valve 18 is closed, however. As a result, can via the circulation pump 12 Promoted rinsing liquor to the distributors 15 and 16 and from there via the corresponding connecting pieces 21 and 22 with interposition of the connection lines 23 and 24 to the spray arms 9 and 10 reach. In drying operation, the check valve 17 closed and the check valve 18 it is open. About the blower 25 required air can as a result pass through the wires 26 and 20 to the distributors 15 and 16 from where they then with the interposition of the connecting piece 21 and 22 as well as the connecting lines 23 and 24 to the spray arms 9 and 10 arrives.

2 lets in a schematic perspective view by example 1 upper distributor 16 detect. The after 1 lower manifold 15 is formed in the same way.

As 2 recognize the distributor has 16 over the already described connection piece 21 , There are also provided two further connecting pieces, namely the connecting piece 29 and 30 , The connecting piece is used here 29 the connection of the distributor 16 to the two distributors 15 and 16 interconnecting line 20 , The connecting piece 30 meanwhile serves the arrangement of the check valve 18 to the distributor 16 ,

The washing-up wall 4 of the washing container 3 has an in 2 not shown passage 41 , This passage opening 41 is with a sliding bush 27 equipped, which the connecting piece 21 of the distributor 16 extends longitudinally displaceable. As 2 can be seen is between the sliding bush 27 and one of the connection piece 21 provided paragraph 32 a return spring 28 arranged, which ensures that the distributor 16 always strives to, with respect to the drawing plane 2 to move to the right.

Between the distributor 16 and the Spülbehälterwand 4 are actuators in the embodiment shown 31 arranged in the form of pneumatic muscles. These can be used as intended by the return spring 28 spring force caused the distributor 16 to the Spülbehälterwand 4 with the result that the distributor 16 provided connecting pieces 21 longitudinally displaceable from the sliding bush 27 led into the from the washing container 3 provided washroom 5 retracts. With deactivated actuators 31 becomes the distributor 16 however, due to the spring force acting on it, with respect to the plane of the drawing 2 move back to the right, that is from the distributor 16 provided connecting pieces 21 is piecewise from the dishwasher 5 moved out.

3 leaves the distributor 16 recognize in a partially sectioned side view. As can be seen from this illustration in particular, is the connecting piece 21 within one of the passage opening 41 provided sliding bush 27 guided longitudinally displaceable. The return spring 28 is between the sliding bush 27 and one of the connection piece 21 provided paragraph 32 arranged. By means of a circumferential O-ring seal 40 is the connection piece 21 opposite the sliding bush 27 sealed. Spülkorbseitig has the connection piece 21 about a seal 39 , By means of this seal 39 takes place in the intended Ankoppelzustand a fluidically tight connection between the connection piece 21 and the associated connection line 23 to which the spray arm 9 is coupled.

Inside the connection piece 21 is a guide pin 36 educated. This carries a longitudinally displaceable cone 37 , the connection piece side with a counter surface 38 interacts. Here is the sealing cone 37 with interposition of a compression spring not shown in the figures of the guide pin 36 taken, so that the sealing cone 37 always strives to, with respect to the drawing plane 3 to move to the right, that is, to the connection side opposite surface 38 for the purpose of sealing.

The distributor 16 furthermore has a connecting piece 30 preferably integrally into the housing 33 the check valve 18 passes. Inside the case 33 is a sealing ball 34 movably arranged, by guide ribs 35 is held. In her upper in 3 shown position takes the sealing ball 34 their sealing position.

4 leaves the distributor 16 in a view from below. As can be seen from this illustration, stands the sealing cone 37 flushing chamber side from the connecting piece 21 out.

It is inventively provided that the distributor 16 and the valve housing 33 of the distributor 16 associated check valve 18 are formed as one-piece construction component, which is achieved in the embodiment shown in that the distributor 16 and the valve housing 33 welded together. This can be the distributor 16 and / or the valve housing 33 each be formed from half shells, which in turn are also welded together.

The in the 2 to 4 Distributor not shown 15 is identical to the distributor 16 educated. Likewise, the check valve 17 identical to the check valve 18 educated. This results in two identical manifold check valve components, optionally in combination with the one spray arm 9 or the other spray arm 10 Can be used. A production-technical distinction is thus not required in contrast to the prior art, which simplifies the production, makes more cost-effective and also favors a simplified assembly.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

machine

2

casing

3

rinse tank

4

washing tub

5

Wash cabinet

6

spray arm

7

spray arm

8th

wash rack

9

spray arm

10

spray arm

11

collecting pot

12

circulating pump

13

pipeline

14

connecting device

15

distributor

16

distributor

17

check valve

18

check valve

19

management

20

management

21

spigot

22

spigot

23

connecting line

24

connecting line

25

fan

26

management

27

bush

28

Return spring

29

spigot

30

spigot

31

actuator

32

paragraph

33

casing

34

sealing ball

35

guide rib

36

mandrel

37

sealing cone

38

counter surface

39

poetry

40

poetry

41

Through opening

Claims (8)

Connection device for connection to a washing basket ( 8th ) of a cleaning and / or disinfecting machine ( 1 ) arranged to deliver a medium ( 9 ) to a medium supply, with a plurality of connecting pieces ( 21 . 29 . 30 ) distributor ( 16 ) and one at one of the connecting pieces ( 30 ) connected check valve ( 18 ), characterized in that the check valve ( 18 ) a valve housing ( 33 ), which is integral with the distributor ( 16 ) is trained. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the distributor ( 16 ) and the valve housing ( 33 ) are welded together. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the valve housing ( 33 ) and / or the distributor ( 16 ) are each formed from housing shells / is, which are welded together. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the check valve ( 18 ) one from the valve housing ( 33 ) received sealing body ( 34 ), which is connected to one of the valve housing ( 33 ) cooperates sealing surface provided. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the sealing body ( 34 ) within the valve housing ( 33 ) is arranged displaceably. Device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the valve housing ( 33 ) Guide ribs ( 35 ), which the leadership of the sealing body ( 34 ) serve. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a second, multiple connection piece having distributor ( 15 ) and one at one of the connecting pieces of the second distributor ( 15 ) connected check valve ( 17 ), the check valve ( 17 ) has a valve housing which is integral with the manifold ( 15 ) is trained. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first and the second distributor ( 15 . 16 ) are fluidically connected with each other.

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