DE102019126876A1 - DISHWASHER WITH DIRT DISPOSAL SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a dishwasher with at least one washing system (51, 52) and a dirt collecting system (70) assigned to the washing system (51, 52). A tank cover screen (20; 20-1, 20-2) is assigned to the dirt collecting system (70) and is designed to separate dirt particles from the sprayed washing liquid which flows back into the washing tank (14; 14-1, 14-2) by gravity . The dirt collecting system (70) has a dirt collecting area (71), which is arranged at least in some areas in the washing tank (14; 14-1, 14-2) and is open at the top, for collecting the dirt collecting area (71) with the aid of the tank cover sieve (20; 20-1, 20- 2) dirt particles separated from the washing liquid, a dirt discharge system with a dirt discharge pipe system (72; 72-1, 72-2), which is fluidly connected to the dirt collecting area (71) and via which the dirt collecting area (71) can be emptied if necessary. According to the invention it is provided in particular that the dirt collecting area (71) is assigned a pressure equalization system (90) to equalize a negative pressure that builds up locally in the dirt collecting area (71) when the dirt collecting area (71) is emptied.

Description

The invention relates to a dishwasher according to the preamble of claim 1. Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to a commercial dish or utensil dishwasher which is designed as a program machine or as a conveyor dishwasher.

The invention is thus directed to a dishwasher which has at least one washing zone designed as a recirculation circuit. The washing zone, designed as a recirculation circuit, has a nozzle system with at least one washing nozzle for spraying washing liquid onto the items to be cleaned, a washing tank for collecting at least part of the sprayed washing liquid and a washing pump for supplying washing liquid collected in the washing tank to the at least one washing nozzle . Furthermore, the dishwasher has a dirt collection system assigned to the at least one washing zone and having at least one tank cover sieve in order to separate dirt particles from the washing liquid that is sprayed and flowing back into the washing tank by gravity.

Program machines are manually loadable and unloadable dishwashers. The program machines ("box-type ware washers") or also (called "batch dish washers") can be push-through dishwashers, also known as hood-type washers, or front loaders ("front loader ware washers"). Front loaders can be under counter machines, top counter machines or free standing front loaders.

A dishwasher designed as a program machine usually has a treatment chamber for cleaning items to be washed. As a rule, a wash tank is arranged under the treatment chamber, in which liquid can flow back from the treatment chamber by gravity. In the wash tank there is washing liquid, which is usually water, to which detergent can be added if necessary.

A dishwasher designed as a program machine also has a washing system with a washing pump, a line system connected to the washing pump and a nozzle system with at least one washing nozzle. The washing liquid in the washing tank can be conveyed from the washing pump via the line system to the at least one washing nozzle and through this at least one washing nozzle in the treatment chamber can be sprayed onto the items to be cleaned. The sprayed washing liquid then flows back into the wash tank by gravity.

Conveyor ware washers are, in particular, belt conveyor dishwashers (flight-type ware washers) or rack conveyor dishwashers (“rack conveyer ware washers”). Conveyor dishwashers are usually used in the commercial sector. In contrast to automatic program machines, in which the wash ware to be cleaned remains stationary in the machine during cleaning, the wash ware is transported through different treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher in conveyor dishwashers.

A conveyor dishwasher usually has at least one prewash zone and at least one main wash zone which, viewed in the transport direction of the items to be washed, is arranged after the prewash zone (s). Looking in the direction of transport after the main wash zone (s) there is generally at least one post-wash zone or pre-wash zone and at least one final-rinse zone downstream of the post-wash zone (s). Seen in the direction of transport, the items to be washed either directly on the conveyor belt or held by baskets usually run through an inlet tunnel in the direction of transport, the adjoining pre-wash zone (s), main wash zone (s), post-wash zone (s), final-rinse zone (s) ), a drying zone in an outlet section.

A washing system is assigned to each of the washing zones of the conveyor dishwasher, which has a washing pump and a line system (washing line system) connected to the washing pump, via which washing liquid is supplied to the nozzle system or the at least one washing nozzle of the nozzle system. The washing liquid supplied to the at least one washing nozzle of the nozzle system is sprayed in the respective washing zones of the conveyor dishwasher onto the items to be washed, which are transported through the respective washing zones by a conveyor device of the conveyor dishwasher. Each washing zone is assigned a potion in which the liquid sprayed by the washing nozzles is received and / or in which liquid is provided for the nozzle systems of the treatment zones concerned.

In the conventional conveyor dishwashers known from the prior art, final rinse liquid in the form of fresh water, which can be pure or with additional additives such as rinse aid, is sprayed onto the items to be washed via the spray nozzles of the final rinse zone. At least part of the sprayed final rinse liquid is counter-rinsing via a cascade system Direction of transport of the wash ware transported from zone to zone.

The sprayed final rinse liquid is collected in a tank (post-wash tank) of the post-wash zone, from which it is conveyed to the spray nozzles (post-wash nozzles) of the post-wash zone via the wash pump of the wash system belonging to the post-wash zone. In the post-washing zone, washing liquid is rinsed off from the items to be washed. The resulting liquid flows into the wash tank of the at least one main wash zone which, viewed in the direction of transport of the items to be washed, is connected upstream of the post-wash zone. Here, the liquid is usually provided with a cleaner and sprayed onto the items to be washed by a pump system (wash pump) belonging to the wash system of the main wash zone via the nozzles (wash nozzles) of the main wash zone. The liquid then flows from the wash tank of the main wash zone - if no further main wash zone is provided - into the pre-wash tank of the pre-wash zone. The liquid in the pre-wash tank is sprayed onto the items to be washed via a pump system (pre-wash pump) belonging to the washing system of the pre-wash zone via the pre-wash nozzles of the pre-wash zone in order to remove coarse contamination from the items to be washed.

