EP3687365B1 - Cleaning device and method for cleaning articles to be cleaned - Google Patents

Description

technical field

The invention relates to a method and a cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned, in particular for use in commercial dishwashing technology and/or in canteen kitchens. Cleaning devices of the type mentioned can be used, for example, in facilities for community catering, such as in particular in the catering trade, in company canteens, canteens in schools, authorities, hospitals or care facilities. The cleaning device can be used in particular for cleaning items to be cleaned in the form of items to be washed, which are used directly or indirectly for the preparation, storage or serving of food and drinks. In particular, this can involve crockery and/or trays. Other areas of use of the present invention are also conceivable in principle, in particular areas of use with basically any items to be washed, for example medical devices or care utensils.

Technical background

A large number of cleaning devices, also referred to as cleaning devices, are known from the prior art, which can clean and/or disinfect items to be cleaned. In the following, without restricting other possible areas of use, the invention makes significant reference to commercial warewashing technology, for example commercial dishwashing technology. Thus, in addition to dishwashers with a static washing process, conveyor dishwashers or conveyor-type dishwashers are also known, in which the items to be cleaned are transported through one or more cleaning chambers by means of a transport device. Program dishwashing machines, also referred to as program automats, which are set up for commercial use, usually have two circuits for washing liquid, i.e. in addition to the actual fluid tank housed in the cleaning chamber, through which the circulating operation takes place, still has at least one rinsing tank for the separate preparation of rinsing fluid or rinsing fluid, for example with a boiler or flow heater. Other configurations are also possible.

The drying of exhaust air and the dehumidification of the air within the cleaning chamber represent a technical challenge, particularly in the case of single-chamber dishwashers and there in particular in program machines, but also in some cases also in conveyor dishwashers.

Out of US 2,918,068A 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 the emission of water vapor into the ambient air. The drying apparatus includes circulating means for circulating the air in the chamber, with moisture condensing on the inner surface and with the condensation being assisted by air cooling.

Out of DE 10 2008 040 745 A1 a washing method for a dishwasher is known. The dishwasher comprises a washing compartment delimiting the washing chamber, in which washing liquid that is no longer required during or after the execution of a washing cycle is temporarily stored in a storage container that is thermally coupled to the washing compartment. In a drying step of the wash cycle, the moisture-laden air or water vapor located in a wash chamber of the wash compartment is condensed on at least one side wall of the wash compartment. Before or during the drying step, the storage tank 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 which is delimited by walls, with at least one of the walls being cooled by a fluid on an outside. A fan is arranged on a ceiling of the cleaning chamber. In the drying mode 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 dehumidification section for an air flow flowing along it.

DE 3 316 716 A1 describes a method for recovering waste heat from a domestic dishwasher and a machine for carrying out the method. A reservoir connected to the rinsing tank in a thermally conductive manner is used, which is filled with cold water when the cleaning or rinsing temperature is reached and is emptied by dispensing partial quantities for pre-rinsing and cleaning or for intermediate rinsing and rinsing.

DE 10 2010 038690 A1 describes a dishwasher with a washing container and at least one liquid container, with a UV radiation element being provided for sterilizing the liquid temporarily stored in the liquid container.

Despite the advantages achieved with the devices and methods described, there is still some potential for improvement. As a rule, cooling containers are used to provide the condensation surfaces, which can be made of plastic or metal, for example, as welded injection-molded parts or as blow-molded parts. These vessels typically have one wall flat against the outside of the cleaning chamber or are integral with the wall so that heat can be transferred one way or the other. The containers are usually empty due to the program sequence or when the machine is switched off. Since there is usually residual moisture in the containers and these have a certain residual heat, for example 40-60 °C, which decreases over time, deposits can form in the containers. These deposits can grow to such an extent that they impair the transfer of heat to the wall of the cleaning chamber and therefore impair the effectiveness of the device. Furthermore, these deposits can grow to such an extent that cross-sections in the containers are reduced or even blocked, so that the effectiveness can also be restricted or even prevented.

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

Object of the Invention

It would therefore be desirable to provide a cleaning device and a method for cleaning items to be cleaned which at least largely address the above-described technical challenges of known cleaning devices and methods of the type mentioned. In particular, efficient drying of the air within the cleaning chamber are made possible, while at the same time as far as possible Avoiding the formation of deposits in cooling tanks and maintaining a heat transfer that does not decrease if possible.

Disclosure of Invention

This object is addressed by a cleaning device and a method having the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous 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 thereof 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 comprises B", or "A includes B" can both refer to the situation in which, apart from B, no other element in A is present (i.e. to a situation in which A consists exclusively of B), as well as to the situation in which, in addition to B, there are one or more other elements in A, e.g. element C, elements C and D or even other elements .

Furthermore, it is pointed out that the terms "at least one" and "one or more" as well as grammatical modifications 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 singly or several times can generally only be used once, for example when the feature or element is introduced for the first time. If the feature or element is subsequently mentioned again, the corresponding term "at least one" or "one or more" is generally no longer used, without restricting the possibility that the feature or element can be provided once or more than once.

Furthermore, the terms “preferably”, “in particular”, “for example” or similar terms are used below in connection with optional features, without alternative embodiments being restricted thereby. Thus, features introduced by these terms are optional features and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims, and in particular the independent claims, by these features. The invention can thus be appreciated 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 understood to be optional features without intending to limit alternative configurations or the scope of the independent claims.

