Salt dissolving device for providing at least one salt solution for dishwasher

Abstract

The invention relates to a salt dissolving device (110) for providing at least one salt solution (138) for a dishwasher (208). The salt dissolving device (110) comprises: at least one salt receiving container (112), where the salt receiving container (112) has at least one introduction opening (114) for at least one salt (116), where the salt receiving container (112) is made of at least one fluid impermeable material, where the salt receiving container (112) has a funnel-shaped bottom (118), where the at least one introduction opening (114) is formed for the at least one salt (116); wherein the salt receiving container (112) has at least one inlet (120) at a lower end of the salt receiving container (112), wherein the salt receiving container (112) further has at least one outlet (122) at an upper end (124) of the salt receiving container (112); at least one salt solution container (136) for receiving a salt solution (138), where the salt solution container (136) is in fluid connection with each of the inlet (120) and the outlet (122) of the salt receiving container (112), where the salt solution container (136) further has at least one salt solution outlet (152) for providing the salt solution (138) for the dishwasher (208); at least one solvent inlet (158) for feeding at least one solvent into the salt dissolving device (110); and at least one pump (174), where the pump (174) is adapted to deliver at least one fluid medium from the salt solution container (136) into the salt receiving container (112) via the inlet (120) and to deliver a fluid medium from the salt receiving container (112) back into the salt solution container (136) via the outlet (122), where the fluid medium is selected from the group consisting of a solvent, a salt solution (138).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a salt dissolving device for providing at least one salt solution to a dishwasher, a dishwasher for cleaning items to be cleaned, and a method for producing at least one salt solution for a dishwasher. The salt dissolving device, dishwasher and method of the above type can be used, for example, in the field of commercial dishwashing. The device and method of the above type can be used, for example, in the field of dishwashing technology, in particular in the field of commercial dishwashing technology. Therefore, the present invention is particularly useful in large kitchens, where a relatively large number of items to be cleaned, such as trays, crocks and cutlery, need to be cleaned. However, other types of cleaning devices can also be modified according to the present invention in principle, and / or the present invention can be used to clean other types of items to be cleaned. Background Art

[0002] The prior art discloses a large number of cleaning devices, also referred to as cleaning equipment, which are capable of cleaning and / or disinfecting the items to be cleaned. In general, the form of these cleaning devices depends to a large extent on various boundary conditions, such as the type of the items to be cleaned, the degree of contamination, the throughput or similar conditions. For example, reference may be made to the cleaning devices described in the following documents: DE102004056052A1, DE102007025263A1, DE102015102593A1, EP2491844A2 or EP1982631A2. However, other forms of cleaning devices are also possible.

[0003] In a dishwasher, usually at least one cleaning fluid is applied to the items to be cleaned to be treated. For example, this can be achieved in the washing chamber by at least one application device, in particular an application device having at least one nozzle system.

[0004] In order to produce the cleaning fluid and / or at least one component of the cleaning fluid, at least one salt solution may be produced. Various salt dissolving devices are known in the prior art.

[0005] DE 1883789 U describes a salt container for an ion exchanger in a washing appliance, in particular a dishwasher, which container has a device for distributing the inflowing water to the upper cross-sectional area of ​​the container.

[0006] DE 3303161 A1 describes a water softening device for household appliances, in particular dishwashers, which has an ion exchanger and a salt container through which water flows from bottom to top, the container having a collecting chamber for receiving clean fresh water in the bottom region (below a salt receiving chamber covered by a screen) and a brine overflow to the ion exchanger in the upper region of the container, the overflow communicating with a mixing channel bypassing the salt receiving chamber and supplied with clean fresh water. The mixing channel is provided with a liquid-permeable salt chamber which can be filled with liquid from the salt receiving chamber.

[0007] DE 10 2004 021 197 A1 describes a water treatment device for household machines such as dishwashers, washing machines, etc., which has an ion exchanger and a salt container, the interior of which includes a salt chamber for storing salt for regenerating the ion exchanger, which can reliably supply the ion exchanger with a sufficient amount of brine of sufficient concentration even in the case of low salt levels and / or in the case of rapid replacement of brine into the ion exchanger. This is achieved by providing a brine chamber for receiving liquid brine, which is separated from the salt chamber by a partition that is impermeable to undissolved solid salt but permeable to liquid brine, so that the brine chamber stores the amount of brine required for the regeneration process at least partially in the form of a brine reserve.

[0008] EP1023868A2 describes a device for softening clean fresh water in a cleaning device for crockery and / or tray parts, the device comprising a closed container in which at least one ion exchange container, a salt container and a salt solution metering device for regeneration are fluidically connected. The method comprises the following steps: between the steps of washing and rinsing the tableware and / or tray parts, flushing at least one regenerated exchange container with water, loading at least one exchange container with flushing liquid for softening, and regenerating at least one exchange container by passing the salt solution through the exchange container. During water softening and regeneration, the flow direction of the water through the exchange container is opposite.

[0009] EP1334688A2 describes a method for detecting salt deficiency in a dishwasher or washing machine equipped with a water softener, wherein a salt container of the water softener is connected to a liquid such as clean fresh water to prepare a salt solution, and an ion exchanger is regenerated with salt water from the salt container, wherein the density of the salt water is used to detect salt deficiency. According to the invention, the liquid height difference between the salt water and the clean fresh water is obtained from the density difference between the supplied clean fresh water and the salt water, and this liquid height difference is used to detect the salt water concentration. The device for implementing the method can be implemented simply and reliably, with little and low-cost manufacturing. For this purpose, a light sensor in the form of an optical grating can be advantageously used.

[0010] GB1493229A describes a container for storing a regeneration agent for a water softener in a dishwasher, the container consisting of a hollow body extending below the bottom of a washing tank and a feed neck for supplying the regeneration agent to the hollow body, wherein the feed neck extends into the washing tank, and a gap between the feed neck and the hollow body forms an outlet allowing liquid to flow from the hollow body into the washing tank, wherein the arrangement is such that both the feed neck and the outlet can be closed by a lid at the same time.

[0011] WO 2008 / 125504 A1 describes a water-conducting household appliance, in particular a dishwasher or a washing machine, which has a water softening device, the water softening device comprising a regeneration agent container, the regeneration agent container having a regeneration agent receiving chamber, into which regeneration agent and water can be introduced, from which brine formed by regeneration agent and water can be discharged via an overflow pipe with a predetermined cross section, the regeneration agent container having a brine screen, which is arranged in the regeneration agent container and connected to the overflow pipe. The brine screen has a screen surface that is larger than the cross section of the overflow pipe.

[0012] Despite the advantages of the known apparatus and method, there are still many technical challenges. For example, individual components of the salt dissolution apparatus are susceptible to scaling. In addition, the salt may harden or agglomerate in the salt receiving container.

[0013] Purpose of the Invention

[0014] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a salt dissolving device for providing at least one salt solution for a dishwasher, a dishwasher for cleaning items to be cleaned, and a method for producing at least one salt solution for a dishwasher, which salt dissolving device, the dishwasher and the method at least largely avoid the disadvantages of the known devices and methods of the above-mentioned type. In particular, a simple, inexpensive and reliable salt dissolving device is provided. Summary of the invention

[0015] This object is achieved by a salt dissolving device for providing at least one salt solution for a dishwasher, a dishwasher for cleaning items to be cleaned, and a method for producing at least one salt solution for a dishwasher, which have the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous refinements which can be implemented individually or in any desired combination are shown in the dependent claims.

[0016] In the following, the terms "having", "including" or "comprising" or any grammatical variants thereof are used in a non-exclusive manner. Therefore, these terms can refer to the absence of other features besides the features introduced by these terms, or the presence of one or more other features besides the features introduced by these terms. For example, the expression "A has B", "A includes B" or "A contains B" can refer to the absence of other elements in A besides B (i.e., A consists only of B), or the presence of one or more other elements in A besides B, such as element C, elements C and D or even other elements.

[0017] It should also be noted that the terms "at least one" and "one or more" and grammatical variants of these terms, when used with one or more elements or features and intended to express that the element or feature can be provided one or more times, are usually used only once, such as when the feature or element is first introduced. When the feature or element is mentioned again later, the corresponding terms "at least one" or "one or more" are usually no longer used, but this does not limit the possibility that the feature or element can be provided one or more times.

[0018] In addition, the terms "preferably", "in particular", "for example" or similar terms are used in association with optional features hereinafter, but the alternative embodiments are not thereby limited. Therefore, the features introduced by these terms are optional features, and it is not intended that the scope of protection of the claims, in particular the scope of protection of the independent claims, be limited by these features. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can also be implemented using different forms. Similarly, the features introduced by "in an embodiment of the present invention" or "in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention" are to be understood as optional features, without intending to limit the scope of protection of alternative forms or independent claims thereby. In addition, by these introductory expressions, all possibilities of combining the features introduced thereby with other features (whether they are optional features or non-optional features) are not affected.

[0019] The expressions "first" and "second" should be regarded as purely descriptive and do not specify an order or hierarchy, for example, it does not exclude the possibility that multiple types of first elements or second elements can be provided, or only one type is provided in each case. In addition, additional elements may also be present, such as one or more third elements.

[0020] A first aspect of the present invention provides a salt dissolving device for providing at least one salt solution to a dishwasher.

[0021] The salt dissolving device comprises at least one salt receiving container. The salt receiving container has at least one introduction opening for at least one salt. The salt receiving container is made of at least one fluid-impermeable material. The salt receiving container has a funnel-shaped bottom. The salt receiving container has at least one inlet at its lower end. The salt receiving container also has at least one outlet at its upper end. The salt dissolving device also comprises at least one salt solution container for receiving a salt solution. The salt solution container is fluidly connected to each of the inlet and the outlet of the salt receiving container. The salt solution container also has at least one salt solution outlet for providing a salt solution to a dishwasher. The salt dissolving device also comprises at least one solvent inlet for supplying at least one solvent into the salt dissolving device. The salt dissolving device also comprises at least one pump. The pump is adapted to transport at least one fluid medium from the salt solution container via the inlet into the salt receiving container, and to transport the fluid medium from the salt receiving container back into the salt solution container via the outlet, wherein the fluid medium is selected from the group consisting of a solvent and a salt solution.

