EP3927222A1

EP3927222A1 - Dishwashing system for cleaning articles to be cleaned comprising at least one cavity

Info

Publication number: EP3927222A1
Application number: EP20705945.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Vera Schneider
Original assignee: Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2019-02-18
Filing date: 2020-02-17
Publication date: 2021-12-29
Also published as: DE102019202152A1; WO2020169516A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a dishwashing system (110) for cleaning articles (112) to be cleaned comprising at least one cavity (114). The dishwashing system (110) comprises: - at least one dishwasher (116), said dishwasher (116) comprising at least one cleaning chamber (124) for receiving articles (112) to be cleaned and additionally at least one supply device (130) for supplying at least one cleaning fluid to the articles (112) to be cleaned, wherein the dishwasher (116) additionally has at least one pressure application device (141) for supplying compressed gas to the articles (112) to be cleaned; and - at least one dishwasher basket (118) which can be introduced into the cleaning chamber (124) and comprises at least one basket base (140) and a plurality of nozzles (139) extending from the basket base (140). The supply device (130) is designed to supply the cleaning fluid to the cavity (114) of the articles (112) to be cleaned placed on the nozzles (139) by means of the nozzles (139) in at least one cleaning step. The dishwasher (116) is additionally designed to supply compressed gas to the cavity (114) of the articles (112) to be cleaned placed on the nozzles (139) by means of the nozzles (139) in at least one drying step.

Description

Rinsing system for cleaning items to be cleaned with at least one cavity

Technical area

The invention relates to a rinsing system and a method for cleaning items to be cleaned with at least one cavity. In particular, the rinsing system and the method can be used to clean vessels, in particular to clean bottles. The invention can be used in particular in the field of dishwashing technology, in particular in the field of commercial dishwashing technology. Thus, the invention can be used in particular special in large kitchens in which items to be cleaned, such as tablets, dishes and cutlery, have to be cleaned in large quantities. In particular, the invention can be used to clean bottles, for example bottles for table water in restaurants, or other bottle-like objects such as wine carafes, lemonade jugs or similar items to be cleaned with at least one cavity. However, other areas of application are also fundamentally conceivable.

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. Overall, the design of these cleaning devices depends to a large extent on the various boundary conditions, such as, for example, the type of material to be cleaned, the contamination, the throughput or similar conditions. As an example, reference can be made to cleaning devices which are described, for example, in DE 10 2004 056 052 A1 or in DE 10 2007 025 263 A1.

Special technical challenges arise in particular when the items to be cleaned have one or more cavities. In this case it is safe to ensure that the inner walls of the cavity are sufficiently exposed to cleaning fluid in order to be able to guarantee a reliable cleaning and sanitizing effect there as well. This problem arises in particular when cleaning bottles, in particular reusable bottles, which typically have a narrow neck and an adjoining widened cavity. In order to be able to reliably clean such items to be cleaned, washing racks are known which can be used in dishwashing machines and which have a nozzle system for attaching the bottles. One example here are the washing baskets from Dishmachines (www.cmadishmachines.com) from Garden Grove, CA 92841, USA. Another example is described in DE 10 2016 114 589 B3 and in WO 2018/024772 A1. This document describes a bottle washing basket device for a commercial dishwasher with two separate washing systems, which comprises a basket carrier and a washing basket for receiving bottles to be cleaned. The basket support comprises a docking device with at least two separate supply channels, and the washing basket comprises a distributor system with a distributor flange which can be connected to the docking device of the basket support. Furthermore, a dispensing tube for dispensing liquid to bottles to be cleaned is provided that is connected to a common distribution channel of a distribution system, this dispensing tube being able to be supplied to each of the two rinsing systems via the common distribution channel.

A particular technical challenge, however, is the drying of the items to be cleaned, especially the cavity, i.e. the inner walls of the items to be cleaned. For efficient drying, the individual pieces of the items to be cleaned would have to be turned around after a rinsing process and a subsequent draining phase, so that their openings point upwards. The residual moisture can then evaporate and escape upwards, so that drying is guaranteed. However, this process would make an interruption of a program and manual intervention required, which would hardly be feasible, especially in the field of commercial dishwashing technology, which would be extremely time-consuming and would also require high personnel costs.

From US 2,480,227A a sterilizer is known which can be used for drying and Sterilisie ren of dairy equipment. In this sterilizer, hot air is blown into a milking bucket inside the drying cabinet for the purpose of killing germs. A device for rinsing and vacuum drying of long-necked laboratory bottles is known from US Pat. No. 5,010,660. The device comprises a basket which can be rolled into a rinsing chamber and which comprises a manifold. Upright tubes extend into the bottles from the manifold. After exposure to water, the tubes can be used to apply a vacuum to the bottles, a vacuum blower sucking moist air from the bottles during drying and replacing it with drier air from the washing chamber.

Despite the advantages achieved with this device, some technical challenges remain. The use of a drying cabinet is very complex in practice. Furthermore, in many cases the drying effect of the devices used is inadequate, despite a comparatively high handling effort, and the drying result is often uneven. In addition, a period of time to carry out the drying is comparatively long, in particular, for example, for bottles with a narrow bottle neck. Furthermore, particularly when using the vacuum device described, a comparatively high outlay in terms of equipment is required, since the vacuum blower used must generally be set up to convey moist air. In addition, even after the actual rinsing process, the washing chamber usually still contains warm, moist air, which flows into the cavity during suction, so that moist air remains in the cavity and can negatively influence the drying result.

