EP3324811B1 - Cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning articles - Google Patents

Description

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, in particular in the commercial area of commercial kitchens and communal catering facilities. For example, the invention can be used for cleaning items to be cleaned in the form of objects for the preparation, presentation, storage or reception of food or beverages, such as, for example, dishes, cutlery, glasses, cups, pots, bowls or trays. In particular, the invention can be used in hooded dishwashers or pass-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 uses, the invention is described below with regard to dishwasher technology, that is to say with regard to cleaning devices in the form of dishwashers. In particular, these can be commercial dishwashers, the following being described, in particular without restricting further possible configurations, in particular slide-through dishwashers or hooded dishwashers. Examples of such dishwashers are, in particular Glasses and dishwashers from the DV series or the EcoStar series from Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG, Offenburg, Germany and, or the PT series from Winterhalter Deutschland GmbH, Meckenbeur en, Germany. In principle, however, the present invention can also be used in other products.

In known hood dishwashers, the hood is usually guided by means of a suitable guide, the operating personnel being able to move the hood from a closed to an open position or vice versa by means of appropriate handles and / or levers. However, there are also automatic hooded dishwashers known in which a hood movement takes place automatically, for example driven by a motor. The hood movement is usually initiated in that a corresponding signal is given via a control panel of the hood dishwasher. Alternatively or additionally, separate buttons or switches can also be provided. However, a disadvantage of such arrangements is that the control elements can in principle be placed anywhere, but that they must be wired separately, which is complex and costly in practice. Depending on the local conditions and the particular situation of the installation of the dishwasher, the operating elements are also not always easy to reach by the operator. If the hood movement is triggered only via the control panel of the dishwasher, the operator has to leave his working position, which is usually located on the side of the dishwasher, for example on a basin with a pre-wash shower, to initiate the hood movement.

Automatic triggering processes 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 process of a door or a pull-out. For example, is off WO 2009/132813 A1 a dishwasher with a decorative plate designed as a touch sensor is known. Out DE 10 2008 028 313 A1 a capacitive touch switch for a household appliance is known. EP 2 428 153 B1 describes a household appliance with a door opening sensor for recognizing an acoustically expressed 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 A1 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 an impact sound of a person moving in a surrounding area of the household appliance. DE 10 2014 007 172 A1 describes an electronic household appliance with a gesture detection device.

Furthermore, a cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned is made JP 2013 027630 A known.

Despite the advantages associated with this improved sensor technology, numerous technical challenges remain. For example, one challenge is that in many cases signals are not clear or cannot be clearly interpreted. In particular, acoustic signals, haptic signals or structure-borne noise can also arise in the often turbulent operation of a commercial kitchen, without this being intended to trigger a specific reaction of the dishwasher. An incorrectly triggered reaction, however, can interrupt the workflow and thus lead to undesirable faults. Furthermore, many of the sensors mentioned are expensive and also 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 items to be cleaned, which at least largely avoid the disadvantages of known devices and methods of this type. In particular, a cleaning device and a method are to be provided which enable a cleaning chamber of the cleaning device to be opened or closed in a simple, inexpensive and user-friendly manner.

Disclosure of the invention

This object is achieved by a cleaning device and a method with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments, which can be implemented individually or in any combination, are presented in the dependent claims.

In the following, the terms “have”, “have”, “comprise” or “include” or any grammatical deviations therefrom are used in a non-exclusive manner. Accordingly, these terms can refer both to situations in which, apart from the features introduced by these terms, no further features are present, or to situations in which one or more further features are present. For example, the expression "A has B", "A has B", "A includes B" or "A includes B" 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 are present in A, for example element C, elements C and D or even further elements .

Furthermore, it is pointed out that the terms “at least one” and “one or more”, as well as grammatical variations of these terms, if they are used in connection with one or more elements or features and are intended to express that the element or feature is provided one or more times can, as a rule, only be used once, for example when the feature or element is first introduced. When the feature or element is mentioned again, the corresponding term "at least one" or "becomes an or several "generally no longer used, without restricting the possibility that the feature or element can be provided one or more times.

Furthermore, the terms “preferably”, “in particular”, “for example” or similar terms are used in the following in conjunction with optional features, without this restricting alternative embodiments. Thus, features introduced by these terms are optional features, and it is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, and in particular the independent claims, by these features. Thus, as the person skilled in the art will recognize, the invention can also be carried out using other configurations. Similarly, features which are introduced by "in one embodiment of the invention" or by "in an embodiment of the invention" are understood as optional features, without this being intended to restrict alternative configurations or the scope of protection of the independent claims. Furthermore, these introductory expressions are intended to leave all possibilities of combining the features introduced thereby with other features, whether optional or non-optional, unchanged.

In a first aspect of the present invention, a cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed. A cleaning device is generally to be understood in the context of the present invention as a device in which the items to be cleaned are cleaned by means of at least one cleaning fluid in order to at least partially free them of adhering dirt and / or other contaminants. The cleaning fluid can in particular comprise at least one cleaning liquid. In addition, the cleaning device can also have a germicidal effect or even a disinfectant effect on the items to be cleaned. Accordingly, a method for cleaning items to be cleaned, as it is proposed in a second aspect of the present invention, hereinafter also referred to as a cleaning method, means that the items to be cleaned are subjected to at least one cleaning fluid, for the purpose of at least partially removing adhering dirt from the items Items to be cleaned.

In general, cleaning goods can be understood to mean any goods that can be subjected to cleaning or a cleaning process, for example industrial goods. In the following, reference is made to items to be cleaned in the form of items to be washed and / or crockery without restrictions on further possible configurations. In general, washware should include any objects that are necessary for the preparation, storage, presentation or transport of food and / or drinks be used. In particular, it can be washware selected from the group consisting of dishes such as cups, plates, glasses, bowls or bowls; Pots; Trays; Cutlery; Warming devices; Containers; Boxes; Baskets. Other devices which can be used directly or indirectly for the preparation, preparation, transport or presentation of food and / or beverages or preliminary stages of food and / or beverages can also be used. The cleaning device can thus be configured in particular as a dishwasher and particularly preferably as a hood dishwasher and / or a feed-through dishwasher.

The cleaning device further comprises at least one cleaning chamber and at least one covering device that at least partially surrounds the cleaning chamber. A cleaning chamber can generally be understood to mean a completely or at least partially shielded room in which the items to be cleaned can be acted upon with at least one cleaning fluid and / or with a plurality of cleaning fluids. For example, at least one application device for applying the at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned can be provided within the cleaning chamber. Furthermore, complete or partial drying of the items to be cleaned can also take place within the cleaning chamber. The cleaning device can in particular be designed 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.

