EP1270096A2 - Device for cleaning a cavity - Google Patents

Abstract

The cleaning device includes a device for the timed placing of itself in the cavity and a device enabling it independently to carry out a cleaning program when it is inside the cavity. These two devices are combined in one structural unit which can be placed in the cavity and removed from it when the cleaning program has been completed.

Description

The invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning of a cavity. Cavities that require intensive cleaning, are particularly in commercial kitchens. In such Commercial kitchens you will find a lot of equipment, such as Large frying appliances, combi ovens and roasting ovens caused by the frying process have high levels of contamination, which are not are easy to clean. Soiling, albeit lighter Kind, are also internal storage spaces, such as interiors of refrigerators and freezers and normal storage cabinets, exposed.

Hygiene aspects are becoming increasingly important in commercial kitchens and bakeries Play a role and are controlled more and more restrictively, are also in this regard to the kitchen or cleaning staff special requirements. Just cleaning Large roasters require the most intensive of cleaning staff Commitment. The burned-in contaminants are only medium Chemicals, water rinsing and manual cleaning through high cleanse physical exertion. The chemicals that do this used are very aggressive, so the cleaning staff secure by wearing special protective clothing got to.

In the meantime, equipment has become known that is fixed have built-in, integrated cleaning systems, which a Allow automatic cleaning of the respective interior.

The invention has for its object a cleaning device for cleaning a cavity and a method for Operate such to indicate a constantly recurring Cleaning of a plurality of cavities on particular easy to do particularly cheap is.

This problem is solved with a cleaning device for cleaning a cavity by the features of the claim 1. The task is still solved by a method for operating a cleaning device according to the features of claim 15.

A cleaning device for cleaning a cavity, wherein in particular to an interior of equipment in a commercial kitchen installation is thought, first means to only temporarily Use of the cleaning device in the cavity and second Means for independently running a cleaning program in the inserted state. Such a cleaning device can be used flexibly and enables serial cleaning of cavities by first cleaning them in each Cavity and used to run a cleaning program is put into operation. When the cleaning program is finished, can the cleaning device again from the Cavity are removed, leaving the cavity subsequently can be used again appropriately. in the In the case of a commercial kitchen system, you can use such a cleaning device consecutively several roasters and ovens as well Storage rooms, especially refrigerators and freezers, cleaned regularly and then after removing the Cleaning device can be put back into operation. The first and second means are preferably in a structural unit, in particular one that can be operated alone Cleaning machine, comprising, this unit in the to cleaning cavity can be used for the cleaning process and out of the cavity after the cleaning process is removable.

The cleaning device preferably has contact surfaces on which with receptacles in the cavity to be cleaned can be associated. Using the example of one Roasting ovens are meant here, slide-in rails that are in the regular Operation of the oven to hold roasting or baking trays or the like. These contact surfaces can vary Cavity dimensions can be adjusted accordingly be, that is, the support surfaces are particularly extendable designed.

However, the cleaning device is only in one Field of application used in which a standard for cavity dimensions exists, and this standard encompasses several standard dimensions for cavities, it makes sense that the Cleaning device corresponding to each of these standard dimensions includes separate contact surfaces or the contact surfaces be used in any other way. This can be done, for example, by arranging support surfaces done in two different levels.

However, it is preferable to have a support option another support option by rotating the cleaning device about a quarter turn, which in particular means that the cleaning device is essentially one rectangular projection in terms of their contact surfaces.

The cleaning device is conveniently constructed by Providing an inner and an outer unit, the outer Unity covers the inner unity and thus from external influences protects. The internal unity includes at least a module for operating the cleaning device, the one Protection against environmental influences, especially against chemicals fortified liquids. A special design the inner unity sees an upper and a lower functional part before, the upper functional part at least a tank for holding a liquid and the lower one Functional part includes devices for performing the cleaning process. This arrangement of the tank above and below lying equipment has the particular advantage that if the tank contents have to be supplied to the equipment, especially a pump, the gravity of the tank contents can be exploited. Thus it can be used as a means of transport a non-self-priming pump for the tank contents as an economical one Alternative can be used.

As for cleaning especially heavily soiled cavities the use of a cleaning additive is necessary an appropriate tank to hold this cleaning additive appropriate. The cavity should not only be cleaned but also have a clear surface after cleaning, should be both a detergent tank as well as a Rinse aid tank included.

