EP3082551A1

EP3082551A1 - Cleaning appliance and method for cleaning articles to be cleaned

Info

Publication number: EP3082551A1
Application number: EP14816230.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jürgen Dirschus; Engelbert Ecker; Bruno Gaus; Thomas Peukert
Original assignee: Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2013-12-19
Filing date: 2014-12-18
Publication date: 2016-10-26
Anticipated expiration: 2034-12-18
Also published as: US10561294B2; CN105848551A; DE102013226637A1; WO2015091750A1; EP3082551B1; CN105848551B; US20160309981A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning appliance (110) for cleaning articles (116) to be cleaned. Said cleaning appliance (110) comprises at least one cleaning chamber (114) and at least one nozzle (123) for applying at least one cleaning fluid (118) to the articles (116) to be cleaned inside the cleaning chamber (114). The cleaning appliance (110) further comprises at least one temperature sensor (168) which is arranged in at least one desired jet region (166) of the nozzle (123). The cleaning appliance (110) further comprises a control unit (157) which is designed to analyze at least one sensor signal of the temperature sensor (168) and to evaluate a jet behavior of the nozzle (123) on the basis of said sensor signal.

Description

Cleaning device and method for cleaning items to be cleaned

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a cleaning device and a method for cleaning of items to be cleaned. Furthermore, the invention relates to a use of at least one temperature sensor for evaluating a jet behavior of a nozzle. Cleaning devices and methods of the type mentioned can be used, for example, in the field of dishwashing technology, in particular in the field of commercial dishwashing technology. Thus, the invention can be used in particular in commercial single-chamber dishwashers such as program machines or in continuous dishwashers such as tape transport and / or basket transport dishwashers. Furthermore, however, such cleaning devices can also be used in the field of care or hospital technology, for example for cleaning containers for receiving human excretions such as bedpans. However, other applications are generally conceivable.

State of the art

From the prior art, a variety of cleaning devices, also known as cleaning devices, known which clean and / or disinfect cleaning supplies. Overall, the design of these cleaning devices depends greatly on the various boundary conditions, such as the type of cleaning product to be cleaned, the pollution, the throughput or similar conditions. By way of example, reference may be made to cleaning devices which are described, for example, in DE 10 2004 056 052 A1 or in DE 10 2007 025 263 A1.

Cleaning devices of the type mentioned usually have at least one loading device for loading the cleaning product with at least one cleaning fluid. For example, a nozzle system, in particular a washing system with one or more nozzles, be provided to apply one or more cleaning fluids, such as liquids and / or steam, to the items to be cleaned.

Cleaning devices typically include a plurality of sensors for detecting one or more parameters. Thus, although in conventional cleaning devices such as dishwashers a pressure of the cleaning fluid is usually not monitored. However, one or more pressure sensors may nevertheless be provided, for example to ensure monitoring of a fluid circuit. Such systems are described, for example, in DE 19627762 B4, EP 01477238 B1, WO 2001/062790 A2, DE 20122927 U1 or EP 02014312 B1.

Furthermore, in principle, other types of sensors can be provided, for example vibration absorbers, in order, for example, to monitor a mechanical behavior of the cleaning device. Such systems are known for example from EP 02614763 AI. In addition, systems are known in which a rotation of a spray arm is detected magnetically or by electric fields. Such systems are described, for example, in DE 102005033110 B4, EP 01522251 B1, DE 101010051524 A1, EP 02214844 B1 or in DE 102009003119 A1. DE 102009044960 A1 describes a method for detecting the rotation of at least one spray arm in a dishwashing machine. In this case, a dosing device which can be positioned inside the dishwasher and which comprises a sensor unit and a control unit is used. The sensor unit comprises at least one conductivity sensor. The conductivity sensor is arranged in the operating position of the metering device in the direction of gravity on the bottom side of the metering device, and the positionable metering device is designed and arranged inside the dishwasher such that during operation of the dishwasher a direct spraying of the conductivity sensor with flushing water is effected by a spray arm. The control unit and the conductivity sensor are configured to perform a discontinuous, discrete resistance measurement on the conductivity sensor.

In addition, temperature sensors in cleaning devices are also known, for example in order to monitor a temperature of the cleaning fluid and / or a Hygiemsierungswirkung the cleaning device. In this regard, reference may be made, for example, to the above-mentioned prior art documents. In particular, in cleaning and disinfection equipment temperature sensors are provided, with appropriate in accordance with the requirements of DIN ISO 15883-1. Even redundancies in the temperature measurement can be scheduled.

DE 197 32 856 A1 describes a cleaning machine and a monitoring method. In this case, a spray arm is used, which is displaceable by the exiting liquid in rotary motion. Furthermore, a sensor is used which detects the rotational movement of the spray arm. The sensor is a force sensor which capacitively detects a force applied by the water jets. DE 10 2007 042 076 A1 discloses a dishwasher with at least one circulating pump. Among other things, it is disclosed to provide sensors in one or more wash arms. The sensors may be, for example, temperature and / or conductivity sensors. EP 1 306 045 A1 describes a device for monitoring a rinsing process in a dishwasher. The device is a self-sufficient, watertight unit which simulates, for example, a piece of cleaning material. On the device, a force-sensitive sensor is provided, which is designed for example as a sensor with a force-dependent resistor for detecting the impact of liquid jets.

In addition, basically flow monitors are known which are based for example on the principle that a paddle is deflected within a flow path through the flowing medium. The deflection is usually detected by means of at least one sensor and / or switch. In addition, the use of pressure sensors which can detect a pressure in a washing system and can transmit a corresponding signal to a device control system is generally possible with cleaning and disinfecting devices. With such a possible arrangement, a statement is possible within certain limits as to whether cleaning fluid escapes from the nozzles. Despite the monitoring of a large number of parameters in the cleaning devices known from the prior art, in practice technical challenges remain in the control and monitoring of the cleaning process. Thus, a technical challenge is that in many cases no statement is possible as to whether cleaning fluid emerges in the desired manner from the nozzles. This deficiency prevents in many cases a control function and a statement about the cleaning effect of the cleaning device. This deficiency is particularly problematic in the light of growing hygiene requirements, since, in addition to the temperature, the chemistry, and the exposure time, Also, the so-called flushing mechanism, so the mechanical action of the fluid jets on the cleaning material, can have a significant impact on the cleaning result. The pressure measurement in a pipe system used in cleaning and disinfection equipment can not completely overcome this deficiency in principle. Thus, for example, a system pressure may well meet the target specifications, whereas a spray pattern of the nozzles is not formed correctly on all nozzles. Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a simple, flexible, reliable method that can be adapted to various cleaning programs or operating states in order to monitor a jet behavior of one or more nozzles of a cleaning device.

Measurement methods that measure the pressure directly (pressure sensor, pressure monitor) or indirectly (sensory detection of a change in the position of a component caused by pressure) generally have a very high dependence on the operating regime. For example, a dishwasher can also provide programs with different pressure levels because of the treatment of different sensitive items. In this respect, the control system for a reliable assessment of the pressures and the variance of applications and the associated tolerance bands must be known. Ultimately, these parameters have to be parameterized. The use of a redundant temperature measurement system initially does not provide any insights beyond the actual determination.

Object of the invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cleaning device and a method for cleaning of items to be cleaned, which at least largely avoid the disadvantages of known devices and methods of the type mentioned. In particular, a simple, flexible, reliable and adaptable to various cleaning programs or operating conditions method is provided to monitor a jet behavior of one or more nozzles, a cleaning device. Disclosure of the invention

This object is achieved by a cleaning device and a method for cleaning of items to be cleaned and a use, with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments, which can be implemented individually or in any combination, are shown in the dependent claims. Hereinafter, the terms "having", "having", "including" or "including" or any grammatical variations thereof are used in a non-exclusive manner. Accordingly, these terms may refer to situations in which, in addition to the features introduced by these terms, there are no other features or to situations in which one or more other features are present. For example, the expression "A has B", "A has B," A includes B "or" A includes B "can both refer to the situation in which, apart from B, there is no further element in A ( ie a situation in which A consists exclusively of B), as well as the situation in which, in addition to B, one or more further elements in A are present, for example element C, elements C and D or even further elements.

Furthermore, in the following the terms "preferred", "especially", "for example" or similar terms will be used in conjunction with optional features without limiting alternative embodiments thereof, features introduced by these terms are optional features, and it is not intended to limit the scope of the claims and in particular of the independent claims by these features, so as the skilled artisan will appreciate, the invention may be practiced using other embodiments as well The invention "or by" in an embodiment of the invention "are to be understood as optional features, without thereby limiting alternative embodiments or the scope of the independent claims ability to combine the features thus introduced with other features, whether optional or non-optional, remain untouched.

In a first aspect of the present invention, a cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed. In the context of the present invention, a cleaning device is generally to be understood as meaning a device which is set up in order to liberate items to be cleaned of adhering macroscopic or even microscopic contaminants or to at least partially eliminate such impurities. In addition, optionally a disinfecting effect can be exercised. The cleaning effect in the cleaning device can be based, for example, on the mechanical action of at least one cleaning fluid, but can also be based, at least in part, on the action of disinfecting media, such as, for example, steam. In the context of the present invention, cleaning items are generally to be understood as meaning any items which can be cleaned by means of the cleaning device. In this case, an object can be cleaned, or several objects can be cleaned simultaneously or sequentially. In particular, the items to be cleaned may be items which are used directly or indirectly for the preparation, storage or presentation of food, for example, crockery, cutlery, trays, bowls, glasses, pots, pans or similar objects. Accordingly, the cleaning device can in particular be designed as a dishwasher, for example as a dishwasher for commercial use in large kitchens or kitchens of the public catering. Alternatively, the cleaning device, as explained in more detail below, but also be designed for example for cleaning containers for receiving human excretions, such as bedpans or bedpans. Accordingly, the cleaning device can be designed, for example, as a so-called cleaning and disinfection device (RDG). Other embodiments of the cleaning device and / or the cleaning material are basically possible.

