EP3687365A1

EP3687365A1 - Cleaning device and method for cleaning articles to be cleaned

Info

Publication number: EP3687365A1
Application number: EP18779656.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andreas Fallert; Bruno Gaus; Thomas Peukert; Hans-Josef Rauber
Original assignee: Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2017-09-29
Filing date: 2018-09-28
Publication date: 2020-08-05
Anticipated expiration: 2038-09-28
Also published as: CN111163674A; ES2948563T3; US20200281437A1; WO2019063767A1; EP3687365B1; DE102017217427A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device (110) for cleaning articles (112) to be cleaned. The cleaning device (110) comprises at least one cleaning chamber (118) for receiving the articles (112) to be cleaned. Furthermore, the cleaning device (110) comprises at least one application device (124) for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the articles (112) to be cleaned. The cleaning device (110) also comprises at least one cooling surface (158) associated with the cleaning chamber (118) and at least one cooling container (160) which is thermally coupled to the cooling surface and used to receive a cooling liquid. The cleaning device (110) comprises at least one control system (178) which is designed to control at least one regeneration step in the cleaning device (110). The regeneration step comprises the following substeps: a) filling the cooling container (160) with a cooling liquid; b) heating the cooling liquid in the cooling container (160); and c) removing the cooling liquid from the cooling container (160).

Description

Cleaning device and method for cleaning items to be cleaned

Technical area

The invention relates to a method and a cleaning device for cleaning of items to be cleaned, in particular for use in commercial dishwashing technology and / or in commercial kitchens. Cleaning devices of the type mentioned can be used, for example, in institutions for public catering, in particular in the catering trade, in canteens, canteens in schools, authorities, hospitals or care facilities. The cleaning device can be used in particular for cleaning of items to be cleaned in the form of items to be washed, which is used directly or indirectly for the preparation, storage or presentation of food and drinks. In particular, these may be dishes and / or trays. Other fields of application of the present invention are also conceivable in principle, in particular fields of use with basically any items to be washed, for example medical appliances or care utensils.

Technical background

From the prior art, a variety of cleaning devices, also known as cleaning devices, known which clean and / or disinfect cleaning supplies. In the following, without restricting other possible fields of use, the invention makes significant reference to industrial dishwashing technology, for example commercial dishwashing technology. Thus, in addition to program washers with static rinsing also Transport dishwashers or continuous dishwashers are known in which the cleaning material is transported by means of a transport device through one or more cleaning chambers. Program washers, also referred to as program machines, which are set up for commercial use, usually have two circuits for rinsing liquid, ie in addition to the actual and housed in the cleaning chamber fluid tank over which the circulation takes place, nor via at least one rinsing tank for the separate preparation of rinsing fluid or rinse aid fluid, for example with a boiler or water heater. Other embodiments are possible. Drying of exhaust air and dehumidification within the cleaning chamber present a technical challenge, in particular in single-chamber dishwashers and there particularly in program machines, but in some cases also in conveyor dishwashers. In particular, dehumidification may serve to improve the drying effect.

From US 2,918,068 A a dishwasher is known, with a closed cleaning chamber for receiving the dishes and upright walls with inner and outer surfaces and a drying device for drying dishes without expelling water vapor in the ambient air. The drying apparatus includes circulating means for circulating the air in the chamber, wherein moisture condenses on the inner surface and wherein the condensation is assisted by air cooling.

From DE 10 2008 040 745 AI a rinsing method for a dishwasher is known. The dishwasher comprises a rinsing container which delimits the rinsing space, in which rinsing liquid which is no longer required during or after the execution of a rinsing cycle is temporarily stored in a storage container which is thermally coupled to the rinsing container. In a drying step of the rinse cycle, the moisture-laden air or water vapor present in a rinsing chamber of the rinsing container is condensed on at least one side wall of the rinsing container. Before or during the drying step, the storage container is filled with fresh water to provide a condensation surface.

DE 10 2013 014 553 A1 describes a cleaning machine and a method for operating a cleaning machine. The cleaning machine comprises a cleaning chamber delimited by walls, wherein at least one of the walls is cooled on an outside by a fluid. On a ceiling of the cleaning chamber, a fan is arranged. In the drying operation of the cleaning machine, a closed air circuit is formed within the cleaning chamber. The at least one wall cooled by a fluid forms a dehumidifying path for an air flow flowing along it. DE 3 316 716 A1 describes a method for recovering waste heat in a domestic dishwasher and a machine for carrying out the method. In this case, a thermally conductive associated with the reservoir tank is used, which is filled in each case upon reaching the cleaning or the rinse temperature with cold water and emptied each by dispensing of subsets for prewash and cleaning or for intermediate rinsing and rinsing.

Despite the advantages achieved with the devices and methods described, there is still some room for improvement. As a rule, cooling containers are used to provide the condensation surfaces, which may be made of plastic or metal, for example, as welded molded parts or as blowing parts. These containers are usually flat with a wall on the outside of the cleaning chamber or are integrated into the wall, so that heat can be transferred in one direction or the other. The containers are usually empty due to the program execution or while the machine is switched off. Since in the containers usually remains a residual moisture and they have a certain residual heat, for example 40-60 ° C, declining with time, it can lead to the formation of deposits in the containers. These deposits can grow to the extent that they deteriorate the heat transfer to the wall of the cleaning chamber and therefore deteriorate the efficiency of the device. Furthermore, these coverings can grow to such an extent that cross-sections in the containers are reduced or even blocked, so that the effectiveness can also be limited or even prevented.

The described containers are usually not accessible without major assembly work, so that a manual cleaning, for example, in the context of a daily cleaning routine or in the context of maintenance, difficult to accomplish. Furthermore, the heat transfer between the container and the interior of the cleaning chamber in many cases represents a technical challenge, wherein due to the coverings described above, the heat transfer in many cases decreases over time.

Object of the invention

It would therefore be desirable to provide a cleaning device and a method for cleaning articles to be cleaned, which at least largely address the above-described technical challenges known cleaning device and method of the type mentioned. In particular, an efficient drying of the air is to be made possible within the cleaning chamber, while at the same time as far as possible Henden prevention of the formation of deposits in refrigerated containers and under permanent preservation of a possible non-sinking heat transfer.

Disclosure of the invention

This object is addressed 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 and expressed in connection with one or more elements or features, are intended to simply or simply describe the element or feature can be provided multiple times, are usually used only once, for example, at the first introduction of the feature or element. In a subsequent re-mention of the feature or element, the corresponding term "at least one" or "one or more" is generally no longer used, without limiting the possibility that the feature or element may be single or multiple.

