EP1997419A1 - Dishwasher with water exchange - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves washing and rinsing items (116) found in a rinsing chamber (112) of a commercial dishwasher (110) by a wash tank (118) during a washing process in recycle mode. The dish washer comprises a final rinsing tank (138), which is arranged in such a manner that the rinsing items undergo a final rinsing section. The final rinsing tank is partially filled with water. The water in the final rinsing tank is heated. The heated water is transferred to the wash tank. The final rinsing water remains in the wash tank even after the completion of final rinsing process. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a computer program with program code-medium to execute a method for operating a commercial dishwasher (2) a data carrier or computer system on which a data structure for executing a method for operating a commercial dishwasher is stored (3) a computer program product with program code-medium that is stored in a machine-readable carrier (4) a modulated data signal consisting of a computer system or computer network for executing a method for operating a commercial dishwasher (5) a dishwasher for commercial application.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a method for operating a commercial dishwasher. Furthermore, the invention relates to a dishwasher for commercial use, which may be particularly adapted to perform the inventive method in one of its embodiments.

State of the art

Dishwashers for cleaning items of various types in various embodiments are known from the prior art. In the following, "items to be washed" are essentially utensils that come into direct or indirect contact with foods, such as, for example, plates, cutlery, cups, trays, glasses, bowls, pots or the like. Alternatively or additionally, however, the term "items to be washed" can also encompass other types of items to be washed, for example items to be washed from the field of chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or the like.

Known from the prior art and commercially available in various embodiments are dishwashers for commercial use and dishwashers for domestic use. These two types of dishwashers essentially differ in that, in contrast to domestic appliances, commercial dishwashers are optimized for high throughput. While domestic dishwashers for this purpose essentially work with a single tank connected to a wash chamber, which is used successively for the individual wash steps, this principle is due to the high time required for the respective filling and heating for commercial dishwashers usually not applicable.

Commercial dishwashers therefore generally have at least two tanks, so that in particular the time-consuming heating steps can be carried out in parallel. Thus, for example, commercial dishwashers comprise at least one tank connected to the rinsing chamber, and additionally at least one rinsing tank, which is generally designed as a boiler. Alternatively, a water heater can be used. Commercial dishwashers are known in the art as continuous dishwashing machines (for example, as belt conveyors or basket transport dishwashing machines) or as single chamber dishwashers having a single chamber for receiving the dishes. The following invention relates essentially to single-chamber dishwashers.

A disadvantage of the known single-chamber dishwashers described above, however, is still that in these a comparatively long period of time is required to bring the dishwasher after switching to a ready state. This is due in particular to the fact that the tank in communication with the rinsing chamber, which has a comparatively large volume (for example about 11 liters to 100 liters), until heating to a temperature of for example 60 ° C. required for a washing operation Time required (for example, about 10 minutes to about 40 minutes).

Another disadvantage of conventional single-chamber dishwashers is that the post-rinse tank usually has a comparatively small volume in order to save energy costs and to relieve the environment. However, this means that subsequent to the washing process, which is usually carried out in Umwälzbetrieb subsequent Nachspülvorgang is strongly limited by the duration and intensity ago. Typical Nachspülwassermengen are 2-3 liters, which, for example, at usual rinsing temperatures of 83 ° C (for crockery) or 65 ° C (for glasses) and the total, introduced during the Nachspülvorgangs amount of heat and thus a hygiene effect of Nachspülvorgangs severely limited.

Object of the invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for operating a dishwasher, which shortens the period of time for preparing the operational readiness and which improves the use of resources available in conventional commercial dishwashers.

Description of the invention

This object is achieved by the invention with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are illustrated in the subclaims, the features of which can be implemented alone or in combination. The wording of all claims is hereby incorporated by reference into the content of this specification.

A basic idea of the present invention is thereby to optimize the resources available in conventional dishwashers and to shorten the time until the operational readiness is achieved by using a method with an intelligent water change between washing and final rinsing. This water change can be used to prepare one or more washes, to prepare one or more rinses, or to prepare for washing and rinsing.

The proposed method employs a commercial dishwasher as described above comprising a wash chamber with a wash tank in communication with the wash chamber. Thus, according to the above definition, it is a single-chamber dishwashing machine, that is to say a dishwasher, which has a single washing chamber, which, however, can naturally also be subdivided into partial areas. The dishwasher is set up to wash items in the washing chamber in a washing process in the circulation mode. Furthermore, the dishwasher has a rinsing tank, which can be configured for example as a boiler, but also the use of Nachspültanks with water heaters is possible. The dishwasher is set up to subject washing items located in the rinsing chamber to a rinsing step.

Using such a dishwasher, the following method is proposed, wherein the individual process steps are described in more detail below. The steps are not necessarily performed in the order shown. Furthermore, the method described can also have additional steps which are not mentioned, and one or more method steps can be carried out simultaneously or repeatedly in time.

In a first method step, the final rinse tank is at least partially filled with water. This water is heated in the rinse tank, for which purpose, for example, the boiler heater can be used. Subsequently, the heated water is transferred to the wash tank.