1. a) Befüllen des Kühlbehälters mit Kühlflüssigkeit;
2. b) Erwärmen der Kühlflüssigkeit in dem Kühlbehälter; und
3. c) Entfernen der Kühlflüssigkeit aus dem Kühlbehälter.

In a first aspect of the present invention, a cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned according to claim 1 is proposed. The cleaning device comprises at least one cleaning chamber for accommodating the items to be cleaned. The cleaning device also comprises at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned. The cleaning device also 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 also has at least one controller which is set up to control at least one regeneration step in the cleaning device, the regeneration step comprising the following sub-steps:

1. a) filling the cooling container with cooling liquid;
2. b) heating the cooling liquid in the cooling container; and
3. c) Removing the cooling liquid from the cooling container.

1. I. Bereitstellen mindestens einer erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsvorrichtung;
2. II. Durchführen mindestens eines Regenerationsschritts in der Reinigungsvorrichtung, umfassend folgende Teilschritte:
   1. a. Befüllen des Kühlbehälters mit Kühlflüssigkeit;
   2. b. Erwärmen der Kühlflüssigkeit in dem Kühlbehälter; und
   3. c. Entfernen der Kühlflüssigkeit aus dem Kühlbehälter.

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

1. I. Providing at least one cleaning device according to the invention;
2. II. Carrying out at least one regeneration step in the cleaning device, comprising the following sub-steps:
   1. a. filling the cooling container with cooling liquid;
   2. b. heating the cooling liquid in the cooling tank; and
   3. c. Removing 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 order mentioned. However, the partial steps can also overlap in time, for example, so that, for example, the cooling liquid can already be heated during filling, or so that, for example, the cooling liquid can still be heated while it is being removed from the cooling container, for example while it is being pumped out or drained from the cooling container is heated. However, it is also possible to separate the process steps.

The cleaning device can in particular be set up to carry out the proposed method, and the method is carried out using the proposed cleaning device. In this respect, the cleaning device and the method are described together below.

The term "cleaning device" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and current meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to a device which is set up to at least partially free the items to be cleaned from adhering dirt and/or germs. The cleaning device can be a dishwasher, for example, in particular a commercial dishwasher, for example a single-chamber dishwasher and/or a program dishwasher. In principle, however, the concept according to the invention can also be used in conveyor-type dishwashers. Alternatively or additionally, however, the cleaning device can also be designed entirely or partially as a cleaning and disinfection device, for example as a cleaning device which is set up for cleaning containers for receiving human excretions. In general, for example, you can refer to the in DE 10 2004 056 052 A1 and/or in DE 10 2007 025 263 A1 described cleaning devices are referenced. The cleaning device can also be a dishwasher, as can be used to clean containers in the food production and/or food processing environment. Furthermore, the cleaning device can be a disinfecting washing machine, for example a washing machine for cleaning and disinfecting breathing masks. In principle, however, other configurations are also conceivable. In the following, the invention is described in particular in connection with commercially usable single-chamber dishwashers or automatic dishwashers which, in addition to the actual washing tank or washing container, which is usually arranged in the floor of the cleaning chamber, have a separate final-rinse container, in which can already be processed during a rinsing process rinsing liquid. However, other configurations are also possible in principle.

The term "cleaning items" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and current meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may refer, without limitation, to items or goods that can be subjected to cleaning or a cleaning process. Without restricting further possible configurations, reference is made below to items to be cleaned in the form of items to be washed. Items to be washed should include any objects that are intended for the preparation, presentation or storage of food and drinks. Examples include crockery such as cups, plates, glasses, bowls or bowls. Pots, trays, cutlery, warming devices or similar devices should also be mentioned. However, it is expressly pointed out that other types of items to be cleaned can also be cleaned, such as industrial piece goods, bulk goods, containers or other types of items to be cleaned.

“Cleaning” can be understood, without limitation, to mean freeing the items to be cleaned from adhering dirt or other contaminants, as well as having a germ-reducing and/or germ-killing effect or even a disinfecting effect. Hygienization is basically understood to mean both a germ-reducing and/or germ-killing or even disinfecting effect and a germ-reducing and/or germ-killing or even disinfecting effect, as well as a liberation of substances such as chemicals, for example residues of additives of the at least one cleaning fluid.

The term "cleaning chamber" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and current meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to a chamber in which the above-described cleaning process of the items to be cleaned is carried out completely or partially. In particular, the cleaning fluid or one of a plurality of cleaning fluids can be applied in a cleaning chamber. The chamber is preferably fully or partially enclosed by a housing. As stated above, the cleaning device can in particular be a single-chamber cleaning device, i.e. a cleaning device which has exactly one chamber for accommodating the items to be cleaned, in particular for stationary accommodation, which is preferably completely surrounded by walls of the cleaning chamber is. A closable opening can be provided in at least one wall of the cleaning chamber, for example a flap, a door or a slider. Alternatively or additionally, however, at least part of at least one wall of the cleaning chamber can also be designed to be movable in order to enable items to be cleaned to be accommodated in the cleaning chamber. For example, the cleaning chamber described can also have at least one hood or can be completely or partially closed off by at least one hood.