Furthermore, in the following the terms "preferred", "especially", "for example" or similar terms will be used in conjunction with optional features without limiting alternative embodiments thereof, features introduced by these terms are optional features, and It is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, and in particular of the independent claims, by these features, so that the invention may be recognized by those skilled in the art will also be performed using other configurations. Similarly, features introduced by "in one embodiment of the invention" or by "in one embodiment of the invention" are to be understood as optional features without, however, being construed as limiting alternative embodiments or the scope of the independent claims. Furthermore, these introductory expressions of all possibilities of combining the features introduced thereby with other features, be they optional or non-optional features, remain untouched. In a first aspect of the present invention, a cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed. The cleaning device comprises at least one cleaning chamber for receiving the cleaning product. The cleaning device further comprises at least one loading device for applying the cleaning material with at least one cleaning fluid. The cleaning device further has at least one cooling surface facing the cleaning chamber and at least one cooling container thermally coupled to the cooling surface for receiving a cooling liquid. The cleaning device further has at least one controller which is set up to control at least one regeneration step in the cleaning device, wherein the regeneration step comprises the following sub-steps: a) filling the cooling container with cooling liquid;

b) heating the cooling liquid in the cooling tank; and

c) removing the cooling liquid from the cooling tank.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a method for cleaning articles to be cleaned is proposed which comprises the following steps:

I. Provision of at least one cleaning device comprising at least one cleaning chamber for receiving the cleaning product, further comprising at least one loading device for applying the cleaning material with at least one cleaning fluid, wherein the cleaning device further at least one of the cleaning chamber assigning cooling surface and at least one thermally coupled to the cooling surface Has a cooling container for receiving a cooling liquid;

II. Performing at least one regeneration step in the cleaning device, comprising the following substeps:

a. Filling the cooling tank with cooling liquid;

b. Heating the cooling liquid in the cooling tank; and

c. Remove the coolant from the cooling tank. The partial steps of the regeneration step of the cleaning device and of the method are preferably carried out in the stated order. However, the sub-steps may also overlap, for example, so that, for example, already a heating of the cooling liquid during filling can be performed, or so that, for example, the cooling liquid during removal from the cooling tank, for example during a pumping or Abiaufens from the cooling tank, still is heated. However, a separation of the process steps is possible.

The cleaning device can be set up in particular for carrying out the proposed method, and the method can be carried out in particular using the proposed cleaning device. In this respect, the cleaning device and the method will be described together below.

The term "cleaning device" as used herein is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning shall be accorded as the skilled artisan understands. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, relate in particular to a device which is set up to at least partially remove articles to be cleaned of adhering impurities and / or germs. The cleaning device can be, for example, a dishwasher, in particular a commercial dishwasher, for example a single-chamber dishwasher and / or a program dishwasher. However, the concept according to the invention can also be used in principle in continuous dishwashing machines. Alternatively or additionally, however, the cleaning device can also be designed wholly or partly as a cleaning and disinfecting device, for example as a cleaning device, which is set up for cleaning containers for receiving human excretions. In general, reference may be made in this regard, for example, to the cleaning devices described in DE 10 2004 056 052 A1 and / or in DE 10 2007 025 263 A1. The cleaning device can also be a dishwasher, as it can be used for cleaning containers in the environment of food production and / or food processing. Furthermore, the cleaning device may be a disinfecting dishwasher, for example a dishwasher for cleaning and disinfecting respiratory masks. However, other embodiments are conceivable in principle. In the following, the invention will be described in particular in connection with commercially usable single-chamber dishwashers or program machines, which have a separate rinsing tank in addition to the actual rinsing tank or washing container, which is usually located in the bottom of the cleaning chamber which can already be rinsed during a rinse Nachspülflüssigkeit. However, other embodiments are possible in principle.

As used herein, the term "cleaning product" is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning shall be accorded as the skilled artisan understands. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to articles or goods which may be subjected to a cleaning or a cleaning process. Without limiting further possible embodiments, reference will be made hereinafter to items to be cleaned in the form of items to be washed. Wash ware is intended to include any items that are intended for the preparation, presentation or storage of food and drinks. Examples include dishes such as cups, plates, glasses, bowls or bowls. Furthermore, pots, trays, cutlery, warming devices or similar devices should be mentioned. However, it is expressly stated that other types of items may also be cleaned, such as industrial items, bulk, containers or other types of items.

"Purification" can be understood, without limitation, to mean both exemption of the cleansing material from adhering dirt or other impurities and germ-reducing and / or germicidal action or even disinfecting action and / or germicidal or even disinfecting action, as well as an exemption of substances such as chemicals, for example, residues of additives of the at least one cleaning fluid understood.

The term "cleaning chamber" as used herein is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning shall be accorded as the skilled artisan understands. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to a chamber in which the above-described cleaning process of the cleaning product is carried out completely or partially. In particular, the application of the cleaning fluid or one of a plurality of cleaning fluids can take place in a cleaning chamber. The chamber is preferably completely or partially enclosed by a housing. As stated above, the cleaning device may in particular be a single-chamber cleaning device, ie a cleaning device which has exactly one chamber for receiving the cleaning product, in particular for stationary receiving, which is preferably completely surrounded by walls of the cleaning chamber. give is. In at least one wall of the cleaning chamber may be provided a closable opening, such as a flap, a door or a slider. Alternatively or additionally, however, at least a part of at least one wall of the cleaning chamber may be designed to be movable in order to enable a reception of items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber. For example, the described cleaning chamber may also have at least one hood or be completely or partially closed by at least one hood.

The cleaning fluid can be, for example, a cleaning fluid and / or a gaseous cleaning fluid. For example, this cleaning fluid may comprise a cleaning fluid, for example an aqueous cleaning fluid, for example water in the form of fresh water and / or with one or more additives, for example with one or more cleaning concentrates and / or one or more rinse aid concentrates and / or one or more disinfectants. For example, the cleaning fluid may have one or more additives, for example at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a cleaner concentrate, a rinse aid and a disinfectant. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning fluid may comprise steam, for example. However, other embodiments are conceivable in principle. The at least one cleaning fluid may in principle comprise, for example, at least one cleaning fluid, in particular at least one aqueous cleaning fluid. Other types of cleaning fluids can also be used in principle. A "cleaning fluid" can thus be understood, without limitation of other possible embodiments, ie any fluid, in particular a fluid, which can exert a cleaning action on the cleaning good.

The term "loading device" as used herein is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning shall be accorded, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, relate in particular to any device or combination of devices by means of which the cleaning product can be exposed to the cleaning fluid, for example by spraying, irradiating or dripping the cleaning material with the cleaning fluid. For example, the loading device may have at least one nozzle system. For example, one or more nozzles may be provided in the cleaning chamber above and / or below the items to be cleaned and / or also laterally of the items to be cleaned. For example, the nozzles may have one or more spray arms above the cleaner. gungsguts and one or more spray arms below the cleaning, in particular rotatable spray arms.