As stated above, the cleaning device has at least one covering device which at least partially surrounds the cleaning chamber. A covering device is generally to be understood to mean a device or an element which at least partially delimits the cleaning chamber and at the same time enables access to the cleaning chamber, for example for loading the cleaning chamber with items to be cleaned or for removing the items to be cleaned from the cleaning chamber. The covering device can thus in particular form a chamber wall of the cleaning chamber or part of a chamber wall of the cleaning chamber. In particular, as will be explained in greater detail below, the covering device can be designed entirely or partially as a hood and / or jacket, which is mounted so as to be displaceable in a vertical direction. For example, the covering device can comprise a hood which can be shifted upwards to open the cleaning chamber and which can be shifted downwards in order, for example, to close the cleaning chamber together with a base of the cleaning device.

The covering device can be moved via at least one gear 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. For example, the covering device is mounted so as to be movable so that it can be brought into at least two different positions, namely into an open position and a closed position. Intermediate positions are also possible. The majority of the possible positions between the open position and the closed position, optionally including the open position and the closed position, can also be referred to as the 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 can take place between a drive and a driven element. In particular, movement quantities can also be changed by means of a gear. For example, a change in a force or a torque can take place by means of the transmission. In particular, a movement to be changed can be a rotary movement. In particular, the transmission can thus also comprise a torque converter.

The transmission can in particular comprise at least one traction mechanism transmission, in particular at least one chain transmission. A traction mechanism transmission is generally to be understood as 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 one which wraps around the at least one shaft Traction means. A traction means can generally be understood to mean a deformable, for example bendable or stretchable, elongated element, by means of which a tensile force can be transmitted. For example, the power transmission line can have at least one traction means, in particular a flexible traction means. The traction means can in particular be selected from the group consisting of: a chain, in particular a roller chain, a pin 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 devices can also be used in principle.

An “electromechanical drive” is generally to be understood in the context of the present invention as a device which is set up to convert electrical energy into at least one mechanical movement, in particular a linear movement and / or a rotary movement. In particular, the electromechanical drive can have at least one motor, as will be explained in more detail below. For example For example, the electromechanical drive can be coupled to the cover device via the gearbox in order to move the cover device in the opening movement direction, that is to say to open it completely or partially, and to move it in the closing movement direction, that is to say to completely or partially close it. Alternatively or in addition to using a motor, however, other types of electromechanical drives can also be used, for example at least one drive selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic drive, an electrohydraulic drive, a pneumatic drive or an electropneumatic drive. However, other configurations are also conceivable.

The cleaning device also has a sensor. The sensor is set up to detect a manual application of force to the covering 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 attack.

A “sensor” in the sense of the present invention is to be understood in principle as any element which is set up to record at least one measurement variable 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 can in particular comprise at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of a motion sensor, a pressure sensor, a tension 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 the sensors mentioned are also possible in principle. The at least one sensor can in particular comprise at least one angular position sensor which monitors at least one angular position of at least one shaft which is connected to the electromechanical drive, in particular the motor.

A "manual force attack" in the sense of the present invention is to be understood in principle as any action or exertion of force by a human person, in particular a user. This can 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 indirectly. Direct detection in this case includes, for example, a tensile and / or pressure force acting on the covering device. Indirect detection includes, for example, one performed by the user Force-induced effect, for example a movement, for example a movement of the cover device and / or at least one element connected to the cover device, for example the transmission or a part thereof and / or the electromechanical drive or part thereof, for example a motor or a shaft, which is connected to the engine. The manual force application can take place completely or partially directly on the cover device and / or completely or partially indirectly, for example via at least one element connected to the cover device, for example a handle.

The manual application of force, 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 is preferably oriented parallel to the closing movement direction. In the case of a hood, for example, a force can be exerted in the vertical direction upwards or downwards, so that, for example, the hood rises or falls slightly due to the manual application of force, which can 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 attack. In the context of the present invention, “control” is basically to be understood as a type of operation of the electromechanical drive, in particular starting the electromechanical drive, stopping the electromechanical drive, changing a drive speed of the electromechanical drive, for example a rotational speed of a motor, or a change in the direction of the electromechanical drive, for example a change in a direction of rotation of a motor. The control can take place, for example, by controlling the cleaning device, which acts directly or indirectly on the electromechanical drive in order to effect the control, for example in accordance with one or more of the types mentioned.

In the context of the present invention, a control “corresponding to the detection of the manual power attack” is to be understood in principle that the control can be changed when the manual power attack is detected. For example, the control can be changed if it is recognized that a manual power attack is taking place, and / or the type of control can be changed if it is detected, that there is a manual force attack. Alternatively or additionally, the control 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 covering device caused by the manual force application can be recognized and optionally its direction can be determined. Accordingly, the electromechanical drive can then be controlled in such a way that it supports the movement of the covering device or continues alone without further manual force until this movement has reached its end, for example the open position or closed position. For example, in the case of a hood dishwasher, it can be detected by means of the at least one sensor when, with a hood in the closed position, a user begins to open the hood manually, for example by moving the hood slightly upwards or exerting a force on the hood. The electromechanical drive, for example the motor, can then be controlled in such a way that this opening movement is supported by the electromechanical drive or is 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 begins to close the hood manually, for example by the user moving the hood slightly downwards or exerting a force on the hood downwards, the electromechanical drive can , for example the motor, are controlled in such a way that this closing movement is supported by the electromechanical drive or is even continued exclusively by the electromechanical drive, for example until the hood has reached the closed position. A corresponding design and movement is possible with other types of covering device. An opening movement is generally understood to mean a movement in the opening movement direction, and a closing movement generally means a movement in the closing movement direction.

The cleaning device can in particular be a dishwasher or can also include a dishwasher. In particular, the dishwasher can be selected from the group consisting of a hood dishwasher and a slide-through dishwasher. However, other configurations are also possible in principle. A hood dishwasher is generally to be understood as a dishwasher which has a base which provides an underside of the washing chamber, and at least one hood or a hood jacket as a covering device which wholly or partly forms at least one side wall of the cleaning chamber and optionally at least one cover of the cleaning chamber and which can be opened up or down to expose the cleaning chamber. Under A feed-through dishwasher is generally to be understood as a dishwasher which has at least one feed-through device by means of which, for example from one insertion side, items to be cleaned, for example a basket with items to be cleaned, can be inserted into the washing chamber, for example with the hood open, and with a second one Side, for example a removal side, the items to be cleaned can be pushed out of the cleaning chamber again after the cleaning process. In practical parlance, the term slide-through dishwasher is often also used as a generic term and also includes, for example, hooded dishwashers with a slide-through device and dishwashers in which only lateral walls can be moved to open the wash cabinet. Feed-through dishwashers generally do not include an active feed-through device but a manual feed-through for dishes. The push-through device includes, for example, slide rails and / or guides. For examples of such hood dishwashers, reference can be made to the prior art mentioned above.

As explained above, the cleaning device can further comprise in particular at least one loading device for loading the cleaning items 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 and / or sprayed and / or dripped onto the items to be cleaned. In particular, one or more spray arms can also be provided, in particular rotating spray arms.

The cleaning device can furthermore have at least one treatment tank which is separate from the cleaning chamber, in particular at least one boiler. A rinse liquid can be tempered in the treatment tank, while a rinsing process takes place in the cleaning chamber. For example, the cleaning device can be designed as a commercial dishwasher.