Object of the invention

It would therefore be desirable to provide a device and a method for cleaning items to be cleaned with at least one cavity which at least largely avoid the disadvantages of known devices and methods of the type mentioned. In particular, efficient drying of the items to be cleaned should be made possible, with little expenditure on equipment and yet with a reliable drying result.

General description of the invention

This task is addressed by a flushing system and a method with the characteristics of the independent 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 therefrom are used in a non-exclusive manner. Accordingly, these terms can relate 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 refer to the situation in which, apart from B, no further element is present in A (ie a situation in which A consists exclusively of B), as well as the situation in which, in addition to B, one or more further elements are present in A, for example element C, elements C and D or even further elements .

Furthermore, it should be noted 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 the element or feature can be provided once or several times, usually only 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 several times.

Furthermore, the terms “preferably”, “in particular”, “for example” or similar terms are used below in connection with optional features, without this limiting alternative embodiments. Features which are introduced by these terms are optional features, and it is not intended that these features limit the scope of protection of the claims and, in particular, of the independent claims. Thus, as the person skilled in the art will recognize, the invention can also be carried out using other configurations. In a similar way, features introduced by “in an embodiment of the invention” or by “in an exemplary embodiment of the invention” are understood as optional features, without any intention that this should restrict alternative configurations or the scope of protection of the independent claims. Furthermore, by means of these introductory expressions, all possibilities of combining the features introduced in this way with other features, be it optional or non-optional features, remain untouched. In a first aspect, a rinsing system for cleaning items to be cleaned with at least one cavity is proposed, in particular for cleaning vessels and in particular for cleaning bottles. The rinsing system comprises at least one dishwasher, which in turn comprises at least one cleaning chamber for receiving the items to be cleaned. The dishwasher also comprises at least one loading device for loading the items to be cleaned with at least one cleaning fluid. Furthermore, the dishwasher comprises at least one pressurization device for pressurizing the items to be cleaned with compressed gas, in particular compressed air. The washing system further comprises at least one washing basket that can be introduced into the cleaning chamber, with at least one basket base and a plurality of nozzles extending from the basket base. The application device is set up in order, in at least one cleaning step, also referred to as a rinsing step, to apply the cleaning fluid to the cavity of the items to be cleaned that are attached to the nozzles by means of the nozzles. Furthermore, the dishwasher is set up to apply compressed gas to the cavity of the items to be cleaned by means of the nozzles in at least one drying step, for example in a drying step downstream of the cleaning step, and thereby dry them.

The term “cleaning”, as used here, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person 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 process in which macroscopic or microscopic impurities adhering to the items to be cleaned are freed and / or in which such impurities are at least partially removed. In addition, a disinfection effect can optionally be exercised.

Accordingly, the term “items to be cleaned”, as used here, is also a broad term to which its customary and common meaning is to be assigned, as understood by the person 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 objects that can be cleaned by means of the cleaning device. Since one object can be cleaned, or several objects can be cleaned simultaneously or sequentially. In particular, the items to be cleaned can be objects that are used directly or indirectly for the preparation, storage or serving of food. In particular, the items to be cleaned as stated above, comprise one or more bottles. Other configurations of the items to be cleaned are also possible in principle.

The term “dishwasher” as used here is a broad term to which its customary and common meaning should be assigned as understood by the person 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 free items to be cleaned from adhering macroscopic or microscopic contamination or at least partially to remove such contamination. In addition, a disinfection effect can optionally be exercised. As will be explained in more detail below, the dishwasher can in particular be designed as a dishwasher. The dishwasher can be designed, for example, as a single-chamber dishwasher, in particular as a commercial single-chamber dishwasher with a multi-circuit dishwasher system, or as a hood dishwasher, in particular as a push-through dishwasher. Examples are detailed below.

The term “cleaning chamber” as used here is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person 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 completely or partially closed chamber within which the cleaning process can be carried out completely or partially. The cleaning chamber can in particular have at least one housing which completely or partially encloses the cleaning chamber. A single cleaning chamber can be provided, or, in principle, several cleaning chambers, for example sequentially, can also be provided. The cleaning chamber can for example have at least one opening for loading the cleaning chamber with the items to be cleaned. For example, this can be an opening with a flap arranged on a front side of the cleaning chamber and / or an upper side of the cleaning chamber. Alternatively, hoods are also possible to close the cleaning chamber, for example in the context of so-called hood dishwashers or push-through dishwashers. Other configurations are also possible in principle.

The term “loading device” as used here is a broad term to which its customary and common meaning is to be assigned, as understood by the person 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 fundamental Lich refer to any device by means of which the cleaning fluid, in particular cleaning liquid, can be applied to the items to be cleaned within the cleaning chamber. As will be explained in more detail below, the application device can in particular comprise at least one nozzle system. Furthermore, the loading device can comprise at least one pump and at least one line system for providing cleaning fluid to the nozzle system. In this case, for example, a nozzle system and a line system for applying cleaning fluid from a tank can be provided, as well as at least one corresponding pump. Alternatively or additionally, for example, at least one nozzle system can also be acted upon directly from a feed line without a pump being required for this. The dishwasher can be set up, for example, to carry out a cleaning program by means of the application device, in which the items to be cleaned are held stationary in the cleaning chamber and are applied with cleaning fluid in different ways in one or more cleaning steps of the cleaning program, for example initially in at least one washing step with the at least one washing fluid and in at least one final rinse step with the at least one final rinse fluid. Furthermore, at least one drying step can be provided which, for example, in the one cleaning chamber when the items to be cleaned are taken stationary, can be arranged after the application of the cleaning fluid.