Dishwashers are usually equipped with washing pumps which feed the final rinse liquid to be sprayed into the line system of the final rinse zone. This ensures, in particular, a virtually constant volume flow of the final rinse liquid in the final rinse zone. However, it is also conceivable to use the on-site line pressure - for example the pressure of the fresh water supply - to feed the final rinse liquid to the line system of the final rinse zone. In this last-mentioned case, a controllable valve can be provided between the line system and the spray nozzles of the final rinse zone in order to be able to achieve a temporary or complete interruption of the supply of final rinse liquid to the spray nozzles.

Regardless of whether a dishwasher is designed as a program machine or as a conveyor dishwasher, commercial dishwashers usually include at least one washing zone designed as a recirculation circuit, which has a nozzle system with at least one washing nozzle for spraying washing liquid onto the items to be cleaned, a washing tank for collecting at least one Has part of the sprayed washing liquid and a washing pump for supplying liquid collected in the washing tank to the at least one washing nozzle.

Since a washing zone designed as a recirculation circuit is used to clean the items to be washed, at least part of the washing liquid that has already been sprayed in the washing zone is circulated so that there is a risk that the protective particles removed from the items to be washed will always be due to the permanent circulation of the washing liquid are further comminuted and thus can no longer be easily separated from the washing liquid by sieve devices etc. Accordingly, there is a risk that, in a wash zone designed as a recirculation circuit, the dirt load of the washing liquid in the wash zone increases with increasing washing time, so that the risk of re-soiling of items to be washed increases and the washing result is worsened overall.

This problem occurs in particular in the pre-wash or main wash zones of a dishwasher designed as a conveyor dishwasher. Since in conveyor dishwashers the direction of flow of the washing liquid used is in a cascade opposite to the direction of transport of the items to be cleaned, the dirt concentration of the washing liquid in the at least one prewash zone is greatest compared to the dirt concentration of the washing liquid in the other treatment zones, since most of the dirt accumulates in the prewash zone .

On the other hand, it cannot be avoided that over the running time of a dishwasher designed as a conveyor dishwasher, part of the more heavily soiled washing liquid of the prewash zone is "carried away" by the transport of the items to the at least one main wash zone downstream of the prewash zone. This increases the dirt load on the washing liquid in the main washing zone and consequently the washing result in the main washing zone can also deteriorate.

In order to separate the dirt particles introduced into the dishwasher from the washing liquid used to wash the items to be washed, it is generally known to use sieve devices in the form of dirt strainer baskets in which the dirt particles introduced into the dishwasher collect. In dishwashers designed as automatic programs, such a strainer basket is usually arranged in the sump of the treatment chamber above the wash tank.

On the other hand, with regard to dishwashers designed as conveyor dishwashers, it is known to equip at least the prewash tank assigned to the prewash zone, and preferably also the main wash tank assigned to the at least one main wash zone, with flat sieves and strainer baskets.

During operation of the dishwasher, which is designed either as a program machine or as a conveyor dishwasher, the dirt particles rinsed off the items to be washed with the help of the circulating washing water then fall onto the flat sieves due to the force of gravity. There, the dirt particles are separated from the washing liquid flowing back into the corresponding wash tank. The separated dirt particles are then usually rinsed into a strainer basket.

The present invention is based on the problem that in the solutions known so far from the prior art, in which flat sieves or dirt strainer baskets are used to separate dirt particles from a circulating washing liquid, there is a risk that the flat sieves or Dirt particles accumulating in the strainer basket are comminuted by the permanent circulation of the washing liquid with increasing washing time to such an extent that the dirt particles have a grain size that is no longer covered by the mesh size of the flat strainer or strainer basket, so that despite the provision of a flat strainer or strainer basket no longer prevents It can be that with increasing washing time, more and more dirt particles collect in the washing liquid.

In this context it is from the pamphlet DE 10 2009 048 810 A1 known to assign a dirt collection system to the at least one washing zone of the dishwasher, which has a tank cover sieve to separate dirt particles from the washing liquid that is sprayed and flowing back into the washing tank of the washing zone designed as a recirculation circuit. The dirt collecting system known from this prior art has a dirt collecting area in which the dirt particles separated from the washing liquid with the aid of the tank cover sieve are collected. The dirt collecting area is fluidically connected to a dirt discharge pipe system, so that, if necessary, the dirt particles collected in the dirt collecting area of the dirt collecting system can be removed with the aid of a dirt discharge pump.

That from the pamphlet DE 10 2009 048 810 A1 However, known dirt collecting system has disadvantages in practical use, in particular with regard to the dirt discharge capacity actually achieved when the dishwasher is in operation. It has been shown that in order to empty the dirt collecting area, the dirt discharge pump has to be operated continuously over a relatively long period of time. Furthermore, recirculation of the washing liquid in the washing zone should be interrupted during this period. However, this has the consequence that a continuous rinsing or washing operation with the conventional dirt removal system is influenced. In particular, this leads to the DE 10 2009 048 810 A1 known dirt discharge system to an extension of the program cycles that is often unacceptable to the dishwasher operators or to a reduction in the amount of items to be washed per unit by the dishwasher.