As stated above, the covering device can be designed in various ways. In particular, the covering device can be selected from the group consisting of: a hood that at least partially covers and / or encloses the cleaning chamber; a jacket at least partially enclosing the cleaning chamber; one or more sliding doors. Other configurations of the covering device are also possible in principle. In particular, the covering device can also be designed entirely or partially as a door, as a slide, as a flap, as a roller shutter or as a roller shutter. The preferred embodiment in which the covering device is described is described below is designed entirely or partially as a hood and / or as a jacket. For example, the hood and / or the jacket can be opened 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 in the open position, the covering device preferably has different potential energy, in particular different positional energy. In the open position, the covering device can in particular be arranged at least partially above the closed position.

The covering device can in particular be or comprise a linear movable covering device. In particular, the covering device can only carry out a linear movement between the open position and the closed position or vice versa, without a rotational component being present. This is particularly the case with hood type dishwashers of the usual type. However, other configurations with one or more rotational components or with an exclusively rotational movement are also possible in principle. The cleaning device can in particular have at least one linear guide for the cover device, in particular a guide rail and / or a guide rod.

The cleaning device can in particular have at least one controller. In the context of the present invention, “control” is basically to be understood as a device which is set up to influence at least one function of the cleaning device. For example, the control can comprise at least one electrical control, in particular an electrical control with at least one data processing device. For example, the controller can comprise at least one processor, at least one microcomputer or at least one application-specific integrated circuit. Other configurations are also possible. In particular, the control can be set up in terms of program technology to control at least one function of the cleaning device, for example at least one program sequence of at least one cleaning program. The controller can further comprise at least one user interface, for example at least one input device, which enables a user to transmit at least one command and / or at least one item of information to the controller. For example, the user interface can comprise at least one keyboard and / or at least one key and / or at least one switch. Furthermore, the user interface can comprise at least one output device, for example at least one display and / or at least one display device. The controller can also have at least one electronic interface include, for example, at least one wireless or wired interface. The control can be or comprise a central machine control, for example, by means of which one or more cleaning programs, in particular one or more washing programs, can be controlled. For example, the controller can be set up to control at least one rinsing process, at least one rinsing process and optionally at least one drying process.

The control can in particular be set up to control the electromechanical drive. For example, the controller can be set up to start or stop the electromechanical drive, for example by transmitting an appropriate electrical signal, to determine or reverse a direction of movement of the electromechanical drive, to determine a speed of the electromechanical drive or a combination of the above Carry out influences. For example, the controller can be connected to the electromechanical drive via at least one interface, for example wired or wireless.

• die Reinigungsvorrichtung, insbesondere die Steuerung, ist eingerichtet, um einen manuellen Kraftangriff in der Öffnungsbewegungsrichtung zu erkennen und den elektromechanischen Antrieb derart anzusteuern, dass die Abdeckvorrichtung in der Öffnungsbewegungsrichtung bewegt wird; und/oder
• die Reinigungsvorrichtung, insbesondere die Steuerung, ist eingerichtet, um einen manuellen Kraftangriff in der Schließbewegungsrichtung zu erkennen und den elektromechanischen Antrieb derart anzusteuern, dass die Abdeckvorrichtung in der Schließbewegungsrichtung bewegt wird.

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

• the cleaning device, in particular the controller, is set up to detect a manual application of force in the opening movement direction and to control the electromechanical drive in such a way that the covering device is moved in the opening movement direction; and or
• the cleaning device, in particular the controller, is set up to detect a manual application of force 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.

As explained above, a recognized, user-induced opening or closing movement can be supported or continued independently by the electromechanical drive, for example up to the open position or up 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 can in particular be a direct current gear motor. However, other configurations are also possible in principle.

The motor can 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 to be understood as a motor which, if it is not activated and, for example, is not energized, allows its drive axis or drive shaft to move. In this way, for example, an initial manual movement of the covering device can be initiated without the motor significantly inhibiting this movement. In particular, the cleaning device can be set up in such a way that the motor is moved by the manual application of force to the cover device, the sensor being set up to detect a movement of the motor, in particular a rotary movement. For example, as explained above, the sensor can comprise at least one incremental encoder, which detects a rotational movement of the motor, which is induced by the manual movement of the covering device. An "incremental encoder" in the sense of the present invention is to be understood in particular as a sensor which is set up to detect changes in position, in particular changes in position during a linear movement of the covering device and / or the electromechanical drive, and / or changes in angle, for example changes in angle during a rotary movement of the Cover device and / or the electromechanical drive, in particular the motor. However, other configurations are also possible in principle.

As stated above, the sensor can in particular also be set up to detect a direction of the manual force application. This direction detection can be used in particular to support the detected, user-induced movement in the direction desired by the user or even to continue it independently, by means of the electromechanical drive.

The at least one sensor can generally be arranged at different points in the cleaning device in order to fulfill the stated function. A combination of sensors is also possible in principle. In particular, the sensor can be connected to at least one element selected from the group consisting of: the cover device, the gear, the electromechanical drive. In particular, the sensor can have at least one incremental encoder connected to the electromechanical drive.

The sensor can in particular be set up to detect the manual application of force to the covering device due to a movement. As stated above, the manual application of force to the covering device can in particular initiate a movement of the covering device, preferably a minimal movement, for example one linear movement of 50 mm or less, in particular 30 mm or less, for example 10 mm or less, in particular 5 mm or less. Due to this preferred insignificance of the movement, the effort required for a user to initiate the movement can be kept as low as possible. The movement can in particular be selected from a movement of the covering device, a movement of the gear and a movement of the electromechanical drive. Combinations are also possible.

In particular, a threshold value method can be used to detect the movement. For example, it can be recognized whether, due to the manual application of force, the covering device moves by more than a predefined threshold value or by at least a predefined threshold value, for example upwards or downwards, for example in the opening direction or in the closing direction. The detection of the movement can, in particular, generally be connected to a query as to whether the electromechanical drive is currently being driven in order to move the covering 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 predefined threshold value or by more than a predefined threshold value, this is only recognized as a movement due to the manual application of force if the cover device is not simultaneously driven by the electromechanical drive is present. Only then can the controller, for example, interpret this movement as a request by a user to carry out an opening or closing movement.

In general, the cleaning device can in particular be set up 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 transmission or the electromechanical drive with the at least one threshold value in order to apply the manual force the cover device to recognize. In addition, as stated above, it can be recognized as a further boundary condition whether the electromechanical drive is in operation or not, so that movements induced by the electromechanical drive can be excluded, for example.

The transmission can in particular comprise at least one traction mechanism transmission, in particular at least one chain transmission. A traction mechanism transmission 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 mechanism, for example a traction means wrapping around the at least one shaft. A traction means can generally be understood to mean a deformable, for example bendable or stretchable, elongated element, by means of which a tensile force can be transmitted. For example, the power transmission line can have at least one traction means, in particular a flexible traction means. The traction means can in particular be selected from the group consisting of: a chain, in particular a roller chain, a pin 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 devices can also be used in principle.

