EP3927223A1

EP3927223A1 - Dishwasher basket for cleaning cavities in articles to be cleaned

Info

Publication number: EP3927223A1
Application number: EP20705947.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bernd Ringwald
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
Anticipated expiration: 2040-02-17
Also published as: ES2963142T3; DE102019202139A1; EP3927223B1; WO2020169521A1; PL3927223T3

Abstract

The invention relates to a dishwasher basket (126) for cleaning articles (112) to be cleaned with at least one cavity (114), in particular for cleaning bottles (118). The dishwasher basket (126) comprises a basket base (144) and a plurality of nozzles (142) extending from the basket base (144). The basket base (144) is equipped with at least two fluid supply lines (154). Each of the nozzles (142) faces at least one wash fluid channel (150) which can be fluidically connected to a wash fluid supply line (156) in the basket base (144) and leads to at least one wash nozzle opening (172) of the respective nozzle (142). Additionally, each of the nozzles (142) has at least one rinse fluid channel (152) which is designed separately from the wash fluid channel (150), wherein the rinse fluid channel (152) can be fluidically connected to a rinse fluid supply line (158) in the basket base (144) and leads to at least one rinse nozzle opening (174) of the respective nozzle (142). The invention additionally relates to a dishwasher basket system (124), to a dishwashing system (110), and to a method for cleaning articles (112) to be cleaned comprising at least one cavity (114).

Description

Washing basket for cleaning cavities in items to be cleaned

Technical area

The invention relates to a wash basket, a wash basket system, a wash system and a method for cleaning items to be cleaned with at least one cavity. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention can be used for cleaning vessels, in particular for cleaning bottles. The invention can be used in particular in the field of dishwashing technology, in particular in the field of commercial dishwashing technology. The invention can thus be used in particular in large kitchens in which items to be cleaned, for example trays, 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 known as cleaning devices, are known from the prior art, which can clean and / or disinfect items to be cleaned. The design of these cleaning devices depends largely on the various boundary conditions, such as the type of items 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 must be ensured that the inner walls of the cavity have sufficient cleaning fluid applied to them in order to be able to guarantee a reliable cleaning and sanitation effect there too. 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 baskets 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 washing systems which are separate from one another and 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, which is closed 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 liquids.

Despite the advantages associated with these systems, some technical challenges remain. One challenge is that, particularly in commercial dishwashers with two separate fluid systems for the washing process and the rinsing process, there are considerable differences in the dimensioning of the circuits. As a rule, the clear rinse system is dimensioned significantly smaller than the washing system, since the washing system usually works in circulation mode with considerable amounts of liquid and must not be clogged with dirt particles, whereas the clear rinse system usually works with significantly smaller volumes of liquid and is not used in circulation mode. For example, the usual volumes of final rinse tanks can be less than 3 liters, which are applied to the items to be cleaned during the final rinse step, for example, within less than 20 seconds. However, these dimensional differences usually have a significant impact on the design of the systems. Thus, despite the generally significantly lower volume and the generally significantly lower volume flow of the final rinse fluid compared to the washing fluid, good jet behavior must be achieved in order to clean the cavity of the bottles sufficiently. Another technical challenge with the known systems described above is that the final rinse step usually follows the washing step. However, in the case of the systems described, this means that in any case less Amount of clear rinse fluid present initially a not inconsiderable part of who must be used to rinse cavities within the nozzle system, such as within the dispensing tube, and to clean of remaining washing fluid before the actual rinsing process can begin. Another technical challenge is that the known systems in the wash basket use valve systems, for example check valves. However, these valve systems must be easy to open, since in particular the pressure of the final rinse fluid can only be made comparatively low due to the small amounts of liquid. Valves that are easy to open, especially check valves, however, in many cases require a susceptibility to contamination, which can become embedded in the valve and impair the tightness of the valve. The final rinse fluid can thus be contaminated with washing fluid. In addition, valve systems are complex and expensive in practice and increase the structural volume and the manufacturing costs of the washing baskets. Another disadvantage of such systems is that they are difficult to clean in practice, since, for example, backwashing is generally not possible due to the principle involved. In addition, in many cases the systems described can only be dismantled by a specialist and not by appropriate operating personnel.

Object of the invention

It would therefore be desirable to provide devices and methods for cleaning cleaning items with at least one cavity, in particular for cleaning bottles, which at least largely avoid the disadvantages of known devices and methods of the type mentioned. In particular, simple cleaning of the items to be cleaned should be possible, which also enables reliable final rinsing with small amounts of final rinse fluid.

General description of the invention

This object is addressed by a wash basket, a wash basket system, a wash system and a method for cleaning items to be cleaned with at least one cavity, with the features 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 refer to situations in which, in addition to the features introduced by these terms, no further features are present, or 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, there is no further element in A ( ie a situation in which A consists exclusively of B), as well as the situation in which, in addition to B, one or more other elements are present in A, for example element C, elements C and D or even further elements .

It is also pointed out that the terms “at least one” and “one or more” as well as grammatical modifications of these terms, if they are used in connection with one or more elements or features and are intended to express the element or feature singly or multiple times can be provided, 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, all the possibilities of combining the features introduced in this way with other features, be it optional or non-optional features, should remain unaffected by these one guiding expressions.

In a first aspect, a washing basket for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed, the items to be cleaned having at least one cavity. As stated above, the items to be cleaned can in particular be at least one vessel and in particular at least one bottle. 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 items to be cleaned are freed from adhering macroscopic or microscopic impurities 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. 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, as stated above, the items to be cleaned can comprise one or more bottles. Other configurations of the items to be cleaned are also possible in principle.

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. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a portable receiving device in which items to be cleaned can be picked up, 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 temporarily 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 outline, 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 a raised edge as well as other optional elements such as handles.

The washing basket comprises a 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 customized meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to an element which closes the washing basket at the bottom when it rests on a support surface. The basket bottom can in particular be designed to be essentially flat. So this can have a flat support surface on its underside. The basket base can also be designed to be essentially flat on its surface, for example. The basket bottom can be designed in particular square or generally rectangular. The basket bottom can for example be made entirely or partially from a plastic material, in particular from a thermoplastic plastic material. The basket bottom can furthermore have a plurality of openings which allow liquid to run off through the basket bottom.

The wash basket further comprises a plurality of the 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, where the nozzles extend from the upper side. For example, the nozzles can be arranged essentially perpendicular to the top and / or to a plane of the washing rack, for example a plane in which the support surface is arranged. 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 for example extend into a basket interior, which can be bordered by the basket base and a basket frame.

The term “nozzle” 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 device which is set up to apply liquid to another object, for example to spray it on 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, as will be explained in more detail below, be made entirely or partially of at least one plastic material. 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.

At least two fluid feeds are provided in the basket bottom. The fluid feeds include at least one washing fluid feed and at least one final rinse fluid feed. 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 which 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 two fluid feeds can in particular comprise two or more channels which are integrated in the basket base. The at least one washing fluid supply and the at least one final rinsing fluid supply can in particular be designed as completely separate channels, each with at least one opening via which fluid supply from the outside is possible, i.e. for example at least one washing fluid opening of the at least one washing fluid supply and at least a clear-rinse fluid opening of the at least one clear-rinse fluid supply.

The term “fluid”, as it is used here in connection with the terms “washing fluid” and “rinsing fluid”, 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 liquid which, when it hits the items to be cleaned, can develop a cleaning effect. 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 final rinse 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 each have at least one washing fluid channel and at least one final rinsing fluid channel, preferably at least two final rinsing fluid channels. A washing fluid channel can be understood to mean a fluidic line formed in the nozzle, which supplies a washing fluid nozzle opening of the nozzle from which the washing fluid can exit and act on the items to be cleaned, with washing fluid. Accordingly, a final rinse fluid channel can be understood to mean a fluidic line formed in the nozzle, which supplies a final rinse nozzle opening of the nozzle from which the final rinse fluid can exit and the items to be cleaned, with final rinse fluid.

As stated above, the nozzles each have at least one washing fluid channel which can be fluidly connected to the at least one washing fluid supply in the basket base and opens into at least one washing nozzle opening of the respective nozzle. Furthermore, as also stated above, the nozzles each have at least one final rinse fluid channel formed separately from the washing fluid channel, the final rinse fluid channel being fluidically connectable to the at least one final rinse fluid supply in the basket base and opening into at least one final rinse nozzle opening of the respective nozzle.

The proposed washing basket has a number of advantages over the known washing basket described above. In particular, in the proposed washing basket, a fluidic system for the final rinse fluid can be configured completely, up to and including the final rinse nozzle opening, separately from a fluidic system for the washing fluid. Accordingly, the disadvantages of known systems described above can be avoided. For example, the dimensions of the at least one final-rinse nozzle opening can be made significantly smaller than the at least one washing nozzle opening. Accordingly, the fact that the final rinse fluid is usually available in significantly smaller quantities than the washing fluid, as well as the fact that the washing fluid is usually applied in circulation mode and the final rinsing fluid is only used once, can be taken into account be worn. As a result of the smaller dimensioning, a spray jet suitable for rinsing can be generated, for example, even with small amounts of final rinse fluid with a comparatively low throughput. In addition, the separately designed nozzle openings in the form of the at least one final rinse nozzle opening and the at least one washing nozzle opening can be adapted in their dimensions and shape and even optimized independently of one another. Furthermore, the complete separation of wash fluid and rinse aid fluid in the entire wash basket including the nozzles offers the advantage that the usually small amount Final rinse fluid does not have to be used at the start of a final rinse process in order to remove excess washing fluid in the fluid supply. In addition, due to the separation of the systems, the use of valves can be completely dispensed with, as will be explained in more detail below.

The washing fluid supply and the washing fluid channel can in particular jointly form a washing fluid system. Accordingly, the final rinse fluid supply and the final rinse fluid channel can form a final rinse fluid system. The washing fluid system and the final rinsing fluid system can be designed to be completely separate from one another in terms of fluid, so that no transfer of fluid from the final rinsing fluid system into the washing fluid system can take place and vice versa.

The nozzles can in particular be ausgebil det separately from other components of the wash basket. In particular, the nozzles can be releasably connectable to the basket base. For example, the nozzles can each be connectable to the basket base by at least one connecting element formed on the nozzle and / or by at least one connecting element formed on the basket base, the connection preferably being reversible, i.e. releasable. For example, the nozzles can be connected to the bottom of the basket by at least one screw connection. For example, as will be explained in more detail below, the nozzles can have at least one external thread, which can be screwed into at least one internal thread in at least one bore in the washing basket, in particular in the basket base.