Accordingly, the present invention is based on the object, starting from a dirt collecting system, as it is at least in principle according to the DE 10 2009 048 810 A1 It is known to further develop this in such a way that, in an effective but nevertheless easy to implement manner, on the one hand the risk of re-soiling of the items to be washed is reduced and the washing result can be improved overall and on the other hand the operation and in particular the cleaning capacity of the dishwasher is not negatively affected.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in that, in a dishwasher of the type mentioned at the outset, a dirt collection system assigned to the at least one washing system of the dishwasher is provided, the dirt collection system being assigned a tank cover sieve which is designed to remove dirt particles from the sprayed and gravity-fed wash tank to separate the backflowing washing liquid. As with the one from the pamphlet DE 10 2010 063 711 A1 known dirt collecting system, the dirt collecting system according to the invention has a dirt collecting area which is at least partially arranged in the wash tank and which is open at the top and which is used to collect the dirt particles separated from the washing liquid by means of the tank cover sieve.

In the solution according to the invention, a dirt discharge system, which is connected to the dirt collecting area in terms of flow, is provided with a dirt discharge pipe system, via which the dirt collecting area can be emptied if necessary.

The solution according to the invention is particularly characterized in that the dirt collecting area of the dirt collecting system is assigned a pressure equalization system in order to be able to use this pressure equalizing system to equalize a negative pressure that builds up locally in the dirt collecting area when the dirt collecting area is emptied.

The advantages that can be achieved with the solution according to the invention are obvious: in that the dirt collecting area is a Pressure equalization system is assigned in order to equalize the negative pressure that builds up locally in the dirt collecting area when emptying the dirt collecting area, the process for emptying the dirt collecting area and in particular the time required for a dirt collecting system with a dirt collecting area, as described in the publication De 10 2010 063 711 A1 is known. It was recognized here that with the help of the pressure equalization system, not only can the negative pressure that builds up locally in the dirt collection area be reduced or equalized, but that in addition to this, when the dirt collection area is emptied, a vortex flow is formed in the dirt collection area, in which the washing liquid enriched with the dirt particles in the dirt collection area rotates and in this way the emptying of the dirt collecting area is significantly accelerated.

As a consequence of this, a regular discharge of dirt during the continuous operation of the dishwasher can be realized without the running time of the dishwasher having to be extended for this purpose. This not only reduces the risk of re-soiling of the items to be washed (since the quality of the washing liquid is optimized due to the regular removal of dirt), but also does not negatively affect the capacity of the dishwasher.

There are various possibilities for realizing the pressure compensation system. In particular, it is advantageous if the pressure equalization system is formed at least in some areas in a side wall of the dirt collecting area. Here, the pressure equalization system can have a flexible wall area, for example, which is deformed into the dirt collecting area when the dirt collecting area is emptied in order to equalize a negative pressure that builds up locally in the dirt collecting area when the dirt collecting area is emptied.

Advantageously, however, the pressure compensation system has a wall area that is permeable to washing liquid and preferably impermeable to dirt particles, such as a sieve, in particular a fine sieve. As an alternative to this, slot-shaped openings or point-shaped openings are also conceivable. The permeable wall area or the sieve and / or the slit or punctiform openings are preferably designed circumferentially in the side wall of the dirt collecting area in such a way that vortex formation in the washing liquid enriched with dirt particles in the dirt collecting area is supported when the dirt collecting area is emptied.

According to embodiments of the dishwasher according to the invention, the dirt discharge system has a dirt discharge pump, the suction side of which is or can be connected to the dirt collecting area in terms of flow. As an alternative to a dirt discharge pump, it is also conceivable to provide a controllable valve in the dirt discharge pipe system so that the dirt collecting area can, if necessary, be emptied by gravity, namely when the valve is open. However, the provision of a dirt discharge pump is preferred, since with such a dirt discharge pump the time to be provided for emptying the dirt collecting area can be significantly reduced.

On the other hand, when using a dirt discharge pump, care must be taken that essentially only the washing liquid enriched with dirt particles and collected in the dirt collecting area is actually discharged via the dirt discharge pump. For this purpose, it is provided according to embodiments of the present invention that the pressure equalization system is formed in a side wall of the dirt collecting area between a connection piece, via which the dirt collecting area is fluidly connected or can be connected to the dirt discharge pipe system, and the opposite upper end area of the dirt collecting area. In particular, the pressure equalization system should be provided in a middle or upper area of the dirt collecting area if possible. It is particularly efficient if the pressure equalization system is provided in an area of the side wall of the dirt collecting area above 30% of the length of the dirt collecting area measured from the connecting piece to the upper end area of the dirt collecting area.

The dirt collecting area should have a capacity of at least 0.5 l and a maximum of 3.0 l. The capacity of the dirt collecting area is preferably in a range between 1.0 I and 2.0 I. This is a compromise in which, on the one hand, the time required to empty the dirt collecting area and, on the other hand, the frequency of emptying of the dirt collecting area are taken into account.

Furthermore, the invention provides in particular that the dirt discharge pipe system and the suction-side inlet and pressure-side outlet of the dirt discharge pump have a larger effective diameter compared to washing pumps used in dishwashers, in particular an effective diameter of at least 5 cm. This also has a positive effect on the Emptying the dirt collecting area.

