EP3753468B1 - Cleaning device and method for cleaning items - Google Patents

Description

field of invention

The invention relates to a cleaning device and a method for cleaning items to be cleaned. Such cleaning devices and methods can be used in particular in the field of dishwashing technology, in particular in the commercial field of canteen kitchens and communal catering facilities. For example, the invention can be used to clean items to be cleaned in the form of items for preparing, serving, storing or receiving food or drinks, such as crockery, cutlery, glasses, cups, pots, bowls or trays. In particular, the invention can be used in hood-type dishwashers or pass-through dishwashers.

State of the art

Numerous cleaning devices and methods for cleaning different types of items to be cleaned are known from the prior art. Without restricting further possible uses, the invention is described below with regard to dishwashing technology, ie with regard to cleaning devices in the form of dishwashers. In particular, these can be commercial dishwashers, with further possible configurations being described below, again without limitation, in particular pass-through dishwashers or hood-type dishwashers. Examples of such dishwashers are in particular the glass and dishwasher series DV or the EcoStar series from Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG, Offenburg, Germany, or the PT series from Winterhalter Deutschland GmbH, Meckenbeuren, Germany. In principle, however, the present invention can also be used in other products.

In known hood-type dishwashers, the hood is usually guided by means of a suitable guide, with the operator using appropriate handles and/or levers moving the hood from a closed to an open position or vice versa can move. In addition, however, automatic hood-type dishwashers are also known in which the hood is moved automatically, for example driven by a motor. In this case, the hood movement is usually initiated by a corresponding signal being given via a control panel of the hood-type dishwashers. Alternatively or additionally, separate keys or switches can also be provided. A disadvantage of such arrangements, however, is that although the operating elements can in principle be placed anywhere, they each have to be wired separately, which is complex and costly in practice. Depending on the local conditions and the particular situation in which the dishwasher is set up, the operating elements are also not always easy to reach for the operator. If the hood movement is triggered only via the dishwasher's control panel, the operator has to leave their working position, which is usually located to the side of the dishwasher, for example at a basin with a pre-rinse spray, to initiate the hood movement.

Automatic triggering processes are also known from the prior art. For this purpose, various sensors are used in household appliances and pieces of furniture, which receive certain signals and correspondingly initiate an opening process for a door or a pull-out. For example, is off WO 2009/132813 A1 discloses a dishwasher with a decorative panel designed as a touch sensor. Out DE 10 2008 028 313 A1 a capacitive touch switch for a household appliance is known. EP 2 428 153 B1 describes a household appliance with a door opening sensor for detecting an acoustically expressed desire to open the door. EP 2 497 405 A2 describes a household appliance with a knock sensor, via which a knock signal input is made possible. DE 10 2007 003 451 A1 and DE 20 2007 006 818 U1 describe a cabinet with one or more drawers and a room microphone as well as solid-state sound sensors. DE 10 2012 223 775 A1 describes a household appliance with a structure-borne noise sensor, which is set up to detect the impact sound of a person moving in an area surrounding the household appliance. DE 10 2014 007 172 A1 describes an electronic household appliance with a gesture detection device.

JP 2013 027630 A describes a dishwasher whose door can be opened and closed automatically. Out JP 2005 124800A a dishwasher with an electrical opening and closing device is known, a torque sensor being set up to detect a torque applied to open and close a door.

WO 2016/156146 A1 describes a cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned. The cleaning device comprises at least one cleaning chamber and at least one covering device at least partially enclosing the cleaning chamber. The cover device is movable over an opening path from a closed position to an open position or vice versa. The covering device is connected to at least one spring element via at least one force transmission path. At least one spring force of the spring element can be transmitted to the covering device by means of the force transmission path. The powertrain has at least one torque converter. The torque converter has a variable transmission ratio over the opening travel.

Despite the advantages associated with this improved sensor technology, numerous technical challenges remain. One challenge, for example, is that signals are often ambiguous or cannot be interpreted unambiguously. In particular, acoustic signals, haptic signals or also structure-borne noise can also arise in the often turbulent operation of a canteen kitchen without a specific reaction of the dishwasher being intended to be triggered. However, an incorrectly triggered reaction can interrupt the work process and thus lead to undesired disturbances. Furthermore, many of the sensors mentioned are expensive and also sensitive to environmental influences, which often represents a technical challenge, particularly with regard to the working conditions in canteen kitchens.

object of the invention

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a cleaning device and a method for cleaning items to be cleaned which at least largely avoid the disadvantages of known devices and methods of this type. In particular, a cleaning device and a method are to be provided which allow a cleaning chamber of the cleaning device to be opened or closed in a simple, cost-effective and user-friendly manner.

Disclosure of Invention

This object is achieved by a cleaning device and a method having the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further training, which individually or can be realized 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 (ie 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 further elements .