As used herein, the term "pressurizing device" is a broad term to be given its usual and common 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 device which is set up to provide at least one gas, in particular air, at a pressure above normal pressure, for example a pressure of at least 1.2 bar, preferably a pressure of at least 1.5 bar or even 2 bar. As will be explained in more detail below, the pressurization device can comprise its own pressurized gas source or its own device for generating pressurized gas, and / or can comprise at least one device which can provide pressurized gas from an external source to the dishwasher, for example a pressure port, a pressure reducer or a pressure connection.

The term “wash basket”, as used here, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Of the The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a portable recording device in which items to be cleaned can be received, placed in a dishwasher and then taken out of the dishwasher again in a cleaned state. In addition, washing baskets can also be used to store items to be cleaned, for example cleaned glasses or bottles. The washing basket can in particular have a plurality of openings so that liquid can drip downwards.

The wash basket can in particular have a substantially cuboid shape, with a basket base which can have a square or generally rectangular floor plan, for example, and which has a support surface for placing the wash basket on a flat work surface. As will be described in more detail below, a basket frame can optionally extend upwards from the basket base, for example with an upstanding edge and also optionally other elements such as handles.

As stated above, the washing basket comprises the basket base. The term "basket floor" as used here is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be ascribed to the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to an element which closes the washing basket at the bottom when it rests on a support surface. In particular, the basket bottom can be designed essentially flat. So this can have a flat support surface on its underside. The basket base can also be designed essentially flat on its surface, for example. The basket bottom can in particular be designed to be square or generally rectangular. The basket bottom can for example be made entirely or partially from a plastic material, in particular from egg nem thermoplastic plastic material. The basket bottom can furthermore have a plurality of openings which allow liquid to run off through the basket bottom.

The washing basket further comprises a plurality of nozzles extending from the basket bottom. For example, the basket base can have an underside with a support surface for placing the washing basket on a work surface, as well as an upper side opposite the underside and essentially parallel to the underside, the nozzles extending from the upper side. For example, the nozzles can be essentially perpendicular to the top and / or to a plane of the washing basket, be arranged in a plane in which the support surface is arranged, for example. Deviations from a vertical orientation can also be acceptable, for example deviations of up to 45 °, for example in order to be able to accommodate bottles at an angle in the washing basket. The nozzles can, for example, extend at least 40 mm from the bottom of the basket, for example 50 mm to 200 mm. The nozzles can extend into a basket interior, for example, which can be bordered by the Korbbo and a basket frame.

The term “nozzle” as it is used here is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person 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 designed to apply a fluid, i.e. at least one liquid and / or at least one gas, to another object, for example spray it on, inflate it or drip it on. In particular, the nozzle can have a nozzle body in which one or more feed lines are arranged, as well as at least one nozzle opening through which the liquid can exit the nozzle, for example as a jet, bundle of rays or drops. The nozzle body can in particular be wholly or partially made of at least one plastic material. Another design is also possible, for example a design made of metal. The nozzle body can in particular be designed to be essentially elongated, with a length which exceeds a diameter by at least a factor 2, in particular by at least a factor 3 or at least a factor 4. The nozzle body can, for example, have an essentially cylindrical design.

For example, one or more fluid feeds can be provided in the basket bottom. The fluid feeds can include, for example, at least one washing fluid feed and at least one final rinse fluid feed, with these two fluid feeds being able to be designed jointly or separately. The term “fluid supply” as used here is a broad term to which its customary and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to any channel or channel structure that enables fluid, in particular washing fluid and rinse aid fluid, to be supplied from the outside into the washing basket and to the nozzles. As will be explained in more detail below, the at least one fluid supply can in particular comprise one, two or more channels which are integrated in the basket base. The at least one fluid supply Guide can for example be connected to at least one opening through which a fluid supply from the outside is possible, so for example at least one washing fluid opening of the at least one washing fluid supply and at least one final rinse fluid opening of the at least one final rinse fluid supply, or alternatively a common opening for the fluid supply.

The term “fluid”, as it is used here in connection with the terms “washing fluid” and “clear rinsing fluid”, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person 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 develop a cleaning effect when it hits the items to be cleaned. In particular, the fluid can comprise an aqueous liquid, for example water and / or water with one or more additives, for example with one or more cleaning concentrates and / or rinsing agents and / or disinfectants. Accordingly, a washing fluid can be understood to mean, for example, a fluid which can be used for a washing process and which can include, for example, water and detergent concentrate. The rinse aid fluid can, for example, have a higher temperature than the washing fluid and can, for example, also comprise water, which, however, can for example be mixed with a rinse aid.

The nozzles can, for example, each have at least one fluid channel, that is to say a fluidic line which fluidly connects at least one nozzle opening of the nozzle to the at least one fluid supply. The fluid can exit through the nozzle opening and act on the items to be cleaned. A single fluid channel and a single nozzle opening can be provided, or separate channels and separate openings can also be provided.

