EP2072000B1 - Dishwasher in the form of a programming machines and method for operating it - Google Patents

Dishwasher in the form of a programming machines and method for operating it Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2072000B1
EP2072000B1 EP08170121A EP08170121A EP2072000B1 EP 2072000 B1 EP2072000 B1 EP 2072000B1 EP 08170121 A EP08170121 A EP 08170121A EP 08170121 A EP08170121 A EP 08170121A EP 2072000 B1 EP2072000 B1 EP 2072000B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
wash tank
waste water
liquid
cleaning
cleaning station
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
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EP08170121A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2072000A1 (en
Inventor
Dietrich Berner
Harald Disch
Markus Heidt
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Premark FEG LLC
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Premark FEG LLC
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Publication of EP2072000A1 publication Critical patent/EP2072000A1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4291—Recovery arrangements, e.g. for the recovery of energy or water
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/0076—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware of non-domestic use type, e.g. commercial dishwashers for bars, hotels, restaurants, canteens or hospitals
    • A47L15/0078—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware of non-domestic use type, e.g. commercial dishwashers for bars, hotels, restaurants, canteens or hospitals with a plurality of fluid recirculation arrangements, e.g. with separated washing liquid and rinsing liquid recirculation circuits

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for operating a dishwasher in the form of a program machine, in particular a commercial dishwasher, according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the invention relates to a dishwasher in the form of a program machine, in particular a commercial dishwasher, according to another independent claim.
  • the publication US 4,689,089 A relates to a conveyor dishwasher, in which the items to be cleaned is transported by means of a conveyor belt through the individual successive treatment zones.
  • Dish washers are often referred to as "utensil dishwashers" because they can be used and used not only for cleaning crockery and cutlery but also, for example, for cleaning pots, pans, trays and the like.
  • Dishwashers or utensil washers according to the invention are program-type machines (box-type warewashers). This can be Korb thoroughlyschubmaschinen (hood-type warewashers) or front loader (warewashers), especially under counter machines.
  • a method for cleaning items which contains the steps pre-cleaning by spraying the dishes with a pre-cleaner solution, main cleaning and rinsing. At least one alkali component and at least one complexing agent are added to the pre-cleaner solution.
  • the document does not say whether the method concerns a programmer (box-type warewasher) or a conveyor warewasher.
  • washing liquid contains water and dosed detergent.
  • a commercial dishwasher is normally equipped with two independent liquid systems, which are completely separated from each other.
  • One of these two fluid systems is a washing fluid circuit, which is responsible for washing the washware and is carried out with a previously used liquid from a wash tank.
  • the other fluid system is a rinse fluid system which has a water heater (boiler) for heating fresh water.
  • the main task of rinsing with rinse aid is to remove the washware on the washware.
  • the final-rinse liquid drained into the wash tank during rinsing serves to regenerate the washing liquid in the wash tank.
  • washing liquid is pumped out of the wash tank into the on-site sewage network.
  • a special type of commercial dishwashers in the form of program machines are hood-type dishwashers. Your treatment chamber for cleaning dishes is surrounded by a hood. The hood can be lifted to load the treatment chamber upwards and then lowered again for the treatment of the ware.
  • Hood machines are almost without exception provided with a feed table and a discharge table.
  • the feed table is designed in many cases as a pre-cleaning station for pre-cleaning of the items to be washed by rinsing and / or by manually removing contaminants from the items to be washed before the items to be washed is inserted into a Spülgutkorb in the hood machine.
  • Pre-cleaning by pre-rinsing is normally done manually. Pre-rinsing during pre-cleaning is usually carried out with on-site, cold or preheated fresh water. In some cases additional pre-rinse cleaning chemistry is used.
  • the outlet table is used for drying and for unloading the wash ware baskets.
  • the problem to be solved is to create a possibility by which the efficiency of the dishwasher can be improved.
  • the invention relates to a method for operating a dishwasher in the form of a program machine, in particular a commercial dishwasher, which has a treatment chamber and a Vorthesesstation, wherein sprayed in the treatment chamber by washing nozzles scrubbing liquid and sprayed rinse clear rinse liquid into a wash tank, from which the washing liquid by means of a washing pump to the washing nozzles is recirculated, and wherein a pre-cleaning station is provided which is arranged outside the treatment chamber and pre-cleaning of items by pre-cleaning liquid before the dishes are placed in the dishwasher and cleaned in the treatment chamber, characterized in that wastewater is supplied from the wash tank by means of at least one pump to the pre-cleaning station and used there as a pre-cleaning liquid.
  • the waste water of the washing tank of the dishwasher for automatic or preferably for manual pre-cleaning or pre-evacuation of items is used before the items to be washed is entered into the treatment chamber of the dishwasher.
  • the mentioned 2 liters to 3 liters of fresh water can be saved per wash cycle of items to be washed.
  • the cost of these additional operating means according to the invention can also be saved.
  • the washing liquid is a wash liquor which has a temperature of, for example, between 50 ° C. and 70 ° C. and a pH of greater than 9 or generally greater than 10.
  • the pre-cleaning liquid is sprayed in the pre-cleaning station, preferably by spray nozzles, on the items to be washed, for example by means of a manually guided spray head.
  • on-site fresh water is automatically fed to the pre-cleaning station as a pre-cleaning liquid, if the available amount of washtank wastewater is not sufficient for pre-cleaning.
  • the wash tank waste water is first passed from the wash tank into a storage container before it is then supplied from this reservoir by means of a pump of the pre-cleaning station.
  • the wash tank waste water is conveyed directly from the wash tank by means of a pump to the pre-cleaning station.
  • the wash tank waste water is filtered before it is used again in the pre-cleaning station.
  • the invention relates to a dishwasher in the form of a program machine, in particular a commercial dishwasher, comprising a treatment chamber containing washing nozzles and rinse nozzles; a wash tank into which wash liquid sprayed through the wash nozzles and clear rinse liquid sprayed through the rinse nozzles flow and from which wash liquid is recirculated to the wash nozzles by means of a wash pump; Furthermore, a pre-cleaning station is provided, which is arranged outside the treatment chamber and designed for pre-cleaning items by pre-cleaning liquid before the dishes are placed in the dishwasher and cleaned in the treatment chamber, characterized in that a waste water transfer system is provided from the wash tank to the pre-cleaning station for automatic removal of wash tank waste water from the wash tank and for the supply of the removed wash tank wastewater as a pre-cleaning liquid to the pre-cleaning station, wherein the waste water transfer system comprises a transfer pump.
  • dishwashers 100 and 200 are commercial dishwashers (dishwashers), which are also signposted as Utensilien Jardinmaschinen (warewashers) and are designed as a programmer. They include a program control device 2 for controlling at least one cleaning program and a treatment chamber 4 closable by a door (not shown) or a hood (not shown) for receiving items to be cleaned (not shown), such as crockery, cutlery, pots, pans and trays.
  • a program control device 2 for controlling at least one cleaning program and a treatment chamber 4 closable by a door (not shown) or a hood (not shown) for receiving items to be cleaned (not shown), such as crockery, cutlery, pots, pans and trays.
  • a washing tank 8 for receiving sprayed liquid from the treatment chamber 4.
  • a washing pump 10 is provided for conveying washing liquid from the washing tank 8 through a washing liquid conduit system 12 to washing nozzles 14 and 16.
  • the washing nozzles 14 and 16 are directed in the treatment chamber 4 to the area of the items to be cleaned to spray washing liquid on the items to be cleaned.
  • the sprayed washing liquid flows by gravity back into the wash tank 8.
  • the wash tank 8, the washing pump 10, the washing liquid conduit system 12, the washing nozzles 14 and 16 together with the treatment chamber 4 form a washing liquid circuit.