The cleaning device comprises at least one cleaning chamber and at least one nozzle for charging the cleaning material with at least one cleaning fluid within the cleaning chamber. Under a cleaning chamber is generally understood in the context of the present invention, a fully or partially closed chamber, within which the cleaning process can be carried out completely or partially. The cleaning chamber may in particular comprise at least one housing which encloses the cleaning chamber completely or partially. In this case, a single cleaning chamber can be provided, or several cleaning chambers, for example sequentially, can be provided. The cleaning chamber may, for example, have at least one opening for loading the cleaning chamber with the items to be cleaned. For example, this may be an opening with a flap arranged on a front side of the cleaning chamber and / or an upper side of the cleaning chamber. Alternatively, hoods for completing the cleaning chamber are possible, for example in the context of so-called hood dishwashers. Again, alternatively, the cleaning chamber can also be designed, for example, wholly or partly as a tunnel, for example in the context of so-called continuous dishwashing machines.

Under a nozzle for acting on the cleaning with the at least one cleaning fluid is generally within the scope of the present invention, a device to understand, which has at least one opening from which the cleaning fluid can escape into a free space within the cleaning chamber, for example as a jet or in drop form. The nozzle can be acted upon, for example by means of at least one supply line with the cleaning fluid. It can also be provided a combination of several nozzles, as will be explained in more detail below, for example, a combination of a plurality of stationary nozzles and / or a combination of movably mounted within the cleaning chamber nozzles, such as nozzles of a spray arm.

In the context of the present invention, a cleaning fluid is to be understood as meaning a liquid or a gas which, upon impinging on the material to be cleaned, can develop a cleaning effect. In particular, the cleaning fluid may comprise an aqueous fluid, for example water and / or water with one or more additives, for example with one or more cleaning concentrates and / or rinse aids and / or disinfectants. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning fluid may also comprise, for example, steam. The cleaning device may be configured to use a single cleaning fluid or also to use a combination of a plurality of cleaning fluids. If a plurality of cleaning fluids are provided, the action on the cleaning product with the different cleaning fluids can take place simultaneously or else sequentially. For example, the items to be cleaned can remain stationary inside the cleaning chamber and be successively charged with the various cleaning fluids. Alternatively, the items to be cleaned can also be conveyed through a plurality of regions of the cleaning chamber, for example by at least one transport device, wherein different types of cleaning fluid can be applied in the different areas. The latter is known to be the case, for example, in a continuous dishwashing machine.

The cleaning device further comprises at least one temperature sensor. In the context of the present invention, a temperature sensor is generally understood to mean a sensor which can generate at least one sensor signal, in particular an electrical sensor signal, for example an analog signal and / or a digital signal, from which a conclusion is drawn about a temperature in the region of Pull the temperature sensor. For example, the sensor signal of the temperature sensor can be proportional to a temperature in the region of the temperature sensor at least in one measuring range. Other relationships between the sensor signal and the temperature are possible and generally known. For example, the temperature sensor may comprise at least one temperature-dependent resistance, for example at least one NTC resistance, that is to say a resistance with a negative temperature coefficient, and / or at least one PTC resistor, ie a resistor with a positive temperature coefficient. Other configurations are possible in principle.

The temperature sensor is arranged in at least one desired jet region of the at least one nozzle. If a plurality of nozzles are provided, then one or more temperature sensors can be arranged in each desired beam area of each of these nozzles, or else only in a desired beam area of one of these nozzles or in a plurality of desired beam areas of a plurality of these nozzles. In this way, if there are multiple nozzles, one, several or all desired jet areas of the nozzles can be monitored. In the context of the present invention, a desired jet region of a nozzle is generally understood to mean a spatial region which, depending on the respective operation of the cleaning device, is reached by the cleaning fluid emerging from the nozzle when the nozzle is operating properly and as desired, for example not clogged or narrowed. For example, the desired jet area may be a tapered, fan-shaped or club-shaped area in front of the nozzle, which is reached by the cleaning fluid exiting from the nozzle. The desired beam range can be dependent on the respective operating state of the cleaning device and / or the nozzle. Thus, in different operating states, for example in different program steps of a cleaning program, different types of cleaning fluid emerge from the nozzle, which accordingly may have different desired jet ranges. Alternatively or additionally, for example cleaning fluid at different speeds and / or different pressures can also emerge from the same nozzle in different program steps, so that, naturally, the desired beam range is also changed by this change in speed. However, this change can be determined empirically or analytically and thus can be generally known. Thus, for example, with a certain spatial uncertainty, the target beam range of a properly operating nozzle in the respective cleaning program and / or be determined at the time, be known or at least be determined.

In contrast, an actual jet area, or just a jet area of the nozzle, is understood to mean the area actually reached by the cleaning fluid leaving the nozzle, including any undesirable changes such as missing areas achieved by blockage and / or constriction Nozzle can be caused. Accordingly, the actual jet area of the nozzle may, for example, deviate spatially from, for example, be displaced and / or displaced relative to the So 11 beam area, and / or may be smaller than that Nominal beam area. The actual beam range can in particular also be completely reduced to zero, for example when the respective nozzle is blocked.

The cleaning device further comprises at least one controller. In the context of the present invention, a control means a one-piece or multi-part device of the cleaning device, which is set up in order to completely or partially control and / or regulate an operation of the cleaning device. In particular, the controller can be set up to change, in particular to control and / or regulate one or more operating parameters of the cleaning device, for example at least one temperature, at least one pressure, at least one transport speed or even a combination of said and / or other operating parameters. The controller may in particular comprise at least one data processing device, for example at least one processor. In particular, the controller can be set up in terms of programming, for example to control at least one cleaning program of the cleaning device and to control or carry out a method according to the invention. Furthermore, the control, as will be explained in more detail below, comprise at least one volatile and / or non-volatile data memory. Furthermore, the controller may comprise at least one interface, for example a human-machine interface for inputting commands and / or for outputting information, and / or a wireless or wired interface for the unidirectional or bidirectional exchange of data and / or Command between the cleaning device and at least one other device. The controller may in particular comprise at least one computer and / or at least one processor. The controller may in particular be a centralized or decentralized machine control of the cleaning device.

The controller is set up, for example, by a corresponding program-technical device by one or more software programs in order to evaluate at least one sensor signal of the temperature sensor and to evaluate a jet behavior of the nozzle by means of the sensor signal. For example, the controller can be set up in terms of programming in order to evaluate the sensor signal of the temperature sensor, for example by means of at least one software algorithm which is stored in the controller and / or runs on a processor of the controller. Alternatively or additionally, however, the controller may also comprise one or more electronic components which, for example by one or more electronic components, can carry out an evaluation of the sensor signal. Accordingly, the device may be the controller be fully or partially realized by hardware or / alternatively, or in addition, completely or partially by software.

An evaluation of a sensor signal is generally understood to mean a further processing of the sensor signal and / or a process in which the sensor signal is processed and / or checked. An evaluation of the jet behavior of the nozzle by means of the sensor signal is generally understood to mean the generation of at least one information about the jet behavior of the nozzle. Under a jet behavior of the nozzle is generally the information to understand whether the nozzle is working properly, ie within the limits of a given standard, or whether deviations from the predetermined standard occur. If deviations occur, it is also possible, for example, to quantify these deviations during the evaluation of the jet behavior of the nozzle. Thus, radiation behavior can generally be understood as meaning information about how the cleaning fluid exits the nozzle, including a spatial distribution of the exiting cleaning fluid and / or including an actual radiation area.

In the context of the present invention, it is thus possible, in particular, to use the at least one temperature signal of the at least one temperature sensor to determine, due to wetting of the temperature sensor with the cleaning fluid, whether cleaning fluid impinges on the temperature sensor to the expected extent and wets it. By wetting the tempering sensor with the cleaning fluid, a temperature of the temperature sensor can be changed, for example, by supplying or removing heat from the temperature sensor by means of the wetting by the cleaning fluid. This temperature change can in turn be detected by means of the at least one sensor signal. The information on whether cleaning fluid is present at certain locations within the cleaning chamber or not can therefore be done by means of a detection of the corresponding temperature at the respective location. This can take place in particular when the temperature of the cleaning fluid deviates from an ambient temperature within the cleaning chamber, so that the impact of the cleaning fluid on the temperature sensor and a wetting thereof lead to a change in the temperature of the temperature sensor.

The evaluation of the jet behavior of the nozzle by means of the sensor signal can be carried out in particular by checking whether the respective temperature sensor is actually expecting the expected temperature, for example the temperature, at a location at which an impingement of cleaning fluid with proper jet behavior of the nozzle is expected of the cleaning fluid. In this way, the beam dynamics, the washing mechanics or generally the jet behavior of the at least one nozzle can be checked without elaborate mechanical sensors. The cleaning device may in particular comprise at least one temperature control device for heating the cleaning fluid. Under a tempering is generally understood in the context of the present invention, a device which can change a temperature of the cleaning fluid. In particular, the temperature control device may have at least one heating device. The tempering device may in particular be selected from the group consisting of: a boiler; a water heater; a heating coil; a hot water connection for connection to a building-side hot water connection. Various embodiments, including combinations of the above and / or other embodiments, are possible. The tempering device may in particular be configured such that a temperature of the at least one cleaning fluid is above an ambient temperature within the cleaning chamber and / or above an ambient temperature of the cleaning device. For example, the temperature control device can be configured such that the cleaning fluid to a temperature of at least 40 ° C, in particular at least 50 ° C or at least 60 ° C and more preferably higher temperatures such as temperatures in the range of 80 ° C to 100 ° C, for example 85 ° C to 95 ° C, is heated. In this case, if a plurality of cleaning fluids are provided and / or a plurality of fluid circuits are provided, the different cleaning fluids have different temperatures. For example, in a wash tank, temperatures of the cleaning fluid may be from 40 ° C to 60 ° C, and temperatures in a rinse tank may be from 85 ° C to 95 ° C.