By providing the pressure equalization system, the dirt collecting area can be emptied in a very short time. In particular, the solution according to the invention allows the use of a dirt discharge pump with a pump output of at least 100 l per minute and preferably a pump output of at least 110 l per minute.

In particular, the solution according to the invention offers an effective method for discharging dirt particles from the washing liquid, so that a longer service life of the washing liquid can be achieved compared to conventional solutions. In this way it is possible to use the washing liquid for more washing cycles before it has to be replaced. This saves fresh water, detergent and heating energy in particular.

The dirt discharge pump is preferably designed to discharge the dirt particles that have accumulated in the dirt collecting area from the washing zone continuously or at predetermined times or events.

Accordingly, the solution according to the invention allows the dirt particles that have accumulated in the at least one washing zone of the dishwasher with the aid of the dirt collection system to be automatically removed from the dishwasher. Such an automatically carried out dirt removal relieves the operating personnel of the dishwasher. In addition, it can be effectively prevented that the recirculation of the washing liquid in the washing zone is influenced or blocked by overfilling the dirt collecting area.

Exemplary embodiments of the solution according to the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

• 1 schematisch eine in Gestalt einer Transportspülmaschine ausgebildete Spülmaschine gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung;
• 2 schematisch eine in Gestalt einer Transportspülmaschine ausgebildete Spülmaschine gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung;
• 3 schematisch eine in Gestalt einer Transportspülmaschine ausgebildete Spülmaschine gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform der Erfindung; und
• 4 schematisch den Waschtank einer Waschzone von einer als Transportspülmaschine oder als Programmautomat ausgebildeten Spülmaschine mit einer Ausführungsform eines Schmutzauffangsystems.

In the drawings show:

• 1 schematically a dishwasher in the form of a conveyor dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• 2 schematically a dishwasher in the form of a conveyor dishwasher according to a second embodiment of the invention;
• 3 schematically a dishwasher in the form of a conveyor dishwasher according to a third embodiment of the invention; and
• 4th schematically, the wash tank of a washing zone of a dishwasher designed as a conveyor dishwasher or as a program machine with an embodiment of a dirt collection system.

In 1 Figure 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an example of a conveyor dishwasher constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention 50 shown. The conveyor dishwasher 50 as shown in 1 has a prewash zone 51 as well as a main washing zone 52 which in the transport direction T of the (in 1 not shown) items to be washed seen after the prewash zone 51 is arranged. Seen in transport direction T after the main washing zone 52 is at the in 1 illustrated conveyor dishwasher 50 a post-wash or pre-wash zone 53 and one of the post-wash or pre-wash zones 53 downstream rinse zone 54 arranged. Either directly on a conveyor belt 58 Washed items picked up or items held by baskets run in the transport direction T through an inlet tunnel 55 , the adjoining prewash zone 51 , the main washing zone 52 , the post-wash zone 53 , the rinse zone 54 and a drying zone 56 in an outlet section 57 a.

The mentioned treatment areas 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 the conveyor dishwasher 50 are each spray nozzles 13-1 , 13-2 , 13-3 , 13-4 assigned, via which liquid is sprayed onto the items to be washed by the conveyor belt 58 through the respective treatment zones 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 is transported. At least the pre-wash zone 51 , the main washing zone 52 and the post-wash or pre-wash zone 53 is one tank (wash tank 14-1 , 14-2 , 14-3 ) assigned, in which sprayed washing liquid was added and / or washing liquid for the spray nozzles 13-1 , 13-2 , 13-3 of the zones concerned 51 , 52 , 53 provided.

The pre-wash zone 51 , the main washing zone 52 and the post-wash zone 53 the conveyor dishwasher 50 according to the in 1 illustrated first embodiment of the invention each have a washing system 10-1 , 10-2 , 10 , 3 on. Any washing system 10-1 , 10-2 , 10-3 is made up of a washing pump 11-1 , 11-2 , 11-3 , one with the wash pump 11-1 , 11-2 , 11-3 connected pipe system 12-1 , 12-2 , 12-3 and the one with the pipeline system 12-1 , 12-2 , 12-3 connected spray nozzles 13-1 , 13-2 , 13-3 together.

Furthermore, there is a control device shown schematically in the figures 100 provided, which (among other things) serves the respective washing pumps 11-1 , 11-2 , 11-3 of the washing systems 10-1 , 10-2 , 10-3 suitable to control during a washing process to at least temporarily via the associated piping system 12-1 , 12-2 , 12-3 Washer fluid to the spray nozzles 13-1 , 13-2 , 13-3 of the respective washing system 10-1 , 10-2 , 10-3 supply associated nozzle system.

At the in 1 illustrated conveyor dishwasher 50 clear rinse liquid in the form of fresh water, which can be mixed with other chemical additives, such as rinse aid, via the above and below the conveyor belt 58 arranged spray nozzles 13-4 the rinse zone 54 on the in 1 items not shown sprayed. As in 1 shown can be in the final rinse zone 54 from laterally arranged spray nozzles 13-5 be provided.

Part of the in the final rinse zone 54 The sprayed final rinse liquid is transported from zone to zone via a cascade system against the transport direction T of the items to be washed. The remaining part is via a valve 59 and a bypass line 60 directly into the pre-wash tank 14-1 the prewash zone 51 directed.

