EP2181637A2 - Dishwasher with improved rinsing effect - Google Patents

Abstract

The dishwasher (110) has a cleaning area, in which the rinse items (114) are impinged with cleaning fluid. A transport device (112) is arranged, to receive the rinse item in an orientation and to transport in a transport direction (116) through the cleaning area. An independent claim is included for a method for cleaning rinse items.

Description

The invention relates to a continuous dishwashing machine and a method for cleaning items to be washed. Such continuous dishwashers and methods are used in particular in commercial kitchens to wash larger amounts of items to be washed, such as plates, cups, trays, cutlery, glasses or similar items to be washed. In principle, however, the proposed dishwasher and the proposed method can also be used for cleaning other types of items to be washed, for example dishes that do not come into direct or indirect contact with food or drinks. However, a particular focus of the invention is on the field of dishwashing and there in particular on the flushing of flat items to be washed, such as plates, trays or boxes with at least one flat surface.

In the field of commercial kitchens, for example in universities, hospitals, care facilities, government agencies, dining facilities and similar such devices, dishwashers are needed, which with high throughput items of various types, such as dinnerware, cutlery, glasses, trays, pots, pans, containers or the like clean. For fast and reliable cleaning of large quantities of items to be washed, in particular, continuous dishwashers have proven successful, in which the items to be washed are automatically moved by at least one transport device through at least one cleaning zone to be acted upon in this cleaning zone with at least one cleaning liquid. Such continuous dishwashers in which the items to be washed are moved by means of the described relative movement through the at least one cleaning zone are known, for example, in the form of tape transport machines or in the form of basket pass machines.

Conventional continuous dishwashers have at least one cleaning zone, but usually several cleaning zones. For example, one or more rinse zones can be followed by one or more rinse zones in which the items to be rinsed are rinsed with one or more rinse liquids. For example Many continuous dishwashers have a Frischwasserklarspülzone, in which the items to be washed with hot fresh water is rinsed. The heated fresh water can usually rinse aid, for example in the form of surfactants, are added, which cause a relaxation of the fresh water and thus improve the result of rinsing. In the further description, therefore, irrespective of the possibility of adding rinse aid to the fresh water, the terms fresh water, rinse solution, final rinse liquid or rinse aid are therefore used alternatively.

Other embodiments of the continuous dishwashers with multiple cleaning zones are conceivable. For example, the cleaning zones may include one or more prepurification zones or pre-evacuation zones, one or more main-purge zones, one or more recirculating rinsing zones for rinsing with recirculating water or other types of rinse solution or other zones.

A technical challenge with such continuous dishwashers is to achieve an optimum cleaning result with a simultaneous low need for resources. A particular problem consists in optimizing the consumption of fresh water, which can be used except for filling tanks at the start of operation and usually during the entire period of operation for the fresh water rinse. From the water consumption of the continuous dishwasher is then usually the need for cleaning agents and energy, such as electrical energy, in particular for heating the final rinse, influenced.

The fresh water requirement is significantly influenced by the design and quality and / or performance of the flushing systems of the continuous dishwashing machine, such as the fresh water rinse. Such rinsing systems generally have one or more rinsing arms, which can be configured in particular as spray arms. For example, a fixed spray pipe can be provided with nozzles, which sprays the cleaning liquid, for example the Nachspülwasser, from above on the items to be washed, and possibly a corresponding, usually also fixed arm in the form of a spray tube with nozzles, which the cleaning liquid in particular the Nachspülwasser Spray on the dishes from below. The nozzles are usually designed such that they produce a fan-shaped jet and are usually arranged such that over the length of the rinsing arms or spray pipes or over the width of the respective cleaning zones away a closed curtain of cleaning liquid, for example a Water curtain, results.

Examples of such continuous dishwashing machines, in which such flushing systems are provided are in EP 1 704 809 A2 , in DE 198 05 066 A1 , in US 4,228,813 , in DE 10 2004 003 797 A1 described. Furthermore, embodiments of continuous dishwashing machines are known in which one or more additional vertical spray tubes with nozzles are provided laterally of the transport device in order to further improve the rinse aid result. An example of such a continuous dishwashing machine is in DE 10 2004 030 003 A1 described.

The generation of the described curtains of cleaning liquid, especially of water curtains, as well as the transport of the items to be washed by means of the transport device through the curtains described, should ensure an optimal cleaning effect. For example, should ideally be rinsed in the rinse all areas of the items to be washed with rinse liquid, such as fresh, hot water, so that on the one hand no residues of wash and on the other hand no dirt left on the items to be washed.

Besides constructions of spray tubes with nozzles which produce a uniform fan jet, there are also systems in which a pulsating jet is emitted. However, in order not to leave any unsprayed areas in such systems in the cross section of the cleaning zones, in particular in the cross section of the fresh water rinsing zone, comparatively many such nozzles must be provided.