[0022] The term "dishwasher" used herein is a broad term and should be given the conventional meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may refer to (but not limited to) a cleaning device in particular, which is suitable for removing attached dirt on items to be cleaned in the form of tableware and / or disinfecting and / or sterilizing the tableware, in particular by applying at least one cleaning solution to remove. Tableware may particularly include items to be cleaned that are suitable for and used to hold, prepare or store food and / or beverages, such as items to be cleaned selected from the group consisting of the following items: plates, cups, saucers, bowls, glasses, pans, stew pots, trays, cutlery, food containers. Dishwashers may be commercial dishwashers for large kitchens or group kitchens. Dishwashers may also be suitable for cleaning heavier and / or larger items to be cleaned, such as containers and / or pots. In principle, other forms of dishwashers and / or items to be cleaned also exist.

[0023] The dishwasher can be selected from the group consisting of: a conveyor dishwasher, in particular a belt conveyor dishwasher and / or a basket conveyor dishwasher; a tunnel dishwasher; a program-automated dishwasher. In principle, other types of dishwashers are also conceivable.

[0024] The term "item to be cleaned" as used herein is likewise a broad term and should be understood in accordance with the usual and ordinary meaning understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may refer to (but is not limited to) any item that can be cleaned by a dishwasher. One item may be cleaned, or multiple items may be cleaned simultaneously or sequentially. In particular, the item to be cleaned may be an item that is used directly or indirectly for preparing, storing, holding or serving food, i.e., for example, a crock, a cutlery, a tray, a dish, a glass, a pot, a cup, a pan or the like.

[0025] The term "salt dissolving device" used herein is a broad term and should be understood in accordance with the usual and common meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may refer to (but is not limited to) any device suitable for dissolving at least one salt of any type and thereby producing a salt solution. Specifically, the salt dissolving device may be suitable for receiving at least one salt and / or at least one salt mixture. The salt dissolving device may also be suitable for dissolving the salt and / or salt mixture in a solvent, in particular in water. The salt dissolving device may also be suitable for providing a salt solution. Specifically, the salt dissolving device may be suitable for storing a salt solution and / or transferring the salt solution to another device. Specifically, the salt dissolving device may be suitable for providing a salt solution having a desired salt concentration. The salt dissolving device may have a plurality of components, which will be described in more detail below.

[0026] The term "salt" as used herein is a broad term and should be understood in accordance with the usual and ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may refer to (but is not limited to) any compound that exists mainly in crystalline form and consists of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. The salt may in particular be a salt of moderate solubility or a salt of low solubility. However, soluble, easily soluble or very easily soluble salts are also possible. In particular, the salt may have a density of 50 g / dm in water at 20°C. 3 Up to 1000g / dm 3 The salt may be an alkali metal salt, in particular a sodium or potassium salt. The alkali metal salt may be selected from the group consisting of sodium citrate, trisodium methylglycine diacetate (MGDA), sodium polyacrylate, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium formate, sodium acetate, potassium citrate, potassium polyacrylate, potassium tripolyphosphate, potassium acetate, tetrasodium N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-glutamate (GLDA), tetrasodium iminodisuccinate (IDS), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), triacetic acid (NTA). Mixtures of the above alkali metal salts are also possible in principle. In addition, other salts are also possible in principle.

[0027] The term "fluid medium" as used herein is likewise a broad term and should be understood in the usual and ordinary sense as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may refer to (but is not limited to) a substance in a fluid state, in particular a gaseous and / or liquid substance. The fluid medium may be, for example, in the form of a pure substance or in the form of a mixture. In particular, the fluid medium may include at least one aqueous liquid, in particular water.

[0028] The term "solvent" as used herein is a broad term and should be understood in the usual sense as generally understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may refer to (but not limited to) any substance that is particularly capable of dissolving and diluting gases, liquids and / or solids, and no chemical reaction occurs between the solvent, the substance to be dissolved and the dissolved substance during the dissolution process. The solvent may be water, preferably clean fresh water. The term "clean fresh water" used here is a broad term and should be understood in the usual sense as generally understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may refer to (but not limited to) in particular unused water. The water may be at least substantially free of impurities. Clean fresh water may be in particular water of drinking water quality. The solvent may also be permeate water. The term "permeate water" used here is a broad term and should be understood in the usual and ordinary sense as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may refer to (but not limited to) in particular filtered water, which has at least been freed of almost all harmful substances, for example, by an osmosis system. Due to its high purity, the water hardness of the permeate water may reach about 0°GH. In principle, other types of solvents may also be considered.

[0029] The term "salt solution" as used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may refer to (but is not limited to) any solution of at least one salt in at least one solvent, in particular water. The salt solution may be at least one cleaning liquid or at least one component of a cleaning liquid. Alternatively, the salt solution may form the starting material for at least one component of the cleaning liquid. For example, the salt solution may be converted into at least one component of the cleaning liquid by at least one conversion device, in particular into at least one alkali solution and / or at least one acid. The conversion device may be, for example, an electrolytic cell or a dialysis cell. In principle, other devices may also be considered. As described above, the salt dissolving device is suitable for providing at least one salt solution to a dishwasher. The salt dissolving device may be a device of a dishwasher. Therefore, the salt solution may be prepared in a dishwasher. However, the salt solution does not necessarily have to be prepared in a dishwasher.

[0030] The term "cleaning fluid" used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and common meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term can particularly refer to (but not limited to) a fluid, particularly a liquid, that can produce a cleaning effect when in contact with the item to be cleaned. In particular, the cleaning fluid can include an aqueous liquid, such as water and / or water with one or more additives (e.g., water with one or more detergent concentrates and / or rinse aids and / or disinfectants). The cleaning device can be suitable for using a single cleaning fluid or a combination of multiple cleaning fluids. If multiple cleaning fluids are provided, various cleaning fluids can be applied to the item to be cleaned simultaneously or sequentially. Therefore, for example, as described above, the item to be cleaned can be kept fixed in the cleaning chamber, and various cleaning fluids can be applied thereto in succession. Alternatively, the item to be cleaned can also be transported through the cleaning chamber, such as being transported through a cleaning channel, in which different types of cleaning fluids and / or cleaning fluids of different purities are sequentially applied to the cleaning areas installed in succession.

[0031] The term "salt receiving container" as used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may refer to (but is not limited to) any container suitable for receiving at least one salt. The salt receiving container may completely or partially surround or enclose at least one internal space. The salt receiving container may particularly provide mechanical stability. The salt receiving container may be made of, for example, at least one rigid material. As described above, the salt receiving container includes at least one introduction opening. The term "introduction opening" as used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may refer to (but is not limited to) any container opening suitable for introducing a substance (particularly a salt) into at least one internal space of a container.

[0032] As described above, the salt receiving container is made of at least one fluid-impermeable material. The term "fluid-impermeable material" used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term can refer to any material that is impermeable to any fluid, but is not limited to this. The fluid-impermeable material can be particularly a non-porous material. As described above, the salt receiving container can completely or partially surround or close at least one internal space. The salt receiving container can have at least one wall, which completely or partially surrounds or closes the internal space. The wall can be made of a fluid-impermeable material. Salt, especially after being introduced into the salt receiving container, can be in direct contact with the wall made of a fluid-impermeable material. The fluid-impermeable material can prevent the fluid medium from leaking from the internal space to the external environment of the salt receiving container. However, the salt receiving container, especially the wall made of a fluid-impermeable material, can have one or more openings, especially cutouts, which can form an inlet for the fluid medium to enter the salt receiving container and / or an outlet for leaving the salt receiving container. The salt receiving container can be made of at least one material selected from the following groups: metal, preferably stainless steel; plastic material, preferably a thermosetting or thermoplastic plastic material. The plastic material can be, for example, polypropylene or polyethylene. The plastic material can optionally include at least one reinforcing material, in particular glass fibers and / or one or more minerals. In principle, other materials are also conceivable.

[0033] As described above, the salt receiving container has a funnel-shaped bottom. The term "bottom" used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may refer to (but not limited to) a region of the upper space, in particular, which is arranged farthest in the direction of gravity, taking into account the gravity direction that usually dominates in the upper region, and / or refers to a region of the upper space where liquids and / or solids usually gather under gravity. The term "funnel-shaped bottom" used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may refer to (but not limited to) any bottom that is at least partially funnel-shaped. The cross-section of the funnel-shaped bottom may taper uniformly or unevenly. The funnel-shaped bottom may have an upper end and an opposite lower end. The funnel-shaped bottom may taper from the upper end to the lower end. The funnel-shaped bottom may have the shape of a cone or a truncated cone, in particular a right cone or a right truncated cone. The funnel-shaped bottom of the salt receiving container can have an opening angle of 20° to 120°, preferably 60° to 100°, particularly preferably 80°. In principle, an “opening angle” is to be understood as twice the angle between the generatrix of the cone and the axis. In principle, other opening angles are also conceivable.

[0034] The salt receiving container, in particular the funnel-shaped bottom of the salt receiving container, can have a cross section selected from the group consisting of: an annular cross section, in particular a circular cross section; a rectangular cross section, in particular a square cross section; a polygonal cross section. However, in principle, other cross sections and cross-sectional shapes that vary along the length of the salt receiving container or the funnel-shaped bottom are also conceivable. Optionally, the salt receiving container can have a region at the top adjacent to the funnel-shaped bottom, which region has a substantially constant cross section. This can in principle facilitate the introduction of the salt.