Furthermore, it is pointed out that the terms "at least one" and "one or more" as well as grammatical modifications of these terms are used when they are used in connection with one or more elements or features and are intended to express that the element or feature is provided once 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. Thus, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the invention may be practiced 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. Furthermore, through these introductory expressions leave untouched all possibilities of combining the features introduced herewith with other features, be they optional or non-optional features.

In a first aspect of the present invention, a cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed. A cleaning device is generally to be understood within the scope of the present invention as a device in which the items to be cleaned are cleaned using at least one cleaning fluid in order to at least partially free them from adhering dirt and/or other contaminants. The cleaning fluid can in particular comprise at least one cleaning liquid. In addition, the cleaning device can also have a germ-killing effect or even a disinfecting effect on the items to be cleaned. Accordingly, a method for cleaning items to be cleaned, as proposed in a second aspect of the present invention, hereinafter also referred to as cleaning method, is understood to mean applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned, for the purpose of at least partially removing adhering dirt from the items to be cleaned.

Goods to be cleaned can generally be understood to mean any goods which can be subjected to cleaning or a cleaning process, for example industrial goods. Without restricting other possible configurations, reference is made below to items to be cleaned in the form of items to be washed and/or crockery. Items to be washed should in principle include any objects that are used for preparing, storing, serving or transporting food and/or drinks. In particular, the items to be washed can be selected from the group consisting of crockery such as cups, plates, glasses, bowls or bowls; pots; trays; Cutlery; warmers; containers; boxes; baskets. Other devices which can be used directly or indirectly for the processing, preparation, transport or serving of food and/or beverages or preliminary stages of food and/or beverages can also be used. The cleaning device can therefore be designed in particular as a dishwasher and particularly preferably as a hood-type dishwasher and/or pass-through dishwasher.

The cleaning device further comprises at least one cleaning chamber and at least one covering device at least partially enclosing the cleaning chamber. A cleaning chamber can generally be understood to mean a completely or at least partially shielded space in which at least one cleaning fluid and/or a plurality of cleaning fluids can be applied to the items to be cleaned. For example, at least one application device for applying the at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned can be provided within the cleaning chamber. Furthermore, the items to be cleaned can also be completely or partially dried within the cleaning chamber. The cleaning device can be designed in particular as a single-chamber cleaning device. The items to be cleaned can also be referred to below as items to be washed, and the cleaning chamber can also be referred to as a rinsing chamber.

As stated above, the cleaning device has at least one covering device which at least partially encloses the cleaning chamber. A cover device is generally understood to mean a device or an element which at least partially delimits the cleaning chamber and at the same time allows access to the cleaning chamber, for example for loading the cleaning chamber with items to be cleaned or for removing the items to be cleaned from the cleaning chamber. The covering device can therefore in particular form a chamber wall of the cleaning chamber or part of a chamber wall of the cleaning chamber. In particular, the covering device, as will be explained in more detail below, can be designed entirely or partially as a hood and/or casing, which is mounted so that it can be displaced in a vertical direction. For example, the covering device can comprise a hood which can be slid upwards in order to open the cleaning chamber and which can be slid downwards in order, for example, to close off the cleaning chamber together with a base of the cleaning device.

The covering device can be moved via at least one transmission by means of at least one electromechanical drive in an opening movement direction from a closed position to an open position or in a closing movement direction from an open position to a closed position. The covering device is generally movably mounted, so that it can be brought into at least two different positions, namely into an open position and a closed position. Intermediate positions are also possible. The plurality of possible positions between the open position and the closed position, optionally including the open position and the closed position, can also be referred to as an opening path.

Within the scope of the present invention, a “gear” can generally be understood to mean a machine element, by means of which a force and/or torque can be transmitted between a drive and a driven element. In particular, movement variables can also be changed by means of a gear. For example, a force or a torque can be changed by means of the transmission. In particular, a movement to be changed can be a rotary movement. In particular, the transmission can therefore also include a torque converter.

The transmission can in particular comprise at least one traction mechanism, in particular at least one chain transmission. A traction drive is generally understood to be a transmission in which a torque is transmitted between two elements, for example between at least one shaft and at least one other element, in particular also between two shafts, with the aid of a traction device, for example one that wraps around the at least one shaft traction means. A traction means can generally be understood to mean a deformable, for example bendable or stretchable, elongated element, by means of which a traction force can be transmitted. For example, the power transmission path can have at least one traction device, in particular a flexible traction device. The traction mechanism can in particular be selected from the group consisting of: a chain, in particular a roller chain, a pin chain or a link chain; a cable and/or cable pull; an elastic band; a belt, in particular a toothed belt or a V-belt. In principle, however, other traction means can also be used.