For example, the nozzles can each have a nozzle section and a connecting section. A nozzle section can generally be understood to mean a section of the nozzle which protrudes from the basket base and in which the at least one final rinse nozzle opening and the at least one washing nozzle opening are formed. Correspondingly, a connecting section can be understood to mean a section of the nozzle which is designed to be connected to the washing basket, in particular to the basket base, and which, for example, can have at least one connecting element. The connecting section can for example be received in a bore in the basket bottom. In particular, when the nozzle is connected to the basket base, the connecting section can protrude into the basket base. At least one washing fluid connection of the nozzle, which is connected to the washing fluid channel, can be connected to the washing fluid supply in the basket bottom or can be connected to this washing fluid supply when the nozzle is connected to the basket base. Correspondingly, at least one clear-rinse fluid connection, which is connected to the clear-rinse fluid channel, of the nozzle can be connected to the clear-rinse fluid supply or when connecting the Nozzle can be connected to the basket bottom with this final rinse fluid supply. The washing fluid connection can include, for example, an opening in the washing fluid channel, in particular an opening which is opposite the at least one washing nozzle opening, so that the washing fluid channel connects this opening to the washing nozzle opening. Accordingly, the final rinse fluid connection can include, for example, an opening in the final rinse fluid channel, in particular an opening opposite the at least one final rinse nozzle opening, so that the final rinse fluid channel connects this opening and the final rinse nozzle opening. In this way, when connecting the nozzle to the basket base, for example when screwing the nozzle into the basket base, a fluid connection between the at least one washing fluid supply and the at least one washing nozzle opening and a fluid connection between the at least one rinsing fluid supply and the at least a rinse nozzle opening can be made.

Accordingly, the nozzles are preferably easy to assemble and to dismantle animals again, for example for maintenance and / or cleaning purposes. In addition, the washing fluid system and the final rinse fluid system can easily be dismantled into individual parts, which can be cleaned individually.

The washing fluid supply and the final rinsing fluid supply can in particular be arranged in different levels of the basket base. For example, the washing fluid supply, viewed from the nozzles, can be arranged deeper in the basket base than the final rinse fluid supply. This arrangement in different planes can in particular facilitate a fluidic connection of the corresponding fluid channels in the nozzle with the respectively associated fluid supply lines. For example, when the nozzle is connected to the bottom of the basket, the connecting section of a nozzle described above can protrude into both a plane of the washing fluid supply and a plane of the final rinse fluid supply, the washing fluid connection being arranged in the plane of the washing fluid supply and the final rinsing fluid connection being arranged in the plane of the final rinsing fluid supply is arranged. In this way, a fluidic connection can easily be ensured on different levels, whereby the fluid systems can remain separate.

As stated above, the connecting section can in particular have at least one external thread. The external thread can in particular enclose the washing fluid channel and the final rinse fluid channel. On a side of the nozzle facing the basket bottom, the final rinse fluid channel with the external thread can end, whereas the washing fluid channel can protrude further into the basket base beyond the external thread. In general, when the nozzle is connected to the basket base, orifices of the final rinse fluid channel and the washing fluid channel can protrude differently into the basket base, so that one fluidic connection can be made possible on different levels, namely a connection of an opening of the final rinse fluid channel in a plane of the final rinse fluid supply and a connection of an opening of the washing fluid channel in a, preferably lower, level of the washing fluid supply.

As stated above, the fluid feeds should be designed in such a way that they can be acted upon with the corresponding fluid from outside the basket, namely the washing fluid feed with washing fluid and the rinsing fluid feed with final rinse fluid. For this purpose, the fluid supply lines can in particular open into connection openings in the bottom of the basket, the connection openings having at least one washing fluid connection opening and at least one final rinse fluid connection opening formed separately from the washing fluid connection opening. The washing fluid feed can be acted upon with washing fluid via the washing fluid connection opening, and the final rinse fluid feed can be acted upon with final rinse fluid via the final rinse fluid connection opening.

The connection openings can be net angeord in particular in an end face of the basket base. An end face can be understood to mean, for example, a side of the wash basket which is arranged essentially perpendicular to a support surface of the basket base. In particular, it can be a side of the washing rack that extends vertically during operation. The arrangement of the connection openings in the front side can in particular, as will be explained in more detail below, be used to press the connection openings against a fluid adapter described in more detail below by applying pressure on a side of the washing basket opposite the front side, in order to thereby achieve a tight seal to guarantee.

The application of fluid to the basket base can thus take place from a direction parallel to the plane of the basket base. Accordingly, washing fluid and / or final rinse fluid, for example, can flow into the fluid supply lines from the connection adapter parallel to the plane of the washing basket. In particular, a dishwasher in which the wash basket is used can, for example, have a receptacle for the at least one wash basket, for example a rail into which the wash basket can be inserted, for example into a cleaning chamber and / or out of the cleaning chamber again. The loading of the wash basket with washing fluid and / or rinse aid fluid can thus also take place, for example, parallel or also anti-parallel to a direction of insertion of the wash basket into the cleaning chamber. In general, the washing basket can be acted upon with washing fluid and / or rinsing fluid in a horizontal plane, so that Washing fluid and / or rinsing fluid flows horizontally into the washing basket when it is received in the cleaning chamber.

The washing basket and in particular the basket base can furthermore have at least one centering device which is set up to position the connection openings relative to a fluid adapter. This centering device can in particular have at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a centering hole, a centering notch.

The washing basket can furthermore have at least one pressure element, in particular a spring-mounted pressure element, on a side opposite the end face. The washing basket can be pressed against corresponding connection openings of a connection adapter by a pressure on the pressure element with the connection openings. The pressure element can for example be designed as a movable element and / or can have at least one bolt or pin which protrudes from the washing basket and which, for example, as will be described in more detail below, through an opening device of a dishwasher, for example a door, a flap or a Hood, can be acted upon with a force in order to press the washing basket with the connection openings onto corresponding connection openings of the connection adapter or vice versa. Thus, the application of force can take place in such a way that the washing basket is pressed against the connection adapter, and / or the application of force can take place in such a way that the connection adapter is pressed against the washing basket.

The fluid supply lines in the basket bottom can in particular extend essentially perpendicular to the washing fluid channel and the final rinse fluid channel in the nozzles. Furthermore, the at least one washing fluid channel can be arranged axially on a nozzle axis of the nozzle. The at least one final rinse fluid channel can in particular be arranged outside the nozzle axis of the nozzle. Furthermore, several final rinse fluid channels can be seen, for example two final rinse fluid channels, which can be arranged coaxially with the washing fluid channel.

The final rinse fluid channel or, in the case of a plurality of final rinse fluid channels, for example in each case one of the final rinse fluid channels, can in particular have a smaller cross section, for example a smaller cross sectional area, than the washing fluid channel. For example, the cross section of the washing fluid channel can be at least a factor of 2 larger than the cross section of the final rinse fluid channel or, in the case of several final rinse fluid channels, than the cross section of one of these final rinse fluid channels. The washing nozzle opening can for example have a cross section of 15 mm ² to 30 mm ² , in particular a cross section of 20 mm ² to 25 mm ² and particularly preferably a cross section of 22 mm ² . However, a tapering at the washing nozzle opening is also possible, for example. The washing fluid channel can in particular have a cross section of 15 mm ² to 30 mm ² , in particular a cross section of 20 mm ² to 25 mm ^2, and particularly preferably a cross section of 22 mm ² . As an alternative, however, the washing fluid channel can, for example, also have different dimensions than the washing nozzle opening, for example a larger cross section.

The rinse aid nozzle opening or, in the case of several rinse aid nozzle openings, one of the rinse aid nozzle openings can in particular have a cross section of 3 mm ² to 15 mm ² , in particular 5 mm ² to 10 mm ² and particularly preferably 6 mm ² to 6.5 mm ² show. A tapering of the rinse aid nozzle opening is also possible, for example. The final rinse fluid channel or, in the case of several final rinse fluid channels, one of the final rinse fluid channels can in particular have a cross section of 3 mm ² to 15 mm ² , in particular 5 mm ² to 10 mm ² and particularly preferably 6 mm ² to 6.5 mm ² . Alternatively, however, the final rinse fluid channel can also have, for example, different dimensions than the final rinse nozzle opening, for example a larger cross section.

The washing nozzle opening can in particular have a flat edge. For example, the washing nozzle opening can be closed off smoothly towards the outside. The final rinse nozzle opening can in particular have a protruding edge for shaping the jet, for example an annular projection surrounding the final rinse nozzle opening.

As stated above, the nozzles can in particular each have at least two final rinse fluid channels and, accordingly, at least two final rinse nozzle openings. For example, final rinse nozzle openings can be provided on opposite sides of the washing nozzle opening.

As stated above, the washing basket including the nozzles can in particular be configured without valves. By separating the fluid systems, expensive and error-prone check valves can be dispensed with. The proposed modular design and in particular the preferred dismantling of the nozzles allows easy dismantling and cleaning of the nozzles and the fluid systems, for example by backwashing. For this purpose, for example, a hose can be attached to the nozzles, and these can be backwashed by applying water, for example. The nozzles can in particular have at least one axially extending drip channel on their outside, for example at least two drip channels or even at least three or at least four drip channels. A drip channel can be formed, for example, by a channel extending parallel to a nozzle axis on an outside of the nozzle.

The nozzles can each have at least two axially extending ribs on their outside for positioning the items to be cleaned. “Ribs” can be understood to mean, for example, projections which project essentially radially from the nozzle and which extend, for example, along a nozzle axis. These ribs can extend upwards, for example, from the basket bottom, into a basket interior. The ribs can, for example, taper upwards, that is, in a direction away from the bottom of the basket. For example, the vessels can be slipped onto the nozzles in such a way that the nozzles protrude into the cavity, one edge of the vessels resting on the ribs. For example, two, three, four or more ribs can be provided. The ribs can, for example, minimize a contact surface of the vessels on the washing basket, so that drying can be improved in comparison to nozzles without ribs and a full-area support of the edge of the vessels on the washing basket.

The basket bottom can in particular be made of at least one base material, in particular plastic, for example from at least one thermoplastic material. For example, the base material can have at least one material selected from the group consisting of: a polypropylene; a fiber-reinforced polypropylene; Polyethylene; Polyamide, or the base material, can consist of at least one material from this group or comprise one or more of the materials mentioned. For example, the basket bottom can be made entirely or partially by an injection molding process. The fluid feeds can in particular be designed entirely or partially as channels in the base material. In this case, the fluid supply lines can, for example, be completely formed by the base material, so that, for example, a separate introduction of pipelines into the cage floor can be dispensed with. Nevertheless, as described above, fluidic contacting of the nozzles can easily be made by screwing them into the bottom of the basket, for example, and making fluidic contact at different levels. In this way, the manufacturing costs can be significantly reduced compared to washing baskets, in which separate pipes, for example in the form of metallic pipes, have to be inserted into the basket base, and the construction of the washing baskets can be significantly simplified. Alternatively or in addition, the basket bottom can also have at least one distributor plate and / or at least one other type of distributor element which is integrated into the basket bottom and / or with the basket Floor is connected, for example, is mounted on the basket floor. The nozzles can be permanently or detachably connected to the distributor structure and / or the at least one distributor element.