[0035] As described above, the salt receiving container has at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The terms "inlet" and "outlet" as used herein are broad terms and should be given the usual and ordinary meanings understood by those skilled in the art. These terms are not limited to special or customized meanings. These terms can refer to (but are not limited to) areas of a container in particular, in particular openings through which a fluid medium enters or leaves the interior space of a container.

[0036] As described above, the salt receiving container has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end and the lower end may be opposite to each other. The funnel-shaped bottom may be located at the lower end. The term "lower end" as used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to special or custom meanings. The term may refer to (but is not limited to) the area of ​​the element that is arranged farthest in the direction of gravity, especially relative to the direction of gravity that usually prevails. The term "upper end" as used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to special or custom meanings. The term may refer to (but is not limited to) the area of ​​the element that is arranged farthest in the direction of gravity, especially relative to the direction of gravity that usually prevails.

[0037] As described above, the salt receiving container has an inlet at the lower end. The inlet can be formed in particular by the opening of the funnel-shaped bottom. As described above, the outlet is arranged at the upper end of the salt receiving container. The outlet can be arranged in particular on the side wall of the funnel-shaped bottom. In addition, as described above, the salt receiving container can have an area adjacent to the funnel-shaped bottom at the top, which has a substantially constant cross-section, and the outlet can be formed by the opening of the adjacent area. In particular, the outlet of the salt receiving container can have at least one outlet connection. The salt dissolving device can be configured so that the fluid medium flows from the salt solution container against gravity into the salt receiving container. In particular, the salt dissolving device can be configured so that the fluid medium flows from the salt solution container substantially axially, i.e. along the axis, via the inlet into the salt receiving container. In particular, the salt dissolving device can be configured so that the fluid medium flows from the salt solution container along the axis of the pipeline system between the salt solution container and the salt receiving container, in particular along the longitudinal axis of the pipe or hose between the salt solution container and the salt receiving container, via the inlet into the salt receiving container.

[0038] By means of the arrangement of the inlet and outlet and by means of the funnel-shaped bottom, the salt can be dissolved at least almost completely, in particular because the salt which has not yet dissolved will continue to slide downwards and will always be loosened by the solvent and flow around it when the pump is turned on. In order to dissolve the salt, in principle the solubility of the salt, the flow rate of the solvent, the duration of the flow through the salt receiving container and / or the temperature of the solvent must be taken into account or adjusted. The higher the temperature of the solvent and / or the higher the flow rate of the solvent, in principle the faster the salt dissolves.

[0039] The salt dissolving device may also comprise at least one screen, in particular a flexible screen. The screen may be arranged at the inlet and / or outlet of the salt receiving container. The screen may at least largely prevent the salt in solid form from escaping from the salt receiving container. In particular, the salt may thus remain in the salt receiving container until all the salt has dissolved. By means of the flexible screen, the self-movement of the screen surface of the screen may at least partially remove, in particular break up, adhering salt deposits. The self-movement of the screen surface may be caused, for example, by switching the pump on and off. For example, the self-movement may be manifested as a protrusion of the originally substantially flat screen surface of the screen. For example, the movement of the screen surface may vary by + / -10% of the equivalent diameter based on the equivalent diameter.

[0040] As mentioned above, the salt dissolving device also includes at least one salt solution container for receiving the salt solution. The term "salt solution container" used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may refer to (but is not limited to) a fully or partially closed container that is suitable for receiving at least one fluid, in particular at least one liquid, in particular a salt solution. The wall of the salt solution container can, for example, be formed completely or partially by at least one metal material and / or at least one plastic material. In principle, other materials can also be considered.

[0041] As described above, the salt solution container is fluidly connected to each of the inlet and outlet of the salt receiving container. The term "fluid connection" as used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may refer to (but is not limited to) a device that allows the exchange of fluid between at least two fluid conducting elements. The fluid connection can specifically establish a fluid connection between two or more components of a fluid system, that is, in this case, specifically establish a fluid connection between the inlet or outlet of the salt receiving container and the salt solution container. The fluid connection may include, for example, one or more channels and / or pipes and / or openings in two or more corresponding elements so that they are fluidly connected to each other. The term "fluid connection" may also include the presence of one or more valves between two or more components of a fluid system.

[0042] In particular, the salt receiving container and the salt solution container can be arranged to be separated from each other in space. The salt receiving container and the salt solution container can be in the form of containers spaced apart from each other. Specifically, the salt receiving container can be arranged outside the salt solution container. The salt solution container can be fluidly connected to the inlet of the salt receiving container by at least a first pipeline system, and the salt solution container can be fluidly connected to the outlet of the salt receiving container by at least a second pipeline system. The first pipeline system and the second pipeline system can be configured to be separated from each other in fluid. The salt solution container can have at least one salt solution container outlet, which is fluidly connected to the inlet of the salt receiving container, in particular, by at least one pipeline and / or by at least one hose fluidly connected to the inlet of the salt receiving container. The salt solution container can also have at least one salt solution container inlet, which is fluidly connected to the outlet of the salt receiving container, in particular, by at least one pipeline and / or by at least one hose fluidly connected to the outlet of the salt receiving container. The salt solution container can be arranged below the salt receiving container. However, embodiments in which the salt solution container is not arranged below the salt receiving container can also be considered. In this case, one or more pumps are optionally required.

[0043] In principle, other forms of salt receiving container and saline solution container are also conceivable. Thus, the salt receiving container can be integrated in the saline solution container. The salt receiving container can in particular be completely or at least partially surrounded by the saline solution container. The fluid connection between the salt receiving container and the saline solution container can be achieved by overflowing the salt receiving container.

[0044] As described above, the salt solution container has at least one salt solution outlet for providing the dishwasher with salt solution. In particular, the salt dissolving device can be a device of the dishwasher. Thus, the salt solution can be produced in the dishwasher. However, the salt solution does not necessarily have to be produced in the dishwasher. By means of the salt solution outlet, the already produced salt solution can be removed from the salt solution container. In particular, the already produced salt solution can be transferred from the salt solution container to a downstream system.

[0045] As described above, the salt dissolving device comprises at least one solvent inlet for supplying at least one solvent into the salt dissolving device. The solvent inlet may in particular be an inlet of a salt solution container. However, in principle, other arrangements of the solvent inlet may also be conceivable. The solvent inlet may in particular be fluidically connected to at least one solvent supply device. The term "solvent supply device" used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may refer to (but is not limited to) an element or device that is particularly suitable for supplying a solvent to at least one other element that is fluidically connected to the solvent supply port. The solvent supply device may include, for example, at least one solvent delivery pipeline and / or a pipeline system. In particular, the solvent supply device may be a clean fresh water supply device.

[0046] As mentioned above, the salt dissolving device includes at least one pump. The term "pump" used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and common meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may refer to, but is not limited to, a device particularly for conveying a fluid medium (particularly a liquid), which is suitable for providing a volume flow or mass flow of a fluid medium and / or providing the quantity of the fluid medium. The pump may be directly connected to the salt receiving container, for example, by a fluid connection, such as being connected to the inlet of the salt receiving container, and / or may be connected to the salt receiving container by at least one intermediate fluid element (for example, at least one valve). In particular, the pump may be connected to a substantially fail-safe (fail-safe) energy storage, particularly a battery or a capacitor.

[0047] The pump is preferably arranged before the inlet of the salt receiving container. In particular, the pump can be arranged between the saline solution container and the salt receiving container. However, other arrangements of the pump are also conceivable. Therefore, as an alternative, the pump can be arranged after the outlet of the salt receiving container.

[0048] As described above, the pump is adapted to transfer at least one fluid medium from the saline solution container via the inlet into the salt receiving container, and to transfer the fluid medium from the salt receiving container via the outlet back into the saline solution container, wherein the fluid medium is selected from the group consisting of a solvent, a saline solution. In particular, the pump may be adapted to repeatedly transfer the fluid medium from the saline solution container via the inlet into the salt receiving container, and to transfer the fluid medium from the salt receiving container via the outlet back into the saline solution container. In particular, the pump may be adapted to repeatedly circulate the fluid medium between the salt receiving container and the saline solution container.

[0049] The pump can be adapted to recirculate the fluid medium located in the salt receiving container, in particular the fluid medium which cannot be discharged through the outlet of the salt receiving container. The pump is particularly adapted to convey the fluid medium in both directions. Alternatively, the pump can be configured to not completely close the line system between the salt receiving container and the saline solution container, in particular so that the outflow of the fluid medium from the salt receiving container and the return flow of the fluid medium into the saline solution container both take place under the action of gravity. The saline solution container can be arranged below the salt receiving container.

[0050] The salt dissolving device may also have at least one controller. The controller may be particularly suitable for controlling a pump. In particular, the controller may be particularly suitable for controlling the pump so that the fluid medium circulates repeatedly, in particular intermittently, between the salt receiving container and the salt solution container. For example, the pump may be alternately turned on for 5 to 20 minutes, in particular 10 to 15 minutes, and turned off for 1 to 10 minutes, in particular 2 to 5 minutes. For example, the pump may be turned on for 15 minutes, then turned off for 3 minutes, and then turned on again for 15 minutes. In principle, other intervals are also possible.

[0051] The term "controller" as used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may refer to a single-component device or a multi-component device of a salt dissolution device, which is suitable for controlling and / or regulating the operation of the salt dissolution device in whole or in part. In particular, the controller may be suitable for changing one or more operating parameters of the salt dissolution device, in particular controlling and / or regulating one or more operating parameters of the salt dissolution device, such as at least one pump capacity and / or at least one valve position. The controller may particularly include at least one data processing device, such as at least one processor.