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

The cleaning device also has a sensor. The sensor is set up to detect a manual application of force to the covering device in the opening movement direction or in the closing movement direction. The cleaning device is set up to control the electromechanical drive according to the detection of the manual application of force.

A "sensor" within the meaning of the present invention is to be understood as meaning any element that is set up to detect at least one measured variable and to generate at least one corresponding signal, for example an electrical signal, for example an analog and/or a digital signal . The at least one sensor can in particular comprise at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of a motion sensor, a pressure sensor, a tension sensor, a strain sensor, an incremental encoder, an actuator, an optical sensor, a mechanical sensor, a pneumatic sensor, a hydraulic sensor , an electromagnetic sensor, a magnetic sensor, an electrical sensor. In principle, other sensors or combinations of the sensors mentioned are also possible. The at least one sensor can in particular comprise at least one angular position sensor which monitors at least one angular position of at least one shaft which is connected to the electromechanical drive, in particular the motor.

A “manual application of force” within the meaning of the present invention is to be understood as meaning any action or exertion of a force by a human person, in particular a user. This can be a compressive force or a tensile force, for example. Manual application of force to the covering device, ie a force acting on the covering device, can be detected, for example, directly or indirectly. A direct detection includes, for example, a tensile and/or compressive force acting on the covering device. Indirect detection includes, for example, an effect caused by the force exerted, for example a movement, for example a movement of the covering device and/or at least one element connected to the covering device, for example the transmission or a part thereof and/or the electromechanical drive or a part thereof, for example the engine or a shaft connected to the engine. The manual application of force can take place completely or partially directly on the covering device and/or completely or partly indirectly, for example via at least one element connected to the covering device, for example a handle.

The manual application of force, which is detected, takes place in the opening direction of movement or in the closing direction of movement. This means that the force exerted manually by the user has at least one force component in the opening direction and is preferably oriented parallel to the opening direction, or has at least one force component in the closing direction and is preferably oriented parallel to the closing direction. For example, in the case of a hood, a force can be exerted in the vertical direction upwards or downwards, so that the hood is raised or lowered slightly by the manual application of force, which can be detected by the sensor.

As stated above, the cleaning device is set up to control the electromechanical drive according to the detection of the manual application of force. In the context of the present invention, "actuation" is basically to be understood as a type of operation of the electromechanical drive, in particular starting the electromechanical drive, stopping the electromechanical drive, changing a drive speed of the electromechanical drive, for example a rotational speed of the motor, or a change in the direction of the electromechanical drive, for example a change in a direction of rotation of the motor. The actuation can take place, for example, by controlling the cleaning device, which acts directly or indirectly on the electromechanical drive in order to bring about the actuation, for example in accordance with one or more of the types mentioned.

A control "according to the detection of the manual application of force" is to be understood within the scope of the present invention that the control can be changed upon detection of the manual application of force. For example, the activation can be changed if it is recognized that a manual force application is taking place, and/or the type of activation can be changed if it is recognized that a manual force application is taking place. Alternatively or additionally, the control can also be changed according to the direction of the manual force application.

As will be explained in more detail below, a movement of the covering device caused by the manual application of force can be detected, for example, and optionally its direction to be determined. Accordingly, the electromechanical drive can then be controlled in such a way that it supports the movement of the covering device or continues it alone without any further manual force being applied until this movement has reached its end, for example the open position or closed position. In a hood dishwasher, for example, the at least one sensor can be used to detect when a user begins to open the hood manually when the hood is in the closed position, for example moves the hood slightly upwards or exerts a force on the hood upwards. The electromechanical drive, for example the motor, can then be controlled in such a way that this opening movement is supported by the electromechanical drive or is even continued exclusively by the electromechanical drive, for example until the open position is reached. If, on the other hand, the at least one sensor detects that a user is starting to close the hood manually when the hood is in the open position, for example by the user moving the hood slightly downwards or exerting a force on the hood downwards, the electromechanical drive can , For example, the motor, are controlled in such a way that this closing movement is supported by the electromechanical drive or is even continued exclusively by the electromechanical drive, for example until the hood has reached the closed position. A corresponding configuration and movement is possible with other types of covering device. An opening movement is generally understood to mean a movement in the opening movement direction, and a closing movement is generally to be understood as a movement in the closing movement direction.