The cleaning fluid can be, for example, a cleaning liquid and/or a gaseous cleaning fluid. For example, this cleaning fluid can include a cleaning liquid, for example an aqueous cleaning liquid, 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 can have one or more additives, for example at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a cleaning concentrate, a rinse aid and a disinfectant. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning fluid can include steam, for example. In principle, however, other configurations are also conceivable. In principle, the at least one cleaning fluid can, for example, comprise at least one cleaning liquid, in particular at least one aqueous cleaning liquid. In principle, other types of cleaning fluids can also be used. A “cleaning fluid” can thus be understood, without restricting further possible configurations, as any fluid, in particular a liquid, which can exert a cleaning effect on the items to be cleaned.

The term "applying device" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and current meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to any device or combination of devices by means of which the cleaning fluid can be applied to the items to be cleaned, for example by spraying, blasting or dripping the cleaning fluid onto the items to be cleaned. For example, the application device can have at least one nozzle system. For example, one or more nozzles can be provided in the cleaning chamber above and/or below the items to be cleaned and/or also to the side of the items to be cleaned. For example, the nozzles can have one or more spray arms above the items to be cleaned and one or more spray arms below the items to be cleaned, in particular rotatable spray arms.

The term "cooling surface" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and current meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term cooling surface refers to an inner wall of the cleaning chamber facing the cleaning chamber, the inner wall being cooled by at least one cooling medium, in the present case the cooling liquid, on an outside which is arranged outside of the cleaning chamber. In other words, the cooling surface can be or have an inner wall of the cleaning chamber, which is directly or indirectly cooled on an outside by a cooling medium, in particular the cooling liquid, i.e. can be brought to a temperature below an inner temperature of the cleaning chamber. In particular, condensation can take place on the cooling surface in the interior of the cleaning chamber. The cooling surface can in particular comprise a surface of at least one vertical inner wall of the cleaning chamber, ie 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 cover and/or in a base of the cleaning chamber.

The term "thermally coupled" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and ordinary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a connection between at least two elements, which enables heat exchange between the two elements. In particular, the thermal coupling can take place through a thermally conductive connection, which can be promoted or produced, for example, by metallic elements and/or thermally conductive pastes. In particular, the cooling surface can be an inner surface of a side wall of the cleaning chamber, which is made entirely or partially of a metallic material and which creates a thermal connection between an interior of the cleaning chamber and thus the cooling surface on the one hand and the cooling container on the other hand.

As used herein, the term "refrigerated container" is a broad term associated with it shall be given their ordinary and current meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to a container which is set up to hold at least one cooling medium, in particular at least one liquid, permanently or temporarily and which preferably enables heat exchange between the cooling medium on the one hand and at least one other element, for example the cooling surface , allows. Possible examples for the design of the cooling container can be found as an example DE 10 2008 040 745 A1 or DE 10 2013 014 553 A1 to get expelled. Further possible and advantageous configurations of the cooling container are described in more detail below. The at least one cooling container can, 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 container can be connected, for example, to at least one inlet valve and/or to at least one outlet valve, which can, for example, control an inlet and/or an outlet of cooling liquid.

As used herein, the term "refrigerant fluid" is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and ordinary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to a liquid which can be used as a heat transfer medium. In particular, the liquid can be an aqueous liquid and particularly preferably water, for example fresh water.

The term "regeneration step" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and current meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to a program, a method step or a sequence of processes which have an effect on the cleaning device in such a way that a gradual operational change in the cleaning device is reversed in whole or in part. In particular, the regeneration step can comprise a step or a program which cleans, regenerates or in some other way restores at least one element of the cleaning device to an original state or at least brings this original state closer again. In the present case, the regeneration step can bring about, in particular, a reduction in deposits, in particular biofilms, in the cooling container, which deposits can form over time during operation of the cleaning device in the cooling container. In particular, an at least partially 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 in the cooling container is reduced.

The term "control" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and current meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to a one-part or multi-part device of the cleaning device, which is set up to fully or partially control and/or regulate an operation of the cleaning device. In particular, the controller can be set up to change, in particular to control and/or regulate, one or more operating parameters of the cleaning device, for example at least one temperature, at least one pressure, at least one valve position, at least one pump activity or a combination of the above and/or or other operating parameters. In particular, the controller can include at least one data processing device, for example at least one processor. The controller can in particular 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 can include at least one volatile and/or non-volatile data memory. Furthermore, the controller can include 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 commands between the cleaning device and at least one other device. In particular, the controller can include at least one computer and/or at least one processor. The controller can in particular be a central or decentralized machine controller of the cleaning device.

In order to carry out the method steps, the controller can be set up in particular in terms of programming. For example, the controller can be programmed to activate at least one inlet valve of the refrigerated container, for example a fresh water valve, in order to carry out method step a). To carry out method step b), the controller can be set up in terms of programming, for example, to fill a tank, in particular a rinsing tank or wash tank, of the cleaning device via at least one valve, for example, in order to heat the cleaning fluid in the wash tank, for example by activating at least one heater in the wash tank, and then, for example by controlling at least one circulating pump, the cleaning fluid in the cleaning chamber via, for example, the To circulate nozzle system in such a way that the cooling surface is wetted with the heated cleaning fluid, so that the cooling surface of the cooling container and / or the cooling liquid is heated in the cooling container. Alternatively or additionally, the refrigerated container can also be heated in a different way, for example by the refrigerated container having at least one heating device or being coupled to such a heating device, which in turn can be controlled, for example, by the controller. To carry out method step c), the controller can be set up, for example, in terms of programming, in order to activate 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, pumping out can also take place.