The cleaning device, in particular the controller, may in particular be designed to compare the sensor signal of the temperature sensor with at least one desired signal and to evaluate the jet behavior of the nozzle from this comparison. In this case, the at least one sensor signal of the at least one temperature sensor can be directly compared with the at least one desired signal, or it can, for example by signal processing of the at least one sensor signal, at least one secondary signal of the temperature sensor are formed. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor signal and / or the secondary signal of the sensor signal can be completely or partially processed, for example, to determine at least one temperature value. All of the abovementioned possibilities, that is to say the use of the sensor signal itself, the use of a secondary signal derived from the sensor signal or also the use of the sensor signal. In the context of the present invention, the term "at least one value of the temperature derived from the sensor signal or the secondary signal" should be understood as meaning a "sensor signal", so that no distinction is made between the named options In general, the desired signal should be at least one signal corresponding to the expected sensor signal when the nozzle is operating properly, ie when the nozzle has a jet behavior This desired signal can be determined, for example, analytically, semi-empirically or empirically, for example by taking one or more sensor signals with properly operating nozzles and as desired signal or desired signals used w earth.

An evaluation of the jet behavior of the nozzle from the comparison of the sensor signal with the desired signal is generally to be understood as a process in which at least one information about a match and / or a deviation of the two signals from the comparison of the sensor signal with the desired signal is determined from each other and from this information, the jet behavior of the nozzle is evaluated. For example, this information, as will be explained in more detail below, a difference signal between see the sensor signal and the desired signal or vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, however, it is also possible, for example, to use a quotient formation in which the sensor signal is divided by the desired signal or vice versa. Even more complex evaluation formulas, in which the sensor signal and the desired signal are introduced, can be used to obtain information about the beam behavior.

The at least one piece of information can for example be compared with at least one threshold value and / or can be checked to see whether it lies in at least one standard range or coincides with at least one standard value. In this way, information can be obtained as to whether the jet behavior of the nozzle coincides with a standard behavior or deviates from this standard behavior.

The cleaning device, in particular the controller, can therefore be preferably set up such that at least one comparison value is determined during the comparison, wherein the comparison value can be compared with at least one threshold value and a measure of the beam behavior from this comparison of the comparison value with the at least one threshold value the nozzle can be determined. Under a measure of the jet behavior of the nozzle can be understood any information about whether the Blasting behavior of the nozzle coincides with at least one standard behavior or not. If a deviation is detected, this deviation can be quantified, for example, also within the scope of the measure for the jet behavior of the nozzle. For example, a match with a standard behavior in percent can be specified. Alternatively, however, it is also possible simply to determine a digital value as a measure of the beam behavior, wherein the digital value simply contains, for example, information as to whether the jet behavior of the nozzle lies within a specified or predefinable or determinable normal range or deviates from this normal range. The cleaning device, in particular the control, can furthermore be set up to compare the sensor signal of the temperature sensor, including the above-mentioned options of the formation of one or more secondary signals and / or derived values, with at least one temperature of the cleaning fluid. Thus, at least one temperature can be determined from the at least one sensor signal, which can also be referred to as the actual temperature, and this temperature can be at least one known or determinable temperature of the at least one cleaning fluid, for example in a tank of the cleaning fluid and / or in a supply line of the cleaning fluid to be compared. Alternatively or additionally, at least one desired sensor signal can also be derived from the known or determinable temperature of the cleaning fluid, and the sensor signal of the temperature sensor, the actual sensor signal, can be compared with the at least one desired sensor signal. Various other possibilities are conceivable.

To determine the temperature of the cleaning fluid, ie the actual temperature or a corresponding actual temperature signal, the cleaning device may further comprise at least one comparison temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the cleaning fluid. This comparison temperature sensor, which can also be referred to as a reference temperature sensor, can be arranged, for example, in at least one tank for holding the cleaning fluid and / or in at least one line of the cleaning fluid. With regard to possible embodiments of the comparison temperature sensor, reference may be made to the abovementioned possibilities of the temperature sensor. It is particularly preferred if the comparison temperature sensor is substantially identical to the temperature sensor. In this case, the sensor signals of the temperature sensor and the comparison temperature sensor can be compared directly without any problems, for example, by a simple electronic circuit, in particular a simple amplifier circuit and / or a surgical amplifier. stronger and / or a comparator. Other options are alternatively or additionally feasible, such as software-technical solutions.

The cleaning device may in particular be designed to determine at least one differential temperature from the sensor signal of the temperature sensor and the temperature of the cleaning fluid. A differential temperature is generally a measure of a deviation of the actual temperature, which can be determined directly or indirectly from the sensor signal of the temperature sensor, and a desired temperature in the form of the temperature of the cleaning fluid or a derived from this temperature of the cleaning fluid size to understand. The differential temperature can accordingly be specified in particular in temperature units. Alternatively or additionally, however, the differential temperature can also be specified in other units or dimensionless, for example in the form of a deviation of two signals, namely the sensor signal of the temperature sensor and a signal of the comparison temperature sensor.

The cleaning device, in particular the controller, can furthermore be set up to compare the at least one differential temperature with at least one threshold value. For example, this threshold value may comprise at least one predetermined and / or predefinable and / or determinable numerical value for the differential temperature. This at least one threshold value can be specified manually, for example, and / or can be predetermined or determined by the controller itself, for example, by specifying tolerable deviations. The cleaning device, in particular the controller, can furthermore be set up in order to conclude that the nozzle has a faulty jet behavior when the difference temperature or a difference temperature value reaches the threshold value or exceeds the threshold value. In general, for example, at least one tolerance range can be specified, wherein, if the difference temperature or its magnitude is within the tolerance range, a normal behavior of the nozzle is concluded and if the difference temperature or its magnitude is outside the tolerance range, an erroneous blasting the nozzle can be closed.

The at least one threshold value, wherein a plurality of threshold values can be used, may in particular be selected from the group consisting of: a fixed predetermined threshold value; a predetermined by a current cleaning program of the cleaning device threshold value; an adjustable threshold value; a threshold value which can be determined by means of at least one current operating parameter of the cleaning device. Different possibilities are conceivable. As stated above, the at least one sensor signal of the at least one temperature sensor and, analogously, the at least one comparison temperature signal of the at least one comparison temperature sensor, at least one raw signal and / or at least one secondary signal derived from this raw signal and / or at least one comprise value derived from this raw signal and / or derived secondary signal. The sensor signal may in particular also be selected from the group consisting of: a current measured value of the at least one temperature sensor; an average value of a plurality of measured values of the at least one temperature sensor, in particular a time average and particularly preferably a running average value; a filtered reading of the at least one temperature sensor. Accordingly, as described above, various preparations and / or evaluations of the at least one sensor signal are possible, for example in order to accomplish filtering and / or smoothing. In particular, the cleaning device can be set up to detect a time profile of the at least one sensor signal of the at least one temperature sensor and / or a time profile of the jet behavior of the at least one nozzle. For example, it can be ascertained if, during operation of the cleaning device, the jet behavior of the at least one nozzle is changed, for example if the at least one nozzle clogs during operation of the cleaning device.

As stated above, the cleaning device may comprise one or more of the temperature sensors. Analogously, one or more of the comparison temperature sensors can be provided. In particular, the cleaning device may comprise a plurality of the temperature sensors at different locations within the cleaning chamber, and the cleaning device, in particular the controller, may in particular be designed to detect a spatial profile of a temperature within the cleaning chamber. The cleaning device, in particular the controller, can furthermore be set up to record a time profile of the spatial profile of the temperature. The temporal course of the spatial profile of the temperature can in particular be stored in at least one data memory, for example in at least one volatile and / or at least one non-volatile data memory of the controller. From the spatial profile of the temperature and / or its time course, it is also possible, for example using known methods, to conclude a hygienizing effect of the cleaning process, for example by detecting an exposure of the cleaning product to thermal equivalents. In this regard, reference may be made, for example, to the above-mentioned prior art. The cleaning device, in particular the controller, can furthermore be set up to carry out at least one predetermined action if the jet behavior of the nozzle shows a deviation from a predetermined standard or a predetermined standard range. This at least one action can in particular be carried out automatically. In particular, the action may be selected from the group consisting of: issuing an error message; an output of a notice message; stopping a cleaning process; stopping a transport device of the cleaning device; a change in a speed of a transport device of the cleaning device, in particular a reduction in the speed; a change in a temperature of the at least one cleaning fluid, in particular a change in a temperature of the at least one cleaning fluid in at least one tank, preferably an increase in the temperature; a change of a washing mechanism of the cleaning device; a log of the deviation of the beam behavior in at least one protocol; a transmission of an electronic message about the deviation of the beam behavior, in particular via at least one electronic interface and particularly preferably by means of e-mail and / or SMS. A combination of the mentioned actions and / or other actions is conceivable. The cleaning device can, as described above, in particular be a dishwasher and / or a washer-disinfector. Thus, the cleaning device may in particular be selected from the group consisting of: a single-chamber dishwasher, in particular a program machine and particularly preferably a commercial single-chamber dishwasher with at least two tanks for holding cleaning fluid; a continuous dishwashing machine, in particular a belt conveyor and / or a basket conveyor through-type dishwasher; a washer-disinfector (RDG) for cleaning containers to collect human waste. With regard to possible embodiments of such cleaning devices, reference may be made generally to the prior art, for example to the above-mentioned prior art.

The cleaning device may in particular comprise a plurality of the nozzles. The majority of the nozzles can in particular be arranged completely or partially in a spray arm. Under a spray arm is generally to understand a tubular device which extends along a straight or curved axis and along which a plurality of the nozzles is arranged. The spray arm may in particular be a rotatably mounted spray arm. The cleaning device may in particular comprise a plurality of the temperature sensors in the at least one desired jet region of the at least one nozzle. If a plurality of nozzles are provided, then, as stated above, a plurality of temperature sensors may be arranged in different desired jet regions of different nozzles. For example, in each case at least one nozzle can be arranged in at least one of the beam areas, in a plurality of the beam areas or in all of the beam areas.

