EP2618712B1 - Dishwasher, in particular domestic dishwasher - Google Patents

Dishwasher, in particular domestic dishwasher Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2618712B1
EP2618712B1 EP11757289.1A EP11757289A EP2618712B1 EP 2618712 B1 EP2618712 B1 EP 2618712B1 EP 11757289 A EP11757289 A EP 11757289A EP 2618712 B1 EP2618712 B1 EP 2618712B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
dishwasher
air
interior
sterilisation
hot
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EP11757289.1A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2618712A2 (en
Inventor
Helmut Jerg
Roland Rieger
Michael Georg Rosenbauer
Thomas Wachinger
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BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
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BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
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Priority to PL11757289T priority Critical patent/PL2618712T3/en
Publication of EP2618712A2 publication Critical patent/EP2618712A2/en
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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42Details
    • A47L15/48Drying arrangements
    • A47L15/481Drying arrangements by using water absorbent materials, e.g. Zeolith
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/0018Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • A47L15/0021Regulation of operational steps within the washing processes, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending from the detergent nature or from the condition of the crockery
    • A47L15/0036Steam or sterilizing phases
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42Details
    • A47L15/4236Arrangements to sterilize or disinfect dishes or washing liquids
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2301/00Manual input in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. information entered by a user
    • A47L2301/04Operation mode, e.g. delicate washing, economy washing, reduced time, sterilizing, water softener regenerating, odor eliminating or service
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2501/00Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
    • A47L2501/34Change machine operation from normal operational mode into special mode, e.g. service mode, resin regeneration mode, sterilizing mode, steam mode, odour eliminating mode or special cleaning mode to clean the hydraulic circuit