As stated above, the application device is set up to apply the cleaning fluid to the cavity of cleaning items attached to the nozzles in at least one cleaning step by means of the nozzles, in particular with at least one cleaning liquid, and to apply the cavity in at least one drying step by means of the nozzles to pressurize the cleaning items attached to the nozzles with compressed gas. For example, the washing system, in particular the dishwasher, can have at least one controller which is set up to control at least one program which comprises at least the cleaning step and the drying step as program steps, in particular as separate program steps. So both For example, one or more cleaning steps can be included in which the cleaning fluid, in particular the cleaning liquid, is applied, for example at least one washing step with application of washing fluid and then at least one final-rinse step with application of clear-rinse fluid, with the at least one cleaning step directly or indirectly followed by at least one drying step with the application of the pressurized gas. The dishwasher can in particular be designed as a program machine. One or more special cleaning programs can be provided for cleaning with the washing basket described. For example, a regular cleaning program with at least one washing step and at least one final rinse step can be provided. Alternatively or additionally, one or more further programs can be provided which fulfill special functions. Thus, one or more programs can also be provided which include at least one decalcifying step for decalcifying the items to be cleaned by means of the nozzles, for example by means of a special decalcification chemistry in the washing fluid. Alternatively or additionally, one or more other types of special cleaning steps can also be carried out by means of the nozzles. Again, alternatively or additionally, at least one bottle washing program can be provided in which at least one washing step and / or at least one rinsing step are provided, which do not run continuously, but in which washing fluid and / or rinsing fluid are applied once or several times is interrupted. In particular, the application of washing fluid can be interrupted, with the application of final rinse fluid also being able to take place continuously. For example, washing fluid can be circulated in circulation mode with interruptions in time. The interruption of the application of fluid can in particular prevent the interior of the vessels from being filled with fluid, in particular an interior of the bottles, since the fluid is often prevented from running sufficiently through the narrow bottle neck. As a result of the interruptions, any pent-up washing fluid and / or rinse aid fluid can run out of the interior, so as not to impair the re-emerging jet in the bottle and thus ensure good cleaning performance.

The proposed rinsing system can in particular enable efficient drying of the items to be cleaned. The rinsing system can be implemented with comparatively little expenditure on equipment and still achieve a reliable drying result. The use of a special blower that is suitable for conveying moist air is generally not required. In addition, easy handling of the washed items to be cleaned can be ensured. A reliable drying result can be guaranteed by a forced air exchange within the cavities of the items to be cleaned, for example within the bottles.

The pressurization device can in particular comprise at least one blower integrated in the dishwasher. This fan can for example comprise at least one fan wheel. For example, it can be a fan wheel driven by an electric motor. The fan can in particular be integrated in a closure device of the dishwasher, in particular in a door. For example, the dishwasher can include a front-loading dishwasher, for example a front-loading dishwasher configured as a program machine, wherein the fan can be integrated, for example, in a door configured as a front flap, for example in a paneling of the door or front flap. Alternatively, the fan can also be arranged, for example, on an outside of the door. If other types of closure devices are provided, then for example the fan can be integrated in this other type of closure device. As an alternative or in addition, however, the fan can also be fully or partially integrated into other components of the dishwasher.

The fan can in particular comprise at least one energy supply, for example at least one power supply unit for an external energy supply and / or at least one energy store. In general, the energy supply can for example be selected from the group consisting of: an external energy supply, in particular via at least one power supply unit; an energy store, in particular an accumulator; an inductive power supply.

As stated above, the pressurization device can also use a pressurization which is based on a pressurized gas source arranged outside the dishwasher. This can be, for example, an external compressor, an external pressurized gas cylinder or an on-site pressurized gas line. A combination of the options mentioned is also conceivable. For example, the pressurizing device of the dishwasher can have at least one pressurized gas connection, and the rinsing system can furthermore have at least one external pressurized gas source which is arranged wholly or partially outside the dishwasher. The external compressed gas source can be connected to the compressed gas connection, for example by means of a hose connection and / or a pipeline. For example, the dishwasher can have at least one pressure port and / or some other type of pressure gas connection, for example with a quick-release fastener and / or a screw connection, the pressurizing device of the dishwasher via the pressure port. Machine can be or is connected to the external compressed gas source. The external compressed gas source can in particular comprise at least one device selected from the group consisting of: an external drying unit, in particular an external fan and / or an external compressor; an on-site pressure gas line.

The flushing system can furthermore have at least one processing device in order to process the compressed gas before the items to be cleaned are applied. The term “processing device” as it is used here is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person 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 that is set up to influence at least one property of the compressed gas before the items to be cleaned are applied, for example at least one property selected from the group consisting of: a purity of the compressed gas; a chemical composition of the pressurized gas; a moisture content of the compressed gas; a particle load of the compressed gas; a germ loading of the compressed gas. The processing device can for example comprise at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a drying device; a filter; a temperature control device.

At least one compressed gas supply can be provided in the basket bottom. In each case, at least one compressed gas channel can be provided in the nozzles, wherein the compressed gas supply can be fluidically connected to the compressed gas channel. In this way, pressurized gas can be applied up to a nozzle opening. The rinsing system can in particular be designed in one of the following ways in order to cause the cleaning fluid to be applied to the items to be cleaned:

the rinsing system can be set up to hit the pressurized gas supply and the pressurized gas duct either with cleaning fluid or with pressurized gas, with at least one check valve for separating pressurized gas and cleaning fluid preferably being provided in the wash basket; or at least one fluid supply formed separately from the compressed gas supply can furthermore be provided in the basket bottom, and at least one fluid duct formed separately from the compressed gas duct can be provided in each of the nozzles, the flushing system being set up to control the fluid supply and the fluid duct by means of the application device to apply cleaning fluid and use the pressurization device device to pressurize the compressed gas supply and the compressed gas duct with compressed gas separately.