The cleaning device can in particular be a dishwasher or also include a dishwasher. In particular, the dishwasher can be selected from the group consisting of a hood dishwasher and a pass-through dishwasher. However, other configurations are also possible in principle. A hood-type dishwasher is generally understood to mean a dishwasher that has a base that provides an underside of the washing chamber, and at least one hood or a hood jacket as a covering device, which completely or partially forms at least one side wall of the cleaning chamber and optionally at least one lid of the cleaning chamber and which can be raised or lowered to reveal the cleaning chamber. A pass-through dishwasher is generally to be understood as a dishwasher which has at least one pass-through device, by means of which, for example from an insertion side, items to be cleaned, for example a basket with items to be cleaned, can be pushed into the washing chamber, for example with the hood open, and in which the items to be cleaned can be pushed out of the cleaning chamber again on a second side, for example a removal side, after the cleaning process has taken place. In practical usage, the term pass-through dishwasher is often also used as a generic term and also includes, for example, hood-type dishwashers with a push-through device and dishwashers in which only lateral walls can be moved to open the washing compartment. Pass-through dishwashers generally do not include an active push-through device but rather a manual dish push-through. The push-through device includes, for example, slide rails and/or guides. For examples of hood-type dishwashers of this type, reference can be made to the prior art mentioned above.

As stated above, the cleaning device can also include in particular at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber. For example, one or more cleaning nozzles can be provided in the cleaning chamber, via which the cleaning fluid can be sprayed and/or sprayed and/or dripped onto the items to be cleaned. In particular, one or more spray arms can also be provided, in particular rotating spray arms.

The cleaning device can furthermore have at least one treatment tank, in particular at least one boiler, which is designed separately from the cleaning chamber. A final rinsing liquid can be temperature-controlled in the treatment tank, while a rinsing process is taking place in the cleaning chamber. The cleaning device can thus be designed in particular as a commercial dishwasher.

As stated above, the covering device can be designed in various ways. In particular, the covering device can be selected from the group consisting of: a hood at least partially covering and/or enclosing the cleaning chamber; a jacket at least partially enclosing the cleaning chamber; one or more sliding doors. Other configurations of the covering device are also possible in principle. In particular, the covering device can also be configured entirely or partially as a door, as a slider, as a flap, as a roller shutter or as a roller shutter. The preferred embodiment is described below, in which the covering device is designed entirely or partially as a hood and/or as a jacket. For example, the hood and/or the jacket can be raised or lowered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As explained above, the electromechanical drive comprises at least one motor, in particular an electric motor, in particular a geared motor. In particular, the motor can be a DC geared motor. However, other configurations are also possible in principle.

The motor is a non-self-locking motor, for example a non-self-locking electric motor, preferably a non-self-locking DC motor. A “non-self-locking” motor is generally understood to mean a motor which, when it is not being controlled and, for example, is not being supplied with current, allows its drive axle or drive shaft to move. In this way, for example, an initial manual movement of the covering device can be initiated without the motor significantly inhibiting this movement. In particular, the cleaning device can be set up in such a way that the motor is also moved by the manual application of force to the covering device, with the sensor being set up to detect a movement of the motor, in particular a rotary movement. For example, as explained above, the sensor can include at least one incremental encoder, which detects a rotational movement of the motor that is induced by the manual movement of the covering device. An "incremental encoder" within the meaning of the present invention is to be understood in particular as a sensor which is set up to detect changes in position, in particular changes in position during a linear movement of the covering device and/or the electromechanical drive, and/or changes in angle, for example changes in angle during a rotary movement of the To detect covering device and / or the electromechanical drive, in particular the motor. However, other configurations are also possible in principle.

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

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

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

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

In general, the cleaning device can therefore be set up in particular to compare the movement with at least one threshold value, for example by comparing a distance covered or an angle covered by the covering device, the gear mechanism or the electromechanical drive with the at least one threshold value in order to start the manual application of force to recognize the covering device. In addition, as explained above, it can be recognized as a further boundary condition whether the electromechanical drive is in operation or not, so that movements induced by the electromechanical drive can be ruled out, for example.

The transmission can in particular comprise at least one traction mechanism, in particular at least one chain transmission. A traction drive is generally understood to be a transmission in which a torque is transmitted between two elements, for example between at least one shaft and at least one other element, in particular also between two shafts, with the aid of a traction device, for example one that wraps around the at least one shaft traction means. A traction means can generally be understood to mean a deformable, for example bendable or stretchable, elongated element, by means of which a traction force can be transmitted. For example, the power transmission path can have at least one traction device, in particular a flexible traction device. The traction mechanism can in particular be selected from the group consisting of: a chain, in particular a roller chain, a pin chain or a link chain; a cable and/or cable pull; an elastic band; a belt, in particular a toothed belt or a V-belt. In principle, however, other traction means can also be used.

The above-mentioned at least one sensor of the cleaning device can in principle be arranged at least at any point within the cleaning device that is suitable for detecting the manual application of force on the covering device in the opening movement direction or in the closing movement direction. If, for example, a gearbox and/or a power transmission path is included in the cleaning device, the at least one sensor can be arranged, for example, at any point within this gearbox and/or within this power transmission path. For example, the sensor can be arranged comparatively far forward in the entire power transmission, for example as a strain gauge, which can be arranged, for example, on a linkage or on a first chain. As a result, relatively small distances are required on the covering device, for example on the hood, in order to detect the application of force. However, other configurations are also possible in principle.