For this transfer of the water into the wash tank, for example, an existing Nachspüldüsensystem, which is commonly used for Nachspülschritt be used. However, it is preferred if a dishwasher is used, which has a connecting line between the rinsing tank and wash tank, so that heated water can be transferred directly from the final rinse tank in the wash tank. This connecting line may comprise, for example, one or more valves by means of which the transfer of the heated water from the rinsing tank into the washing tank can be controlled. Furthermore, one or more pumps may be provided for this transfer.

The steps described of filling the rinsing tank, heating the water in the rinsing tank and transferring the heated water into the washing tank can preferably be carried out repeatedly until the washing tank has reached a predetermined level, for example. In this way, by the water change taking advantage of the relatively small volume of the rinsing tank, in particular the boiler, a rapid filling of the wash tank with heated water can be performed in order to then perform a washing process or rinsing can.

Furthermore, the method comprises carrying out one or more washing operations and carrying out one or more rinsing operations. Depending on the configuration of the method, the above-described filling of the wash tank from the final washing tank, which is referred to here and hereinafter as "water change", can be used for the washing or the final rinsing process. Washing and / or rinsing can in simple operation or be performed in the recirculation mode, including, for example, a circulating pump can be used.

The method in which before at least one of the program steps "washing" and "Nachspülvorgang" the described water change is performed, allows a faster production of operational readiness and a variety of time and energy-saving options, in contrast to conventional commercial dishwashers, in which between washing system and Rinse system is severed severely. Thus, resources and advantages of the washing system, such as the usually large tank volume of the wash tank and the possibility of Umwälzbetriebes, can also be used for the Nachspülvorgang, while resources and benefits of Nachspülsystems, in particular the rapid and efficient heating of water in a boiler, too can be used for the washing process.

The described method of water change, in which successively to prepare a washing or rinsing process water is transferred from the final rinse tank in the wash tank to fill this, has the considerable advantage over known methods that the operational readiness can be brought about much faster. If a wash tank heater is additionally provided, the wash tank heater and the rinse tank heater can work in parallel so that the required amount of water can be quickly made available through separate systems. Alternatively, however, a wash tank heater can also be completely dispensed with.

As described above, the steps of filling the rinse tank, heating in the rinse tank, and transferring the heated water to the wash tank may be repeatedly performed, for example, until the wash tank has reached a predetermined minimum level for the wash or rinse cycle. For the transfer, a pressure increase pump can be used.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the rinsing liquid remains in the wash tank after completion of the rinsing step. This rinsing liquid, which, as described above, usually has an elevated temperature compared with that for the washing process, usually has only a slight contamination. Furthermore, this rinse-off liquid is usually only water, which, for example, may additionally be mixed with a final-rinse liquid (for example certain surfactants). This rinsing liquid is also suitable for a washing process. In this way, the production of operational readiness can be accelerated be used because the excess amount of heat in this remaining Nachspülflüssigkeit at a subsequent next program cycle can be used to more quickly provide the required amount of heat in the wash tank for a washing process.

Thus, for example, after performing a first program cycle with the steps described above, followed by a second program cycle with the steps described, wherein in the iterative filling of the wash tank via the final rinse tank, the heated water from the final rinse tank mixed with the remaining from the first program cycle in the wash tank Nachspülflüssigkeit , This ensures that between the individual program cycles a waiting time can be significantly reduced.

The heating of the water in the final rinsing tank for the preparation of the washing process, ie the provision of washing water, can be such that the heated water in the final rinse tank in the transfer to the wash tank has an excess temperature above the wash temperature. This excess temperature can be chosen in particular such that the usual heat losses during transfer of the heated water in the wash tank and heat losses are compensated by contact with the (usually colder) washing chamber, wash tank walls and / or the items to be washed in the washing chamber. This excess temperature may be selected such that during the subsequent washing operation the predetermined washing temperature is maintained at least approximately (i.e., within predetermined limits, e.g., +/- 5 ° C). The over-temperature may be based, for example, on empirical values, e.g. can be stored in a data store. Alternatively or additionally, however, it is also possible to use analytical or semiempirical methods which, for example based on a loading of the rinsing chamber with items to be washed, calculate or determine usual heat losses.

In particular, if it is provided that the post-rinse water remains in the wash cycle after the post-rinse step, however, a draining step may additionally be provided in which the water is completely drained and / or pumped out of the wash tank after the final rinse step has been completed. For example, this draining step may be initiated by user input, eg, by a user pressing a "last program" key or a "draining" key to indicate that the dishwasher is to be taken out of service.

As described above, the method may be performed such that multiple program cycles are performed with the described method steps. In addition, so far not mentioned process steps can be performed. In this case, in particular, a standby step can be carried out between and / or before at least one of the mentioned program cycles, in which only the process steps of filling the rinsing tank, heating the water in the rinsing tank and transferring it to the washing tank are carried out in order to make it ready for operation subsequent program cycle. Through this standby step, the operational readiness for a subsequent washing process can be maintained, so that, following the standby step, a washing process can be carried out immediately. The standby step, which is followed by a time delay to the subsequent washing process, so may be part of a subsequent program cycle in which then only the steps of washing, the steps of heating the Nachspülwassers in the rinse tank (which, however, also already part of the standby Step) and the final rinse step.