The one in the rinse zone 54 sprayed final rinse liquid is in the tank (post-wash or pre-wash tank 14-3 ) the post-wash or pre-wash zone 53 collected from which they are about to go to the washing system 10-3 the post-wash or pre-wash zone 53 belonging washing pump 11-3 to the spray nozzles 13-3 (Post-wash or pre-wash nozzles) of the post-wash or pre-wash zone 53 is promoted. In the post-wash or pre-wash zone 53 washing liquid is rinsed off from the items to be washed.

The resulting liquid flows into the wash tank 14-2 the main washing zone 52 , is usually provided with a chemical cleaner and with the help of a to the washing system 10-2 the main washing zone 52 belonging washing pump 11-2 via the spray nozzles 13-2 (Washing nozzles) of the main washing zone 52 belonging washing system 10-2 sprayed on the items to be washed.

From the wash tank 14-2 the main washing zone 52 the washing liquid then flows into the pre-wash tank 14-1 the prewash zone 51 . The one in the prewash tank 14-1 collected washing liquid is in the prewash zone 51 with the help of one to the washing system 10-1 the prewash zone 51 belonging washing pump 11-1 via the spray nozzles 13-1 (Prewash nozzles) to the prewash zone 51 belonging washing system 10-1 sprayed onto the items to be washed in order to remove coarse soiling from the items to be washed.

At the in 1 illustrated conveyor dishwasher 50 indicates the main washing zone 52 a tank cover screen 20-2 on, which is above the main wash tank 14-2 is arranged. In operation of the conveyor dishwasher 50 is via the spray nozzles 13-2 (Washing nozzles) of the washing system 10-2 Washing liquid sprayed onto the items to be washed. The sprayed washing liquid flows into the wash tank by gravity 14-2 the main washing zone 52 back, with those in the main wash zone 52 Dirt particles rinsed off the items to be washed from the tank cover sieve 20-2 be retained if the dirt particles are larger than the mesh size of the tank cover sieve 20-2 are. The mesh size of the tank cover sieve is preferably 20-2 approx. 1 mm to 4 mm.

At the in 1 conveyor dishwasher shown schematically 50 must be used to clean the tank cover sieve 20-2 the flushing operation can be interrupted to remove the tank cover sieve 20-2 to be able to clean manually.

Part of that in the main washing zone 52 sprayed washing liquid passes through an overflow system 61 into the wash tank (pre-wash tank 14-1 ) the prewash zone 51 . As is the main washing zone 52 is the prewash zone 51 with a tank cover screen designed as a flat screen 20-1 equipped. This tank cover screen 20-1 is above the wash tank (pre-wash tank 14-1 ) the prewash zone 51 arranged to remove dirt particles from the in the prewash zone 51 sprayed and by gravity into the prewash tank 14-1 to separate the backflowing washing liquid. The mesh size of the tank cover sieve 20-1 is preferably in a range between approx. 1 mm to 4 mm.

There - as stated at the beginning - the dirt concentration of the washing liquid in the prewash zone 51 the biggest, since most of the dirt accumulates here, is the in 1 illustrated conveyor dishwasher 50 with one of the prewash zone 51 assigned dirt collection system 70 equipped, which one in the prewash zone 51 , and especially within the pre-wash tank 14-1 arranged dirt collection area 71-1 having. The structure and functionality of the in 1 illustrated conveyor dishwasher 50 used dirt collection system 70 is explained below with reference to the illustration in 4th described in more detail.

At the in 1 illustrated embodiment of the conveyor dishwasher 50 serves the dirt collection area 71 to collect the with the help of the tank cover sieve 20-1 dirt particles separated from the washing liquid. In detail, and as described below with reference to the illustration in 4th is described in more detail, is the dirt collection area 71-1 than one in the prewash tank 14-1 arranged, upwardly open chamber formed, which has a pressure equalization system on its sides. About the The upper opening can be opened with the help of the tank cover sieve 20-1 separated dirt particles in the chamber-shaped dirt collecting area 71-1 reach. By having the dirt collecting area 71 Has a pressure equalization system on the sides, is a particularly fast emptying of the dirt collecting area 71 realizable.

In detail, and as described below with reference to the illustration in 4th is described in more detail, it is preferred if the tank cover sieve 20-1 above the dirt collecting area 71-1 is arranged and a drainage slope in the form of a in the direction of a feed opening 22nd has a directed gradient, the dirt collecting area which is open at the top 71-1 below the feed opening 22nd is arranged so that the with the help of the tank cover sieve 22nd separated dirt particles via the feed opening 22nd in the dirt collecting area 71-1 can get.

It is conceivable here in particular that the tank cover sieve 20-1 is at least partially funnel-shaped, the feed opening 22nd within the funnel-shaped area 21 of the tank cover screen 20-1 , and preferably in the zenith of the funnel-shaped area 21 of the tank cover screen 20-1 is designed (cf. in particular the illustration in 4th ).

The in 1 illustrated embodiment used dirt collection system 70 also has a with the dirt collection area 71-1 Connected dirt discharge pipe system consisting of a standpipe 72-1 and a sewage pipe 73-1 on, for discharging the in the dirt collecting area 71-1 collected dirt particles from the pre-wash zone 51 . As shown, is in the debris discharge pipe system 72-1 , 73-1 a dirt discharge pump 74-1 arranged. The suction-side inlet of the dirt discharge pump 74-1 is via the standpipe belonging to the dirt discharge pipe system 72-1 with the lower area of the dirt collecting area 71-1 connected. The outlet of the dirt discharge pump on the pressure side 74-1 opens into the waste water pipe belonging to the waste discharge pipe system 73-1 .