The cleaning device can be used for the supply for the cleaning process required fresh water with connection means for be equipped with an inlet hose. But should also be closed Cavities are cleaned, it is convenient to the Cleaning device also to hold a water tank Arrange fresh water. This water tank must then of course before each cleaning process, if appropriate, with the appropriate size only before every second or third cleaning process, be filled with fresh water. The object to be cleaned can but also a water connection and a supply line own in its cavity to be cleaned. In this Case includes a coupling to the cleaning device. In the example of the roasting oven or similar already mentioned One of the slide rails can be part of the equipment internal water supply line of the object to be cleaned be, this rail equipped with the coupling can be. The corresponding mating coupling is then on the Cleaning device on the associated with the slide rail Support area provided.

The power supply can also be dimensioned accordingly Mains connection cable must be ensured. advantageously, but is a rechargeable as a power supply Accumulator provided outside of the operating hours of the Cleaning device can be connected to a charging coupling. Such an accumulator not only has the advantage that the Cleaning device can also be put into operation if there is no network connection nearby, also delivers such an accumulator only has a voltage in the range of Safety extra-low voltage, so that no special security measures necessary to avoid danger for the operating personnel are.

For applying liquid to the surfaces to be cleaned appropriate means of order is required. Conveniently, this is a spray nozzle, which the respective Liquid supplied for the purpose of spraying the surface becomes. At least one particular embodiment of the invention provides one essentially upward and one essentially downward spray nozzle so that a Introducing liquid into the upper part of the cavity and in the lower part of the cavity is possible. The at least one upward spray nozzle and the downward spray nozzle or directed Spray nozzles are either common, alternating or each can only be activated. A joint operation of the Spray nozzles allow for faster cleaning during a alternating operation due to the lower liquid transport allows to use weaker transport units.

In particular, the use of components in the cleaning device To keep it low, it is beneficial if a spray nozzle is used, both for a cleaning additive and is suitable for water. The respective liquid can then when using suitable reversing means by one and the same Means of transport, that is, by the same pump, the spray nozzle can be supplied, or via separate means of transport feature. Also considered a means of transport for fresh water the water pipe pressure

To completely clean the cavity, even down to corner areas, To enable the at least one spray nozzle preferably with every single point of the cavity surface Can apply liquid, this is best under a not too low spray pressure should be guaranteed. This can be done, for example, by a plurality of rigidly aligned ones Spray nozzles have been implemented. However, preference is only given to one upward and one downward spray nozzle, optionally used with several spray openings, which are rotatable in such a way that each of these two spray nozzles every single point of the upper or lower half space with regard to the respective limiting inner surfaces can operate.

This enables a particularly efficient cleaning process to be achieved be that the cleaning device with the to be cleaned Object cooperates. There is an information transfer medium for this on the cleaning device and on the object to be cleaned. That way you can then Information from the object to be cleaned for the purpose of optimization of the cleaning process and / or control signals from the cleaning device to the object to be cleaned be transmitted. Such cooperation is, for example by a dirt sensor on the surface to be cleaned possible via a corresponding evaluation unit and mutual information transmission means the degree of pollution reports to the cleaning device, which in turn then sets individual cleaning parameters. Another This ensures that the two units work together be that the object to be cleaned itself via a heating device for heating the surfaces to be cleaned. In this case, it is possible that the cleaning device a control signal to the control device of the to be cleaned Object, again via the information transmission means, sends, whereby the control device of the to be cleaned Object is caused to operate the heating device so that the surface to be cleaned is preheated. The cleaning process is facilitated by this heat and cleaning additives can be used that effective only at elevated temperatures, but less aggressive are. In addition or as an alternative to heating the cleaning surfaces can also be the cleaning liquid be preheated, by providing an appropriate Heating device on the cleaning device should be possible can.

The object underlying the invention is further achieved by a method for operating the aforementioned cleaning device solved, with a cleaning program at least the cleaning cycles "Cleaner distribution phase", "Cleaner reaction phase" and "water distribution phase". The "cleaner distribution phase" has the task of applying the cleaner to the surface to be cleaned applied. Reacts during the "cleaner reaction phase" the cleaner with those adhering to the surface to be cleaned Parts of dirt so that this contamination is loosened and their intensive adhesive bond to the surface to be cleaned is broken up. In the "water distribution phase" is fresh water under a not too low spray pressure on the one to be cleaned Sprayed surface so that the dirt and also the Possibly too much applied cleaner from the one to be cleaned Surface is removed. Then you can do a rinse cycle be provided in which with the aid of a rinse aid the surface tension of the cleaning liquid like this is reduced that this on the surfaces to be cleaned runs off completely and no water stains remain.