According to the method described above, the wash tank is preferably filled iteratively via the rinse cycle or boiler with water to produce readiness for operation and preparation of the washing process. In addition, however, the wash tank can also have a direct feed, via which it can be filled at least partially with (fresh) water, so that the filling of the wash tank can be assisted via the final washing tank. In this way, the filling of the wash tank and the preparation of the washing process can be additionally accelerated. The wash tank can in particular have a wash tank heater, which likewise supports the preparation of the washing process and thus accelerates the production of operational readiness. The excess temperature in the final rinse tank may be sized (e.g., calculated or determined empirically) to also compensate for heat losses when mixed with the wash tank directly via the direct feed supplied cold water.

Furthermore, a cleaning fluid, in particular a dishwashing detergent, may additionally be added to the wash tank before the washing process is carried out. Such cleaning fluids or dishwashing agents, which may in particular have wash-active substances and / or bleaching agents, are known from the prior art. In addition, a rinse aid can be added to the final rinse tank before the rinse step is carried out in order to improve the cleaning effect in the final rinse step and to increase the absence of spots on the ware.

The rinsing step can, as described above, be carried out directly by applying the wash ware with water from the final rinse tank. As stated above, however, the volume of the rinsing tank (in particular of a boiler) is very limited, usually to 2-3 liters of useful water. Therefore, this limited amount of water or amount of heat also limits the cleaning effect or the sanitizing effect of Nachspülschrittes.

In a further preferred variant of the method, which is preferably carried out in combination with the above-described filling of the washing tank for the washing process via the final rinsing tank, which however can also be used independently of the method described above, a recirculation method is therefore also used in the final rinsing step. In this circulating process, for example (but not necessarily) after completion of the washing process (and draining or pumping off the wash water), the wash tank is filled with heated water from the final rinse tank. Thus, the described water change is carried out here in preparation for the final rinse step. The rinsing step is then carried out, preferably in the circulation operation, with the rinsing water in the washing tank.

In this embodiment, the post-rinsing water in the wash tank may be additionally added a rinse aid before the Nachspülschritts. The rinse aid may be added to the rinse tank or, alternatively or additionally, to the wash tank. The latter alternative has the particular advantage that contamination of the rinsing tank with rinse aid can be avoided.

The operation of the Nachspülvorgangs with Nachspülflüssigkeit from the wash tank (this should be full) allows a Nachspülvorgang with a small amount of water, which, however, can be used several times, so that overall the heat input to the items to be washed in Nachspülvorgang and thus the sanitation effect is increased. Preferred water temperatures in the washing process are between 50 ° C and 60 ° C, preferably at about 60 ° C. Preferred temperatures during the rinsing step are for dishes between 50 ° C and 90 ° C, preferably at 83 ° C, or, for glasses at about 65 ° C. The water temperatures can be influenced for example via a controller.

As described above, conventional commercial dishwashers can be used for the proposed method, which have a control that is set up by the program in order to carry out the method in one of the proposed variants.

Regardless of the presence of such a control and regardless of the implementation of the described method, however, a dishwasher has proven advantageous, which in addition to the above-described features of the washing chamber, the wash tank and the rinsing tank further comprises a connecting line to water directly from the final washing in the Transfer wash tank. By "immediate" is meant in particular a bypass of a Nachspüldüsensystems.

As described above, when the dishwasher includes a controller configured to perform a method in any of the described embodiments, the dishwasher may be particularly configured to optionally use the rinse step with water from the rinse tank (conventional approach) or Fill from the final rinse tank with water from the wash tank. The latter variant has the advantages described above, so that, for example, the rinsing step can be carried out in the circulation operation.

The dishwasher can, as described above, additionally have a fresh water inlet in order to fill the wash tank at least partially directly, bypassing the rinsing tank. This variant makes in particular a simultaneous heating of washing water for the washing process in the wash chamber and in the final rinse tank positively noticeable.

Furthermore, the dishwasher may have a separate washing nozzle system and a Nachspüldüsensystem. Alternatively, the same nozzle systems could be used for the washing process and the rinsing step, but this is less preferred for hygienic reasons.

Furthermore, the scope of the invention includes a computer program which, when running on a computer or computer network, executes the method according to the invention in one of its embodiments. Furthermore, the scope of the invention includes a computer program with program code means for carrying out the method according to the invention in one of its embodiments when the program is executed on a computer or computer network. In particular, the program code means may be stored on a computer-readable medium. In addition, the scope of the invention, a volume on which a data structure is stored, which can perform the inventive method in one of its embodiments after loading into a working and / or main memory of a computer or computer network. Also heard to the scope of the invention, a computer program product having program code means stored on a machine-readable carrier for carrying out the inventive method in one of its embodiments when the program is executed on a computer or computer network. Under a computer program product, the program is understood as a tradable product. In principle, it can be in any form, for example on paper or a computer-readable data carrier, and in particular can be distributed via a data transmission network. Finally, the scope of the invention includes a modulated data signal containing instructions executable by a computer system or computer network for carrying out a method according to one of the described method variants.

embodiments

Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the subclaims. In this case, the respective features can be implemented on their own or in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the embodiments. The embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. The same reference numerals in the individual figures designate the same or functionally identical or with respect to their functions corresponding elements.