However, even the sometimes complex spray nozzle constructions known continuous dishwashers solve the above-described problem of optimal cleaning as possible with low consumption of resources only to a limited extent. As before, for example, to achieve a sufficient rinse result, it is necessary to use considerable amounts of heated fresh water. The known systems have reached a limit with regard to their fresh water requirements, which can not be exceeded if they have a good rinse result.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a continuous dishwashing machine and a method for cleaning items to be washed, which avoid the disadvantages of known continuous dishwashers and methods. In particular, the continuous dishwashing machine and the method should be set up in order to achieve optimum results Cleaning effect with low need for cleaning fluid, especially fresh water to allow.

This object is achieved by a continuous dishwashing machine and a method for cleaning items to be washed with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention, which can be implemented individually or in any combination, are shown in the subclaims. In this case, the method can be carried out in particular using a continuous dishwasher according to the invention, so that with regard to possible embodiments of the method according to the invention reference may be made to possible embodiments of the continuous dishwasher and vice versa.

The continuous dishwasher is used for cleaning dishes. Under a continuous dishwashing machine is generally understood a device which has at least one cleaning zone in which the items to be washed can be acted upon with at least one cleaning liquid and which further comprises at least one transport device which is adapted to transport the items to be washed through the cleaning zone, preferably automatically. For example, with regard to possible embodiments of the continuous dishwasher, reference may be made to the above description of the prior art, wherein, for example, the continuous dishwashers described there can be modified according to the invention. Another embodiment is possible in principle.

The continuous dishwasher has one or more cleaning zones. A cleaning zone is understood, irrespective of the actual intended use within the continuous dishwasher, to be a zone which is set up in order to supply the wash ware with the at least one cleaning liquid. In the following, in particular, it is assumed that this at least one cleaning zone is configured as a fresh water rinsing zone. However, another embodiment is also possible, for example a configuration in which the at least one cleaning zone comprises a pre-evacuation zone, a rinsing zone for main cleaning, a circulating rinsing zone or other types of cleaning zones or is configured as such a cleaning zone. If several cleaning zones are provided within the continuous dishwasher, then one, several or all of these cleaning zones can be designed according to the invention, whereas possibly remaining cleaning zones can be configured conventionally.

The cleaning liquid may in particular comprise water. The water may be admixed with additives, for example disinfectants and / or cleaners and / or rinse aid. Various configurations are possible. However, as described above, it is particularly preferred for the at least one cleaning liquid to comprise pure fresh water and / or fresh water to which, according to the above description, at least one rinse aid, for example in the form of one or more surfactants, is admixed.

The continuous dishwasher has a transport device by means of which the items to be washed can be received in one orientation. As shown above, this transport device may for example comprise a conveyor belt. However, other embodiments are in principle possible, for example, an embodiment in which the transport device comprises one or more rollers, a link chain, gears or the like. By means of this transport device a relative transport between items to be washed and cleaning zone is to be made possible so that a relative movement of the items to be washed can take place through the cleaning zone. This transport preferably takes place automatically, for example, by means of a corresponding drive device.

Regardless of the use of the term "continuous dishwashing machine", the items to be washed may basically comprise a multiplicity of types of items to be washed, for example the types of items to be washed mentioned above. In the following, the invention will be described essentially with reference to dishes in the form of dishes, ie objects which come directly or indirectly in contact with food or drinks, for example, plates, cups, glasses, trays, cutlery, bowls, bowls, pots, pans or similar. However, other embodiments are also possible in principle, for example, the use of items to be washed from other areas of cleaning technology, for example in the field of health and geriatric care.

Most items to be washed has at least one washware surface. Often, this washware surface is at least partially configured essentially flat. Overall, it is preferred if the items to be washed are configured essentially as flat, flat dishes, since in this case the advantages of the invention described below are particularly favorable. Accordingly, it is preferred if the items to be washed include, for example, plates and / or trays. Alternatively or additionally, however, the items to be washed can also have, for example, containers, in particular containers with essentially planar surfaces, in particular, for example, boxes, for example, tin boxes or boxes made of plastic.

Essentially, the invention is based on the finding that flushing systems in the known state of the art are arranged essentially at right angles to the transport direction, which is also referred to below as "transverse" to the continuous-type dishwashing machine. Furthermore, spray pipes are installed in the systems known from the prior art substantially horizontally above or below the transport device in the final rinse zone. At the same time, it is generally customary to use the items to be washed, for example plates or trays, with their main extent essentially perpendicular to the transport direction into the receptacle of the transport device, for example a conveyor belt.

The present invention is based on the finding that a deviation from this customary orientation can lead to a reduced consumption of cleaning liquid, in particular fresh water, with simultaneously improved cleaning result, for example rinse aid result.

The Spülgutoberfläche has a surface normal. This surface normal tightens a plane with the direction of gravity, which is referred to below as the dish level. The gravitational direction refers to the direction in which gravity acts on the components of the continuous dishwasher, the items to be washed and the cleaning liquid during operation of the continuous dishwasher. According to the invention, it is proposed to design the loading of the items to be washed with the cleaning liquid in such a way that the cleaning liquid applied to the items to be washed expires in a direction deviating from a parallel orientation to the position of the items to be washed. This means that the sprayed-on liquid does not run along the natural fall lines on the surface of the cleaning material, but also undergoes a deflection to the side.