For example, a common line system can be used for the cleaning fluid and the pressurized gas in the washing basket, the inlets being able to be locked against each other, for example via at least one valve and / or check valve, or separate line systems can be used for the at least one cleaning fluid and the pressurized gas Wash basket be provided.

The dishwasher can in particular be set up in such a way that the pressurizing device is automatically coupled to the pressurized gas supply. This automatic coupling, that is to say without a user having to actuate a trigger mechanism separately for this, can take place, for example, as part of a program sequence, for example controlled by a control of the dishwasher. Alternatively or in addition, the automatic coupling can take place during a certain movement process of the dishwasher, which serves at least one other purpose. As stated above, the dishwasher can in particular have at least one closure device, for example at least one door, in particular a front flap. The pressurization device can be set up in such a way that this closure device automatically couples to the pressurized gas supply when it is closed, in particular by pressing the pressurization device against the washing basket. As stated above, the pressure application device can, in particular, be fully or partially integrated into the closure device, for example the front flap. When closing, for example, the fan or a pressure port connected to the fan or another gas-carrying part of the pressure application device can be pressed against a corresponding opening in the washing basket so that a gas-tight connection can be created.

To connect the dishwasher and the washing program, the spray system can also have at least one connection adapter. The connection adapter can in particular be set up to fluidically connect the loading device of the dishwasher to the washing basket introduced into the cleaning chamber. The connection adapter can in particular be configured separately from the pressure application device.

The term “connection adapter” as used here is a broad term to which its customary and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person 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 device which is set up to fluidically connect a fluidic system of the dishwasher, in particular a loading device of the dishwasher, to a wash basket. The connection adapter can in particular have at least one main body which can serve as a carrier for the washing rack and which has at least one channel structure for the fluidic connection of the dishwasher to the washing rack. The connection adapter can be designed in one piece or in several pieces.

The connection adapter can, in particular, be reversibly mountable on a wash arm hub of the dishwasher, in particular a loading system of a dishwasher. The term “wash arm hub” as it is used here is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person 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 dishwasher-side component or a combination of several dishwasher-side components which are set up to hold a wash arm mechanically, in particular to keep it rotatable, and / or which are set up to hold to apply a wash arm with at least one cleaning fluid. The wash arm hub can itself be mounted rigidly or movably, for example. For example, the wash arm hub itself can be received in a fixed and non-rotatable manner in the cleaning chamber and can for example itself provide a bearing for the at least one wash arm, in particular a pivot bearing for the at least one wash arm. In particular, the wash arm hub can comprise at least one component of the dishwasher which on the one hand has a bearing pin for the at least one wash arm and which furthermore has at least one fluid channel for at least one cleaning fluid, for example at least one fluid channel for at least one washing fluid and at least one fluid channel for at least one rinse aid fluid. The wash arm hub can in particular also have at least one component with which the wash arm can be attached in the dishwasher, in particular in the cleaning chamber.

For the reversible mounting of the connection adapter on the wash arm hub of the dishwasher, the connection adapter can, for example, have a connection socket which can be plugged onto the wash arm hub so that, for example, a wash fluid line in the connection adapter is supplied with wash fluid from the wash arm hub and a final rinse fluid line in which the connection adapter is supplied with final rinse fluid from the wash arm hub. In this way, the connection adapter can be connected to the fluid systems of the dishwasher. The reversible connection can, as will be described in more detail below, in particular take place through a plug-in system, for example a plug-in system with a quick-release fastener. For example, the connection adapter can have at least one manually actuatable latch which can be released in order to attach the connection adapter to the wash arm hub and to remove it again from the wash arm hub. For example, instead of a wash arm, the connection adapter can be placed on the wash arm hub and exchanged for this wash arm again.

The connection adapter can in particular have at least one fluid line for at least one cleaning fluid. This at least one fluid line can for example be formed or received in at least one base body of the connection adapter.

The connection adapter can extend from the washing arm hub to a rear wall of a cleaning chamber of the dishwasher, in particular when it is installed in the dishwasher. For example, the connection adapter can be essentially S-shaped, one end of the S being able to be connected to the wash arm hub and an opposite end to the washing basket.

The at least one fluid line can in particular open into at least one corresponding connection opening of the connection adapter, for example in a contact surface of the connection adapter which can be pressed against the washing basket so that at least one connection opening of the washing basket is aligned with at least one corresponding connection opening of the connection adapter and Cleaning fluid can flow into the wash basket. For example, the connection adapter can have at least one fluid adapter which can be pressed against the washing basket and in which the at least one connection opening of the connection adapter is located.

For example, the washing basket can have at least one connection opening arranged in an end face for the supply of cleaning fluid. The washing basket can furthermore have at least one opening for the supply of pressurized gas. This can be formed separately from the connection opening, for example on an opposite side of the wash basket. For example, the at least one connection opening and the min least one opening for the supply of the compressed gas can be arranged on opposite sides. For example, the rinsing basket can be pressed against the connection adapter by the closure device or vice versa, so that a fluid-tight connection is created between the washing basket and the connection adapter. On the opposite side, the closure device can be pressed against the washing basket so that pressurized gas can flow into the washing basket via the opening located there from a pressurization device integrated entirely or partially in the closure device. In the washing basket, for example, a valve can be provided so that, for example, no cleaning fluid can flow into the pressurizing device, for example a check valve.