[0052] The controller of the salt dissolving device can be designed as an independent device. However, as an alternative or in addition, the controller can also be fully or partially integrated in a higher-level controller, for example in a controller of a dishwasher, which can be part of the salt dissolving device. The controller of the dishwasher can be, for example, a central machine controller or a local machine controller. The controller of the dishwasher can in particular be a single-component device or a multi-component device of the dishwasher, which is suitable for fully or partially controlling and / or regulating the operation of the dishwasher. In particular, the controller of the dishwasher can be suitable for changing, in particular controlling and / or regulating one or more operating parameters of the dishwasher, such as at least one temperature, at least one pressure, at least one heating power, at least one pump capacity, at least one valve position or a combination of two or more operating parameters. The controller of the dishwasher can in particular include at least one data processing device, such as at least one processor. The controller of the dishwasher can in particular be adjusted in terms of programming, for example in order to control or execute at least one cleaning program of the dishwasher.

[0053] The salt receiving container may be adapted to receive salt. The salt dissolving device, in particular the salt solution container, may be adapted to receive a solvent. The salt dissolving device may be adapted to flow a fluid medium through the salt in the salt receiving container, in particular from below, in particular so that the salt solution accumulates in an upper region of the salt receiving container. The salt dissolving device may be adapted to transfer the salt solution from the salt receiving container to the salt solution container. The salt dissolving device may be adapted to repeatedly transfer a fluid medium, in particular a salt solution, from the salt solution container to the salt receiving container and to transfer a fluid medium from the salt receiving container to the salt solution container. The salt solution container may be adapted to store the salt solution. With increasing dissolution time, the concentration of the salt solution may increase, in particular to a maximum value, which depends primarily on the amount of salt and the amount of solvent.

[0054] When the flow rate is too low or the solvent is in a static state, salt residues or undissolved salts may in principle aggregate to form larger structures. Salt may be partially or completely located in the solvent. In particular, in order to prevent or at least avoid such deposition of salt in the salt receiving container to a large extent, it can be ensured that the amount of salt introduced into the salt receiving container is at least fully dissolved to a large extent. For this purpose, it can be ensured that the pump circulates the salt or saline solution between the salt receiving container and the saline solution container until the total amount of salt introduced is at least almost dissolved. In order to ensure that this can be done even during unfavorable configurations and / or unfavorable states (e.g., power failures or shut-down machines), as described above, the pump can be optionally connected to a substantially fail-safe (fail-safe) energy storage. It can also be ensured that there is enough solvent in the salt dissolving device, in particular, so as to at least almost completely dissolve the amount of salt introduced. This depends in particular on the solvent temperature and the solubility of the salt. The above-mentioned intermittent through-flow can contribute to the salt being at least almost completely dissolved.

[0055] The salt dissolving device may also have at least one salt receiving container solvent supply device, in particular a nozzle, which is suitable for cleaning the salt receiving container. The salt receiving container solvent supply device is particularly suitable for cleaning the salt receiving container and / or the first pipeline system and / or the second pipeline system and / or the salt solution container. The salt receiving container solvent supply device is suitable for spraying at least one solvent into the salt receiving container. The salt receiving container solvent supply device can be arranged in particular above the end of the salt receiving container opposite the funnel-shaped bottom. However, other arrangements are also conceivable in principle.

[0056] The term "nozzle" as used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may refer to (but is not limited to) any device suitable for delivering at least one fluid in a prescribed manner, in particular in the form of a jet or droplets. In particular, the nozzle may be suitable for applying the fluid to at least one object to be applied in a prescribed manner. Thus, the nozzle may have at least one outlet opening through which the fluid can flow out and be applied to the object to be applied. In particular, the nozzle may be suitable, for example, for directing the fluid to the object to be applied in at least one predetermined direction, for example at a predetermined angle.

[0057] In particular, after each operation in which the salt is at least almost completely dissolved, the salt dissolving device can be cleaned. This can be achieved by means of a salt receiving container solvent supply. This flushing step can ensure that the operator never comes into contact with salt or salt solution residues. This flushing step can also at least largely prevent salt residues from crystallizing out in the salt dissolving device outside of the dissolving operation. A typical time period for the salt solution in the salt solution container to be exhausted can be, for example, one week.

[0058] The salt solution container may also have at least one sensor. The term "sensor" as used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may refer (but is not limited to) in particular to a device suitable for detecting at least one property (e.g. at least one physical, chemical or biological property) of different devices, substances or environments. The sensor may in particular be selected from the group consisting of: a level sensor for detecting the volume of a fluid medium, in particular a float with a switch contact; a pressure sensor for detecting the filling level; a sensor for measuring the pH value; a sensor for measuring conductivity. In principle, other types of sensors may also be used. For example, at least one sensor may be connected to a controller of the salt dissolving device and / or a controller of a dishwasher.

[0059] The salt solution container can also have at least one further salt solution outlet for supplying the salt solution to a wastewater system, in particular by means of at least one pump and / or at least one valve. Thus, for example, excess salt solution and / or liquid formed during the cleaning process can be processed. Furthermore, in the event of a malfunction or an unfavorable state, the salt dissolution device can be emptied.

[0060] The salt receiving container may in particular have at least two outlets. The salt dissolving device may also include at least two salt solution containers. The salt solution containers may each be fluidically connected to an inlet of the salt receiving container and one of the at least two outlets. The salt dissolving device may also include at least two pumps. The at least two pumps may each be adapted to deliver a fluid medium from one of the salt solution containers via an inlet to the salt receiving container, and from the salt receiving container back to one of the salt solution containers, in particular to deliver the fluid medium repeatedly. In particular, one of the at least two pumps may be associated with each of the at least two salt solution containers. The at least two salt solution containers may in particular include a salt solution container and a further salt solution container, wherein the further salt solution container has at least one further solvent inlet for supplying a solvent to the further salt solution container. The salt solution container may be fluidically connected to the inlet of the salt receiving container via a pipeline system. The further salt solution container may be fluidically connected to the inlet of the salt receiving container via a further pipeline system. A T-piece may be arranged at the inlet of the salt receiving container. However, in principle, other connecting elements, such as a Y-piece, are also conceivable. The pipeline system and the further pipeline system may be separated from each other by at least one active or passive switching element. The active or passive switching element can be selected from the group consisting of a valve, a slide, a flap, a tap. However, other switching elements are also conceivable in principle. By means of at least two salt solution containers, two or more salts can also be dissolved successively in the salt receiving container. The switching element can be connected, for example, to a controller of the salt dissolving device and / or a controller of the dishwasher.

[0061] In another aspect of the present invention, a dishwasher for cleaning items to be cleaned is provided.

[0062] The dishwasher comprises at least one salt dissolving device as already described or as will be described hereinafter.

[0063] The dishwasher further comprises at least one washing chamber and at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to items to be cleaned in the washing chamber.

[0064] The term "cleaning chamber" as used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may refer to (but is not limited to) a completely or partially enclosed chamber in which all or part of the cleaning operation can be performed. The cleaning chamber may in particular have at least one housing that completely or partially surrounds the cleaning chamber. A single cleaning chamber may be provided, or in principle a plurality of cleaning chambers may also be provided, for example a plurality of cleaning chambers are provided sequentially. In particular, a single cleaning chamber may be provided so that the cleaning device may take the form of a so-called program automation, for example as described above.

[0065] The term "applying device" as used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special meaning or a customized meaning. The term can refer in principle to any device by which a cleaning fluid, in particular at least one cleaning liquid, can be applied to the items to be cleaned in the washing chamber. "Applying" can generally be understood as contacting the items to be cleaned with the cleaning fluid in any way. This can be achieved in particular in the form of direct application, for example by spraying, spraying, ejecting or a combination of the above and / or other direct application types, wherein the cleaning fluid directly contacts the items to be cleaned, preferably with an impulse greater than zero.

[0066] The application device can comprise, in particular, at least one nozzle system, for example at least one nozzle arm, for example at least one rotatably mounted nozzle arm.

[0067] The dishwasher may also have at least one salt solution storage container for receiving salt solution from the salt solution container. The salt solution storage container may be arranged in particular below the salt solution container. The term "salt solution storage container" used herein is a broad term, which should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may particularly refer to a fully or partially closed container, which is suitable for receiving at least one fluid, in particular at least one liquid, in particular a salt solution. One wall of the salt solution container may, for example, be made of at least one metal material and / or at least one plastic material in full or in part. The salt solution storage container may be suitable for storing salt solution. The salt solution storage container may be fluidically connected or fluidically connectable to the salt solution container. The salt solution storage container may have at least one salt solution storage container outlet for providing salt solution to the dishwasher. The dishwasher may also have at least one element selected from the group consisting of a valve and a supply pump. The element may be suitable for transferring salt solution from the salt solution container to the salt solution storage container. The element may be controlled by a controller of the salt dissolving device or the dishwasher. In this manner, saline solution may be transferred from the saline solution container to the saline solution storage container as desired, or fluid isolation may be achieved between the saline solution container and the saline solution storage container if desired.

[0068] By means of at least one salt solution storage container, it is also possible to successively dissolve two or more salts in a salt receiving container and transfer them after dissolution to a salt solution storage container for a specific salt solution. The transfer can be performed by gravity and at least one valve and / or by at least one pump. For example, one salt solution can be transferred from a salt solution container to a salt solution storage container for further storage, and another salt solution can be transferred from a salt solution container directly to a downstream system, for example to a processing zone of a dishwasher.

[0069] The dishwasher can have at least one housing in particular. The salt dissolving device can be integrated in the dishwasher. In particular, the salt dissolving device can be arranged in the housing of the dishwasher. However, other embodiments can also be imagined. The salt dissolving device can be located in the housing of the salt dissolving device in whole or in part. The housing of the salt dissolving device can be attached to the housing of the dishwasher or arranged at a distance from the housing of the dishwasher. For example, the housing of the salt dissolving device can be attached to the bottom of the feed table of the dishwasher. The salt dissolving device can also be located in the additional device of the dishwasher. The term "housing" used herein is a broad term, which should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term can refer to (but not limited to) an element that particularly completely or partially surrounds or encloses at least one other element or at least one internal space. The housing can provide mechanical stability in particular. The housing can, for example, be made of at least one rigid material, for example, made of at least one metal material and / or at least one plastic material. In particular, the housing can be made of metal in whole or in part in this example, in particular, made of high-grade steel, preferably made of stainless steel.