The above-mentioned at least one sensor of the cleaning device can in principle be arranged at at least any point within the cleaning device which is suitable for detecting the manual application of force 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, 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 power transmission, for example as a strain gauge which can be arranged on a linkage or on a first chain, for example. As a result, relatively small paths are required on the cover device, for example on the hood, in order to recognize the force application. This configuration can also be used in combination with a drive motor, for example, which is self-locking. However, other configurations are also possible in principle.

The cleaning device can also have additional functions. For example, the cleaning device can also be set up to start at least one cleaning program, in particular at least one washing program, after a closing movement has been carried out 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 a washing program can then additionally be started automatically, in particular if the control is parameterized accordingly.

As stated above, a method for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed in a second aspect of the present invention. The method can be used in particular using the cleaning device according to the present invention, in particular according to one or more of the above-described configurations and / or according to one or more of the configurations described in more detail below. Accordingly, reference can be made to the description of the cleaning device for possible definitions and / or options of the method.

The method comprises various method steps, which can be carried out, for example, in the order mentioned. However, a different order is also possible in principle. Furthermore, the method can include additional method steps not mentioned. Furthermore, one or more or all of the method steps can also be repeated and / or carried out continuously. Furthermore, two or more of the method steps mentioned or all of the method steps mentioned can also be carried out simultaneously or overlapping in time.

In the method, at least one covering device at least partially enclosing the cleaning chamber is used. The covering device can be moved via at least one gear 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 detection of a manual force attack on the covering device in the opening movement direction or in the closing movement direction by means of at least one sensor. The method also includes a control of the electromechanical drive in accordance with the detection of the manual force attack.

The method can furthermore include an application of the cleaning material in the cleaning device by means of at least one cleaning fluid, for example by means of at least one application device. This loading can take place, for example, after the covering device has been brought into the closed position in the closing movement direction.

As stated above, the control of the electromechanical drive can in particular comprise at least one of the following steps: upon detection of a manual force attack in the opening movement direction, a control of the electromechanical drive such that the covering device is moved in the opening movement direction; upon detection of a manual force attack in the closing movement direction, actuation of the electromechanical drive such that the covering 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 opening or closing the covering device can be omitted. This also eliminates the problem of wiring such switches or buttons or sensors and the problem of arranging these devices.

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

Operation can be designed very intuitively, since the user usually attacks the cover device itself for opening or closing. This attack can be detected and automatically supported. The user may not even be aware that when he acts on the covering device, he triggers a switching process by means of which the movement of the covering device is supported or automatically taken over by the electromechanical drive.

The covering device can, for example, have at least one handle or at least one lever which can be used by the user for the opening or closing process. An additional button or an additional switch is no longer required, since the covering device itself and its movement can be used, for example, as an operating element.

The opening or closing of the cover device does not necessarily have to be triggered by the manual force application on the cover device. In addition to this option of triggering the opening or closing movement by means of the manual application of force, other triggers can also be provided for an opening or closing movement. For example, the cleaning device can be configured such that, in addition to the configuration according to the invention, a program-controlled opening or closing movement also takes place, in which a pulse given by a user does not necessarily trigger the opening or closing movement. For example, the cleaning device, in particular the control, can be set up in such a way that at the end of a cleaning program, the covering device, for example the hood, is opened automatically, for example in accordance with a parameterization of the cleaning program.

The present invention can be implemented particularly advantageously in hood dishwashers or pass-through dishwashers in which a heavy hood or one or two vertical plates are to be moved. The hood can, for example, be driven by a motor via chains or other traction means, for example a direct current gear motor. An incremental encoder with which monitoring functions can be implemented can be located at the shaft end of the motor. The geared motor can be designed such that it is not self-locking. In this way, for example, the hood can also be operated by hand in the event of a malfunction. With this design, it is possible to move the hood by hand, which also moves the motor. The incremental encoder can detect a rotary movement of the motor and the associated working direction and can pass this information on to the control, for example by means of at least one signal. The controller can evaluate this signal, interpret the motion request and can then control the motor in the corresponding direction. As stated above, a movement can be detected, for example, by a threshold value method. For example, a hood stroke of 5 mm or more can be recognized and the motor can then be controlled in the appropriate direction. In principle, no separate buttons or switches are necessary, even if they can nevertheless be present, as a result of which increased installation and installation requirements are avoided and a cost reduction can thus be made possible. Hood dishwashers are usually designed anyway with one or more handles on the hood or with one or more levers on the hood, which are generally generally in a favorable position for a working position of the operator and which can be operated, for example, even without direct visual contact. Overall, the invention results in a user-friendly and safe situation.