The cleaning device and method described above have numerous advantages over known devices and methods of the type mentioned. In particular, the formation of deposits in the refrigerated container can be avoided or at least reduced by carrying out the at least one regeneration step regularly or irregularly, for example by killing microorganisms in the refrigerated container regularly or irregularly. As a result, a reduced effect of the cooling container over time when drying the items to be cleaned can be at least largely avoided, or the reduction in the effect can at least be slowed down by reducing or slowing down the formation of deposits in the cooling container. Overall, a thermal killing of germs in the cooling container can thus be achieved in the regeneration step.

The cleaning device and the method can optionally be further developed and improved in various ways. These options can be implemented individually or in any combination as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

In particular, the cleaning device can have 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 refrigerated container or, for example, on an outside of the refrigerated container, thermally coupled to an interior of the refrigerated container. If the temperature of the cooling liquid in the cooling container is detected, the controller can use this temperature information in different ways. For example, heating of the cooling container and/or the cooling liquid in the cooling container can be detected so that, for example, as will be described in more detail below, the number of heat equivalents transferred to the cooling liquid and/or to the cooling container can be detected. In this way it can be ensured, for example, that a transfer of a minimum number of heat equivalents to the cooling container, for example a minimum number of heat equivalents required for efficient killing of microorganisms. The temperature sensor can be a conventional temperature sensor, for example, for example at least one temperature-dependent resistor. Other configurations are also possible.

The controller and the method can be set up in particular to detect and/or determine a current temperature in the refrigerated container. Several temperatures can also be recorded and/or determined, for example at different points inside the refrigerated container, for example to determine an average value. In particular, the controller can be set up to determine a current temperature in the refrigerated container using at least one method selected from: an estimate; an experience value; an analytical model; a calibration curve; a calibration table. Estimated values, empirical values, analytical models, calibration curves or also corresponding tables can be generated, for example, by corresponding calibration experiments, as is fundamentally known to the person skilled in the art. In this way, for example, with known heating under known conditions, a rise in temperature over time can be predicted, or cooling can also be predicted when heating is switched off under specified conditions.

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

The term "heat equivalent" as used herein is a broad term which should be given its ordinary and ordinary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can refer, without limitation, in particular to a variable that quantifies thermal sanitation or thermal germ killing. In particular, the concept of the heat equivalent can refer to a quantity which includes a temperature and a period of time during which the temperature is affected. For example, the notion of heat equivalent may include at least one value selected from an A0 value or a HUE value. As an alternative or in addition, another unit of measurement for a reduction in a population of at least one target germ can also be specified, for example. AO values and HUE values are a measure of the reduction, or death rate, of a target germ due to thermal exposure. The higher the temperature, the greater the germ-reducing effect per unit of time. For example, more AO values and HUE values per second can be achieved at higher temperatures. AO values are defined in DIN EN ISO 15883, for example, while HUE units are defined in US standard NSF3, for example.

To determine the heat equivalents, the controller and the method can be set up, for example, to determine at least one temperature of the refrigerated container as a function of time and from this to determine the cumulative heat equivalents applied to the refrigerated container. Such methods are known in principle to those skilled in the art. For example, a weighted integration of the temperature over time or the formation of a weighted sum over time units can take place, with the weighting reflecting the germ-killing effect at different temperatures.

As an alternative or in addition to determining heat equivalents, however, the controller and the method can also be simply set up to keep the temperature in the cooling container at a minimum temperature for at least a predetermined time. The holding time specified as the minimum time can vary with the minimum temperature. For example, at lower minimum temperatures, for example temperatures of 60-65 °C, holding times of 1 minute can be specified, whereas at a minimum temperature of 65-70 °C holding times of 50 seconds can be provided, and at temperatures above 70 °C holding times of 40 seconds. The controller and the method can be set up, for example, to monitor these holding times. In particular, the controller can be set up, for example, to keep the cooling container at a temperature of at least 60° C., in particular at a temperature of at least 65° C. and particularly preferably at a temperature of at least 70° C. or at least 74° for at least 1 minute C In particular, the controller and the method can be set up to monitor when a specified target temperature or minimum temperature is reached in the refrigerated container, wherein the controller and the method can also be set up to wait a specified period of time after the target temperature has been reached before step c) is carried out becomes.

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

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 at least one fresh water valve, for example.

The controller and the method can also be set up to heat the cooling liquid in the cooling container with heated cleaning fluid in the cleaning chamber in method step b). For this purpose, for example, in method step b), a cleaning tank of the cleaning device, for example a washing tank in the floor of the cleaning chamber, can be filled with cleaning fluid, the cleaning fluid can be heated and the heated cleaning fluid can be circulated in the cleaning chamber in circulation mode by means of the loading device, so that the heated Cleaning fluid heats the cooling container and the cooling liquid therein over the cooling surface. Alternatively or additionally, however, the heating can also be carried out by at least one heating element, which heats the cooling container and/or the cooling liquid directly or indirectly and which can be controlled, for example, by the controller.

As explained above, the controller can be a machine controller of the automatic program which, in addition to the at least one regeneration step, can also control one or more other programs and/or steps. These additional programs and/or steps can be regular cleaning programs, for example. In particular, the controller can be set up, for example, to control at least one cleaning step in the cleaning device, with the cleaning fluid being applied to the items to be cleaned in the cleaning step. According to the invention, the regeneration step and the cleaning step are separate steps, so that, for example, no items to be cleaned are located in the cleaning chamber during the regeneration step. Alternatively or additionally or 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, with the items to be cleaned being dried in the cleaning chamber during the drying step. According to the invention, the regeneration step and the drying step are separate steps.