If several nozzles are provided, it is a regular occurrence in practice that at least one of the nozzles is known to be particularly prone to failure. For example, as will be explained in more detail below, it can be a last nozzle in a series of nozzles, for example a nozzle which is reached last by an inflowing cleaning fluid, for example a nozzle located farthest outward in a spray arm farthest from a feed point. In particular, the temperature sensor can be arranged in at least one desired jet area of the nozzle known to be susceptible to malfunction. The nozzle known to be susceptible to malfunctioning can thus comprise, as stated above, in particular at least one nozzle at the end of a spray arm. Alternatively or additionally, the nozzle known to be susceptible to malfunction may also be, for example, a nozzle which is used in practice for driving a spray arm. Accordingly, the spray arm may in particular be a rotatably mounted spray arm, wherein the nozzle may be arranged such that the cleaning fluid emerging from this nozzle imparts an angular momentum to the rotatably mounted spray arm. Since such nozzles are known to be prone to failure in practice, it is particularly preferred if the at least one temperature sensor or, if a plurality of temperature sensors are provided, at least one of these temperature sensors are arranged in the desired jet region of said nozzle for driving the spray arm ,

In a further aspect of the present invention, a method for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed. In the method, at least one cleaning device is used with at least one cleaning chamber and at least one nozzle for charging the cleaning material with at least one cleaning fluid in the cleaning chamber. In the method, furthermore, at least one temperature sensor is used, wherein the temperature sensor is arranged in at least one desired jet region of the nozzle. The method comprises an evaluation of at least one sensor signal of the temperature sensor and an evaluation of a jet behavior of the nozzle by means of the sensor signal. With respect to possible embodiments of the method can be made to a large extent to the above description of the cleaning device. Thus, the cleaning device may in particular be the cleaning device according to one or more of the abovementioned embodiments or according to one or more of the embodiments described in more detail below. Conversely, the cleaning device, in particular the control of the cleaning device, be set up to carry out a method according to the invention.

Accordingly, the method may in particular comprise at least one comparison of the sensor signal of the temperature sensor with at least one desired signal and at least one evaluation of the jet behavior of the nozzle on the basis of this comparison. In the comparison, in particular at least one comparison value can be determined, wherein the comparison value can be compared with at least one threshold value and from this comparison of the comparison value with the at least one threshold value, a measure of the jet behavior of the nozzle can be determined.

In the method, at least one comparison of the sensor signal of the temperature sensor with at least one temperature of the cleaning fluid can be performed. The cleaning device may in particular comprise at least one comparison temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the cleaning fluid, in particular at least one comparison temperature sensor in at least one tank for receiving the cleaning fluid and / or in at least one line of the cleaning fluid. From the sensor signal of the temperature sensor and the temperature of the cleaning fluid can be determined in the context of the present method, as described above in connection with the cleaning device, in particular at least one differential temperature. The differential temperature can in particular be compared with at least one threshold value. In this case, in particular, a faulty jet behavior of the nozzle can be inferred if the difference temperature or an amount of the difference temperature reaches the threshold value or exceeds the threshold value. In particular, a faulty jet behavior of the nozzle can be inferred if the difference temperature lies outside a predetermined tolerance range. The threshold value can in particular be selected from the group consisting of: a fixed predetermined threshold value; a predetermined by a current cleaning program of the cleaning device threshold value; an adjustable threshold value; a threshold value which can be determined by means of at least one current operating parameter of the cleaning device. The sensor signal can, as stated above, comprise in particular at least one raw signal, at least one secondary signal or else at least one value derived from the raw signal and / or secondary signal. In particular, the sensor signal may be selected from the group consisting of: a current measured value of the at least one temperature sensor, in particular at least one raw signal; an average of a plurality of measured values of the at least one temperature sensor, in particular a time average and particularly preferably a running average; a filtered reading of the at least one temperature sensor. Other embodiments are possible. As stated above, the method may in particular comprise a detection of a time profile of the jet behavior of the nozzle. The cleaning device may further include a plurality of the temperature sensors at different locations within the cleaning chamber, and the method may further comprise detecting at least one spatial profile of a temperature within the cleaning chamber. Furthermore, a time profile of the spatial profile of the temperature can be detected, and the temporal course of the spatial profile of the temperature can be stored in the context of the present method preferably in at least one data memory. The method may further comprise performing at least one predetermined action, in particular an automatic execution, if the jet behavior of the nozzle shows a deviation from a predetermined standard or a predetermined normal range. As stated above, the action can be selected in particular from a group of specific actions, wherein the above description of the cleaning device can also be referenced.

Also, with respect to possible embodiments of the cleaning device that can be used in the present method, reference may be made to the above description of the cleaning device.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a use of at least one temperature sensor in a desired jet region of a nozzle of a cleaning device for evaluating a jet behavior of the nozzle is proposed. For further possible embodiments of the use, reference may be made to the above description of the cleaning device and / or the method. The cleaning device, in particular the control, can be arranged in the general context of the present invention, in particular, to monitor a thermal hygiene effect on items to be cleaned, taking into account the temperature during at least one cleaning program. For this purpose as well, as stated above, the at least one sensor signal of the at least one temperature sensor can be used. For example, thermo-equivalents can be calculated during the cleaning program by monitoring the temperature of the cleaning product, and a current calculation of thermal equivalents, also referred to as heat equivalents, can be made. In particular, a temperature distribution within the cleaning chamber can be taken into account when applying heat equivalents. For example, it can be ensured that all items to be cleaned after cleaning fulfill minimum hygienic requirements with regard to hygiene, even if an inhomogeneous temperature distribution occurs within the cleaning chamber. In addition, it can be considered that a jet behavior of one or more of the nozzles deviates from a desired jet behavior, and the sanitation can be determined, for example, by means of the actual admission of the cleaning product with heated cleaning fluid. For example, standards can be used for this, for example the standard DIN EN ISO 15883 and / or the NSF 3 standard. For example, the cleaning device can be set up to register during the cleaning program an application of thermal equivalents to the cleaning product, for example selected from A0 values and / or HUE values. In this regard, reference may be made, for example, to the above-mentioned documents DE 10 2004 056 052 A1 and / or DE 10 2007 025 263 A1 and the methods and devices mentioned therein.

The cleaning device according to the invention and the method according to the invention have numerous advantages over known methods and devices of the type mentioned. Thus, the cleaning device and the method can be arranged in particular to characterize in a simple and reliable manner the jet behavior and a washing mechanism effected by one or more jets of the cleaning fluid. Thus, to monitor the washing mechanism in the jet area of the at least one nozzle, at least one temperature sensor can be mounted at a specific distance. The distance and / or the position is expediently to be chosen so that the function of the nozzle is not impaired and that in case of faulty spray pattern, for example in extreme cases a complete absence of a jet, the at least one temperature sensor no longer or no longer sufficiently wetted by cleaning fluid becomes. Advantageously, the at least one temperature sensor can be placed in at least one desired jet area of at least one nozzle, which is known to be critical for contamination and / or clogging. In practice, it has been found that, as a rule, each washing system has such characteristic nozzles. For example, on elongate multi-jet scrubbing systems on a tubular spray arm, the last or outer nozzles furthest from a feed point are usually the ones most prone to obstruction due to clogging. The reason for this phenomenon is usually that dirt particles with the flow in the spray arm on all nozzles are driven past, to the last nozzle. At the last or outermost nozzle is usually only a flow towards the outlet cross section of the nozzle, where then possibly still existing dirt particles are worn. If the dirt particles are too large for the cross-section of the nozzle, they remain stuck in the nozzle and clog the nozzle. Such effects are difficult to detect, for example, by means of flow sensors in practice. By means of the proposed invention, however, such disturbances are easily recognizable, since, for example, a temperature sensor in a desired jet region of the outermost nozzle can easily detect a lack of wetting.

In washing systems with spray arms which rotate, the outermost nozzles are also provided, in many cases, for driving the spray arm. If such a nozzle is clogged, the spray arm no longer rotates and the washing mechanism in the cleaning chamber is disturbed. This effect can be easily recognized by the proposed invention. By measuring the temperature with the at least one temperature sensor in the desired jet range of the nozzle and, for example, a comparison with a measured temperature of an associated wash tank and / or storage tank of the cleaning fluid can be reliably detected, in particular whether the spray pattern of the nozzle equipped in the described manner is correct , This conclusion can be drawn because, for example, in many cases, the temperature detected by the at least one temperature sensor and the temperature in the tank are approximately the same. If, however, the at least one temperature sensor is not wetted or no longer adequately wetted, the result is usually inevitably differences, since the ambient temperature of the sensor in the wash zone generally deviates from the temperature of the cleaning fluid in the tank.

If the cross section of the monitored nozzle is only narrowed, it is not expected that the jet will form optimally. The actual beam area and / or the actual spray pattern of the nozzle thus deviate from a desired jet region and / or a desired spray pattern of the nozzle in the event of a narrowing of the nozzle or a clogging of the nozzle. In the case of a narrowing of the nozzle, for example, a temperature difference between the sensor signal of the at least one temperature sensor and the temperature of the cleaning fluid, for example in the at least one tank, would also result in some cases at some distance from the outlet opening of the nozzle, so that simple and reliable way also constrictions of the nozzle can be detected. It is thus generally possible to detect deviations of the jet behavior of the nozzle from a desired jet behavior in a simple and reliable manner, for example deviations due to clogging of the nozzle and / or deviations due to a narrowing of the nozzle.

The deviations of the beam behavior from a desired beam behavior can, as stated above, for example, by a simple subtraction recognize, for example, a difference between the at least one sensor signal of the at least one temperature sensor and / or at least one secondary signal derived therefrom and a temperature of the cleaning fluid and / or a correlated size are formed. For example, the controller may be configured to form a difference from the at least one measured value of the comparison temperature sensor, also referred to as reference sensor, for example in the at least one tank, and the at least one sensor signal. For example, the controller may be further configured to check whether or not this difference, or what should be equivalent in the context of the present invention, an amount of this difference is acceptable, for example, by comparing at least one threshold. The threshold value can be recorded in tabular form, for example, can be parameterized or can be permanently programmed, for example.