  • a rinse aid system 18 contains a rinse aid pump 20 for conveying rinse liquid through a rinse aid system 22 to rinse nozzles 24 and 26, which are directed in the treatment chamber 4 to the region of the ware to be cleaned.
  • the rinse liquid sprayed from the rinse nozzles 24 and 26 flows by gravity from the treatment chamber 4 into the wash tank 8.
  • the rinse line system 22 connects the pressure side of the rinse aid 20 to the rinse nozzles 24 and 26.
  • the wash nozzles 14 and 16 and the rinse nozzles 24 and 26 may be above and / or below and, if desired, also laterally of the wash area be arranged and each directed against the Spülgut Suite, in which in the treatment chamber 4, the items to be washed can be positioned to be cleaned.
  • a plurality of wash nozzles 14 are provided on at least one upper wash arm 15, a plurality of wash nozzles 16 on at least one lower wash arm 17, a plurality of rinse nozzles 24 on at least one upper rinse arm 25, and a plurality of rinse nozzles 26 on at least one lower rinse arm 27 ,
  • wash tank 8 If the wash tank 8 is empty before a first start of the dishwasher, it must first be filled with fresh water via a fresh water line (not shown) or by means of the rinse aid system 18 containing the rinse aid 20.
  • the rinse liquid may be fresh water or rinse aid mixed with rinse aid.
  • the washing liquid contains detergent, which is added to the liquid contained in the washing tank 8 by a detergent metering device (not shown).
  • the dishwashers 100 and 200 of the Fig. 1 and 2 are each provided with a fresh water connection 36, which is connectable to a fresh water supply network.
  • the fresh water connection 36 can be connected to the suction side of the rinse aid pump 20 via a fresh water supply valve 38 which can be controlled by the control device 2 and via a non-return preventer 40 (air gap) and, preferably, via a water heater 42.
  • the fresh water rinse aid (rinse aid) can be added, for example, in the water heater 42.
  • the water heater 42 is provided with at least one level sensor 44 for controlling the liquid level in the water heater 42 by appropriately opening and closing the fresh water valve 38 by means of the control device 2.
  • the dishwashers 100 and 200 of the Fig. 1 and 2 are provided with a pre-cleaning station 48, which is arranged outside the treatment chamber 4 and is designed for pre-cleaning the items to be cleaned by means of pre-cleaning, before the items to be washed is placed in the treatment chamber 4 to be cleaned therein.
  • the items to be washed can be manually cleaned of contamination in the pre-cleaning station and rinsed with pre-cleaning liquid 50.
  • the pre-cleaning station 48 includes a waste water tank 56, an either mechanically positioned or preferably manually durable spray head 52 with at least one or preferably a plurality of spray nozzles 54 for spraying the pre-cleaning liquid 50 to be cleaned items.
  • the spray head 52 is located above a dirty water tank 56, which receives the sprayed pre-cleaning liquid 50 and impurities removed from the dishes.
  • the dirty water tank 56 is provided with a dirty water drain 58 for draining dirty water 60 from the dirty water tank 56.
  • the dirty water tank 56 may be provided with a screen 61 for collecting dirt particles.
  • the waste water drain 58 can also be provided with a sieve.
  • a waste water transfer system from the wash tank 8 to the spray head 52 of the pre-cleaning station 48 is provided for automatic removal of wash tank waste water from the wash tank 8 and for the supply of the removed wash tank wastewater as Vortheseswashkeit 50 to the pre-cleaning station 48th Die Fig. 1 and 2 show two preferred embodiments of waste water transfer systems according to the invention, without the invention being limited thereto.
  • the dishwasher 100 of Fig. 1 is provided with a waste water transfer system 102 having a transfer line 62 which connects the wash tank 8 from a location below a wash tank level sensor 64, preferably from the sump 32, to the spray head 52 and a transfer pump 66
  • the transfer line 62 has a transfer line section 70 connecting the pressure side 68 of the transfer pump 66 to the spray head 52, the downstream end of which is fluidly connectable or separable to the spray head 52 via a valve V1.
  • the valve V1 may be located at the end of the transfer line section 70 or upstream thereof, or preferably at the spray head 52.
  • the suction side 72 of the transfer pump 66 can be connected via a transfer line section 74 and a further valve V2 arranged therein to the wash tank 8, preferably to the sump 32 thereof.
  • the further valve V2 divides the transfer line section 74 into a line part 76 and a line part 78.
  • a fresh water supply line 80 can be connected to the suction side 72 of the transfer pump 66 via a fresh water supply valve V3.
  • the fresh water supply line 80 is connected via a second remindsaugverinder 81 and a second fresh water valve 82 a fresh water branch line 83 with the fresh water connection 36.
  • the wash tank 8 when operating the valve V1 by an operator part of the cyclically occurring in the wash tank 8 wastewater (wash water) as a pre-cleaning liquid by means of the transfer pump 66 the wash tank 8 and fed to the spray head 52.
  • the wash tank 8 may not be removed the entire washing liquid, since at least part of it is needed for the next washing process.
  • the minimum amount of washing liquid remaining in the washing tank 8 is monitored, for example, by the wash tank level sensor 64, which generates a signal when the liquid level in the wash tank 8 has dropped to or falls below the level of the level sensor 8.
  • the remaining amount of liquid in the wash tank 8 can be pumped out via the drain pump 30.
  • the transfer pump 66 is turned on and the valve V2 is opened and promoted washing liquid as a pre-cleaning liquid from the wash tank 8 to the spray head 52.
  • valve V2 in the transfer line section 74 automatically becomes dependent on the signal of the wash tank level sensor 64 by the control device 2 the suction side of the transfer pump 66 is closed and then, or at the same time at the same time, the valve V3 of the fresh water supply line 80 is opened, at the same time the fresh water valve 82 of the fresh water branch line 83 is opened at the same time.
  • the valve V3 then supplies via the transfer pump 66 the pre-cleaning station 48, in particular the spray head 52, with fresh water from the fresh water supply line 80.
  • the fresh water valve 82 and the valve V3 can be closed again and then or at the same time at the same time the valve V2 can be opened again if the liquid level in the wash tank 8 has again risen above the wash tank level sensor 64.
  • the wastewater transfer system 102 of Fig. 1 may include a filter 79 for filtering the washing water used as a pre-cleaning liquid.
  • a waste water transfer system 202 which in turn includes the transfer pump 66, the transfer line section 70 and the valve V1, which is arranged in the transfer line section 70 or at its end or preferably at the spray head 52 and is manually operable to the pressure side 68 the transfer pump 66 to communicate with the spray head 52 in terms of flow.
  • the suction side 72 of the transfer pump 66 is not directly connected to the wash tank 8, but with a reservoir 212, preferably with the lower end of the reservoir 212.
  • the drain pump 30, which is connected with its suction side to the sump 32 of the wash tank 8 is not connected to a domestic sewage system with its pressure side, but via a connecting line 214, preferably via a removable strainer 216 fluidly connected to the reservoir 212 for transferring wash fluid from the wash tank 8 to the reservoir 212 in the manner previously described Fig. 1 as a function of the liquid level in the wash tank 8, which is monitored by the wash tank level sensor 64.
  • a second drain pump 220 is connected to empty the reservoir 212 in a domestic sewage system, in particular in the sewer.
  • Fig. 2 is the fresh water supply line 80, which with respect to Fig. 1 has been described, via its fresh water supply valve V3 fluidly connected to the reservoir 212.
  • the fresh water supply valve V3 is controlled by the controller 2 depending on whether the liquid level in the reservoir 212 has dropped to or higher than the level of a reservoir level sensor 222 or below.
  • the reservoir 212 may be provided with a safety overflow 224.
  • the entire waste water of the wash tank 8 is removed by means of the drain pump 30 the wash tank 8 and pumped into the reservoir 212.
  • the wastewater is filtered through the preferably removable filter 216 (strainer) before flowing into the reservoir 212.
  • the transfer pump 66 is turned on and the stored wastewater conveyed as a pre-cleaning liquid from the reservoir 212 to the spray head 52.
  • the reservoir 212 is provided with the reservoir level sensor 222 which causes the fresh water supply valve V3 of the fresh water supply line 80 to be opened and fresh water introduced into the reservoir 212 only when the liquid level in the reservoir 212 is that defined by the reservoir level sensor , lower liquid level limit below.
  • the maximum upper liquid level in the reservoir 212 is through its overflow 224 defined.
  • a filter may also be provided elsewhere for filtering the washing liquid removed from the wash tank 8 on the way to the storage container 212.
  • a filter may also be disposed on the way from the storage container 212 to the pre-cleaning liquid Spray head 52 may be provided.