The fluid feeds can in particular have a distributor structure. This distribution structure can comprise channels which branch off from one another. The distributor structure can, for example, have a plurality of distributor cavities, the distributor cavities each being connected to either at least one final rinse fluid channel of a nozzle or to at least one washing fluid channel of a nozzle when the nozzle is connected to the basket base. For example, the distributor cavities can also define the location at which a nozzle is connected to the bottom of the basket and at which, for example, at least one connecting element for connecting to the nozzle is provided, for example at least one thread. The distributor structure can in particular have a tree structure.

The nozzles can in particular have an elongated, essentially cylindrical shape, with a length measured from the bottom of the basket which exceeds a diameter or equivalent diameter of the nozzle by at least a factor of 2, preferably by at least a factor of 3 or at least a factor of 4. In particular, the nozzles can be designed straight.

The washing basket can furthermore have at least one upper basket connected to the basket base and arranged parallel to the basket base. The upper basket can in particular have a large number of compartments. Each compartment can, for example, be designed to hold a piece of items to be cleaned, for example a vessel and in particular a bottle. For example, exactly one nozzle can be assigned to each compartment. A compartment can thus be defined through a corresponding opening in the upper basket. The compartments can in particular correspond to the nozzles, so that in each case a piece of cleaning equipment, in particular a vessel, with an opening towards the bottom of the basket, can be inserted into a compartment and attached to a nozzle.

The compartments can in particular have a variable size. In this way, for example, different types of vessels can be introduced into the compartments. For example, the upper basket can have a large number of plug-in or displaceable limiting elements which vary the size of the compartments by changing their position. The delimitation elements can be designed, for example, as rods or wires which can be inserted into corresponding holes in the upper basket, for example in the form of a grid of holes to ensure a variable size. The upper basket itself can, for example, be variable Gela Gert in its distance from the basket bottom. In this way, for example, vessels of different heights can also be safely accommodated in the washing basket, for example short or long bottles. For example, the washing basket can have a basket frame which connects the basket base and the upper basket. The basket frame can, for example, comprise rod-shaped profiles at the corners of the washing basket. To vary the distance between the upper basket and the basket base, a position of the upper basket on the basket frame can, for example, be variably fixed.

In a further aspect, a washing basket system for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed with at least one cavity, in particular vessels and in particular for cleaning bottles. The wash basket system comprises at least one wash basket according to the present invention, for example according to one or more of the above-proposed configurations and / or according to one or more of the embodiments described in more detail below. Furthermore, the wash basket system comprises at least one connection adapter which is set up to supply the fluid supplies in the basket floor with cleaning fluid in such a way that the wash fluid supply is supplied with washing fluid and the final rinse fluid supply is supplied with final rinse fluid separately.

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 a dishwasher, in particular a loading device of a dishwasher described in more detail below, to a washing basket. The connection adapter can in particular have at least one main body which can serve as a carrier for the washing basket and which has at least one channel structure for the fluidic connection of the dishwasher to the washing basket. 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 a 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 act on 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 fixedly and non-rotatably received 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 furthermore 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 that 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 clear rinsing fluid line in the connection adapter with rinsing fluid from the wash arm hub is provided. In this way, the connection adapter can be connected to the fluid systems of the dishwasher.

As will be described in more detail below, the reversible connection can be made in particular by 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 attached to the wash arm hub and exchanged for this wash arm.

The connection adapter can in particular have at least one washing fluid line for applying washing fluid to the washing fluid supply and at least one clear rinsing fluid line for charging the final rinsing fluid supply with final rinsing fluid. The washing fluid line and the final rinse fluid line can be lines which are formed or received in the base body of the connection adapter, for example are, and which fluidically connect the loading device of the dishwasher with the washing fluid supply and the rinsing fluid supply. The washing fluid line and the final rinse fluid line should be designed to be fluidically separated in order to avoid mixing of the washing fluid and the final rinse fluid.

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

The wash fluid line and the final rinse fluid line can in particular open into corresponding connection openings of the connection adapter, for example in a contact surface of the connection adapter which can be pressed against the wash basket so that the connection openings of the wash basket come into congruence with the corresponding connection openings of the connection adapter and wash fluid comes out of the Wash fluid line can flow into the wash fluid supply, as well as final rinse fluid from the final rinse fluid line into the final rinse fluid supply. For example, the connection adapter can have at least one fluid adapter which can be pressed against the washing basket and in which the connection openings of the connection adapter are located. At least one sealing element can be arranged between the connection openings of the fluid supply lines of the washing basket and the corresponding connection openings of the connection adapter, which can for example be part of the fluid adapter. This at least one you telement can be wholly or partially part of the connection adapter, can also be wholly or partially part of the washing rack or can also be designed entirely or partially separately, as a separate sealing element. In particular, the sealing element can have at least one sealing washer and / or at least one sealing ring.

As stated above, the washing basket can in particular have at least one centering device. Correspondingly, the connection adapter can also have at least one centering device corresponding to the centering device of the washing rack. For example, the centering device of the washing basket and the centering device of the connection adapter can interlock according to the key-lock principle, for example, in order to ensure that the washing basket is positioned.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a rinsing system for cleaning items to be cleaned with at least one cavity is proposed, in particular for cleaning cleaning of vessels and especially for cleaning bottles. The term “flushing system” 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 device or a combination of devices which is set up to carry out cleaning on at least one piece of items to be cleaned.

The washing system comprises at least one dishwasher. The dishwasher comprises at least one cleaning chamber for receiving the items to be cleaned. Furthermore, the dishwasher comprises at least one application device for applying at least one washing fluid and at least one rinsing fluid to the items to be cleaned.

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 impurities or at least partially to remove such impurities. In addition, a disinfection effect can optionally be exercised. The dishwasher can, as will be explained in more detail below, 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 one to one Be the front of the cleaning chamber and / or a top of the cleaning chamber angeord designated flap. Alternatively, hoods to close the cleaning chamber are also possible, 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 any device in principle 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 the provision of cleaning fluid to the nozzle system. For example, a nozzle system and a line system for applying cleaning liquid 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 received in a stationary manner 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 at least a washing step with the at least one washing fluid and in at least one final rinsing step with the at least one final rinsing 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 received in a stationary manner, downstream of the application of the cleaning fluid.

The washing system also has at least one washing basket system according to the present invention, for example according to one or more of the embodiments described above and / or according to one or more of the embodiments described in more detail below. The cleaning chamber of the dishwasher is designed to accommodate the wash rack system. For example, the cleaning chamber can be dimensioned such that the wash basket system can be accommodated in it. For example, the cleaning chamber can have at least one rail into which the washing rack can be inserted. Furthermore, the dishwasher can have at least one wash arm hub in the cleaning chamber, on which the connection adapter can be mounted, so that the connection adapter is fluidically connected to the loading device of the dishwasher and can be integrated into this loading device. When the wash basket is accommodated in the cleaning chamber, the wash basket can also become part of the application device, since the nozzles of the wash basket are fluidically connected to the application device.

The application device is set up to apply the wash fluid and the rinse aid fluid to the items to be cleaned by means of the nozzles of the wash basket system, for example sequentially. In particular, the dishwasher can be set up as a program machine and can be set up to carry out at least one cleaning program or wash program in which the items to be cleaned are treated with washing fluid in at least one washing step and with final rinse fluid in at least one final rinse step that follows the washing step. Furthermore, the washing program can have at least one drying step.

The dishwasher can in particular have at least one wash tank. The cleaning items can be acted upon by means of the nozzles with washing fluid from the wash tank in circulation mode, for example in the at least one washing step of the rinsing program. The wash tank can for example be formed in a bottom of the cleaning chamber. The dishwasher can be designed as a commercial dishwasher and, in addition to the at least one wash tank, can also have at least one rinse tank that is separate from the wash tank, where the items to be cleaned can be hit by means of the nozzles with rinse aid from the rinse tank. The rinse tank can in particular be designed as a boiler.

As stated above, the application device can in particular have at least one exchangeable wash arm. The wash arm can be designed, for example, as a rotatable wash arm. In particular, this wash arm can have a plurality of nozzle openings and can be rotatably received on the wash arm hub. In particular, the wash arm can be reversibly connectable to the wash arm hub of the dishwasher and can be exchangeable for the connection adapter. As stated above, in particular the wash arm and the connection adapter can have quick-release fasteners for connection to the wash arm hub.

The dishwasher can in particular have at least one closure device for closing the cleaning chamber. This closure device can in particular be set up to hold the washing rack against the attachment in a closed state. terminal adapter to press. As stated above, the washing basket can be pressed against the connection adapter and / or the connection adapter can be pressed against the washing basket. The connection adapter can be tightly connected to the fluid supply lines by this process of applying pressure or applying force. As stated above, a sealing element can in particular be pressed together between the connection adapter and the washing basket and develop an additional sealing effect.

As stated above, the invention is replaceable in various types of dishwashers. In particular, the dishwasher can be selected from the group consisting of: a front loading single-chamber dishwasher; a hood dishwasher, in particular a pass-through dishwasher. In particular, the closure device can have at least one device selected from the group consisting of: a flap; a door; a hood. Accordingly, the dishwasher can, for example, as outlined above, be designed as a front-loading dishwasher or, alternatively, as a hood-type dishwasher, for example as a push-through dishwasher, in which the washing basket can be pushed into the cleaning chamber from one direction with the hood open can, and, after the cleaning process, can be pushed out of the cleaning chamber in a different direction. While in the first case the closure device can include, for example, a front flap or door that can apply force when closing, as will be described in more detail below, in the case of the hood type dishwasher the force can be applied, for example, via a lever system.

The closure device can in particular have at least one open position and at least one closed position. In the open position, cleaning can easily be brought into the cleaning chamber and then removed again from the cleaning chamber, whereas in the closed position a cleaning process can be followed.

The dishwasher can, for example, as stated above, be designed as a hood-type dishwasher. In this case, the washing system can for example have at least one device in order to press the connection adapter against the washing basket when a hood of the dishwasher is closed. This device can, for example, have at least one construction selected from the group consisting of: a lever construction, the hood pressing on at least one lever of the lever construction when it is closed; a hydraulic actuator; a pneumatic actuator; an electromechanical actuator. The device can be wholly or partly a component of the dishwasher, for example it can also be wholly or partly a component of the connection adapter or it can also be wholly or partly a component of the washing basket.