In addition to considering the at least one difference, the temporal course of the at least one sensor signal and / or the at least one difference is also of interest in many cases. It is thus possible, for example, to smooth out the measured values of the at least one temperature sensor itself and / or a computation result, for example the abovementioned difference, by means of signal processing, for example using methods such as the formation of a running average. Which algorithms are used for this in detail can basically be decided on a case-by-case basis. As a rule, based on the difference and its permissible tolerance as well as optionally a time-dependent change of the temperature by the controller, conclusions should be drawn as a rule. examples For example, it can be decided, in particular automatically, whether a cleaning process is as desired and whether an action is necessary or not.

Thus, the method and / or the cleaning device, in particular the control of the cleaning device, be arranged such that, in particular automatically, at least one action is performed when the jet behavior of the nozzle shows a deviation from a predetermined standard or a predetermined normal range. For example, this deviation can be detected due to the difference mentioned above.

Such actions can be for example:

- output error and / or hint messages,

- stopping the whole process,

Stopping or changing a speed of a transport device of the cleaning device, for example a transport dishwasher,

Changing temperatures in one or more other wash tanks,

Changing the washing mechanism in one or more other washing tanks,

- creation of log notes (for example in logs, batch logs, etc.),

- sending messages (eg SMS, email, etc.)

Other actions and / or combinations of the mentioned and / or other actions are conceivable.

The embodiment of the method and / or the cleaning device according to the invention can be implemented particularly easily on washing systems of transport dishwashers. Such washing systems are designed in many cases as a straight tube, which is usually stationary and usually transverse to a transport direction above and / or below the transport device, such as a conveyor belt, is arranged. Also rotating or otherwise moving washing systems can be monitored with the described technique. In these systems, the temperature at a temperature sensor in the jet region of the nozzle to be monitored, for example the characteristic nozzle known to be problematic, generally results in a time course which will likewise deviate from a normal value in the event of malfunctions of the nozzle. The described principle according to the invention can basically be applied to all nozzles within the cleaning device through which the cleaning fluid, for example a heated fluid medium, flows. In addition, the at least one temperature sensor can also be used for other purposes in a multiple function. In addition to monitoring the spraying function of the at least one nozzle, the temperature sensor in the jet region of the nozzle can also perform, for example, the function of an additional sensor for a tank temperature. Thus, for example, the temperature of the cleaning fluid can be detected, wherein at the same time a correct formation of the spray pattern at the at least one nozzle can be monitored. In contrast to pressure measurements, the evaluation of a temperature is also largely decoupled from possibly desired changes in pressure during operation. For example, pressure changes may be desired and / or planned as part of a cleaning process and / or as part of an operation of the cleaning device. For example, a program sequence may be provided, in which a loading of the cleaning product with the cleaning fluid takes place at different times with different pressures of the cleaning fluid, for example in order to change the timing of a washing mechanism. This option is not affected by the present invention. It is, for example, generally irrelevant whether a flushing system operates with changing pressures and / or volume flows, as long as the actually desired function is still present. A measure of this will usually be the formation of the spray pattern of a nozzle. The placement of the at least one temperature sensor can be used to define which change in the beam behavior, for example the spray pattern of the nozzle or the surface wetted by the jet from the nozzle, is detected and which is not. If the temperature sensor is placed, for example, close to the edge region of the target target area, it will detect a change even if the deviation of the jet pattern of the nozzle is smaller than if the temperature sensor is positioned centrally in the target target area. An advantage of the method according to the invention is that as a rule no operation-specific parameterization is required because the sensor signal or values derived therefrom can always be compared with the signal or values derived therefrom of the at least one temperature sensor which controls the process. Beyond this fixed link, for example, setpoint values can also be adapted to the respective cleaning program and / or to the respective cleaning situation. The measurement of the temperature of the cleaning fluid emerging from a nozzle, for example, at a known critical nozzle is particularly advantageous. For example, if it is known that due to the system, one particular nozzle will clog up before the other, For example, since this nozzle has a smaller cross-section and / or is arranged at the end of a wash tube, it can be reliably closed to the function of the entire washing system, ie the totality of spray arms and spray nozzles.

The use of one or more temperature sensors in place of or in addition to other types of sensors has other advantages. Thus, compared to other sensors, temperature sensors are generally inexpensive, small and easy to mount in a cleaning device. The expense of an electronic circuit, a wiring and / or an evaluation of the signals of the temperature sensor is usually low. In addition, temperature sensors have a high reliability in practice.

In addition, a combination of redundant temperature measuring systems, which are required in many cases for other reasons, for example, due to appropriate hygiene standards, with the monitoring of the spray pattern of a nozzle represent a beneficial double use of a single measuring device. Since these individual functions usually work independently of each other and are feasible, an unfavorable mutual influence of the individual functions is not expected in the rule. The multiple use of a single sensor system, however, is cost-effective and resource-saving.

In cleaning and disinfecting devices, a plurality of nozzles are generally distributed over the entire wall surface of the interior of the cleaning chamber. If the temperature sensors for monitoring the nozzle function are now used at several of these nozzles, then with the aid of these temperature sensors, for example during a thermal disinfection, in particular a thermal disinfection with low-pressure steam, a temperature profile over the entire interior of the cleaning chamber or a part thereof be detected and processed and / or stored, for example, in a control of the cleaning and disinfecting device. A similar formation of a temperature profile over the entire interior of the cleaning chamber or a part thereof is also possible with other types of cleaning devices.

In summary, the following embodiments are preferred in the context of the present invention:

Embodiment 1: Cleaning device for cleaning of items to be cleaned, comprising at least one cleaning chamber and at least one nozzle for acting on the Cleaning goods with at least one cleaning fluid within the cleaning chamber, further comprising at least one temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor is arranged in at least one desired beam range of the nozzle, further comprising a controller, wherein the controller is configured to at least one sensor signal of the temperature sensor to evaluate and in order to evaluate a jet behavior of the nozzle by means of the sensor signal.

Embodiment 2: Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning device has at least one tempering device for heating the cleaning fluid.

Embodiment 3: A cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the temperature control device is selected from the group consisting of: a boiler; a water heater; a heating coil; a hot water connection for connection to a building-side hot water connection.

Embodiment 4: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device is set up to compare the sensor signal of the temperature sensor with at least one desired signal and to evaluate the jet behavior of the nozzle from this comparison.

Embodiment 5: Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning device is set up such that a comparison value is determined during the comparison, the comparison value being compared with at least one threshold value and a measure of the beam behavior from this comparison of the comparison value with the at least one threshold value the nozzle is determined.

Embodiment 6: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device is further configured to compare the sensor signal of the temperature sensor with at least one temperature of the cleaning fluid.

Embodiment 7: Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning device has at least one comparison temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the cleaning fluid. Embodiment 8: Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the comparison temperature sensor is arranged in at least one tank for receiving the cleaning fluid and / or in at least one line of the cleaning fluid. Embodiment 9: Cleaning device according to one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device is set up to determine at least one differential temperature from the sensor signal of the temperature sensor and the temperature of the cleaning fluid. Embodiment 10: Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning device is further configured to compare the differential temperature with at least one threshold value.

Embodiment 11: A cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning device is arranged to respond to a faulty jet behavior of the nozzle when the differential temperature or an amount of the differential temperature reaches the threshold or exceeds the threshold.

Embodiment 12: cleaning device according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the threshold value is selected from the group consisting of: a fixed predetermined threshold value; a threshold value given by a current cleaning program of the cleaning device; an adjustable threshold value; a threshold value which can be determined by means of at least one current operating parameter of the cleaning device.

Embodiment 13: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor signal is selected from the group consisting of: a current measured value of the at least one temperature sensor; an average value of a plurality of measured values of the at least one temperature sensor, in particular a time mean value and particularly preferably a running average value; a filtered reading of the at least one temperature sensor.

Embodiment 14: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device is set up to detect a time profile of the jet behavior of the nozzle. Embodiment 15: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device has a plurality of the temperature sensors at different locations within the cleaning chamber, wherein the cleaning device is arranged to detect a spatial profile of a temperature within the cleaning chamber.

Embodiment 16: Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning device is set up to detect a time profile of the spatial profile of the temperature.

Embodiment 17: Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning device is set up to store the time profile of the spatial profile of the temperature in at least one data memory. Embodiment 18: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device is set up to perform at least one predetermined action when the jet behavior of the nozzle shows a deviation from a predetermined standard or a predetermined normal range. Embodiment 19: A cleaning apparatus according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the action is selected from the group consisting of: issuing an error message; an output of a notice message; stopping a cleaning process; stopping a transport device of the cleaning device; a change in a speed of a transport device of the cleaning device, in particular a reduction in the speed; a change in a temperature of the at least one cleaning fluid, in particular a change in a temperature of the at least one cleaning fluid in at least one tank; a change of a washing mechanism of the cleaning device; a log of the deviation of the beam behavior in at least one protocol; a transmission of an electronic message on the deviation of the beam behavior, in particular via at least one electronic interface and particularly preferably by means of e-mail and / or SMS.

Embodiment 20: A cleaning device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device is selected from the group consisting of: a single-chamber dishwasher; a program dishwasher; a continuous dishwashing machine; a washer-disinfector for cleaning containers for receiving human waste. Embodiment 21: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device comprises a plurality of the nozzles. Embodiment 22: Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the plurality of nozzles are arranged in a spray arm.

Embodiment 23: Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the spray arm is a rotatably mounted spray arm.

Embodiment 24: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device comprises a plurality of the temperature sensors in the at least one desired jet region of the nozzle. Embodiment 25: Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein at least one of the nozzles is known to be prone to failure, wherein the temperature sensor is arranged in a desired beam range of the nozzle known to be susceptible to interference.

Embodiment 26: Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the nozzle known to be susceptible to malfunction comprises at least one nozzle at the end of a spray arm.