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a dishwasher, in particular household dishwasher, according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for operating such a dishwasher according to claim 13.
  • the sterilization or sterilization of rinsing liquid or items to be washed by chemical methods, such as a chlorine or ozone treatment done.
  • the sterilization / sterilization can be carried out without additional substances by UV irradiation of the items to be washed or the rinsing liquid within the rinsing space.
  • a dishwashing machine is known, are provided in the UV radiation elements, inter alia, in the washing or in the sump to irradiate the circulating rinsing liquid and / or the dishes.
  • the arrangement of the UV radiation elements requires extensive structural adjustments of the washing and the sump. In the event of a technical defect of a UV radiation element, dismantling from the washing container or pump sump is also complicated in terms of assembly technology. In addition, the UV rays are effective only in very low water penetration depth and only with a sufficiently long irradiation time, whereby the efficiency in the sterilization is impaired overall.
  • the WO 2005/018410 A1 deals only with a method for operating a device with at least one partial program step "drying" in which air is passed from a treatment room and / or from ambient air through a sorption column and into the treatment room.
  • the sorbent column contains reversibly dehydratable material and removes moisture from the air during passage.
  • EP 0 262 451 A2 is a method for drying and sterilizing Good specified in a drying and sterilization cabinet in the hospital area, wherein both the drying and the sterilization of tissue in the same treatment room in a stationary or in hanging, performed in a mechanically non-moving state and the sterilization is carried out immediately after drying.
  • the air flow is guided in an inner and in an outer circuit.
  • a condensation and cooling unit both systems are in contact with each other in terms of energy.
  • the condensation is adjusted by means of the condensation and cooling unit after the end of the drying. After sterilization, the condensation and cooling unit is cooled.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a dishwashing machine in which effective sterilization or sterilization of the dishes can be achieved by simple means.
  • the dishwasher has a sterilization unit with which hot and dry air is introduced into the washing compartment for sterilizing the items to be washed arranged in the washing compartment.
  • the sterilization / sterilization is not carried out by UV irradiation, but rather by a hot air sterilization in which acts by air supply from the outside the items to be washed with hot and dry air for a sufficiently long treatment time on the dishes.
  • the cell death of bacteria / viruses by the dry air is based on the denaturation of proteins. This is mainly an oxidative process.
  • the sterilization process is temporally superimposed on a rinse cycle or at least a partial rinse cycle of a selected dishwasher program.
  • the sterilization process thus takes place parallel to the rinse cycle, so that the total operating time for cleaning the items to be cleaned does not increase overall.
  • the hot air sterilization is preferably carried out during a partial program step of the rinse cycle, in particular during a partial program step without liquid feed.
  • the rinse final drying step is achieved in an advantageous manner that at first in the Drying step carried out sterilization the sterilized items to be washed is not contaminated by a subsequent part program step with liquid insert, if necessary.
  • the introduced for sterilization in the wash hot air in particular a humidity of less than 20% and a temperature in the range between 60 ° C and 80 ° C, in particular between 70 ° C and 80 ° C, has.
  • the sterilization process may preferably take place during the entire duration of the drying step.
  • the sterilization unit can preferably have a hot-air blower which is arranged outside the dishwasher's washing compartment and is fluidically connected to the dishwasher's washing compartment via an air inlet.
  • a hot-air blower With the hot air blower enough dry air, possibly ambient air, are sucked in and heated by means of a heating element.
  • the thus generated dry and hot air can then especially at Implementation of the drying step of the respective wash cycle are introduced into the wash compartment.
  • the introduction of the dry hot air results in an air mixture in the washing compartment, which in comparison to a resulting during a conventional condensation drying air substantially reduced humidity and a greatly increased air temperature, whereby the sterilization process is supported.
  • an air outlet line opens into the washing compartment.
  • the dry and hot air can be introduced, while at the same time the humid air can be guided out of the washing room.
  • the humidity of the adjusting air in the dishwasher air mixture is further reduced and correspondingly improves the sterilization effect.
  • the dry and hot air can be introduced through a supply line into the washing compartment, while at the same time the still moist washing chamber air is discharged from the washing compartment through an outlet line.
  • the sterilization unit forms a closed air circuit together with the supply line, the washing compartment and the outlet line. In the drying step, therefore, humid air is first led out of the flushing chamber via the outlet line into the sterilization unit.
  • the sterilization unit has a drying device that removes moisture from the washing compartment air. By means of the above-mentioned hot air blower, the dry air thus generated can then be heated and returned to the washing compartment.
  • the drying device can be a sorption column with a reversibly dehydratable material which extracts water for carrying out the sterilization of the moist dishwashing air and stores it in an absorption process in the sorption material of the sorption column.
  • the water stored in the desiccant can be released again in a desaturation occurring in an advantageous manner as a separate sterilization process at a desorption in which the stored amount of water is released as water vapor under heating of the desiccant and recycled via the supply line into the washing compartment.
  • the dry and hot air must be generated with additional expenditure of energy.
  • the electronic control device in particular control and / or regulating device
  • the dishwasher evaluates based on predetermined criteria, whether the rinse carried out in an energy-saving first mode without sterilization or in an energy consuming second mode with the sterilization of the dishes shall be.
  • the control device is associated with a user-operable switch, upon actuation of which the control device switches over between the first and the second operating mode.
  • the drying device of the sterilization unit can expediently be a sorption column with reversibly dehydratable material.
  • the material may expediently be designed so that a sufficiently large heat of absorption is generated during the absorption, which can at least partially serve to heat the now dried air which has been led into the flushing space.
  • the already mentioned heating element can be switched on to heat the dried air sufficiently.
  • the heating element in terms of process technology, it is particularly preferred here for the heating element to be able to be used both during the sterilization process and in a double function during the regeneration process already mentioned.
  • the heating element can be connected in a connecting line between the washing compartment and the drying device.
  • the air flowing into the drying device can be heated by the heating element. The hot air thus produced subsequently heats the reversibly hydrogenatable desiccant, whereby the desorption is started.
  • the control device in particular the control and / or regulating device, can be the heating element, possibly advantageously in a controller and / or in a closed-loop control system adjust or influence so that the given hot air temperature results. It is preferred in this case if the heating element during sterilization with a, compared to the regeneration process reduced power and / or is controlled clocked.
  • Fig. 1 is roughly schematically shown a dishwasher with a washing container 1, in which not shown, to be cleaned dishes in dish racks 3, 5 can be arranged.
  • a washing container 1 shown two spraying arms 7, 9 provided in different spraying levels, in particular rotatably mounted, are arranged by way of example, via which the washware to be cleaned is supplied with washing liquid.
  • a pump pot 11 is provided with a circulating pump 13, which is connected via feed lines 14, 15 fluidly connected to the spray arms 7, 9.
  • the sump 11 is also connected via connecting pieces with a fresh water supply line 16 coupled to the water supply network and with a discharge line 17 in which a sump pump 18 for pumping out the liquid from the rinsing container 1 is arranged.
  • the rinsing container 1 has in its upper region an outlet opening 19, which is connected via a connecting line 21 with a sorption column 22 of a sterilization unit 20, whose operation is described later.
  • a connecting line 21 to the sorption column 22 an air blower 23 and a heating element 24 is connected.
  • the sorption column 22 contains as a drying agent a reversibly dehydratable material, such as. For example, zeolite, with which the wet dishwashing air is dried in a later described drying step T of the rinse.
  • a high-humidity laden air stream is directed by means of the air blower 23 from the washing compartment through the sorption column 22.
  • the zeolite provided in the sorption column 22 absorbs the moisture of the air and returns the thus dried air back into the washing compartment.
  • the amount of water m stored in the zeolite during the drying step T can be released again in a regeneration process, that is to say in the case of desorption, by heating the desiccant of the sorption column 22.
  • a stream of air heated by the heating element 24 to very high temperatures is passed through the sorption column 22. With the hot air flow, the water stored in the zeolite is released as hot water vapor and returned via the air inlet 27 back into the washing compartment 1.
  • the sterilization unit 20 performs the hot air sterilization at the same time as the drying step T of the rinse cycle.
  • moist rinsing room air is first conducted by means of the blower 23 via the connecting line 21 into the sorption column 22.
  • the zeolite contained therein removes moisture from the wash compartment air, thereby releasing heat of absorption.
  • the air stream emerging from the sorption column 22 is heated, whereby not only comparatively dry air, but also hot air is returned to the washing container 1 again.
  • the sorption column 22 is designed in such a way that the dried and hot air returned to the washing compartment has a relative humidity of less than 20% and a temperature of between 60 ° C. and 80 ° C.
  • the heat of absorption released during drying I may not be sufficient to achieve the required sterilization temperature in the range between 60 ° C and 80 ° C.
  • the heating element 24 may additionally be activated to obtain the required sterilization temperature.
  • Fig. 2 is a temporal program sequence with the individual partial program steps of a rinse, namely pre-rinse V, cleaning R, intermediate rinse Z, rinse K and drying T, illustrated.
  • the Indian Fig. 2 Rinse shown with a solid line is performed in an energy-saving first mode I without sterilization.
  • Fig. 2 shown in a second, energy-consuming mode II rinse which is identical to the first mode I shown except for the drying step shown in dashed line T shown.
  • the regeneration process takes place in the sorption column 22 in the time interval .DELTA.t R instead.
  • the regeneration process ⁇ t R starts according to Fig. 2 at the beginning of the cleaning step R at time t 0 .
  • the amount of water stored in the desiccant m is returned as water vapor in the washing compartment 1. This amount of water was withdrawn in the drying step T of the previous rinse during an absorption process .DELTA.t A to be dried, laden with moisture Spülraum-air.
  • a heating phase .DELTA.t H the heating of the washing liquid by means of a in the Fig.
  • the controller 25 is in signal communication with a changeover switch 26 which is manually operable by the user.
  • a changeover switch 26 which is manually operable by the user.
  • the moisture-laden cooling space-air conveyed from the washing compartment into the sorption column 22 is additionally heated by the heating element 24.
  • the heating power introduced in this case is dimensioned so that it is far below an activation temperature for activating a desorption in the sorption column 22.
  • the pre-heated by means of the heating element 24, laden with moisture rinsing room air is dehydrated in the sorption column 22, namely with further heating of the air flow due to the heat of absorption arising.
  • a dried air flow is returned via the air inlet 27 into the washing compartment, the temperature of which is substantially increased in comparison to the drying step T of the first operating mode I.
  • the drying step T Spülraumtemperatur is increased so that an effective hot air sterilization of the dishes can be adjusted.

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  • Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Geschirrspülmaschine, insbesondere Haushaltsgeschirrspülmaschine, nach dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruches 1 sowie ein Verfahren zum Betreiben einer solchen Geschirrspülmaschine nach dem Patentanspruch 13.The invention relates to a dishwasher, in particular household dishwasher, according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for operating such a dishwasher according to claim 13.

In Geschirrspülmaschinen kann die Entkeimung bzw. Sterilisation von Spülflüssigkeit oder Spülgut durch chemische Verfahren, etwa einer Chlor- oder Ozonbehandlung, erfolgen. Alternativ kann die Entkeimung/Sterilisation ohne zusätzliche Substanzen durch UV-Bestrahlung des Spülgutes bzw. der Spülflüssigkeit innerhalb des Spülraums erfolgen.In dishwashers, the sterilization or sterilization of rinsing liquid or items to be washed by chemical methods, such as a chlorine or ozone treatment done. Alternatively, the sterilization / sterilization can be carried out without additional substances by UV irradiation of the items to be washed or the rinsing liquid within the rinsing space.