The drying step can also be part of a cleaning program that includes 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 can also flow through the at least one cooling container.

This cooling can, for example, result in condensation of moisture, which evaporates from the items to be cleaned, on the cooling surface inside the cleaning chamber.

The controller can also be set up to carry out at least one self-cleaning step of the cleaning device, the cleaning device being filled with fresh cleaning fluid in the self-cleaning step and the fresh cleaning fluid being circulated in the cleaning device by means of the impingement device. The regeneration step can 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 can be set up to prompt a user of the cleaning device to carry out the self-cleaning step when an operation of the cleaning device is terminated, for example after an operating phase and in particular in the evening. This request can be made, for example, via a display, an illuminated button, acoustically or in some other way.

The reduction of microorganisms in the cooling container 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 refrigerated container is rinsed through, for example by the inlet valve and outlet valve being opened at the same time. Alternatively or additionally, the controller and the method can also be set up to control or implement at least one blowing step in which the refrigerated container is blown out with compressed gas, for example to effect drying of the refrigerated container. Biofilm formation is typically reduced in a dry atmosphere compared to a humid atmosphere. For example, the cleaning device can also 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 configurations relate to the configuration of the refrigerated container. For example, the cooling container can have a shell which is placed on a wall of the cleaning chamber. For example, the at least one shell can be placed directly or via at least one seal on a wall of the cleaning chamber, for example at least one side wall. The shell can be screwed to the wall, for example, or it can also be welded or glued, for example. The shell can cover the entire wall or just a part. The space between The shell and the side wall can be kept small, for example, so that the shell has a maximum distance of 50 mm, in particular a maximum distance of 40 mm, for example 3 mm to 20 mm, from the side wall. An inner space of the cooling container can be formed between the shell and the wall of the cleaning chamber, with cooling liquid in the cooling container being in contact with the wall of the cleaning chamber. In particular, the shell can be made entirely or partially from 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.

Further measures can be taken to support the killing of germs and/or to further prevent biofilms. For example, the refrigerated container can 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 can have at least one water-repellent microstructure on at least one inner wall, in particular a microstructure with a lotus effect.

The drying of the items to be cleaned, for example in the drying step, can be further supported in various ways. For example, the cleaning device can be set up to generate an air flow in the cleaning chamber during drying, through which moisture-enriched air, which is produced by the evaporation of moisture from the hot items to be cleaned, is brought into contact with the cooling surface, where the moisture can condense and can flow into the cleaning tank of the cleaning device, for example. For the purpose of generating the air flow, the cleaning device can have at least one conveying direction, for example in the cleaning chamber. This conveying direction can in particular have at least one device selected from the group consisting of: a blower, in particular a radial fan; a wing arm, in particular a nozzle arm with at least one wing.

As explained above, the cleaning device can in particular, but not necessarily, be an industrially usable cleaning device, in particular an industrially usable dishwasher. Accordingly, the cleaning device can in particular also have at least one post-rinse tank. This final rinsing tank can, in particular, be separated from the cleaning tank of the cleaning device, which is usually arranged on the bottom of the cleaning chamber. be trained. The final-washing tank can in particular have at least one boiler and/or at least one continuous-flow heater in order to heat the final-washing liquid in the final-washing tank, in particular independently of the processes in the cleaning chamber, so that a final-washing can take place immediately after a main-washing step, without a time-consuming water change or Change of liquid in the cleaning chamber, combined with a re-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 post-rinse tank in method step c). In this way, the heat of the cooling liquid, which can be fresh water in particular, can be used for the final rinsing step, for example in a subsequent cycle. Furthermore, the cleaning device in the post-washing tank can have at least one temperature sensor, and the method and the controller can be set up to detect a temperature reached in step b) in the cooling container via the temperature sensor. In this way, a temperature sensor that is generally present in the post-rinse tank anyway can also be used to carry out the regeneration step and to monitor this regeneration step. Accordingly, the controller and the method can be set up to generate information about the heat equivalents transferred to the cooling container via the temperature reached.

As explained above, in the proposed method, in particular a cleaning device according to one or more of the configurations 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 carried out completely or partially in a computer-implemented manner. In a further aspect, a computer program with program code means is accordingly proposed, which is set up, after loading into a controller of a cleaning device, to carry out the method steps II. a.-c. to cause.

The cleaning device and the proposed method can be implemented easily and efficiently in practice. The method and the proposed cleaning device take particular account of the fact that the deposits in the refrigerated container recognized as a disadvantage within the scope of the present invention usually arise from biofilms, i.e. by colonization of the inner surfaces of the refrigerated container with germs that come into contact with the fresh water in the regular operation. In order to prevent plaque growth, within the scope of the present invention, a special program to avoid the biofilm. In this special program, the cooling containers, which are usually on the outside of the cleaning chamber and/or the tank, can be completely filled with water, for example. The rinse water in the tank is then circulated. The flushing water can then be heated, for example, using a tank heater. In this case, the target temperature can, for example, be above the washing temperature typically used for a washing step, for example as part of the cleaning step described above, for example the washing temperature of a normal washing program of z. B. 60 °C. The setpoint temperature in the regeneration step can be 74° C., for example.