Figur 1

ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Geschirrspülmaschine;

Figur 2

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens mit iterativer Befüllung des Waschtanks über den Nachspültank vor dem Waschvorgang;

Figur 3

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens gemäß Figur 2 mit einem Standby-Betrieb;

Figur 4

eine Variante des in Figur 3 dargestellten Verfahrens mit einem optionalen Abpumpvorgang;

Figur 5

eine Variante des in Figur 3 dargestellten Verfahrens mit einem automatischen Abpumpschritt;

Figur 6

eine Variante des in Figur 2 dargestellten Verfahrens, wobei zusätzlich der Waschtank für den Nachspülschritt verwendet wird;

Figur 7

eine Verfahrensvariante, bei welcher für das Nachspülen der Waschtank verwendet wird, welcher iterativ über den Nachspültank befüllt wird; und

Figur 8

eine Variante des in Figur 7 dargestellten Verfahrens mit einem zusätzlichen, vom Nutzer initiierten Pumpschritt.

In detail shows:

FIG. 1

an embodiment of a dishwasher according to the invention;

FIG. 2

a first embodiment of the method according to the invention with iterative filling of the wash tank via the final washing tank before the washing process;

FIG. 3

A second embodiment of the inventive method according to FIG. 2 with a standby mode;

FIG. 4

a variant of in FIG. 3 illustrated method with an optional Abpumpvorgang;

FIG. 5

a variant of in FIG. 3 illustrated method with an automatic Abpumpschritt;

FIG. 6

a variant of in FIG. 2 illustrated method, wherein additionally the wash tank is used for the Nachspülschritt;

FIG. 7

a variant of the method in which the wash tank is used for rinsing, which is iteratively filled via the rinse tank; and

FIG. 8

a variant of in FIG. 7 illustrated method with an additional, initiated by the user pumping step.

In FIG. 1 an inventive dishwasher 110 is shown for commercial use. The dishwasher has a rinsing chamber 112, which in this case is designed as a front loader and can be opened via a front flap 114. Washware 116 can be introduced into the wash chamber 112.

The rinsing chamber has in its lower region a wash tank 118, which in this embodiment is separated from the rest of the rinsing chamber 112 by a sieve tray 120. In this embodiment, the wash tank 118 has a wash tank heater 122, which in FIG. 1 only symbolically indicated. Furthermore, the wash tank 118 has a temperature sensor 124, a level sensor 126 and a fresh water inlet 128 with a valve 130.

In the rinsing chamber 112, a washing nozzle system 132 is accommodated with spray arms, which is connected via a wash line system 134 and a circulation pump 136 to the wash tank 118. In this way, the items to be washed 116 can be washed in a washing process during recirculation. Alternatively, however, a system with fixed nozzles could be used instead of the spray arms.

The dishwasher 110 according to the embodiment in FIG. 1 also has a rinsing tank 138, which is designed in this embodiment as a boiler. This rinsing tank can be filled with fresh water via an inlet 140, the inlet 140 having a valve 142. In the final rinse tank 138, the water can be heated by a rinsing tank heater 144. The rinse tank 138 also has a level sensor 146 and a temperature sensor 148.

The post-rinse tank 138 is connected to the rinse chamber 112 via a positive pressure line 150 which, for example, allows steam to escape from the rinse tank 138 into the rinse chamber 112. This pressure line 150 is a security feature.

Furthermore, the post-rinse tank 138 is connected to a post-rinse nozzle system 154 via a post-rinse line system 152. Through this Nachspüldüsensystem 154 a rinsing process can be performed. For this purpose, a pressure increase pump 156 is further included in Nachspülleitungssystem 152, and two valves 158 and 160. In this case, a first valve 158 between the rinse tank 138 and the pressure increase pump 156 in Nachspülleitungssystem 152 added, a second valve 160 in Nachspülleitungssystem 152 behind the pressure increase pump 156th and before branches to the rinse nozzle system 154.

The post-rinse line system 152 is additionally connected to the wash tank 118 at two locations in this embodiment. Thus, a connection line 162 which leads to the wash tank 118 opens between the first valve 158 and the pressure increase pump 156 in the final rinse line system 152. This connection line 162 likewise has a valve 164.

Another connection is made by a filling line 166 with a filling valve 168 received therein, which opens between pressure increase pump 156 and valve 160 in the Nachspülleitungssystem 152.