Aus der WO 2007/021137/A1 ist eine Geschirrspülmaschine bekannt, bei der UV-Strahlungselemente unter anderem im Spülbehälter oder im Pumpentopf vorgesehen sind, um die umgewälzte Spülflüssigkeit und/oder das Spülgut zu bestrahlen.From the WO 2007/021137 / A1 a dishwashing machine is known, are provided in the UV radiation elements, inter alia, in the washing or in the sump to irradiate the circulating rinsing liquid and / or the dishes.

Die Anordnung der UV-Strahlungselemente erfordert umfangreiche bauliche Anpassungen des Spülbehälters sowie des Pumpentopfes. Bei einem technischen Defekt eines UV-Strahlungselementes gestaltet sich zusätzlich die Demontage aus dem Spülbehälter oder dem Pumpentopf montagetechnisch aufwändig. Zudem sind die UV-Strahlen nur in sehr geringer Wasser-Eindringtiefe sowie nur bei ausreichend großer Bestrahlungsdauer wirksam, wodurch die Effizienz bei der Sterilisation insgesamt beeinträchtigt wird.The arrangement of the UV radiation elements requires extensive structural adjustments of the washing and the sump. In the event of a technical defect of a UV radiation element, dismantling from the washing container or pump sump is also complicated in terms of assembly technology. In addition, the UV rays are effective only in very low water penetration depth and only with a sufficiently long irradiation time, whereby the efficiency in the sterilization is impaired overall.

Die WO 2005/018410 A1 beschäftigt sich lediglich mit einem Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Geräts mit wenigstens einem Teilprogrammschritt "Trocknen", in dem Luft aus einem Behandlungsraum und/oder aus Umgebungsluft durch eine Sorptionskolonne und in den Behandlungsraum geleitet wird. Die Sorptionskolonne enthält reversibel dehydrierbares Material und entzieht der Luft während des Durchleitens Feuchtigkeit.The WO 2005/018410 A1 deals only with a method for operating a device with at least one partial program step "drying" in which air is passed from a treatment room and / or from ambient air through a sorption column and into the treatment room. The sorbent column contains reversibly dehydratable material and removes moisture from the air during passage.

Bei der EP 0 262 451 A2 ist ein Verfahren zum Trocknen und Sterilisieren von Gut in einem Trocken- und Sterilisationsschrank im Krankenhausbereich angegeben, wobei sowohl die Trocknung als auch die Sterilisation von Gewebe im gleichen Behandlungsraum in stehendem oder in hängendem, in mechanisch unbewegtem Zustand durchgeführt und die Sterilisation unmittelbar im Anschluss an die Trocknung vorgenommen wird. Der Luftstrom wird in einem inneren und in einem äußeren Kreislauf geführt. Durch ein Kondensations- und Kühlaggregat stehen beide Systeme miteinander energiemäßig in Kontakt. Die Kondensation wird mittels des Kondensations- und Kühlaggregats nach Ende der Trocknung eingestellt. Nach der Sterilisation wird das Kondensations- und Kühlaggregat abgekühlt.In the EP 0 262 451 A2 is a method for drying and sterilizing Good specified in a drying and sterilization cabinet in the hospital area, wherein both the drying and the sterilization of tissue in the same treatment room in a stationary or in hanging, performed in a mechanically non-moving state and the sterilization is carried out immediately after drying. The air flow is guided in an inner and in an outer circuit. Through a condensation and cooling unit, both systems are in contact with each other in terms of energy. The condensation is adjusted by means of the condensation and cooling unit after the end of the drying. After sterilization, the condensation and cooling unit is cooled.

Die Aufgabe der Erfindung besteht darin, eine Geschirrspülmaschine bereitzustellen, bei der mit einfachen Mitteln eine wirksame Entkeimung bzw. Sterilisation des Spülgutes erzielt werden kann.The object of the invention is to provide a dishwashing machine in which effective sterilization or sterilization of the dishes can be achieved by simple means.

Die Aufgabe ist durch die Merkmale des Patentanspruches 1 oder des Patentanspruches 13 gelöst. Bevorzugte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen offenbart.The object is solved by the features of claim 1 or claim 13. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims.

Gemäß dem kennzeichnenden Teil des Patentanspruches 1 weist die Geschirrspülmaschine eine Sterilisationseinheit auf, mit der zur Sterilisation des im Spülraum angeordneten Spülguts heiße und trockene Luft in den Spülraum eingeleitet wird. Erfindungsgemäß erfolgt daher die Entkeimung/Sterilisation nicht durch UV-Bestrahlung, sondern vielmehr durch eine Heißluftsterilisation, bei der durch Luftzuführung von außen das Spülgut mit heißer und trockener Luft für eine ausreichend lange Behandlungsdauer auf das Spülgut einwirkt. Der Zelltod der Bakterien/Viren durch die trockene Luft beruht auf der Denaturierung von Proteinen. Dies ist hauptsächlich ein oxydativer Prozess.According to the characterizing part of patent claim 1, the dishwasher has a sterilization unit with which hot and dry air is introduced into the washing compartment for sterilizing the items to be washed arranged in the washing compartment. According to the invention, therefore, the sterilization / sterilization is not carried out by UV irradiation, but rather by a hot air sterilization in which acts by air supply from the outside the items to be washed with hot and dry air for a sufficiently long treatment time on the dishes. The cell death of bacteria / viruses by the dry air is based on the denaturation of proteins. This is mainly an oxidative process.

Bevorzugt ist es, wenn der Sterilisationsvorgang einem Spülgang oder zumindest einem Teilspülgang eines gewählten Geschirrspülprogramms zeitlich überlagert ist. Der Sterilisationsvorgang erfolgt somit parallel zum Spülgang, so dass sich die Gesamtbetriebsdauer zur Reinigung des Spülgutes insgesamt nicht verlängert. Bevorzugt wird die Heißluftsterilisation während eines Teilprogrammschrittes des Spülgangs durchgeführt, und zwar insbesondere während eines Teilprogrammschrittes ohne Flüssigkeitseinsatz. Hierfür eignet sich insbesondere der, den Spülgang abschließenden Trocknungsschritt. Dadurch ist in vorteilhafter Weise erreicht, dass bei erstmalig im Trocknungsschritt durchgeführter Sterilisation das sterilisierte Spülgut nicht durch einen folgenden Teilprogrammschritt mit Flüssigkeitseinsatz gegebenenfalls wieder verunreinigt wird.It is preferred if the sterilization process is temporally superimposed on a rinse cycle or at least a partial rinse cycle of a selected dishwasher program. The sterilization process thus takes place parallel to the rinse cycle, so that the total operating time for cleaning the items to be cleaned does not increase overall. The hot air sterilization is preferably carried out during a partial program step of the rinse cycle, in particular during a partial program step without liquid feed. For this purpose, in particular, the, the rinse final drying step. This is achieved in an advantageous manner that at first in the Drying step carried out sterilization the sterilized items to be washed is not contaminated by a subsequent part program step with liquid insert, if necessary.