Embodiment 27 Cleaning device according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the nozzle known to be susceptible to malfunction is a nozzle for driving a spray arm.

Embodiment 28: A method for cleaning items to be cleaned, wherein at least one cleaning device with at least one cleaning chamber and at least one nozzle is used to charge the item to be cleaned with at least one cleaning fluid in the cleaning chamber, wherein furthermore at least one temperature sensor is used, the temperature sensor being in at least one target Radiation region of the nozzle is arranged, wherein the method comprises an evaluation of at least one sensor signal of the temperature sensor and an evaluation of a jet behavior of the nozzle by means of the sensor signal. Embodiment 29: Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning device is a cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a cleaning device. Embodiment 30: Method according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a method, wherein the method comprises at least one comparison of the sensor signal of the temperature sensor with at least one desired signal and at least one evaluation of the jet behavior of the nozzle on the basis of this comparison. Embodiment 31 Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein in the comparison at least one comparison value is determined, wherein the comparison value is compared with at least one threshold value and a measure of the jet behavior of the nozzle is determined from this comparison of the comparison value with the at least one threshold value.

Embodiment 32: A method according to any of the preceding method embodiments, further comprising at least one comparison of the sensor signal of the temperature sensor with at least one temperature of the cleaning fluid. Embodiment 33: Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning device has at least one comparison temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the cleaning fluid.

Embodiment 34: Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the comparison temperature sensor is arranged in at least one tank for receiving the cleaning fluid and / or in at least one line of the cleaning fluid.

Embodiment 35: Method according to one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein at least one differential temperature is determined from the sensor signal of the temperature sensor and the temperature of the cleaning fluid.

Embodiment 36: Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the differential temperature is compared with at least one threshold value. Embodiment 37: Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein a faulty jet behavior of the nozzle is concluded when the differential temperature or an amount of the differential temperature reaches the threshold or exceeds the threshold.

Embodiment 38: A method according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the threshold value is selected from the group consisting of: a fixed predetermined threshold value; a predetermined by a current cleaning program of the cleaning device threshold value; an adjustable threshold value; a threshold value which can be determined by means of at least one current operating parameter of the cleaning device.

Embodiment 39: The method of any one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the sensor signal is selected from the group consisting of: a current reading of the at least one temperature sensor; an average value of a plurality of measured values of the at least one temperature sensor, in particular a time average and particularly preferably a running average value; a filtered reading of the at least one temperature sensor.

Embodiment 40: Method according to one of the preceding embodiments pertaining to a method, wherein the method comprises detecting a time profile of the jet behavior of the nozzle.

Embodiment 41: The method of any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the cleaning device includes a plurality of the temperature sensors at different locations within the cleaning chamber, the method further comprising detecting at least one spatial profile of a temperature within the cleaning chamber.

Embodiment 42: Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein a time profile of the spatial profile of the temperature is detected.

Embodiment 43: Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the time profile of the spatial profile of the temperature is stored in at least one data memory. Embodiment 44: Method according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a method, wherein the method further comprises carrying out at least a predetermined action comprises when the jet behavior of the nozzle shows a deviation from a predetermined standard or a predetermined normal range.

Embodiment 45: The method of the preceding embodiment, wherein the action is selected from the group consisting of: issuing an error message; an output of a notice message; stopping a cleaning process; stopping a transport device of the cleaning device; a change in a speed of a transport device of the cleaning device, in particular a reduction in the speed; a change in a temperature of the at least one cleaning fluid, in particular a change in a temperature of the at least one cleaning fluid in at least one tank; a change of a washing mechanism of the cleaning device; a log of the deviation of the beam behavior in at least one protocol; a transmission of an electronic message about the deviation of the beam behavior, in particular via at least one electronic interface and particularly preferably by means of email and / or SMS.

Embodiment 46: The method of any one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the cleaning device comprises a plurality of the nozzles.

Embodiment 47: Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the plurality of nozzles are arranged in a spray arm.

Embodiment 48: Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the spray arm is a rotatably mounted spray arm.

Embodiment 49: The method of one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the cleaning device comprises a plurality of the temperature sensors in the at least one desired jet region of the nozzle.

Embodiment 50: Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein at least one of the nozzles is known to be prone to failure, wherein the temperature sensor is arranged in a desired beam range of the nozzle known to be susceptible to interference. Embodiment 51: Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the nozzle known to be susceptible to malfunction comprises at least one nozzle at the end of a spray arm. Embodiment 52: Method according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the nozzle known to be susceptible to malfunction is a nozzle for driving a spray arm.

Embodiment 53: Use of at least one temperature sensor in a desired jet region of a nozzle of a cleaning device for evaluating a jet behavior of the nozzle.

Brief description of the figures

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.

In detail show:

1 shows a first embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention in the form of a single-chamber dishwasher;

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention in the form of a cleaning and disinfecting device;

Figures 3A and 3B are two different sectional views of a third embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention in the form of a continuous dishwashing machine.

Description of the embodiments

1 shows a first embodiment of a cleaning device 110 according to the invention is shown in a schematic sectional view. The cleaning device 110 is configured in this case as an example as a single-chamber dishwasher 112, in particular as a commercial single-chamber dishwasher. For examples of possible embodiments of such single-chamber dishwashers 112, reference may be made by way of example to DE 10 2008 015 796 B4. Other configurations are possible in principle.

The cleaning device 110 has at least one cleaning chamber 114. Cleaning material 116, for example dishes, is treated with cleaning fluid 118 in cleaning chamber 114. For this application, one or more fluid devices 120, also referred to as loading devices, may be provided, which in the exemplary embodiments illustrated may comprise by way of example a rinsing nozzle system 122 and a rinsing nozzle system 124. The fluid device 120 comprises a plurality of nozzles 123, which may be arranged, for example, in spray arms 125 of the fluid device 120, for example in rotating spray arms 125. For example, the nozzle systems 122, 124 may be located within the cleaning chamber 114 above and / or below a basket 126, in which the cleaning material 116 is received. The loading of the cleaning chamber 114 with the items to be cleaned 116 can take place, for example, via a door 128, for example a front flap.

The rinsing nozzle system 122 can be fed, for example, via rinsing lines 130, a rinsing pump 132 and via a 3-way valve 134 with cleaning fluid 118, for example a cleaning solution, from a rinsing tank 136, which can be located, for example, in the bottom area of the cleaning chamber 114. The optional Nachspüldüsensystem 124 can be applied, for example via Nachspülleitungen 138, a Nachspülventil 140 and a Nachspülpumpe 142 with cleaning fluid 118 from a final washing tank 144, for example, with Nachspülfluid in the form of a rinse aid solution. The post-rinse tank 144 can be fed with fresh water via a fresh water supply line 146, for example. Furthermore, the cleaning device 110 may have a drain line 148, which may be connected, for example, to the wash tank 136 via the 3-way valve 134, which may optionally have a drain pump 150 and which may optionally be connected to a drain 152.

The cleaning device 110 may furthermore have at least one temperature control device 153 for controlling the temperature of the at least one cleaning fluid 118. For example, the cleaning device 110 may have at least one heating element 154 for heating the cleaning fluid 118 in the rinse tank 136. Furthermore, the heating device 110 can have a further heating element 156 in the final rinsing tank 144 for heating the cleaning fluid 118 accommodated therein in the form of the rinsing fluid. Beispiels- example, the post-rinse tank 144 may be designed as a boiler and / or may have a water heater or be connected to a water heater.

In the cleaning device 110, which can be configured, for example, as a programmer, at least one cleaning program can run, for example. For example, at least one controller 157 may be provided for this purpose, by means of which a program sequence can be controlled. In this cleaning program, for example, a first program step can be carried out, in which a rinsing of the cleaning product 116 takes place from the rinsing tank 136. This flushing can take place, for example, in a circulating operation via the flushing pump 132, which can also be referred to as a circulating pump. Subsequently, the rinsing liquid can be partially or completely discharged from the rinsing tank 136 via the drain pump 150 and the 3-way valve 134. Parallel to the rinsing step, conditioning, for example heating, of rinsing fluid can already be carried out beforehand in the rinsing tank 144. In a further program step subsequent to the rinsing step, subsequent rinsing or rinsing of the cleaning product 116 with cleaning fluid can subsequently take place from the final rinsing tank 144, which can take place in a single pass or optionally also in a circulating mode. One or more further program steps may follow, for example, one or more drying steps before the cleaning program can be terminated.

For example, the controller 157 may include at least one processor 158 and at least one data store 160. The controller 157 may further comprise at least one user interface 162 and / or at least one data interface 164, for example for the wireless or wired exchange of data and / or control commands.

Depending on the program step, the nozzles 123 of the cleaning device 110 have a desired jet range, which is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1 for an exemplary nozzle and which is denoted by the reference numeral 166 by way of example. This desired beam area 166 may be designed, for example, conical or fan-shaped or club-shaped. The desired beam area 166 may be different for each of the nozzles 123. These desired beam areas 166 of the individual nozzles 123 may be formed separately from each other, but may also overlap completely or partially. Furthermore, the desired beam areas 166 of the individual nozzles 123 may change during a program run, since, for example, different ones of the nozzles 123 are switched on or off during the program described above and / or with different pressures of the programmer Cleaning fluid 118 are acted upon. In principle, however, it is also possible for a properly functioning nozzle 123 to be determinable, for example empirically, which setpoint beam region 166 this nozzle can be assigned in the respective moment of operation.

According to the invention, the cleaning device 110 further comprises at least one temperature sensor 168 within the cleaning chamber 114. For example, this temperature sensor 168 may be associated with a particular nozzle 123, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1 from the rightmost nozzle of the upper spray arm of the post-rinse nozzle system 124. Particularly preferably, the temperature sensor 168 is arranged in a desired jet region 166 of a nozzle 123, which, according to experience or known, is particularly prone to narrowing, blockage or other deviations from a standard behavior. As stated above, these may in particular be the outer nozzles 123 in one or more spray arms 125, in particular in rotatably mounted spray arms.