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  • Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Geschirrspülmaschine in Form eines Programmautomaten, insbesondere einer gewerblichen Geschirrspülmaschine, gemäß dem Oberbegriff von Anspruch 1.The invention relates to a method for operating a dishwasher in the form of a program machine, in particular a commercial dishwasher, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Ferner betrifft die Erfindung eine Geschirrspülmaschine in Form eines Programmautomaten, insbesondere eine gewerbliche Geschirrspülmaschine, gemäß einem weiteren unabhängigen Patentanspruch.Furthermore, the invention relates to a dishwasher in the form of a program machine, in particular a commercial dishwasher, according to another independent claim.

Die Druckschrift US 4,689,089 A betrifft eine Transportspülmaschine, bei welcher das zu reinigende Spülgut mit Hilfe eines Transportbandes durch die einzelnen hintereinander geschalteten Behandlungszonen transportiert wird.The publication US 4,689,089 A relates to a conveyor dishwasher, in which the items to be cleaned is transported by means of a conveyor belt through the individual successive treatment zones.

Geschirrspülmaschinen (dish washers) werden häufig auch als "Utensilienspülmaschinen" bezeichnet, da sie nicht nur zum Reinigen von Geschirr und Besteck, sondern beispielsweise auch zum Reinigen von Töpfen, Pfannen, Tabletts und ähnlichen Gegenständen verwendet werden können und auch verwendet werden. Geschirrspülmaschinen oder Utensilienspülmaschinen gemäß der Erfindung sind Programmautomaten (box-type warewashers). Hierbei können es Korbdurchschubmaschinen (hood-type warewashers) oder Frontlader (front loader warewashers) sein, insbesonder Untertischmaschinen (under counter machines).Dish washers are often referred to as "utensil dishwashers" because they can be used and used not only for cleaning crockery and cutlery but also, for example, for cleaning pots, pans, trays and the like. Dishwashers or utensil washers according to the invention are program-type machines (box-type warewashers). This can be Korbdurchschubmaschinen (hood-type warewashers) or front loader (warewashers), especially under counter machines.

Aus der EP 0 808 894 B1 ist ein Verfahren zum Reinigen von Spülgut bekannt, welches die Schritte Vorreinigen durch Besprühen des Spülgutes mit einer Vorreinigerlösung, Hauptreinigen und Nachspülen enthält. Der Vorreinigerlösung werden wenigstens eine Alkalikomponente und wenigstens ein Komplexbildner zudosiert. Das Dokument besagt nicht, ob das Verfahren einen Programmautomaten (box-type warewasher) oder eine Transportgeschirr-spülmaschine (conveyor warewasher) betrifft.From the EP 0 808 894 B1 a method for cleaning items is known, which contains the steps pre-cleaning by spraying the dishes with a pre-cleaner solution, main cleaning and rinsing. At least one alkali component and at least one complexing agent are added to the pre-cleaner solution. The document does not say whether the method concerns a programmer (box-type warewasher) or a conveyor warewasher.

Gewerbliche Geschirrspülmaschinen oder Utensilienspülmaschinen (commercial warewashers) arbeiten normalerweise in zwei Hauptprozessschritten, nämlich zuerst Waschen mit Waschflüssigkeit und dann Klarspülen mit erwärmtem Frischwasser, welchem Klarspüler (rinse aid) zudosiert wird. Die Waschflüssigkeit enthält Wasser und zudosierten Reiniger (detergent).Commercial dishwashers or commercial warewashers usually operate in two main process steps, namely first washing with washing liquid and then rinsing with heated fresh water to which rinse aid is added. The washing liquid contains water and dosed detergent.

Um diese zwei Prozessschritte durchführen zu können, ist eine gewerbliche Geschirrspülmaschine normalerweise mit zwei voneinander unabhängigen Flüssigkeitssystemen ausgestattet, die vollständig voneinander getrennt sind. Eines dieser beiden Flüssigkeitssysteme ist ein Waschflüssigkeitskreislauf, der für die Waschung des Spülgutes (washware) zuständig ist und mit vorbenutzter Flüssigkeit aus einem Waschtank durchgeführt wird. Das andere Flüssigkeitssystem ist ein Klarspülflüssigkeitssystem, welches einen Wassererwärmer (Boiler) zur Erwärmung von Frischwasser aufweist.In order to be able to carry out these two process steps, a commercial dishwasher is normally equipped with two independent liquid systems, which are completely separated from each other. One of these two fluid systems is a washing fluid circuit, which is responsible for washing the washware and is carried out with a previously used liquid from a wash tank. The other fluid system is a rinse fluid system which has a water heater (boiler) for heating fresh water.

Die Hauptaufgabe der Klarspülung mit Klarspülflüssigkeit ist es, die auf dem Spülgut (washware) befindliche Lauge zu entfernen. Zusätzlich dient die bei der Klarspülung in den Waschtank abfließende Klarspülflüssigkeit zur Regeneration der Waschflüssigkeit im Waschtank.The main task of rinsing with rinse aid is to remove the washware on the washware. In addition, the final-rinse liquid drained into the wash tank during rinsing serves to regenerate the washing liquid in the wash tank.

Bevor neues Frischwasser für die Klarspülung zugeführt wird, wird die gleiche Menge an Waschflüssigkeit aus dem Waschtank in das bauseitige Abwassernetz abgepumpt.Before new fresh water is supplied for rinsing, the same amount of washing liquid is pumped out of the wash tank into the on-site sewage network.

Eine besondere Art von gewerblichen Geschirrspülmaschinen in Form von Programmautomaten sind Haubenmaschinen (hood-type dishwashers). Ihre Behandlungskammer zum Reinigen von Spülgut ist von einer Haube umgeben. Die Haube kann zum Beladen der Behandlungskammer nach oben abgehoben und dann zur Behandlung des Spülgutes wieder abgesenkt werden. Haubenmaschinen sind fast ausnahmslos mit einem Zulauftisch und einem Auslauftisch versehen. Der Zulauftisch ist in vielen Fällen als Vorreinigungsstation ausgebildet zur Vorreinigung des Spülgutes durch Abspülen und/oder durch manuelles Entfernen von Verschmutzungen von dem Spülgut, bevor das Spülgut in einem Spülgutkorb in die Haubenmaschine eingeschoben wird. Das Vorreinigen durch Vorspülen erfolgt normalerweise manuell. Das Vorspülen bei der Vorreinigung wird in der Regel mit bauseitigem, kaltem oder vorgewärmten Frischwasser durchgeführt. In einigen Fällen wird zur Vorspülung noch eine zusätzliche Reinigungschemie benutzt. Der Auslauftisch dient zur Trocknung und zur Entladung der Spülgutkörbe.A special type of commercial dishwashers in the form of program machines are hood-type dishwashers. Your treatment chamber for cleaning dishes is surrounded by a hood. The hood can be lifted to load the treatment chamber upwards and then lowered again for the treatment of the ware. Hood machines are almost without exception provided with a feed table and a discharge table. The feed table is designed in many cases as a pre-cleaning station for pre-cleaning of the items to be washed by rinsing and / or by manually removing contaminants from the items to be washed before the items to be washed is inserted into a Spülgutkorb in the hood machine. Pre-cleaning by pre-rinsing is normally done manually. Pre-rinsing during pre-cleaning is usually carried out with on-site, cold or preheated fresh water. In some cases additional pre-rinse cleaning chemistry is used. The outlet table is used for drying and for unloading the wash ware baskets.

Im Rahmen der Erfindung durchgeführte Untersuchungen ergaben, dass zur Spülgutvorreinigung je nach Spülgutart und dessen Verschmutzungsgrad ca. 2 Liter bis 3 Liter Frischwasser verwendet werden.Investigations carried out within the scope of the invention have shown that approximately 2 liters to 3 liters of fresh water are used for pre-cleaning the dishes, depending on the type of dishwashing product and its degree of soiling.