As used herein, the term "cooling surface" is a broad term to be accorded its ordinary and common meaning as the skilled artisan understands. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to a surface over which heat exchange can occur. In particular, the term of the cooling surface can refer to an inner wall of the cleaning chamber which is assigned to the cleaning chamber, wherein the inner wall can be cooled on an outer side, which is arranged outside the cleaning chamber, by at least one cooling medium, in the present case the cooling liquid. In other words, the cooling surface can be or have an inner wall of the cleaning chamber, which can be cooled on an outer side directly or indirectly by a cooling medium, in particular the cooling liquid, ie can be brought to a temperature below an internal temperature of the cleaning chamber. Thus, in particular a condensation in the interior of the cleaning chamber can take place on the cooling surface. The cooling surface may in particular comprise a surface of at least one vertical inner wall of the cleaning chamber, that is, for example, a surface of at least one side wall of the cleaning chamber and / or a surface of at least one rear wall of the cleaning chamber. Alternatively or additionally, however, cooling surfaces are also possible, for example in a front wall of the cleaning chamber and / or in a lid and / or in a bottom of the cleaning chamber.

The term "thermally coupled" as used herein is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning shall be accorded as the skilled artisan understands. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to a compound of at least two elements which makes heat exchange between the two elements possible. In particular, the thermal coupling can be effected by a thermally conductive compound, which can be favored or generated, for example, by metallic elements and / or thermal compounds. In particular, the cooling surface may be an inner surface of a side wall of the cleaning chamber, which is wholly or partially made of a metallic material and which produces a thermal connection between an interior of the cleaning chamber and thus the cooling surface on the one hand and the cooling tank on the other.

The term "cooling container" as used herein is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning shall be accorded as the skilled artisan will stands. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, relate in particular to a container which is adapted to permanently or temporarily receive at least one cooling medium, in particular at least one liquid and which preferably heat exchange between the cooling medium on the one hand and at least one further element, for example the cooling surface allows. For possible examples of the design of the cooling tank, reference may be made by way of example to DE 10 2008 040 745 A1 or DE 10 2013 014 553 A1. Further possible and advantageous embodiments of the cooling tank will be described in more detail below. The at least one cooling container may, for example, comprise at least one inlet, for example at least one inlet connection, and / or at least one outlet, for example at least one outlet connection. Furthermore, the cooling tank can be connected, for example, to at least one inlet valve and / or to at least one outlet valve, which can control, for example, an inlet and / or an outlet of cooling liquid.

As used herein, the term "cooling liquid" is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning shall be accorded as the skilled artisan understands. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to a liquid which can be used as a heat transfer medium. In particular, the liquid may be an aqueous liquid and particularly preferably water, for example fresh water.

As used herein, the term "regeneration step" is a broad term to which it should be given its ordinary and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to a program, a process step or a sequence of processes which exert an effect on the cleaning device in such a way that an operationally gradual change of the cleaning device is wholly or partially reversed. In particular, the regeneration step may comprise a step or a program which cleans, regenerates or otherwise restores at least one element of the cleaning device in an original state or at least brings it closer to this original state again. In the present case, the regeneration step may in particular cause a reduction of deposits, in particular of biofilms, in the cooling container, which may form over time during the operation of the cleaning device in the cooling container. In particular, an at least partial germicidal effect on organisms in the cooling container can be achieved during the regeneration step be so that in the regeneration step, for example, the total number of microorganisms is reduced in the cooling tank.

As used herein, the term "control" is a broad term to which it should be accorded its customary and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to a one-piece or multi-part device of the cleaning device, which is set up to completely or partially control and / or regulate an operation of the cleaning device. In particular, the controller may be configured to change, in particular to control and / or regulate one or more operating parameters of the cleaning device, for example at least one temperature, at least one pressure, at least one valve position, at least one pump activity or even a combination of the above and / or other operating parameters. The controller may in particular comprise at least one data processing device, for example at least one processor. In particular, the controller can be set up in terms of programming, for example to control at least one cleaning program of the cleaning device and to control or carry out a method according to the invention. Furthermore, the controller may comprise at least one volatile and / or non-volatile data memory. Furthermore, the controller may comprise at least one interface, for example a human-machine interface for inputting commands and / or for outputting information, and / or a wireless or wired interface for unidirectional or bidirectional exchange of data and / or Command between the cleaning device and at least one other device. The controller may in particular comprise at least one computer and / or at least one processor. The controller may in particular be a centralized or decentralized machine control of the cleaning device.

For carrying out the method steps, the controller can be set up in particular in a program-technical manner. For example, the controller can be set up in terms of programming technology in order to control at least one inlet valve of the cooling tank, for example a fresh water valve, to carry out the method step a). To carry out the method step b), the controller can be set up, for example, by programming, in order to fill, for example, by control, a tank, in particular a rinsing tank or wash tank, of the cleaning device in order to heat the cleaning fluid in the wash tank at least one heater in the wash tank, and then, for example, by controlling at least one circulating pump, the Reinigungsfiuid in the cleaning chamber via, for example, the To circulate nozzle system, such that the cooling surface is wetted with the heated Reinigungsflu- id, so that is heated via the cooling surface of the cooling container and / or the cooling liquid in the cooling container. Alternatively or additionally, the heating of the cooling tank can also take place in other ways, for example by the cooling tank having at least one heating device or being coupled to such a heating device, which in turn can be controlled by the control, for example. For carrying out the method step c), the controller may, for example, be set up in terms of programming in order to control at least one valve, for example at least one drain valve, so that the cooling liquid can drain out of the cooling container. Alternatively or additionally, for example, a pumping out.

The cleaning device described above and the method described have numerous advantages over known devices and methods of the type mentioned. In particular, the formation of deposits in the cooling container can be avoided or at least reduced by regular or even irregular performance of the at least one regeneration step, for example by regularly or irregularly killing microorganisms in the cooling container. As a result, a reduced effect over time of the cooling container during drying of the cleaning product can be at least largely avoided, or the reduction of the effect can be at least slowed down, in which the formation of coverings in the cooling container can be reduced or slowed down. Overall, a thermal germ killing in the cooling container can thus be achieved in the regeneration step.

The cleaning device and the method can be optionally further configured and improved in various ways. These options can be implemented individually or else in any combination, as the person skilled in the art will recognize.

Thus, the cleaning device can in particular comprise at least one temperature sensor for detecting at least one temperature of the cooling liquid in the cooling container. The temperature sensor can be arranged, for example, inside the cooling tank or, for example, on an outside of the cooling tank, thermally coupled to an interior of the cooling tank. When the temperature of the cooling liquid in the cooling tank is detected, the controller can use this temperature information in different ways. For example, a heating of the cooling tank and / or the cooling liquid in the cooling tank can be detected, so that, for example, as described in more detail below, the number of transferred to the cooling liquid and or to the cooling tank heat equivalents can be detected. In this way, it can be ensured, for example, that a carryover of a minimum number of heat- equivalent to the cooling tank takes place, for example, a minimum of heat equivalents required for an efficient Abtö- tion of microorganisms. The temperature sensor may, for example, be a conventional temperature sensor, for example at least one temperature-dependent resistor. Other embodiments are possible.

