EP3324811A1

EP3324811A1 - Cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning articles

Info

Publication number: EP3324811A1
Application number: EP17714452.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Denis Lehmann; Thomas LOOS
Original assignee: Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2016-03-31
Filing date: 2017-03-30
Publication date: 2018-05-30
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-30
Also published as: DE102016205367A1; EP3324811B1; CN107635449A; US20180055329A1; ES2909786T3; CN107635449B; PL3753468T3; US10617277B2; HK1245045A1; ES2812832T3; PL3324811T3; EP3753468A1; WO2017167874A1; US20200196828A1; US11253132B2; EP3753468B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning apparatus (110) for cleaning articles (124). The cleaning apparatus (110) comprises at least one cleaning chamber (128) and at least one covering device (134), which encloses the cleaning chamber (128) at least in part. The covering device (134) can be moved by means of at least one electromechanical drive (186), via at least one gear mechanism (184), in an opening-movement direction (139) from a closed position (135) into an open position (137) or in a closing-movement direction (141) from an open position (137) into a closed position (135). The cleaning apparatus (110) also has a sensor (202), which is designed to detect manual force applied to the covering device (134) in the opening-movement direction (139) or in the closing-movement direction (141). The cleaning apparatus (110) is also designed to activate the electromechanical drive (186) in accordance with the detection of the manual force applied.

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 items to be cleaned. Such cleaning devices and methods can be used in particular in the field of dishwashing technology, especially in the commercial sector of large kitchens and public catering facilities. For example, the invention can be used for cleaning articles in the form of articles for the preparation, presentation, storage or absorption of food or drinks, such as crockery, cutlery, glasses, cups, pots, bowls or trays. In particular, the invention can be used in hood dishwashers or push-through dishwashers.

State of the art

Numerous cleaning devices and methods for cleaning different types of items to be cleaned are known from the prior art. Without restricting further possible applications, the invention will be described below with regard to the dishwashing technology, ie with regard to cleaning devices in the form of dishwashers. In particular, these can be industrial dishwashers, wherein in the following, again without limitation of other possible embodiments, in particular push-through dishwashers or hood dishwashing machines are described. Examples of such dishwashers are, in particular, the glassware and dishwashers of the series DV or the series EcoStar of Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG, Offenburg, Germany, or the series PT of Winterhalter Deutschland GmbH, Meckenbeuren, Germany. However, in other products, the present invention is basically applicable.

In known hood dishwashers, the hood is usually guided by means of a suitable guide, by means of appropriate handles and / or levers, the operator can move the hood from a closed to an open position or vice versa. In addition, however, are also automatic hood dishwasher known in which a hood movement is automatic, for example, driven by a motor. The hood movement is usually initiated by the fact that a corresponding signal is given via a control panel of the Haubengeschirrspülmaschinen. Alternatively or additionally, separate keys or switches can also be provided. A disadvantage of such arrangements, however, is that while the controls are in principle arbitrarily placeable, they must each be wired separately, which is costly and expensive in practice. Depending on the local conditions and the particular situation of the installation of the dishwasher, the actuators are not always easy to reach by the operator. When triggering the hood movement only via the control panel of the dishwasher, the operator must leave their working position for initiating the hood movement, which is usually located laterally of the dishwasher, for example, on a basin with a Vorspülbrau- se. Automatic tripping operations are also known from the prior art. For this purpose, various sensors are used in household appliances and furnishings, which receive certain signals and accordingly initiate an opening operation of a door or an extract. For example, WO 2009/132813 A1 discloses a dishwasher with a decorative plate designed as a touch sensor. From DE 10 2008 028 313 AI a capacitive touch switch for a household appliance is known. EP 2 428 153 B1 describes a domestic appliance with a door opening sensor for detecting an acoustically voiced door opening request. EP 2 497 405 A2 describes a household appliance with a knock sensor, via which a knock signal input is made possible. DE 10 2007 003 451 AI and DE 20 2007 006 818 U1 describe a cabinet with one or more pull-outs and a room microphone as well as solid-state sound sensors. DE 10 2012 223 775 A1 describes a household appliance with a structure-borne noise sensor, which is set up to detect a footfall sound of a person moving in a surrounding area of the domestic appliance. DE 10 2014 007 172 A1 describes an electronic household appliance with a gesture detection device.

Despite the benefits associated with this improved sensor, there remain numerous technical challenges. For example, one challenge is that in many cases signals are ambiguous or ambiguous. In particular, acoustic signals, haptic signals or structure-borne noise can also arise in the often turbulent operation of a canteen kitchen without this being intended to trigger a specific reaction of the dishwasher. However, a faulty response can interrupt the workflow and cause unwanted errors. Furthermore, many of the sensors mentioned are costly and In addition, it is sensitive to environmental influences, which is often a technical challenge, especially with regard to working conditions in commercial kitchens.

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 this kind. In particular, a cleaning device and a method are to be provided, which allow a simple, cost-effective and user-friendly manner to open or close a cleaning chamber of the cleaning device.

Disclosure of Invention This object is achieved by a cleaning device and a method having 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.

It should also be understood that the terms "at least one" and "one or more" and grammatical variations of these terms, when used in conjunction with one or more elements or features, are intended to signify that the element or feature is single or multiple can be provided, are usually used only once, for example, at the first introduction of the feature or element. In a subsequent renewed mention of the feature or element, the corresponding term "at least one" or "on or several "usually no longer used, without limiting the possibility that the feature or element may be single or multiple.

Furthermore, the terms "preferred", "especially", "for example" or similar terms are used in the following in connection with optional features, without restricting alternative embodiments thereof, so 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 an embodiment of 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 to be further limited by these introductory expressions The ability to combine features introduced here with other features, whether optional or non-optional, remains untouched.

In a first aspect of the present invention, a cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed. Under a cleaning device is generally understood in the context of the present invention, a device in which the cleaning material is cleaned by means of at least one cleaning fluid to at least partially rid of adhering dirt and / or other impurities. The cleaning fluid may in particular comprise at least one cleaning fluid. In addition, the cleaning device can also exert a germicidal effect or even a disinfecting effect on the items to be cleaned. Accordingly, under a method for cleaning of items to be cleaned, as proposed in a second aspect of the present invention, hereinafter also referred to as cleaning method, an admission of the cleaning material with at least one cleaning fluid understood, for the purpose of at least partially removing adhering dirt from the cleaned.