In contrast to conventional dishwashers, in which a drainage of the cleaning liquid is usually always perpendicular downwards, ie parallel to the Spülgutebene takes place, can be achieved by this deviation from the parallelism greatly improved Abschwemmwirkung. This improved effluent effect is due to various effects. An effect is due to the fact that the applied cleaning liquid sweeps a larger area on the Spülgutoberfläche at oblique drainages, so that a total of a smaller surface area of the Spülgutoberfläche can be cleaned with a lower need for cleaning liquid. A further effect may be that the cleaning liquid forms liquid fronts on the washware surface, which, in contrast to cleaning liquid that simply runs downwards, can have a larger alluvial effect, and thereby can better wipe off dirt particles or adhering cleaning liquid from previous cleaning zones. Accordingly, the invention makes itself particularly advantageous when the cleaning zone comprises a rinse zone in which the wash ware is treated with a final rinse liquid, in particular fresh water and / or a fresh rinse liquid containing fresh water.

The above-described effect of obliquely draining the cleaning liquid in a direction deviating from a parallel orientation to the dish level on the surface of the dishware can be technically realized in various ways, which can also be used in combination. These embodiments of the invention may be based, in particular, on arranging known elements of continuous dishwashers in a direction deviating from a right angle and / or in a direction deviating from a parallel orientation.

Thus, in a first embodiment of the invention, the inclination can be based on an inclined position of a scavenging curtain relative to the transport device. Accordingly, the cleaning zone may, for example, comprise at least one rinsing arm with a plurality of rinsing nozzles. In this case, a flushing arm is generally understood to mean a device which orients the plurality of flushing nozzles relative to one another so that they are arranged essentially along a longitudinal direction of extension. However, a slight deviation from this longitudinal direction is also possible in principle, for example, an embodiment of the rinsing arm in which the rinsing nozzles are arranged in a zigzag orientation, in which case the longitudinal direction, for example, the average orientation of the rinsing nozzles can be specified. Overall, however, the flushing nozzles should be designed to produce at least one flushing curtain, in contrast, for example, to an arrangement with individual flushing nozzles. A scavenging curtain is to be understood as meaning preferably an area of cleaning liquid which is substantially closed over the cross section of the cleaning zone, at least in the region of the scavenging product. The spraying direction of the quantities of cleaning fluid emerging from the flushing nozzles can be oriented as desired, for example downwards, to the side or upwards. Various embodiments will be described below.

The rinsing arm should have a direction of longitudinal extension which, together with the direction of gravity, spans a rinsing curtain plane. In other words, the Spülvorhangebene represents the plane in which lies the flushing curtain described above. According to the invention, in the first embodiment, this rinsing curtain plane can be configured in an orientation to the transport direction, which deviates from a vertical orientation. In other words, the transport direction and the gravitational direction can span a machine plane, wherein the rinse curtain plane intersects the machine plane at a curtain angle other than 90 °.

As a result of this oblique orientation of the flushing curtain of the cleaning liquid, in particular of a fresh water curtain, it is possible to form obliquely extending liquid fronts of the cleaning liquid on the washware surface. Since the cleaning liquid already present on the washware surface influences the drainage direction of subsequently impinging cleaning liquid, the oblique orientation of the wash curtain relative to the transport direction or perpendicular to the transport direction can achieve the above-described oblique flushing effect, in which the cleaning liquid flows not only along a vertical fall - Runs line on the surface of the dishes, but also moves with a proportion of movement on the Spülgutoberfläche to the side.

The curtain angle shown above thus represents the angle at which the Spülvorhangbene cuts the machine plane. The Spülvorhangebene is, as stated above, generally spanned by the longitudinal direction and the direction of gravity. In principle, however, it is also possible that the longitudinal extension direction is aligned parallel to the direction of gravity. In this case, in the broader sense of the word "spanning", the purge curtain plane is generally understood to mean the plane of the purge curtain, that is to say the plane of the cleaning liquid film described above.