At the in 1 The embodiment shown leads the sewage pipe 73-1 to an external dirt collector 80 which is outside the prewash zone 51 in front of the inlet tunnel 55 the conveyor dishwasher 50 is arranged. This externally designed dirt collection container 80 preferably has a sieve and a connection 81 to a sewer system.

As when spraying washing liquid in the prewash zone 51 it cannot be prevented that part of the sprayed washing liquid enters the dirt-collecting area 71 are reached via the dirt discharge pump 74-1 not only with the help of the tank cover sieve 20-1 separated dirt particles, but also part of the washing liquid from the prewash zone 51 promoted. In the dirt container 80 becomes that from the dirt collecting area 71-1 removed material (dirt particles and washing liquid) sieved, whereby the liquid components (washing liquid) over the drain connection 81 fed to a sewage system and in the dirt collection container 80 remaining solids (dirt particles) can then be disposed of.

As in 2 shown, it is an alternative to the one in 1 The embodiment shown is also conceivable, the dirt particles with the wastewater from the prewash zone 51 into a waste disposal system 82 to pump, this system 82 locally either directly next to the conveyor dishwasher 50 or can be positioned further away. As a waste disposal system 82 Press-out systems can be used to separate solids and liquids and / or comminution systems (grinding, hacking systems, etc.).

Preferably it is in the waste disposal system 82 also that from the dirt collection area 71-1 removed material (dirt particles and washing liquid) sieved, whereby the liquid components (washing liquid) via a drain connection 83 fed to a sewage system and those in the waste disposal system 82 remaining solids (dirt particles) can then be disposed of.

According to embodiments of the solution according to the invention, it is provided that the from the dirt collecting area 71-1 discharged material (dirt particles and washing liquid) is fed to a heat recovery system (heat exchanger) in order to absorb at least part of the thermal energy from the dirt collecting area 71-1 "Recover" discharged material and use it to heat the liquids to be sprayed in the dishwasher (washing liquid or rinsing liquid).

For example, it is conceivable that the first thing from the dirt collecting area 71-1 removed material is sieved, with only the liquid components (washing liquid) then being fed to the heat recovery system. In this way, the risk of clogging or malfunction due to dirt particles can be effectively reduced.

As an alternative or in addition to this, it is also conceivable after the dirt particles have been separated off from the dirt collecting area 71-1 discharged material to process the liquid components (washing liquid), if necessary, in such a way that the liquid components can be fed back to the washing system of the dishwasher. Any processing that may have to be carried out could consist of a filtration.

In 3 Figure 3 is another embodiment of the conveyor dishwasher constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention 50 shown. This embodiment is essentially identical to that previously with reference to the illustration in FIG 1 or 2 illustrated embodiment, but with the exception that not only the prewash zone 51 but also the main washing zone 52 with a dirt collection system 70 is equipped, the structure and function of which is given below with reference to the illustration in 4th are described in more detail.

In contrast to the in 1 The embodiment shown is thus in the case of the in 3 conveyor dishwasher shown 50 in or above the main wash tank 14-2 a tank cover screen 20-2 provided, which has a feed opening 22nd (see. 4th ), with below the feed opening 22nd a dirt collecting area that is open at the top 71-2 is arranged. In this dirt collecting area 71-2 with the help of the tank cover sieve 20-2 separated dirt particles via the feed opening 22nd in the dirt collecting area 71-2 brought in.

At the in 3 The illustrated embodiment of the solution according to the invention is at the lower area of the dirt collecting area 71-2 a dirt discharge pipe system consisting of a dirty water pipe 73-2 and a standpipe 72-2 intended. Via a dirt discharge pump 74-2 this gets into the dirt collecting area 71-2 accumulated material (washing liquid and separated dirt particles) in one external to the main washing zone 52 trained dirt collector 80 or in one external to the conveyor dishwasher 50 trained waste disposal system 82 .

In the following, with reference to the illustration in 4th the structure and functionality of the dirt collection system 70 described in more detail.

The dirt collection system 70 is inside a wash tank 14th a conveyor dishwasher 50 or a dishwasher designed as a program machine. The dirt collection system 70 has a tank cover screen 20th on, which is preferably in the wash tank 14th above the liquid level in the wash tank 14th recorded washing liquid arranged. The tank cover screen 20th serves to separate dirt particles from the sprayed washing liquid that flows back into the wash tank by gravity. This is why it is for the tank cover screen 20th to provide a suitable mesh size.

It also belongs to the dirt collection system 70 a dirt collection area 71 , which is designed as a chamber that is open at the top. Via the opening of the dirt collecting area designed as a chamber 71 are those of the tank cover screen 20th separated dirt particles to the dirt collecting area 71 fed. For this purpose, it is preferred if the tank cover sieve 20th a drainage slope in the form of a in the direction of a feed opening 22nd directed slope, wherein the upwardly open design dirt collecting area 71 below the feed opening 22nd is arranged.