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

1. i. Nach Erreichen der Solltemperatur des Spülwassers kann eine definierte Zeit abgewartet werden, in der, beispielsweise aufgrund von Versuchen, davon auszugehen ist, dass der Kühlbehälter vollständig bis zu beispielsweise einer vorgegebenen Temperatur durchwärmt wird. Anschließend kann die Zeitdauer gemessen werden, bis ein definierter A0-Wert erreicht wird.
2. ii. Dieses Verfahren kann analog zu Verfahren i. durchgeführt werden, wobei jedoch anschließend das Wasser im Behälter in einen nachgeschalteten Nachspültank, insbesondere einen Boiler, abgelassen werden kann, um dort die Temperatur des erwärmten Wassers zu messen, wodurch eine erfolgreiche Durchwärmung bestätigt werden kann.
3. iii. In dieser dritten möglichen Variante kann sich am Kühlbehälter, beispielsweise au-ßen liegend, mindestens ein Temperatursensor befinden. Dieser kann sich beispielsweise an einer Stelle befinden, an welcher beim Erwärmen des Spülwassers auf eine Solltemperatur die Durchwärmung zuletzt erreicht wird, beispielsweise am Kühlbehälter unten. Bei Erreichen der Temperatur, welche z.B. für das A0-Wert-Verfahren relevant sein kann, kann dann von einer erfolgreichen Durchwärmung ausgegangen werden und eine in der Regel erforderliche Haltezeit kann ablaufen.

In order to achieve a defined germ reduction, the program sequence can be carried out according to a specific, validated method, for example according to the A0 value method. For this purpose, the temperature and the time can be determined. This can be implemented using different methods and, in particular, monitored. For example, the following methods can be used:

1. i. After the target temperature of the flushing water has been reached, it is possible to wait for a defined period of time during which, for example on the basis of tests, it can be assumed that the cooling container will be completely heated up to, for example, a predetermined temperature. Then the time can be measured until a defined A0 value is reached.
2. ii. This method can be analogous to method i. be carried out, but then the water in the container can be drained into a downstream post-rinse tank, in particular a boiler, in order to measure the temperature of the heated water there, as a result of which successful heating can be confirmed.
3. iii. In this third possible variant, at least one temperature sensor can be located on the refrigerated container, for example on the outside. This can be located, for example, at a point at which the heating is last achieved when the washing water is heated to a target temperature, for example at the bottom of the cooling tank. When the temperature is reached, which is required, for example, for the A0 value procedure can be relevant, it can then be assumed that the warming up has been successful and a holding time that is usually required can elapse.

The cooling liquid can then be drained from the cooling container, for example the water, into the after-rinse tank or also into a drain.

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

In order to implement the method described particularly effectively, the cooling container is preferably designed in the form of 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 cooling liquid, for example the stored water, preferably comes into direct 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 way both in regular operation and in the case of the proposed program.

The at least one cooling container is preferably designed entirely or partially as a sheet metal shell, and cooling containers can also be located on several sides of the cleaning chamber. The sheet metal shell can be fastened to the wall of the cleaning chamber, for example the tank wall, for example by means of screw bolts and a seal. The connections for the supply and discharge of the cooling water are preferably incorporated, for example welded, into the shell, in particular the upper shell. If necessary, guide elements can be used in the interior to influence the flow. It is also conceivable that the upper shell is welded directly onto the tank wall. Instead of an upper shell made of sheet metal, a plastic version would also be conceivable. In principle, one or more cooling containers can be attached to the tank wall. In order to achieve maximum function in cooling the hot humid air in the washing chamber at the end of a washing program, preferably several cooling containers cover a large part of the area of the tank wall.

Brief description of the figures

Further details and features emerge from the following description of exemplary embodiments, in particular in connection with the dependent claims. The respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. The same reference numerals in the individual figures designate elements that are the same or have the same function or that correspond to one another in terms of their functions.

Figur 1

eine Ausführungsform einer Reinigungsvorrichtung; und

Figur 2

einen Ablaufplan einer möglichen Ausführungsform eines Verfahrens zur Reinigung von Reinigungsgut.

Show in detail:

figure 1

an embodiment of a cleaning device; and

figure 2

a flowchart of a possible embodiment of a method for cleaning items to be cleaned.

Description of the exemplary embodiments

In figure 1 a possible exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 110 according to the invention for cleaning items 112 to be cleaned is shown. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the cleaning device 110 is embodied as a chamber dishwasher 114, in particular for commercial use, and particularly preferably as a programmable machine 116.

The cleaning device 110 comprises a cleaning chamber 118, in the interior 120 of which the items to be cleaned 112 can be accommodated, for example by means of one or more baskets 122. In the cleaning chamber 118, the items to be cleaned 112 can be exposed to cleaning fluid via at least one application device 124, for example via a rinsing nozzle system 126 and/or via a rinsing nozzle system 128. The rinsing nozzle system 126 can be fed in circulation mode, for example via a rinsing line 130 and a circulating pump 132 from a cleaning tank or rinsing tank 134, which can be heated by a radiator 136 or another type of heating. The final-washing nozzle system 128 can be fed with final-washing fluid, for example fresh water, from a final-washing tank 142 via at least one final-washing line 138 and a final-washing pump 140 . A further heating device 144 can be provided in the final-washing tank 142, for example, so that the final-washing tank 142 can be designed, for example, as a boiler and/or as a continuous-flow heater.