Furthermore, the dishwasher 110 according to the embodiment in FIG. 1 a controller 170, which in FIG. 1 only symbolically indicated. This controller may include electronic components and may additionally include, for example, a computer system that is programmably configured to perform a method in any of the embodiments described above and below. This controller 170 may be connected, for example, to the temperature sensors 124, 148 and the level sensors 126, 146, as well as to the control with the various valves 130, 158, 160, 164, 168, 142. Also, a control of the pumps 136, 156 by the controller 170 should be possible.

Furthermore, the dishwasher in the embodiment in FIG. 1 a drain line 172 with a drain pump 174, via which (for example, also controlled by the controller 170), water can be pumped out of the wash tank 118 into a drain 176.

Furthermore, in the embodiment according to FIG. 1 various dosing systems 178, 180 are provided, which in turn can also be controlled by the controller 170, and via which, for example, rinse aid 138 may be added in the rinse tank 138, and the wash tank 118 optionally a dishwashing detergent or a rinse aid, depending on the type of process used (see below ).

For example, with the in FIG. 1 Dishwasher 110 shown can implement a method according to the invention. Embodiments of this method are shown in the following figures. All these exemplary embodiments have in common that a filling of the wash tank takes place via the rinsing tank, wherein the rinsing tank is first at least partially filled with water, this water is heated there and the heated water is then transferred to the wash tank. These steps can be performed iteratively. The individual methods differ in the time at which the wash tank is filled by the rinse tank, as well as the purpose of this filling. Thus, in some processes, the washing process is prepared in this way, whereas in other processes the rinsing process is prepared in this way.

In FIG. 2 a first variant of the method is shown in which a filling of the wash tank 118 via the rinse tank 138 is used to prepare a washing process.

After the start of the dishwasher 110 (step 210), first the operational readiness of the dishwasher 110 is established. For this purpose, the final rinse tank 138 is filled with fresh water in step 212 and this filling can be done via the inlet 140, for example, in which the controller 170, the valve 142 opens.

Subsequently, in step 214, the water in the final rinse tank 138 is heated. This can be done by the controller 170 correspondingly activating or heating up the rinsing tank heater 144.

Subsequently, in method step 216, the water is transferred from the final rinse tank 138 into the wash tank 118. This can in the embodiment of the dishwasher 110 according to FIG. 1 be done by opening the valves 158 and 168, where closed against the valves 160 and 164, the pressure increase pump 156 transfers the water from the final rinse tank 138 into the wash tank 118.

Subsequently, in step 218 it is queried whether a specific predetermined level has been reached in the wash tank 118, for example, whether the wash tank 118 is filled. This can be done in particular by querying the level sensor 126 by the controller 170.

If the desired level is not reached (branch 220 in FIG. 2 ), the process steps 212, 214 and 216 are repeated. If the desired level is reached (branch 222 in FIG. 2 ), a washing process 224 is started. This can in the embodiment of the dishwasher 110 according to FIG. 1 For example, be done by the valves 164 and 168 are closed and that the circulation pump 136 is started. In this way, the wash ware 116 is washed in the washing chamber 112 in the circulation operation.

Parallel to the washing process 224 (ie preferably simultaneously, but also a time offset is tolerable) is in the in FIG. 2 shown process flow of the final rinse tank 138 refilled (step 212) and the water in the final rinse tank 138 heated (step 214). In this way, the subsequent rinsing process (see below) is prepared.

After completion of the wash operation 224, the wash water is pumped out of the wash tank 118 (step 226). This can be done, for example, by the fact that in FIG. 1 the drain pump 174 is started.

After the pumping is finished, a rinsing process 228 is started. This can be done in FIG. 1 be done by the valves 164, 168 are closed, the valves 158 and 160 are opened and the pressure increase pump 156 is started. In this way, the wash ware 116 is supplied with the water present in the final rinse tank 138, if appropriate with added rinse aid through the dosing system 178.

After completing the rinsing process 228, it is possible to proceed again to the start 210.

In the embodiment in FIG. 2 serve the first process steps, so the process steps 210 to 218, the production of operational readiness. The following Process steps with the washing process 224 up to the rinsing process 228 represent the actual program sequence. All steps together form one program cycle. This program cycle can be repeated.

In FIG. 3 is a variant of in FIG. 2 shown method, in which the separation between the production of operational readiness and the actual program flow with washing process and Nachspülvorgang is even more pronounced. In the process, the method steps 210 to 222 are again carried out initially, in which, as described with reference to FIG FIG. 2 described operational readiness is prepared by heated washing water is introduced into the wash tank 118 by iteratively filling the wash tank 118 via the final washing tank 138. If this readiness for operation is established, the readiness for operation is signaled in step 230. This can be done, for example, by setting a control bit in the controller 170, and / or acoustic or optical signals can be passed to a user.

An optional waiting time (standby phase 232) follows this establishment of operational readiness. The preceding method steps 210 to 230 may also be part of this standby phase, ie a phase in which neither a washing nor a rinsing process is carried out.

Then, the actual program flow is started (step 234 in FIG. 3 ), for example by pressing a program start button by a user, so again, in analogy to FIG. 2 , the washing process 224 is started, and in parallel thereto, in turn, the post-rinse tank 138 is filled (step 212) and the water in the rinse tank 138 is heated (step 214). Optionally, however, steps 212 and 214 may be performed already in standby 232.