Um einen ausreichend effizienten Sterilisationserfolg zu erzielen, hat es sich als besonders günstig erwiesen, wenn die zur Sterilisation in den Spülraum eingeleitete Heißluft insbesondere eine Luftfeuchte von weniger als 20% und eine Temperatur im Bereich zwischen 60°C und 80°C, insbesondere zwischen 70°C und 80°C, aufweist. Der Sterilisationsvorgang kann bevorzugt während der gesamten Zeitdauer des Trocknungsschrittes erfolgen.In order to achieve a sufficiently efficient sterilization success, it has proven to be particularly favorable if the introduced for sterilization in the wash hot air in particular a humidity of less than 20% and a temperature in the range between 60 ° C and 80 ° C, in particular between 70 ° C and 80 ° C, has. The sterilization process may preferably take place during the entire duration of the drying step.

Die Sterilisationseinheit kann in einer einfachen Ausführungsform vorzugsweise ein Heißluftgebläse aufweisen, das außerhalb des Spülraumes der Geschirrspülmaschine angeordnet und strömungstechnisch über einen Lufteinlass mit dem Spülraum der Geschirrspülmaschine verbunden ist. Mit dem Heißluftgebläse kann ausreichend trockene Luft, gegebenenfalls Umgebungsluft, angesaugt werden und mittels eines Heizelementes erwärmt werden. Die so erzeugte trockene und heiße Luft kann dann insbesondere bei Durchführung des Trocknungsschrittes des jeweiligen Spülgangs in den Spülraum eingeleitet werden. Durch die Einleitung der trockenen heißen Luft ergibt sich im Spülraum ein Luftgemisch, das in Vergleich zu einer während einer herkömmlichen Kondensationstrocknung sich ergebenden Luft eine wesentlich reduziertere Luftfeuchte sowie eine stark erhöhte Lufttemperatur aufweist, wodurch der Sterilisationsvorgang unterstützt wird. Zur weiteren Unterstützung des Sterilisationsvorgangs ist es von Vorteil, wenn zusätzlich eine Luftauslassleitung in den Spülraum mündet. In diesem Fall kann einerseits die trockene und heiße Luft eingeleitet werden, während gleichzeitig die feuchte Luft aus dem Spülraum geführt werden kann. Auf diese Weise wird die Luftfeuchte des sich im Spülraum einstellenden Luftgemisches weiter reduziert und entsprechend die Sterilisationswirkung verbessert.In a simple embodiment, the sterilization unit can preferably have a hot-air blower which is arranged outside the dishwasher's washing compartment and is fluidically connected to the dishwasher's washing compartment via an air inlet. With the hot air blower enough dry air, possibly ambient air, are sucked in and heated by means of a heating element. The thus generated dry and hot air can then especially at Implementation of the drying step of the respective wash cycle are introduced into the wash compartment. The introduction of the dry hot air results in an air mixture in the washing compartment, which in comparison to a resulting during a conventional condensation drying air substantially reduced humidity and a greatly increased air temperature, whereby the sterilization process is supported. To further support the sterilization process, it is advantageous if in addition an air outlet line opens into the washing compartment. In this case, on the one hand, the dry and hot air can be introduced, while at the same time the humid air can be guided out of the washing room. In this way, the humidity of the adjusting air in the dishwasher air mixture is further reduced and correspondingly improves the sterilization effect.

Wie oben beschrieben ist, kann in einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform einerseits die trockene und heiße Luft durch eine Zuleitung in den Spülraum eingeleitet werden, während gleichzeitig durch eine Auslassleitung die noch feuchte Spülraum-Luft aus dem Spülraum ausgeleitet wird. Prozesstechnisch besonders von Vorteil kann es insbesondere sein, wenn die Sterilisationseinheit zusammen mit der Zuleitung, dem Spülraum sowie der Auslassleitung einen geschlossenen Luftkreislauf bildet. Im Trocknungsschritt wird daher zunächst feuchte Luft aus dem Spülraum über die Auslassleitung in die Sterilisationseinheit geführt. Die Sterilisationseinheit weist eine Trocknungseinrichtung auf, die der Spülraum-Luft die Feuchtigkeit entzieht. Mittels des oben genannten Heißluftgebläses kann dann die so erzeugte trockene Luft erhitzt und in den Spülraum zurückgeführt werden.As described above, in a preferred embodiment, on the one hand, the dry and hot air can be introduced through a supply line into the washing compartment, while at the same time the still moist washing chamber air is discharged from the washing compartment through an outlet line. In terms of process technology, it may be particularly advantageous if the sterilization unit forms a closed air circuit together with the supply line, the washing compartment and the outlet line. In the drying step, therefore, humid air is first led out of the flushing chamber via the outlet line into the sterilization unit. The sterilization unit has a drying device that removes moisture from the washing compartment air. By means of the above-mentioned hot air blower, the dry air thus generated can then be heated and returned to the washing compartment.

Die Trocknungseinrichtung kann beispielhaft eine Sorptionskolonne mit einem reversibel dehydrierbaren Material sein, das zur Durchführung der Sterilisation der feuchten Spülraum-Luft Wasser entzieht und dieses in einem Absorptionsvorgang im Sorptionsmaterial der Sorptionskolonne speichert. Das im Trocknungsmittel gespeicherte Wasser kann in einem in vorteilhafter Weise als separater Sterilisationsvorgang erfolgenden Regenerationsvorgang bei einer Desorption wieder freigesetzt werden, bei der unter Erhitzung des Trocknungsmittels die gespeicherte Wassermenge als Wasserdampf freigesetzt und über die Zuleitung in den Spülraum rückgeführt wird.By way of example, the drying device can be a sorption column with a reversibly dehydratable material which extracts water for carrying out the sterilization of the moist dishwashing air and stores it in an absorption process in the sorption material of the sorption column. The water stored in the desiccant can be released again in a desaturation occurring in an advantageous manner as a separate sterilization process at a desorption in which the stored amount of water is released as water vapor under heating of the desiccant and recycled via the supply line into the washing compartment.

Zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Sterilisationsvorganges muss unter zusätzlichem Energieaufwand die trockene und heiße Luft erzeugt werden. Zur Energieeinsparung ist es daher von Vorteil, wenn die elektronische Kontrolleinrichtung, insbesondere Steuer- und/oder Regeleinrichtung, der Geschirrspülmaschine anhand vorgegebener Kriterien auswertet, ob der Spülgang in einer energiesparenden ersten Betriebsart ohne Sterilisation oder in einer energieaufwändigen zweiten Betriebsart mit der Sterilisation des Spülgutes durchgeführt werden soll. Bevorzugt ist der Regeleinrichtung ein benutzerseitig betätigbarer Umschalter zugeordnet, bei dessen Betätigung die Steuereinrichtung zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Betriebsart umschaltet. Dadurch erfolgt die Sterilisation nur auf ausdrücklichen benutzerseitigen Wunsch.To carry out the sterilization process according to the invention, the dry and hot air must be generated with additional expenditure of energy. To save energy, it is therefore advantageous if the electronic control device, in particular control and / or regulating device, the dishwasher evaluates based on predetermined criteria, whether the rinse carried out in an energy-saving first mode without sterilization or in an energy consuming second mode with the sterilization of the dishes shall be. Preferably, the control device is associated with a user-operable switch, upon actuation of which the control device switches over between the first and the second operating mode. As a result, the sterilization takes place only on express user-side request.

Wie oben erwähnt, kann die Trocknungseinrichtung der Sterilisationseinheit zweckmäßigerweise eine Sorptionskolonne mit reversibel dehydrierbarem Material sein. Das Material kann zweckmäßig so ausgelegt sein, dass bei der Absorption eine ausreichend große Absorptionswärme generiert wird, die zumindest teilweise zur Erhitzung der in den Spülraum weitergeleiteten, nunmehr getrockneten Luft dienen kann.As mentioned above, the drying device of the sterilization unit can expediently be a sorption column with reversibly dehydratable material. The material may expediently be designed so that a sufficiently large heat of absorption is generated during the absorption, which can at least partially serve to heat the now dried air which has been led into the flushing space.

Alternativ und/oder zusätzlich zur Nutzung der Absorbtionswärme kann auch das bereits erwähnte Heizelement zugeschaltet werden, um die getrocknete Luft ausreichend zu erwärmen.Alternatively and / or in addition to the use of Absorbtionswärme also the already mentioned heating element can be switched on to heat the dried air sufficiently.

Verfahrenstechnisch besonders bevorzugt ist es hierbei, wenn das Heizelement sowohl während des Sterilisationsvorganges als auch in Doppelfunktion während des bereits genannten Regenerationsvorganges eingesetzt werden kann. Hierfür kann das Heizelement in einer Verbindungsleitung zwischen dem Spülraum und der Trocknungseinrichtung geschaltet sein. Zur Durchführung des Regenerationsvorganges bzw. der Desorption kann die, in die Trocknungseinrichtung einströmende Luft vom Heizelement erwärmt werden. Die so erzeugte Heißluft wärmt nachfolgend das reversibel hydrierbare Trocknungsmittel, wodurch die Desorption gestartet wird.In terms of process technology, it is particularly preferred here for the heating element to be able to be used both during the sterilization process and in a double function during the regeneration process already mentioned. For this purpose, the heating element can be connected in a connecting line between the washing compartment and the drying device. To carry out the regeneration process or the desorption, the air flowing into the drying device can be heated by the heating element. The hot air thus produced subsequently heats the reversibly hydrogenatable desiccant, whereby the desorption is started.

Damit der Sterilisationsvorgang bei vorgegebenen Betriebsparametern durchführbar ist, kann die Kontrolleinrichtung, insbesondere Steuer- und/oder Regeleinrichtung das Heizelement, gegebenenfalls vorteilhaft in einer Steuerung und/oder in einer Regelung, so einstellen oder so beeinflussen, dass sich die vorgegebene Heißlufttemperatur ergibt. Bevorzugt ist es hierbei, wenn das Heizelement während der Sterilisation mit einer, im Vergleich zum Regenerationsvorgang reduzierten Leistung und/oder getaktet angesteuert wird.In order that the sterilization process can be carried out under given operating parameters, the control device, in particular the control and / or regulating device, can be the heating element, possibly advantageously in a controller and / or in a closed-loop control system adjust or influence so that the given hot air temperature results. It is preferred in this case if the heating element during sterilization with a, compared to the regeneration process reduced power and / or is controlled clocked.

Die vorstehend erläuterten und/oder in den Unteransprüchen wiedergegebenen vorteilhaften Aus- und Weiterbildungen der Erfindung können dabei - außer z. B. in den Fällen eindeutiger Abhängigkeiten oder unvereinbarer Alternativen - einzeln oder aber auch in beliebiger Kombination miteinander zur Anwendung kommen.The above-explained and / or reproduced in the subclaims advantageous embodiments and refinements of the invention can - in addition to z. B. in cases of clear dependencies or incompatible alternatives - individually or in any combination with each other.

Die Erfindung und ihre vorteilhaften Aus- und Weiterbildungen sowie deren Vorteile werden nachfolgend anhand von Zeichnungen näher erläutert.The invention and its advantageous embodiments and further developments and advantages thereof are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

Es zeigen, jeweils in einer schematischen Prinzipskizze:

Fig. 1
in einem Blockdiagramm eine Geschirrspülmaschine zur Durchführung der erfindungsgemäßen Heißluftsterilisation; und
Fig. 2
ein Temperatur-Zeit-Diagramm zur Veranschaulichung eines Spülganges, der in einer energiesparenden ersten Betriebsart ohne Sterilisation erfolgt, und eines Spülganges, der in einer energieaufwändigen zweiten Betriebsart mit der erfindungsgemäßen Sterilisation des Spülguts erfolgt.
They show, in each case in a schematic outline sketch:
Fig. 1
in a block diagram, a dishwasher for carrying out the hot air sterilization according to the invention; and
Fig. 2
a temperature-time diagram illustrating a rinse cycle, which takes place in an energy-saving first mode without sterilization, and a rinse, which takes place in an energy-consuming second mode with the sterilization of the dishes according to the invention.