The cleaning device can also have additional functions. For example, the cleaning device can also be set up to start at least one cleaning program, in particular at least one rinsing program, after a closing movement has been carried out after the covering device has reached the closed position. For example, in a hood-type dishwasher, the hood can be in the closed position, in particular the lower end position, after it has been closed. located, and then, in addition, a washing program can be started automatically, especially if the control is parameterized accordingly.

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

The method includes various method steps, which can be carried out, for example, in the order mentioned. However, a different sequence is also possible in principle. Furthermore, the method can include additional method steps that are not mentioned. Furthermore, one or more or all of the process steps can also be repeated and/or carried out continuously. Furthermore, two or more of the method steps mentioned or also all of the method steps mentioned can also be carried out at the same time or with a time overlap.

At least one covering device which at least partially encloses the cleaning chamber is used in the method. The covering device can be moved via at least one transmission by means of at least one electromechanical drive in an opening movement direction from a closed position to an open position or in a closing movement direction from an open position to a closed position.

The method includes a detection of a manual application of force on the covering device in the opening movement direction or in the closing movement direction by means of at least one sensor. The method also includes activation of the electromechanical drive in accordance with the detection of the manual application of force.

The method can also include applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned in the cleaning device, for example by means of at least one applying device. This application can take place, for example, after the covering device has been brought into the closed position in the closing movement direction.

As explained above, the actuation of the electromechanical drive can in particular comprise at least one of the following steps: upon detection of a manual application of force in the opening movement direction, actuation of the electromechanical drive such that the covering device is moved in the opening movement direction; upon detection of a manual application of force in the direction of the closing movement, activation of the electromechanical drive in such a way that the covering device is moved in the direction of the closing movement.

The cleaning device and the method have numerous advantages over known devices and methods of the type mentioned. In this way, support for an opening or closing movement of a covering device can be implemented in a simple manner, without a significant additional outlay in terms of equipment being required as a result. In particular, additional switches, buttons, proximity sensors or similar complex sensors that signal a user request with regard to opening or closing the covering device can be omitted. This also eliminates the problem of wiring such switches or buttons or sensors and the problem of arranging these devices.

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

Operation can be designed to be very intuitive, since the user usually grips the cover device itself to open or close it anyway. This attack can be detected and supported automatically. The user may not even be aware that his exertion of force on the covering device triggers a switching process, which supports the movement of the covering device or is automatically taken over by the electromechanical drive.

The covering device can have at least one handle or at least one lever, for example, which can be used by the user for the opening or closing process. An extra button or switch is no more required because the covering device itself and its movement can be used, for example, as a control element.

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

The present invention can be implemented particularly advantageously in hood-type dishwashers or pass-through dishwashers in which a heavy hood or one or two vertical trays have to be moved. The hood can be driven, for example, via chains or other traction means with a motor, for example a DC geared motor. An incremental encoder can be located at the shaft end of the motor, with which monitoring functions can be implemented. The motor, which is optionally designed as a geared motor, is designed in such a way that it is not self-locking. This means that the hood can also be operated by hand in the event of a fault, for example. This design makes it possible to move the hood by hand, which means that the engine is moved as well. The incremental encoder can detect a rotary movement of the motor and the associated working direction and can forward this information to the controller, for example by means of at least one signal. The controller can evaluate this signal, can interpret the movement request and can then drive the motor in the appropriate direction. As explained above, a movement can be detected, for example, by a threshold value method. For example, a hood lift of 5 mm or more can be detected and the motor can then be driven in the appropriate direction. In principle, no separate keys or switches are necessary, even if these can nevertheless be present, as a result of which increased assembly and installation requirements are avoided and a cost reduction can thus be made possible. Hood dishwashers are usually equipped with one or designed several handles on the hood or with one or more levers on the hood, which are basically usually in a favorable position to a working position of the operator and which can be operated, for example, even without direct visual contact. Overall, the invention results in a user-friendly and user-safe situation.

Brief description of the figures

Further details and features of the invention result from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments, in particular in connection with the 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.

Show in detail:

figure 1

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

figure 2

a side view of the hood type dishwasher according to FIG figure 1 ; and

figure 3

a schematic view of a power transmission path and of spring elements for counterbalancing the hood of the hood type dishwasher.

Description of the exemplary embodiments

In figure 1 an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 110 according to the invention is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the cleaning device 110 is designed as a pass-through dishwasher 112 which has an infeed table or infeed table 114, a hood type dishwasher 116 and a discharge table 118. The cleaning device 110 is in figure 1 shown in front view. In figure 2 the hood-type dishwasher 116 is shown again in a side view.