[0070] The salt dissolving device may also have at least one display device for guiding the user. The display device may be activated by a controller of the dishwasher and / or a controller of the salt dissolving device. The display device may be suitable for instructing the user of the dishwasher to introduce at least one salt into at least one introduction opening of the salt dissolving device. The display device may have at least one visual display, in particular a visual display selected from the group consisting of a text display and a color display. In particular, the display device may include a display and / or a light element that can emit light in different colors. The display device may be arranged on at least one operating element of the dishwasher, in particular on a door handle of at least one door of the introduction opening. For example, a light element that can emit light in different colors may be arranged on a door handle of the door of the introduction opening, the door handle being completely or partially transparent and emitting light in different colors by the controller according to the user information to be transmitted to the user. The illumination may be continuous or may be performed only when the user needs to take action. Thus, for example, a specific color may prompt the user to add fresh salt to the salt receiving container. Specifically, the packaging of the salt may be marked with a specific color, and the specific color may prompt the user to add fresh salt marked with the corresponding color on the packaging to the salt receiving container.

[0071] Thus, the controller of the dishwasher and / or the controller of the salt dissolving device may be particularly adapted to prompt the user to perform at least one action via the display device. However, other user information may also be provided alternatively or additionally. The controller may be particularly adapted to unlock the door of the introduction opening to perform the action, so that, for example, while the user information is displayed accordingly or after a certain period of time, the door of the introduction opening is opened so that the user can add fresh salt to the salt receiving container.

[0072] The salt dissolving device may have at least one reader for reading at least one piece of information of at least one identifier of the salt packaging. For example, the salt packaging may have at least one barcode, at least one QR code or at least one RFID tag. The term "identifier" used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may refer to (but not limited to) an element that can be connected to an object and contains at least one readable information (e.g., at least one readable information about an object). At least one readable information may include, for example, information selected from the group consisting of the following items: the type of object; the identification of the object; the characteristics of the object; the intended or correct use or treatment of the object. The identifier may be read, for example, in at least one manner selected from the group consisting of the following items: electronic reading; optical reading; magnetic reading. The identifier may in particular have at least one connecting element for connecting to an object, such as at least one adhesive surface. Therefore, the identifier may in particular take the form of a tag. However, in principle other forms are also possible.

[0073] Therefore, the term "reader" used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may refer to (but is not limited to) a device that is particularly suitable for reading at least one piece of information stored in an identifier. Depending on the type of identifier, the reader may include, for example, at least one optical reader, in particular a barcode reader, such as a barcode scanner. Alternatively or in addition, the reader may also include, for example, an electronic reader for wirelessly reading an electronic identifier, in particular an electromagnetic reader, in particular, for example, an RFID reader that complies with the NFC standard. Furthermore, as an alternative or supplement to one or both of the above options, the reader may also include a magnetic reader, in particular a magnetic stripe reader. Therefore, the reader can generally be selected from the group consisting of the following items: an optical reader for reading at least one optical identifier, in particular a barcode and / or a QR code; an electronic reader for reading at least one electronic identifier, in particular an RFID chip; a magnetic reader for reading at least one magnetic identifier.

[0074] The controller of the salt dissolving device and / or the dishwasher may generally be adapted to activate at least one reader. Thus, the controller may be adapted, for example, to activate a reading operation. Alternatively or additionally, the controller may also be adapted to process and / or transmit information read from the identifier. Depending on the at least one piece of information read, the controller may, for example, activate at least one action.

[0075] Thus, the controller of the salt dissolving device and / or the dishwasher can also be particularly adapted to visually display at least one notification to the user by performing at least one action, in particular at least one action selected from the group consisting of unlocking the door of the introduction opening, closing the door of the introduction opening, based on the information read. In this way, for example, it is possible to prevent incorrect salt, for example salt not suitable for the dishwasher, from being introduced into the salt receiving container. Alternatively or additionally, for example, it is possible to prevent salt from being introduced into the salt receiving container at an incorrect time. Also alternatively or additionally, for example, additional information about the salt can be determined and taken into account accordingly during the processing, for example the required amount of solvent that must be added to the salt. Various other options are also possible.

[0076] In another aspect of the present invention, a method of producing at least one salt solution for a dishwasher is provided.

[0077] The method comprises the steps listed below. These steps can be performed in particular in the order described. In addition, single or multiple method steps can also be performed simultaneously, overlapped in time or repeatedly. The method may include other steps not mentioned.

[0078] The method comprises the following steps:

[0079] a) providing a salt dissolution apparatus as already described or as will be described below;

[0080] b) introducing at least one salt into a salt receiving vessel;

[0081] c) supplying at least one solvent into the saline solution container;

[0082] d) delivering the solvent from the salt solution container via the inlet to the salt receiving container by means of a pump to form a salt solution;

[0083] e) returning the saline solution from the outlet of the salt receiving container to the saline solution container via a pump; and

[0084] f) The saline solution is repeatedly circulated between the salt receiving container and the saline solution container by means of a pump.

[0085] The salt can be provided in the form of a powder, granules and / or tablets. The salt can be provided in a solvent permeable package or a solvent impermeable package. Alternatively, the salt can also be provided in an unpackaged form.

[0086] The salt may in particular be a moderately soluble salt or a low soluble salt. However, soluble, readily soluble or very readily soluble salts are also possible. In particular, the salt may have a density of 50 g / dm in water at 20° C. 3 Up to 1000g / dm 3The salt may be an alkali metal salt, in particular a sodium or potassium salt. The alkali metal salt may be selected from the group consisting of sodium citrate, trisodium methylglycine diacetate (MGDA), sodium polyacrylate, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium formate, sodium acetate, potassium citrate, potassium polyacrylate, potassium tripolyphosphate, potassium acetate, tetrasodium N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-glutamate (GLDA), tetrasodium iminodisuccinate (IDS), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), triacetic acid (NTA). Mixtures of the above alkali metal salts are also possible in principle. The solvent may be water, preferably clean fresh water. In principle, other solvents, such as permeate water, are also possible.

[0087] In step f), the fluid medium can flow intermittently through the salt receiving container and the salt solution container. For example, the pump can be alternately turned on for 5 minutes to 20 minutes, in particular 10 minutes to 15 minutes, and turned off for 1 minute to 10 minutes, in particular 2 minutes to 5 minutes. In principle, other intervals are also conceivable.

[0088] After completing step f), the following steps can be performed:

[0089] g) Removing the saline solution from the saline solution container.

[0090] The term "removing" may include actively conveying the saline solution from the saline solution container, for example by at least one pump. The term "removing" may also include passively transferring the saline solution from the saline solution container to a further device, for example by opening a valve. By step g), the saline solution may be provided to another device, in particular to a further device of a dishwasher.

[0091] The method may further comprise at least one cleaning step. During the cleaning step, the salt dissolving device may be rinsed with at least one solvent. The cleaning step may comprise feeding a solvent into the salt receiving container by means of at least one salt receiving container solvent supply device, preferably by means of at least one nozzle. The cleaning step may further comprise feeding a solvent into the salt dissolving device via a solvent inlet, wherein the solvent is repeatedly circulated between the salt receiving container and the salt solution container by means of a pump. Salt residues may thus be dissolved. The solvent may then remain in the salt dissolving device for a subsequent dissolution cycle.

[0092] The method can be implemented and / or controlled by a computer in whole or in part. In particular, the computer control can be realized by prompting the user to perform method step b). The control of one or more pumps and / or valves can also be realized in a computer-controlled manner, so that, for example, one or more of method steps c) to f) can be realized in a computer-controlled manner. Therefore, a corresponding computer program is proposed, which performs the corresponding method steps when running on a computer or a computer network, for example, on a controller of a salt dissolving device and / or a controller of a dishwasher. The computer program can be stored in particular on a computer-readable data medium, in particular on a non-volatile data medium.

[0093] In another aspect, a package for at least one salt is provided. The package is suitable for containing at least one salt. The package comprises at least one pouring opening for the salt. The pouring opening is closed by at least one first closing element and optionally at least one second closing element.

[0094] The first closure element may be or include a transport closure. In particular, the first closure element may include a weld, such as at least one weld. The first closure element may be adapted to be opened by an operator, such as by opening or removing a welded area.

[0095] The second closing element can be arranged below the first closing element, in particular closer to the interior of the package. The second closing element can be closed after the filling of the package has been completed, in particular "on delivery", or can be closed manually by the operator before opening the first closing element. When the package is introduced into the introduction opening for emptying and is thereby rotated so that the pouring opening is at the bottom, the second closing element can be opened by a sudden upward movement of the package. The second closing element can increase the operator's work safety. In any case, in principle, the emptying of the package can also be achieved without the use of the second closing element.

[0096] Regarding the term "salt", reference is made to the above description.

[0097] The term "package" as used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may refer to (but is not limited to) wrapping part or all of an object, especially for protection or treatment. In particular, the package may be suitable for containing salt. The package may have at least one cavity into which an object (especially salt) can be placed. The package may have at least one wrapping paper, which partially or completely surrounds the cavity. The wrapping paper may be made of a flexible material. The wrapping paper may be or include at least one plastic film. The package may be or include a bag.

[0098] As mentioned above, the packaging comprises at least one pouring opening. The term "pour opening" as used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may refer to (but is not limited to) any opening, in particular of the packaging, which is suitable for taking out an object from the packaging, in particular for pouring an object from the packaging. The pouring opening may be particularly arranged at one end of the packaging. The pouring opening may be particularly arranged on the long side of the packaging. The pouring opening may extend laterally, in particular perpendicular to the axis, in particular the longitudinal axis, of the packaging.

[0099] The term "closure element" as used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may refer to (but is not limited to) any element that, in particular, reversibly or irreversibly closes an opening of an article (in particular, a package), in particular, to prevent objects from escaping from the interior space of the article through the opening.