With increasing deviation of the curtain angle of 90 ° increases simultaneously also the number of rinsing nozzles, which is required to cover the cross section of the continuous dishwashers in the region of the cleaning zone, usually a tunnel cross-section of a rinsing tunnel. With this increasing number of rinsing nozzles, however, the need for cleaning fluid increases at the same time. In this respect, it is particularly preferred if the curtain angle has a deviation of 90 °, which is between 1 ° and 40 °, preferably between 5 ° and 20 ° and particularly preferably at 10 °. Deviations of 90 ° upwards and downwards are possible. In the aforementioned angular ranges, the above-described improved flushing effect outweighs the disadvantageous effect of increasing the required number of flushing nozzles. In general, the at least one rinsing curtain can impinge on the items to be washed from above and / or from below. For example, the at least one washware surface may have an upwardly facing, in particular obliquely upwardly pointing, upper side surface. Alternatively or additionally, however, the washware surface may also have at least one backside surface, with a backside normal, which has a directional component parallel to the gravitational direction, ie downwards. Accordingly, the at least one rinsing arm and / or its rinsing nozzles, alternatively or in addition to a spraying direction downward, can spray into other spraying directions and in this way produce rinsing curtains. Thus, the at least one rinsing arm can be, for example, a lower rinsing arm and / or comprise such a lower rinsing arm, the lower rinsing arm being arranged to apply the cleaning liquid in an upward direction to the dishes, ie in a spraying direction opposite to the direction of gravity or with a directional component against the gravitational direction. For example, at least one upper spray arm for spraying in a downward direction and at least one lower spray arm for spraying in an upward direction may be provided. During this upward spraying onto an at least partially downwardly pointing rear side surface, the above-described effect of an oblique running direction is particularly advantageous. In this case, namely, the gravitational force acts directly opposite to the direction of movement of the liquid particles. In a normal orientation of the Spülgutebene, as known from the prior art, the flow direction would therefore directed the spray direction opposite, which particularly difficult even flushing the back surface. If, by contrast, according to the invention, the flow direction is selected such that a non-parallel flow direction occurs by a suitable choice of angles, this effect of a liquid barrier on the back surface is at least largely avoided, and a more uniform cleaning takes place, even with less use of cleaning liquid.

Alternatively or in addition to the above-described embodiment, in which the scavenging curtain is selected obliquely, ie in an orientation deviating from the perpendicular to the machine plane, the above-described effect of an oblique run can also be produced in another way. For example, the transport device can have at least one receptacle in which the items to be washed can be received. The transport direction and the gravitational direction can span a machine plane, wherein the receptacle is set up in such a way that the washware plane and the machine plane are arranged at a scavenging angle deviating from 0 ° when the washware is held in the receptacle. In this embodiment of the invention, therefore, a spraying of the washware surface takes place directly with a component laterally to Spülgutebene so that the above-described effect of oblique drainage on the Spülgutoberfläche is directly effected. Again, it is preferred to choose the Abspülwinkel in a range between 1 ° and 40 °, preferably between 5 ° and 20 ° and particularly preferably at about 10 °.

This recording of the dishes obliquely to the transport direction can be done in different ways. Thus, for example, the transport device or the receptacle have a conveyor belt with at least one receiving compartment. In this case, the continuous dishwasher can thus be configured, for example, as a belt conveyor dishwasher. Alternatively or additionally, the receptacle or the transport device can also have one or more dish racks with at least one receiving compartment, wherein the receiving compartments are in both cases set up such that the angle condition described above for the rinsing angle can be fulfilled.

As described above, in addition to the described through-bed dishwasher in one or more of the described embodiments, a method for cleaning items to be washed is also proposed, in particular using a continuous-type dishwasher according to one or more of the embodiments described above. In this case, the items to be washed are received by means of at least one transport device in an orientation and transported in a transport direction through at least one cleaning zone. The items to be washed are subjected to at least one cleaning liquid. Again, the items to be washed on at least one Spülgutoberfläche, wherein a surface normal of the Spülgutoberfläche and a gravitational direction span a Spülgutebene. The loading of the items to be washed with the cleaning liquid takes place in such a way that the cleaning liquid applied to the items to be washed expires in a direction deviating from a parallel orientation to the position of the items to be washed on the items to be washed. For further advantages and possible embodiments of the method according to the invention can be made to a large extent on the above description.

The proposed continuous dishwashing machine and the proposed method have a number of advantages over conventional continuous dishwashers and conventional methods. In particular, as has also been shown by corresponding experiments, a more uniform and reliable cleaning of the washware surfaces can be achieved by means of the proposed oblique washdown. At the same time, the need for cleaning fluid can be considerably reduced without impairing the rinsing result, for example the rinsing result.

Structurally, the proposed invention can be easily implemented. For example, the rinsing systems for the freshwater rinsing can be set up in such a way that the freshwater rinsing curtain or the water film in the freshwater rinse forms at an angle deviating from the perpendicularity to the transporting direction. For this purpose, for example, at least one rinsing arm, for example a spray pipe, can be provided above and below the transport device of the continuous dishwasher, each having a plurality of rinsing nozzles. These rinsing nozzles can each produce a fan-shaped jet, which is aligned along the rinsing arm or spray tube. The rinsing arms can not be arranged at right angles to the transport direction, but for example at an angle of 70 ° or 110 °, preferably 80 ° or 100 °, to the transport direction in the fresh water rinsing zone. The rinsing nozzles along the rinsing arms can then produce with their fan-shaped beams the desired water curtain, which is oriented obliquely to the transport direction. Such an embodiment of the invention is technically easy to implement.