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

The hood-type dishwasher 116 has a base 130 which has a frame 132, for example. Furthermore, the hood-type dishwasher 116 includes a covering device 134 which is embodied as a hood 136 in this exemplary embodiment. This hood 136 can be opened via an opening path and is in the figures 1 and 2 shown in solid lines in a closed position 135 and in dashed lines in an open position 137, respectively. The direction of movement from the closed position 135 to the open position 137 defines an opening movement direction 139, and the opposite direction of movement from the open position 137 to the closed position 135 defines a closing movement direction 141.

The hood-type dishwasher 116 also has at least one actuating element 138 in the form of a handle 140 . In figure 2 1, analogous to the depiction of the hood 136, the handle 140 is shown in solid lines in the closed position 135, and in dashed lines in the open position 137. The handle 140 engages the hood 136 directly, for example.

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

The hood 136 is connected to at least one electromechanical drive 188 via at least one transmission 184 . The electromechanical drive 188 is set up to move the hood 136 in the opening movement direction 139 or the closing movement direction 141 via the gear 184, for example to bring the hood 136 from the closed position 135 to the open position 137 or vice versa. The transmission 184 can, for example, as described below, be or have a traction mechanism 185, as will be explained in more detail below. The transmission 184 includes, for example, a power transmission path 182, one or more torque transmission elements 168, one or more torque converters 166, one or more sprockets 162.170, one or more traction devices 158.172 and optionally other elements. However, it should be pointed out that other types of transmissions 184 can also be used within the scope of the present invention, for example transmissions 184 without traction means and/or transmissions 184 without a torque converter. The following description of the transmission 184 is therefore to be seen as an example.

The cleaning device 110 has guide elements 150 on both sides on its rear side, with one of these guide elements 150 in figure 3 is shown schematically. This guide element 150 can, as in figure 3 shown, for example, have a guide rail 152 or another type of guide profile, for example a rectangular profile in the form of a rectangular tube and/or square tube. This is how in figure 3 shown arranged vertically. Each guide element 150 is supported, for example, via rollers 154, for example three rollers on each side. At the top of each of the guide elements 150, a cantilever arm 156 is formed to the front, on which the hood 136, for example completely preassembled, can be pushed and secured, for example, with just a few fastening elements, for example two screws.

At the bottom of each guide element 150 is fastened a first traction means 158, for example at least a first roller chain. This first traction means 158 is guided in each case via a deflection wheel 160 in the upper area of a housing of the cleaning device 110 . The first traction mechanism 158 is also placed on a respective first chain wheel 162 in the lower area of the housing. The illustrated arrangement of the guide element 150, the first traction means 158, the deflection wheel 160 and the first chain wheel 162 is duplicated on the opposite side of the rear of the cleaning device 110, so that two, for example similar, first sprockets 162 exist, of which figure 3 only one is shown to simplify the illustration. The two first sprockets 162 are connected to one another in a torsionally rigid manner via a shaft 164 to which they are attached in a rotationally fixed manner. In addition, a torque converter 166 is mounted on this shaft 164, also torsionally rigid. This includes a rotatably mounted torque transmission element 168 which is designed as a third chain wheel 170 in this exemplary embodiment. This third chain wheel 170 is rotatably mounted about the axis of shaft 164 . Furthermore, a third traction means 172 is placed on this third chain wheel 170, which lifts off from the third chain wheel 170 at a point of application 174 and is connected at its other end to two spring elements 176, in this exemplary embodiment as an example. The hood 136 is in figure 3 shown in closed position 135 . During a movement along an opening path, the guide element 150 moves upwards and the first chain wheels 162 rotate in a direction of rotation 178. During this opening movement, the third chain wheel 170 rotates in a direction of rotation 180, for example the same as the direction of rotation 178.

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

When the hood 136 is closed, the two chains of the first traction means 158, which are attached to the guide rails 152 at the bottom, are largely unwound from the sprockets 162. The third traction means 172, on the other hand, which is also in the form of a roller chain, for example, is largely wound onto its third chain wheel 170, and the spring elements 176, which are in the form of tension springs, for example, are, as in figure 3 shown, excited. When the hood 136 is raised, the first two traction means 158 wind up onto their wheels 162 . At the same time, the third traction means 172 is unwound and the spring elements 176 relax.

In order to compensate for the change in the spring force of the spring elements 176 over the opening path, the third chain wheel 170 has, as stated above, an effective radius and/or pitch circle which changes over the circumference. With this design, the spring force can be changed via the opening path or via the elongation adjust to the force actually required to counterbalance the hood 136 weight. In addition to a uniform and/or continuous radius reduction or radius increase, non-uniform adaptations of the effective radius R can also be implemented. For example, to dampen a movement at the end positions, abrupt diameter changes can also be incorporated into the sprockets.