• Ausführungsform 1: Reinigungsvorrichtung zum Reinigen von Reinigungsgut, umfassend mindestens eine Reinigungskammer und mindestens eine die Reinigungskammer zumindest teilweise umschließende Abdeckvorrichtung, wobei die Abdeckvorrichtung über mindestens ein Getriebe mittels mindestens eines elektromechanischen Antriebs in einer Öffnungsbewegungsrichtung von einer geschlossenen Position in eine geöffnete Position oder in einer Schließbewegungsrichtung von einer geöffneten Position in eine geschlossene Position bewegbar ist, wobei die Reinigungsvorrichtung weiterhin einen Sensor aufweist, wobei der Sensor eingerichtet ist, um einen manuellen Kraftangriff an der Abdeckvorrichtung in der Öffhungsbewegungsrichtung oder in der Schließbewegungsrichtung zu erkennen und wobei die Reinigungsvorrichtung weiterhin eingerichtet ist, um entsprechend der Erkennung des manuellen Kraftangriffs den elektromechanischen Antrieb anzusteuern.
• Ausführungsform 2: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei die Reinigungsvorrichtung eine Geschirrspülmaschine ist.
• Ausführungsform 3: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei die Geschirrspülmaschine ausgewählt ist aus einer Haubengeschirrspülmaschine und einer Durchschubgeschirrspülmaschine.
• Ausführungsform 4: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei die Öffnungsbewegungsrichtung und die Schließbewegungsrichtung jeweils mindestens eine vertikale Richtungskomponente aufweisen.
• Ausführungsform 5: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei die Abdeckvorrichtung in der geschlossenen Position und der geöffneten Position unterschiedliche potenzielle Energie, insbesondere unterschiedliche Lageenergie, aufweist.
• Ausführungsform 6: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei die Abdeckvorrichtung in der geöffneten Position zumindest teilweise oberhalb der geschlossenen Position angeordnet ist.
• Ausführungsform 7: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, weiterhin umfassend mindestens eine Beaufschlagungsvorrichtung zur Beaufschlagung des Reinigungsguts in der Reinigungskammer mit mindestens einem Reinigungsfluid.
• Ausführungsform 8: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei die Reinigungsvorrichtung mindestens einen von der Reinigungskammer getrennt ausgebildeten Aufbereitungstank aufweist, insbesondere einen Boiler, wobei in dem Aufbereitungstank eine Nachspülflüssigkeit temperierbar ist, während in der Reinigungskammer ein Spülvorgang abläuft.
• Ausführungsform 9: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei die Abdeckvorrichtung eine linear bewegliche Abdeckvorrichtung ist.
• Ausführungsform 10: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei die Reinigungsvorrichtung mindestens eine lineare Führung für die Abdeckvorrichtung aufweist, insbesondere eine Führungsschiene und/oder eine Führungsstange.
• Ausführungsform 11: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei die Abdeckvorrichtung ausgewählt ist aus der Gruppe bestehend aus: einer die Reinigungskammer zumindest teilweise abdeckenden und/oder umschließenden Haube; einem die Reinigungskammer zumindest teilweise umschließenden Mantel; einer Tür, insbesondere einer oder mehreren Schiebetüren.
• Ausführungsform 12: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei die Reinigungsvorrichtung eine Steuerung aufweist, wobei die Steuerung eingerichtet ist, um den elektromechanischen Antrieb anzusteuern.
• Ausführungsform 13: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei die Reinigungsvorrichtung, insbesondere die Steuerung, in mindestens einer der folgenden Weisen eingerichtet ist: die Reinigungsvorrichtung, insbesondere die Steuerung, ist eingerichtet, um einen manuellen Kraftangriff in der Öffnungsbewegungsrichtung zu erkennen und den elektromechanischen Antrieb derart anzusteuern, dass die Abdeckvorrichtung in der Öffnungsbewegungsrichtung bewegt wird; die Reinigungsvorrichtung, insbesondere die Steuerung, ist eingerichtet, um einen manuellen Kraftangriff in der Schließbewegungsrichtung zu erkennen und den elektromechanischen Antrieb derart anzusteuern, dass die Abdeckvorrichtung in der Schließbewegungsrichtung bewegt wird.
• Ausführungsform 14: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei der elektromechanische Antrieb einen Motor umfasst, insbesondere einen elektrischen Motor, insbesondere einen Getriebemotor.
• Ausführungsform 15: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei der Motor ein Gleichstrom-Getriebemotor ist.
• Ausführungsform 16: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei der Motor ein nicht-selbsthemmender Motor ist.
• Ausführungsform 17: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei die Reinigungsvorrichtung derart eingerichtet ist, dass durch den manuellen Kraftangriff an der Abdeckvorrichtung der Motor mitbewegt wird, wobei der Sensor eingerichtet ist, um eine Bewegung des Motors zu erkennen, insbesondere eine Drehbewegung.
• Ausführungsform 18: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei der Sensor eingerichtet ist, um eine Richtung des manuellen Kraftangriffs zu erkennen.
• Ausführungsform 19: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei der Sensor verbunden ist mit mindestens einem Element ausgewählt aus der Gruppe bestehend aus: der Abdeckvorrichtung, dem Getriebe, dem elektromechanischen Antrieb.
• Ausführungsform 20: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei der Sensor mindestens einen mit dem elektromechanischen Antrieb verbundenen Inkrementalgeber aufweist.
• Ausführungsform 21: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei der Sensor eingerichtet ist, um den manuellen Kraftangriff an der Abdeckvorrichtung aufgrund einer Bewegung zu erfassen.
• Ausführungsform 22: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei die Bewegung ausgewählt ist aus einer Bewegung der Abdeckvorrichtung, einer Bewegung des Getriebes und einer Bewegung des elektromechanischen Antriebs.
• Ausführungsform 23: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach einer der beiden vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei die Reinigungsvorrichtung eingerichtet ist, um die Bewegung mit mindestens einem Schwellwert zu vergleichen, um den manuellen Kraftangriff an der Abdeckvorrichtung zu erkennen.
• Ausführungsform 24: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei das Getriebe mindestens ein Zugmittelgetriebe umfasst.
• Ausführungsform 25: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei das Zugmittelgetriebe mindestens ein Zugmittel aufweist, ausgewählt aus der Gruppe bestehend aus: einer Kette, insbesondere einer Rollenkette, einer Bolzenkette oder einer Gliederkette; einem Seil oder Seilzug; einem elastischen Band; einem Riemen, insbesondere einem Zahnriemen oder einem Keilriemen.
• Ausführungsform 26: Reinigungsvorrichtung nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei die Reinigungsvorrichtung weiterhin eingerichtet ist, um nach Durchführung einer Schließbewegung, nachdem die Abdeckvorrichtung die geschlossene Position erreicht hat, mindestens ein Reinigungsprogramm zu starten.
• Ausführungsform 27: Verfahren zum Reinigen von Reinigungsgut, umfassend ein Reinigen des Reinigungsguts in mindestens einer Reinigungskammer, wobei mindestens eine die Reinigungskammer zumindest teilweise umschließende Abdeckvorrichtung verwendet wird, wobei die Abdeckvorrichtung über mindestens ein Getriebe mittels mindestens eines elektromechanischen Antriebs in einer Öffhungsbewegungsrichtung von einer geschlossenen Position in eine geöffnete Position oder in einer Schließbewegungsrichtung von einer geöffneten Position in eine geschlossene Position bewegbar ist, wobei das Verfahren weiterhin eine Erkennung eines manuellen Kraftangriffs an der Abdeckvorrichtung in der Öffnungsbewegungsrichtung oder in der Schließbewegungsrichtung mittels mindestens eines Sensors umfasst und wobei das Verfahren weiterhin eine Ansteuerung des elektromechanischen Antriebs entsprechend der Erkennung des manuellen Kraftangriffs umfasst.
• Ausführungsform 28: Verfahren nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei die Ansteuerung des elektromechanischen Antriebs mindestens einen der folgenden Schritte umfasst: bei einer Erkennung eines manuellen Kraftangriffs in der Öffhungsbewegungsrichtung eine Ansteuerung des elektromechanischen Antriebs derart, dass die Abdeckvorrichtung in der Öffhungsbewegungsrichtung bewegt wird; bei einer Erkennung eines manuellen Kraftangriffs in der Schließbewegungsrichtung eine Ansteuerung des elektromechanischen Antriebs derart, dass die Abdeckvorrichtung in der Schließbewegungsrichtung bewegt wird.
• Ausführungsform 29: Verfahren nach einer der beiden vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei eine Reinigungsvorrichtung gemäß einer der vorhergehenden, eine Reinigungsvorrichtung betreffenden Ausführungsformen verwendet wird.