The second possibility described above for producing the improved rinsing effect can also be implemented, for example, in that the items to be washed, for example the plates and / or trays, with its washware surface, for example the main extension plane (for example the plate surface and / or the tray surface) are not at right angles to the transport direction, but obliquely to this in the recording, for example, the conveyor belt and / or the dish rack, is used. At the same time, in this embodiment, the rinsing arms or the curtain of the cleaning liquid, in particular in the fresh water rinsing in the classical arrangement, can be left perpendicular to the transport direction. However, an inclination in the sense of the above description is basically feasible.

With both embodiments described it can be achieved that not only a vertical component in the water flow results on the washware surface, for example the plate and / or trays when passing through the curtain of the cleaning liquid, for example the fresh water curtain, in particular in the fresh water rinse, but also one Component with which the cleaning liquid flows off to the washware surfaces to the side. Due to this effect, at the location where the washware surface of the washware passes through the curtain of the cleaning liquid, thickenings are formed in the layer of the cleaning liquid, which, for example, can take the form of a wave. Through these thickenings, an improved rinsing effect can be generated.

Even when spraying or rinsing from below, both alternatives described above can be advantageously implemented. The locations of the items to be washed, which are sprayed from the nozzles, for example by means of the lower rinsing arm, for example a lower rinsing arm, are usually the backs of plates and / or trays. This results in the above-described, additional advantageous effect. In the conventional arrangement of the prior art, the curtain of cleaning liquid from the flushing nozzles, for example the curtain of water from the rinse lines, impinges simultaneously on the backward sloping back surfaces of the washware over the entire width of the washware. In this constellation, the film of cleaning liquid, for example the water film, which strikes the back side surfaces from below, is accumulated by the cleaning liquid, for example water and / or rinse solution, which flows back from above. The Abspülwirkung on the backs of the dishes is hampered. However, according to the invention, if the film of the cleaning liquid, in particular the water film of the rinsing systems, and the back surfaces of the items to be washed are arranged obliquely relative to one another, according to one or both of the embodiments described above, then a lateral component in the flow of the cleaning liquid on the back surfaces of the items to be washed adjust, through which the rinsing effect can be significantly improved.

Overall, therefore, with the same achievable and desired rinsing effect as in arrangements according to the prior art, the amount of fresh water can be significantly reduced, especially in a rinse. Alternatively or additionally, however, the inventive design can also be used advantageously in other cleaning zones and / or when using other types of cleaning fluids.

EXAMPLES

Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, in particular 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

eine Durchlaufgeschirrspülmaschine gemäß dem Stand der Technik;

Figur 2.1

eine Anordnung von Geschirr in der Durchlaufgeschirrspülmaschine gemäß Figur 1 in Seitenansicht;

Figur 2.2

die Anordnung gemäß Figur 2.1 in Draufsicht;

Figur 3.1

eine Seitenansicht einer Anordnung von Geschirr in einer ersten Ausfüh- rungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Durchlaufgeschirrspülmaschine;

Figur 3.2

die Anordnung gemäß Figur 3.1 in Draufsicht; und

Figur 4

eine zu Figur 3.2 analoge Darstellung einer zweiten erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung von Geschirr in einer Durchlaufgeschirrspülmaschine.

In detail shows:

FIG. 1

a continuous dishwashing machine according to the prior art;

Figure 2.1

an arrangement of dishes in the conveyor dishwasher according to FIG. 1 in side view;

Figure 2.2

the arrangement according to Figure 2.1 in plan view;

Figure 3.1

a side view of an arrangement of crockery in a first embodiment of a continuous dishwashing machine according to the invention;

Figure 3.2

the arrangement according to Figure 3.1 in plan view; and

FIG. 4

one too Figure 3.2 Analogous representation of a second arrangement of dishes according to the invention in a continuous dishwashing machine.

In FIG. 1 is shown in a sectional view from the side of a state-of-the-art continuous dishwashing machine 110. Such a continuous dishwasher 110 can for example be modified according to the invention. For a possible construction and a possible mode of operation of this continuous dishwasher 110, for example, can largely be applied to the DE 10 2004 003 797 A1 to get expelled.

In the continuous dishwashing machine 110, items to be washed 114 pass through a cleaning chamber 118 in a transport direction 116. The items to be washed 114 are conveyed in the illustrated continuous-type dishwasher 110 by means of a transport device 112, which may comprise, for example, a conveyor belt 120. The continuous dishwashing machine 110 can thus be designed, for example, as a belt conveyor dishwasher. However, other embodiments are possible in principle.

At an inlet 122, ware 114 received on the upper side of the conveyor belt 120 enters an inlet tunnel 124. The inlet tunnel 124 is shielded to the outside by means of a separation curtain 126 in order to prevent or at least reduce the escape of steam waves in the region of the inlet tunnel 124.

After the washware 114 received at the top of the conveyor belt 120 has passed the inlet tunnel 124, it enters the cleaning chamber 118, which is subdivided into a plurality of cleaning zones 119. First, the washware 114 is transported into a first cleaning zone 119 in the form of a pre-wash zone 128. Within this pre-rinse zone 128, a pre-rinse system 130 is arranged. The pre-rinse system 130 has spray tubes 131, which are arranged on the underside and / or above the revolving conveyor belt 120. About one in FIG. 1 pump, not shown, the pre-rinse system 130 is supplied with cleaning liquid.