Subsequent to the washing process 224, in turn, analogous to FIG. 2 , the water pumped out of the wash tank 118 (step 226), and the Nachspülvorgang 228 is performed. In contrast to FIG. 2 However, remains in the embodiment in FIG. 3 the Nachspülwasser after completion of Nachspülvorgangs 228 in the wash tank 118 (in FIG. 3 designated by reference numeral 236). Upon a restart of the program 210, this post-rinse water in the wash tank 118 is mixed with freshly added water heated in the post-rinse tank 138 in step 214 in step 216 so that the operational readiness is established more quickly (step 230).

In FIG. 4 is a modification of the in FIG. 3 shown method shown. This procedure differs from that in FIG. 3 shown procedures only in the final phase of the program flow. As well as in FIG. 3 also stays in FIG. 4 after rinsing operation 228, rinse water in wash tank 118 (step 236). Here, however, a query 238 is performed, in which it is queried whether a user has pressed a pump-off button or not (in FIG. 4 symbolically denoted by reference numeral 240). If this pump-off button is pressed (branch 242), the wash tank 118 is pumped out (step 226). Subsequently, the program can be terminated (step 244), or it can be returned to the start 210 again. If the pump-off button is not pressed (branch 246), then, for example, it is possible to return directly to the start 210, so that the rinsing water remaining in the wash tank 118 can then be reused in a new program cycle, analogously to FIG FIG. 3 above.

In FIG. 5 is another variation of the in FIG. 3 shown method shown. This method essentially corresponds to the method according to FIG. 3 , except that at the end, after completion of the rinse operation 228, pumping is automatically performed in step 226, after which it is possible to return to the start in 210. Otherwise, the method corresponds to the method in FIG. 3 ,

In the past in the FIGS. 2 to 5 As illustrated, the iterative filling of the wash tank 118 by the post-rinse tank 138 was merely used as a preparation for the wash operation 224. The rinsing process 228 was carried out in each case only with the water contained in the final rinse tank 138. Not mentioned in the figures is that for the washing process 224 the washing tank 118 from the dosing 180 can be added detergent, and for the rinsing 228 the rinse tank 138 from the dosing system 178 rinse aid can be added.

The iterative filling of the wash tank 118 from the rinsing tank 138 with water heated there to prepare the washing process 224 can be done in addition by introducing fresh water through the fresh water inlet 128 into the wash tank 118. For this purpose, for example, in addition to the illustrated method step of transferring the water from the final rinse tank into the wash tank 216, each of the controller 170, the valve 130 are opened, so that the wash tank 118 a certain amount of fresh water is supplied, which is where it is mixed with water from the final rinse tank 138 and, for example, heated by this or, alternatively or additionally, by the (optional) wash tank heater 122 can be heated.

Alternatively or in addition to the iterative filling of the wash tank 118 from the rinse tank 138 to prepare only the wash operation 224, this iterative filling of the wash tank 118 from the rinse tank 138 may also be used to prepare the rinse operation 228. In this case, the rinsing process is not limited by the limited volume of the rinse tank 138, but rather, for example, after the wash tank 118 has been emptied, it may be iteratively filled from the rinse tank 138 for the rinse operation 228. Subsequently, the valves 164 and 160 are opened, whereas the valves 158 and 168 are closed. By start of the pressure increase pump 156, the washware 116 is then rinsed in the circulation operation via the Nachspüldüsensystem 154.

Examples of such methods, in which the iterative filling of the wash tank 118 from the post-rinse tank 138 is used to prepare the rinse operation 228, are disclosed in US Pat FIGS. 6 to 8 shown.

In FIG. 6 An exemplary embodiment is shown in which the iterative filling of the wash tank 118 from the final washing tank 138 is used both for the washing process 224 and for the rinsing process 228. After the start 210, the post-rinse tank 138 is first filled with water again in step 212, this heated in step 214 and transferred in step 216 in the wash tank. It can, what in FIG. 6 indicated by reference numeral 248, the washing tank 118 via the dosing 180 additional rinsing agent are added, again in step 218, the already known from the previous method question whether the wash tank has reached a predetermined level. If this is not the case (branch 220), then the method steps 212 to 216 are repeated, whereas if this is the case (branch 222) the washing process 224 is started on the one hand and the refill tank 138 is refilled (212) and the other Water in the final rinse tank 138 is heated for the subsequent rinsing process (step 214). The washing process 224 is carried out at least until the water in the final washing tank 138 has reached the temperature required for the rinsing process. After completion of the washing process 224, the wash tank 118 is then pumped off via the drain pump 178 in order to prepare it for the rinsing process.