In summary, the following embodiments are particularly preferred:

• 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 gear 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 is movable, wherein the cleaning device further comprises a sensor, the sensor being set up to detect a manual force attack on the covering device in the opening movement direction or in the closing movement direction, and wherein the cleaning device is further set up to detect the electro-mechanical according to the detection of the manual force attack To 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 pass-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, the covering device having different potential energy, in particular different positional energy, in the closed position and the open position.
• Embodiment 6: cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, the covering device being arranged at least partially above the closed position in the open position.
• Embodiment 7: cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising at least one loading device for loading 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 which is separate from the cleaning chamber, in particular a boiler, wherein a 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, the covering device being a linearly movable covering device.
• Embodiment 10: cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, the cleaning device having at least one linear guide for the cover device, in particular a guide rail and / or a guide rod.
• Embodiment 11: cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, the covering device being selected from the group consisting of: a hood which at least partially covers and / or encloses the cleaning chamber; a jacket at least partially enclosing the cleaning chamber; a door, in particular one or more sliding doors.
• Embodiment 12: cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, the cleaning device having a control, the control being 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 set up in at least one of the following ways: the cleaning device, in particular the control, is set up to detect a manual application of force in the opening movement direction and the electromechanical drive to be driven such that the cover device is moved in the opening movement direction; the cleaning device, in particular the controller, is set up to detect a manual application of force 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, the electromechanical drive comprising a motor, in particular an electric motor, in particular a geared motor.
• Embodiment 15: cleaning device according to the preceding 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, the cleaning device being set up in such a way that the motor is moved along by the manual application of force to the covering device, the sensor being set up to detect a movement of the motor, in particular a rotary movement.
• Embodiment 18: cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor is set up to detect a direction of the manual force attack.
• Embodiment 19: 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 gear, the electromechanical drive.
• Embodiment 20: cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, the sensor having 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 covering device due to a movement.
• Embodiment 22: 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, the cleaning device being set up to compare the movement with at least one threshold value in order to recognize the manual application of force to the covering device.
• Embodiment 24: cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the transmission comprises at least one traction mechanism transmission.
• Embodiment 25: cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the traction mechanism transmission has at least one traction mechanism selected from the group consisting of: a chain, in particular a roller chain, a pin chain or one Link chain; a rope or cable; 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 been carried out after the covering device has reached the closed position.
• Embodiment 27: Method for cleaning items to be cleaned, comprising cleaning the items to be cleaned in at least one cleaning chamber, wherein at least one covering device at least partially enclosing the cleaning chamber is used, the covering device being at least one gear by means of at least one electromechanical drive in an opening movement direction from 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 attack on 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 attack.
• 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, actuation of the electromechanical drive such that the covering device is moved in the opening movement direction; upon detection of a manual force attack in the closing movement direction, actuation of the electromechanical drive such that the covering device is moved in the closing movement direction.
• Embodiment 29: Method according to one of the two preceding embodiments, a cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a cleaning device being used.

Brief description of the figures

Further details and features of the invention result from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments, in particular in connection with the subclaims. The respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. The same reference numerals in the individual figures denote the same or functionally identical or corresponding in terms of their functions elements.

Figur 1

eine exemplarische Vorderansicht einer Durchschubgeschirrspülmaschine in Form einer Haubengeschirrspülmaschine, in denen die Erfindung umgesetzt werden kann;

Figur 2

eine Seitenansicht der Haubengeschirrspülmaschine gemäß Figur 1; und

Figur 3

eine schematische Ansicht einer Kraftübertragungsstrecke und von Federelementen zum Gewichtsausgleich der Haube der Haubengeschirrspülmaschine.

Show in detail:

Figure 1

an exemplary front view of a pass-through dishwasher in the form of a hood dishwasher, in which the invention can be implemented;

Figure 2

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 weight compensation of the hood of the hood dishwasher.

Description of the embodiments

In Figure 1 An embodiment of a cleaning device 110 according to the invention is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the cleaning device 110 is designed as a pass-through dishwasher 112, which comprises an inlet table or inlet table 114, a hood dishwasher 116 and an outlet table 118. The cleaning device 110 is shown in FIG Figure 1 shown in front view. In Figure 2 the hood dishwasher 116 is shown again in a side view.

In addition to the hooded dishwasher 116, the cleaning device 110 in the area of the feed table 114 can include, for example, a basin 120 and a hose shower 122 for pre-cleaning the washware 124, which can be, for example, dishes or other types of the washware mentioned above. The items to be cleaned 124 can, for example, be introduced into a cleaning chamber 128 of the cleaning device 110 by means of one or more crockery baskets 126. There, one or more cleaning fluids can be applied to the items to be cleaned 124, for example via one or more in the Figures 1 and 2nd Actuation devices, not shown, for example nozzle systems.

The hood dishwasher 116 has a base 130, which has a frame 132, for example. Furthermore, the hood dishwasher 116 comprises a cover device 134, which in this exemplary embodiment is designed as a hood 136 as an example. This hood 136 can be opened via an opening path and is in the Figures 1 and 2nd each shown 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 a 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 Figure 2 is, analogous to the representation of the hood 136, the handle 140 with solid lines in the closed position 135, and with dashed lines in the open position 137. The handle 140, for example, directly engages the hood 136.

At least one control 148 can also be arranged in the base 130 of the hood dishwasher 116. However, a control 148 can, for example, alternatively or additionally be arranged at other locations on the hood dishwasher 116. Furthermore, further elements can be arranged in the base 130, such as, for example, at least one treatment tank in which a rinse liquid can be tempered, for example at least one boiler. These elements are not shown in the figures.

The hood 136 is connected to at least one electromechanical drive 188 via at least one gear 184. The electromechanical drive 188 is set up to move the hood 136 in the opening movement direction 139 or the closing movement direction 141 via the transmission 184, for example in order to bring the hood 136 from the closed position 135 to the open position 137 or vice versa. The transmission 184 can, for example, as described below, be or have a traction mechanism transmission 185, as will be explained in more detail below. The transmission 184 includes, for example, a power transmission link 182, one or more torque transmission elements 168, one or more torque converters 166, one or more sprockets 162, 170, one or more traction means 158, 172 and optionally further elements. However, it should be pointed out that other types of transmissions 184 can also be used in the context of the present invention, for example transmissions 184 without Traction device and / or gearbox 184 without torque converter. The following description of the transmission 184 can thus be seen as an example.

The cleaning device 110 has guide elements 150 on both sides of its rear side, one of these guide elements 150 in Figure 3 is shown schematically. This guide element 150 can, as in Figure 3 shown, for example have 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 how in Figure 3 shown, arranged vertically. Each guide element 150 is supported, for example, by rollers 154, for example three rollers on each side. On the guide elements 150, a cantilever arm 156 is formed at the top, on which the hood 136, for example completely pre-assembled, can be slid on and can be secured, for example, with only a few fastening elements, for example two screws.