Durch die Erfindung soll die Aufgabe gelöst werden, eine Möglichkeit zu schaffen, durch welche der Wirkungsgrad der Geschirrspülmaschine verbessert werden kann.By the invention, the problem to be solved is to create a possibility by which the efficiency of the dishwasher can be improved.

Diese Aufgabe wird gemäß der Erfindung durch die Merkmale von Anspruch 1 gelöst.This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1.

Demgemäß betrifft die Erfindung ein Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Geschirrspülmaschine in Form eines Programmautomaten, insbesondere einer gewerblichen Geschirrspülmaschine, welche eine Behandlungskammer und eine Vorreinigungsstation aufweist, wobei in der Behandlungskammer durch Waschdüsen versprühte Waschflüssigkeit und durch Klarspüldüsen versprühte Klarspülflüssigkeit in einen Waschtank fließen, aus welchem die Waschflüssigkeit mittels einer Waschpumpe zu den Waschdüsen rezirkulierbar ist, und wobei eine Vorreinigungsstation vorgesehen ist, welche außerhalb der Behandlungskammer angeordnet und zum Vorreinigen von Spülgut mittels Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit ausgebildet ist, bevor das Spülgut in die Geschirrspülmaschine gegeben und in der Behandlungskammer gereinigt wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass Abwasser aus dem Waschtank mittels mindestens einer Pumpe der Vorreinigungsstation zugeführt und dort als Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit verwendet wird.Accordingly, the invention relates to a method for operating a dishwasher in the form of a program machine, in particular a commercial dishwasher, which has a treatment chamber and a Vorreinigungsstation, wherein sprayed in the treatment chamber by washing nozzles scrubbing liquid and sprayed rinse clear rinse liquid into a wash tank, from which the washing liquid by means of a washing pump to the washing nozzles is recirculated, and wherein a pre-cleaning station is provided which is arranged outside the treatment chamber and pre-cleaning of items by pre-cleaning liquid before the dishes are placed in the dishwasher and cleaned in the treatment chamber, characterized in that wastewater is supplied from the wash tank by means of at least one pump to the pre-cleaning station and used there as a pre-cleaning liquid.

Durch die Erfindung wird das Abwasser des Waschtankes der Geschirrspülmaschine zur automatischen oder vorzugsweise zur manuellen Vorreinigung oder Vorab-räumung von Spülgut verwendet, bevor das Spülgut in die Behandlungskammer der Geschirrspülmaschine eingegeben wird. Dadurch können pro Reinigungszyklus von Spülgut beispielsweise die genannten 2 Liter bis 3 Liter Frischwasser gespart werden. In vielen Fällen, wo beim Stand der Technik vorgewärmtes Frischwasser und/oder eine zusätzliche Reinigungschemie verwendet wird, können die Kosten für diese zusätzlichen Betriebmittel gemäß der Erfindung ebenfalls gespart werden.By the invention, the waste water of the washing tank of the dishwasher for automatic or preferably for manual pre-cleaning or pre-evacuation of items is used before the items to be washed is entered into the treatment chamber of the dishwasher. As a result, for example, the mentioned 2 liters to 3 liters of fresh water can be saved per wash cycle of items to be washed. In many cases where preheated fresh water and / or additional cleaning chemistry is used in the prior art, the cost of these additional operating means according to the invention can also be saved.

Ferner kann durch die Erfindung die Effizienz der Vorreinigung durch die Verwendung der warmen Waschflüssigkeit als Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit signifikant verbessert werden. Die Waschflüssigkeit ist eine Waschlauge, welche eine Temperatur von beispielsweise zwischen 50° C und 70° C und einen ph-Wert von größer 9 oder meistens größer 10 hat. Dadurch verbleibt nach der Vorreinigung weniger Schmutz an dem Spülgut und es wird entsprechend weniger Schmutz in die Behandlungskammer der Geschirrpülmaschine verschleppt.Furthermore, the efficiency of the pre-cleaning can be significantly improved by the use of the warm washing liquid as Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit by the invention. The washing liquid is a wash liquor which has a temperature of, for example, between 50 ° C. and 70 ° C. and a pH of greater than 9 or generally greater than 10. As a result, after the pre-cleaning less dirt remains on the items to be washed and it is entrained correspondingly less dirt in the treatment chamber of the dishwasher.

Die Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit wird in der Vorreinigungsstation, vorzugsweise durch Sprühdüsen, auf das Spülgut gespritzt, beispielsweise mittels eines manuell geführten Sprühkopfes.The pre-cleaning liquid is sprayed in the pre-cleaning station, preferably by spray nozzles, on the items to be washed, for example by means of a manually guided spray head.

Weitere Merkmale des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens sind in den Unteransprüchen enthalten.Further features of the method according to the invention are contained in the subclaims.

Gemäß einer besonderen Ausführungsform ist vorgesehen, dass bauseitiges Frischwasser automatisch der Vorreinigungsstation als Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit zugeführt wird, falls die verfügbare Menge an Waschtankabwasser nicht zur Vorreinigung ausreicht.According to a particular embodiment it is provided that on-site fresh water is automatically fed to the pre-cleaning station as a pre-cleaning liquid, if the available amount of washtank wastewater is not sufficient for pre-cleaning.

Gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass das Waschtankabwasser zuerst aus dem Waschtank in einen Vorratsbehälter geleitet wird, bevor es dann aus diesem Vorratsbehälter mittels einer Pumpe der Vorreinigungsstation zugeführt wird.According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the wash tank waste water is first passed from the wash tank into a storage container before it is then supplied from this reservoir by means of a pump of the pre-cleaning station.

Gemäß einer anderen, alternativen Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass das Waschtankabwasser direkt aus dem Waschtank mittels einer Pumpe zu der Vorreinigungsstation gefördert wird.According to another, alternative embodiment of the invention it is provided that the wash tank waste water is conveyed directly from the wash tank by means of a pump to the pre-cleaning station.

Gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass das Waschtankabwasser gefiltert wird, bevor es in der Vorreinigungsstation wieder verwendet wird.According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the wash tank waste water is filtered before it is used again in the pre-cleaning station.

Ferner betrifft die Erfindung eine Geschirrspülmaschine in Form eines Programmautomaten, insbesondere gewerbliche Geschirrspülmaschine, enthaltend eine Behandlungskammer, die Waschdüsen und Klarspüldüsen enthält; einen Waschtank, in welchen durch die Waschdüsen versprühte Waschflüssigkeit und durch die Klarspüldüsen versprühte Klarspülflüssigkeit fließen und aus welchem Waschflüssigkeit mittels einer Waschpumpe zu den Waschdüsen zurückrezirkulierbar ist; wobei ferner eine Vorreinigungsstation vorgesehen ist, welche außerhalb der Behandlungskammer angeordnet und ausgebildet ist zum Vorreinigen von Spülgut mittels Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit bevor das Spülgut in die Geschirrspülmaschine gegeben und in der Behandlungskammer gereinigt wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein Abwassertransfersystem von dem Waschtank zu der Vorreinigungsstation vorgesehen ist zur automatischen Entnahme von Waschtankabwasser aus dem Waschtank und zur Zufuhr des entnommenen Waschtankabwassers als Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit zu der Vorreinigungsstation, wobei das Abwassertransfersystem eine Transferpumpe aufweist.Furthermore, the invention relates to a dishwasher in the form of a program machine, in particular a commercial dishwasher, comprising a treatment chamber containing washing nozzles and rinse nozzles; a wash tank into which wash liquid sprayed through the wash nozzles and clear rinse liquid sprayed through the rinse nozzles flow and from which wash liquid is recirculated to the wash nozzles by means of a wash pump; Furthermore, a pre-cleaning station is provided, which is arranged outside the treatment chamber and designed for pre-cleaning items by pre-cleaning liquid before the dishes are placed in the dishwasher and cleaned in the treatment chamber, characterized in that a waste water transfer system is provided from the wash tank to the pre-cleaning station for automatic removal of wash tank waste water from the wash tank and for the supply of the removed wash tank wastewater as a pre-cleaning liquid to the pre-cleaning station, wherein the waste water transfer system comprises a transfer pump.