The controller and the method may in particular be designed to detect and / or determine a current temperature in the cooling container. In this case, it is also possible to detect and / or determine a plurality of temperatures, for example at different points within the cooling container, for example to determine an average value. In particular, the controller may be configured to determine an actual temperature in the refrigerated container by at least one method selected from: an estimate; an empirical value; an analytical model; a calibration curve; a calibration table. Estimates, empirical values, analytical models, calibration curves or corresponding tables can be generated for example by appropriate calibration experiments, as is generally known to the person skilled in the art. In this way, for example, in a known heating under known conditions, an increase in the temperature can be predicted with time or even when switching off a heating under predetermined conditions, a cooling can be predicted.

As stated above, the controller and the method can be set up, in particular, to control the regeneration step such that at least a predetermined minimum number of heat equivalents is applied to the cooling container.

As used herein, the term "heat equivalent" is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning shall be accorded as the skilled artisan understands. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may, in particular, generally refer to a quantity that quantifies thermal sanitization or thermal germ killing. In particular, the term heat equivalent may refer to a quantity which includes a temperature and a time duration of the action of the temperature. For example, the term heat equivalent may include at least one value selected from an A0 value or a HUE value. Alternatively or additionally, for example, another unit of measure for a reduction of a population of at least one target germ can be specified. A0 values and HUE values are a measure of the reduction, or rate of death, of a target germ by thermal action. The higher the applied temperature, the greater the germ-reducing effect per time. Ness. For example, higher AO values and HUE values per second can be achieved at higher temperatures. For example, AO values are defined in DIN EN ISO 15883, whereas HUE units are defined, for example, in US Standard NSF3. To determine the heat equivalents, the controller and the method may be arranged, for example, to determine at least one temperature of the cooling tank as a function of time and to determine therefrom the cumulative heat equivalents, which is applied to the cooling tank. Such methods are known in principle to the person skilled in the art. For example, a weighted integration of the temperature over time or even the formation of a weighted sum over time units, wherein the weighting reflects the germicidal effect at different temperatures.

Alternatively, or in addition to determining heat equivalents, however, the controller and method may also be simply configured to maintain the temperature in the cooling vessel at a minimum temperature for at least a predetermined time. In this case, the minimum holding time specified may vary with the minimum temperature. For example, at lower minimum temperatures, for example temperatures of 60-65 ° C, hold times of 1 minute may be predetermined, whereas at a minimum temperature of 65-70 ° C hold times of 50 seconds may be provided, and at temperatures above 70 ° C hold time of 40 seconds. For example, the controller and method may be configured to monitor these hold times. In particular, the controller may be configured, for example, to keep the cooling container for at least 1 minute at a temperature of at least 60 ° C, in particular at a temperature of at least 65 ° C and more preferably at a temperature of at least 70 ° C or at least 74 ° C. The controller and the method may in particular be configured to monitor the achievement of a predetermined setpoint temperature or minimum temperature in the cooling container, wherein the controller and the method may be further configured to wait a predetermined period of time after reaching the setpoint temperature before step c ) is carried out.

As stated above, the cleaning device in the cooling container may have at least one temperature sensor. This temperature sensor can either be arranged in the cooling container itself or coupled to the cooling container in such a way that a temperature of the cooling liquid in the cooling container can be determined. The controller and the method can be set up, in particular, to detect a temperature in the cooling container reached in step b) via the temperature sensor. The controller and method may be further configured to determine the temperature reached. to generate information about transferred to the cooling tank heat equivalents.

The controller and the method can be set up in particular to fill the cooling container with fresh water in step a). For this purpose, the controller can open, for example, at least one fresh water valve.

The controller and method may be further configured to heat the cooling liquid in the cooling vessel by heated cleaning fluid in the cleaning chamber in step b). For this purpose, for example, in method step b), a cleaning tank of the cleaning device, for example a wash tank in the bottom of the cleaning chamber, are filled with cleaning fluid, the cleaning fluid is heated and the heated cleaning fluid is recirculated in circulating operation by means of the loading device in the cleaning chamber, so that the heated Cleaning fluid heats the cooling tank and the cooling liquid therein over the cooling surface. Alternatively or additionally, however, the heating can also take place by means of at least one heating element which directly or indirectly heats the cooling container and / or the cooling liquid and which can be controlled, for example, by the control.

The controller may, as stated above, be a machine controller of the programmer, which, in addition to the at least one regeneration step, may further control one or more further programs and / or steps. These further programs and / or steps may, for example, be regular cleaning programs. In particular, the controller may be configured, for example, to control at least one cleaning step in the cleaning device, wherein in the cleaning step, the cleaning material is applied to the cleaning fluid. The regeneration step and the cleaning step may in particular be separate steps, so that, for example, during the regeneration step, no items to be cleaned are located in the cleaning chamber. Alternatively or additionally, or also with the at least one cleaning step, the controller can also be set up to control at least one drying step in the cleaning device, wherein in the drying step the cleaning material is dried in the cleaning chamber. In particular, the regeneration step and the drying step may be separate steps. The drying step may also be part of a cleaning program comprising at least one cleaning step and at least one drying step. For the drying step, for example, cooling liquid can be accommodated in the at least one cooling container or else flow through the at least one cooling container. By means of this cooling, for example, a condensation of moisture which evaporates from the items to be cleaned can take place on the cooling surface in the interior of the cleaning chamber. The controller may be further configured to perform at least one self-cleaning step of the cleaning device, wherein in the self-cleaning step, the cleaning device is filled with fresh cleaning fluid and wherein the fresh cleaning fluid is circulated in the cleaning device by means of the loading device. The regeneration step may in particular be part of the self-cleaning step. Such self-cleaning steps are already known today in numerous cleaning devices, in particular in commercial dishwashers. For example, the controller may be configured to prompt a user of the cleaning device to complete the self-cleaning step upon completion of operation of the cleaning device, for example after an operating phase and in particular on an evening. This request can be made for example via a display, a lit button, acoustically or otherwise.

The reduction of microorganisms in the cooling tank can be supported in other ways, in addition to the thermal reduction. For example, the controller and the method can be set up to control at least one rinsing step in which the cooling container is flushed through, for example by simultaneously opening the inlet valve and the outlet valve. Alternatively or additionally, the controller and the method may also be arranged to actuate or implement at least one blow-off step in which the cooling container is blown out with compressed gas, for example to effect a drying of the cooling container. In a dry atmosphere, the formation of biofilms is typically reduced compared to a humid atmosphere. For example, the cleaning device may furthermore have at least one compressed gas source and / or at least one compressed gas connection. The controller and the method can be set up in particular to blow out the cooling container with compressed gas, for example compressed air, after step c).