Under cleaning goods can be understood in general any goods that can be subjected to a cleaning or cleaning process, such as industrial goods. Without limitations of other possible embodiments, reference will be made hereinafter to items to be cleaned in the form of items to be washed and / or dishes. In general, items to be washed should comprise any items which are used for the preparation, storage, presentation or transport of food and / or drinks be used. In particular, these may be dishwashing items selected from the group consisting of dishes such as cups, plates, glasses, bowls or bowls; pots; trays; Cutlery; Warmers; containers; crates; Baskets. Other devices which can be used directly or indirectly for the preparation, preparation, transport or presentation of food and / or drinks or precursors of food and / or drinks can also be used. The cleaning device can thus be designed in particular as a dishwasher and particularly preferably as a hood dishwasher and / or push-through dishwasher.

The cleaning device further comprises at least one cleaning chamber and at least one, the cleaning chamber at least partially enclosing, covering. A cleaning chamber can generally be understood as meaning a completely or at least partially shielded space in which the cleaning material can be exposed to at least one cleaning fluid and / or with several cleaning fluids. Thus, within the cleaning chamber, for example, at least one loading device may be provided for loading the cleaning product with the at least one cleaning fluid. Furthermore, a complete or partial drying of the cleaning material can take place within the cleaning chamber. The cleaning device can be configured in particular as a single-chamber cleaning device. The items to be cleaned can also be referred to below as items to be washed, and the cleaning chamber can also be referred to as a rinsing chamber.

The cleaning device has, as stated above, at least one covering the cleaning chamber at least partially covering device. Under a capping device are generally a device or an element to understand, which at least partially limits the cleaning chamber and at the same time allows access to the cleaning chamber, for example, for loading the cleaning chamber with items to be cleaned or for removing the cleaning material from the cleaning chamber. The covering device can therefore in particular form a chamber wall of the cleaning chamber or a part of a chamber wall of the cleaning chamber. In particular, the cover device, as will be explained in more detail below, be wholly or partially configured as a hood and / or jacket, which is slidably mounted in a vertical direction. For example, the covering device may comprise a hood which can be displaced upwards to open the cleaning chamber and which can be displaced downwards in order, for example, to complete the cleaning chamber together with a base of the cleaning device. The cover device is movable via at least one transmission by means of at least one electromechanical drive in an opening movement direction from a closed position to an open position or in a closing movement direction from an open position to a closed position. Thus, the cover device is mounted generally movable, so that it can be brought into at least two different positions, namely in an open position and a closed position. Also intermediate positions are possible. The plurality of possible positions between the open position and the closed position, optionally including the open position and the closed position, may also be referred to as an opening path.

In the context of the present invention, a "transmission" can generally be understood to mean a machine element by means of which a force and / or torque transmission between a drive and a driven element can take place In particular, a movement to be changed may be a rotary movement, and thus the transmission may in particular also comprise a torque converter.

The transmission may in particular comprise at least one traction mechanism, in particular at least one chain transmission. A traction mechanism is generally understood to mean a transmission in which a torque is transmitted between two elements, for example between at least one shaft and at least one further element, in particular also between two shafts, with the aid of a traction means, for example, a belt encircling at least one shaft traction means. A traction means can generally be understood as meaning a deformable, for example bendable or extensible, elongated element by means of which a tensile force can be transmitted. For example, the power transmission path may comprise at least one traction means, in particular a flexible traction means. The traction means may in particular be selected from the group consisting of: a chain, in particular a roller chain, a pin chain or a chain link; a rope and / or cable; an elastic band; a belt, in particular a toothed belt or a V-belt. However, other traction means are basically used.

In the context of the present invention, an "electromechanical drive" is generally understood to mean a device which is set up to convert electrical energy into at least one mechanical movement, in particular a linear movement and / or a rotational movement Drive have at least one motor, as will be explained in more detail below. For example, the electromechanical drive may be coupled via the gear to the cover device to move the cover in the Öffhungsbewegungsrichtung, ie fully or partially open, and to move in the closing movement direction, so close completely or partially. Alternatively or in addition to the use of a motor, however, other types of electromechanical drives can be used, for example, at least one drive selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic drive, an electro-hydraulic drive, a pneumatic drive or an electropneumatic drive. However, other embodiments are conceivable.

The cleaning device furthermore has a sensor. The sensor is configured to detect a manual force application on the cover device in the opening movement direction or in the closing movement direction. The cleaning device is set up to control the electromechanical drive in accordance with the detection of the manual force application.

A "sensor" in the sense of the present invention basically means any element that is set up to detect at least one measured quantity and to generate at least one corresponding signal, for example an electrical signal, for example an analog and / or a digital signal The at least one sensor may in particular comprise at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of a motion sensor, a pressure sensor, a pull sensor, a strain sensor, an incremental encoder, an actuator, an optical sensor, a mechanical sensor, a pneumatic sensor, a hydraulic Sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, a magnetic sensor, an electrical sensor, other sensors or combinations of said sensors are in principle possible.The at least one sensor may in particular comprise at least one angular position sensor, which at least one Winkelstellun g monitored at least one wave, which is connected to the electromechanical drive, in particular the engine.

Under a "manual force attack in the context of the present invention is basically any action or exercise of a force by a human person, especially a user to understand. This may be, for example, a compressive force or a tensile force. A detection of the manual force attack on the covering device, that is to say a force acting on the covering device, can take place, for example, directly or else indirectly. In this case, a direct recognition comprises, for example, a tensile and / or pressure force acting on the covering device. An indirect detection includes, for example, one exercised by the Force-induced effect, such as a movement, for example, a movement of the cover and / or at least one connected to the covering element, for example, the transmission or a part thereof and / or the electromechanical drive or a part thereof, for example a motor or a shaft which connected to the engine. The manual force application can be carried out completely or partially directly on the covering device and / or completely or partially indirectly, for example via at least one element connected to the covering device, for example a handle. The manual force application which is detected takes place in the opening movement direction or in the closing movement direction. This means that the force which is manually exerted by the user has at least one force component in the opening movement direction and is preferably oriented parallel to the opening movement direction, or has at least one force component in the closing movement direction and preferably parallel to the opening movement direction Closed movement direction is aligned. For example, in the case of a hood, a force may be exerted vertically or downwardly in a vertical direction such that, for example, the hood lifts or lowers slightly by the manual force application, which may be detected by the sensor. As stated above, the cleaning device is set up to control the electromechanical drive in accordance with the detection of the manual force application. Under a "control" is in the context of the present invention basically a way of operating the electromechanical drive to understand, in particular starting the electromechanical drive, stopping the electromechanical drive, a change in a drive speed of the electromechanical drive, such as a rotational speed of an engine, or a change in the direction of the electromechanical drive, for example a change in a direction of rotation of a motor The drive can be effected, for example, by a control of the cleaning device which acts directly or indirectly on the electromechanical drive to control, for example, according to one or more of to cause these types.