As already explained above, it is conceivable for the individual Parameters of this cleaning program, in particular the duration of the Cleaning cycle, spray pressure to be set and preheating the surface to be cleaned or rinsing liquid, not to be preset, but to make it dependent on the state of pollution. The individual parameters can be influenced further also depend on which operating programs the object to be cleaned is processed before the cleaning process Has.

In addition to the design variants described above many further developments conceivable. For example, the Cleaning device other means of transport for liquids include, through which the dirty at the end of the cleaning process Cleaning liquid can be transported into the water tank is. Closed, cleaned cavities can thus largely be freed of the dirty cleaning liquid. But also means of transport for the cleaning device itself, for example a chassis with wheels, is conceivable so that a portable use in operation is possible. A cleaning device constructed in this way can be used for cleaning Serve sewer pipes.

The invention is described below with reference to the drawings of a Embodiment explained in more detail.

Show:

Figure 1

a cleaning device for variable use in commercial kitchens in the side view with translucent cover shell;

Figure 2

an individual representation of the cover according to Figure 1;

Figure 3

a plan view of the cleaning device according to Figure 1 with the cover removed;

Figure 4

a bottom view of the cleaning device according Figure 1 with the cover removed;

Figure 5

a front view of the cleaning device according to the figure 1 with cover plate removed;

Figure 6

the side view of Figure 1 with the cover removed; and

Figure 7

an individual representation of a cleaning nozzle of the cleaning device according to FIG. 1.

The cleaning device shown in the figures is flexible in Commercial kitchen appliances, such as baking ovens, combi ovens, convection ovens, Refrigerators, freezers and other cabinet units insertable. For this purpose it is in a first approximation spherical construction shown in vertical projection however with square outer edges. The cleaning device points on two opposite sides each a handle 11, these handles 11 not only are suitable for transporting the device, but also beyond serve as support rods, which are to be cleaned in the slide rails Cavity, especially a roasting oven, insertable are. These handles 11 are designed so that together with these results in a rectangular outer shape and thus one insert of the cleaning device in two perpendicular to each other standing directions is possible. During construction of the device with its handles 11 was taken into account that commercial kitchens are subject to a standard, the gastronorm, which is divided into two standard classes: 1/1 standard = 530 x 325 mm and 2/1 standard = 650 x 530 mm. All commercial kitchen appliances have the internal dimensions are matched to this standard and have via appropriate slide-in rails for gratings, sheets, Containers etc. Therefore, the handles 11 of the cleaning device trained to be both in the 1/1 formation as well as in the 2/1 formation by just turning a quarter circle of the cleaning device can be inserted.

Alternatively, the handles are the norm for bakeries adjustable: 600 x 400 mm. Alternatively, the device itself be rotatably arranged.

The cleaning device is divided into two sections, namely into an outer section and an inner section. The outer section essentially comprises a protective cover 1, 3 corresponding to Figure 2. This protective cover 1, 3 has a upper cover 1 and a lower cover 3, which have an essentially identical design and only to one another are arranged mirror-symmetrically. Each of these covers 1, 3 is laterally bordered by four side walls 5, which uniform, d. H. Axially symmetrical, trapezoidal are. The assembly of these four side walls 5 thus results an even truncated pyramid with a square Base area and a square top surface, the latter the upper cover wall 7 (or lower cover wall 9 in the case of lower cover) forms. The protective cover 1, 3 has two Functions, namely a design function, but also a protective function for the inner section. Protection against the following working environment can be created: a maximum temperature of approx. 90 ° C, a high humidity of 100% r. F., aggressive chemical substances in cleaning agents. Preferably this protective cover 1, 3 consists of a temperature-resistant Plastic with extremely high chemical resistance.

The protective cover 1, 3 encloses the inner section of the cleaning device complete, only in the centers of the top and lower cover walls 7, 9 holes are provided, which serve for the passage of two cleaning nozzles 13, 15, wherein these nozzles 13, 15 are sealed against the bores.

The inner section of the cleaning device includes all for the Operation required components. This is the inner section divided into two functional parts: an upper functional part for holding two detergent tanks 17, 19, which is approximately within that covered by the upper cover 1 Room is localized, and a lower functional part for the inclusion of other facilities and equipment, this lower functional part in the essentially of the lower Cover 3 protected space is arranged. Amongst other things there is a pump 21 in the lower functional part, which the cleaner stored in the detergent tank 17 and the Rinse aid tank 19 stored rinse aid according to the Specifications of an operating program using pipes 23 den Spray nozzles 13, 15 supplies. This particular arrangement of the above lying tanks 17, 19 and the pump 21 arranged underneath offers the advantage that detergent and rinse aid Gravity feed the pump, making it costly self-priming pump can be dispensed with.