Other possible embodiments relate to the design of the cooling tank. For example, the cooling container may have a shell, which is placed on a wall of the cleaning chamber. For example, the at least one shell can be placed directly on at least one seal on a wall of the cleaning chamber, for example, at least one side wall. The shell may for example be bolted to the wall or welded or glued example. The shell can cover the entire wall or just a part. The gap between see the shell and the side wall can be kept small, for example, so that, for example, the shell at most a distance of 50 mm, in particular a maximum of a distance of 40 mm, for example 3 mm to 20 mm, to the side wall. Between the shell and the wall of the cleaning chamber, an interior of the cooling tank may be formed, wherein cooling liquid in the cooling tank is in contact with the wall of the cleaning chamber. In particular, the shell may be wholly or partly made of a material selected from the group consisting of: a metal, in particular a metal sheet; a plastic. The shell can be produced, for example, by means of a deep drawing process and / or by means of an injection molding process and / or by means of another shaping process, for example an embossing process and / or a stamping process.

To support the germ killing and / or to further prevent biofilms further measures can be taken. For example, the cooling container may have at least one germicidal coating on at least one inner wall, in particular a coating with silver ions. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling container may have at least one inner wall at least one water-repellent micro-structure, in particular a microstructuring with lotus effect. The drying of the cleaning product, for example in the drying step, can be further assisted in various ways. For example, the cleaning device may be configured to generate in the cleaning chamber during drying an air flow through which moisture-enriched air resulting from the evaporation of moisture from the hot item is brought into contact with the cooling surface where the moisture can condense and drain, for example, in the cleaning tank of the cleaning device. For the purpose of generating the air flow, the cleaning device may have at least one conveying direction, for example in the cleaning chamber. This conveying direction may in particular comprise at least one device selected from the group consisting of: a fan, in particular a radial fan; a wing arm, in particular a nozzle arm with at least one wing.

As stated above, the cleaning device may in particular, but not necessarily, be an industrially usable cleaning device, in particular a commercially usable dishwashing machine. Accordingly, the cleaning device may in particular continue to have at least one rinsing tank. This rinsing tank can in particular be separated from the cleaning tank of the cleaning device, which is usually arranged at the bottom of the cleaning chamber, be educated. The rinsing tank may in particular have at least one boiler and / or at least one water heater in order, in particular, to heat after-rinsing liquid in the rinsing tank, in particular independently of the processes in the cleaning chamber, so that after a main rinsing step a subsequent rinsing can take place without a complicated water change or Change of liquid in the cleaning chamber, combined with a renewed heating there would be required. In particular, the cleaning device can be set up to transfer the cooling liquid from the cooling container into the final rinse tank in method step c). In this way, the heat of the cooling liquid, which may be in particular fresh water, be used for the final rinse step, for example in a subsequent cycle. Furthermore, the cleaning device in the post-rinse tank may have at least one temperature sensor, and the method and the controller may be configured to detect a temperature reached in the cooling container via the temperature sensor in step b). In this way, a temperature sensor which is generally present anyway in the final rinse tank can also be used for carrying out the regeneration step and controlling this regeneration step. Accordingly, the controller and method may be configured to generate information about the attained temperature via heat equivalents transferred to the refrigerated container.

As stated above, in the proposed method, in particular a cleaning device 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 can be used.

In particular, the proposed method can be implemented entirely or partially in a computer-implemented manner. Accordingly, in a further aspect, a computer program with program code means is proposed, which is set up to load the controller for carrying out method steps II. to induce.

The cleaning device and the proposed method can be realized easily and efficiently in practice. The method and the proposed cleaning device take into account in particular the fact that the coverings recognized as a disadvantage in the context of the present invention generally arise from biofilms in the cooling container, that is to say from colonization of internal surfaces of the cooling container with germs which be entered in the fresh water in regular operation. In order to prevent the growth of plaque can in the context of the present invention, a special Program to avoid the biofilm. For example, in this special program, the cooling tanks, which are usually located on the outside of the cleaning chamber and / or the tank, can be completely filled with water. Subsequently, the, located in the tank, rinse water is circulated. The rinse water can then be heated, for example via a tank radiator. The setpoint temperature may in this case be, for example, above the rinsing temperature typically used for a rinsing step, for example in the context of the cleaning step described above, for example the rinsing temperature of a normal rinsing program of e.g. B. 60 ° C. The target temperature in the regeneration step may be 74 ° C, for example.

Since the container usually rests on the outside of a tank wall of the cleaning chamber, a heat transfer from the rinse water through the tank wall into the water-filled cooling tank can take place. Since the tank is filled with water and the thermal conductivity of water is significantly higher than that of air, the complete cooling tank is usually warmed up in a short time. Due to the elevated temperature, a germ reduction can take place in this cooling container.

In order to achieve a defined germ reduction, the program flow can be carried out according to a specific, validated method, for example according to the A0 value method. For this the temperature and the time can be determined. This can be realized with different methods and in particular monitored. For example, the following methods can be used: i. After reaching the setpoint temperature of the rinsing water, a defined time can be waited in which, for example on the basis of tests, it can be assumed that the cooling tank is completely warmed up to, for example, a predetermined temperature. Subsequently, the time duration can be measured until a defined AO value is reached.

ii. This method can analogously to methods i. be carried out, but then the water in the container in a subsequent rinse tank, in particular a boiler, can be drained, there to measure the temperature of the heated water, whereby a successful heating can be confirmed.

iii. In this third possible variant, at least one temperature sensor can be located on the cooling container, for example, lying outside. This can be, for example, at a point at which the heating is achieved last when heating the rinse water to a desired temperature, for example, the cooling tank below. Upon reaching the temperature, which eg for the AO value If the method can be relevant, a successful warm-up can then be assumed and a holding time, which is generally required, can take place.

Subsequently, the cooling liquid can be drained from the cooling tank, for example, the water, in the final washing tank or in a drain.

The regeneration step, for example the special regeneration program, can be, for example, a program part of the production of the operational readiness of the cleaning device after switching on the cleaning device or a part of the self-cleaning when the cleaning device is switched off. An independent special program for avoiding a biofilm, which can be manually selected and started, for example, between individual rinses or can also be started automatically, is also conceivable. For example, the control of the cleaning device, after evaluating a usage profile, can prompt the user to start this program.