In a further aspect, a method for cleaning items to be cleaned with at least one cavity is proposed, in particular for cleaning at least one vessel and in particular at least one bottle. The method includes the following steps. These steps can be carried out in the order listed. A different order is also possible in principle. Furthermore, two or more of the process steps mentioned can be carried out with a time overlap or at the same time. Furthermore, one or more of the process steps mentioned can be carried out simply or repeatedly. In addition to the steps mentioned, the method can comprise further method steps which are not mentioned.

The procedure consists of the following steps:

a) Providing at least one dishwasher, the dishwasher comprising at least one cleaning chamber for receiving the items to be cleaned, where the dishwasher furthermore has at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned, the dishwasher also having at least one pressure application device for applying the Has items to be cleaned with compressed gas, in particular compressed air

b) providing at least one rinsing basket which can be introduced into the cleaning chamber and has at least one basket base and a plurality of nozzles extending from the basket base;

c) attaching the items to be cleaned onto at least one of the nozzles in such a way that the nozzle protrudes into the cavity of the items to be cleaned;

d) loading the cavity with cleaning fluid by means of the loading device and the nozzles; and

e) drying of the cavity by applying compressed gas to the cavity by means of the nozzles. The method can in particular include the use of a flushing system according to the present invention, for example 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.

With the proposed game system and the proposed method, safe and reliable drying can be ensured within the dishwasher, even with items to be cleaned that are otherwise difficult to dry, such as bottles with a narrow neck. At the same time, additional handling steps can be avoided, such as removing the washing basket with the items to be cleaned after they have been exposed to cleaning fluid in the dishwasher and transferring them to a drying cabinet. These advantages can be realized in particular by a simple additional fan in or on a door of the dishwasher. An air duct of the blower can dock onto a corresponding duct in the washing basket, which can be designed as a bottle basket, for example. A check valve can, for example, separate rinsing liquid and drying air. Alternatively or additionally, a further channel can be provided in the washing basket, which is provided exclusively for the drying gas, for example the air. The fan can, for example, be supplied with power through the door by means of a cable, or else, for example, inductively or by means of at least one energy storage device, such as an accumulator. Alternatively or in addition to a fan in the dishwasher, an external drying unit, for example a compressor, can also be used, and an air line can be routed from there through a wall of the cleaning chamber to the connection adapter and / or to the washing basket. In general, at least one valve can be provided in the connection adapter, for example, which, for example, selects a switch between pressurizing gas and / or applying cleaning fluid. For example, this valve can include at least one air flap and / or a switching valve. In this way, the connection adapter can, for example, participate in a pressurized gas supply to the washing basket.

In summary, without restricting further possible configurations, the following embodiments are proposed:

Embodiment 1: Rinsing system for cleaning items to be cleaned with at least one cavity, in particular vessels and in particular for cleaning bottles, comprising: At least one dishwasher, the dishwasher comprising at least one cleaning chamber for receiving the items to be cleaned, the dishwasher also having at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned, the dishwasher also having at least one device for applying pressurized gas to the items to be cleaned , in particular compressed air;

at least one wash basket that can be brought into the cleaning chamber with at least one basket base and a plurality of nozzles extending from the basket base,

wherein the application device is set up to apply the cleaning fluid to the cavity of cleaning items placed on the nozzles in at least one cleaning step by means of the nozzles, and wherein the dishwasher is further set up to open the cavity of the in at least one drying step by means of the nozzles to apply compressed gas to the nozzles of the items to be cleaned.

Embodiment 2: Washing system according to the previous embodiment, wherein the pressurizing device comprises at least one blower integrated in the washing machine.

Embodiment 3: Dishwashing system according to the preceding embodiment, the fan being integrated in a locking device of the dishwashing machine, in particular in a door.

Embodiment 4: Flushing system according to one of the preceding embodiments, in which the fan comprises at least one energy supply selected from the group consisting of: an external energy supply; an energy store, in particular an accumulator; an inductive power supply.

Embodiment 5: Flushing system according to one of the preceding embodiments, in which the pressurizing device has at least one compressed gas connection, the flushing system also having an external compressed gas source, the external compressed gas source being connectable to the compressed gas connection.

Embodiment 6: Flushing system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the external compressed gas source comprises at least one device selected from the group consisting of: an external drying unit, in particular an external fan and / or an external compressor; an on-site compressed gas line.

Embodiment 7: Rinsing system according to one of the preceding embodiments, in which the rinsing system further has at least one processing device in order to process the compressed gas before the items to be cleaned are applied.

Embodiment 8: Rinsing system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the treatment device comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a drying device; a filter; a temperature control device.

Embodiment 9: Flushing system according to one of the preceding embodiments, where at least one pressurized gas supply is provided in the basket bottom, with at least one pressurized gas channel being provided in each of the nozzles, the pressurized gas supply being fluidically connected to the pressurized gas channel.

Embodiment 10: The rinsing system according to the preceding embodiment, the rinsing system being designed according to one of the following types in order to effect the application of the cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned:

the flushing system is set up to pressurize the compressed gas supply and the compressed gas channel optionally with cleaning fluid or with compressed gas, wherein in the flushing system preferably at least one valve, in particular a check valve, is provided for separating compressed gas and cleaning fluid;

In the basket bottom there is also at least one fluid supply formed separately from the compressed gas supply and in each of the nozzles at least one fluid duct formed separately from the compressed gas duct is provided, the rinsing system being set up to supply the fluid supply and the fluid duct with cleaning fluid by means of the loading device to pressurize and to pressurize the pressurized gas supply and the pressurized gas channel with pressurized gas separately by means of the pressurizing device.