In the context of the present invention, the term "activation corresponding to the detection of the manual force attack" basically means that the activation can be changed upon detection of the manual force attack Force attack occurs, and / or the type of control can be changed when it is detected that a manual force attack takes place. Alternatively or additionally, the drive can also be changed according to the direction of the manual force application.

As will be explained in more detail below, for example, a movement of the cover device caused by the manual force application can be detected and, optionally, its direction can be determined. Accordingly, then the electromechanical drive can be controlled such that it supports the movement of the cover or alone without further manual force continues until this movement has reached its end, for example, the open position or closed position. Thus, for example, in a hood dishwasher by means of the at least one sensor can be detected when a hood in the closed position, a user manually opens the hood to open, for example, the hood moves slightly up or exerts a force on the hood upwards. The electromechanical drive, such as the motor, can then be controlled so that this opening movement is supported by the electromechanical drive or even continued exclusively by the electromechanical drive, for example, until the open position is reached. If, on the other hand, it is detected by means of the at least one sensor that with a hood in the open position a user manually closes the hood, for example by the user slightly moving the hood downwards or exerting a force on the hood, the electromechanical drive can For example, the motor, are controlled such that this closing movement is supported by the electromechanical drive or even continued exclusively by the electromechanical drive, for example, until the hood has reached the closed position. In other types of covering device, a corresponding configuration and movement is possible. Under an opening movement is to be understood in general as a movement in the opening movement direction, and under a closing movement generally a movement in the closing movement direction.

The cleaning device may in particular be a dishwasher or also comprise a dishwasher. In particular, the dishwasher may be selected from the group consisting of a hood dishwasher and a push-through dishwasher. However, other embodiments are possible in principle. Under a hood dishwasher is generally a dishwasher to understand, which has a base that provides a bottom of the washing chamber, and at least one hood or a hood coat as covering, which form wholly or partially at least one side wall of the cleaning chamber and optionally at least one lid of the cleaning chamber and which can be moved up or down to release the cleaning chamber. Under A push-through dishwasher is generally to be understood as a dishwasher which has at least one push-through device, by means of which, for example from one insert side, items to be cleaned, for example a basket of items to be cleaned, can be inserted into the wash chamber, for example when the hood is open, and on a second one Side, for example, a removal side, the cleaning material can be pushed out of the cleaning chamber, after the cleaning process. In practical parlance, the term push-through dishwasher is often also used as a generic term and includes, for example, hood dishwashers with push-through device and dishwashers, in which only lateral walls can be moved to open the wash compartment. Push-through dishwashers generally do not comprise an active push-through device but rather a manual through-feed. The push-through device comprises, for example, slide rails and / or guides. For examples of such hood dishwashers can be made to the above-mentioned prior art.

The cleaning device may, as stated above, further comprise in particular at least one loading device for acting on the cleaning material in the cleaning chamber with at least one cleaning fluid. For example, one or more cleaning nozzles can be provided in the cleaning chamber, via which the cleaning fluid can be sprayed onto the cleaning material and / or sprayed on and / or dropped. In particular, one or more spray arms can be provided, in particular rotating spray arms.

The cleaning device may further comprise at least one treatment tank formed separately from the cleaning chamber, in particular at least one boiler. In the treatment tank, a rinsing liquid can be tempered, while in the cleaning chamber, a rinsing process takes place. Thus, the cleaning device can be configured in particular as a commercial dishwasher. As stated above, the cover device can be configured in various ways. In particular, the covering device may be selected from the group consisting of: a hood which at least partially covers and / or encloses the cleaning chamber; a jacket enclosing the cleaning chamber at least partially; one or more sliding doors. Other embodiments of the covering are possible in principle. In particular, the cover can also be wholly or partially designed as a door, as a slide, as a flap, as a roll-up door or as a roller shutter. In the following, the preferred embodiment is described, in which the Abdeckvor- direction wholly or partially designed as a hood and / or as a coat. For example, the hood and / or the jacket can be moved up or down.

The opening movement direction and the closing movement direction can in particular each have at least one vertical direction component. In the closed position and the open position, the cover device preferably has different potential energy, in particular different positional energy. Thus, the cover device may be arranged in the open position, in particular at least partially above the closed position.

The covering device may in particular be or comprise a linear movable covering device. The covering device can in particular perform only a linear movement between the open position and the closed position or vice versa, without a rotational component being present. This is the case in particular in hood type dishwashers of conventional design. However, other embodiments with one or more rotational components or with an exclusively rotational movement are in principle possible. The cleaning device may in particular comprise at least one linear guide for the covering device, in particular a guide rail and / or a guide rod.

The cleaning device may in particular have at least one controller. In the context of the present invention, a "control" is fundamentally understood to mean a device which is set up to influence at least one function of the cleaning device., For example, the control may comprise at least one electrical control, in particular an electrical control with at least one data processing device. For example, the controller may comprise at least one processor, at least one microcomputer or at least one application-specific integrated circuit Other configurations are possible The controller may in particular be program-technically configured to control at least one function of the cleaning device, for example at least one program run of at least one cleaning program The controller may further comprise at least one user interface, for example at least one input device that allows a user to at least e command and / or at least one information to the controller to transmit. For example, the user interface may include at least one keyboard and / or at least one key and / or at least one switch. Furthermore, the user interface may comprise at least one output device, for example at least one display and / or at least one display device. Furthermore, the controller can at least one electronic cutting include at least one wireless or wired interface. The controller may be or include, for example, a central machine control, by means of which one or more cleaning programs, in particular one or more washing programs, are controllable. For example, the controller may be configured to control at least one rinse, at least one rinse, and optionally at least one dry.

In particular, the controller can be set up to control the electromechanical drive. For example, the controller may be configured to start, stop, reverse or determine a direction of movement of the electromechanical drive, to determine a speed of the electromechanical drive, or a combination of the above, for example by transmitting a corresponding electrical signal To make influences. For example, the controller can be connected to the electromechanical drive via at least one interface, for example, wired or wireless.

The cleaning device, in particular the control, can be set up in particular in at least one of the following ways:

- The cleaning device, in particular the controller, is adapted to detect a manual force application in the opening movement direction and to control the electromechanical drive such that the cover device is moved in the opening movement direction; and or

- The cleaning device, in particular the controller, is adapted to detect a manual force application in the closing movement direction and to control the electromechanical drive such that the cover device is moved in the closing movement direction.

As stated above, in this way a detected, user-induced opening or closing movement by the electromechanical drive can be assisted or independently continued, for example up to the open position or to the closed position.