Subsequently, by opening the valves 158 and 168 and actuating the pressure increase pump 156, the post-rinse water is transferred from the final rinse tank 138 to the wash tank 118 (step 216). However, since the volume of the post-rinse tank 138 is generally insufficient for recirculation operation from the wash tank 118, it follows this transfer step 216 again filling the rinse tank (212) and heating the water in the rinse tank (step 214). This second amount of water is then transferred back into the wash tank 118 (step 216), wherein rinse aid can also be added (in FIG. 6 designated by reference numeral 250). The rinse aid may be added either from the dosing system 178 in the final rinse tank 138, or may be added directly into the wash tank 118, for example via the dosing 180, which may thus be configured as a multifunctional dosing.

Subsequently, it is queried in step 218 whether the wash tank 118 has already reached the predetermined level for the final rinse operation 228. If this is not the case (220), an amount of water is again supplied to the wash tank 118 by filling the rinse tank 212, warming water in the final rinse tank 214 and transferring it to the wash tank 118 (step 216). Finally, when the amount of water in wash tank 118 required for rinse operation 228 is reached, the iterative filling of guard tank 118 from rinse tank 138 is completed (step 222) and the rinse operation is performed (step 228).

After the rinsing process 228, either the water from the wash tank 118 can be completely or partially pumped off, or this can, for example, as in step 236 in FIG. 3 shown wholly or partially remain in the wash tank, for a washing process 224 a subsequent program cycle.

The procedure in FIG. 6 1 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the iterative filling of the washing tank 118 via the rinsing tank 138 is used both for the washing process 224 and for the rinsing process 228. FIG. 7 on the other hand shows a modified embodiment in which this iterative filling is used exclusively for the Nachspülvorgang 228, the post-rinse process 228 thus again takes place in the recirculation mode from the wash tank 118.

In this case, after the start of the program 210, the post-rinse tank 138 is first filled again in step 212, and the water in the rinse tank 138 is heated in step 214. However, this water is not transferred immediately after heating in the wash tank 118, but initially remains in the rinse tank 138th

However, parallel or delayed in time to step 212, the wash tank 118 is filled via the fresh water inlet 128 (step 252), for example, the inflow valve 130 can be opened. This water is heated in step 254 by the controller 170 driving the wash tank heater 122. Simultaneously or additionally, rinse may be added to the wash tank 118 (step 248).

If the water in the wash tank 118 has reached the temperature required for the washing process, the washing process 224 can be started. After completion of the wash operation 224, the water is pumped out of the wash tank 118 (step 226).

After pumping off in step 226, the hot water from the post-rinse tank 138 is transferred to the wash tank 118 in step 216 to prepare for the subsequent post-rinse step. However, since, as described above, the amount of water from the final rinse tank 138 is usually insufficient, this convolution 216 is followed by further iterative filling steps, that is again a sequence of steps 212, 214 and 216. Again, at this or other times a query 218 made, whether the water level in the wash tank 118 is sufficient. If this is not the case (branch 220), iterative filling is continued, whereas if the water level is sufficient (branch 222), the rinsing process 228 can be started. For the final rinse operation, rinse aid may also be added to the rinse tank 138 and / or the wash tank 118 at any time after pumping the wash tank 118 after completion of the wash operation 224, which is described in US Pat FIG. 7 indicated by the reference numeral 250.

After completing the rinsing process 228, there are again the options already mentioned above, to leave the rinsing water completely or partially in the washing tank 118 in order to be able to use this for a subsequent program cycle in a washing process 224, or to pump it off. This is in FIG. 8 in which an alternative to FIG. 7 is shown.

This in FIG. 8 The method shown initially runs identically to in FIG. 7 illustrated method. Subsequent to the Nachspülvorgang 228, however, takes place, analogous to the embodiment in FIG. 4 above, a query as to whether the pump-off button (indicated by reference numeral 240) is pressed or not (step 238). If the pump-off button is pressed (step 242), then pumping is carried out in method step 226, after which the operation can either be ended (step 244) or, with empty wash tank 118, a new start 210 can take place. If the pump-off button is not pressed (case 246 in FIG. 8 ), the rinse water is left wholly or partially in the wash tank 118 without pumping it, and the rinse water can be used in a subsequent program cycle.

reference numeral

110

dishwasher

112

rinsing chamber

114

front flap

116

ware

118

wash tank

120

sieve tray

122

Wash tank heater

124

temperature sensor

126

level sensor

128

Fresh water supply

130

inlet valve

132

Washing nozzle system

134

Washing line system

136

circulating pump

138

Rinse tank, boiler

140

Intake

142

Valve

144

Nachspültankheizung

146

level sensor

148

temperature sensor

150

Pressure relief line

152

Nachspülleitungssystem

154

Nachspüldüsensystem

156

Booster pump

158

Valve

160

Valve

162

connecting line

164

Valve

166

filling line

168

filling valve

170

control

172

drain line

174

drain pump

176

procedure

178

Dosing system Rinse tank

180

Dosing system wash tank

210

begin

212

Fill rinse tank

214

Heating the water in the rinse tank

216

Transferring the water from the rinse tank to the wash tank

218

Wash tank full?

220

Level not reached

222

Level reached

224

wash

226

pumping

228

rinsing process

230

Signal operational readiness

232

standby

234

Start program sequence

236

Rinse water remains in the wash tank

238

Pumping?