The at least one temperature sensor 168 generates at least one sensor signal, which can be transmitted to the controller 157, for example. The controller 157 is set up to evaluate the sensor signal and to evaluate a jet behavior of the nozzle by means of the sensor signal.

For example, for this purpose, at least one comparison value, at least one threshold value, can be predetermined in the controller 157, for example, stored in the data memory 160, with which the sensor signal can be compared directly or after a preparation. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning device 110 may include at least one comparison temperature sensor 170 configured to detect a temperature of the cleaning fluid 118. Thus, for example, at least one comparison temperature sensor 170 may be arranged in at least one tank of the cleaning fluid 118, for example, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, in the rinsing tank 136 and / or in the rinsing tank 144. The comparative temperature sensor (s) 170 may be arranged to transmit at least one comparison temperature signal directly or indirectly to the controller 157. The controller 157 can accordingly be set up in order to determine at least one differential temperature from the temperature signal of the temperature sensor 168 and the temperature of the cleaning fluid 118 determined by means of the comparison temperature sensor 170. For example, the controller 157 may be further configured to check whether the difference temperature is in a normal range, for example, in which the differential temperature is at least one threshold. value is compared. For example, as stated above, a faulty jet behavior of the nozzle 123 can be inferred if the difference temperature or an amount of the difference temperature reaches the threshold value or exceeds the threshold value. Furthermore, a plurality of temperature sensors 168 may be provided within the cleaning chamber 114, by means of which a temperature profile within the cleaning chamber 114 can be created.

FIG. 2 also shows, in a sectional view analogous to FIG. 1, a further exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 110 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the cleaning device 110 is designed as a washer-disinfector 212. Again, the cleaning device 110 comprises a cleaning chamber 114 with a door 128, for example a front flap. Cleaning material 116, for example in the form of one or more vessels or containers for receiving larger amounts of human or animal excretions, can be accommodated in cleaning chamber 114. For example, these containers may have a receiving volume of at least 100ml, preferably at least 200ml or at least 300ml. The item to be cleaned 116 may be held, for example, in a corresponding holder 214. Preferably, this holder 214 is configured such that when the door 128 is closed, the items to be cleaned 116 are automatically emptied into an outlet 152, which may in particular comprise a siphon sheet or another type of odor barrier or odor trap.

In the cleaning chamber 114, the cleaning material 116 can be acted upon by cleaning fluid 118. For this purpose, in turn, a fluid device 120 may be provided in the form of a nozzle system 218. The nozzle system 218 comprises one or more nozzles 123. In FIG. 2, only one nozzle 123 is shown by way of example, although a plurality of nozzles 123 may be provided, for example at different locations within the cleaning chamber 114. The at least one nozzle 123 again has, analogously to FIG Representation of the embodiment of Figure 1, an exemplary designated by the reference numeral 166 desired beam range 166 on. Nozzle system 218 may be fed from one or more tanks 224 via, for example, a conduit system 220 and optionally a pump 222. In this case, successively different types of cleaning fluids 118 can be used. For example, first, for example, after emptying into the drain 152, be applied with cold, aqueous cleaning liquid, then in a further step, applying heated, aqueous cleaning liquid, optionally with the addition of one or more cleaning agents and / or one or more disinfectants , Subsequently, hot steam may optionally be applied, for which purpose the cleaning device 110 may comprise, for example, a steam generator, not shown in FIG. The application of different cleaning fluids 118 can take place via one and the same fluid system 120 and / or also via different fluid systems. To produce heated cleaning fluid 118 and / or to generate superheated steam, one or more temperature control devices 153 may again be provided, for example one or more heating elements 226.

After loading the cleaning product 116 with the cleaning fluid 118, a drying phase can follow. During this drying phase, for example, fresh air and / or also hot air can be introduced into the cleaning chamber 114, for example, forcibly via a blower not shown in FIG. In this forced introduction of fresh air and / or heated air, the moist air present in the cleaning chamber 114 and / or the moist steam present in the cleaning chamber can be bypassed 228, optionally with at least one check valve 230, bypassing the odor barrier or the Siphon arc 216 are displaced into the drain 152. In this way it can be ensured that when opening the door 128 no humid air and no hot steam can enter the environment.

Analogous to the embodiment of the cleaning device 110 according to FIG. 1, in the present case the cleaning device 110 again has at least one temperature sensor 168 which is arranged in the desired jet region 166 of the at least one nozzle. For example, it is again possible to generate at least one sensor signal which is transmitted to at least one controller 157 of the washer-disinfector 212. The controller 157 may, for example, in turn be configured analogously to the above controller 157 of the cleaning device 110 according to FIG. In turn, it can be set up in order to evaluate a jet behavior of the at least one nozzle 123 on the basis of a sensor signal of the temperature sensor 168. This can in turn be done for example by comparison with at least one standard value and / or at least one threshold value, and / or by subtraction. Thus, in turn, for example in the tank 224, at least one comparison temperature sensor 170 may be provided to determine at least one temperature of the cleaning fluid 118. From the sensor signal of the temperature sensor 168 and the temperature of the cleaning fluid, which can be derived, for example, directly or indirectly from a sensor signal of the comparison temperature sensor 170, at least one differential temperature can be determined. This can in turn be checked, for example, to see whether these differences temperature is within a normal range, for example by comparison with at least one threshold. In this way, it can be ensured, for example, that the actual beam area of the at least one nozzle 123 coincides so far with the setpoint beam area that a hygienization effect is ensured.

A further exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 110 according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The cleaning device 110 is designed in this embodiment as a continuous dishwasher 312 and has a transport device 314, by means of which cleaning material 116, such as dishes, can be transported through a cleaning chamber 114 of the cleaning device 110. For example, the cleaning device 110 may be designed as a basket transport machine and may be configured to transport the cleaning stock 116 in transport baskets 316, or as a belt transport machine, in which the cleaning stock 116 is transported directly on a conveyor belt, as shown in this Ausführungsbei- game.

By means of the transport device 314, the cleaning material 116 can be transported in a transport direction 318 from a feed zone 320 to a discharge zone 322. The cleaning chamber 114 can be subdivided into several zones, wherein for example a pre-evacuation zone 324, a washing zone 326 and a final rinse zone 328 can be provided. At least one drying zone 330, in which the cleaning material 116 is dried by means of a blower 332, can then be provided at these zones. Zones 324, 326, and 328 may be generically referred to as rinse zones 334, within which applyers 336, in the form of nozzle systems with nozzles 123, are provided to pressurize the cleaning stock 116 with at least one cleaning fluid 118. Thus, a pre-scavenging nozzle system 338 may be provided in the pre-evacuation zone 324, which is fed via a pre-evacuation pump 340 from a pre-evacuation tank 342. A wash zone nozzle system 344 may be provided in the wash zone 326 which may be fed from a wash tank 348 via a wash zone pump 346. The final rinse zone 328 can have a pump clear rinse 350 and a fresh water rinse 352 following in the transport direction 318. The pump flushing unit 350 has a pump flushing nozzle system 354, and the fresh water flushing unit 352 has a fresh water flushing nozzle system 356. While the pump flushing Nozzle system 354 is fed from a rinse tank 358 via a rinse pump 360, the Frischwasserklarspül nozzle system 356 is fed via a fresh water supply line 362 with fresh water from a building-side fresh water connection 364. The fresh water supply line 362 may include, for example, a temperature control device 153 in the form of a heater 366, by means of which the fresh water supplied can be heated, for example to a temperature of 80 ° C to 100 ° C, preferably to a temperature of at least 85 ° C. The fresh water supply line 362 can optionally be led via at least one heat recovery device 368, in which waste heat of the cleaning device 110 can be used to warm up supplied fresh water.

By means of the transport device 314, the cleaning material 116 can be guided continuously or discontinuously through the rinsing zones 334 before the cleaning material 116 is dried in the drying zone 330. The rinsing zones 334 can each be closed by separating curtains 370.

The cleaning device 110 preferably uses several types of cleaning fluid 118 in the form of rinsing liquids, which are preferably all aqueous rinsing liquids. Thus, in the fresh water rinse 352, preferably fresh water is used as rinsing liquid, optionally with an addition of rinse aid. In the fresh water rinse 352, the rinse liquid comes into contact with the wash ware 116 only once. In the pumped-flushing system 350, on the other hand, the cleaning product 116 is subjected to rinsing operation with rinse-aid liquid from the rinse-aid tank 358. In the washing tank 348, rinsing liquid, for example cleaning agent, can be added to the rinsing liquid. In the washing zone 326, the cleaning product 116 can be cleaned in circulation operation with the rinsing liquid from the washing tank 348. In the pre-evacuation zone 324, the cleaning product 116 can be charged in the recirculation mode. As stated above, one or more washing-active substances can be added to the cleaning fluid 118 in the form of the rinsing liquids in the tanks 342, 348 and 358. For this purpose, one or more metering devices can be provided, which are not shown in FIG. 3A and in FIG. 3B. For example, a metering device can optionally be provided on the fresh water supply line 362, by means of which a rinse aid and / or a disinfectant can be supplied to the fresh water rinse line 352. The connection of the at least one metering point can be, for example, before and / or behind the heating device. Alternative or additional For example, a metering device can be provided on the rinse tank 358, by means of which a rinse aid and / or a disinfectant can be metered into the rinse tank 358. In the washing zone 326, for example, optionally at least one metering device can be provided, by means of which one or more cleaning agents can be metered into the wash tank 348. Alternatively or additionally, at least one metering device can be provided in the pre-evacuation zone 324, by means of which at least one cleaning agent can be metered into the pre-evacuation tank 342. The metering devices can be implemented individually, in pairs or in said combinations. However, a different arrangement, combination and type of dosage is possible in principle.