As in 4th indicated is in particular in the upper area of the side wall of the dirt collecting area 71 a pressure compensation system shown schematically there 90 intended. At the in 4th schematically shown embodiment of the dirt collection system 70 becomes the pressure equalization system 90 by a wall area in the side wall of the dirt collecting area that is permeable to washing liquid 71 educated. In particular, it is conceivable that a fine sieve is used as the pressure compensation system.

As an alternative or in addition, other openings, in particular slit-shaped or point-shaped openings, are also conceivable, in particular in order to create a vortex in the washing liquid enriched with dirt particles in the dirt collecting area 71 to support.

The representation in 4th it can also be seen that the pressure compensation system 90 in an area of the side wall of the dirt collecting area 71 above 30% of that of the connecting piece 75 to the upper end area 76 the dirt collection area 71 measured length of the dirt collecting area 71 is trained. This arrangement effectively prevents, when the dirt discharge pump is in operation, washing liquid which is not contaminated via the pressure equalization system, which is designed, for example, as a fine sieve 90 is sucked in.

As in 4th shown, it is for example conceivable that the tank cover sieve 20th is at least partially funnel-shaped, the feed opening 22nd within the funnel-shaped area 21 of the tank cover screen 20th , and preferably in the tapered area of the funnel-shaped area 21 of the tank cover screen 20th , is trained.

It is also preferred if the dirt collecting area 71 is funnel-shaped at the upper end (cf. the funnel-shaped area 75 in 4th ) to the feed opening 22nd of the tank cover screen 20th to be used or included.

When the dishwasher is in operation (not in 4th shown) washing liquid is sprayed in the washing zone, with part of the sprayed washing liquid over the tank cover sieve 20th in the wash tank 14th flows back. The remaining part of the sprayed washing liquid flows by gravity directly over the in the tank cover sieve 20th provided feed opening 22nd in the dirt collecting area 71 . The dirt particles rinsed off from the items to be washed during the washing process are - provided they are larger than the mesh size of the tank cover sieve 20th are - from the tank cover screen 20th prevented from going into the wash tank 14th to get collected washing liquid. Rather, they are from the tank cover sieve 20th separated dirt particles through the drainage slope to the feed opening 22nd moves and thus get into the dirt collecting area 71 .

Around the dirt collection area 71 The dirt collection system has to be able to empty preferably automatically 70 preferably also a dirt discharge pipe system. This dirt discharge pipe system exists with the in 4th illustrated embodiment of the dirt discharge system 70 from a standpipe 72 , which is with the lower area of the dirt collecting area 71 connected is. The standpipe 72 is connected to the suction-side inlet of a dirt discharge pump 74 connected. The outlet of the dirt discharge pump on the pressure side 74 opens into a sewage pipe 73 so that when the dirt discharge pump is activated 74 the content of the dirt collection area 71 can be removed from the washing zone.

The dirt discharge pump 74 is preferably designed continuously or at predetermined times or events in the dirt collecting area 71 collected dirt particles together with that also in the dirt collecting area 71 discharge collected washing liquid. In particular, it is conceivable that the dirt discharge pump 74 via the control already mentioned 100 depending on the amount of in the dirt collecting area 71 collected dirt particles is controlled.

At the same time, it is of course conceivable that dirt is pumped out of the dirt collecting area 71 depending on, for example, the level in the dirt collection area 71 , the level in the wash tank 14th , or other factors.

Comes the dirt collection system 71 with a conveyor dishwasher 50 for use (see for example 1 to 3 ), it is also conceivable that the dirt discharge pump 74 for example, depending on the transport speed at which the items to be washed are transported through the treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher 50 is transported, or, for example, depending on the amount of final rinse liquid in the final rinse zone 54 is sprayed per unit of time, is activated.

The invention is not restricted to the embodiments described in connection with the drawings.

For example, it is conceivable that the tank cover sieve 20th , 20-1 , 20-2 the dirt collection system 70 not a substantially centrally located supply opening 22nd has, over which the with the help of the tank cover sieve 20th , 20-1 , 20-2 separated dirt particles in the dirt collecting area 71 , 71-1 , 71-2 reach. Rather, this feed opening can 22nd can also be designed as a gap on an edge region of the tank cover sieve 20th , 20-1 , 20-2 is provided.

Furthermore, it is basically conceivable that the feed opening 22nd is covered with the help of a coarse screen, this coarse screen should preferably have a mesh size that is greater than the mesh size of the tank cover screen 20th , 20-1 , 20-2 is. The provision of such a coarse sieve can effectively prevent, for example, items of cutlery or other utensils other than dirty water particles from accidentally entering the dirt collecting area 71 , 71-1 , 71-2 reach.

Although the inventive solution in the 1 to 3 in connection with a conveyor dishwasher 50 has been described, it is of course also conceivable to use a dishwasher designed as a program machine with a dirt collecting system 70 equip.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102009048810 A1 [0020, 0021, 0022]
• DE 102010063711 A1 [0023]

Claims (15)