In order to implement the described method particularly effectively, the cooling container is preferably designed like a shell, so that, for example, a wall of the cleaning chamber, for example a tank wall, simultaneously forms a wall of the cooling container. As a result, the stored coolant, for example the stored water, preferably comes directly into contact with the wall of the cleaning chamber, for example the tank wall, so that the heat transfer can take place in the best possible manner both in regular operation and in the case of the proposed program. Preferably, the at least one cooling container, which may be located on several sides of the cleaning chamber cooling tank, completely or partially designed as a sheet metal shell. The sheet metal shell, for example, by means of bolts and a seal on the wall of the cleaning chamber, such as the tank wall, be attached. The connections for supply and removal of the cooling water are preferably introduced into the shell, in particular the upper shell, eg welded. If necessary, guide elements for influencing the flow can be used in the interior. It is also conceivable that the upper shell is welded directly onto the tank wall. Instead of an upper shell made of sheet metal, an embodiment in plastic would also be conceivable. In principle, one or more cooling tanks can be mounted on the tank wall. In order to achieve maximum function in the cooling of the hot humid air in the washing chamber at the end of a washing program, preferably several cooling containers cover a major part of the surface of the tank wall. In summary, without limiting further possible embodiments, the following embodiments are proposed:

Embodiment 1: Cleaning device for cleaning of items to be cleaned, comprising at least one cleaning chamber for receiving the cleaning product, further comprising at least one loading device for applying the cleaning material with at least one cleaning fluid, the cleaning device further at least one cooling surface assigning the cleaning chamber and at least one thermally coupled to the cooling surface Cooling container for receiving a cooling liquid, wherein the cleaning device has at least one controller, wherein the controller is further adapted to control at least one regeneration step in the cleaning device, wherein the regeneration step comprises the following substeps:

a) filling the cooling tank with coolant;

b) heating the cooling liquid in the cooling tank; and

c) removing the cooling liquid from the cooling tank.

Embodiment 2: Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning device has at least one temperature sensor for detecting at least one temperature of the cooling liquid in the cooling container.

Embodiment 3: A cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to determine an actual temperature in the cooling vessel by at least one method selected from: an estimation; an empirical value; an analytical model; a calibration curve; a calibra- tion table.

Embodiment 4: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller is set up to control the regeneration step such that the cooling container is subjected to at least a predetermined minimum number of heat equivalents.

Embodiment 5: cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the controller is adapted to determine at least one temperature of the cooling tank as a function of time and to determine therefrom the cumulative heat equivalents, which is applied to the cooling tank. Embodiment 6: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller is arranged to keep the cooling container for at least 1 minute at a temperature of at least 60 ° C, in particular at a temperature of at least 65 ° C and more preferably to a temperature of at least 70 ° C or at least 74 ° C.

Embodiment 7: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller is set up to monitor reaching a predetermined setpoint temperature in the cooling container, wherein the controller is further set to wait a predetermined period of time after reaching the setpoint temperature before step c ) is carried out.

Embodiment 8: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device in the cooling container has at least one temperature ture sensor, wherein the controller is adapted to detect via the temperature sensor reached in step b) temperature in the cooling container.

Embodiment 9 Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the control is furthermore set up in order to generate information on the reached temperature about heat equivalents transferred to the cooling container.

Embodiment 10: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller is set up to fill the cooling container with fresh water in step a).

Embodiment 11: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller is set up to heat the cooling liquid in the cooling container by heated cleaning fluid in the cleaning chamber in method step b).

Embodiment 12: cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein in process step b) a cleaning tank of the cleaning device is filled with cleaning fluid, the cleaning fluid is heated and the heated cleaning fluid is recirculated in Umwälzbetrieb means of the loading device in the cleaning chamber, so that the heated cleaning fluid to the cooling tank and heats the cooling liquid therein over the cooling surface. Embodiment 13: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller is further adapted to control at least one cleaning step in the cleaning device, wherein in the cleaning step, the cleaning material is applied to the cleaning fluid, wherein the regeneration step and the cleaning step are separate steps.

Embodiment 14: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller is further adapted to control at least one drying step in the cleaning device, wherein in the drying step the cleaning material is dried in the cleaning chamber, wherein the regeneration step and the drying step are separate steps ,

Embodiment 15: A cleaning device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller is further configured to perform at least one self-cleaning step of the cleaning device, wherein in the self-cleaning step, the cleaning device is filled with fresh cleaning fluid and the fresh cleaning fluid in the cleaning device is circulated by the applying device with the regeneration step being part of the self-cleaning step.

Embodiment 16: A cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the controller is configured to prompt a user of the cleaning device to stop the operation of the cleaning device to perform the self-cleaning step.

Embodiment 17: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device further comprises at least one compressed gas source and / or at least one compressed gas connection, wherein the controller is arranged to blow out the cooling container with compressed gas after step c).

Embodiment 18: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cooling container has a shell, wherein the shell is placed directly or via at least one seal on a wall of the cleaning chamber, wherein formed between the shell and the wall of the cleaning chamber an interior of the Kühlbehäl- ter is, wherein cooling liquid in the cooling container is in contact with the wall of the cleaning chamber. Embodiment 19: A cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the shell is wholly or partly made of a material selected from the group consisting of: a metal, in particular a metal sheet; a plastic. Embodiment 20: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cooling container has on at least one inner wall at least one germicidal coating, in particular a coating with silver ions.

Embodiment 21: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cooling container has at least one inner wall at least one water-repellent microstructure, in particular a microstructuring with lotus effect.

Embodiment 22: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device further comprises in the cleaning chamber at least one conveying device for generating an air flow in the cleaning chamber past the cooling surface.

Embodiment 23: cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the conveying device comprises at least one device selected from the group consisting of: a fan, in particular a radial fan; a wing arm, in particular a nozzle arm with at least one wing.

Embodiment 24: Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device further comprises at least one rinsing tank, wherein the cleaning device is arranged to transfer the cooling liquid from the cooling container into the final rinse tank in method step c).

Embodiment 25: Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning device in the post-rinse tank has at least one temperature sensor, wherein the controller is set up to detect a temperature reached in step b) in the cooling container via the temperature sensor.

Embodiment 26: cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the controller is further adapted to generate information about the reached temperature information about transferred to the cooling tank heat equivalents. Embodiment 27: A process for cleaning articles to be cleaned, comprising the following steps:

I. Provision of at least one cleaning device, comprising at least one cleaning chamber for receiving the cleaning, further comprising at least one loading device for applying the cleaning material with at least one cleaning fluid, wherein the cleaning device further at least one of the cleaning chamber allocating cooling surface and at least one thermally coupled to the cooling surface cooling tank for Receiving a cooling liquid;

a. Filling the cooling tank with cooling liquid;

b. Heating the cooling liquid in the cooling tank; and

c. Remove the coolant from the cooling tank.

Embodiment 28: Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the method uses a cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims relating to a cleaning device.

Embodiment 29: Computer program with program code means, wherein the computer program is set up in order, after being loaded into a controller of a cleaning device, to control the execution of method steps II. of the method according to one of the two preceding embodiments.