In der Fig. 1 ist grob schematisch eine Geschirrspülmaschine mit einem Spülbehälter 1 gezeigt, in dem nicht dargestelltes, zu reinigendes Spülgut in Geschirrkörben 3, 5 angeordnet werden kann. Im gezeigten Spülbehälter 1 sind beispielhaft zwei in unterschiedlichen Sprühebenen vorgesehene, insbesondere rotierbar gelagerte Sprüharme 7, 9 angeordnet, über die das zu reinigende Spülgut mit Spülflüssigkeit beaufschlagt wird. Im Spülbehälterboden ist ein Pumpentopf 11 mit einer Umwälzpumpe 13 vorgesehen, die über Zuleitungen 14, 15 strömungstechnisch mit den Sprüharmen 7, 9 verbunden ist. Der Pumpentopf 11 ist außerdem über Anschlussstutzen mit einer mit dem Wasserversorgungsnetz gekoppelten Frischwasser-Zuleitung 16 sowie mit einer Ablaufleitung 17 in Verbindung, in der eine Laugenpumpe 18 zum Abpumpen der Flüssigkeit aus dem Spülbehälter 1 angeordnet ist.In the Fig. 1 is roughly schematically shown a dishwasher with a washing container 1, in which not shown, to be cleaned dishes in dish racks 3, 5 can be arranged. In the washing container 1 shown, two spraying arms 7, 9 provided in different spraying levels, in particular rotatably mounted, are arranged by way of example, via which the washware to be cleaned is supplied with washing liquid. In the Spülbehälterboden a pump pot 11 is provided with a circulating pump 13, which is connected via feed lines 14, 15 fluidly connected to the spray arms 7, 9. The sump 11 is also connected via connecting pieces with a fresh water supply line 16 coupled to the water supply network and with a discharge line 17 in which a sump pump 18 for pumping out the liquid from the rinsing container 1 is arranged.

Der Spülbehälter 1 weist in seinem oberen Bereich eine Auslassöffnung 19 auf, die über eine Verbindungsleitung 21 mit einer Sorptionskolonne 22 einer Sterilisationseinheit 20 verbunden ist, deren Funktionsweise später beschrieben ist. In der Verbindungsleitung 21 zur Sorptionskolonne 22 ist ein Luftgebläse 23 sowie ein Heizelement 24 geschaltet. Die Sorptionskolonne 22 enthält als Trocknungsmittel ein reversibel dehydrierbares Material, wie z. B. Zeolith, mit dem in einem später beschriebenen Trocknungsschritt T des Spülgangs die feuchte Spülraum-Luft getrocknet wird. Hierzu wird ein mit hoher Feuchtigkeit beladener Luftstrom mittels des Luftgebläses 23 vom Spülraum durch die Sorptionskolonne 22 geleitet. Das in der Sorptionskolonne 22 vorgesehene Zeolith nimmt die Feuchtigkeit der Luft auf und führt die somit getrocknete Luft wieder in den Spülraum zurück.The rinsing container 1 has in its upper region an outlet opening 19, which is connected via a connecting line 21 with a sorption column 22 of a sterilization unit 20, whose operation is described later. In the connecting line 21 to the sorption column 22, an air blower 23 and a heating element 24 is connected. The sorption column 22 contains as a drying agent a reversibly dehydratable material, such as. For example, zeolite, with which the wet dishwashing air is dried in a later described drying step T of the rinse. For this purpose, a high-humidity laden air stream is directed by means of the air blower 23 from the washing compartment through the sorption column 22. The zeolite provided in the sorption column 22 absorbs the moisture of the air and returns the thus dried air back into the washing compartment.

Die während des Trocknungsschrittes T im Zeolith gespeicherte Wassermenge m kann in einem Regenerationsvorgang, das heißt bei einer Desorption, durch Aufheizen des Trocknungsmittels der Sorptionskolonne 22 wieder freigegeben werden. Hierzu wird mittels des Gebläses 23 ein vom Heizelement 24 auf sehr hohe Temperaturen erhitzter Luftstrom durch die Sorptionskolonne 22 geleitet. Mit dem Heißluftstrom wird das im Zeolith gespeicherte Wasser als heißer Wasserdampf freigesetzt und über den Lufteinlass 27 wieder in den Spülbehälter 1 zurückgeführt.The amount of water m stored in the zeolite during the drying step T can be released again in a regeneration process, that is to say in the case of desorption, by heating the desiccant of the sorption column 22. For this purpose, by means of the blower 23, a stream of air heated by the heating element 24 to very high temperatures is passed through the sorption column 22. With the hot air flow, the water stored in the zeolite is released as hot water vapor and returned via the air inlet 27 back into the washing compartment 1.

Im Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 1 führt die Sterilisationseinheit 20 die Heißluftsterilisation zeitgleich mit dem Trocknungsschritt T des Spülganges aus. Im Trocknungsschritt T des Spülgangs wird zunächst feuchte Spülraum-Luft mittels des Gebläses 23 über die Verbindungsleitung 21 in die Sorptionskolonne 22 geleitet. Das darin enthaltene Zeolith entzieht, wie bereits oben erwähnt, der Spülraum-Luft die Feuchtigkeit, wodurch Absorptionswärme frei wird. Mittels der freiwerdenden Absorptionswärme wird der aus der Sorptionskolonne 22 austretende Luftstrom erwärmt, wodurch nicht nur vergleichsweise trockene Luft, sondern auch heiße Luft wieder in den Spülbehälter 1 zurückgeführt wird. Die Sorptionskolonne 22 ist derart ausgelegt, dass die in den Spülraum rückgeführte getrocknete und heiße Luft eine Luftfeuchte im Bereich von weniger als 20% und mit einer Temperatur zwischen 60°C und 80°C aufweist.In the embodiment of Fig. 1 The sterilization unit 20 performs the hot air sterilization at the same time as the drying step T of the rinse cycle. In the drying step T of the rinse cycle, moist rinsing room air is first conducted by means of the blower 23 via the connecting line 21 into the sorption column 22. The zeolite contained therein, as already mentioned above, removes moisture from the wash compartment air, thereby releasing heat of absorption. By means of the released heat of absorption, the air stream emerging from the sorption column 22 is heated, whereby not only comparatively dry air, but also hot air is returned to the washing container 1 again. The sorption column 22 is designed in such a way that the dried and hot air returned to the washing compartment has a relative humidity of less than 20% and a temperature of between 60 ° C. and 80 ° C.

Gegebenenfalls kann die bei der Trocknung I freiwerdende Absorptionswärme nicht ausreichen, um die erforderliche Sterilisationstemperatur im Bereich zwischen 60°C und 80°C zu erzielen. In diesem Fall kann bei Durchführung der Sterilisation zusätzlich das Heizelement 24 aktiviert werden, um die erforderliche Sterilisationstemperatur zu erhalten. Eine Kontrolleinrichtung 25, insbesondere Steuer- und/oder Kontrolleinrichtung, die vorzugsweise der Einstellung der Teilprogrammschritte eines gewählten Geschirrspülprogramms dient, kann das Heizelement 24 im Sterilisationsvorgang mit im Vergleich zum Regenerationsvorgang reduzierter Leistung und/oder getaktet ansteuern, da im Vergleich zur Desorption wesentlich weniger Wärmeerzeugung durch das Heizelement 24 erforderlich ist.Optionally, the heat of absorption released during drying I may not be sufficient to achieve the required sterilization temperature in the range between 60 ° C and 80 ° C. In this case, when sterilization is performed, the heating element 24 may additionally be activated to obtain the required sterilization temperature. A control device 25, in particular control and / or monitoring device, which preferably serves to adjust the partial program steps of a selected dishwashing program, the heating element 24 in the sterilization process with reduced compared to the regeneration process and / or clocked, since compared to the desorption significantly less heat generation is required by the heating element 24.