The pre-rinse zone 128 is separated by a further separation curtain 126 from a subsequent cleaning zone 119 in the form of a rinse zone 132. After passage of the pre-rinsing zone 128, the items to be washed 114 enter the rinsing zone 132. The rinsing zone 132 comprises a rinsing system 134 which likewise has spraying pipes 131 arranged above and below the upper side of the circulating conveyor belt 120 again.

The rinsing zone 132 is separated by a further separating curtain 126 from a subsequent cleaning zone 119 in the form of a pump rinsing zone 136. This also has a flushing system in the form of two opposing spray tubes 131. The pump rinsing zone 136 is adjoined by a further cleaning zone 119 in the form of a fresh water rinsing zone 138. The fresh water rinsing zone again comprises spray pipes 140 above and below the conveyor belt 120. Within the fresh water rinsing zone 138, the items to be washed 114 are rinsed with fresh water in order to remove remaining impurities and / or previously applied cleaning liquid from this item to be washed 114 before the items to be washed 114 enter a subsequent drying zone 142 is promoted.

Downstream of the fresh water rinsing zone 138, there is another separating curtain 126, which separates the fresh water rinsing zone 138 from the drying zone 142. Within the drying zone 142, which is connected downstream of a take-off section 144, a drying fan 146 is accommodated. The drying fan sucks in air and heats it. The air heated in the drying fan 146 enters an outlet funnel 148, at the lower end of which there is an outlet nozzle, which directs the exiting drying air onto the washware 114 passing through the drying zone 142. Viewed in the transport direction 116 of the washware 114, the drying zone 142 is shielded against the take-off conveyor 144 via a further separating curtain 126. At the removal path 144, the cleaned, clear rinsed and dried items to be washed 114, such as plates, trays or the like, are removed for further use.

The invention essentially relates to the manner and the orientation under which the cleaning liquid is applied to the items to be washed 114. In particular, the invention preferably relates to the fresh water rinsing zone 138 Figures 2.1 and 2.2 is therefore in a side view ( Figure 2.1 ) or in plan view ( Figure 2.2 ) illustrates the orientation of the washware 114 according to the prior art. In each case, a section from the Frischwasserklarspülzone 138 of the continuous dishwashing machine 110 according to FIG. 1 shown. Shown is schematically the position of the dishes 114, which is symbolized in the example according to the figures by plates. Shown is the position of this wash item 114 on the transport device 112 and the orientation of the spray pipes 140 for the fresh water rinse according to the prior art.

In Figure 2.1 If the situation is shown in side view, it can be seen that the items to be washed 114 is inserted on the conveyor belt 120 in receptacles 149 in the form of subjects 150. The spray pipes 140 are each arranged above and below the conveyor belt 120. In Figure 2.2 the plan view of this situation according to the prior art is shown.

Within the arrangement according to the Figures 2.1 and 2.2 Different levels can be defined. These levels result from a combination of the different directions of this illustrated arrangement. So is in Figure 2.1 the gravitational direction is designated by the reference numeral 154. Furthermore, the items to be washed 114 Spülgutoberflächen 156, namely a front side surface 158, which in the illustrated arrangement in the receptacles 149 obliquely upwards, and a rear side surface 160, which points obliquely downwards. The reference numeral 162 designates a surface normal to these washware surfaces 156. These surface normals 162 and the gravitational direction 154 jointly span a dish level 164, which in the plan view according to FIG Figure 2.2 is indicated as a dashed line and which in the illustration according to Figure 2.1 corresponds to the drawing plane or is arranged parallel to this plane of the drawing.

The spray tube 140 of the fresh water rinse zone 138 has, as in Figure 2.2 it can be seen, rinsing arms 166, which extend in a longitudinal direction of extension 168. This longitudinal extension direction 168 is also in FIG Figure 2.2 indicated in the form of a dashed line. By the longitudinal extension direction 168 and gravity direction 154 can define another level, which is referred to as Spülvorhangbene and which in Figure 2.2 denoted by reference numeral 170. This Spülvorhangbene extends into Figure 2.2 parallel to the longitudinal direction 168 and perpendicular to the plane. Also in Figure 2.1 this Spülvorhangbene 170 extends perpendicular to the plane.

Based on the representations of the levels 164 and 170 in the Figures 2.1 and 2.2 It can be seen that in known devices the Spülgutebene 164 is oriented substantially parallel to the transport direction 116 and substantially perpendicular to Spülvorhangebene 170. The rinsing curtain plane 170, however, is generally oriented perpendicular to the transport direction 116. The spray pipes 140 of the fresh water rinsing zone 138 are thus oriented generally parallel to the compartments 150 of the conveyor belt 120 and at right angles to the transport direction 116. The rinsing arms 166 have rinsing nozzles 172 along their longitudinal direction 168, out of which cleaning liquid (in the case of the fresh water rinsing zone 138, as a rule, heated fresh water, if appropriate with the addition of rinse aids) exits or is ejected. This cleaning liquid forms a curtain, which in the Figures 2.1 and 2.2 is designated as water curtain 152. Due to gravity, this water curtain 152 is oriented substantially vertically, ie perpendicular to the plane in FIG Figure 2.2 , If an oblique spraying out of the flushing nozzles 172, this water curtain 152 can also assume a slightly curved shape viewed from the side.