Dishwasher with at least one washing system (51, 52) designed as a recirculation circuit, in particular dish or utensil washing machine, which is designed as a program machine or as a conveyor dishwasher (50), the at least one washing system (51, 52) being a nozzle system with at least one washing nozzle (13 ; 13-1, 13-2) for spraying washing liquid onto the items to be cleaned, a washing tank (14; 14-1, 14-2) for collecting at least part of the sprayed washing liquid and a washing pump (11; 11-1 , 11-2) for supplying washing liquid collected in the washing tank (14; 14-1, 14-2) to the at least one washing nozzle (13; 13-1, 13-2), and wherein furthermore one of the at least one washing system (51, 52) associated dirt collection system (70) is provided, the dirt collection system (70) being assigned a tank cover sieve (20; 20-1, 20-2) which is designed to remove dirt particles from the sprayed and gravity-fed wash tank (14; 14-1, 14-2) to separate back-flowing washing liquid, the dirt collecting system (70) having a dirt collecting area (71) which is arranged at least in some areas in the washing tank (14; 14-1, 14-2) and is open at the top for collecting the with With the aid of the tank cover sieve (20; 20-1, 20-2), dirt particles separated from the washing liquid, and a dirt discharge system with a dirt discharge pipe system (72; 72-1, 72-2), which is fluidly connected to the dirt collecting area (71), is provided, via which the dirt collecting area (71) can be emptied if necessary, characterized in that the dirt collecting area (71) is assigned a pressure equalization system (90) for equalizing a negative pressure that builds up locally in the dirt collecting area (71) when the dirt collecting area (71) is emptied. Dishwasher after Claim 1 , wherein the pressure equalization system (90) is at least partially in a side wall of the dirt collecting area between a connecting piece (75), via which the dirt collecting area (71) is connected or can be connected to the dirt discharge pipe system (72; 72-1, 72-2) in terms of flow, and the opposite upper end region (76) of the dirt collecting region (71) is formed. Dishwasher after Claim 2 , wherein the pressure equalization system (90) is formed in a region of the side wall of the dirt collecting region (71) above 30% of the length of the dirt collecting region (71) measured from the connecting piece (75) to the upper end region (76) of the dirt collecting region (71). Dishwasher after one of the Claims 1 to 3 wherein the pressure equalization system (90) has a flexible wall area. Dishwasher after one of the Claims 1 to 4th , wherein the pressure equalization system (90) has a wall area permeable to washing liquid, in particular a sieve and preferably a fine sieve. Dishwasher after one of the Claims 1 to 5 , wherein the dirt collecting area (71) has a capacity of 0.5 I to 3.0 I and preferably a capacity of 1.0 I to 2.0 I, and wherein the dirt discharge pipe system (72; 72-1, 72-2) has an effective diameter of at least 5 cm. Dishwasher after one of the Claims 1 to 6th , especially after Claim 6 wherein the dirt removal system comprises a dirt removal pump (74); 74-1, 74-2, the suction side of which is or can be connected in terms of flow to the dirt collecting area (71), and the pressure side of which is or can be connected in terms of flow to a dirt collecting container (80), the dirt discharge pump having a pump output of at least 100 l per minute and preferably has a pump output of at least 110 l per minute. Dishwasher after one of the Claims 1 to 6th The dirt discharge system having at least one controllable valve arranged in the dirt discharge pipe system (72; 72-1, 72-2) in order to fluidically connect the dirt collecting area (71) to a dirt collecting container (80) as required or at predetermined times and / or events . Dishwasher after one of the Claims 1 to 8th , wherein the tank cover sieve (20; 20-1, 20-2) is arranged above the dirt collecting area (71) and has a drainage slope in the direction of a feed opening (22), wherein the dirt collecting area (71), which is open at the top, is below the feed opening (22 ) is arranged in such a way that the dirt particles separated from the washing liquid by means of the tank cover sieve (20; 20-1, 20-2) reach the dirt collecting area (71) via the feed opening (22). Dishwasher after Claim 9 , wherein the tank cover sieve (20; 20-1, 20-2) is at least partially funnel-shaped, and wherein the feed opening (22) is within the funnel-shaped region (21) of the tank cover sieve (20; 20-1, 20-2), and is preferably formed in a tapered area of the funnel-shaped area (21) of the tank cover sieve (20; 20-1, 20-2). Dishwasher after Claim 9 or 10 wherein the supply opening (22) is formed in a central position of the tank cover screen (20; 20-1, 20-2). Dishwasher after one of the Claims 9 to 11 wherein a coarse screen is also provided which at least partially covers the feed opening (22) and has a mesh size which is greater than the mesh size of the tank cover screen (20; 20-1, 20-2). Dishwasher after one of the Claims 1 to 12th , wherein the dirt collecting area (71) is designed as a funnel-shaped area (75) at least at its upper end area. Dishwasher after one of the Claims 1 to 13th wherein the dirt removal system comprises a dirt removal pump (74); 74-1, 74-2, the suction side of which is or can be connected in terms of flow to the dirt collecting area (71), and the pressure side of which is connected or connectable in terms of flow to a dirt collecting container (80), and in particular to a dirt collecting container (80) provided externally by the dishwasher is, wherein a controller (100) is also provided for controlling the dirt discharge pump (74); 74-1, 74-2 in particular as a function of the amount of dirt particles collected in the dirt collecting area (71). Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dishwasher is designed as a conveyor dishwasher (50), wherein the at least one washing system (51, 52) is designed as at least one washing zone, and wherein the conveyor dishwasher (50) in addition to the at least one designed as a washing zone Washing system (51, 52) at least one final rinse zone (54) and a transport device (58) for transporting the items to be cleaned through the at least one washing system (51, 52) designed as a washing zone and the at least one washing system (51, 52) in the transport direction (T) has the final rinse zone (54) downstream of the items to be washed; or wherein the dishwasher is designed as a program machine and has a treatment chamber in which the washing system (51, 52) is designed.

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