The traction means 158 and the torque converter 166 are part of a force transmission line 182, by means of which a spring force of the at least one spring element 176 can be transmitted to the covering device 134, in a modified form. In this exemplary embodiment, the power transmission path 182 is part of the gear 184 . Due to the effective radius R that changes over the angular position, the torque converter 166 and thus the entire force transmission path 182 has a transmission ratio that changes over the opening path. The torque converter 166 is thus, for example, a component of the transmission 184 which, in this exemplary embodiment, has a variable transmission ratio which varies over the opening path of the hood 136 . However, it should be noted that embodiments of the present invention are also possible in which a transmission 184 with a fixed transmission ratio is used instead of a transmission 184 with a variable transmission ratio.

The sprockets 162, 170 can, for example, be individually made of metal and assembled. Furthermore, individual parts of the set of wheels, such as guide disks, can also be made entirely or partially of plastic. Manufacturing the entire set of wheels from plastic is also conceivable. The set of wheels is preferably mounted with roller bearings, which allows for less friction and therefore smooth running. The sprockets 162 and the shaft 164 as well as the traction means 158, 172 can be further components of the transmission 184.

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

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

As an alternative or in addition, at least one rotary encoder can be integrated into the power transmission path 182, including the electromechanical drive 186, and can also be connected to the controller 148. This encoder is in figure 3 not shown. The controller 148 can, for example, recognize when the signals from the rotary encoder are missing, for example because a movement is impeded. In this case, the controller 148 can then, for example, stop the movement of the hood and/or initiate a reverse movement. In order to limit any crushing force that may occur, the counterbalancing force for the hood 136 can be matched to the closing force by the drive in such a way that harmless values are not exceeded.

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

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

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

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

To actuate a hood movement, a user, in particular operating personnel, can actuate one or more operating elements 200, for example, which can be arranged, for example, on the side or on a front side of the base 130 and/or the hood 136. These can act on the controller 148, for example, which in turn controls the electromechanical drive 186. As explained above, however, the arrangement and the electrical connection of the at least one operating element 200 are fundamentally problematic. Especially with the in figure 1 illustrated arrangement, it may be that the operator must leave the workplace at the basin 120 to initiate a movement of the hood 136.

As explained above, to solve this problem, at least one sensor 202 is provided within the scope of the present invention, which is set up to detect a manual application of force to the covering device 134 and in particular the hood 136 and preferably also the direction of this application of force. In this way, for example, the hood 136 by a user when it is in the closed Position 135 is slightly raised, so are moved in the opening direction of movement 139, which is detected by the sensor 202. For example, movements of 5mm or more, or movements greater than 5mm, may be recognized as a desire to move the hood 136 in that direction. Conversely, when the hood 136 is in the open position 137 , the user can pull it slightly downwards, in the closing movement direction 141 , for example, which is detected by the sensor 202 . The detection of this application of force and, if applicable, the direction of this application of force can then be converted by the controller 148 into a corresponding control command for the electromechanical drive 186 in order to then support the movement of the hood 136 in the desired direction by the electromechanical drive 186 or even exclusively by it to perform the electromechanical drive 186. The hood 136 itself can therefore be used as a type of operating element 200 in that a request for a movement of the hood 136 is transmitted to the controller 148 by applying force to this hood 136 .

In principle, the sensor 202 can be arranged at various points within the cleaning device 110 . For example, the at least one sensor 202 may be located in one or more of the following locations: on the hood 136; on the guide member 150; on the guide rail 152; within transmission 184, such as within powertrain 182 and/or elsewhere within transmission 184; in the electromechanical drive 186. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the electromechanical drive 186 and/or the transmission 184 can comprise, for example, at least one driven shaft 204, which can preferably be rotated by the electromechanical drive 186, preferably in both possible directions of rotation. The sensor 202 can include an incremental encoder 206, for example, which can be arranged on a shaft end of the shaft 204, for example.

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

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

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

As explained above, no separate keys and/or switches are necessary in particular in the embodiment according to the invention in order to initiate a movement of the hood 136 . As a result, the corresponding installation requirements are eliminated and costs can also be significantly reduced compared to conventional cleaning devices 110 . The handle 140 is usually located in an ergonomically favorable position on the hood 136, for example in an ergonomically favorable position in relation to a workplace at the pool 120. Operators at this workplace can thus easily reach the handle 140 and thus initiate the hood movement, even without visual contact to the controller 148 and/or to the corresponding operating elements 200. In addition, a teaching usually not required, since the hood movement is initiated intuitively, with a corresponding movement of the handle 140. This results in a user-friendly and safe overall situation of the cleaning device 110.