Like from the Figures 2.1 and 2.2 As can be seen, the water curtain 152 of the fresh water rinse is formed essentially in a straight line, parallel to the spray pipes 140 and thus at right angles to the transport direction 116. The drainage of the cleaning liquid on the washware surfaces 156 thus always takes place in one direction within the washware plane 164 spanned by the gravitational direction 154 and the surface normal 162.

The opposite show the Figures 3.1 and 3.2 a first embodiment of a continuous dishwashing machine 110 according to the invention, in one of the Figures 2.1 and 2.2 analog representation. Incidentally, the continuous dishwashing machine 110 may, for example, according to the embodiment according to FIG. 1 be designed. Again, in the Figures 3.1 and 3.2 only schematically shows the position of the dishes 114, in the example turn plate, on the transport device 112 and the orientation of the rinse arms 166 in the fresh water rinsing zone 138 shown. Figure 3.1 again shows the situation in side view, with inserted into the compartments 150 items to be washed 114. In the illustrated embodiment, in each case above and below the conveyor belt 120 spraying pipes 140 are arranged with Spülarms 166. In principle, an embodiment with a larger or smaller number of rinsing arms 166 is possible, for example, only one Arrangement with rinsing arms 166 above the conveyor belt 120th In Figure 3.2 the plan view of this situation is shown.

The transport direction 116 and the gravitational direction 154 in the arrangement shown span a further plane, which is designated as machine plane 174. This machine level 174 is in Figure 3.1 the drawing plane or parallel to the drawing plane, whereas the machine plane 174 in Figure 3.2 is shown as a dashed line.

As in particular from Figure 3.2 can be seen, the Spülvorhangebene 170 is no longer perpendicular to the transport direction 116 and the machine plane 174 in the orientation according to the invention according to the first embodiment of the invention. A normal to the rinse curtain level 170 is in Figure 3.2 designated by the reference numeral 176. From this it can be seen that in the embodiment according to the invention there is a deviation between these normals and the transport direction 116, which in Figure 3.2 denoted by δ. This angular deviation δ is preferably in the range between 1 ° and 40 °, for example between 5 ° and 20 ° and particularly preferably at about 10 °. The rinse arms 166 for the fresh water rinse are thus arranged at an angle to the transport direction 116, which deviates from a right angle.

Furthermore, it can be seen that in turn forms a curtain of cleaning liquid, in this case, a water curtain 152, which may be configured substantially planar, which, due to a non-perpendicular arrangement of the flushing nozzles 142, but also may be slightly curved. This water curtain 152 is also no longer disposed perpendicular to the Spülgutebene 164, so that the surface normal 162 of Spülguts 114 this water curtain 152 is no longer perpendicular, but in a deviation from the vertical by the angle δ. By this arrangement, the above-described lateral relative movement of the water front or the front of the cleaning liquid on the Spülgutoberflächen 156 and thus the improved rinsing effect is effected.

In FIG. 4 is a second embodiment of a continuous dishwashing machine 110 according to the invention in one Figure 2.2 and to Figure 3.2 shown analog representation. The embodiment described there can also with the in the Figures 3.1 and 3.2 described embodiment variant can be combined. Again, a fresh water rinsing zone 138 of the continuous dishwashers 110 is shown, from which schematically the position of the dishes 114, in the example shown again plates, on the conveyor 112 and the orientation of the spray tubes 140 and the rinse arms 166 for the Frischwasserklarspülzone 138 shows. Again, analogous to the embodiment according to the Figures 3.1 and 3.2 , Rinse arms 166 may be disposed above and / or below the conveyor belt 120.

Again, it can be, analogous to the embodiment according to the Figures 3.1 and 3.2 to define different levels which in FIG. 4 are denoted by the reference numerals 164 (Spülgutebene), 170 (Spülvorhangebene) and 174 (machine level). In contrast to the embodiment according to the Figures 3.1 and 3.2 is in the in FIG. 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the rinsing curtain plane 170 is oriented essentially perpendicular to the transport direction 116 and to the machine plane 174. The normal 176 to Spülvorhangebene 170 is thus substantially parallel to the transport direction 116 and the machine plane 174. As shown above, but can also form combinations of the embodiments, in which there is a deviation δ ≠ 0 between these directions.