Embodiment 11: Flushing system according to one of the two preceding embodiments, the dishwasher being set up in such a way that the pressurizing device is automatically coupled to the pressurized gas supply. Embodiment 12: Rinsing system according to the preceding embodiment, the dishwasher having at least one closure device, in particular at least one door, the pressurization device being set up in such a way that it is automatically coupled to the pressurized gas supply when the closure device is closed, in particular by pressing the pressurization device against the wash basket is pressed.

Embodiment 13: Washing system according to one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising at least one connection adapter, wherein the connection adapter is designed to fluidically connect the loading device of the dishwasher to the washing basket introduced into the cleaning chamber.

Embodiment 14: Flushing system according to the previous embodiment, the connection adapter being designed separately from the pressurizing device.

Embodiment 15: A method for cleaning items to be cleaned with at least one cavity, in particular at least one vessel and in particular at least one bottle, comprising the following steps:

e) drying of the cavity by applying compressed gas to the cavity by means of the nozzles. Embodiment 16: The method according to the preceding embodiment, the method comprising the use of a flushing system according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a flushing system.

Brief description of the figure

Further details and features emerge from the following description of an exemplary embodiment, in particular in conjunction with the subclaims. The respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiment. The embodiment is shown schematically in the figures.

In detail shows:

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a flushing system in a sectional view from the side.

Description of the embodiment

In FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a washing system 110 for cleaning items 112 to be cleaned is shown in a sectional illustration from the side. The items to be cleaned 112 have at least one cavity 114. For example, these items to be cleaned 112 can be bottles.

The washing system 110 comprises a washing machine 116, which in the exemplary embodiment can be configured as a front-loading dishwasher, for example. However, other configurations are also possible. Furthermore, the washing system 110 comprises at least one washing basket 118 and optionally, as shown in the figure, at least one connection adapter 120.

The dishwasher 116 has a housing 122 in which a cleaning chamber 124 for receiving the items to be cleaned 112 is provided. This cleaning chamber 124 can be closed by a closure device 126, which in the present case can be configured as a door or flap 128, for example. However, other Ausgestaltun conditions are also possible. The dishwasher 116 also has an application device 130 for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned 112. This loading device 130 is only shown schematically and partially here. For example, the application device 130 can comprise at least one tank 132 and at least one pump 134, as well as one or more nozzle systems 136. One or more tanks 132 can be provided so that the dishwasher 116 can be used as a single-circuit dishwasher or also as a multi-circuit dishwasher. Dishwasher can be configured. The loading device 130 can, for example, be a wash arm hub

138 for a lower wash arm, onto which, instead of the lower wash arm, the connection adapter 120 is plugged in the illustration shown in FIG. In general, reference can be made to the above-mentioned prior art, for example, to DE 10 2004 056 052 A1 or DE 10 2007 025 263 A1, as an example of the configuration of the loading device 130. However, other configurations are also possible, please include.

The dishwasher 116 is set up to accommodate the wash basket 118 in the cleaning chamber 124, and the application device 130 is set up to apply cleaning fluid to the items 112 to be cleaned using nozzles 139 of the wash basket 118, which are described in more detail below.

The dishwasher 116 also includes at least one pressurization device 141 for pressurizing the items to be cleaned 112 with compressed gas, in particular compressed air. As an example, this pressurization device is configured as a fan 143 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, which can be mounted in or on the door 128. As stated above, however, external components can also be used as an alternative or in addition, and / or the fan 143 can be arranged entirely or partially at one of their locations.

As stated above, the washing system 110 further comprises the at least one washing basket 118 that can be introduced into the cleaning chamber 124. This washing basket 118 has at least one basket base 140 and a plurality of nozzles extending from the basket base 140

139 on. The nozzles 139 can start directly from the basket bottom 140 or, as shown in the sectional view, begin at a distance from the basket bottom 140 and then extend, for example, perpendicularly away from the basket bottom 140. The items to be cleaned 112 can, for example, be placed on these nozzles 139. The application device 130 is set up to apply the cleaning fluid to the cavity 114 of the items to be cleaned 112 by means of the nozzles 139 in at least one cleaning step. This application can take place, for example, via the connection adapter 120, which can be pressed against the washing basket 118 in a connection area 142, for example, in order to supply at least one fluid supply 144 formed in the basket bottom 118 and above it with at least one fluid channel 146 in the nozzles 139 with cleaning fluid apply.

The dishwasher 116 is also set up to apply compressed gas to the cavity 114 of the cleaning material 112 attached to the nozzles in at least one drying step by means of the nozzles 139. For this purpose, for example, the pressure application device 141 can have at least one air duct 148 which is connected to the fan 143. This air channel 148 can be pressed against the washing basket 118, for example, in order to apply compressed gas, in particular compressed air, to the nozzles 139. This can be done, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, via the same fluid feed 144 and the same fluid channel 146 that is also used for the application of cleaning fluid. To prevent cleaning fluid from getting into the air duct 148 and the fan 143, at least one valve 152, for example at least one back, can be provided, for example, at a connection 150 of the pressurizing device 141 to the washing basket 118 or at another point in the washing system 110 check valve.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the fluid channel 146 also functions in a double function as a compressed gas channel 147, and the fluid supply 144 accordingly also functions as a compressed gas supply 145. However, alternative configurations are also possible in which the at least one compressed gas supply 145 in the washing basket 118 is separate from the fluid supply 144 is formed, and in which optionally the compressed gas channel 147 is formed separately from the fluid channel 146.