Brief description of the figures

Further details and features will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments, in particular in conjunction with the subclaims. In this case, the respective features can be implemented on their own or in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the embodiments. The embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. The same reference numerals in the individual figures designate the same or functionally identical or with respect to their functions corresponding elements.

In detail show:

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a cleaning device; and Figure 2 is a flowchart of a possible embodiment of a method for

Cleaning of items to be cleaned.

Description of the embodiments

FIG. 1 shows a possible embodiment of a cleaning device 110 according to the invention for cleaning articles 112 to be cleaned. The cleaning device 110 is exemplified in the illustrated embodiment as a chamber dishwasher 114, in particular for commercial use, and particularly preferably designed as a programmer 116.

The cleaning device 110 comprises a cleaning chamber 118, in the interior 120 of which the cleaning material 112 can be accommodated, for example by means of one or more baskets 122. In the cleaning chamber 118, the cleaning material 112 can be acted upon by at least one loading device 124 with cleaning fluid, for example via a rinsing nozzle system 126 and / or via a Nachspüldüsensystem 128. The flushing nozzle system 126, for example, via a purge line 130 and a circulating pump 132 from a cleaning tank or rinsing tank 134, which may be heated via a radiator 136 or other type of heating, are fed in the recirculation mode. The post-rinse nozzle system 128 can be fed via at least one rinse line 138 and a rinse pump 140 from a rinse tank 142 with rinse fluid, such as fresh water. In the final rinsing tank 142, for example, a further heating device 144 may be provided, so that the rinsing tank 142 may be designed, for example, as a boiler and / or as a water heater.

In the bottom of the rinse tank 134, a drain 146 is further provided, via which cleaning fluid can be conveyed by means of a drain pump 148 into a drain 150. The cleaning chamber 118 may include at least one door 152 and / or at least one other device for opening the cleaning chamber 118. For example, this door 152 may be disposed in a front wall of the cleaning chamber 118 facing the user. Furthermore, at least one rear wall 154 and / or at least one side wall 156 of the cleaning chamber 118 can provide at least one cooling surface 158 to be assigned to the cleaning chamber 118. As an example, in FIG. 1, the cooling surface 158 is arranged on the rear wall 154. With the cooling surface 158, a cooling container 160 is thermally coupled. pelt, in this case for example via the metallic back wall 154 and / or in another way. This cooling tank 160 is mounted on an outer side of the rear wall 154 and / or on at least one outer side of at least one side wall 156, for example, this cooling tank 160 may have at least one shell 162, which is preferably placed directly on the rear wall 154 and with this example via a seal connected is. The shell 162 may, for example, be screwed and / or welded and / or adhesively bonded to the rear wall 154. As a result, an interior 164 is formed between the shell 162 and the rear wall 154, in which cooling liquid, for example fresh water, can be introduced via an inlet 166. Via a drain 168, the cooling liquid can be removed from the interior 164 again. The inlet 166 can be connected, for example via at least one inlet valve 170 with a fresh water line 172, and via a drain valve 174 and a drain line 176 cooling liquid can be discharged from the cooling tank 160, for example, in the rinse tank 142, in the rinse tank 134 or in the drain 150th

The cleaning device 110 further comprises a controller 178, by means of which a program sequence in the cleaning device 110 can be controlled. The controller 178 may include, for example, at least one computer and / or at least one processor and, for example, at least one user interface. The controller 178 may control, for example, the pumps 132, 140, 148 and / or the valves 170, 174 and other components of a cleaning device 110. Furthermore, the controller 178 can access sensor data, for example data of at least one optional temperature sensor 180 to the cooling tank 160, data of at least one optional temperature sensor 182 on the final rinse tank 142 and / or data of at least one level sensor 184 in the rinse tank 134.

The cleaning device 110, in particular the controller 178, can be set up to run at least one washing program or cleaning program in the cleaning device 110, which, as will be explained in more detail below, may comprise at least one cleaning step and at least one drying step. While the at least one cleaning step may, for example, comprise sequential application of rinsing liquid via the rinsing nozzle system 126 and subsequent application of rinsing liquid via the rinsing nozzle system 128, the drying step comprises drying the items to be cleaned 112. For drying, for example, the cooling container 160 may be provided with cooling liquid, for example cold fresh water, are filled, so that the cooling surface 158 is cooled thereby. At this cooling surface 158, moisture evaporating from the cleaning material 112 can condense and drain off into the rinsing tank 134. This drying process can be promoted by at least at least one conveying device 186, for example a radial fan, through which an air circulation in the cleaning chamber 118 is conveyed so that air regularly saturated with moisture reaches the cooling surface 158. FIG. 2 describes an exemplary embodiment of a possible method for cleaning items to be cleaned. This method initially comprises a start 210 of the operation of the cleaning device 110, for example according to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1. This start can be initiated, for example, by actuating a main switch. Subsequently, for example by means of a corresponding selection via a user interface, the controller 178 can be set up to perform a start of a cleaning program (step 212 in FIG. 2). This cleaning program, designated by the reference numeral 214 in FIG. 2, comprises, for example, one or more cleaning steps 216, for example the at least one rinsing step described above and the at least one rinsing step described above. Furthermore, the cleaning program 214 may, for example, comprise at least one drying step 217, in which the drying described above is carried out.