As stated above, the electromechanical drive can in particular comprise at least one motor, in particular an electric motor, in particular a geared motor. The motor may in particular be a DC geared motor. However, other embodiments are possible in principle. The motor may in particular be a non-self-locking motor, for example a non-self-locking electric motor, preferably a non-self-locking DC motor. A "non-self-locking" motor is generally understood to mean a motor which, if it is not actuated and is not energized, permits movement of its drive axle or drive shaft In particular, the cleaning device can be set up in such a way that the motor is moved by the manual force attack on the cover device, the sensor being arranged to detect a movement of the motor, in particular a rotary movement For example, as stated above, the sensor may comprise at least one incremental encoder, which detects a rotational movement of the motor induced by the manual movement of the cover device An "incremental encoder" in the sense of the present invention is to be understood in particular as meaning a sensor is directed to detect changes in position, in particular changes in position in a linear movement of the cover and / or the electromechanical drive, and / or angle changes, for example, angle changes in a rotational movement of the cover and / or the electromechanical drive, in particular of the engine. However, other embodiments are possible in principle.

In particular, as noted above, the sensor may be configured to detect a direction of manual force application. In particular, this directional detection can be used to assist, or even continue autonomously, the detected user-induced movement in the direction desired by the user, by means of the electromechanical drive.

The at least one sensor may generally be arranged at different locations of the cleaning device in order to fulfill the said function. A combination of sensors is basically possible. In particular, the sensor may be connected to at least one element selected from the group consisting of: the cover device, the transmission, the electromechanical drive. In particular, the sensor may have at least one incremental encoder connected to the electromechanical drive. In particular, the sensor may be arranged to detect the manual application of force to the cover device due to movement. Thus, as stated above, the manual application of force to the covering device can in particular initiate a movement of the covering device, preferably a minimum movement, for example a movement linear motion of 50 mm or less, in particular 30 mm or less, for example 10 mm or less, in particular 5 mm or less. Because of this preferred minority of movement, a force required for a user to initiate the movement can be minimized. The movement may in particular be selected from a movement of the cover device, a movement of the transmission and a movement of the electromechanical drive. Combinations are possible.

In particular, a threshold value method can be used to detect the movement. For example, it can be detected whether, due to the manual force application, the covering device moves by more than a predetermined threshold value or by at least one predetermined threshold value, for example upwards or downwards, for example in the opening direction or in the closing direction. The detection of the movement may in particular be generally associated with a query as to whether the electromechanical drive is being driven to move the cover device or not. For example, the cleaning device can be set up in such a way that if a movement is detected by at least one predetermined threshold value or more than a predetermined threshold value, this is only detected as a movement due to the manual force attack, if not a drive of the cover device at the same time is present by the electromechanical drive. Only then, for example, can the controller interpret this movement as a user's request to perform an opening or closing movement.

In general, therefore, the cleaning device can be set up, in particular, to compare the movement with at least one threshold value, for example by comparing a distance traveled or a covered angle of the covering device, the gearbox or the electromechanical drive with the at least one threshold value, to the manual force application to recognize the cover. In addition, as stated above, be recognized as a further boundary condition, whether the electromechanical drive is in operation or not, so that, for example, induced by the electromechanical drive movements can be excluded.

The transmission may in particular comprise at least one traction mechanism, in particular at least one chain transmission. A traction mechanism is generally understood to mean a transmission in which a torque is transmitted between two elements, for example between at least one shaft and at least one further element, in particular also between two shafts, by means of a traction means, for example one of the at least one wave wrap around traction means. A traction means can generally be understood as meaning a deformable, for example bendable or extensible, elongated element by means of which a tensile force can be transmitted. For example, the power transmission path can have at least one traction means, in particular a bendable traction means. The traction means may in particular be selected from the group consisting of: a chain, in particular a roller chain, a bolt chain or a link chain; a rope and / or cable; an elastic band; a belt, in particular a toothed belt or a V-belt. However, other traction means are basically used.

The above-mentioned at least one sensor of the cleaning device may in principle be arranged at at least one arbitrary position within the cleaning device, which is suitable for detecting the manual force attack on the covering device in the opening movement direction or in the closing movement direction. If, for example, a transmission and / or a power transmission path are included in the cleaning device, then the at least one sensor can be arranged, for example, at any point within this transmission and / or within this power transmission path. For example, the sensor can be arranged comparatively far forward in the entire force transmission, for example as a strain gauge strip, which can be arranged, for example, on a linkage or on a first chain. As a result, relatively small paths are required to detect the force attack on the cover, for example on the hood. This embodiment can also be used, for example, in combination with a drive motor which is self-locking. However, other embodiments are possible in principle.

The cleaning device may further have additional functions. For example, the cleaning device can furthermore be set up to start at least one cleaning program, in particular at least one rinsing program, after a closing movement has taken place after the covering device has reached the closed position. For example, in the case of a hood dishwasher, the hood can be in the closed position, in particular the lower end position, after closing, and then, in addition, a washing program can be started automatically, in particular if the controller is parameterized accordingly. As stated above, in a second aspect of the present invention, a method for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed. The method may in particular be carried out using the cleaning device according to the present invention, in particular according to one or more of the embodiments described above and / or according to one or more of the embodiments described in more detail below, are performed. Accordingly, for possible definitions and / or options of the method, reference may be made to the description of the cleaning device. The method comprises various method steps, which can be carried out, for example, in the stated order. However, a different order is possible in principle. Furthermore, the method may include additional, not mentioned process steps. Furthermore, one or more or even all of the method steps can be repeated and / or carried out continuously. Furthermore, two or more of the mentioned method steps or also all of the named method steps can also be performed simultaneously or overlapping in time.

In the method, at least one covering the cleaning chamber at least partially enclosing cover is used. The cover device is movable via at least one transmission by means of at least one electromechanical drive in an opening movement direction from a closed position to an open position or in a closing movement direction from an open position to a closed position. The method comprises detecting a manual force application on the cover device in the opening movement direction or in the closing movement direction by means of at least one sensor. The method further comprises driving the electromechanical drive in accordance with the detection of the manual force application. The method may further comprise applying the cleaning material in the cleaning device by means of at least one cleaning fluid, for example by means of at least one loading device. This loading may be done, for example, after the cover has been brought in the closing direction in the closed position.

As stated above, the drive of the electromechanical drive may in particular comprise at least one of the following steps: upon detection of a manual force application in the opening movement direction, activation of the electromechanical drive such that the cover device is moved in the opening movement direction; upon detection of a manual force application in the closing movement direction, a drive of the electromechanical drive is such that the cover device is moved in the closing movement direction. The cleaning device and the method have numerous advantages over known devices and methods of the type mentioned. In this way, support for an opening or closing movement of a covering device can be implemented in a simple manner, without this requiring a considerable additional outlay on equipment. In particular, additional switches, buttons, proximity sensors or similar complex sensors, which signal a user request with regard to an opening or closing of the cover device, can be dispensed with. This eliminates the problem of cabling such switches or buttons or sensors and the problem of the arrangement of these devices.