Die Erfindung wird im Folgenden mit Bezug auf die beiliegenden Zeichnungen anhand von bevorzugten Ausführungsformen als Beispiele beschrieben. In den Zeichnungen zeigen

Fig. 1
schematisch eine gewerbliche Geschirrspülmaschine in Form eines Programmautomaten gemäß der Erfindung, und
Fig. 2
schematisch eine weitere Ausführungsform einer gewerblichen Geschirrspülmaschine in Form eines Programmautomaten gemäß der Erfindung.
The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of preferred embodiments. In the drawings show
Fig. 1
schematically a commercial dishwasher in the form of a program machine according to the invention, and
Fig. 2
schematically another embodiment of a commercial dishwasher in the form of a programmer according to the invention.

Die in den Fig. 1 und 2 dargestellten Geschirrspülmaschinen 100 und 200 nach der Erfindung sind gewerbliche Geschirrspülmaschinen (dishwashers), welche auch als Utensilienspülmaschinen (warewashers) bezeichenbar sind und als Programmautomaten ausgebildet sind. Sie enthalten eine Programmsteuereinrichtung 2 zur Steuerung von mindestens einem Reinigungsprogramm und eine durch eine Tür (nicht gezeigt) oder eine Haube (nicht gezeigt) verschließbare Behandlungskammer 4 zur Aufnahme von zu reinigendem Spülgut (nicht gezeigt), wie beispielsweise Geschirr, Besteck, Töpfe, Pfannen und Tabletts.The in the Fig. 1 and 2 shown dishwashers 100 and 200 according to the invention are commercial dishwashers (dishwashers), which are also signposted as Utensilienspülmaschinen (warewashers) and are designed as a programmer. They include a program control device 2 for controlling at least one cleaning program and a treatment chamber 4 closable by a door (not shown) or a hood (not shown) for receiving items to be cleaned (not shown), such as crockery, cutlery, pots, pans and trays.

Unter der Behandlungskammer 4 befindet sich ein Waschtank 8 zur Aufnahme von versprühter Flüssigkeit aus der Behandlungskammer 4. Eine Waschpumpe 10 ist zum Fördern von Waschflüssigkeit aus dem Waschtank 8 durch ein Waschflüssigkeitsleitungssystem 12 zu Waschdüsen 14 und 16 vorgesehen. Die Waschdüsen 14 und 16 sind in der Behandlungskammer 4 auf den Bereich des zu reinigenden Spülgutes gerichtet, um Waschflüssigkeit auf das zu reinigende Spülgut zu versprühen. Die versprühte Waschflüssigkeit strömt durch Schwerkraft in den Waschtank 8 zurück. Dadurch bilden der Waschtank 8, die Waschpumpe 10, das Waschflüssigkeitsleitungssystem 12, die Waschdüsen 14 und 16 zusammen mit der Behandlungskammer 4 einen Waschflüssigkeitskreislauf.Below the treatment chamber 4 is a washing tank 8 for receiving sprayed liquid from the treatment chamber 4. A washing pump 10 is provided for conveying washing liquid from the washing tank 8 through a washing liquid conduit system 12 to washing nozzles 14 and 16. The washing nozzles 14 and 16 are directed in the treatment chamber 4 to the area of the items to be cleaned to spray washing liquid on the items to be cleaned. The sprayed washing liquid flows by gravity back into the wash tank 8. As a result, the wash tank 8, the washing pump 10, the washing liquid conduit system 12, the washing nozzles 14 and 16 together with the treatment chamber 4 form a washing liquid circuit.

Ein Klarspülsystem 18 enthält eine Klarspülpumpe 20 zum Fördern von Klarspülflüssigkeit durch ein Klarspülleitungssystem 22 zu Klarspüldüsen 24 und 26, welche in der Behandlungskammer 4 auf den Bereich des zu reinigenden Spülgutes gerichtet sind. Die von den Klarspüldüsen 24 und 26 versprühte Klarspülflüssigkeit strömt durch Schwerkraft von der Behandlungskammer 4 in den Waschtank 8. Das Klarspülleitungssystem 22 verbindet die Druckseite der Klarspülpumpe 20 mit den Klarspüldüsen 24 und 26.A rinse aid system 18 contains a rinse aid pump 20 for conveying rinse liquid through a rinse aid system 22 to rinse nozzles 24 and 26, which are directed in the treatment chamber 4 to the region of the ware to be cleaned. The rinse liquid sprayed from the rinse nozzles 24 and 26 flows by gravity from the treatment chamber 4 into the wash tank 8. The rinse line system 22 connects the pressure side of the rinse aid 20 to the rinse nozzles 24 and 26.

Die Waschdüsen 14 und 16 und die Klarspüldüsen 24 und 26 können oberhalb und/oder unterhalb und gewünschtenfalls auch seitlich von dem Spülgutbereich angeordnet und jeweils gegen den Spülgutbereich gerichtet sein, in welchem in der Behandlungskammer 4 das Spülgut positioniert werden kann, um gereinigt zu werden.The wash nozzles 14 and 16 and the rinse nozzles 24 and 26 may be above and / or below and, if desired, also laterally of the wash area be arranged and each directed against the Spülgutbereich, in which in the treatment chamber 4, the items to be washed can be positioned to be cleaned.

Vorzugsweise ist eine Vielzahl von Waschdüsen 14 an mindestens einem oberen Wascharm 15, eine Vielzahl von Waschdüsen 16 an mindestens einem unteren Wascharm 17, eine Vielzahl von Klarspüldüsen 24 an mindestens einem oberen Klarspülarm 25 und eine Vielzahl von Klarspüldüsen 26 an mindestens einem unteren Klarspülarm 27 vorgesehen.Preferably, a plurality of wash nozzles 14 are provided on at least one upper wash arm 15, a plurality of wash nozzles 16 on at least one lower wash arm 17, a plurality of rinse nozzles 24 on at least one upper rinse arm 25, and a plurality of rinse nozzles 26 on at least one lower rinse arm 27 ,

Bevor Klarspülflüssigkeit versprüht wird, wird jeweils eine der zu versprühenden Menge an Klarspülflüssigkeit entsprechende Menge an Waschflüssigkeit aus dem Waschtank 8 mittels einer Ablaufpumpe 30 abgepumpt, deren Saugseite an einen Sumpf 32 des Waschtankes 8 angeschlossen ist.Before rinse-aid liquid is sprayed, in each case one of the amount of washing liquid corresponding to the amount of rinse liquid to be sprayed is pumped out of the wash tank 8 by means of a drain pump 30 whose suction side is connected to a sump 32 of the wash tank 8.

Wenn vor einem ersten Start der Geschirrspülmaschine der Waschtank 8 leer ist, muss er zuerst über eine Frischwasserleitung (nicht gezeigt) oder mittels des Klarspülsystems 18, welche die Klarspülpumpe 20 enthält, mit Frischwasser gefüllt werden.If the wash tank 8 is empty before a first start of the dishwasher, it must first be filled with fresh water via a fresh water line (not shown) or by means of the rinse aid system 18 containing the rinse aid 20.

Die Klarspülflüssigkeit kann Frischwasser oder mit Klarspüler (rinse aid) vermischtes Frischwasser sein.The rinse liquid may be fresh water or rinse aid mixed with rinse aid.

Die Waschflüssigkeit enthält Reiniger (detergent), welcher der im Waschtank 8 enthaltenen Flüssigkeit von einer Reinigerzudosiervorrichtung (nicht gezeigt) zudosiert wird.The washing liquid contains detergent, which is added to the liquid contained in the washing tank 8 by a detergent metering device (not shown).