In the in FIG. 4 illustrated embodiment, however, the Spülgutebene 164 is tilted by an angle γ of the machine plane 174. Also, this angle γ is preferably between 1 ° and 40 °, in particular between 5 ° and 20 ° and particularly preferably at about 10 °. The compartments 150 for the items to be washed 114 can accordingly be arranged on the conveyor belt 120 such that the items to be cleaned can be placed obliquely on the conveyor belt 120 and held in such a way. Thus, the Spülgutoberflächen 156 tilted by the water curtains 152 of the spray arms 166 pass through. This oblique position of the items to be washed 114 also results in the above-described lateral relative movement of the water front on the items to be washed 156 of the items to be washed 114, and thus the improved rinsing effect.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

110

Conveyor-type dishwasher

112

transport device

114

ware

116

transport direction

118

cleaning chamber

119

cleaning zones

120

conveyor belt

122

enema

124

entry tunnel

126

curtain

128

pre-wash zone

130

prewash

131

lances

132

rinse zone

134

flushing system

136

pump-action

138

clean-water

140

Spray tube Fresh water rinse

142

drying zone

144

removal section

146

drying fan

148

outlet funnel

149

Recordings

150

Tray for items to be cleaned on conveyor belt

152

Water curtain of the fresh water rinse

154

gravity direction

156

Spülgutoberfläche

158

Front surface

160

Back surface

162

surface normal

164

Spülgutebene

166

wash arms

168

Longitudinal extension

170

Spülvorhangebene

172

rinsing nozzles

174

machine level

176

Normal to Spülvorhangebene

Claims (11)

Continuous dishwashing machine (110) for cleaning ware items (114), wherein the continuous dishwashing machine (110) has at least one cleaning zone (119) in which the wash ware (114) is supplied with at least one cleaning liquid, wherein the continuous weft dishwashing machine (110) comprises at least one transport device (110). 112), wherein the transport device (112) is arranged to receive the items to be washed (114) in an orientation and in a transport direction (116) through the cleaning zone (119), wherein the items to be washed (114) at least one Spülgutoberfläche (156 ), wherein a surface normal (162) of the Spülgutoberfläche (156) and a gravitational direction (154) span a Spülgutebene (164), wherein the loading of the dishes (114) with the cleaning liquid takes place such that on the Spülgutoberfläche (156) applied Cleaning fluid in one of a parallel orientation to Spülgutebene (164) deviating direction on the Spülgutoberfläche (156) expires. A continuous-type dishwasher (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the items to be washed (114) comprise at least one of the following items to be washed: plates; trays; Containers, in particular boxes. Continuous dishwashing machine (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning zone (119) comprises a final rinse zone (136, 138), in which the wash ware (114) is supplied with a rinse liquid, in particular fresh water. A continuous-type dishwasher (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the cleaning zone (119) at least one rinsing arm (166) is arranged with a plurality of rinsing nozzles (172), the rinsing arm (166) having a longitudinal direction (168), the longitudinal extension direction (168) and the gravitational direction (154) span a rinse curtain plane (170), the transport direction (116) and the gravitational direction (154) defining a machine plane (174), the rinse plane (170) being the machine plane (174) below one of 90 ° deviating curtain angle cuts. Continuous dishwashing machine (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the curtain angle has a deviation (δ) of 90 °, which is between 1 ° and 40 °, preferably between 5 ° and 20 ° and particularly preferably at 10 °. The continuous dishwashing machine (110) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one washware surface (156) has at least one backside surface (160), the backside surface (160) having a back side normal, the back side normal having a directional component parallel to the gravitational direction (154). A continuous-type dishwasher (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein in the cleaning zone (119) at least one rinsing arm (166) is arranged with a plurality of rinsing nozzles (172), the rinsing arm (166) being a lower rinsing arm, the lower rinsing arm (166 ) is arranged to apply the cleaning liquid in an upward direction on the dishes (114). A continuous-type dishwasher (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport device (112) comprises at least one receptacle (149), the transport direction (116) and the direction of gravity (154) defining a machine plane (174), the receptacle (149) being such is set up that the Spülgutebene (164) and the machine plane (174) are arranged at a deviating from 0 ° Abspülwinkel (γ) to each other. Continuous dishwashing machine (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the Abspülwinkel (γ) is between 1 ° and 40 °, preferably between 5 ° and 20 ° and particularly preferably at 10 °. Continuous dishwashing machine (110) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (149) has a conveyor belt (120) with at least one receiving compartment (150) and / or a dish rack with at least one receiving compartment (150). Method for cleaning items to be washed (114), in particular using a continuous-type dishwasher (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the item to be washed (114) by means of at least one transport device (112) received in an orientation and in a transport direction (116) by at least one Cleaning zone (119) is transported, wherein the items to be washed (114) with at least a cleaning liquid is applied, the items to be washed (114) having at least one washware surface (156), wherein a surface normal (162) of the washware surface (156) and a gravitational direction (154) span a washware level (164), wherein the loading of the washware (114 ) with the cleaning liquid takes place in such a way that the cleaning liquid applied to the washware surface (156) runs off the washware surface (156) in a direction deviating from a parallel orientation to the washware plane (164).

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