[0100] The first closing element may in particular be a weld with perforations. The term "perforation" as used herein is a broad term and should be given the usual and ordinary meaning understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may refer to (but is not limited to) a regular, linear arrangement of holes on an article that is in particular substantially flat. Therefore, perforations may also be referred to as punchings or punching lines. Perforations may be suitable for dividing the article and at least partially separating parts of the article by applying a force. In principle, other types of first closing elements may also be used. The first closing element may be or include at least one predetermined breaking point of the package. For example, a perforation may be suitable as a predetermined breaking point. The predetermined breaking point may also be or include a notch or a scratch track. In principle, other forms may also be used.

[0101] The second closure element can be or include a hook and loop closure element or, particularly preferably, a mushroom hook and loop closure element. All closure elements that can be used in this position have in common that they are and / or include elements with defined opening characteristics, in particular elements with defined opening forces. The opening force is in principle adjusted so that a force slightly greater than the force that can be applied by the weight of the package contents is sufficient to open the closure element. For example, the second closure element is adjusted so that, in the event of a sudden upward movement of the package, the weight of the contents will open the closure element.

[0102] The first closure element may in particular be a seal. The seal may in particular comprise a film having at least one adhesive surface. The first closure element may completely or at least partially cover the pouring opening and / or the second closure element. The first closure element may be adapted to close the pouring opening during sale and / or transport and / or handling of the package.

[0103] In another aspect, a method of introducing at least one salt into a device having at least one introduction opening is presented.

[0104] Regarding the terms "salt" and "supply port", reference may be made to the above description. Specifically, the supply port may be a supply port of a salt dissolving device that has been described or will be described below.

[0105] The method comprises the following steps:

[0106] i. providing at least one salt, wherein the salt is located in at least one package as already described or as will be described below;

[0107] ii. removing the first closure element from the package, in particular tearing or pulling the first closure element from the surface of the package;

[0108] iii. inserting the package into the introduction opening, and optionally rotating the package so that the pouring opening is located on the lower side of the package, in particular so that the pouring opening is near the inner space of the introduction opening;

[0109] iv. moving the package upward so that the pouring opening is open; and

[0110] v. Introducing salt into the introduction opening.

[0111] During step iv, the user can hold the end of the package opposite to the end provided with the pouring opening. During step iv, the package can be held so that the pouring opening is at the bottom. The movement can be in particular a sudden movement, in particular a short, rapid movement.

[0112] By means of the proposed method for introducing at least one salt into a device having at least one introduction opening, a substantially dust-free handling can be achieved before and during the introduction of the salt into the introduction opening.

[0113] The proposed device and the proposed method have numerous advantages over known devices and methods of the type described above.

[0114] The device and method can be used in particular for producing chemicals for cleaning items to be cleaned. The required starting materials can be in powder form. By means of the device and method of the invention, the starting materials can be dissolved in an aqueous solution.

[0115] The salt introduced into the salt receiving container can be dissolved quickly and stored in the salt solution container or the salt solution storage container. Since the direction of flow through the salt receiving container is from bottom to top, the dissolution mechanism can be improved. By making the fluid medium flow into the salt receiving container essentially axially, the number of parts of the salt dissolution device can be reduced. This can reduce costs.

[0116] In summary, the following embodiments are presented without limiting further possible forms:

[0117] Embodiment 1: A salt dissolving device for providing at least one salt solution for a dishwasher, wherein the salt dissolving device comprises:

[0118] at least one salt receiving container, wherein the salt receiving container has at least one introduction opening for at least one salt, wherein the salt receiving container is made of at least one fluid-impermeable material, wherein the salt receiving container has a funnel-shaped bottom, wherein the salt receiving container has at least one inlet at a lower end of the salt receiving container, wherein the salt receiving container also has at least one outlet at an upper end of the salt receiving container;

[0119] at least one saline solution container for receiving a saline solution, wherein the saline solution container is fluidly connected to each of the inlet and the outlet of the salt receiving container, wherein the saline solution container also has at least one saline solution outlet for providing the saline solution to the dishwasher;

[0120] at least one solvent inlet for supplying at least one solvent to the salt dissolution device; and

[0121] At least one pump, wherein the pump is adapted to transfer at least one fluid medium from the saline solution container via the inlet into the salt receiving container, and to transfer the fluid medium from the salt receiving container via the outlet back into the saline solution container, wherein the fluid medium is selected from the group consisting of a solvent, a saline solution.

[0122] Embodiment 2: The salt dissolving device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the salt dissolving device is adapted to allow the fluid medium to flow from the salt solution container via the inlet into the salt receiving container substantially axially.

[0123] Embodiment 3: The salt dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the salt dissolving device is adapted to allow the fluid medium to flow from the salt solution container into the salt receiving container against gravity.

[0124] Embodiment 4: The salt dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the outlet of the salt receiving container has at least one outlet connection.

[0125] Embodiment 5: The salt dissolution device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the salt solution container is fluidly connected to the inlet of the salt receiving container via at least a first pipeline system, wherein the salt solution container is fluidly connected to the outlet of the salt receiving container via at least a second pipeline system, wherein the first pipeline system and the second pipeline system are configured to be fluidly isolated from each other.

[0126] Embodiment 6: The salt dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the salt dissolving device further comprises at least one controller, wherein the controller is adapted to control the pump such that the fluid medium repeatedly circulates between the salt receiving container and the salt solution container.

[0127] Embodiment 7: The salt dissolving device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the controller is adapted to control the pump such that the fluid medium circulates intermittently between the salt receiving container and the salt solution container.

[0128] Embodiment 8: The salt dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the salt receiving container and the salt solution container are arranged spatially separated from each other.

[0129] Embodiment 9: A salt dissolving device according to the preceding embodiments, wherein the salt solution container has at least one salt solution container outlet, which is particularly connected to the inlet fluid of the salt receiving container via at least one pipe and / or via at least one hose, wherein the salt solution container also has at least one salt solution container inlet, which is particularly connected to the outlet fluid of the salt receiving container via at least one pipe and / or via at least one hose.

[0130] Embodiment 10: The salt dissolving device according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the salt solution container is arranged below the salt receiving container.

[0131] Embodiment 11: The salt dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the opening angle of the funnel-shaped bottom of the salt receiving container is 20° to 120°, preferably 60° to 100°, particularly preferably 80°.

[0132] Embodiment 12: A salt dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the salt receiving container, in particular the funnel-shaped bottom of the salt receiving container, has a cross-section selected from the group consisting of: an annular cross-section, in particular a circular cross-section; a rectangular cross-section, in particular a square cross-section; a polygonal cross-section.

[0133] Embodiment 13: Salt dissolution device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the salt receiving container has a region adjoining the funnel-shaped bottom at the top, which region has a substantially constant cross section.

[0134] Embodiment 14: The salt dissolution device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the pump is arranged before the inlet of the salt receiving container.

[0135] Embodiment 15: Salt dissolution device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein a pump is arranged after the outlet of the salt receiving container.

[0136] Embodiment 16: Salt dissolution device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the pump is connected to a substantially fail-safe energy storage, in particular a battery or a capacitor.

[0137] Embodiment 17: A salt dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the salt dissolving device further comprises at least one screen, in particular a flexible screen, which is arranged at the inlet and / or outlet of the salt receiving container and which is at least largely suitable for preventing salt in solid form from leaking out of the salt receiving container.

[0138] Embodiment 18: The salt dissolving device according to the previous embodiment, wherein a screen is arranged at the inlet of the salt receiving container.

[0139] Embodiment 19: Salt dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the salt dissolving device further comprises at least one salt receiving container solvent supply device, in particular a nozzle, which is suitable for cleaning the salt receiving container.

[0140] Embodiment 20: The salt dissolving device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the salt receiving container solvent supply device is adapted to spray at least one solvent into the salt receiving container.

[0141] Embodiment 21: The salt dissolving device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the salt receiving container solvent supply device is arranged above the end of the salt receiving container opposite to the funnel-shaped bottom.

[0142] Embodiment 22: Salt dissolution device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the salt solution container has at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of: a level sensor for detecting the volume of a fluid medium, in particular a float with a switch contact; a pressure sensor for detecting the filling level; a sensor for measuring the pH value; a sensor for measuring conductivity.

[0143] Embodiment 23: Salt dissolution device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the salt solution container has at least one further salt solution outlet for supplying the salt solution to a waste water system.

[0144] Embodiment 24: The salt dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the salt receiving container has at least two outlets, wherein the salt dissolving device further comprises:

[0145] at least two saline solution containers, wherein each saline solution container is fluidly connected to an inlet and one of the at least two outlets of the salt receiving container; and

[0146] At least two pumps, wherein the at least two pumps are each adapted to deliver fluid medium from one of the saline solution containers via the inlet into the salt receiving container, and to deliver fluid medium from the salt receiving container back into one of the saline solution containers.

[0147] Embodiment 25: The salt dissolution device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein one of the at least two pumps is associated with each of the at least two salt solution containers.

[0148] Embodiment 26: The salt dissolution device according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the at least two saline solution containers include one saline solution container and an additional saline solution container, wherein the additional saline solution container has at least one additional solvent inlet for supplying solvent into the additional saline solution container.

[0149] Embodiment 27: The salt dissolving device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the saline solution container is fluidly connected to the inlet of the salt receiving container by a pipeline system, wherein the further saline solution container is fluidly connected to the inlet of the salt receiving container by a further pipeline system.

[0150] Embodiment 28: The salt dissolving device according to the previous embodiment, wherein a T-piece is arranged at the inlet of the salt receiving container, wherein the saline solution container is fluidly connected to the inlet of the salt receiving container via a pipeline system through the T-piece, and another saline solution container is fluidly connected to the inlet of the salt receiving container via another pipeline system through the T-piece.