When the door 128 is closed, the connection 150 can, for example, be pressed against the washing basket 118 so that a gas-tight connection can be created between the air duct 148 and the fluid supply 144. List of reference symbols flushing system

Items to be cleaned

cavity

dishwasher

Washing basket

Connection adapter

casing

Cleaning chamber

Locking device

door

Loading device

tank

pump

Nozzle system

Wash arm hub

jet

Basket bottom

Pressurizing device

Connection area

fan

Fluid supply

Compressed gas supply

Fluid channel

Compressed gas duct

Air duct

connection

Valve

Claims

Expectations

1. A rinsing system (110) for cleaning items to be cleaned (112) with at least one cavity (114), comprising:

at least one dishwasher (116), wherein the dishwasher (116) comprises at least one cleaning chamber (124) for receiving the items to be cleaned (112), the dishwasher (116) furthermore having at least one application device (130) for applying the items to be cleaned (112) ) with at least one cleaning fluid, wherein the dishwasher (116) furthermore has at least one pressurizing device (141) for pressurizing the items to be cleaned (112) with pressurized gas;

at least one washing basket (118) which can be introduced into the cleaning chamber (124) and has at least one basket base (140) and a plurality of nozzles (139) extending from the basket base (140),

the application device (130) being set up to apply the cleaning fluid to the cavity (114) of items to be cleaned (112) attached to the nozzles (139) in at least one cleaning step by means of the nozzles (139), and the dishwasher (116) is also set up to hit the cavity (114) of the items to be cleaned (112) placed on the nozzles (139) with compressed gas in at least one drying step by means of the nozzles (139).

2. Washing system (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the pressurizing device (141) comprises at least one blower (143) integrated in the dishwasher (116).

3. Washing system (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the fan (143) is integrated in a closure device (126) of the dishwasher (116).

4. flushing system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fan (143) comprises at least one power supply selected from the group consisting of based on: an external power supply; an energy store; an inductive energy supply.

5. flushing system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the Druckbe aufschlagungsvorrichtung (141) has at least one compressed gas connection, where in the flushing system (110) further comprises an external compressed gas source, wherein the external compressed gas source is connectable to the compressed gas connection.

6. Flushing system (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the external compressed gas source comprises at least one device selected from the group consisting of: an external drying unit, in particular an external fan and / or an external compressor; an on-site compressed gas line.

7. rinsing system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rinsing system (110) further comprises at least one processing device in order to process the pressurized gas prior to the action of the items to be cleaned (112).

8. The rinsing system (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the Aufbereitungsvor direction comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a drying device; a filter; a temperature control device.

9. rinsing system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the basket bottom (140) at least one compressed gas supply (145) is provided, wherein in each of the nozzles (139) at least one compressed gas channel (147) is provided, wherein the compressed gas supply ( 145) is fluidically connected to the pressurized gas channel (147).

10. Rinsing system (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the rinsing system (110) is designed according to one of the following types in order to cause the cleaning fluid to be applied to the items to be cleaned (112):

the flushing system (110) is set up to pressurize the compressed gas supply (145) and the compressed gas channel (147) either with cleaning fluid or with compressed gas;

In the basket bottom (140) there is also at least one fluid supply (144) formed separately from the compressed gas supply (145) and in each of the nozzles (139) at least one is separated from the compressed gas channel (147) formed fluid channel (146) is provided, the flushing system (110) being set up to apply cleaning fluid to the fluid supply (144) and the fluid channel (146) by means of the application device (130) and to separately supply the pressurized gas by means of the pressure application device (141) guide (145) and pressurized gas channel (147) with compressed gas.

11. Flushing system (110) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the dishwasher (116) is set up such that the Druckbeaufschlagungsvorrich device (141) automatically couples to the compressed gas supply (145).

12. Flushing system (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the dishwasher (116) has at least one closure device (126), the pressurization device (141) being set up in such a way that it is automatically connected to the compressed gas supply (126) when the closure device (126) is closed. 145) coupled.

13. Washing system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one connection adapter (120), wherein the connection adapter (120) is set up to fluidize the loading device (130) of the dishwasher (116) with the cleaning chamber (124) introduced washing basket (118) to bind ver.

14. Rinsing system (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the connection adapter (120) is formed separately from the pressurization device (141).

15. A method for cleaning items to be cleaned (112) with at least one cavity (114), in particular at least one vessel and in particular at least one bottle, comprising the following steps:

a) Providing at least one dishwasher (116), the dishwasher (116) comprising at least one cleaning chamber (124) for receiving the items to be cleaned (112), the dishwasher (116) also having at least one application device (130) for applying the items to be cleaned (112) with at least one cleaning fluid, the dishwasher (116) also having at least one pressurizing device (141) for pressurizing the items to be cleaned (112) with compressed gas, in particular compressed air b) providing at least one washing basket (118) which can be introduced into the cleaning chamber (124) and has at least one basket base (140) and a plurality of nozzles (139) extending from the basket base (140);

c) attaching the items to be cleaned (112) onto at least one of the nozzles (139) in such a way that the nozzle protrudes into the cavity (114) of the items to be cleaned (112); d) loading the cavity (114) with cleaning fluid by means of the loading device (130) and the nozzles (139); and

e) drying of the cavity (114) by applying compressed gas to the cavity (114) by means of the nozzles (139).