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 comprises the following steps. These steps can be performed 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 in a temporally overlapping manner or at the same time. Furthermore, one or more of the process steps mentioned can be carried out once or repeatedly. In addition to the steps mentioned, the method can comprise further method steps which are not mentioned.

The method comprises the following steps: a) Providing a washing basket, comprising a basket base and a plurality of nozzles extending from the basket base, with at least two fluid supplies being provided in the basket base, the nozzles each having at least one washing fluid channel which is fluidically connected to a washing fluid supply in the basket bottom and opens into at least one washing nozzle opening of the respective nozzle, the nozzles further each having at least one clear rinse fluid channel formed separately from the washing fluid channel, the final rinse fluid channel fluidically connected to a final rinse fluid supply in the basket bottom is and opens into at least one rinse aid nozzle opening of the respective nozzle;

b) 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;

c) applying washing fluid to the cavity via the washing fluid feed and the washing fluid channel; and

d) loading of the cavity with final rinse fluid via the final rinse fluid supply and the final rinse fluid channel.

For possible definitions of the terms used, reference can be made to the above description of the wash basket, the wash basket system and the wash system. In particular, the proposed method using the wash basket, the wash basket system tems or the flushing system according to one or more of the embodiments described above and / or according to one or more of the embodiments described in more detail below.

The method can further comprise the following steps:

e) providing at least one connection adapter, the connection adapter being set up to supply the fluid supply lines in the basket floor with cleaning fluid in such a way that the washing fluid supply is supplied with washing fluid and the final rinse fluid supply is supplied separately with final rinse fluid;

f) applying the washing fluid supply to the washing fluid by means of the connection adapter; and

g) Application of the final rinse fluid supply with final rinse fluid by means of the connection adapter.

The method can also include the following steps:

h) providing a dishwasher, the dishwasher comprising at least one cleaning chamber for receiving the items to be cleaned, the dishwasher further having at least one application device for loading the items to be cleaned with at least one washing fluid and at least one final rinse fluid;

i) Introducing the wash basket system, comprising the connection adapter and the wash basket, into the cleaning chamber;

j) applying washing fluid to the items to be cleaned by means of the application device and the nozzles; and

k) loading the items to be cleaned by means of the loading device and the nozzles with rinse aid fluid.

The wash basket, the wash basket system and the wash system, as well as the proposed method, as proposed in the present case, have numerous advantages over known devices and methods of the type mentioned. In particular, the disadvantages of known devices and methods of the type mentioned can be at least largely avoided. In particular, dishwashers can be designed with a two-circuit fluid system for commercial use for cleaning bottles by means of the proposed washing basket, which can be used as a basket insert for this dishwasher. The bottles are, for example, bottles for table water in restaurants or similar types of items to be cleaned or bottle-like items such as wine carafes, lemonade jugs. The devices and methods proposed in the present case can moreover be configured completely without check valves, in particular without check valves between the two fluid lines in the washing basket. Furthermore, at the end of the final rinse process, clear rinse fluid can be passed back from the wash basket into a wash tank, so that this clear rinse fluid is not lost, including the heat stored therein.

The connection adapter can in particular be designed in such a way that it can be assembled and disassembled without tools. This can be done, for example, as explained above, by using quick-release fasteners, for example by using a quick-release fastener to connect to the wash arm hub. The connection adapter can be installed instead of a lower wash arm in the dishwasher, in particular in a cleaning chamber of the dishwasher.

In the wash basket, in the wash system and in the dishwasher, two separate fluid paths can be implemented throughout, namely one for the washing fluid and one for the final rinse fluid. These separate fluid paths can be implemented, for example, from the wash arm hub to the nozzles in the wash basket. This avoids mixing of the fluids. In addition, final rinse fluid is thus preferably not used for rinsing out jointly used lines, as a result of which final rinse fluid can be saved and which likewise prevents mixing.

The fluid supply lines in the basket bottom can be arranged one above the other or next to one another, for example. An arrangement next to one another can, for example, mean that the wash basket can be as small as possible.

The items to be cleaned can be introduced into the cleaning chamber in such a way that the opening points downwards or obliquely downwards so that the nozzles can protrude from the bottom upwards into the cavity of the items to be cleaned. For example, the nozzles can open into upside-down bottles above a bottle neck, that is, above a narrow point in the bottle neck. In this way, for example, an improved washing mechanism can occur at the bottom of the bottle, since adhesion of the rising jet of the washing fluid and / or the final rinse fluid to the inner surface of the bottle can be avoided. In addition, rinsing shadows, which occur due to a tapering of the bottle, can be avoided. The nozzles can be so far in an interior of the items to be cleaned protrude so that a narrow point between an opening of the items to be cleaned and the interior, for example in the form of a bottle neck, is overcome by the nozzle.

Due to the separation of the washing fluid channel and the final rinse fluid channel, further advantages can be achieved. As stated above, beam profiles in particular can be optimized separately in this way. In addition, at least two final rinse fluid channels can be provided per nozzle. Their rays can partially overlap, so that an entire inner surface of the items to be cleaned can be acted upon. In addition, due to a separation of the final rinse fluid and the washing fluid, cloudiness of the final rinse fluid can be avoided and the washing result and the drying of the items to be cleaned can be improved when using rinse aid.

In the dishwasher, in particular in a cleaning chamber of the dishwasher, one or more rails or other types of receptacles can be provided for the at least one wash basket. For example, the at least one rail can comprise one or more strips. For example, the washing basket can be placed on the ledge and / or pushed into the rail. A free height above the wash basket can be maintained in comparison to normal wash baskets, so that, for example, a regular function of an upper wash arm can be maintained, for example for cleaning the items to be cleaned outside.

The washing basket can in particular comprise one or more drainage channels. For example, this at least one drainage channel can be provided in the basket bottom. For example, the at least one drainage channel can run obliquely backwards and can generally serve to free the items to be cleaned from liquid when the wash basket is lifted on a front side, for example from a front flap of the dishwasher.

The washing basket and / or the connection adapter can in particular have one or more filters. For example, one or more filters can be provided in one or more of the fluid supply lines. Furthermore, one or more filters can be provided in or on the connection adapter. Again, one or more filters can also be provided between the connection adapter and the washing basket. For example, at least one fine filter can be provided within the connection adapter and, for example, prevent clogging of the rinsing nozzle openings due to possible impurities in the fresh water, for example with lime. With the connection adapter removed, this filter can simply be backwashed and cleaned. The function of the wash basket and / or the nozzles can be checked using a simple procedure. For example, one or more of the fluid feeds can be fully or partially exposed to water in order to check a jet pattern of one or more or all of the nozzles. Accordingly, the wash basket can have a connection piece, for example, which can be connected to one or more of the fluid supply lines in the basket base and which can be connected, for example, directly or via a connection piece to a fluid source, for example a water connection and in particular a water tap. In this way, the jet pattern of the nozzles can be checked when water is supplied. Any adhesions in the nozzle openings can be removed with a cleaning needle and the nozzle concerned can then be backwashed. Accordingly, the washing basket can furthermore have at least one adapter piece for attaching to at least one of the nozzles, the adapter piece being designed to be connected to a fluid source, in particular a water connection and in particular a water tap, and to backwash the at least one nozzle. The adapter piece and / or the connector can also be part of a service kit.

The washing basket can in particular be designed in such a way that the two liquid systems are completely separated right up to the tip of the nozzles. This results in the above-mentioned advantages in particular with regard to saving rinse fluid, avoiding mixing and avoiding contamination. In addition, valve systems can be dispensed with.

Furthermore, the jet behavior of the washing fluid and the final rinse fluid can be optimized separately. For example, the washing nozzle openings can be designed with a larger cross section than the final rinsing nozzle openings. For example, the cross-section of the individual rinsing nozzle openings can be set to 3.14 mm ² , for example two such rinsing nozzle openings can be provided per nozzle, which can result in an exemplary cross-section for the rinsing nozzle openings of 6.3 mm ² . In general, however, deviations are possible, for example within the limits mentioned above. The cross-section, ie the cross-sectional area, of the washing nozzle opening can be set, for example, to 22 mm ² , which in the above example can result in approximately a factor of seven between the washing nozzle opening and an individual rinse nozzle opening. In this regard, however, deviations are again possible, for example within the ranges mentioned above. In general, for example, at least two rinsing nozzle openings can be provided per piece of cleaning items to be cleaned, for example per bottle. Furthermore, the blasting behavior and also the drying behavior can be improved by a special design of the nozzles. For example, as stated above, the nozzles can each have one or more ribs and / or one or more drainage channels. Furthermore, jet-shaping elements can be provided on the nozzle openings, for example on the washing nozzle openings and / or the final rinse nozzle openings, such as one or more tear-off edges.

The washing basket can be provided for a certain number of items of items to be cleaned, which can be fixed or which can also be designed to be variable, for example. Due to the variability described above, the washing basket can be adapted to the number and / or the type of items to be cleaned. For example, the washing basket can be set up to clean 12 or 16 bottles at the same time, for example depending on the bottle size. Furthermore, a compartment division can be designed variably, for example by a variable compartment division on an upper basket. This variability can be realized for example by plug-in and / or sliding partitions, for example by partitions made of round wire and / or by partitions in the form of separating elements made of plastic. Furthermore, a variability can also be realized, for example, by means of variable partitions such as elastic materials, for example rubber bands. Furthermore, as stated above, the distance between the upper basket and the basket base can be made variable. For example, the upper basket can have an upper frame on the basket which is adjustable in height, for example to accommodate bottles of different heights. The variability of the height can be realized, for example, by cotter pins, ball ratchets or other devices for height adjustment.

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. As an alternative or in addition, 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, as an alternative or in addition, at least one bottle cleaning program can also be provided in which at least one washing step and / or at least one final rinse step are provided, which do not run continuously, but in which the application is performed Washing fluid and / or with rinsing fluid is interrupted once or several times. In particular, the application of washing fluid can be interrupted, and the application of clear rinse fluid can also take place continuously. For example, washing fluid can be circulated in circulation mode with time interruptions. The interruption of the application of fluid can in particular prevent an interior of the vessels from being filled with fluid, in particular an interior of the bottles, since the fluid is often prevented from draining 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 in order not to impair the jet that resumes in the bottle and thus ensure good cleaning performance. For example, a time for a circulation of the washing fluid can be 5 × 18 s, with an interruption of 4 s in each case. The time for a final rinse can be 10 s, for example. A total program duration can be approximately 120 s, for example. However, other temporal configurations are also possible in principle.