[0151] Embodiment 29 The salt dissolution device according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the line system and the further line system are disconnected from one another by at least one active or passive switching element.

[0152] Embodiment 30: The salt dissolving device according to the above embodiment, wherein the active or passive switching element is selected from the group consisting of a valve, a slider, a flap, and a faucet.

[0153] Embodiment 31: A dishwasher for cleaning items to be cleaned, wherein the dishwasher comprises:

[0154] at least one salt dissolution device according to one of the preceding embodiments; and

[0155] At least one cleaning chamber and at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber.

[0156] Embodiment 32: A dishwasher according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the dishwasher further comprises at least one saline solution storage container for receiving saline solution from a saline solution container, wherein the saline solution storage container is fluidically connectable to the saline solution container, wherein the saline solution storage container comprises at least one saline solution storage container outlet for providing saline solution to the dishwasher.

[0157] Embodiment 33: The dishwasher according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the dishwasher further has at least one element selected from the group consisting of a valve, a feed pump, wherein the element is adapted to transfer the saline solution from the saline solution container to the saline solution storage container.

[0158] Embodiment 34: The dishwasher according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the salt solution storage container is arranged below the salt solution container.

[0159] Embodiment 35: A dishwasher according to one of the five preceding embodiments, wherein the salt dissolving device is integrated in the dishwasher.

[0160] Embodiment 36: A dishwasher according to one of the six preceding embodiments, wherein the salt dissolving device is wholly or at least partially located in a housing of the salt dissolving device, wherein the housing of the salt dissolving device is attached to the housing of the dishwasher or is arranged at a distance from the housing of the dishwasher.

[0161] Embodiment 37: A dishwasher according to one of the seven embodiments described above, wherein the salt dissolving device further comprises at least one display device for guiding a user, wherein the display device is activated by a controller of the dishwasher, wherein the display device is suitable for instructing a user of the dishwasher to introduce at least one salt into at least one introduction opening of the salt dissolving device.

[0162] Embodiment 38: The dishwasher according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the display device comprises at least one visual display, in particular a visual display selected from the group consisting of a text display, a color display.

[0163] Embodiment 39: The dishwasher according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the display device is arranged on at least one operating element of the dishwasher, in particular on a door handle of at least one door of the introduction opening.

[0164] Embodiment 40: A method of producing at least one salt solution for a dishwasher, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0165] a) providing a salt dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments related to a salt solution;

[0166] b) introducing at least one salt into a salt receiving vessel;

[0167] c) supplying at least one solvent into the saline solution container;

[0168] d) delivering the solvent from the salt solution container through the inlet to the salt receiving container by means of a pump to form a salt solution;

[0169] e) returning the saline solution from the outlet of the salt receiving container to the saline solution container via a pump; and

[0170] f) The saline solution is repeatedly circulated between the salt receiving container and the saline solution container by means of a pump.

[0171] Embodiment 41: The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the salt is provided in powder form, granular form and / or tablet form.

[0172] Embodiment 42: The method according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the salt is disposed in a solvent permeable package or in a solvent impermeable package.

[0173] Embodiment 43: The method according to one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the salt is provided in an unpackaged form.

[0174] Embodiment 44: The method according to one of the four preceding embodiments, wherein the salt is selected from the group consisting of salts of medium solubility, salts of low solubility.

[0175] Embodiment 45: The method according to one of the five preceding embodiments, wherein the salt is an alkali metal salt, in particular a sodium salt or a potassium salt.

[0176] Embodiment 46: According to the method of the previous embodiment, the alkali metal salt is selected from the group consisting of the following items: sodium citrate, trisodium methylglycine diacetate (MGDA), sodium polyacrylate, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium formate, sodium acetate, potassium citrate, potassium polyacrylate, potassium tripolyphosphate, potassium acetate, tetrasodium N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-glutamate (GLDA), tetrasodium iminodisuccinate (IDS), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), triacetic acid (NTA).

[0177] Embodiment 47: The method according to one of the preceding seven embodiments, wherein the solvent is water, in particular clean fresh water, in particular permeate water.

[0178] Embodiment 48: The method according to one of the preceding eight embodiments, wherein in step f), the fluid medium flows intermittently through the salt receiving container and the salt solution container.

[0179] Embodiment 49: The method according to one of the nine embodiments above, wherein after performing step f), the following steps are performed:

[0180] g) Removing the saline solution from the saline solution container.

[0181] Embodiment 50: The method according to one of the preceding ten embodiments, wherein the method further comprises at least one cleaning step, wherein during the cleaning step, the salt dissolution device is flushed with at least one solvent.

[0182] Embodiment 51: The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning step comprises supplying a solvent into the salt receiving container by means of at least one salt receiving container solvent supply device, preferably by means of at least one nozzle.

[0183] Embodiment 52: The method according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning step comprises supplying a solvent into the salt dissolution device via a solvent inlet, wherein the solvent is repeatedly circulated between the salt receiving container and the salt solution container by means of a pump. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0184] Further details and features will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments, in particular in conjunction with the dependent claims. These features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Exemplary embodiments are schematically illustrated in the drawings. The same reference numerals in the various figures denote elements that are identical or functionally identical or functionally correspond to one another.

[0185] Specifically, in the accompanying drawings:

[0186] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Exemplary embodiments of a salt dissolving device for providing at least one salt solution for a dishwasher according to the present invention are respectively shown in schematic diagrams;

[0187] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of a dishwasher according to the invention is shown schematically; and

[0188] Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of a part of a dishwasher according to the invention is shown in a perspective view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0189] Figure 1A An exemplary embodiment of a salt dissolving device 110 for providing at least one salt solution for a dishwasher according to the invention is shown in a schematic diagram.

[0190] The salt dissolving device 110 comprises at least one salt receiving container 112. The salt receiving container 112 has at least one introduction opening 114 for at least one salt 116. The salt receiving container 112 is made of at least one fluid-impermeable material. The salt receiving container 112 has a funnel-shaped bottom 118. The salt receiving container 112 has at least one inlet 120 at a lower end 123 of the salt receiving container. The salt receiving container 112 also has at least one outlet 122, which is arranged at an upper end 124 of the salt receiving container 112. The outlet 122 may have at least one outlet connection 126.

[0191] The funnel-shaped bottom 118 of the salt receiving container 112 can have an opening angle α of, in particular, 20° to 120°, preferably 60° to 100°, particularly preferably 80°. The funnel-shaped bottom 118 of the salt receiving container 112 can also have a side angle β relative to the horizontal axis 128, in particular 30° to 80°, preferably 50°. In principle, other dimensions are also conceivable. An extreme form of the salt receiving container 112 can be a pipe, in particular a pipe with a side angle of 90°. In the case of a pipe, a good flow of salt can be achieved over the entire surface.

[0192] The salt receiving container 112, in particular the funnel-shaped bottom 118 of the salt receiving container 112, can have a cross section selected from the group consisting of: an annular cross section, in particular a circular cross section; a rectangular cross section, in particular a square cross section; a polygonal cross section. The funnel-shaped bottom 118 can accordingly be conical or pyramidal. Figure 1A As shown, the salt receiving container 112 may optionally have a region 130 at the top adjacent to the funnel-shaped bottom 118, which region has a substantially constant cross-section. In particular, the region 130 adjacent to the funnel-shaped bottom 118 may have a substantially constant diameter d.

[0193] The salt dissolving device 110 may further comprise at least one screen 132, in particular a flexible screen 134, which is arranged at the inlet 120 and / or outlet 122 of the salt receiving container 112 and which is at least largely adapted to prevent the salt 116 in solid form from escaping from the salt receiving container 112. Figure 1A In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a screen 132 may be arranged at the inlet 120 and the outlet 122, respectively. Thus, the introduced salt 116 may be retained in the salt receiving container 112 until all of the salt 116 is at least substantially dissolved. By forming the screen 132 as a flexible screen 134, any adhering salt deposits may be broken up by the self-movement of the screen surface.

[0194] The salt dissolving device 110 further includes at least one saline solution container 136 for receiving a saline solution 138. The saline solution container 136 may be arranged below the salt receiving container 112. The salt receiving container 112 and the saline solution container 136 may be arranged to be spatially separated from each other.

[0195] The saline solution container 136 is fluidly connected to each of the inlet 120 and the outlet 122 of the salt receiving container 112. Specifically, the saline solution container 136 may be fluidly connected to the inlet 120 of the salt receiving container 112 via at least a first line system 140. The saline solution container 136 may be fluidly connected to the outlet 122 of the salt receiving container 112 via at least a second line system 142. The first line system 140 and the second line system 142 may be configured to be fluidly separated from each other.

[0196] The saline solution container 136 may have at least one saline solution container outlet 144, which is fluidly connected to the inlet 120 of the salt receiving container 112, in particular via at least one conduit 146. The saline solution container 136 may also have at least one saline solution container inlet 148, which is fluidly connected to the outlet 122 of the salt receiving container 112, in particular via at least one conduit 150.

[0197] The salt solution container 136 also has at least one salt solution outlet 152 for providing the dishwasher with salt solution 138. In particular, the salt solution container 136 can be connected to the further system 154, in particular via at least one element 156, which can be a pump 157 and / or a valve. The connection can be controlled according to the salt solution concentration. The further system 154 can be supplied with the salt solution with the highest saturation or with a lower saturation.

[0198] The salt dissolution device 110 further comprises at least one solvent inlet 158 ​​for supplying at least one solvent into the salt dissolution device 110. Figure 1A In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the solvent inlet 158 ​​can be located at the salt solution container 136. Specifically, the solvent inlet 158 ​​can be fluidly connected to a solvent supply 160, in particular, a clean fresh water supply 162, in particular through at least one valve 164.