Die Geschirrspülmaschinen 100 und 200 der Fig. 1 und 2 sind jeweils mit einem Frischwasseranschluss 36 versehen, welcher an ein Frischwasserversorgungsnetz anschließbar ist. Der Frischwasseranschluss 36 ist über ein von der Steuereinrichtung 2 steuerbares Frischwasserzufuhrventil 38 und über einen Rücksaugverhinderer 40 (air gap) und, vorzugsweise, über einen Wassererwärmer 42 mit der Saugseite der Klarspülpumpe 20 verbindbar. Dem Frischwasser kann Klarspüler (rinse aid) beispielsweise im Wassererwärmer 42 zudosiert werden.The dishwashers 100 and 200 of the Fig. 1 and 2 are each provided with a fresh water connection 36, which is connectable to a fresh water supply network. The fresh water connection 36 can be connected to the suction side of the rinse aid pump 20 via a fresh water supply valve 38 which can be controlled by the control device 2 and via a non-return preventer 40 (air gap) and, preferably, via a water heater 42. The fresh water rinse aid (rinse aid) can be added, for example, in the water heater 42.

Der Wassererwärmer 42 ist mit mindestens einem Niveausensor 44 versehen zur Regelung des Flüssigkeitsniveaus im Wassererwärmer 42 durch entsprechendes Öffnen und Schließen des Frischwasserventils 38 mittels der Steuereinrichtung 2.The water heater 42 is provided with at least one level sensor 44 for controlling the liquid level in the water heater 42 by appropriately opening and closing the fresh water valve 38 by means of the control device 2.

Die Geschirrspülmaschinen 100 und 200 der Fig. 1 und 2 sind mit einer Vorreinigungsstation 48 versehen, welche außerhalb der Behandlungskammer 4 angeordnet ist und zum Vorreinigen des Spülgutes mittels Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit ausgebildet ist, bevor das Spülgut in die Behandlungskammer 4 gegeben wird, um darin gereinigt zu werden. Das Spülgut kann in der Vorreinigungsstation manuell von Verschmutzungen gereinigt und mit Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit 50 abgespült werden. Hierfür enthält die Vorreinigungsstation 48 einen Schmutzwassertank 56, einen entweder mechanisch positionierten oder vorzugsweise manuell haltbaren Sprühkopf 52 mit mindestens einer oder vorzugsweise einer Vielzahl von Sprühdüsen 54 zum Sprühen der Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit 50 auf das zu reinigende Spülgut. Der Sprühkopf 52 befindet sich über einem Schmutzwassertank 56, welcher die versprühte Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit 50 und von dem Spülgut entfernte Verunreinigungen aufnimmt. Der Schmutzwassertank 56 ist mit einem Schmutzwasserablauf 58 zum Ablassen von Schmutzwasser 60 aus dem Schmutzwassertank 56 versehen. Der Schmutzwassertank 56 kann mit einem Sieb 61 versehen sein zum Auffangen von Schmutzpartikeln. Der Schmutzwasserablauf 58 kann auch mit einem Sieb versehen werden.The dishwashers 100 and 200 of the Fig. 1 and 2 are provided with a pre-cleaning station 48, which is arranged outside the treatment chamber 4 and is designed for pre-cleaning the items to be cleaned by means of pre-cleaning, before the items to be washed is placed in the treatment chamber 4 to be cleaned therein. The items to be washed can be manually cleaned of contamination in the pre-cleaning station and rinsed with pre-cleaning liquid 50. For this purpose, the pre-cleaning station 48 includes a waste water tank 56, an either mechanically positioned or preferably manually durable spray head 52 with at least one or preferably a plurality of spray nozzles 54 for spraying the pre-cleaning liquid 50 to be cleaned items. The spray head 52 is located above a dirty water tank 56, which receives the sprayed pre-cleaning liquid 50 and impurities removed from the dishes. The dirty water tank 56 is provided with a dirty water drain 58 for draining dirty water 60 from the dirty water tank 56. The dirty water tank 56 may be provided with a screen 61 for collecting dirt particles. The waste water drain 58 can also be provided with a sieve.

Gemäß der Erfindung ist ein Abwassertransfersystem von dem Waschtank 8 zu dem Sprühkopf 52 der Vorreinigungsstation 48 vorgesehen zur automatischen Entnahme von Waschtankabwasser aus dem Waschtank 8 und zur Zufuhr des entnommenen Waschtankabwassers als Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit 50 zu der Vorreinigungsstation 48. Die Fig. 1 und 2 zeigen zwei bevorzugte Ausführungsformen von Abwassertransfersystemen gemäß der Erfindung, ohne dass die Erfindung darauf beschränkt ist.According to the invention, a waste water transfer system from the wash tank 8 to the spray head 52 of the pre-cleaning station 48 is provided for automatic removal of wash tank waste water from the wash tank 8 and for the supply of the removed wash tank wastewater as Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit 50 to the pre-cleaning station 48th Die Fig. 1 and 2 show two preferred embodiments of waste water transfer systems according to the invention, without the invention being limited thereto.

Die Geschirrspülmaschine 100 von Fig. 1 ist mit einem Abwassertransfersystem 102 versehen, welches eine Transferleitung 62 aufweist, welche den Waschtank 8 von einer unterhalb eines Waschtank-Niveausensors 64 gelegenen Stelle, vorzugsweise von dem Sumpf 32, mit dem Sprühkopf 52 verbindet und eine Transferpumpe 66 enthält zur Förderung von Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit aus dem Waschtank zu dem Sprühkopf 52. Die Transferleitung 62 hat einen die Druckseite 68 der Transferpumpe 66 mit dem Sprühkopf 52 verbindenden Transferleitungsabschnitt 70, dessen stromabwärtiges Ende über ein Ventil V1 mit dem Sprühkopf 52 strömungsmäßig verbindbar oder tennbar ist. Das Ventil V1 kann sich am Ende des Transferleitungsabschnittes 70 oder stromaufwärts davon oder vorzugsweise am Sprühkopf 52 befinden.The dishwasher 100 of Fig. 1 is provided with a waste water transfer system 102 having a transfer line 62 which connects the wash tank 8 from a location below a wash tank level sensor 64, preferably from the sump 32, to the spray head 52 and a transfer pump 66 The transfer line 62 has a transfer line section 70 connecting the pressure side 68 of the transfer pump 66 to the spray head 52, the downstream end of which is fluidly connectable or separable to the spray head 52 via a valve V1. The valve V1 may be located at the end of the transfer line section 70 or upstream thereof, or preferably at the spray head 52.

Die Saugseite 72 der Transferpumpe 66 ist über einen Transferleitungsabschnitt 74 und ein darin angeordnetes weiteres Ventil V2 mit dem Waschtank 8, vorzugsweise mit dessen Sumpf 32, verbindbar. Das weitere Ventil V2 unterteilt den Transferleitungsabschnitt 74 in einen Leitungsteil 76 und einen Leitungsteil 78. Eine Frischwasserzufuhrleitung 80 ist über ein Frischwasserzufuhrventil V3 mit der Saugseite 72 der Transferpumpe 66 verbindbar. Die Frischwasserzufuhrleitung 80 ist über einen zweiten Rücksaugverhinderer 81 und ein zweites Frischwasserventil 82 einer Frischwasserzweigleitung 83 mit dem Frischwasseranschluss 36 verbindbar.The suction side 72 of the transfer pump 66 can be connected via a transfer line section 74 and a further valve V2 arranged therein to the wash tank 8, preferably to the sump 32 thereof. The further valve V2 divides the transfer line section 74 into a line part 76 and a line part 78. A fresh water supply line 80 can be connected to the suction side 72 of the transfer pump 66 via a fresh water supply valve V3. The fresh water supply line 80 is connected via a second Rücksaugverinder 81 and a second fresh water valve 82 a fresh water branch line 83 with the fresh water connection 36.

Dadurch ist bei der Geschirrspülmaschine 100 von Fig. 1 der Waschtank 8 mittels des Abwassertransfersystems 102 mit dem Sprühkopf 52 der Vorreinigungsstation 48 direkt verbindbar, ohne Zwischenspeicherung der aus dem Waschtank 8 als Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit entnommenen Waschflüssigkeit.As a result, in the dishwasher 100 of Fig. 1 the wash tank 8 by means of the waste water transfer system 102 with the spray head 52 of the pre-cleaning station 48 directly connectable, without intermediate storage of the washing tank 8 removed as a pre-cleaning liquid washing liquid.