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

Embodiment 1: Washing basket for cleaning items to be cleaned with at least one cavity, in particular vessels and in particular for cleaning bottles, around a basket base and a plurality of nozzles extending from the basket base, with at least two fluid feeds being provided in the basket base, wherein the nozzles each have at least one washing fluid channel which is fluidically connectable to a washing fluid supply in the basket base and opens into at least one washing nozzle opening of the respective nozzle, the nozzles furthermore each having at least one final rinse fluid channel formed separately from the washing fluid channel, the final rinse fluid channel with a final rinse fluid supply in the basket bottom is fluidically connectable and opens into at least one final rinse nozzle opening of the respective nozzle.

Embodiment 2: Wash basket according to the previous embodiment, wherein the washing fluid supply and the washing fluid channel form a washing fluid system and the final rinse fluid supply and the final rinse fluid channel form a final rinse fluid system, the washing fluid system and the final rinse fluid system being completely separated fluidically.

Embodiment 3: Washing basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, the nozzles being releasably connectable to the basket base. Embodiment 4: Washing basket according to the previous embodiment, wherein the nozzles can be connected to the basket bottom by at least one screw connection.

Embodiment 5: Washing basket according to one of the two preceding embodiments, the nozzles each having a nozzle section and a connecting section, the connecting section protruding into the basket floor when the nozzle is connected to the basket bottom, with at least one washing fluid connection of the nozzle connected to the washing fluid channel the washing fluid supply in the basket bottom can be connected and wherein at least one clear-rinse fluid connection of the nozzle that is connected to the final-rinse fluid channel can be connected to the final-rinse fluid supply.

Embodiment 6: Washing basket according to the previous embodiment, wherein the washing fluid supply and the final rinse fluid supply are arranged in different levels of the basket base, the connecting section protruding both into a level of the washing fluid supply and into a level of the final rinsing fluid supply, the washing fluid connection being arranged in the plane of the washing fluid supply and wherein the final rinse fluid connection is arranged in the plane of the final rinse fluid supply.

Embodiment 7: The washing basket according to one of the two preceding embodiments, the connecting section having at least one external thread, the external thread enclosing the washing fluid channel and the final rinse fluid channel.

Embodiment 8: Washing basket according to the previous embodiment, the final rinse fluid channel ending with the external thread on a side of the nozzle facing the basket bottom, whereas the washing fluid channel protrudes further into the basket bottom beyond the external thread.

Embodiment 9: Wash basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, the fluid feeds each opening into connection openings in the basket base, the connection openings having at least one washing fluid connection opening and at least one final rinse fluid connection opening formed separately from the washing fluid connection opening, the washing fluid supply via the washing fluid -Connection opening can be acted upon with washing fluid and wherein the final-rinse fluid supply can be acted upon with final-rinse fluid via the final-rinse fluid connection opening.

Embodiment 10: Washing basket according to the preceding embodiment, the connection openings being arranged in one end of the basket base. Embodiment 11: Washing basket according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the basket base furthermore has at least one centering device, the centering device being set up to position the connection openings relative to a fluid adapter.

Embodiment 12: Washing basket according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the centering device has at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a centering bore; a centering notch; a centering pin; a centering wedge.

Embodiment 13: Washing basket according to one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the washing basket has at least one pressure element on a side opposite the end face, in particular a spring-loaded pressure element, the washing basket being pressed against the pressure element with the connection openings against corresponding connection openings of a connection adapter is compressible.

Embodiment 14: Wash basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, the fluid supply lines extending essentially perpendicular to the washing fluid channel and the final rinse fluid channel.

Embodiment 15: Washing basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one washing fluid channel is arranged axially on a nozzle axis of the nozzle.

Embodiment 16: Washing basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one final rinse fluid channel is arranged outside of a nozzle axis of the nozzle.

Embodiment 17: Washing basket according to the two preceding embodiments, where several final rinse fluid channels are provided and are arranged coaxially to the washing fluid channel.

Embodiment 18: Washing basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the final rinse fluid channel has a smaller cross section than the washing fluid channel.

Embodiment 19: Washing basket according to the previous embodiment, the cross section of the washing fluid channel being at least a factor of 2 larger than the cross section of the final rinsing fluid channel. Embodiment 20: Washing basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, the washing fluid channel having a cross section of 15 mm ² to 30 mm ² , in particular a cross section of 20 mm ² to 25 mm ² and particularly preferably a cross section of 22 mm ² .

Embodiment 21: Rinsing basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, the washing nozzle opening having a cross section of 15 mm ² to 30 mm ² , in particular a cross section of 20 mm ² to 25 mm ² and particularly preferably a cross section of 22 mm ² .

Embodiment 22: Washing basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, the final rinse nozzle opening having a cross section of 3 mm ² to 15 mm ² , in particular 5 mm ² to 10 mm ² and particularly preferably 6 mm ² to 6.5 mm ² .

Embodiment 23: Washing basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, the washing nozzle opening having a flat edge.

Embodiment 24: Wash basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, the final rinse nozzle opening having a protruding edge for shaping the jet.

Embodiment 25: Washing basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, the nozzles each having at least two final rinse fluid channels.

Embodiment 26: Washing basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, the washing basket including the nozzles being designed without valves.

Embodiment 27: The washing basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, the nozzles each having at least one axially extending drip channel on their outside.

Embodiment 28: Washing basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, the nozzles each having on their outside at least two axially extending ribs for positioning the items to be cleaned.

Embodiment 29: Washing basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the basket base is made from at least one base material, in particular plastic, the fluid supply lines being entirely or partially formed as channels in the base material. Embodiment 30: Washing basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the washing basket has at least one distributor element, in particular a distributor element connected to the basket base, the fluid supply lines being wholly or partially designed as channels in the distributor element.

Embodiment 31: Rinse basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the fluid feeds have a distributor structure with a plurality of distributor cavities, the distributor cavities each being connected either to at least one rinsing fluid channel of a nozzle or to at least one washing fluid channel of a nozzle.

Embodiment 32: Washing basket according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the distributor structure has a tree structure.

Embodiment 33: Washing basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the nozzles have an elongated, essentially cylindrical shape, with a length measured from the basket bottom, which has a diameter or equivalent diameter of the nozzle by at least a factor of 2, preferably by at least a factor of 3 or exceeds at least a factor of 4.

Embodiment 34: Washing basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the washing basket furthermore has at least one upper basket connected to the basket base and arranged parallel to the basket base, the upper basket having a multiplicity of compartments.

Embodiment 35: Washing basket according to the previous embodiment, the compartments corresponding to the nozzles, so that a piece of items to be cleaned, in particular a vessel, can be inserted into a compartment and attached to a nozzle with an opening towards the bottom of the basket.

Embodiment 36: Washing basket according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the compartments have a variable size.

Embodiment 37: Washing basket according to the previous embodiment, the upper basket having a plurality of pluggable or displaceable delimiting elements which vary the size of the compartments by changing their position. Embodiment 38: Washing basket according to one of the four preceding embodiments, the distance between the upper basket and the basket bottom being variable.

Embodiment 39: Washing basket according to the preceding embodiment, the washing basket having a basket frame which connects the basket base and the upper basket, a position of the upper basket on the basket frame being variably fixable.

Embodiment 40: Washing basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the washing basket furthermore has a connecting piece, the connecting piece being designed to connect one or more of the fluid supply lines to fluid from a fluid source, in particular a water connection and in particular a water tap.

Embodiment 41: Washing basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the washing basket furthermore has an adapter piece for attaching to at least one of the nozzles, the adapter piece being set up to be connected to a fluid source, in particular a water connection and in particular a water tap, and the at least backwash a nozzle.

Embodiment 42: Washing basket 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 washing basket according to one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a connection adapter, wherein the connection adapter is set up to connect the fluid supply lines to supply the basket bottom with cleaning fluid in such a way that the washing fluid supply is supplied with washing fluid and the clear rinsing fluid supply is supplied with final rinsing fluid separately therefrom.

Embodiment 43: Wash basket system according to the previous embodiment, the connection adapter being reversibly mountable on a wash arm hub of a dishwasher, the connection adapter being set up to supply the fluid feeds in the basket base with cleaning fluid from the wash arm hub.

Embodiment 44: Washing basket system according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a washing basket system, wherein the connection adapter has at least one washing fluid line for charging the washing fluid supply with washing fluid and where the connection adapter furthermore has at least one rinsing fluid line for charging the washing fluid supply with final washing fluid having, wherein the washing fluid line and the final rinse fluid line are fluidically separated. Embodiment 45: Washing rack system according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a washing rack system, the connection adapter, when mounted in the dishwasher, extending from the wash arm hub to a rear wall of a cleaning chamber of the dishwasher.

Embodiment 46: Wash basket system according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a wash basket system, with at least one sealing element being arranged between connection openings of the fluid supply lines of the wash basket and corresponding connection openings of the connection adapter.

Embodiment 47: Wash basket system according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a wash basket system, the connection adapter having a fluid adapter, the fluid adapter having connection openings corresponding to connection openings of the fluid supply lines of the wash basket.

Embodiment 48: Wash basket system according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a wash basket system, the connection adapter furthermore having at least one centering device corresponding to a centering device of the wash basket.

Embodiment 49: Washing 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 loading device for loading the items to be cleaned with at least one washing fluid and at least one rinsing fluid, the washing system also having at least one washing rack system according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a washing rack system, the cleaning chamber of the washing machine being set up to accommodate the washing rack system and wherein the application device is set up to apply the wash fluid and the rinse aid fluid to the items to be cleaned by means of the nozzles of the wash basket system.

Embodiments 50: Rinsing system according to the preceding embodiment, the dishwasher having at least one wash tank, the items to be cleaned being exposed to washing fluid from the wash tank in circulation mode by means of the nozzles, further comprising at least one clear-rinse tank formed separately from the wash tank, where the items to be cleaned by means of the Nozzles with final rinse fluid from the final rinse tank can be hit. Embodiment 51: Rinsing system according to one of the preceding, the embodiments relate to a rinsing system, the application device having at least one exchangeable wash arm, the wash arm being reversibly connectable to a wash arm hub of the dishwasher, the wash arm being interchangeable with the connection adapter.

Embodiment 52: Rinsing system according to the previous embodiment, the wash arm and the connection adapter having quick-release fasteners for connection to the wash arm hub.