In der Fig. 2 ist ein zeitlicher Programmablauf mit den einzelnen Teilprogrammschritten eines Spülgangs, nämlich Vorspülen V, Reinigen R, Zwischenspülen Z, Klarspülen K sowie Trocknen T, veranschaulicht. Der in der Fig. 2 mit durchgezogener Linie gezeigte Spülgang wird in einer energiesparenden ersten Betriebsart I ohne Sterilisation durchgeführt. Zudem ist in der Fig. 2 der in einer zweiten, energieaufwändigen Betriebsart II durchgeführte Spülgang gezeigt, der mit Ausnahme des in gestrichelter Linie dargestellten Trocknungsschrittes T gezeigt identisch mit der ersten Betriebsart I ist.In the Fig. 2 is a temporal program sequence with the individual partial program steps of a rinse, namely pre-rinse V, cleaning R, intermediate rinse Z, rinse K and drying T, illustrated. The Indian Fig. 2 Rinse shown with a solid line is performed in an energy-saving first mode I without sterilization. Moreover, in the Fig. 2 shown in a second, energy-consuming mode II rinse, which is identical to the first mode I shown except for the drying step shown in dashed line T shown.

Wie aus der Fig. 2 hervorgeht, findet der Regenerationsvorgang in der Sorptionskolonne 22 im Zeitintervall ΔtR statt. Der Regenerationsvorgang ΔtR startet gemäß der Fig. 2 zu Beginn des Reinigungsschrittes R zum Zeitpunkt t0. Im Regenerationsvorgang ΔtR wird die im Trocknungsmittel gespeicherte Wassermenge m als Wasserdampf in den Spülbehälter 1 rückgeführt. Diese Wassermenge wurde im Trocknungsschritt T des vorangegangenen Spülgangs während eines Absorptionsvorganges ΔtA der zu trocknenden, mit Feuchtigkeit beladenen Spülraum-Luft entzogen. Wie aus der Fig. 2 hervorgeht, erfolgt in einer Aufheizphase ΔtH die Erwärmung der Spülflüssigkeit mit Hilfe einer in der Fig. 1 gezeigten Wasserheizung 28 sowie mit Hilfe des während des Regenerationsvorganges freigesetzten Wasserdampfes. Die Temperatur der Spülflüssigkeit wird dabei bis in eine Größenordnung von etwa 60°C aufgeheizt. Im Laufe des Reinigungsschrittes R, des Zwischenspülschrittes Z sowie des Klarspülschrittes K reduziert sich die Temperatur im Spülraum. Im anschließenden Trocknungsschritt T steigt dann die Mischtemperatur im Spülraum wieder an, und zwar unter anderem aufgrund der bei der Absorption freiwerdenden Absorptionswärme.Like from the Fig. 2 shows, the regeneration process takes place in the sorption column 22 in the time interval .DELTA.t R instead. The regeneration process Δt R starts according to Fig. 2 at the beginning of the cleaning step R at time t 0 . In the regeneration process .DELTA.t R , the amount of water stored in the desiccant m is returned as water vapor in the washing compartment 1. This amount of water was withdrawn in the drying step T of the previous rinse during an absorption process .DELTA.t A to be dried, laden with moisture Spülraum-air. Like from the Fig. 2 shows, in a heating phase .DELTA.t H, the heating of the washing liquid by means of a in the Fig. 1 shown water heater 28 and with the help of the released during the regeneration process water vapor. The temperature of the rinsing liquid is heated to an order of about 60 ° C. In the course of the cleaning step R, the intermediate rinsing step Z and the final rinsing step K, the temperature in the washing compartment is reduced. In the subsequent drying step T then increases the mixing temperature in the washing room again, and in part because of the released during the absorption heat of absorption.

Wie aus der Fig. 1 weiter hervorgeht, ist die Steuereinrichtung 25 in Signalverbindung mit einem Umschalter 26, der benutzerseitig manuell betätigbar ist. Bei Betätigung des Umschalters 26 kann der Benutzer von der oben anhand der Fig. 2 beschriebenen ersten, energiesparenden Betriebsart I auf eine im Folgenden beschriebene zweite Betriebsart II umschalten, in der im Trocknungsschritt T die Heißluftsterilisation erfolgt.Like from the Fig. 1 further, the controller 25 is in signal communication with a changeover switch 26 which is manually operable by the user. Upon actuation of the switch 26, the user of the above based on the Fig. 2 described first energy-saving mode I switch to a second mode II described below, in which in the drying step T, the hot air sterilization takes place.

Wenn benutzerseitig die zweite Betriebsart II ausgewählt ist, wird während des Trocknungsschrittes T die vom Spülraum in die Sorptionskolonne 22 geförderte, mit Feuchtigkeit beladene Kühlraum-Luft zusätzlich mit dem Heizelement 24 erwärmt. Die hierbei eingebrachte Heizleistung ist so bemessen, dass sie weit unterhalb einer Aktivierungstemperatur zur Aktivierung einer Desorption in der Sorptionskolonne 22 ist. Die mittels des Heizelements 24 vorgewärmte, mit Feuchtigkeit beladene Spülraum-Luft wird in der Sorptionskolonne 22 dehydriert, und zwar unter weiterer Aufheizung des Luftstromes aufgrund der entstehenden Absorptionswärme. Dadurch wird über den Lufteinlass 27 ein getrockneter Luftstrom in den Spülraum rückgeführt, dessen Temperatur im Vergleich zum Trocknungsschritt T der ersten Betriebsart I wesentlich erhöht ist. Wie aus der Fig. 2 hervorgeht, ist somit die sich im Trocknungsschritt T ergebende Spülraumtemperatur so erhöht, dass sich eine effektive Heißluftsterilisation des Spülgutes einstellen kann.When the user side, the second mode II is selected, during the drying step T, the moisture-laden cooling space-air conveyed from the washing compartment into the sorption column 22 is additionally heated by the heating element 24. The heating power introduced in this case is dimensioned so that it is far below an activation temperature for activating a desorption in the sorption column 22. The pre-heated by means of the heating element 24, laden with moisture rinsing room air is dehydrated in the sorption column 22, namely with further heating of the air flow due to the heat of absorption arising. As a result, a dried air flow is returned via the air inlet 27 into the washing compartment, the temperature of which is substantially increased in comparison to the drying step T of the first operating mode I. Like from the Fig. 2 shows, thus resulting in the drying step T Spülraumtemperatur is increased so that an effective hot air sterilization of the dishes can be adjusted.

BEZUGSZEICHENLISTELIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
Spülbehälterrinse tank
3, 53, 5
Geschirrkörbebaskets
7, 97, 9
Sprüharmespray arms
1111
Pumpentopfsump
1313
Umwälzpumpecirculating pump
14, 1514, 15
Zuleitungenleads
1616
Frischwasser-ZuleitungFresh water supply
1717
Ablaufleitungdrain line
1818
LaugenpumpeDrain pump
1919
Auslassöffnungoutlet
2020
Sterilisationseinheitsterilization unit
2121
Verbindungsleitungconnecting line
2222
Trocknungseinrichtungdrying device
2323
Luftgebläseair blower
2424
Heizelementheating element
2525
Steuereinrichtungcontrol device
2626
Umschalterswitch
2727
Lufteinlassair intake
2828
Wasserheizungwater Heating
V, R, Z, K, TV, R, Z, K, T
TeilprogrammschrittePart program steps
ΔtR Δt R
Regenerationsvorgangregeneration process
t0 t 0
Startzeitpunkt des Reinigungsschrittes RStart time of the purification step R
mm
die im Regenerationsvorgang freiwerdende Wassermengethe amount of water released in the regeneration process
ΔtA Δt A
AbsorbtionsvorgangAbsorbtionsvorgang
II
energiesparende erste Betriebsart ohne Sterilisationenergy-saving first operating mode without sterilization
IIII
energieaufwändige zweite Betriebsart mit SterilisationEnergy-consuming second operating mode with sterilization

Claims (13)

  1. Dishwasher, in particular household dishwasher, with a dishwasher interior which may contain items to be washed and with a monitoring facility (25), in particular control and/or monitoring facility for setting, in particular controlling and/or regulating, partial program steps of a wash cycle, such as pre-rinsing (V), cleaning (R), intermediate rinsing (Z), rinse-aiding (K) and drying (T), characterised in that the dishwasher has a hot air sterilisation unit (20), which comprises a drying device (22) having reversibly dehydratable drying means, wherein the drying device (22) is set up to remove moisture from the air in the dishwasher interior, and wherein by means of the hot air sterilisation unit (20), hot and dry air can be introduced into the dishwasher interior to sterilise the items to be washed arranged in the dishwasher interior, wherein by means of the control device (25), the wash cycle can be carried out in an energy-saving first operating mode (I) without sterilisation or in an energy-intensive second operating mode (II) with the sterilisation of the items to be washed.
  2. Dishwasher according to claim 1, characterised in that the hot air sterilisation unit (20) has an air inlet (27) via which the hot and dry air required for sterilisation, in particular during the execution of the respective wash cycle, can be introduced into the dishwasher interior.
  3. Dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the hot and dry air can be introduced into the dishwasher interior during the drying step (T) concluding the wash cycle.
  4. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hot air sterilisation unit (20) has an air outlet (19) via which the damp air from the dishwasher interior can be conducted out of the dishwasher interior into the sterilisation unit (20).
  5. Dishwasher according to claim 4, characterised in that the sterilisation unit (20) is connected together with the dishwasher interior in a closed air circuit, by means of which damp air in the dishwasher interior can be recirculated as dry and hot air into the dishwasher interior once it has been dried and heated.
  6. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drying device (22) is set up to remove dampness from the air of the dishwasher interior in the drying step (T) of the respective wash cycle and to heat this air of the dishwasher interior as well as to recirculate it into the dishwasher interior as dry and hot air.
  7. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the air introduced into the dishwasher interior for sterilisation by the hot air sterilisation unit (20) has a dampness (ϕ) in the region of less than 20% and a temperature in the region of between 60°C and 80°C.
  8. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dishwasher has a switch (26) actuatable by a user, the actuation of which can be switched between the first and the second mode of operation (I, II).
  9. Dishwasher according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterised in that to heat the air introduced into the dishwasher interior for sterilisation, absorption heat can be used, which arises when removing the dampness in the drying device (22).
  10. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims 6 to 9, characterised in that a heating element (24) is provided in an air line (21) between the dishwasher interior and the drying device (22) and in that the heating element (24) heats the air guided into the drying device (22) for execution of the sterilisation.
  11. Dishwasher according to claim 10, characterised in that hot air can be conducted through the drying device (22) in a regeneration process (ΔtR), wherein the quantity of water (m) stored in the drying device (22) can be recirculated as hot water vapour into the dishwasher interior (22), and that the air required for the regeneration process (ΔtR) can be heated by the heating element (24).
  12. Dishwasher according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the control device (25) controls the heating element (24) in the sterilisation process with reduced power compared with the regeneration process (ΔtR) and/or by clock control.
  13. Method for operating a dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims.
EP11757289.1A 2010-09-22 2011-09-13 Dishwasher, in particular domestic dishwasher Active EP2618712B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL11757289T PL2618712T3 (en) 2010-09-22 2011-09-13 Dishwasher, in particular domestic dishwasher

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102010041215A DE102010041215A1 (en) 2010-09-22 2010-09-22 Dishwasher, in particular household dishwasher
PCT/EP2011/065829 WO2012038301A2 (en) 2010-09-22 2011-09-13 Dishwasher, in particular domestic dishwasher

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2618712A2 EP2618712A2 (en) 2013-07-31
EP2618712B1 true EP2618712B1 (en) 2019-09-11

Family

ID=44651773

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11757289.1A Active EP2618712B1 (en) 2010-09-22 2011-09-13 Dishwasher, in particular domestic dishwasher

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2618712B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102010041215A1 (en)
PL (1) PL2618712T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2012038301A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104433990B (en) * 2014-12-09 2017-04-19 苏州弗乐卡电器科技发展有限公司 Multifunctional dish washer
CN115104984A (en) * 2021-03-22 2022-09-27 青岛海尔洗碗机有限公司 Method for cleaning netted parts of range hood by dish washer

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3632820A1 (en) * 1986-09-26 1988-04-07 Hans Baltes METHOD FOR DRYING AND STERILIZING GOODS IN THE CLOSED CIRCUIT SYSTEM
JP3862549B2 (en) * 2001-11-08 2006-12-27 シャープ株式会社 Dry washing machine
US8601716B2 (en) * 2003-07-30 2013-12-10 Bsh Bosch Und Siemens Hausgeraete Gmbh Method for operating a device with at least one partial programme step of drying
EP1915086B1 (en) 2005-08-19 2016-10-12 LG Electronics Inc. Dish washer with uv sterilization device therein

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2012038301A3 (en) 2012-07-19
PL2618712T3 (en) 2020-03-31
DE102010041215A1 (en) 2012-03-22
EP2618712A2 (en) 2013-07-31
WO2012038301A2 (en) 2012-03-29

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