The spray nozzles 13, 15, which are explained further below are suitable for both detergents and Rinse aid on the one hand and fresh water flowing through it to be and these liquids on the surfaces to be cleaned to be able to spray. Therefore valves 25, 27 are provided which is the access of cleaning fluid from the cleaning tank 17 to pump 21 (valve 25) and rinse aid from the rinse aid tank Release or block 19 to pump 21 (valve 27). Of the Pump 21 goes off another pipe 23, which in one another valve 29 opens. This valve 29 has an inlet and two exits, the latter each with a spray nozzle 13, 15 are connected. Another valve 31 also two outputs, which are connected to the nozzles 13, 15 are, has a water connection on the input side for coupling to a water supply system using a hose on. Finally, the lower functional part also includes one rechargeable 12 or optionally 24 VDC accumulator and an electronic program control, which from the box 33 are included.

FIG. 7 shows an individual illustration of the spray nozzles 13, 15. These spray nozzles 13, 15 comprise an upper nozzle body 35 and a lower nozzle body 37. The upper nozzle body 35 is mounted rotationally symmetrically with respect to the lower nozzle body 37, so that when the lower nozzle body 37 is rigidly installed the upper nozzle body 35 rotates during operation. The For this purpose, upper nozzle body 35 has an upwardly directed nozzle slot 39 and a nozzle slot 41 directed to the side on. The bore in the nozzle slot 41 is arranged so that the escaping liquid is not only discharged radially but has a tangential component. This tangential component causes the drive of the upper nozzle body 35. The nozzle slots 39, 41 are designed such that a spherical spray area of 240 ° with one revolution of the upper nozzle body 35 is covered. In this way can be cleaned with the two spray nozzles 13, 15 Cavity to be sprayed.

The cleaning device described above in the construction is before the start of operation in the cavity to be cleaned, for example inserted into a roasting oven of a commercial kitchen. For this his handles 11 in slide rails of the oven with the insert orientation as described above depend on the dimensions of the oven. The present Cleaning device comes with a water supply hose connected or is standard with a water connection equipped, which engages in a water valve built into the device becomes. For this, as already described, on the water inlet valve 31 a corresponding connection piece is provided.

Finally an operating program is selected and the cavity closed. A is used to bypass the door seals Adapter included.

The cleaning program that is running comprises several cleaning cycles. These cleaning cycles are delayed manually Selector switch selected, e.g. B. Cleaning level 1 (slightly dirty) up to level 4 (very dirty). The time delay enables the cavity to be closed before cleaning begins. Depending on the type of cleaner used, a preheating phase can be carried out are at the beginning of the operating program. To this Purpose, the cleaning device can be a not shown Have transmission device, which to a control device of the roasting oven via a receiving device included therein Outputs signal to switch on the heating device of the roasting oven. After a predefined time, a new one Signal the preheating phase leading to an ambient temperature of approx. 45 ° C, ended. In the immediate aftermath in a detergent distribution phase, the detergent towards the sprayed on the cleaning surfaces of the oven. To do this Valves 25 and 29 opened and the pump 21 briefly in operation set until sufficient cleaning fluid through the Nozzles 13, 15 has been discharged. Valve 29 opens the Outputs to the nozzles 13, 15 in series, so that the cleaner first a spray nozzle, in particular the upper spray nozzle 13, and then the other spray nozzle 15 is supplied.

The cleaner has in the subsequent cleaner reaction phase the opportunity to adhere to the surfaces to be cleaned To loosen dirt particles, the duration of this reaction phase again depends on the type of cleaner used.

After a sufficiently long reaction time, the following Water distribution phase the loosened dirt and not required detergent rinsed. For this purpose valve 31 is opened, whereby again the outputs to the two spray nozzles alternately 13, 15 can be opened. After a sufficient rinsing phase, the valve 31 closed again.

The cleaning program ends with a rinse phase. For this purpose valve 27 is first connected to valve 29 opened, with the two outputs again in series at valve 29 can be controlled. Pump 21 has as in the case of the cleaning agent the task of rinse aid through the spray nozzles 13, 15 to be applied to the surfaces to be cleaned. Right away after applying the rinse aid, that is after Deactivating the pump 21 and the valves 27 and 29 takes place Another short water entry by opening valve 31 for rinsing and rinsing the surfaces. Alternatively, you can with sufficient dimensioning of the rinse aid tank 19 Rinse aid is already contained in a highly diluted form, so there is no entry of fresh water after spraying with Rinse aid needs more.