After completion of the cleaning program 214, it is possible, for example, to query (query 218) whether the cleaning program 214 should again be carried out, for example after unloading the cleaned cleaning product 112 and loading the cleaning chamber 118 with new, dirty cleaning product 112. If this is the case (with " 2), the cleaning program 214 is performed again, if not (branch "N" in Fig. 2), for example, the operation may be terminated. This may optionally be associated with the start of a self-cleaning program (step 220 in FIG. 2). In this self-cleaning program, designated in FIG. 2 by the reference numeral 222, the dirty cleaning fluid can first be pumped out into the drain 150 via the drain 146 and the drain pump 148, and the flush tank 134 can be filled with fresh cleaning fluid, for example fresh water and heated, for example via the radiator 136. Subsequently, in the self-cleaning program 222, circulation of the fresh cleaning fluid can take place via the circulation pump 134 and the flushing nozzle system 126, so that inside parts of the cleaning device 110 are cleaned in the circulation operation. In this case, for example, screens can be removed or other parts are rinsed. Part of the self-cleaning program 222 is preferably a regeneration step 224. In this regeneration step 224, a thermal treatment of the cooling tank 160 to reduce microorganisms in the cooling tank 160 and thus to avoid biofilms in this cooling tank 160. In this regeneration step 224, the cooling tank 160, for example, by opening the inlet valve 170, first with coolant, such as fresh water, filled (step 226). In this case, the drain valve 174 is preferably closed. Subsequently, heating 228 of the cooling liquid takes place. This is preferably done by the Umwälzbe- operation described above in the cleaning chamber 118. Thus, the cooling liquid can be heated, for example by contact of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning chamber 118 with the cooling surface 158, since the cleaning fluid is heated as described above, preferably by means of the radiator 136 , This heating is preferably carried out to a temperature which is above the temperatures usually occurring in the cleaning program 214, for example to temperatures above 60 ° C., for example temperatures of at least 65 ° C., at least 70 ° C. or at least 74 ° C. By way of example, the temperature in the cooling container 160 can be detected via the temperature sensor 180. From this, the controller 178 can determine, for example, the heat equivalents transferred to the cooling tank 160. Alternatively or additionally, however, the controller 178 can also be set up to keep the cooling container 160 at a minimum temperature described for at least a predetermined period of time so that a predetermined thermal effect can be ensured. Subsequently, in step 230, the coolant can be removed from the cooling tank 160, for example emptying, in particular into the final rinse tank 142. For this purpose, the controller 178 can open the drain valve 174, for example. As an alternative or in addition to a temperature monitoring by means of the temperature sensor 180, it is also possible to use the temperature sensor 182, for example, by ensuring that the cooling liquid transferred into the rinse tank 142 has a predetermined minimum temperature, so that in this way too, a pressurization with a minimum number of heat equivalents and / or a minimum hygienization of the cooling tank 160 can be ensured. Alternatively or additionally, other methods can also be used, for example, to detect a temperature in the cooling container 160 during the heating 228, for example estimated values, empirical values or similar methods.

After performing the self-cleaning program 222, also referred to as a self-cleaning step, then the operation of the cleaning device 110 may be terminated (step 232). LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

110 cleaning device

112 items to be cleaned

114 single-dish dishwasher

116 program automat

118 cleaning chamber

120 interior

122 basket

124 loading device

126 rinsing nozzle system

128 rinsing nozzle system

130 flushing line

132 circulation pump

134 rinse tank

136 radiators

138 rinse line

140 rinsing pump

142 Rinse tank

144 heating device

146 Procedure

148 drain pump

150 exhaust

152 door

154 rear wall

156 side wall

158 cooling surface

160 cooling tanks

162 shell

164 interior

166 inlet

168 process

170 inlet valve

172 fresh water pipe

174 drain valve

176 drain line

178 control

180 temperature sensor 182 temperature sensor

184 level sensor

186 conveying device

210 start

212 Start cleaning program

214 cleaning program

216 cleaning step

217 drying step

218 query

220 start self-cleaning program

222 self-cleaning program

224 regeneration step

226 Fill with coolant

228 Heating the coolant

230 Removing the coolant

232 End of operation

Claims

claims

Cleaning device (110) for cleaning of items to be cleaned (112), comprising at least one cleaning chamber (118) for receiving the items to be cleaned (112), further comprising at least one loading device (124) for applying the cleaning item (112) with at least one cleaning fluid, wherein the cleaning device (110) further comprises at least one of the cleaning chamber (118) assigning the cooling surface (158) and at least one with the cooling surface (158) thermally coupled cooling tank (160) for receiving a cooling liquid, wherein the cleaning device (110) at least one controller (178) wherein the controller (178) is further adapted to control at least one regeneration step in the cleaning device (110), the regeneration step comprising the following substeps:

a) filling the cooling tank (160) with cooling liquid;

b) heating the cooling liquid in the cooling tank (160); and

c) removing the cooling liquid from the cooling tank (160).

2. Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the controller (178) is adapted to control the regeneration step such that the cooling container (160) is subjected to at least a predetermined minimum number of heat equivalents.

3. Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the controller (178) is adapted to determine at least one temperature of the cooling tank (160) as a function of time and to determine therefrom the cumulative heat equivalents with which the cooling tank (160) is charged.

The cleaning device (110) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (178) is arranged to maintain the refrigerated container (160) at a temperature of at least 60 ° C for at least 1 minute.

The cleaning device (110) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (178) is configured to monitor for reaching a predetermined setpoint temperature in the cooling vessel (160), the controller (178) continuing is set up to wait for a predetermined period of time after reaching the setpoint temperature before step c) is performed.

6. Cleaning apparatus (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (178) is adapted to heat in step b) the cooling liquid in the cooling vessel (160) by heated cleaning fluid in the cleaning chamber (118).

7. Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein in process step b) a cleaning tank (134) of the cleaning device (110) is filled with cleaning fluid, the cleaning fluid is heated and the heated cleaning fluid in the circulation operation by means of the loading device (124) in the cleaning chamber (118) is circulated so that the heated cleaning fluid heats the cooling vessel (160) and the cooling liquid therein via the cooling surface (158).

8. cleaning device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (178) is further arranged to control at least one cleaning step in the cleaning device (110), wherein in the cleaning step, the cleaning material (112) is applied to the cleaning fluid, wherein the regeneration step and the cleaning step are separate steps.

9. cleaning device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (178) is further arranged to control at least one drying step in the cleaning device (110), wherein in the drying step, the cleaning material (1 12) in the cleaning chamber (118 ), wherein the regeneration step and the drying step are separate steps.

10. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) further comprises at least one compressed gas source and / or at least one compressed gas connection, wherein the controller (178) is arranged to after step c) the cooling container (160) Blow out compressed gas.

11. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling container (160) has a shell (162), wherein the shell (162) directly or via at least one seal on a wall (154, 156) of the cleaning chamber (118). is placed, wherein between the shell (162) and the wall (154, 156) the cleaning chamber (118) an interior space (164) of the cooling tank (160) is formed, wherein cooling liquid in the cooling tank (160) with the wall (154, 156) of the cleaning chamber (118) is in contact.

12. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling container (160) has at least one inner wall on at least one germicidal coating, in particular a coating with silver ions.

13. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling container (160) has at least one inner wall at least one water-repellent microstructure, in particular a lotus effect microstructure.

14. A process for cleaning items (112) comprising the following steps:

I. providing at least one cleaning device (110), comprising at least one cleaning chamber (118) for receiving the Reinigungsguts (112), further comprising at least one loading device (124) for applying the Reinigungsguts (112) with at least one cleaning fluid, wherein the cleaning device (110) further comprising at least one cooling surface (158) facing the cleaning chamber (118) and at least one cooling tank (160) thermally coupled to the cooling surface (158) for receiving a cooling liquid;

II. Performing at least one regeneration step in the cleaning device (110), comprising the following substeps:

a. Filling the cooling tank (160) with cooling liquid;

b. Heating the cooling liquid in the cooling tank (160); and

c. Remove the coolant from the cooling tank (160).

15. Computer program with program code means, wherein the computer program is set up after loading into a controller (178) of a cleaning device (110) the controller (178) for carrying out the method steps II. of the method according to the preceding claim.