The sensor, on the other hand, is easy to implement. The sensor can also be used in multiple function. For example, incremental encoders can be easily implemented in transmissions or in motors. Such incremental encoders can also be used, for example, to monitor a functionality of the engine.

The operation can be made very intuitive, since the user attacks anyway for opening or closing on the cover itself. This attack can be detected and supported automatically. The user may not even be aware that with his force applied to the capping device, he triggers a switching action that assists in the movement of the capping device or is automatically taken over by the electromechanical drive.

The cover device may, for example, comprise at least one handle or at least one lever which can be used by the user for the opening or closing operation. An additional button or an additional switch is no longer necessary, since the cover itself and their movement can be used, for example, as a control. The opening or closing of the cover device does not necessarily have to be triggered by the manual application of force to the cover device. In addition to this option of triggering the opening or closing movement by the manual force application, other triggers may be provided for an opening or closing movement. Thus, the cleaning device may for example be designed such that, in addition to the embodiment according to the invention, also a program-controlled opening or closing movement takes place in which a given by a user impulse does not necessarily trigger the opening or closing movement. For example, the cleaning device, in particular the controller, be set up such that at the end of a cleaning program, the covering device, such as the hood, is opened automatically, for example, according to a parameterization of the cleaning program. The present invention can be implemented particularly advantageously in hood type dishwashers or push through type dishwashers in which a heavy hood or one or two vertical sheets are to be moved. The hood can for example be driven by chains or other traction means with a motor, such as a DC geared motor. At the shaft end of the motor there may be an incremental encoder with which monitoring functions can be implemented. The geared motor can be designed such that it is not self-locking. As a result, for example, in case of failure, the hood can also be operated by hand. By this design, it is possible to move the hood by hand, whereby the motor is moved. The incremental encoder can detect a rotary movement of the motor and the associated working direction and pass this information on to the controller, for example by means of at least one signal. The controller can evaluate this signal, can interpret the motion request and can then control the motor in the appropriate direction. As stated above, a movement can be detected, for example, by a threshold value method. For example, a hood lift of 5 mm or more can be detected, and then the motor can be driven in the appropriate direction. There are basically no separate buttons or switches necessary, even if they may nevertheless be present, whereby increased installation and installation requirements are avoided and thus a cost reduction can be made possible. Usually hood type dishwashers are anyway equipped with one or more handles on the hood or with one or more levers on the hood, which are generally in a favorable position to a working position of the operator and which, for example, can be operated without direct visual contact , Overall, the invention results in a user-friendly and safe to use situation. In summary, the following embodiments are particularly preferred in the context of the present invention:

Embodiment 1: Cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned, comprising at least one cleaning chamber and at least one covering device at least partially enclosing the cleaning chamber, the covering device via at least one transmission by means of at least one electromechanical drive in an opening movement direction from a closed position to an open position or in a closing movement direction from an open position to a closed position. position, wherein the sensor further comprises a sensor, wherein the sensor is adapted to detect a manual force application to the cover device in the opening movement direction or in the closing movement direction, and wherein the cleaning device is further configured to operate in accordance with the detection of the manual force application to control electromechanical drive.

Embodiment 2: Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning device is a dishwasher. Embodiment 3: Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the dishwasher is selected from a hood dishwasher and a push-through dishwasher.

Embodiment 4: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the opening movement direction and the closing movement direction each have at least one vertical direction component.

Embodiment 5: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the covering device in the closed position and the open position has different potential energy, in particular different positional energy.

Embodiment 6: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cover device is arranged in the open position at least partially above the closed position.

Embodiment 7: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising at least one loading device for applying the cleaning material in the cleaning chamber with at least one cleaning fluid.

Embodiment 8: Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning device has at least one treatment tank formed separately from the cleaning chamber, in particular a boiler, wherein a post-rinse liquid can be tempered in the treatment tank while a rinsing process takes place in the cleaning chamber. Embodiment 9: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the covering device is a linearly movable covering device.

Embodiment 10: Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning device has at least one linear guide for the covering device, in particular a guide rail and / or a guide rod.

Embodiment 11: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cover device is selected from the group consisting of: a hood which at least partially covers and / or encloses the cleaning chamber; a jacket enclosing the cleaning chamber at least partially; a door, in particular one or more sliding doors.

Embodiment 12: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device has a controller, wherein the controller is set up to control the electromechanical drive.

Embodiment 13: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device, in particular the control, is arranged in at least one of the following ways: the cleaning device, in particular the control, is arranged to detect a manual force attack in the opening movement direction and the electromechanical drive such that the cover device is moved in the opening movement direction; the cleaning device, in particular the control, is arranged to detect a manual force application in the closing movement direction and to control the electromechanical drive in such a way that the covering device is moved in the closing movement direction.

Embodiment 14: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the electromechanical drive comprises a motor, in particular an electric motor, in particular a geared motor.

Embodiment 15: Cleaning device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the motor is a DC geared motor.

Embodiment 16: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the motor is a non-self-locking motor. Embodiment 17: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device is set up such that the motor is moved by the manual force attack on the cover device, wherein the sensor is arranged to detect a movement of the motor, in particular a rotational movement.

Embodiment 18: A cleaning device according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a direction of manual force application. Embodiment 19: A cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor is connected to at least one element selected from the group consisting of: the cover device, the transmission, the electromechanical drive. Embodiment 20: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor has at least one incremental encoder connected to the electromechanical drive.

Embodiment 21: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor is set up to detect the manual force attack on the cover device due to a movement.

Embodiment 22: A cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the movement is selected from a movement of the cover device, a movement of the transmission and a movement of the electromechanical drive.

Embodiment 23: Cleaning device according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device is set up to compare the movement with at least one threshold value in order to detect the manual force attack on the covering device.

Embodiment 24: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the transmission comprises at least one traction mechanism. Embodiment 25: Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the traction mechanism has at least one traction means selected from the group consisting of: a chain, in particular a roller chain, a bolt chain or a Link chain; a rope or rope pull; an elastic band; a belt, in particular a toothed belt or a V-belt.

Embodiment 26: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device is further configured to start at least one cleaning program after a closing movement has taken place after the covering device has reached the closed position.

Embodiment 27: A method for cleaning items to be cleaned, comprising cleaning the items to be cleaned in at least one cleaning chamber, at least one covering device at least partially enclosing the cleaning chamber, wherein the covering device via at least one transmission by means of at least one electromechanical drive in an opening movement direction of a a closed position in an open position or in a closing movement direction from an open position to a closed position, the method further comprising detecting a manual force application to the cover device in the opening movement direction or in the closing movement direction by means of at least one sensor, and wherein the method further comprises a control of the electromechanical drive according to the detection of the manual force application.