This can be done in a special version of the cleaning device a second cleaning program or parts of it if necessary connect independently. This can be done through a manual Preselection made possible by selecting an appropriate button function his. The cleaning device and the cavity to be cleaned but can also be designed so that they alternate Exchange information about the cleaning program to optimize. You can either use a roasting oven to be cleaned transmit information about the last cooking program (s). The roasting oven can also be equipped with dirt sensors be the degree of pollution of the muffle walls determine and this information in turn via appropriate Hand over the transmission equipment to the cleaning device.

The valves 25, 27, 29, 31, the pump 21 and the control electronics of the cleaning device are enclosed in the box 33 12 or 24 VDC battery powered. This accumulator after the cleaning program and If necessary, remove the cleaning device from an appropriate one Charging station connected. However, preferred an accumulator capacity chosen to run three long or five short cleaning programs for cleaning of several canteen kitchen appliances is sufficient.

Claims (18)

Cleaning device for cleaning a cavity, in particular an interior of a commercial kitchen or bakery system, with the first means for temporary use only the cleaning device in the cavity and second means for independently running a cleaning program in the used condition. Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and the second means are comprised in a structural unit which can be inserted into the cavity and which can preferably be completely removed after the cleaning program has ended. Cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first means comprise contact surfaces (11) for receiving devices, in particular slide-in rails, in the cavity to be cleaned, the contact surfaces (11) preferably being adaptable to the dimensions of the cavity. Cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first means comprise support surfaces (11) for receiving devices, in particular slide-in rails, in the cavity to be cleaned, the cavity dimensions being standardized and, in the case of several valid standard dimensions, corresponding support surfaces (11) for each of these standard dimensions. are included. Cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that when a support surface or a group of support surfaces (11) is effective, by rotating the cleaning device by 90 °, a further support surface or a further group of support surfaces becomes effective, or a support surface (11) or a group of bearing surfaces (11) is used in different ways. Cleaning device according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an inner unit and an outer unit are included, wherein the outer unit forms a cover of the inner unit and the inner unit comprises at least one module for operating the cleaning device. Cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that the inner unit has an upper and a lower functional part, the upper functional part comprising at least one tank (17, 19) for holding a liquid and the lower functional part devices for carrying out the cleaning process. Cleaning device according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a water tank for holding fresh water, in which the dirty cleaning liquid can be transported in particular at the end of the cleaning process, and / or at least one tank (17, 19) for holding at least one cleaning agent is provided, preferably comprising a tank (17) for a cleaning agent and a tank (19) for a rinse aid. Cleaning device according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a power supply is included, which is preferably designed as a rechargeable battery that can be connected to a charging coupling outside the operating time of the cleaning device. Cleaning device according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one spray nozzle (13, 15) for applying liquid to the surfaces to be cleaned is included, which preferably has at least one essentially upward-pointing (13) and one essentially downward (15) spray nozzle are included and the upward directed nozzle (13) or the upward directed nozzles and the downward directed nozzle (15) or the downward directed nozzles can be activated together, alternately or exclusively, or . are. Cleaning device according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one spray nozzle (13, 15) can be used both for a cleaning agent and for water. Cleaning device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the at least one spray nozzle (13, 15) is rotatable such that each point of the surface to be cleaned can be sprayed through the one spray nozzle (13, 15) or through the entirety of the spray nozzles. Cleaning device according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that an information transmission means is provided which corresponds to a second information transmission means on the object to be cleaned, whereby information can be obtained from the object to be cleaned for the purpose of optimizing the cleaning process and / or control signals from the Cleaning device can be transferred to the object to be cleaned, a dirt sensor being arranged in particular on the object to be cleaned. Cleaning device according to at least one of claims 1 or 2 or 6 to 13, characterized in that means of transportation are included, by which a portable use of the cleaning device is made possible in operation. Method for operating a cleaning device according to at least one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least the following cleaning cycles are included: a) Cleaner distribution phase for applying the cleaner to the surface to be cleaned b) Cleaner reaction phase for reacting the cleaner with the dirt particles adhering to the surface to be cleaned c) Water distribution phase to remove the cleaner and dirt from the surface to be cleaned. A method according to claim 15, characterized in that a preheating phase is provided at the beginning of the cleaning phase, in particular the surface to be cleaned and / or the cleaning agent being preheated. Method according to at least one of claims 15 or 16, characterized in that a control signal is sent from the cleaning device to the object to be cleaned via an information transmission signal to the cleaning device and to the object to be cleaned, whereby a control device on the object to be cleaned is a heating device for heating the switches on the surface to be cleaned. Method according to at least one of Claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the individual parameters of the cleaning program are set as a function of the state of soiling and / or the individual operating programs of the object to be cleaned which preceded the cleaning process.

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