In the bottom of the flushing tank 134 there is also a drain 146 via which cleaning fluid can be conveyed into a drain 150 by means of a drain pump 148 . The cleaning chamber 118 can have at least one door 152 and/or at least one other device for opening the cleaning chamber 118 . For example, this door 152 can be arranged 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 facing towards the cleaning chamber 118 . An example is in figure 1 the cooling surface 158 is arranged on the rear wall 154 . A cooling container 160 is thermally coupled to the cooling surface 158, in this case, for example, via the metallic rear wall 154 and/or in some other way. This cooling container 160 is attached to an outside of the rear wall 154 and/or to at least one outside of at least one side wall 156. For example, this cooling container 160 can have at least one shell 162, which is preferably placed directly on the rear wall 154 and connected to it, for example via a seal connected is. The shell 162 can, for example, be screwed and/or welded and/or glued to the rear wall 154 . As a result, an interior space 164 is formed between the shell 162 and the rear wall 154 , into which cooling liquid, for example fresh water, can be introduced via an inlet 166 . The coolant can be removed from the interior 164 again via a drain 168 . The inlet 166 can be connected to a fresh water line 172 via at least one inlet valve 170, for example, and cooling liquid can be drained from the cooling container 160 via a drain valve 174 and a drain line 176, for example into the post-rinse tank 142, into the rinse tank 134 or into the drain 150

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

The cleaning device 110, in particular the controller 178, can be set up to run at least one rinsing program or cleaning program in the cleaning device 110, which, as will be explained in more detail below, can include at least one cleaning step and at least one drying step. While the at least one cleaning step can, for example, sequentially include application of washing liquid via the washing nozzle system 126 and then application of rinsing liquid via the rinsing nozzle system 128, the drying step includes drying of the items to be cleaned 112. For drying purposes, the cooling container 160 can be filled with cooling liquid, for example cold fresh water , are filled, so that the cooling surface 158 is thereby cooled. Moisture evaporating from the items to be cleaned 112 can condense on this cooling surface 158 and flow into the washing tank 134 . This drying process can be promoted by at least a conveying device 186, for example a radial fan, which promotes air circulation in the cleaning chamber 118, so that air saturated with moisture regularly reaches the cooling surface 158.

In figure 2 an exemplary embodiment of a possible method for cleaning items to be cleaned is described. This method first comprises a start 210 of the operation of the cleaning device 110, for example according to the exemplary embodiment in figure 1 . This start can be initiated, for example, by actuating a main switch. Subsequently, for example through a corresponding selection via a user interface, the controller 178 can be set up to start a cleaning program (step 212 in figure 2 ) to perform. This cleaning program, in figure 2 denoted by the reference number 214, comprises, for example, one or more cleaning steps 216, for example the at least one rinsing step described above and the at least one post-rinsing step described above. Furthermore, the cleaning program 214 can, for example, comprise at least one drying step 217 in which the drying described above is carried out.

After the end of the cleaning program 214, it can be queried, for example (query 218), whether the cleaning program 214 should be carried out again, for example after unloading the cleaned items to be cleaned 112 and loading the cleaning chamber 118 with new, soiled items to be cleaned 112. If this is the case (with "Y" designated branch in figure 2 ), the cleaning program 214 is carried out again. If this is not the case (branch "N" in figure 2 ), the operation can be terminated, for example. This can optionally be linked to the start of a self-cleaning program (step 220 in figure 2 ). With this self-cleaning program, in figure 2 denoted by reference number 222, the soiled cleaning fluid can, for example, first be pumped out via the drain 146 and the drain pump 148 into the drain 150, and the rinsing tank 134 can be filled with fresh cleaning fluid, for example fresh water, and can be heated, for example, via the heating element 136. The fresh cleaning fluid can then be circulated in the self-cleaning program 222 via the circulating pump 134 and the flushing nozzle system 126, so that internal parts of the cleaning device 110 are cleaned in the circulating mode. For example, sieves can also be removed or other parts can be rinsed.

Part of the self-cleaning program 222 is preferably a regeneration step 224. In this regeneration step 224, the cooling container 160 is thermally treated to reduce microorganisms in the cooling container 160 and thus to avoid biofilms in this cooling container 160. In this regeneration step 224, the cooling container 160 is first filled with cooling liquid, for example fresh water, for example by opening the inlet valve 170 (step 226). In this case, the drain valve 174 is preferably closed. The cooling liquid is then heated 228 . This is preferably done by the circulation operation in the cleaning chamber 118 described above. For example, the cooling liquid can be heated by contact of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning chamber 118 with the cooling surface 158, since the cleaning fluid, as described above, is preferably heated by means of the heating element 136. This heating preferably takes place at a temperature which is above the temperatures usually occurring in the cleaning program 214, for example at temperatures above 60° C., for example temperatures of at least 65° C., at least 70° C. or at least 74° C. For 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 container 160 . Alternatively or additionally, however, the controller 178 can also be set up to keep the cooling container 160 at a described minimum temperature for at least a predetermined period of time, so that a predetermined thermal effect can be ensured. Then, in step 230, the cooling liquid can be removed from the cooling container 160, for example by emptying it, in particular into the after-rinse container 142. For this purpose, the controller 178 can open the drain valve 174, for example. As an alternative or in addition to temperature monitoring by means of temperature sensor 180, temperature sensor 182 can also be used, for example, in which it is ensured, for example, that the cooling liquid transferred to post-rinse container 142 has a specified minimum temperature, so that in this way too a minimum number of Heat equivalents and / or a minimum sanitation of the cooling container 160 can be ensured. Again alternatively or additionally, other methods can also be used, for example, in order to detect a temperature in the cooling container 160 during the heating 228, for example estimated values, empirical values or similar methods.