Embodiment 28: Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the actuation of the electromechanical drive comprises at least one of the following steps: upon detection of a manual force attack in the opening movement direction, activation of the electromechanical drive such that the cover device is moved in the opening movement direction; upon detection of a manual force application in the closing movement direction, a drive of the electromechanical drive is such that the cover device is moved in the closing movement direction. Embodiment 29: Method according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein a cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a cleaning device is used.

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 dependent claims. 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:

Figure 1 is an exemplary front view of a Durchschubgeschirrspülmaschme in

Mold of a hood dishwasher in which the invention can be implemented;

Figure 2 is a side view of the hood dishwasher according to Figure 1; and

Figure 3 is a schematic view of a power transmission line and spring elements for balancing the hood of the hood dishwasher.

Description of the embodiments

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 110 according to the invention. The cleaning device 110 is configured in this embodiment as Durchschubgeschirrspülmaschme 112, which includes an inlet table or feed table 114, a hood dishwasher 116 and a discharge table 118. The cleaning device 110 is shown in front view in FIG. In Figure 2, the hood dishwasher is shown again in a side view 116.

In addition to the hood dishwasher 116, the cleaning device 110 in the region of the feed table 114 can exemplarily comprise a basin 120 and a hose shower 122 for a pre-cleaning of the cleaning product 124, which may, for example, be dishes or other types of the above-mentioned cleaning product. The item to be cleaned 124 can be introduced into a cleaning chamber 128 of the cleaning device 110, for example by means of one or more dish racks 126. There, the cleaning product 124 can be charged with one or more cleaning fluids, for example via one or more application devices (not shown in detail in FIGS. 1 and 2), for example nozzle systems. The hood dishwasher 116 has a base 130 which, for example, has a frame 132. Furthermore, the hood dishwasher 116 comprises a covering device 134, which in this exemplary embodiment is designed as a hood 136 by way of example. This hood 136 can be opened via an opening path and is shown in Figures 1 and 2 respectively with solid lines in a closed position 135 and in dashed lines in an open position 137. The direction of movement from the closed position 135 to the open position 137 defines an opening movement direction 139, and the opposite direction of movement from the open position 137 to the closed position 135 defines a closing movement direction 141.

The hood dishwasher 116 also has at least one actuating element 138 in the form of a handle 140. In FIG. 2, analogously to the representation of the hood 136, the handle 140 is shown with solid lines in the closed position 135, and with dashed lines in the opened position 137. The handle 140, for example, acts directly on the hood 136.

Furthermore, at least one controller 148 may be arranged in the base 130 of the hood dishwasher 116. However, a controller 148 can also be arranged, for example, alternatively or additionally at other locations of the hood dishwasher 116. Furthermore, 130 further elements may be arranged in the base, such as at least one treatment tank, in which a Nachspülflüssigkeit is temperature controlled, for example at least one boiler. These elements are not shown in the figures.

The hood 136 is connected via at least one gear 184 with at least one electromechanical drive 188. The electromechanical driver 188 is configured to move, via the transmission 184, the hood 136 in the opening movement direction 139 or the closing movement direction 141, for example, to bring the hood 136 from the closed position 135 to the open position 137, or vice versa. The transmission 184 may be, for example, as described below, a traction mechanism 185 or have, as will be explained in more detail below. The transmission 184 includes, for example, a power transmission section 182, one or more torque transmission elements 168, one or more torque converters 166, one or more chain wheels 162, 170, one or more traction devices 158, 177, and optionally other elements. It should be noted, however, that other types of transmissions 184 can be used within the scope of the present invention, for example, transmission 184 without Traction means and / or gear 184 without torque converter. The following description of the transmission 184 is thus to be seen as an example.

The cleaning device 110 has guide elements 150 on both sides of its rear side, wherein one of these guide elements 150 is shown schematically in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, this guide element 150 can have, for example, a guide rail 152 or another type of guide profile, for example a rectangular profile in the form of a rectangular tube and / or square tube. This is, as shown in Figure 3, arranged vertically. Each guide element 150 is supported, for example via rollers 154, for example, three rollers on each side. At the top of the guide elements 150, a cantilever 156 is formed at the top on which the, for example, completely pre-assembled, hood 136 can be pushed and, for example, only a few fasteners, such as two screws, can be secured. At each guide element 150, a first traction means 158 is attached below, for example at least one first roller chain. This first traction means 158 is guided in each case via a deflection wheel 160 in the upper region of a housing of the cleaning device 110. The first traction means 158 is further placed on each of a first sprocket 162 in the lower region of the housing. The illustrated arrangement of the guide element 150, the first traction means 158, the guide wheel 160 and the first sprocket 162 is duplicated on the opposite side of the back of the cleaning device 110, so that two, for example, like, first sprockets 162 exist, of which in FIG to simplify the illustration of only one is shown. The two first sprockets 162 are rotatably connected to each other via a shaft 164, on which they are applied rotationally fixed. In addition, a torque converter 166 is applied to this shaft 164, also torsionally rigid. This comprises a rotatably mounted torque transmission element 168, which is formed in this embodiment as a third sprocket 170. This third sprocket 170 is rotatably mounted about the axis of the shaft 164. Furthermore, a third traction means 172 is placed on this third sprocket 170, which lifts off from the third sprocket 170 at an engagement point 174 and at its other end with, in this embodiment, two spring elements 176 is connected. The hood 136 is shown in Figure 3 in the closed position 135. During a movement along an opening path, the guide member 150 moves upward, and the first sprockets 162 rotate in a rotational direction 178. The third sprocket 170 rotates in this opening movement in a direction of rotation 178, for example, the same direction of rotation 180th The torque transmission element 168 in the form of the third sprocket 170 is designed, for example, with a non-uniform radius, as can be seen in FIG. This means that a distance R between the point 174 and the axis changes with an angular position of the torque transmitting element 168. However, this also changes the torque transmitted by the third traction means 172 to the shaft 164, since this is dependent on the angular position of the sprocket 170.

When the hood 136 is closed, the two chains of the first traction means 158, which are fixed to the bottom of the guide rails 152, largely unwound from the sprockets 162. The third traction means 172, however, also in the form of, for example, a roller chain, is largely wound on its third sprocket 170, and the spring elements 176, which are designed, for example, as tension springs, are stretched, as shown in FIG. When lifting the hood 136, the two first traction means 158 wrap on their wheels 162. At the same time, the third pulling means 172 is unscrewed and the spring elements 176 relax.