A first traction means 158 is fastened at the bottom of each guide element 150, for example at least one first roller chain. This first traction device 158 is guided over a deflection wheel 160 in the upper region of a housing of the cleaning device 110. The first traction device 158 is further placed on 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 deflection wheel 160 and the first sprocket 162 is duplicated on the opposite side of the rear of the cleaning device 110, so that there are two, for example similar, first sprockets 162, of which in FIG Figure 3 only one is shown to simplify the illustration. The first two chain wheels 162 are connected to one another in a rotationally rigid manner via a shaft 164, to which they are non-rotatably mounted. In addition, a torque converter 166 is applied to this shaft 164, also non-rotatably. This includes a rotatably mounted torque transmission element 168, which is designed as a third sprocket 170 in this exemplary embodiment. This third sprocket 170 is rotatably supported about the axis of the shaft 164. Furthermore, a third traction means 172 is placed on this third sprocket 170, which stands out from the third sprocket 170 at an application point 174 and is connected at its other end to, in this exemplary embodiment, two spring elements 176 as an example. The hood 136 is in Figure 3 shown in closed position 135. When moving along an opening path, the guide element 150 moves upward and the first sprockets 162 rotate in a direction of rotation 178. The third sprocket 170 rotates in this opening movement in a direction of rotation 180 that is, for example, the same as the direction of rotation 178.

The torque transmission element 168 in the form of the third sprocket 170 is designed, for example, with an uneven radius, as in FIG Figure 3 recognizable. This means that a distance R between the point of application 174 and the axis changes with an angular position of the torque transmission element 168. However, this also changes the torque transmitted from the third traction means 172 to the shaft 164, since this depends on the angular position of the chain wheel 170.

When the hood 136 is closed, the two chains of the first traction means 158, which are fastened at the bottom to the guide rails 152, are largely unwound from the chain wheels 162. The third traction means 172, on the other hand, 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 as in FIG Figure 3 shown, excited. When the hood 136 is raised, the first two traction devices 158 wind up on their wheels 162. At the same time, the third traction device 172 is unwound and the spring elements 176 relax.

In order to compensate for the change in the spring force of the spring elements 176 over the opening path, the third chain wheel 170, as explained above, has an effective radius and / or pitch circle, which changes over the circumference. With this design, the change in the spring force over the opening path or over the stretch can be adapted to the force actually required to compensate for the weight of the hood 136. In addition to a uniform and / or continuous radius reduction or radius enlargement, non-uniform adjustments of the effective radius R can also be implemented. For example, to dampen a movement at the end positions, sudden changes in diameter can also be incorporated into the chain wheels.

The traction means 158 and the torque converter 166 are part of a force transmission path 182, by means of which a spring force of the at least one spring element 176 can be transmitted to the covering device 134, in a converted form. In this exemplary embodiment, the power transmission link 182 is part of the transmission 184. Further components of the power transmission link can be the deflection wheels 160 and the first chain wheels 162 and the shaft 164. Due to the effective radius R, which is variable over the angular position, the torque converter 166 and thus the entire force transmission path 182 have a transmission ratio which varies over the opening path. The torque converter 166 is thus, for example, part of the transmission 184, which in this exemplary embodiment has a variable transmission ratio that varies over the opening path of the hood 136. However, it should be pointed out that embodiments of the present invention are also possible, in which no transmission 184 with a variable transmission ratio is used, but a transmission with a fixed transmission ratio.

The sprockets 162, 170 can, for example, be individually made of metal and assembled. Furthermore, individual parts of the wheel set, such as guide disks, can also be made entirely or partially of plastic. It is also conceivable to manufacture the entire set of wheels from plastic. The set of wheels is preferably mounted with roller bearings, which enables less friction and therefore easier running. The chain wheels 162 and the shaft 164 and also 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 in order to implement 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 can 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 can be of the same or different types, and / or by means of another gear with a fixed or variable transmission ratio.

To protect the operating personnel from excessive closing forces of the semi-automatic or fully automatic hood, several solutions can be used with an optional semi-automatic or fully automatic hood. For example, the electric motor can be fastened in such a way that its torque is intercepted by a spring-assisted torque arm 192. If the torque is too great, for example the closing force on the hood 136 is too great, this torque arm 192 is deflected. This movement can be recognized, for example, by means of a switch 194, which can forward its signal to the controller 148. The controller 148 can then, for example, end the movement of the hood 136 and optionally initiate a reverse movement.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one rotary encoder can be integrated in the power transmission link 182, including the electromechanical drive 186, which can also be connected to the controller 148. This encoder is in Figure 3 not shown. The controller 148 can detect, for example, if the signals from the rotary encoder are missing, for example because movement is hindered. In this case, the controller 148 can then, for example, end the movement of the hood and / or one initiate reverse movement. To limit any crushing force that may occur, the weight compensation force for the hood 136 can be matched to the closing force by the drive in such a way that harmless values are not exceeded.

In order to increase the safety of the operating personnel in the event of failure of individual components of the weight balance, several elements of the power transmission link 182 can be designed redundantly, for example. For example, instead of a single third traction device 172, for example a single third chain, two chains can be used in parallel or "back to back". Furthermore, as an alternative or in addition, the third traction means 172 can be supplemented by a further deformable component and / or traction means, for example a rope, which can absorb the tensile force in the event of a break in the chain.

Further possible configurations relate to securing elements which offer security in the event of a breakage of the at least one spring element 176. For example, the spring element 176 can have at least one securing element 196, which, for example, can be a direct component of the spring elements 176 or, which should also be included, can be coupled to these. For example, this securing element 196 can comprise a catching element or a catching device, which in this exemplary embodiment is coupled to the two spring elements 176 as an example. For example, this securing element can have at least one securing rod 198, the force transmission link 182 being able to couple to the securing rod 198 if the at least one spring element 176 breaks or, in the case of a plurality of spring elements 176. However, other configurations are also possible.

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

Instead of the roller chains mentioned, the invention can also be implemented with other flexible or deformable traction means or in combination with various types of traction means. For example, pin chains, link chains, belts or ropes can be used.

To actuate a hood movement, a user, in particular operating personnel, can actuate, for example, one or more operating elements 200, which can be arranged, for example, on the side or on a front of the base 130 and / or the hood 136. These can act, for example, on the controller 148, which in turn controls the electromechanical drive 186. As stated above, however, the arrangement and the electrical connection of the at least one control element 200 are fundamentally problematic. Especially with the in Figure 1 In the arrangement shown, the operating personnel may have to leave the workplace at the pool 120 in order to initiate a movement of the hood 136.

As stated above, at least one sensor 202 is provided to solve this problem within the scope of the present invention, which is designed 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 attack. In this way, for example, the hood 136 can be slightly raised by a user when it is in the closed position 135, that is to say it can be moved in the opening movement direction 139, which is recognized by the sensor 202. For example, movements of 5 mm or more or movements greater than 5 mm can be recognized as a desire to move the hood 136 in this direction. Conversely, for example, the hood 136 can be pulled slightly downward in the closing movement direction 141 by a user when it is in the open position 137, which is recognized by the sensor 202. The detection of this force attack and possibly the direction of this force attack can then be converted by the controller 148 into a corresponding control command for the electromechanical drive 186 in order to subsequently support the movement of the hood 136 in the desired direction by the electromechanical drive 186 or even exclusively by perform the electromechanical drive 186. The hood 136 itself can thus be used as a type of operating element 200, in that a force with respect to this hood 136 transmits a request for a movement of the hood 136 to the controller 148.