Embodiment 53: Washing system according to one of the preceding, a washing system relates to the embodiments, wherein the dishwasher has at least one locking device for closing the cleaning chamber, the locking device being directed to press the washing basket against the connection adapter and thereby the connection adapter in a closed state to connect tightly to the fluid supply lines.

Embodiment 54: The flushing system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the closure device has at least one device selected from the group consisting of: a flap; a door; a hood.

Embodiment 55: The rinsing system according to one of the preceding, the embodiments relate to a rinsing system, the closure device each having at least one open position and at least one closed position.

Embodiment 56: The washing system according to one of the preceding, the embodiments relate to a washing system, wherein the washing machine is selected from the group consisting of: a front-loading dishwasher; a hood type dishwasher, in particular egg ner feed-through dishwasher.

Embodiment 57: Dishwashing system according to the preceding embodiment, the dishwashing machine being a hood dishwashing machine, the dishwashing system having at least one device in order to press the connection adapter against the dishwashing basket when a hood of the dishwashing machine is closed.

Embodiment 58: Flushing system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the device has at least one construction selected from the group consisting of: a lever construction, the hood upon closing on at least one lever the lever structure pushes; a hydraulic actuator; a pneumatic actuator; an electromechanical actuator.

Embodiment 59: 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:

a) Providing a washing basket, comprising a basket base and a plurality of nozzles extending from the basket base, the at least two fluid supply lines being provided in the basket base, the nozzles each having at least one washing fluid channel which is connected to a washing fluid supply in the basket base is fluidically connected and opens into at least one washing nozzle opening of the respective nozzle, the nozzles further each having at least one clear rinse fluid channel formed separately from the washing fluid channel, the final rinse fluid channel being fluidically connected to a final rinse fluid supply in the basket base and in at least one final rinse nozzle opening of the respective nozzle opens;

Embodiment 60: The method according to the preceding embodiment, the method further comprising:

e) providing at least one connection adapter, the connection adapter being set up to supply the fluid supply lines in the basket base with cleaning fluid in such a way that the washing fluid supply is supplied with washing fluid and the final rinse fluid supply is supplied separately with final rinse fluid;

Embodiment 61: The method according to the preceding embodiment, the method further comprising: h) providing a dishwasher, the dishwasher comprising at least one cleaning chamber for receiving the items to be cleaned, the dishwasher further having at least one application device for loading the items to be cleaned with at least one washing fluid and at least one final rinse fluid;

Embodiment 62: Method according to one of the three preceding embodiments, comprising the use of at least one device selected from the group consisting of: a washing basket according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a washing basket; a wash basket system according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a wash basket system; a flushing system according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a flushing system.

Brief description of the figures

Further details and features emerge from the following description of exemplary embodiments, in particular in conjunction with the subclaims. Here, the respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. The same reference numbers in the individual figures denote elements that are the same or have the same function or correspond to one another in terms of their functions.

Show in detail:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective illustration of a closed dishwasher of a first exemplary embodiment of a washing system, a washing basket system and a washing basket;

FIG. 2A shows a perspective illustration of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 with the dishwasher open and with a washing basket in front of an insertion into a cleaning chamber of the dishwasher; FIG. 2B shows the arrangement according to FIG. 2A after the washing rack has been inserted into the cleaning chamber; FIG. 3 shows the arrangement according to FIGS. 2A and 2B without the washing rack, with the connection adapter introduced into the cleaning chamber;

FIG. 4 shows the washing basket in a perspective illustration; FIG. 5 shows the connection adapter in a perspective illustration at an angle from above;

FIG. 6 the connection adapter in a perspective illustration at an angle from below;

FIG. 7 shows a sectional view through the wash basket system with the wash basket and the connection adapter;

FIG. 8 is a view of a distributor structure in the washing basket; FIG. 9a shows a perspective view of a nozzle of the washing basket;

FIG. 9b shows a sectional illustration through the nozzle with a sectional plane parallel to one

Longitudinal axis;

FIG. 9c shows a sectional illustration through the nozzle with a sectional plane perpendicular to FIG

Longitudinal axis;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective illustration of an open dishwasher of a second exemplary embodiment of a wash system, a wash basket system and a wash basket;

FIG. 11a shows a sectional illustration through a cleaning chamber of the arrangement according to

FIG. 10 with the hood open;

FIG. 1 lb a sectional view analogous to FIG. 11a, with the hood closed; and FIG. 12 shows a schematic flow chart of an embodiment of a method for

Cleaning of items to be cleaned. Description of the exemplary embodiments

In FIGS. 1 to 9c, a first exemplary embodiment of a washing system 110 according to the invention for cleaning items 112 to be cleaned is shown in various views and partial views. The items to be cleaned 112 have at least one cavity 114, which can be seen, for example, in a cross-sectional view according to FIG. In particular, the items 112 to be cleaned can be vessels 116 and in particular bottles 118.

The dishwashing system comprises a dishwashing machine 120 which, in the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 9c, can be configured as a front-loading dishwasher 122, for example. However, other configurations are also possible, as will be described in more detail below. In addition to the dishwasher 120, the wash system 110 also includes a wash basket system 124. The wash basket system 124 in turn includes at least one wash basket 126 and at least one connection adapter 128.

The dishwasher 120 has a housing 130 in which a cleaning chamber 132 is provided for receiving the items to be cleaned 112. This cleaning chamber 132 can be closed by a closure device 134 which, in the present case, can be designed as a flap 136, for example. However, other configurations are also possible, please include.

The dishwasher 120 also has a loading device 138 for loading the items to be cleaned 112 with at least one washing fluid and at least one rinsing fluid. This loading device 138 is only partially shown here. A wash arm hub 140 for a lower wash arm can be seen, onto which the connection adapter 128 is plugged in the illustration shown in FIG. The application device 138 may include, for example, one or more tanks, one or more pipelines, and one or more pumps. Furthermore, the application device 138 can comprise nozzle arms, which can be provided, for example, below and above the items 112 in the cleaning chamber 132. In general, reference can be made to the above-mentioned prior art as an example of the design of the loading device, for example to DE 10 2004 056 052 A1 or DE 10 2007 025 263 A1. However, other configurations are also possible.

The dishwasher 120 is set up to accommodate the wash basket system 124 in the cleaning chamber 132, and the application device 138 is set up to accommodate the To apply washing fluid and rinsing fluid to the items to be cleaned 112 by means of the nozzles 142 of the washing basket system 124, which are described in more detail below.

In FIG. 7, the washing rack system 124 is shown as an example in a sectional illustration. The wash basket system 124 comprises the wash basket 126 and the connection adapter 128.

The washing basket 126 comprises a basket bottom 144 as well as a plurality of nozzles 142 extending from the basket bottom 144. The vessels 116, in particular the bottles 118, can be reversely attached to the nozzles 142 so that the nozzles 142 enter the interior 114 of the vessels 116 tower. As can be seen, for example, in FIGS. 9a, 9b and 9c, the nozzles 142 in the illustrated embodiment have a nozzle body 146 which can be made of a rigid material, for example a plastic. FIG. 9a shows a perspective view of a nozzle 142, while FIG. 9b shows a sectional illustration through the nozzle body 146 parallel to a longitudinal axis 148 of the nozzle 142, and FIG. 9c shows a sectional illustration perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 148. The longitudinal axis 148 can also be used as a nozzle axis are designated.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the nozzles 142 each have a washing fluid channel 150 arranged on the longitudinal extension axis 148 and two or more final rinse fluid channels 152 arranged outside the longitudinal extension axis 148.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, two fluid feeds 154 are provided in the basket bottom 144, namely a washing fluid feed 156 and a final rinse fluid feed 158. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7, these fluid feeds 154 are arranged one above the other in the basket bottom 144. However, another arrangement is also possible, for example an arrangement next to one another in the basket bottom 144. The basket bottom 144 can, for example, be made of a base material, the fluid feeds being embedded in the base material or being formed by channels in the base material. However, other configurations are also alternatively or additionally possible, for example systems in which the channel structure is formed by a separate component or pipe systems. For example, one or more distributor plates can also be provided and / or mounted in or on the basket base 144. The at least one distributor plate can also be connected to the nozzles 142 in a fixed or detachable manner, for example.

The washing fluid channel in the nozzles 142 is fluidically connected to the washing fluid supply 156 if the respective nozzle 142 is installed in the washing basket 126. Similarly, the final rinse fluid channels 152 are fluidically connected to the final rinse fluid supply 158. The nozzles 142 can each have a nozzle section 160 and at least one connecting section 162, for example. While the nozzle section 160 protrudes from the basket bottom 144, the connecting section 162 protrudes into the basket bottom 144 when the nozzle 142 is connected to the basket bottom 144. The washing fluid channel 150 of the nozzle 142 ends at its lower end in a washing fluid connection 164, by means of which the washing fluid supply 156 in the basket bottom 144 is connected to the washing fluid channel 150. In an analogous manner, the final rinse fluid channels 152 can open into corresponding final rinse fluid connections 166. When the connecting section 162 protrudes into the basket bottom 144, the washing fluid supply 156 in the basket bottom 144 and the washing fluid channel 150 can be fluidically connected via the washing fluid connection 164. In an analogous manner, the final rinse fluid supply 158 in the basket base 144 and the final rinse fluid channels 152 in the nozzle 142 can be fluidically connected to one another via the final rinse fluid connections 166. These fluidic connections can be established automatically during the insertion of the nozzle 142 into the basket bottom 144. For example, the nozzles 142 can be releasably connectable to the basket bottom 144. In particular, this can be done by at least one screw connection. For example, the connection section 162 can comprise an external thread 168, which is limited, for example, on its upper side by a flange 170 which can be placed on the basket bottom. Correspondingly, for example, an internal thread can be provided in the basket bottom 144, into which the external thread 168 can be screwed.

When the nozzles 142 are connected to the basket bottom 144, the fluidic connections between the channels 150, 152 and the corresponding fluid supplies 154, 156, 158 can be established automatically, whereby the fluidic systems of the washing fluid and the final rinse fluid can remain completely separate. In particular, the washing fluid connection 164 and the final rinse fluid connection 166 can automatically protrude into the respective fluid feed 154. For example, the washing fluid connection 164 can protrude further into the basket bottom 144 than the final rinse fluid connections 166, so that these connections 164, 166 are arranged in different planes within the basket bottom 144. This can be implemented in particular in combination with the fluid feeds 156, 158 optionally arranged in different planes. As described above, these can, however, also be arranged in a different way, for example next to one another.