To compensate for the change in the spring force of the spring elements 176 over the opening path, the third sprocket 170, as stated above, an effective radius and / or pitch circle, which varies over the circumference. By means of this embodiment, the change in the spring force over the opening path or over the elongation can be adapted to the force actually required to balance the weight of the hood 136. Apart from a uniform and / or continuous radius reduction or increase in radius, non-uniform adjustments of the effective radius R can also be realized. For example, to damp a movement at the end positions, sudden diameter changes can also be introduced to the sprockets.

The traction means 158 and the torque converter 166 are part of a power transmission path 182, by means of which a spring force of the at least one spring element 176 is transferable to the cover 134 in a converted form. The power transmission line 182 is part of the transmission 184 in this embodiment. Further components of the power transmission path may be the deflection wheels 160 and the first sprockets 162 and the shaft 164. As a result of the effective radius R, which varies over the angular position, the torque converter 166 and thus the entire force transmission path 182 have a transmission ratio that varies over the opening travel. The torque converter 166 is thus, for example, part of the transmission 184, which in this embodiment has a variable transmission ratio which varies over the opening travel of the hood 136. It should be noted, however, that embodiments of the present invention are also possible in which Instead of a gear 184 is used with a variable gear ratio, but a transmission with a fixed gear ratio.

The sprockets 162, 170 may, for example, be made and assembled individually from metal. Furthermore, individual parts of the wheelset, such as guide discs, also be made entirely or partially of plastic. A production of the entire wheel set made of plastic is conceivable. The wheelset is preferably mounted with bearings, which allows less friction and thus easy running. The sprockets 162 and the shaft 164 as well as the traction means 158, 172 can be further components of the transmission 184.

As already explained above, at least one electromechanical drive 186 is coupled to the transmission 184 for realizing a semi-automatic and / or fully automatic hood 136, for example at least one motor and particularly preferably at least one electric motor. In particular, this may be a DC geared motor. The electromechanical drive 186 can be coupled, for example, by means of a further chain 188 and / or another type of traction means and by means of two pinions 190, which may be the same or different, and / or by means of a further transmission with a fixed or variable transmission ratio.

In order to protect the operating personnel from excessively large closing forces of the semi-automatic or fully automatic hood, a number of solutions can be used with an optional semi-automatic or even fully automatic hood. For example, the electric motor can be fastened so that its torque is absorbed by a spring-supported torque support 192. If the torque is too great, for example too great a closing force on the hood 136, this torque arm 192 is deflected. This movement can be detected, for example, by means of a switch 194, which can pass on its signal to the controller 148. The controller 148 may then terminate, for example, the movement of the hood 136 and optionally initiate reverse movement.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one rotary encoder can be integrated in the power transmission path 182, including the electromechanical drive 186, which can also be connected to the controller 148. This rotary encoder is not shown in FIG. The controller 148 may detect, for example, when the signals of the rotary encoder fail, for example because a movement is obstructed. In this case, the controller 148 may then terminate, for example, the movement of the hood and / or a initiate reverse movement. In order to limit a possibly occurring squeezing force, the weight compensation force for the hood 136 can be adjusted to the closing force by the drive so that harmless values are not exceeded. To increase the safety of the operating personnel in the event of failure of individual components of the weight balance, for example, several elements of the power transmission line 182 can be designed redundant. Thus, for example, instead of a single third traction means 172, for example a single third chain, two chains can be used in parallel or "back to back". Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the third traction means 172 can be supplemented by a further deformable component and / or traction means, for example a cable, which can absorb the tensile force in the event of a breakage of the chain.

Further possible embodiments relate to securing elements which provide a backup in the event of breakage of the at least one spring element 176. Thus, the spring element 176, for example, have at least one securing element 196, which may for example be directly part of the spring elements 176 or else, which should also be included, can be coupled with these. For example, this securing element 196 may include a catching element or a catching device, which in this exemplary embodiment are coupled by way of example to the two spring elements 176. For example, this securing element may have at least one securing bar 198, wherein the force transmission path 182 may couple to the securing bar 198 when the at least one spring element 176 breaks or, in the case of a plurality of spring elements 176. However, other embodiments are possible.

As stated above, in particular two first traction means 158 may be provided. However, another number is possible. Furthermore, two or more of the mentioned elements can also be combined in whole or in part. Thus, for example, the two first traction means 158 can also be designed to be shorter and, for example, connected to a single chain, which can then be connected to the weight compensating spring elements 176 individually via the wheel set.

Instead of the roller chains mentioned, the invention can also be realized with other flexible or deformable traction means or also in combination with different types of traction means. For example, bolt chains, link chains, belts or ropes can be used. For actuating a hood movement, a user, in particular operating personnel, for example, actuate one or more operating elements 200, which can be arranged, for example, laterally or on a front side of the base 130 and / or the hood 136. These can act, for example, on the control 148, which in turn drives the electromechanical drive 186. However, as stated above, in principle the arrangement and the electrical connection of the at least one operating element 200 are fundamentally problematic. In particular, in the arrangement shown in Figure 1, it may be that the operator must leave the workplace on the pool 120 to initiate a movement of the hood 136.

As stated above, to solve this problem in the context of the present invention, at least one sensor 202 is provided, which is set up to detect a manual force attack on the cover device 134 and in particular the hood 136, and preferably also the direction of this force application. In this way, for example, the hood 136 can be easily lifted by a user when it is in the closed position 135, ie moved in the opening movement direction 139, which is detected by the sensor 202. For example, movements of 5 mm or more or movements greater than 5 mm can be detected as a desire to move the hood 136 in that direction. Conversely, for example, the hood 136 may be pulled slightly downward by a user when in the open position 137, in the closing movement direction 141, which is detected by the sensor 202. The detection of this force application and, if appropriate, the direction of this force application can then be converted by the controller 148 into a corresponding control command for the electromechanical drive 186 to subsequently support or even move the hood 136 in the desired direction by the electromechanical drive 186 exclusively by the electromechanical drive 186 perform. The hood 136 itself can therefore be used as a type of control element 200 by a request for a movement of the hood 136 is transmitted to the controller 148 by a force attack on this hood 136.