240

Abpumptaste

242

Pump-off button pressed

244

The End

246

Pumping button not pressed

248

Add detergent

250

Add rinse aid

252

Fill the wash tank with fresh water

254

Heating the wash tank

Claims (30)

Method for operating a commercial dishwasher (110), wherein the dishwasher (110) comprises a rinsing chamber (112) with a wash tank (118) and is adapted to wash items (116) located in the rinsing chamber (112) in a washing process in the circulating mode wherein the dishwasher (110) further comprises a post-rinse tank (138) and is adapted to subject wash items (116) located in the rinse chamber (112) to a rinse step, the method including at least one program cycle including a wash and a rinse cycle; following steps: a) the rinse tank (138) is at least partially filled with water; b) the water in the final rinse tank (138) is heated; and c) the heated water is transferred to the wash tank (118). Process according to the preceding claim, wherein steps a), b) and c) are carried out repeatedly. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein steps a), b) and c) are carried out until a water level in the washing tank (118) reaches a predetermined minimum level for the washing process and / or the rinsing step. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step c) a pressure increase pump (156) is used. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein during the performance of the washing process, the rinsing tank (138) is at least partially filled with water and this is heated. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein after completion of the rinsing process, the rinsing liquid remains in the wash tank (118). Method according to the preceding claim, wherein after a first program cycle, a second program cycle is performed, wherein during the washing process of the second program cycle, a rinsing liquid of a Rinsing process of the first cycle is used in whole or in part for the washing process. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein in method step c) of the second program cycle, the heated water from the final rinse tank (138) is mixed with the final rinse liquid remaining in the wash tank (118) from the first program cycle. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the washing process and / or the Nachspülvorgang is performed with a predetermined temperature of the water, wherein in step b) the heating of the water in the final washing tank (138) takes place such that the heated water is an excess temperature above the predetermined Temperature, such that the usual heat losses when transferring the heated water in the wash tank (118) and heat losses are compensated by contact of the heated water with a conventional amount of items to be washed (116) in the washing chamber (112), such that during the washing process or ., When the rinsing process, the predetermined temperature is at least approximately maintained. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein after completion of a program cycle in a pumping step, the water is drained from the wash tank (118) in a drain or pumped. The method of the preceding claim, wherein the draining or pumping is initiated by a user input. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of program cycles are performed. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein between and / or before and / or during at least one of the program cycles, a standby step is performed, wherein in the standby step, the method steps a) to c) are performed to establish a readiness for a washing operation , Method according to the preceding claim, wherein after completion of the standby step, the washing process and the Nachspülvorgang be performed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein additionally before the washing process, the wash tank (118) is filled via a fresh water inlet with water. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein additionally the water in the wash tank (118) is heated by a wash tank heater (122). Method according to one of the preceding claims wherein the washing tank (118) before the washing process additionally a cleaning fluid, in particular a dishwashing detergent is added. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a rinse aid is additionally added to the rinsing tank (138) and / or the wash tank (118) before the rinsing process is carried out. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein after carrying out the washing process, the method steps a) to c) are carried out, wherein the wash tank (118) is at least partially filled with water, wherein the rinsing process is carried out with the water in the wash tank (118). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the washing process with a water temperature of 50 ° C to 75 ° C, preferably of 60 ° C, is performed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the Nachspülvorgang with a water temperature between 50 ° C and 90 ° C, preferably at 83 ° C or at 65 ° C, is performed. Computer program with program code means for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding method claims, when the computer program is executed on a computer (170) or computer network. A data carrier or computer system having stored thereon a data structure which, after loading into a working and / or main memory of a computer (170) or computer network, carries out the method according to one of the preceding method claims. A computer program product having program code means stored on a machine-readable medium for carrying out all steps according to any one of the preceding method claims when the program is executed on a computer (170) or computer network. A modulated data signal containing instructions executable by a computer system (170) or computer network to perform a method according to any one of the preceding method claims. A commercial dishwashing machine (110) comprising a wash chamber (112) having a wash tank (118), the dishwasher (110) adapted to wash washware (116) in the wash chamber (112) in a wash operation in a recirculation mode wherein the dishwasher (110) further comprises a rinse tank (138) and is arranged to subject wash items (116) located in the rinse chamber (112) to a rinse step, wherein the dishwasher (110) comprises a controller (170) arranged is to perform a method according to one of the preceding method claims. Dishwasher (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the dishwasher (110) further comprises a connecting line (152, 166) to transfer water from the final washing tank (138) in the wash tank (118). Dishwasher (110) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the dishwasher (110) is further adapted to optionally perform the Nachspülschritt with water from the wash tank (118) or water from the final washing tank (138). Dishwasher (110) according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the dishwasher (110) additionally has a fresh water inlet (128) to the wash tank (118). Dishwasher (110) according to one of the four preceding claims, wherein the dishwasher (110) has a washing nozzle system (132) and a Nachspüldüsensystem (154) separated from the washing nozzle system (132).

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