The washing fluid channel 150 and the final rinse fluid channels 152 are fluidically separated from one another. The washing fluid channel 150 opens at its tip into a washing nozzle opening 172, and the final rinse fluid channels 152 each open into a final rinse nozzle opening. As can be seen, for example, in FIG. 9a, these nozzle openings 172, 174 can open can be designed in different ways. For example, the washing nozzle opening 172 can be designed with a large cross section, whereas the rinse aid nozzle openings 174 can be designed with a significantly smaller and / or differently designed cross section. Furthermore, the geometry of the nozzle openings 172, 174 can also be designed differently. For example, the rinsing nozzle openings 174 can be designed with a raised edge 176, which can be used to shape the jet.

On its outside, the nozzle body 146 can have, for example, one, two or more drip channels 178 running parallel to the longitudinal axis 148. These can be designed, for example, as grooves on an outside of the nozzle body 146, as can be seen, for example, in FIG. 9a. Furthermore, the nozzles 142 can each have at least two axially extending ribs 180 on their outside, which ribs 180 can be used to position the items 112 to be cleaned. These ribs 180 can serve as supports for mouths 183 of the items to be cleaned 112, as can be seen, for example, in FIG. The ribs 180 can be designed in the same way or, as can be seen in FIG. 9a, also differently. The ribs 180 can for example extend upwards from the basket bottom 144 into a basket interior 182.

The fluid feeds 154, 156, 18 can, for example, form or have a distributor structure 184 in the basket bottom 144, which is shown by way of example in FIG. 8 for one of the fluid feeds 154. This distribution structure 184 can form a tree structure, for example. This distributor structure 184 can, for example, have a multiplicity of distributor cavities 185, wherein the distributor cavities 185, for example, are each connected either to one of the final rinse fluid channels 152 or to one of the washing fluid channels 150 of a nozzle 142.

The wash basket system 124 has the connection adapter 128 in addition to the wash basket 126. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 6 and 7, this connection adapter 128 has a washing fluid line 186 and a clear-rinse fluid line 188 formed separately from this, which can be formed in a body 190 of the connection adapter 128. The connection adapter 128 also has a connecting piece 192, by means of which the connection adapter 128 can be plugged onto the wash arm hub 140 instead of a lower wash arm, so that the connection adapter 128 is connected to the loading device 138 and is incorporated into this loading device 138. In this way, washing fluid can be introduced into the washing fluid line 186 from a washing fluid system of the dishwasher 120, and final rinse fluid from a final rinsing fluid system of the dishwasher 120 into the final rinse fluid line 188. The connecting piece 192 can, for example, be one or, as can be seen in particular in Figures 5 and 6, two Have quick-release fasteners 194 by means of which the connection adapter 128 can be placed on the wash arm hub 140 and then released again from it. To replace the wash arm, for example, corresponding quick-release fasteners can be released on the wash arm, this can be removed from the wash arm hub 140 and then the corresponding connection adapter 128 can be attached to the wash arm hub 140 instead of the wash arm.

As can be seen, for example, in FIG. 7, the connection adapter 128 preferably has an S-shape and extends from the wash arm hub 140 to a rear wall 196 of the cleaning chamber 132, as can be seen, for example, in FIG. In the cleaning chamber 132, receptacles for the washing basket 126 can be provided, for example, as can be seen in FIG. 3, rails 198. If the washing basket 126 is pushed into these rails 198, with its end face shown in FIG pressed against a fluid adapter 202 of the connection adapter 128. In its end face 200 of the basket bottom 144 of the wash basket 126, the wash basket 126 has connection openings 204, 206, which can be seen in FIG. 4 in particular. As explained above, these connection openings 204, 206 can, for example, be arranged next to one another, as can be seen in FIG. 4, or, as indicated in FIG. 7, one above the other. Other configurations are also possible in principle. The fluid adapter 202 of the connection adapter 128 has connection openings 208, 210 that correspond to these connection openings 204, 206. The washing fluid line 186 of the connection adapter 128 opens into the corresponding connection opening 208, and the final rinse fluid line 188 of the connection adapter 128 opens into the corresponding connection opening 210. Correspondingly, the connection opening 204 forms an input to the washing fluid supply 156, and the connection opening 206 forms an input to the final rinsing fluid supply 158. If the connection openings 204, 206 are thus pressed onto the corresponding connection openings 208, 210, washing fluid can accordingly flow from the washing fluid line 186 into the washing fluid supply 156, and final rinse fluid from the final rinsing fluid line 188 into the final rinsing fluid supply 158. Between the connecting openings 204, 206 and their corresponding connection openings 208, 210, one or more sealing elements 212 can be provided. These can, for example, as can be seen in FIG. 5, be part of the fluid adapter 202. Alternatively or in addition, one or more sealing elements 212 can also be provided on the washing basket 126.

Furthermore, the washing basket 126 in the illustrated embodiment has a centering device 214, which can be seen in FIG. 4, for example. In the illustrated embodiment, this centering device 214 comprises a recess in the end face 200 of the wash basket 126, by means of which the connection openings 204, 206 are positioned relative to their corresponding connection openings 208 and 210 when the wash basket 126 is pushed into the cleaning chamber 132 and pressed against the fluid adapter 202. Accordingly, the connection adapter 128 can have a corresponding centering device 216, which can be seen, for example, in FIG. 5 and which can, for example, be a component of the fluid adapter 202. This can be, for example, a, in particular wedge-shaped, nose or a projection in the fluid adapter 202, which can engage in the recess of the centering device 214. Other types of centering devices are also fundamentally conceivable.

In order to connect the washing basket 126 to the connection adapter 128 in a fluid-tight manner during the cleaning process, the washing basket 126 can furthermore have at least one pressure element 218, as can be seen in FIG. This pressure element 218 can be designed, for example, in the form of a spring-loaded pressure piece, which is shown in FIG. Other configurations of pressure elements 218 are also conceivable, as will be described in more detail below. When the flap 136 closes, this flap 136 presses on the pressure element 218 so that the washing basket 126 is pressed against the fluid adapter 202.

As can be seen in particular in FIG. 4, the washing basket 126 can be configured in several parts and, in addition to the basket bottom 144, can also have an upper basket 220. This upper basket 220 can, for example, have a multiplicity of compartments 222 into which the cleaning items 112 can be inserted, for example by inserting the bottles 118 into the compartments 222 with their mouths facing downwards. In particular, these compartments 222 can correspond to the nozzles 142, so that in each case a bottle can be attached to a nozzle. The compartments 222 can in particular have a variable size. This can be done, for example, as can be seen in FIG. 4, by means of variable limiting elements 224. These delimiting elements 224 can, for example, be pluggable and / or displaceable, for example in the form of round wires, which can be variably plugged into a hole grid 226 of a frame 228. Furthermore, the upper basket 220 can be designed, for example, to be height-adjustable. For example, the upper basket 220 can be fastened to a frame 230 so that it can be fixed in a variable manner, so that the upper basket 220 can be displaced along the frame 230, for example. Fixing devices can be provided for setting the height, and / or a grid can be provided, for example. Other configurations for height adjustment are also possible in principle. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the proposed washing rack 126 can be used in one or more of the configurations described, for example in the front-loading dishwasher 122. As an alternative to dishwashers 120, in which the locking device 134 is designed as a flap 136, other types of dishwashers are also possible. Thus, in FIGS. 10 to 11b, a washing system 110 is shown, with a washing basket system 124 and a washing basket 126, in which a washing machine 120 in the form of a push-through dishwasher 232 is used. As an example, reference can be made to DE 10 2016 205 367 A1 for the structure and mode of operation of the pass-through dishwashers described, also referred to as hood dishwashers.

The washing system 110 again comprises, for example, a washing basket 126 according to the exemplary embodiment described above. This washing basket 126 can be pushed into a cleaning chamber 132 of the dishwasher 120. The cleaning chamber 132 can be closed by a closure device 134 in the form of a hood 234 mounted so as to be vertically movable in FIG. For example, FIG. 11a shows a sectional illustration of the washing rack system 124 accommodated in the cleaning chamber 132 with the washing rack 126 and a connection adapter 128 with the hood 234 open, whereas FIG. 11b shows the same arrangement with the hood 234 closed.

It can be seen that the washing basket 126 with the items to be cleaned 112 received therein is again stored in the cleaning chamber 132. The cleaning chamber 132 can, for example, be delimited at the top by the hood 234, and at the bottom by a tank bottom 236. The tank bottom 236 can for example close off a tank 238 at the bottom. The dishwasher 134 in turn has an application device 138 for applying cleaning fluid, that is to say with washing fluid and with rinsing fluid, to the items to be cleaned 112. With regard to possible configurations of the loading device 138, reference can be made to the prior art cited above. In particular, the application device 138 can be, for example, a multi-circuit system in which a separate rinse tank is provided. However, other configurations are also possible. Part of the loading device 138 is in turn a wash arm hub 140, on which a wash arm can usually be attached if no bottles or similar items of items to be cleaned are to be washed using the proposed wash basket system 124, for example by rotating it . Instead of this wash arm, as described above in the first embodiment, a connection adapter 128 can again be attached, as shown in FIGS. 1 la and 1 lb. The connection adapter 128 can basically be designed as described in the above exemplary embodiment. In contrast to the one described above In the embodiment, in the case of the push-through dishwasher 234 according to FIG. 10, the washing basket 126 is pushed into the cleaning chamber 132, for example, in a push-through direction, which is designated by the arrow 240 in FIG. The sectional representations in Figures 11a and 11b are vertical sectional representations perpendicular to this push-through direction 240. This shows that the washing rack 126 is no longer pushed into the cleaning chamber 132 in such a way that the end face 200 of the washing rack 126 on which the Connection openings 204 for the washing fluid and 206 for the final rinse fluid are arranged in the exemplary embodiment described above, against which the fluid adapter 202 of the connection adapter 128 is pressed. The washing system 110 can therefore have a device 242, for example, which is designed to press the washing basket 126 against the connection adapter 128 when the closure device 134, for example the hood 234, is closed, or vice versa. In particular, this device 242 can be a movable device. As shown in FIGS. 11 a and 11 b, the fluid adapter 202 can, for example, be movably mounted and connected to a lever 244, which in turn has an actuating element 246. When closing the closure device 134, for example when closing the hood 234, it presses on the actuating element 246, as shown in FIG. A rail 198 of the dishwasher 120 can, for example, serve as a counter bearing for the washing basket 126. In this way, in turn, a fluid-tight connection can be established between the connection adapter 128 and the washing basket 126.

With regard to further possible configurations of the washing rack 126 and the connection adapter 128, reference can be made to the above description, for example.

A possible flow chart of a proposed method for cleaning items 112 to be cleaned is described in FIG. The method can in particular be carried out using a flushing system 110 in accordance with one or more of the embodiments described above, so that reference can be made to the above description with regard to possible embodiments.