Bei der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Ausführungsform der Erfindung wird beim Betätigen des Ventils V1 durch eine Bedienperson ein Teil des im Waschtank 8 zyklisch anfallenden Abwassers (Waschwassers) als Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit mittels der Transferpumpe 66 dem Waschtank 8 entnommen und dem Sprühkopf 52 zugeführt. Dabei darf dem Waschtank 8 nicht die gesamte Waschflüssigkeit entnommen werden, da mindestens ein Teil davon für den nächsten Waschvorgang benötigt wird. Die im Waschtank 8 verbleibende Mindestmenge an Waschflüssigkeit wird beispielsweise von dem Waschtank-Niveausensor 64 überwacht, welcher ein Signal erzeugt, wenn das Flüssigkeitsniveau im Waschtank 8 bis auf das Niveau des Niveausensors 8 abgefallen ist oder darunter abfällt. Die restliche Flüssigkeitsmenge im Waschtank 8 kann jedoch, wie beim Stand der Technik, über die Ablaufpumpe 30 abgepumpt werden.At the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment, when operating the valve V1 by an operator part of the cyclically occurring in the wash tank 8 wastewater (wash water) as a pre-cleaning liquid by means of the transfer pump 66 the wash tank 8 and fed to the spray head 52. In this case, the wash tank 8 may not be removed the entire washing liquid, since at least part of it is needed for the next washing process. The minimum amount of washing liquid remaining in the washing tank 8 is monitored, for example, by the wash tank level sensor 64, which generates a signal when the liquid level in the wash tank 8 has dropped to or falls below the level of the level sensor 8. However, as in the prior art, the remaining amount of liquid in the wash tank 8 can be pumped out via the drain pump 30.

Bei der manuellen Betätigung des Ventils V1 (oder gemäß einer anderen, nicht gezeigten Ausführungsform bei einer automatischen Betätigung des Ventils V1) wird die Transferpumpe 66 eingeschaltet und das Ventil V2 geöffnet und Waschflüssigkeit als Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit aus dem Waschtank 8 zu dem Sprühkopf 52 gefördert.In the manual operation of the valve V1 (or according to another, not shown embodiment in an automatic operation of the valve V1), the transfer pump 66 is turned on and the valve V2 is opened and promoted washing liquid as a pre-cleaning liquid from the wash tank 8 to the spray head 52.

Wenn bei der Vorreinigung in der Vorreinigungsstation 48 mehr als die durch den Waschtanksensor 64 definierte maximal zulässige Menge an Waschflüssigkeit als Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit benötigt wird, dann wird von der Steuereinrichtung 2 in Abhängigkeit von dem Signal des Waschtank-Niveausensors 64 automatisch das Ventil V2 im Transferleitungsabschnitt 74 auf der Saugseite der Transferpumpe 66 geschlossen und danach, oder frühestens gleichzeitig, das Ventil V3 der Frischwasserzufuhrleitung 80 geöffnet, wobei frühestens gleichzeitig auch das Frischwasserventil 82 der Frischwasserzweigleitung 83 geöffnet wird. Dadurch versorgt dann das Ventil V3 über die Transferpumpe 66 die Vorreinigungsstation 48, insbesondere den Sprühkopf 52, mit Frischwasser aus der Frischwasserzuleitung 80. Das Frischwasserventil 82 und das Ventil V3 können wieder geschlossen und danach oder frühestens gleichzeitig kann das Ventil V2 wieder geöffnet werden, wenn das Flüssigkeitsniveau im Waschtank 8 wieder bis über den Waschtank-Niveausensor 64 angestiegen ist.If more than the maximum allowable amount of washing liquid defined by the wash tank sensor 64 is required as the pre-cleaning liquid in the pre-cleaning station 48, then the valve V2 in the transfer line section 74 automatically becomes dependent on the signal of the wash tank level sensor 64 by the control device 2 the suction side of the transfer pump 66 is closed and then, or at the same time at the same time, the valve V3 of the fresh water supply line 80 is opened, at the same time the fresh water valve 82 of the fresh water branch line 83 is opened at the same time. As a result, the valve V3 then supplies via the transfer pump 66 the pre-cleaning station 48, in particular the spray head 52, with fresh water from the fresh water supply line 80. The fresh water valve 82 and the valve V3 can be closed again and then or at the same time at the same time the valve V2 can be opened again if the liquid level in the wash tank 8 has again risen above the wash tank level sensor 64.

Das Abwassertransfersystem 102 von Fig. 1 kann einen Filter 79 zur Filterung des als Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit verwendeten Waschwassers enthalten.The wastewater transfer system 102 of Fig. 1 may include a filter 79 for filtering the washing water used as a pre-cleaning liquid.

Bei der in Fig. 2 dargestellten Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist ein Abwassertransfersystem 202 vorgesehen, welches wiederum die Transferpumpe 66, den Transferleitungsabschnitt 70 und das Ventil V1 enthält, welches in dem Transferleitungsabschnitt 70 oder an dessen Ende oder vorzugsweise am Sprühkopf 52 angeordnet ist und manuell bedienbar ist, um die Druckseite 68 der Transferpumpe 66 mit dem Sprühkopf 52 strömungsmäßig zu verbinden. Die Saugseite 72 der Transferpumpe 66 ist jedoch nicht direkt mit dem Waschtank 8 verbindbar, sondern mit einem Vorratsbehälter 212, vorzugsweise mit dem unteren Ende des Vorratsbehälters 212. Die Ablaufpumpe 30, welche mit ihrer Saugseite an den Sumpf 32 des Waschtanks 8 angeschlossen ist, ist mit ihrer Druckseite nicht an ein Hausabwassersystem angeschlossen, sondern über eine Verbindungsleitung 214, vorzugsweise über ein herausnehmbares Sieb 216, mit dem Vorratsbehälter 212 strömungsmäßig verbunden, für den Transfer von Waschflüssigkeit aus dem Waschtank 8 in den Vorratsbehälter 212 in der vorher mit Bezug auf Fig. 1 beschriebenen Weise in Abhängigkeit von dem Flüssigkeitsniveau im Waschtank 8, welches von dem Waschtank-Niveausensor 64 überwacht wird.At the in Fig. 2 In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, a waste water transfer system 202 is provided, which in turn includes the transfer pump 66, the transfer line section 70 and the valve V1, which is arranged in the transfer line section 70 or at its end or preferably at the spray head 52 and is manually operable to the pressure side 68 the transfer pump 66 to communicate with the spray head 52 in terms of flow. However, the suction side 72 of the transfer pump 66 is not directly connected to the wash tank 8, but with a reservoir 212, preferably with the lower end of the reservoir 212. The drain pump 30, which is connected with its suction side to the sump 32 of the wash tank 8 is not connected to a domestic sewage system with its pressure side, but via a connecting line 214, preferably via a removable strainer 216 fluidly connected to the reservoir 212 for transferring wash fluid from the wash tank 8 to the reservoir 212 in the manner previously described Fig. 1 as a function of the liquid level in the wash tank 8, which is monitored by the wash tank level sensor 64.

An das untere Ende des Vorratsbehälters 212 ist eine zweite Ablaufpumpe 220 angeschlossen zum Entleeren des Vorratsbehälters 212 in ein Hausabwassersystem, Insbesondere in die Kanalisation.At the lower end of the reservoir 212, a second drain pump 220 is connected to empty the reservoir 212 in a domestic sewage system, in particular in the sewer.

Bei der Ausführungsform von Fig. 2 ist die Frischwasserzufuhrleitung 80, welche mit Bezug auf Fig. 1 beschrieben wurde, über ihr Frischwasserzufuhrventil V3 strömungsmäßig mit dem Vorratsbehälter 212 verbunden. Das Frischwasserzufuhrventil V3 wird von der Steuereinrichtung 2 angesteuert in Abhängigkeit davon, ob das Flüssigkeitsniveau im Vorratsbehälter 212 bis auf das Niveau eines Vorratsbehälter-Niveausensors 222 oder darunter abgesunken ist oder höher ist.In the embodiment of Fig. 2 is the fresh water supply line 80, which with respect to Fig. 1 has been described, via its fresh water supply valve V3 fluidly connected to the reservoir 212. The fresh water supply valve V3 is controlled by the controller 2 depending on whether the liquid level in the reservoir 212 has dropped to or higher than the level of a reservoir level sensor 222 or below.