The sensor 202 can basically be arranged at different locations within the cleaning device 110. For example, the at least one sensor 202 may be located at one or more of the following locations: on the hood 136; on the guide element 150; on the guide rail 152; within the transmission 184, for example within the power transmission path 182 and / or elsewhere within the transmission 184; in the electromechanical drive 186. In the illustrated embodiment, the electromechanical drive 186 and / or the transmission 184 may comprise, for example, at least one driven shaft 204, which is separate from the electromechanical drive 186. mechanical drive 186 is preferably rotatable, preferably in both possible directions of rotation. The sensor 202 may comprise, for example, an incremental encoder 206, which may be arranged, for example, on a shaft end of the shaft 204. For example, the sensor 202 may be connected to the controller 148 wirelessly or by wire to communicate with it unidirectionally or bidirectionally. The controller 148 may be configured, for example, to evaluate the information of the sensor 202 and to give corresponding control commands to the electromechanical drive 186. The electromechanical drive 186 can be connected directly or indirectly, for example wireless or wired, to the controller 148. For example, the controller 148 may be configured to start the electromechanical drive 186, to affect a direction of rotation thereof, or also a rotational speed. Other embodiments are possible. The controller 148 can be set up, for example, to program-technically evaluate signals and / or information of the sensor 202, for example by using a threshold value method. Thus, for example, a change in the position transmitted by the sensor 202 and / or an increment can be monitored and, for example, compared with one or more threshold values. In this way, for example, the above-described monitoring can be done as to whether the hood 136 has been moved by the manual force attack by more than a predetermined distance, which can then be interpreted as a command for further movement in the direction of this force attack.

The electromechanical drive 186 may be configured in particular as a DC geared motor. The DC gear motor, for example, be designed so that it is not self-locking. As a result, a movement can be done by hand and / or it can also be operated in a fault, the hood 136 by hand. The engine can be moved. The incremental encoder 206 can recognize, for example, a rotational movement of the motor and pass on the associated operating direction and these signals to the controller 148. For example, the controller 148 may evaluate this signal, interpret the motion request, and then drive the motor in the appropriate direction.

Furthermore, the cleaning device 110 may also have additional functions. Thus, this can be set up, in particular, for carrying out at least one cleaning program, for example by means of a corresponding program-technical device of the control 148. For example, after a closing movement, when the hood 136 is in the closed position 135, a wash program is started automatically.

As stated above, in the embodiment according to the invention, in particular no separate keys and / or switches are necessary to initiate a movement of the hood 136. This eliminates the corresponding installation requirements, and it can also significantly reduce costs compared to conventional cleaning devices 110. The handle 140 is usually located in an ergonomically favorable position on the hood 136, for example in an ergonomically favorable position to a workstation on the basin 120. Operating personnel at this workplace can thus easily reach the handle 140 and thus initiate the hood movement, too In addition, a learning is usually not required because the hood movement is initiated intuitively, with a corresponding movement of the handle 140. This results in a user-friendly and easy to use overall situation of the cleaning device 110th

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

cleaning device

Pass-through dishwasher

entry table

Hood dishwasher

delivery table

pool

Hand shower

cleaned

dish rack

cleaning chamber

Base

frame

covering

closed position

Hood

open position

B actuating element

Opening movement direction

Handle

Closing movement direction

Side wall

control

guide element

guide rail

role

cantilever

first traction means

guide wheel

first sprocket

wave

Torque converter

Torque transmission element third sprocket

third traction means

attackpoint

spring element first direction of rotation second direction of rotation

Power transmission line

transmission

Traction mechanism electromechanical drive

Chain

pinion

torque arm

switch

fuse element

safety bar

operating element

sensor

wave

incremental

Claims

claims

A cleaning device (110) for cleaning articles to be cleaned (124), comprising at least one cleaning chamber (128) and at least one covering device (134) at least partially enclosing the cleaning chamber (128), wherein the covering device (134) is connected via at least one gear (184) by means of at least an electromechanical drive (186) is movable in an opening movement direction (139) from a closed position (135) to an open position (137) or in a closing movement direction (141) from an open position (137) to a closed position (135), wherein the cleaning device (110) further comprises a sensor (202), the sensor (202) being adapted to detect a manual force application to the cover device (134) in the opening movement direction (139) or the closing movement direction (141) the cleaning device (110) is further configured to operate according to the detection of the manual force iffs to control the electromechanical drive (186).

Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cleaning device (110) is a dishwasher, wherein the dishwasher is selected from a hood dishwasher (116) and a push-through dishwasher (112).

A cleaning device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover device (134) is a linearly movable cover device (134).

The cleaning device (110) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover device (134) is selected from the group consisting of: a hood (136) at least partially covering and / or enclosing the cleaning chamber (128); a jacket enclosing the cleaning chamber (128) at least partially; a door, in particular one or more sliding doors.

The cleaning device (110) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) comprises a controller (148), the controller (148) being arranged to drive the electro-mechanical actuator (186).

A cleaning device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) is arranged in at least one of the following ways is: the cleaning device (110) is arranged to detect a manual force application in the opening movement direction (139) and to drive the electromechanical drive (186) such that the cover device (134) is moved in the opening movement direction (139); the cleaning device (1 10) is arranged to detect a manual force application in the closing movement direction (141) and to drive the electromechanical drive (186) such that the cover device (134) is moved in the closing movement direction (141).

The cleaning device (110) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (202) is arranged to detect a direction of manual force application.

8. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (202) has at least one incremental encoder (206) connected to the electromechanical drive (186).

A cleaning device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (202) is arranged to detect the manual application of force to the capping device (134) due to movement.

The cleaning device (110) of the preceding claim, wherein the cleaning device (110) is arranged to compare the movement to at least one threshold to detect the manual application of force to the capping device (134).

11. A cleaning device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electromechanical drive (186) comprises a motor, wherein the motor is a non-self-locking motor.

12. Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cleaning device (110) is arranged such that the motor is moved by the manual force attack on the cover device (134), wherein the sensor (202) is adapted to a movement of the Recognize the engine.

13. Cleaning device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) is further adapted to after performing a Closing movement after the capping device (134) has reached the closed position to start at least one cleaning program.

14. A method for cleaning items to be cleaned, comprising cleaning the items to be cleaned (124) in at least one cleaning chamber (128), wherein at least one covering device (134) at least partially enclosing the cleaning chamber (128) is used, wherein the covering device (134 ) via at least one gear (184) is movable from an open position to an open position or in a closing movement direction (141) from an open position to a closed position by means of at least one electromechanical drive (186) in an opening movement direction (139) The method further comprises detecting a manual force application on the capping device (134) in the opening movement direction (139) or in the closing movement direction (141) by means of at least one sensor (202), and wherein the method further comprises driving the electromechanical drive (186) in accordance with the detection the manual force attack fs includes.

15. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the activation of the electromechanical drive (186) comprises at least one of the following steps: upon detection of a manual force attack in the opening movement direction (139), activation of the electromechanical drive (186) such that the covering device (186) 134) is moved in the opening movement direction (139); upon detection of a manual force application in the closing movement direction (141), driving the electromechanical drive (186) so as to move the capping device (134) in the closing movement direction (141).