In a first step 248, the proposed method comprises providing a dishwasher, for example according to one or more of the configurations described above. In a second step 250, the proposed method comprises providing a wash basket system, with the sub-steps of providing 252 a connection adapter and providing 254 a wash basket. Furthermore, in step 256, the method includes attaching the items to be cleaned onto at least one of the nozzles of the wash basket in such a way that the nozzle protrudes into the cavity of the items to be cleaned. In step 258, the method further includes introducing the wash basket system into the cleaning chamber of the dishwasher. This can take place, for example, in several steps, as explained above, for example by first replacing the washing arm of the dishwasher with the connection adapter and then introducing the washing basket into the cleaning chamber.

In a next step, step 260, the washing fluid is applied to the items to be cleaned by means of the application device of the dishwasher and by means of the nozzles. Step 260 also includes a step 262, in which the washing fluid supply of the washing basket is acted upon with washing fluid by means of the connection adapter. Washing fluid can be applied to the items to be cleaned from the inside and outside. In particular, in a step 264, the cavity of the items to be cleaned is acted upon with washing fluid via the washing fluid supply and the washing fluid channel.

In a further step 266, clear rinse fluid is applied to the items to be cleaned by means of the loading device and the nozzles. This step 266 includes, denoted by the reference numeral 268 in FIG. 12, the application of the final rinse fluid supply to the final rinse fluid by means of the connection adapter. Overall, in step 266, the cleaning can be rinsed well, for example from the inside and outside, with rinsing fluid. In particular, this step 268 includes applying the final rinse fluid to the cavity via the final rinse fluid supply and the final rinse fluid channel, denoted by the reference number 270 in FIG.

The method steps 260 to 270 can run under program control, for example. For example, the dishwasher can be designed as a program machine, and the steps described can be part of a wash program, for example.

List of reference symbols flushing system

Items to be cleaned

cavity

Vessels

Bottles

dishwasher

Front loading dishwasher

Wash basket system

Washing basket

Connection adapter

casing

Cleaning chamber

Locking device

flap

Loading device

Wash arm hub

Nozzles

Basket bottom

Nozzle body

Longitudinal axis

Washing fluid channel

Rinse aid channel

Fluid supply

Washing fluid supply

Final rinse fluid supply

Nozzle section

Connection section

Washing fluid connection

Rinse aid fluid connection

External thread

flange

Washer nozzle opening

Rinse aid nozzle opening

edge

Drip channel

rib Basket interior

Mouth of the items to be cleaned

Distribution structure

Manifold cavity

W ashflui line

Rinse aid line

Body of the connection adapter

Connector

Quick release

Back wall

rail

Face

Fluid adapter

Connection opening washing fluid

Connection opening for rinse aid

Corresponding connection opening washing fluid

Corresponding connection opening for final rinse fluid

Sealing element

Centering device

corresponding centering device

Pressure element

Upper basket

subject

Delimiting element

Breadboard

frame

Pass-through dishwasher

Hood

Tank bottom

tank

Direction of travel

Device for pressing the connection adapter against the washing rack lever

Actuator

Providing a dishwasher

Provision of a wash basket system

Providing a connection adapter Providing a washing basket

Attaching the items to be cleaned

Introducing the wash basket system into the cleaning chamber

Applying washing fluid to the items to be cleaned by means of the application device and the nozzles

Acting on the washing fluid supply with washing fluid by means of the connection adapter

Applying washing fluid to the cavity via the washing fluid supply and the washing fluid channel

Exposing the items to be cleaned by means of the application device and the nozzles with rinse aid fluid

Applying the final rinse fluid supply with final rinse fluid by means of the connection adapter

Applying clear rinse fluid to the cavity via the clear rinse fluid feed and the clear rinse fluid channel

Claims

Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG ME15429PC ST claims

1. Washing basket (126) for cleaning items to be cleaned (112) with at least one hollow space (114), in particular bottles (118), comprising a basket base (144) and a plurality of nozzles (144) extending from the basket base (144) 142), at least two fluid feeds (154) being provided in the basket bottom (144), the nozzles (142) each having at least one washing fluid channel (150) which can be fluidically connected to a washing fluid feed (156) in the basket bottom (144) and opens into at least one washing nozzle opening (172) of the respective nozzle (142), the nozzles (142) further each having at least one final rinse fluid channel (152) formed separately from the washing fluid channel (150), the final rinse fluid channel (152) having a final rinse fluid supply (158) can be fluidically connected in the basket bottom (144) and opens into at least one final rinse nozzle opening (174) of the respective nozzle (142).

2. Washing basket (126) according to the preceding claim, wherein the fluid supply lines (154) each open into connection openings (204, 206) in the basket bottom (144), the connection openings (204, 206) at least one washing fluid connection opening (204) and at least have a final rinse fluid connection opening (206) formed separately from the washing fluid connection opening (204), the washing fluid supply (156) being able to be acted upon with washing fluid via the washing fluid connection opening (204) and the final rinsing fluid supply (158) via the final rinse fluid -An connection opening (206) can be acted upon with rinse aid fluid.

3. Washing basket (126) according to the preceding claim, wherein the connection openings (204, 206) are arranged in an end face (200) of the basket base (144), the basket base (144) further having at least one centering device (214), where at the centering device (214) is set up to position the connection openings (204, 206) relative to a fluid adapter (202).

4. Wash basket (126) according to the preceding claim, wherein the wash basket (126) has at least one pressure element (218) on a side opposite the end face (200), wherein the wash basket (126) by pressure on the pressure element (218) with the connection openings (204, 206) can be pressed against corresponding connection openings (208, 210) of a connection adapter (128).

5. Wash basket (126) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the final rinse fluid channel (152) has a smaller cross section than the washing fluid channel (150).

6. Washing basket (126) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the washing nozzle opening (172) has a flat edge, wherein the final rinse nozzle opening (174) has a protruding edge (176) for beam shaping.

7. washing basket (126) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzles (142) each have at least two final rinse fluid channels (152).

8. washing basket (126) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzles (142) each have at least one axially extending drip channel (178) on their outside.

9. Washing basket (126) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzles (142) each have on their outside at least two axially extending ribs (180) for positioning the items to be cleaned (112).

10. Washing basket (126) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid supply conditions (154) have a distributor structure (184) with a plurality of distributor cavities (185), the distributor cavities (185) each having either at least one final rinse fluid channel (152 ) a nozzle (142) or with at least one washing fluid channel (150) of a nozzle.

11. Washing basket (126) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the washing basket (126) further comprises at least one upper basket (220) connected to the basket base (144) and arranged parallel to the basket base (144), the upper basket (220) having a plurality of compartments (222), the compartments (222) being of variable size.

12. Washing basket (126) according to the preceding claim, wherein the upper basket (220) is mounted variably in its distance from the basket bottom (144).

13. Washing basket system (124) for cleaning items to be cleaned (112) with at least one cavity (114), in particular bottles (118), comprising at least one Washing basket (126) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a connection adapter (128), wherein the connection adapter (128) is set up to supply the fluid feeds (154) in the basket base (144) with cleaning fluid in such a way that the washing fluid feed ( 156) is supplied with washing fluid and the final rinse fluid supply (158) is supplied with final rinse fluid separately.

14. Washing rack system (124) according to the preceding claim, wherein the connection adapter (128) can be reversibly mounted on a wash arm hub (140) of a dishwasher, the connection adapter (128) being designed to connect the fluid supply lines (154) to provide the basket bottom (144) with cleaning fluid from the wash arm hub (140), the connection adapter (128) having at least one washing fluid line (186) for applying washing fluid to the washing fluid supply (156) and where the connection adapter (128) continues has at least one final rinse fluid line (188) for loading the final rinse fluid supply (158) with final rinse fluid, where the washing fluid line (186) and the final rinse fluid line (188) are fluidically separated.

15. Washing system (110) for cleaning items to be cleaned (112) with at least one cavity (114), in particular bottles (118), comprising at least one dishwasher (120), the dishwasher (120) having at least one cleaning chamber (132) for receiving the items to be cleaned (112), the dishwasher (120) also having at least one loading device (138) for loading the items to be cleaned (112) with at least one washing fluid and at least one rinsing fluid, the rinsing system (110) also having at least one washing basket - System (124) according to one of the preceding, a wash basket system (124) relate to the claims, wherein the cleaning chamber (132) of the dishwasher (120) is set up to accommodate the wash basket system (124) and wherein the loading device (138) is set up to apply the washing fluid and the rinsing fluid to the items to be cleaned (112) by means of the nozzles (142) of the wash basket system (124).

16. Washing system (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the loading device (138) has at least one replaceable wash arm, wherein the wash arm is reversibly connectable to a wash arm hub (140) of the dishwasher (120), the wash arm against the Connection adapter (128) is interchangeable.

17. Washing system (110) according to one of the preceding claims relating to a washing system (110), wherein the dishwasher (120) has at least one closure device (134) for closing the cleaning chamber (132), the closing device (134) being designed to press the washing basket (126) against the connection adapter (128) in a closed state and thereby seal the connection adapter (128) with it to connect the fluid supply lines (154).

18. Washing system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, relating to a washing system (110), wherein the dishwasher (120) is selected from the group consisting of: a front-loading dishwasher (122); a hood dishwasher, in particular a pass-through dishwasher (232).

19. Washing system (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the dishwasher (120) is a hood type dishwasher, the washing system (110) having at least one device in order to close a hood (234) of the dishwasher (120) Press the connection adapter (128) against the washing basket (126).

20. A method for cleaning items to be cleaned (112) with at least one cavity (114), in particular at least one bottle (118), comprising:

a) providing a washing basket (126) comprising a basket base (144) and a plurality of nozzles (142) extending from the basket base (144), at least two fluid feeds (154) being provided in the basket base (144), the nozzles (142) each having at least one washing fluid channel (150) which is fluidically connected to a washing fluid supply (156) in the basket base (144) and opens into at least one washing nozzle opening (172) of the respective nozzle (142), the Nozzles (142) each also have at least one final rinse fluid channel (152) formed separately from the washing fluid channel (150), the final rinse fluid channel (152) being fluidically connected to a final rinse fluid supply (158) in the basket base (144) and in at least one final rinse nozzle opening (174) the respective nozzle (142) opens;

b) attaching the items to be cleaned (112) onto at least one of the nozzles (142) in such a way that the nozzle (142) protrudes into the cavity (114) of the items to be cleaned (112); c) applying washing fluid to the cavity (114) via the washing fluid supply (156) and the washing fluid channel (150); and

d) loading of the cavity (114) with final rinse fluid via the final rinse fluid supply (158) and the final rinse fluid channel (152).