Reference List

110

cleaning device

112

pass-through dishwasher

114

infeed table

116

hood type dishwasher

118

outlet table

120

pool

122

hose shower

124

items to be cleaned

126

dish rack

128

cleaning chamber

130

Base

132

frame

134

covering device

135

closed position

136

Hood

137

open position

138

actuator

139

opening movement direction

140

Handle

141

closing movement direction

146

Side wall

148

steering

150

guide element

152

guide rail

154

role

156

cantilever

158

first means of traction

160

deflection wheel

162

first sprocket

164

wave

166

torque converter

168

torque transmission element

170

third sprocket

172

third means of traction

174

attackpoint

176

spring element

178

first direction of rotation

180

second direction of rotation

182

power transmission line

184

transmission

185

traction mechanism

186

electromechanical drive

188

Chain

190

pinion

192

torque arm

194

counter

196

fuse element

198

safety bar

200

control element

202

sensor

204

wave

206

incremental encoder

Claims (15)

1. Cleaning device (110) for cleaning items to be cleaned (124), comprising at least one cleaning chamber (128) and at least one covering device (134) at least partially surrounding the cleaning chamber (128), wherein the covering device (134) can be moved in an opening movement direction (139) from a closed position (135) into an open position (137) or in a closing movement direction (141) from an open position (137) into a closed position (135) by means of at least one electromechanical drive (186) via at least one transmission (184), wherein the cleaning device (110) furthermore has a sensor (202), wherein the sensor (202) is designed to detect an action of manual force on the covering device (134) in the opening movement direction (139) or in the closing movement direction (141), and wherein the cleaning device (110) is furthermore designed to control the electromechanical drive (186) in accordance with the detection of the action of manual force, wherein the electromechanical drive (186) comprises a motor, wherein the motor is a non-self-locking motor, in particular an electric motor, preferably a geared motor and particularly preferably a DC geared motor.
2. Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cleaning device (110) is designed in such a way that the motor is moved simultaneously by the action of manual force on the covering device (134), wherein the sensor (202) is designed to detect a movement of the motor.
3. Cleaning device (110) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (202) has at least one incremental encoder (206) connected to the electromechanical drive (186).
4. Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cleaning device (110) is designed in such a way that the motor is moved simultaneously by the action of manual force on the covering device (134), wherein the incremental encoder (206) is designed to detect a rotary movement of the motor which is induced by the manual movement of the covering device (134).
5. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) is a dishwasher, wherein the dishwasher is selected from a hood-type dishwasher (116) and a pass-through dishwasher (112) .
6. Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cleaning device (110) is designed in such a way that a hood (136) of the cleaning device (110) can be moved by hand, as a result of which the motor is moved simultaneously.
7. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering device (134) is a linear-motion covering device (134).
8. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering device (134) is selected from the group comprising: a hood (136) at least partially covering and/or surrounding the cleaning chamber (128); a jacket at least partially surrounding the cleaning chamber (128); a door, in particular one or more sliding doors.
9. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) has a controller (148), wherein the controller (148) is designed to control the electromechanical drive (186).
10. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) is designed in at least one of the following ways: the cleaning device (110) is designed to detect an action of manual force in the opening movement direction (139) and to control the electromechanical drive (186) in such a way that the covering device (134) is moved in the opening movement direction (139); the cleaning device (110) is designed to detect an action of manual force in the closing movement direction (141) and to control the electromechanical drive (186) in such a way that the covering device (134) is moved in the closing movement direction (141).
11. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (202) is designed to detect a direction of the action of manual force.
12. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (202) is designed to detect the action of manual force on the covering device (134) from a movement, wherein the movement is selected from a movement of the covering device (134), a movement of a transmission and a movement of the electromechanical drive (186).
13. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) is furthermore designed to start at least one cleaning programme after a closing movement has been carried out, once the covering device (134) has reached the closed position.
14. Method for cleaning items to be cleaned (124), comprising cleaning the items to be cleaned (124) in at least one cleaning chamber (128), wherein at least one covering device (134) at least partially surrounding the cleaning chamber (128) is used, wherein the covering device (134) can be moved in an opening movement direction (139) from a closed position into an open position or in a closing movement direction (141) from an open position into a closed position by means of at least one electromechanical drive (186) via at least one transmission (184), wherein the method furthermore comprises detecting an action of manual force on the covering device (134) in the opening movement direction (139) or in the closing movement direction (141) by means of at least one sensor (202), and wherein the method furthermore comprises controlling the electromechanical drive (186) in accordance with the detection of the action of manual force, wherein the electromechanical drive (186) comprises a motor, wherein the motor is a non-self-locking motor, in particular an electric motor, preferably a geared motor and particularly preferably a DC geared motor.
15. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein control of the electromechanical drive (186) comprises at least one of the following steps: when an action of manual force in the opening movement direction (139) is detected, the electromechanical drive (186) is controlled in such a way that the covering device (134) is moved in the opening movement direction (139); when an action of manual force in the closing movement direction (141) is detected, the electromechanical drive (186) is controlled in such a way that the covering device (134) is moved in the closing movement direction (141).

Images