Furthermore, the cleaning device 110 in the illustrated arrangement, in turn, at least one controller 157, which may be configured, for example, analogous to the controls in Figures 1 and 2. This may, for example, be a central machine control, which, however, may in principle also be decentralized. By means of the at least one controller 157, for example, one or more cleaning programs in the cleaning device 110 can be controlled. The controller 157 may in particular be connected to at least one supply valve 372, which can control a fresh water supply, and / or to one or more of said metering devices and to control these elements. Furthermore, the controller 157 may be completely or partly connected to the pumps 340, 346 and 360 connected and these pumps drive. Furthermore, the controller 157 may, for example, be connected to the at least one transport device 314 and control the transport device 314. The controller 157 may, for example, be wholly or partially designed as a control device and / or comprise at least one control.

The cleaning device 110, in turn, as well as the cleaning devices 110 in the embodiments according to Figures 1 and 2, one or more sensors for detecting one or more operating parameters. For example, the cleaning device 110 may have one or more sensors for detecting a supply and / or a concentration of one or more components of the rinsing fluid. The sensors may generally be connected directly or indirectly to the at least one controller 157. For example, the cleaning device 110 may have at least one flow meter for detecting a volume flow and / or mass flow of a supply of fresh water. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning device 110 can also have one or more sensors in the tanks 342, 348 and 358. For example, there may be provided turbidity sensors and / or conductivity sensors, by means of which, for example, a cleaning agent concentration and / or a degree of contamination can be detected. In order to carry out the regulation of a supply of one or more components of the rinsing liquid or of the cleaning device 110, for example for controlling a fresh water supply and / or for regulating a dosage of cleaning agent, the controller 157 may comprise, for example, one or more regulators, which may be in the form of, for example software and / or in the form of hardware. These can, for example, detect one or more actual values by means of the sensors and / or by means of a flow meter and, for example by means of the mentioned metering devices and / or the supply valve 372, control a supply to at least one desired value.

FIG. 3A shows a sectional view of the cleaning device 110 parallel to the transport direction 318. By way of example, FIG. 3B shows a sectional view perpendicular to the transport direction 318, for example a sectional view perpendicular to the transport direction 318 through the pump clearing 350. In an analogous manner, however, sectional representations could in principle also be shown at other locations within the throughflow dishwasher 312, for example by the pre-evacuation zone The illustration according to FIG. 3B shows that inside the tank, in this case the rinse tank 358, for example, again at least one tempering device 153, for example in the form of a heating device 366, is arranged can be. Furthermore, the illustration according to FIG. 3B shows that the loading device 336 of the pump flushing device 350 can again have spray arms 125, for example above and below the transport device 314, which can each have one or more nozzles 123. These nozzles in turn each have a desired jet area 166, which is shown in FIG. 3B as an example for the outermost nozzle 123 of the lower spray arm 125. Again, by way of example, at least one temperature sensor 168 is provided in this desired jet region 166 of this nozzle 123, which for example can in turn be directly or indirectly connected to the controller 157 and / or can transmit at least one sensor signal directly or indirectly to the controller 157 in another way. The controller 157 is set up to evaluate this sensor signal of the at least one temperature sensor 168 and to evaluate a jet behavior of this at least one nozzle 123 by means of this sensor signal. Again, as in the other exemplary embodiments, a comparison can be made with at least one threshold value and / or with at least one standard range. Alternatively or additionally, as in the other exemplary embodiments, at least one reference Temperature sensor 170 can be used in a tank of the cleaning fluid 118, for example in the rinse tank 358. Accordingly, again at least one differential temperature can be determined from the sensor signals of the temperature sensor 168 and the comparison temperature sensor 170, and it can be checked whether the differential temperature or the amount of which lies in a predetermined or predefinable normal range, so that it can be determined whether or not the jet behavior of the nozzle 123 is in a standard range.

It should be noted that the arrangements illustrated in the described exemplary embodiments are to be understood as exemplary only. For example, the at least one temperature sensor 168, alternative or in addition to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3B, can also be mounted at other locations within the cleaning chamber 114. Thus, as an alternative or in addition to the nozzle shown in FIG. 3B, target jet areas 166 of one or more other nozzles of the loading device or of the loading devices 336 of the cleaning device 110 can be monitored. However, as stated above, in this or other embodiments, it is particularly preferred to monitor, as an example, one or more nozzles 123, which are known to be critical in that these nozzles are often prone to constriction, clogging, or other deviations from a standard jet. For example, as noted above, these critical nozzles 123 may be nozzles at the end of one or more tubes, such as at the end of the spray arms 125.

If a deviation of a jet behavior of the at least one monitored nozzle 123 from a standard value or a standard behavior is ascertained, one or more of the aforementioned actions, as described above, can be carried out by the controller 157, preferably automatically. For example, as stated above, a warning may be issued to a user. Alternatively or additionally, the operation of the cleaning device 110 may be stopped, and / or a transport speed of the transport device 314 may be changed. If, for example, it is determined that the jet behavior of the at least one nozzle 123 deviates from the standard behavior, in principle wetting with cleaning fluid 118 still takes place, then, for example, a transport speed can be reduced in order to achieve sufficient cleaning, at least in time integration / or to ensure sanitation of the cleaning product 116. Other actions are conceivable. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

110 cleaning device

112 one-dish dishwasher

114 cleaning chamber

1 16 items to be cleaned

118 cleaning fluid

120 fluid device

122 rinsing nozzle system

123 nozzles

124 rinsing nozzle system

125 spray arms

126 basket

128 door

130 flushing line

132 rinsing pump

134 3-way valve

136 rinse tank

138 rinse line

140 rinse valve

142 Rinse pump

144 Rinse tank

146 fresh water supply

148 drain line

150 drain pump

152 outflow

153 tempering device

154 heating element

156 additional heating element

157 control

158 processor

160 data storage

162 user interface

164 data interface

166 desired beam range

168 temperature sensor

170 Comparison temperature sensor 212 washer-disinfector

214 bracket

216 siphon arch

218 nozzle system

220 pipe system

222 pump

224 tank

226 heating element

228 bypass

230 check valve

312 Continuous Dishwasher

314 Transport device

316 transport basket

318 transport direction

320 task zone

322 discharge zone

324 pre-evacuation zone

326 washing zone

328 final rinse zone

330 drying zone

332 blowers

334 rinse zone

336 loading device

338 Pre-scavenging nozzle system

340 pre-evacuation pump

342 Pre-evacuation tank

344 Washing zone nozzle system

346 wash zone pump

348 wash tank

350 pump flush

352 Freshwater rinse

354 Pump rinsing nozzle system

356 Freshwater rinsing nozzle system

358 rinse tank

360 rinse pump

362 fresh water supply

364 fresh water connection 366 heating device

368 heat recovery device

370 curtains

372 supply valve

Claims

Expectations

1. Cleaning device (110) for cleaning items to be cleaned (116), comprising at least one cleaning chamber (114) and at least one nozzle (123) for applying at least one cleaning fluid (118) to the items to be cleaned (116) within the cleaning chamber (114), further comprising at least one temperature sensor (168), wherein the temperature sensor (168) is arranged in at least one target jet area (166) of the nozzle (123), further comprising a controller (157), wherein the controller (157) is set up to at least to evaluate a sensor signal from the temperature sensor (168) and to evaluate the jet behavior of the nozzle (123) using the sensor signal.

2. Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cleaning device (110) has at least one temperature control device (153) for heating the cleaning fluid (118).

3. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) is set up to compare the sensor signal of the temperature sensor (168) with at least one target signal and to evaluate the jet behavior of the nozzle (123) from this comparison.

4. Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cleaning device (110) is set up in such a way that a comparison value is determined during the comparison, the comparison value being compared with at least one threshold value and from this comparison of the comparison value with the at least one threshold value a measure of the jet behavior of the nozzle (123) is determined.

5. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) is further set up to compare the sensor signal of the temperature sensor (168) with at least one temperature of the cleaning fluid (118).

6. Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cleaning device (110) has at least one comparison temperature sensor (170) for detecting the temperature of the cleaning fluid (118).

7. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (1 10) is set up to determine at least one difference temperature from the sensor signal of the temperature sensor (168) and the temperature of the cleaning fluid (118).

8. Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cleaning device (110) is further set up to compare the difference temperature with at least one threshold value.

9. Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cleaning device (110) is set up to conclude that the jet behavior of the nozzle (123) is incorrect when the difference temperature or an amount of the difference temperature reaches the threshold value or exceeds the threshold value.

10. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) is set up to record a time course of the jet behavior of the nozzle (123).

11. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) has a plurality of temperature sensors (168) at different locations within the cleaning chamber (114), wherein the cleaning device (1 10) is set up to have a spatial profile to detect a temperature within the cleaning chamber (114).

12. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) is set up to carry out at least one predetermined action if the jet behavior of the nozzle (123) shows a deviation from a predetermined standard or a predetermined standard range.

13. Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the action is selected from the group consisting of: issuing an error message; an issue of an advisory message; stopping a cleaning process; stopping a transport device (314) of the cleaning device (110); a change in a speed of a transport device (314) of the cleaning device (1 10), in particular a reduction in speed; a change in a temperature of the at least one cleaning fluid (118), in particular a change in a temperature of the at least one cleaning fluid (118) in at least one tank (136, 144; 224; 342, 348, 358); a change in a washing mechanism of the cleaning device (110); a logging of the deviation of the beam behavior in at least one log; a transmission of an electronic message about the deviation of the beam behavior, in particular via at least one electronic interface (164) and particularly preferably by means of email and/or SMS.

Method for cleaning items to be cleaned (116), wherein at least one cleaning device (110) with at least one cleaning chamber (114) and at least one nozzle (123) for applying at least one cleaning fluid (118) to the items to be cleaned (116) in the cleaning chamber (114) is used, wherein at least one temperature sensor (168) is also used, the temperature sensor (168) being arranged in at least one target jet area (166) of the nozzle (123), the method involving an evaluation of at least one sensor signal of the temperature sensor (168). and an evaluation of a jet behavior of the nozzle (123) using the sensor signal.

15. Use of at least one temperature sensor (168) in a target jet area (166) of a nozzle (123) of a cleaning device (110) to evaluate a jet behavior of the nozzle (123).