In principle, the sensor 202 can be arranged at different locations within the cleaning device 110. For example, the at least one sensor 202 can be arranged 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 link 182 and / or elsewhere within the transmission 184; in the electromechanical drive 186. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the electromechanical drive 186 and / or the transmission 184 can comprise, for example, at least one driven shaft 204 which is of the electromechanical type Drive 186 is preferably rotatable, preferably in both possible directions of rotation. The sensor 202 can, for example, comprise an incremental encoder 206, which can be arranged, for example, on a shaft end of the shaft 204.

The sensor 202 can be connected to the control 148 in a wireless or wired manner, for example, in order to communicate with it unidirectionally or also bidirectionally. The controller 148 can be set up, for example, to evaluate the information from 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 wirelessly or by wire, to the controller 148. For example, the controller 148 can be set up to start the electromechanical drive 186, to influence a direction of rotation thereof, or also a rotational speed. Other configurations are also possible. The controller 148 can, for example, be set up to evaluate signals and / or information from the sensor 202 in terms of program technology, for example by using a threshold value method. For example, a change in the position and / or an increment transmitted by the sensor 202 can be monitored and, for example, compared with one or more threshold values. In this way, the monitoring described above can be carried out, for example, to determine whether the hood 136 has been moved by more than a predetermined distance by the manual force application, which can then be interpreted as a command for a further movement in the direction of this force application.

The electromechanical drive 186 can in particular be designed as a direct current geared motor. The DC geared motor can, for example, be designed such that it is not self-locking. As a result, a movement can take place by hand and / or the hood 136 can also be operated by hand in the event of a malfunction. The motor can also be moved. The incremental encoder 206 can, for example, detect a rotary movement of the motor and can forward the associated working direction and these signals to the controller 148. The controller 148 can, for example, evaluate this signal, interpret the movement request and then control the motor in the corresponding direction.

Furthermore, the cleaning device 110 can also have additional functions. For example, this can be set up in particular to carry out at least one cleaning program, for example by means of a corresponding programming device in the control 148. For example, after a closing movement, the hood can be moved 136 is in the closed position 135, a washing program can be started automatically.

As stated above, in the embodiment according to the invention in particular no separate buttons and / or switches are required 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 in an ergonomically favorable position on the hood 136, for example in an ergonomically favorable position to a workplace on the basin 120. Operating personnel at this workplace can thus easily reach the handle 140 and thus initiate the hood movement, even without visual contact to the control 148 and / or to the corresponding operating elements 200. In addition, learning is generally not necessary, since the hood movement is initiated intuitively, with a corresponding movement of the handle 140. This results in a user-friendly and safe overall situation of the cleaning device 110.

Reference symbol list

110

Cleaning device

112

Pass-through dishwasher

114

Feed table

116

Hood dishwasher

118

Outlet table

120

pool

122

Hose shower

124

Items to be cleaned

126

Crockery basket

128

Cleaning chamber

130

Base

132

frame

134

Cover device

135

closed position

136

Hood

137

open position

138

Actuator

139

Direction of opening movement

140

Handle

141

Direction of closing movement

146

Side wall

148

control

150

Guide element

152

Guide rail

154

role

156

Cantilever

158

first traction device

160

Deflection wheel

162

first sprocket

164

wave

166

Torque converter

168

Torque transmission element

170

third sprocket

172

third traction device

174

attackpoint

176

Spring element

178

first direction of rotation

180

second direction of rotation

182

Power transmission line

184

transmission

185

Traction mechanism gear

186

electromechanical drive

188

Chain

190

pinion

192

Torque arm

194

counter

196

Securing element

198

Safety bar

200

Control element

202

sensor

204

wave

206

Incremental encoder

Claims (13)

1. Cleaning device (110) for cleaning items to be cleaned (124), comprising at least one cleaning chamber (128) and at least one covering device (134) at least partially surrounding the cleaning chamber (128), wherein the covering device (134) can be moved 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) by means of at least one electromechanical drive (186) via at least one transmission (184), wherein the cleaning device (110) furthermore has a sensor (202), wherein the sensor (202) is designed to detect action of a manual force on the covering device (134) in the opening movement direction (139) or in the closing movement direction (141), and wherein the cleaning device (110) is furthermore designed to control the electromechanical drive (186) in accordance with the detection of the action of manual force, characterized in that the cleaning device (110) is designed in at least one of the following ways: the cleaning device (110) is designed to detect an action of manual force in the opening movement direction (139) and to control the electromechanical drive (186) in such a way that the covering device (134) is moved in the opening movement direction (139); the cleaning device (110) is designed to detect an action of manual force in the closing movement direction (141) and to control the electromechanical drive (186) in such a way that the covering device (134) is moved in the closing movement direction (141).
2. Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cleaning device (110) is a dishwasher, wherein the dishwasher is selected from a hood-type dishwasher (116) and a pass-through dishwasher (112).
3. Cleaning device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering device (134) is a linear-motion covering device (134).
4. Cleaning device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering device (134) is selected from the group comprising: a hood (136) at least partially covering and/or surrounding the cleaning chamber (128); a hull at least partially surrounding the cleaning chamber (128); a door, in particular one or more sliding doors.
5. Cleaning device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) has a controller (148), wherein the controller (148) is designed to control the electromechanical drive (186).
6. Cleaning device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (202) is designed to detect a direction of the action of manual force.
7. Cleaning device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (202) has at least one incremental encoder (206) connected to the electromechanical drive (186).
8. Cleaning device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (202) is designed to detect the action of manual force on the covering device (134) from a movement.
9. Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cleaning device (110) is designed to compare the movement with at least one threshold value in order to detect the action of manual force on the covering device (134).
10. 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.
11. Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cleaning device (110) is designed in such a way that the motor is moved simultaneously by the action of manual force on the covering device (134), wherein the sensor (202) is designed to detect a movement of the motor.
12. Cleaning device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) is furthermore designed to start at least one cleaning program after a closing movement has been carried out, once the covering device (134) has reached the closed position.
13. Method for cleaning items to be cleaned (124), 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 surrounding the cleaning chamber (128) is used, wherein the covering device (134) can be moved in an opening movement direction (139) from a closed position into an open position or in a closing movement direction (141) from an open position into a closed position by means of at least one electromechanical drive (186) via at least one transmission (184), wherein the method furthermore comprises detecting an action of manual force on the covering 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 furthermore comprises controlling the electromechanical drive (186) in accordance with the detection of the action of manual force, characterized in that the control of the electromechanical drive (186) comprises at least one of the following steps: when an action of manual force in the opening movement direction (139) is detected, the electromechanical drive (186) is controlled in such a way that the covering device (134) is moved in the opening movement direction (139); when an action of manual force in the closing movement direction (141) is detected, the electromechanical drive (186) is controlled in such a way that the covering device (134) is moved in the closing movement direction (141).

Images