Der Vorratsbehälter 212 kann mit einem Sicherheitsüberlauf 224 versehen sein.The reservoir 212 may be provided with a safety overflow 224.

Bei der in Fig. 2 dargestellten Ausführungsform der Erfindung wird das gesamte Abwasser des Waschtankes 8 mittels der Ablaufpumpe 30 dem Waschtank 8 entnommen und in den Vorratsbehälter 212 gepumpt. Das Abwasser wird durch den vorzugsweise herausnehmbaren Filter 216 (strainer) gefiltert, bevor es in den Vorratsbehälter 212 fließt. Aus dem Vorratsbehälter 212 wird bei der manuellen Betätigung des Ventils V1 (oder gemäß einer anderen, nicht gezeigten Ausführungsform bei einer automatischen Betätigung des Ventils V1) die Transferpumpe 66 eingeschaltet und das gespeicherte Abwasser als Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit aus dem Vorratsbehälter 212 zu dem Sprühkopf 52 gefördert. Der Vorratsbehälter 212 ist mit dem Vorratsbehälter-Niveausensor 222 versehen, welcher bewirkt, dass das Frischwasserzufuhrventil V3 der Frischwasserzufuhrleitung 80 jeweils nur dann geöffnet und dadurch Frischwasser in den Vorratsbehälter 212 geleitet wird, wenn das Flüssigkeitsniveau im Vorratsbehälter 212 die, durch den Vorratsbehälter-Niveausensor definierte, untere Flüssigkeitsniveaugrenze unterschreitet. Das maximale obere Flüssigkeitsniveau im Vorratsbehälter 212 ist durch dessen Überlauf 224 definiert. Mit einer zweiten Ablaufpumpe 220, deren Saugseite mit dem Vorratsbehälter 212 verbunden ist, kann der Vorratsbehälter 212 entleert werden.At the in Fig. 2 illustrated embodiment of the invention, the entire waste water of the wash tank 8 is removed by means of the drain pump 30 the wash tank 8 and pumped into the reservoir 212. The wastewater is filtered through the preferably removable filter 216 (strainer) before flowing into the reservoir 212. From the reservoir 212, the manual operation of the valve V1 (or according to another, not shown embodiment in an automatic actuation of the valve V1), the transfer pump 66 is turned on and the stored wastewater conveyed as a pre-cleaning liquid from the reservoir 212 to the spray head 52. The reservoir 212 is provided with the reservoir level sensor 222 which causes the fresh water supply valve V3 of the fresh water supply line 80 to be opened and fresh water introduced into the reservoir 212 only when the liquid level in the reservoir 212 is that defined by the reservoir level sensor , lower liquid level limit below. The maximum upper liquid level in the reservoir 212 is through its overflow 224 defined. With a second drain pump 220, the suction side is connected to the reservoir 212, the reservoir 212 can be emptied.

Bei der Ausführungsform von Fig. 2 kann anstatt oder zusätzlich zu dem Filter 216 auch an anderer Stelle ein Filter vorgesehen werden zur Filterung der dem Waschtank 8 entnommenen Waschflüssigkeit auf dem Weg zum Vorratsbehälter 212. Anstatt dessen oder zusätzlich kann auch ein Filter auf dem Weg der Vorreinigungsflüssigkeit von dem Vorratsbehälter 212 zu dem Sprühkopf 52 vorgesehen werden.In the embodiment of Fig. 2 Instead of or in addition to the filter 216, a filter may also be provided elsewhere for filtering the washing liquid removed from the wash tank 8 on the way to the storage container 212. Instead or additionally, a filter may also be disposed on the way from the storage container 212 to the pre-cleaning liquid Spray head 52 may be provided.

Claims (10)

  1. Operating method for a dishwasher (100; 200) in the form of a programmable machine, in particular a commercial dishwasher, which has a treatment chamber (4), wherein, in the treatment chamber (4), washing liquid (14, 16) sprayed through washing nozzles and clear-rinsing liquid sprayed through clear-rinsing nozzles (24, 26) flow into a wash tank (8), from which the washing liquid can be recirculated to the washing nozzles (14, 16) by means of a washing pump (10), and wherein a pre-cleaning station (48) is provided, which is disposed outside the treatment chamber (4) and is configured to pre-clean washware by means of pre-cleaning liquid, before the washware is introduced into the dishwasher (100; 200) and cleaned in the treatment chamber (4), characterized in that waste water from the wash tank (8) is fed to the pre-cleaning station (48) by means of at least one pump (30, 66) and is used as pre-cleaning liquid there.
  2. Method according to Claim 1, wherein on-site fresh water is automatically fed as pre-cleaning liquid to the pre-cleaning station (48) if the available quantity of wash tank waste water is insufficient to pre-clean the washware.
  3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the wash tank waste water is first led out of the wash tank (8) into a reservoir (212), before then being fed from this reservoir (212) to the pre-cleaning station (48) by means of a pump (66).
  4. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the wash tank waste water is conveyed directly from the wash tank (8) to the pre-cleaning station (48) by means of a pump (66).
  5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wash tank waste water is filtered before being reused in the pre-cleaning station (48).
  6. Dishwasher in the form of a programmable machine (100; 200), in particular a commercial dishwasher, having the following:
    - a treatment chamber (4) containing washing nozzles (14, 16) and clear-rinsing nozzles (24, 26); and
    - a wash tank (8), into which washing liquid sprayed through the washing nozzles (14, 16) and clear-rinsing liquid sprayed through the clear-rinsing nozzles (24, 26) flow and from which washing liquid can be recirculated back to the washing nozzles (14, 16) by means of a washing pump (10);
    wherein furthermore a pre-cleaning station (48) is provided, which is disposed outside the treatment chamber (4) and is configured to pre-clean washware by means of pre-cleaning liquid before the washware is introduced into the dishwasher (100; 200) and cleaned in the treatment chamber (4),
    characterized in that a waste water transfer system (102; 202) from the wash tank (8) to the pre-cleaning station (48) is provided for the automatic removal of wash tank waste water from the wash tank (8) and for the supply of the removed wash tank waste water as pre-cleaning liquid to the pre-cleaning station (48), wherein the waste water transfer system (102; 202) has a transfer pump (66).
  7. Dishwasher according to Claim 6, wherein a fresh water supply system (V3, 80) is provided for automatically feeding on-site fresh water as pre-cleaning liquid to the pre-cleaning station (48), whenever a demand signal for pre-cleaning liquid is obtained from the pre-cleaning station (48), yet the available quantity of wash tank waste water has reached or fallen below a preset lower value.
  8. Dishwasher according to Claim 6 or 7, wherein the waste water transfer system (202) has a reservoir (212), which is arranged to receive wash tank waste water from the wash tank (8) and from which liquid can be fed as pre-cleaning liquid to the pre-cleaning station (48) by means of a pump (66).
  9. Dishwasher according to Claim 6 or 7, wherein the waste water transfer system (102) has a pump (66) in a transfer pipe (62) from the wash tank (8) to the pre-cleaning station (48), by means of which wash tank waste water can be conveyed as pre-cleaning liquid directly, without intermediate storage, from the wash tank (8) to the pre-cleaning station (48).
  10. Dishwasher according to one of Claims 6 to 9, wherein the waste water transfer system (102; 202) has a filter (216) for filtering the wash tank waste water on the way from the wash tank (8) to the pre-cleaning station (48).
EP08170121A 2007-12-21 2008-11-27 Dishwasher in the form of a programming machines and method for operating it Expired - Fee Related EP2072000B1 (en)

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US7892359B2 (en) 2011-02-22
EP2072000A1 (en) 2009-06-24
US20090159097A1 (en) 2009-06-25

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