After carrying out the self-cleaning program 222, also referred to as a self-cleaning step, the operation of the cleaning device 110 can then be ended (step 232).

Reference List

110

cleaning device

112

items to be cleaned

114

Single chamber dishwasher

116

program automat

118

cleaning chamber

120

inner space

122

Basket

124

impingement device

126

flushing nozzle system

128

rinse nozzle system

130

purge line

132

circulation pump

134

wash tank

136

radiator

138

rinse line

140

rinse pump

142

rinse tank

144

heating device

146

Sequence

148

drain pump

150

drain

152

door

154

back panel

156

Side wall

158

cooling surface

160

cooling container

162

Peel

164

inner space

166

Intake

168

Sequence

170

inlet valve

172

fresh water line

174

drain valve

176

drain line

178

steering

180

temperature sensor

182

temperature sensor

184

level sensor

186

conveyor

210

begin

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 of the coolant

230

Removing the coolant

232

end of operation

Claims (13)

1. Cleaning apparatus (110) for cleaning articles to be cleaned (112), comprising at least one cleaning chamber (118) for receiving the articles to be cleaned (112), further comprising at least one application apparatus (124) for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the articles to be cleaned (112), wherein the cleaning apparatus (110) further comprises at least one cooling surface (158) facing the cleaning chamber (118) and at least one cooling container (160) which is thermally coupled to the cooling surface (158) and which is intended to receive a cooling liquid, wherein the cooling surface (158) comprises an inner wall of the cleaning chamber (118) facing the cleaning chamber (118), wherein the inner wall can be cooled by the cooling liquid on an outer side which is arranged outside the cleaning chamber (118), wherein the cleaning apparatus (110) comprises at least one controller (178), wherein the controller (178) is furthermore configured to control at least one regeneration step in the cleaning apparatus (110), wherein the regeneration step comprises the following sub-steps:

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

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

   c) removing the cooling liquid from the cooling container (160),

   wherein the controller (178) is furthermore configured to control at least one cleaning step in the cleaning apparatus (110), wherein the cleaning fluid is applied to the articles to be cleaned (112) during the cleaning step, and wherein the controller (178) is furthermore configured to control at least one drying step in the cleaning apparatus (110), wherein the articles to be cleaned (112) are dried in the cleaning chamber (118) during the drying step, characterized in that the regeneration step and the cleaning step are separate steps, and in that the regeneration step and the drying step are separate steps.
2. Cleaning apparatus (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the controller (178) is configured to control the regeneration step in such a way that the cooling container (160) is subjected at least to a predefined minimum number of heat equivalents, wherein the heat equivalents are a variable which quantifies thermal hygienization or thermal germicide and which contains a temperature and a duration of exposure to the temperature.
3. Cleaning apparatus (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the controller (178) is configured to determine at least a temperature of the cooling container (160) as a function of time and to ascertain therefrom the cumulated heat equivalents to which the cooling container (160) is subjected.
4. Cleaning apparatus (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (178) is configured to hold the cooling container (160) at a temperature of at least 60°C for at least one minute.
5. Cleaning apparatus (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (178) is configured to monitor the attainment of a predefined target temperature in the cooling container (160), wherein the controller (178) is furthermore configured to wait for a predefined period of time after the target temperature has been attained before step c) is carried out.
6. Cleaning apparatus (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (178) is configured to heat the cooling liquid in the cooling container (160) by way of heated cleaning fluid in the cleaning chamber (118) in method step b).
7. Cleaning apparatus (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein, in method step b), a cleaning tank (134) of the cleaning apparatus (110) is filled with cleaning fluid, the cleaning fluid is heated and the heated cleaning fluid is circulated in the cleaning chamber (118) in a circulation operating mode by means of the application apparatus (124), such that the heated cleaning fluid heats the cooling container (160) and the cooling liquid located therein by way of the cooling surface (158).
8. Cleaning apparatus (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning apparatus (110) further comprises at least one pressurized-gas source and/or at least one pressurized-gas connection, wherein the controller (178) is configured to blow out the cooling container (160) with pressurized gas after step c).
9. Cleaning apparatus (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling container (160) comprises a shell (162), wherein the shell (162) is fitted to a wall (154, 156) of the cleaning chamber (118) directly or by way of at least one seal, wherein an interior space (164) of the cooling container (160) is configured between the shell (162) and the wall (154, 156) of the cleaning chamber (118), wherein cooling liquid in the cooling container (160) is in contact with the wall (154, 156) of the cleaning chamber (118).
10. Cleaning apparatus (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling container (160) comprises at least one germicidal coating on at least one inner wall, in particular a coating with silver ions.
11. Cleaning apparatus (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling container (160) comprises a water-repellent microstructuring on at least one inner wall, in particular a microstructuring with lotus effect.
12. Method for cleaning articles to be cleaned (112), comprising the following steps:

    I. providing at least one cleaning apparatus (110) according to one of the preceding claims;

    II. carrying out at least one regeneration step in the cleaning apparatus (110), comprising the following sub-steps:

    a. filling the cooling container (160) with cooling liquid;

    b. heating the cooling liquid in the cooling container (160); and

    c. removing the cooling liquid from the cooling container (160).
13. Computer program with program code means, wherein the computer program, after having been loaded into a controller (178) of a cleaning apparatus (110) according to one of the preceding claims relating to a cleaning apparatus (110), is configured to prompt the controller (178) to carry out the method steps II. a.-c. of the method according to the preceding claim.

Images