[0199] The salt solution container 136 may also have at least one further salt solution outlet 166 for supplying the salt solution 138 to a waste water system 168, in particular via at least one element 170, which may be a pump and / or a valve 172. Thus, in particular, excess salt solution 138 and / or liquid produced during the cleaning process can be processed. Furthermore, thus, the salt dissolution device 110 can be emptied in the event of a malfunction or in an unfavorable state.

[0200] The salt dissolving device further comprises at least one pump 174. The pump 174 may in particular be arranged before the inlet 120. The pump 174 is adapted to convey at least one fluid medium from the salt solution container 136 via the inlet 120 into the salt receiving container 112, and to convey the fluid medium from the salt receiving container 112 back into the salt solution container 136 via the outlet 122. The fluid medium is selected from the group consisting of a solvent, a salt solution.

[0201] The salt receiving container 112 may be adapted to receive salt 116. Figure 1AAs shown, the salt 116 may be collected in the funnel-shaped bottom 118. The salt dissolving device 110 may be adapted to contact the salt 116 with a solvent, wherein the solvent flows through the salt 116 from below, so that the salt solution, in particular the concentrated salt solution, is collected at the top of the salt receiving container 112, from which the salt solution can be transferred to the salt solution container 136 via a connection.

[0202] The salt receiving container 112 can be positioned so that the smaller opening of the salt receiving container 112 is located at the bottom and the larger opening of the salt receiving container 112 is located at the top. The arrangement of the inlet 120 and the outlet 122 described above in combination with the funnel-shaped bottom 118 can ensure that the introduced salt 116 can be completely dissolved, because the undissolved salt 116 will continue to slide downwards, and when the pump 174 is turned on, the undissolved salt will always be loosened by the solvent and flow around the solvent. In order to achieve complete dissolution of the salt 116, the solubility of the salt 116, the flow rate of the solvent, the duration of the flow and the temperature of the solvent can be particularly considered or adjusted. The salt solution container 136 can be suitable for storing the salt solution 138. As the dissolution time increases, the concentration of the salt solution can rise to a maximum value, which is in principle determined by the amount of salt and the amount of solvent.

[0203] When the flow rate is too low or the solvent is in a static state, salt residues or undissolved salt 116 may in principle aggregate to form a larger structure. Salt 116 may be partially or completely located in the solvent. In order to prevent or at least reduce this deposition of salt 116 in the salt receiving container 112, it can be ensured that the amount of salt introduced into the salt receiving container 112 is at least almost completely dissolved. For this purpose, pump 174 can be suitable for circulating the solvent or salt solution 138 between the salt receiving container 112 and the salt solution container 136 until the entire amount of salt introduced is at least almost dissolved. In order to ensure that this can be done even during an unfavorable configuration or unfavorable state (such as a power failure or machine shutdown), pump 174 can be optionally connected to a fail-safe (fail-safe) energy storage (not shown). It can also be ensured that there is enough solvent in the salt dissolving device 110 to at least almost completely dissolve the amount of salt introduced. This depends in particular on the solvent temperature and the solubility of the salt 116 or salt mixture. Intermittent flow (e.g., shutting down pump 174 for a short time) can further improve this function. For example, the pump 174 may be turned on for 15 minutes, turned off for 3 minutes, and then turned on again for 15 minutes.

[0204] After each operation in which the salt 116 is almost completely dissolved or has been completely dissolved, the salt dissolving device 110 can be cleaned. The salt dissolving device 110 can also have at least one salt receiving container solvent supply device 180, in particular a nozzle 182, which is suitable for cleaning the salt receiving container 112 and / or other components of the salt dissolving device 110, such as the salt solution container 136, the first line system 140 and / or the second line system 142. The salt receiving container solvent supply device 180 can in particular be arranged above the upper end 124 of the salt receiving container 112.

[0205] In principle, it can thus be ensured that the operator never comes into contact with salt 116 or residues of the salt solution 138. This step can in principle prevent salt residues from crystallizing out during idle periods of the salt dissolving device 110. A typical time period for the salt solution 138 to be exhausted from the salt solution container 136 can be, for example, one week. In principle, other time periods are also conceivable.

[0206] When the salt solution container 136 is empty, further cleaning operations can be performed. To this end, for example, a sufficient amount of solvent can be introduced into the salt solution container 136 through the solvent supply 160 and the valve 164 and circulated in the salt dissolution device 110 to dissolve any salt residues. The solvent can remain in the salt dissolution device 110 for subsequent dissolution cycles.

[0207] Figure 1B A further exemplary embodiment of a salt dissolving device 110 according to the invention for providing at least one salt solution 138 for a dishwasher is shown in schematic form. Figure 1B The exemplary embodiments correspond at least to a large extent to Figure 1A Therefore, reference may be made to the above exemplary embodiments of Figure 1A Description.

[0208] In accordance with Figure 1B In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the salt receiving container 112 may have at least two outlets 122, specifically a first outlet 184 and a second outlet 186. The salt dissolving device 110 may also include at least two saline solution containers 136, specifically a first saline solution container 188 and a second saline solution container 190. The saline solution containers 136 may be fluidly connected to the inlet 120 and one of the at least two outlets 122 of the salt receiving container 112, in particular, through valves 171. In particular, the first saline solution container 188 may be fluidly connected to the inlet 120 and the first outlet 184 of the salt receiving container 112. In particular, the second saline solution container 190 may be fluidly connected to the inlet 120 and the second outlet 186 of the salt receiving container 112.

[0209] In accordance with Figure 1BIn an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the salt dissolution device 110 may also have at least two pumps 174, specifically at least one first pump 192 and at least one second pump 194. The at least two pumps 174 may each be adapted to transport a fluid medium from one of the salt solution containers 136 into the salt receiving container 112 via the inlet 120, and to transport a fluid medium from the salt receiving container 112 back into one of the salt solution containers 136. In particular, the first pump 192 may be adapted to transport a fluid medium from the first salt solution container 188 into the salt receiving container 112 via the inlet 120, and to transport a fluid medium from the salt receiving container 112 back into the first salt solution container 188. In particular, the second pump 194 may be adapted to transport a fluid medium from the second salt solution container 190 into the salt receiving container 112 via the inlet 120, and to transport a fluid medium from the salt receiving container 112 back into the second salt solution container 190.

[0210] At least two saline solution containers 136 may each have a solvent inlet 158 ​​for supplying solvent into the saline solution container 136. Specifically, the first saline solution container 188 may have a first solvent inlet 196, and the second saline solution container 190 may have a second solvent inlet 198. The first saline solution container 188 may be fluidly connected to the inlet 120 of the salt receiving container 112 via a pipeline system 200, and the second saline solution container 190 may be fluidly connected to the inlet 120 of the salt receiving container 112 via a pipeline system 202. A T-piece 204 may be arranged at the inlet 120 of the salt receiving container 112. The first saline solution container 188 may be fluidly connected to the inlet 120 of the salt receiving container 112 via the pipeline system 200 by means of a T-piece, and the second saline solution container 190 may be fluidly connected to the inlet 120 of the salt receiving container 112 via the pipeline system 202 by means of a T-piece.

[0211] At least two saline solution containers 136 can be disconnected from one another by at least one active or passive switching element (eg by a valve 206 ).

[0212] In particular, the at least two saline solution containers 136 can each be connected to the further system 154, in particular, the at least two saline solution containers 136 can each be connected to the further system 154 via at least one element 156. The at least two saline solution containers 136 can also each have at least one further saline solution outlet 166 in order to supply the saline solution 138 to a wastewater system 168.

[0213] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of a dishwasher 208 according to the present invention is shown in schematic form.

[0214] The dishwasher 208 includes at least one cleaning chamber and at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber. Figure 2 Not shown in FIG.

[0215] The dishwasher 208 also includes at least one salt dissolving device 110. Figure 2 The salt dissolving device 110 corresponds at least to a large extent to the Figure 1A , so please refer to the above Figure 1A Description.

[0216] The dishwasher 208 may also have at least one saline solution storage container 210 for receiving the saline solution 138 from the saline solution container 136. The saline solution storage container 210 may be arranged below the saline solution container 136. The saline solution storage container 210 may be fluidically connected to the saline solution container 136, in particular via at least one pipe system 212. The saline solution container 136 may have at least one outlet 214 in order to transfer the saline solution into the saline solution storage container 210. By means of the pipe system 212, the outlet 214 of the saline solution container 136 and the inlet 220 of the saline solution storage container 210 may be fluidically connected to each other. Figure 2 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher 208 may in particular have two saline solution storage containers 210. The line system 212 may have a branch for each of the two inlets 220 of the two saline solution storage containers 210. The dishwasher 208 may also have at least one supply pump 216, which is suitable for transferring the saline solution 138 from the saline solution container 136 into the saline solution storage container 210. A valve 218 may also be arranged before the inlet 220 of the saline solution storage container 210. The saline solution storage container 210 may have at least one saline solution storage container outlet 222 for providing the dishwasher 208 with saline solution 138. In particular, the saline solution storage container 210 may be connected to the further system 154, in particular via at least one element 156, which may in particular be a pump 157 and / or a valve.

[0217] The saline solution storage container 210 may also have at least one further outlet 224 in order to supply the saline solution 138 to the wastewater system 168 , in particular via at least one element 170 , which may in particular be a pump and / or a valve.

[0218] Thus, two or more salts 116 may be dissolved sequentially in the salt dissolving device 110, and after being dissolved, may be transferred to the respective associated salt solution storage container 210 to form the respective salt solution 138. The respective salt solution 138 may be selectively transferred to one of the plurality of salt solution storage containers 210 by means of gravity and / or at least one valve 218 and / or by means of a transfer pump 216. For example, one salt solution 138 may be directed directly to the processing area of ​​the dishwasher 208, or may be first transferred to the associated salt solution storage container 210 and then directed to the processing area of ​​the dishwasher 208.

[0219] Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of a portion of a dishwasher 208 according to the invention is shown in a perspective view. In particular, an inlet opening 209 of a belt-conveyor dishwasher 211 is shown.

[0220] The dishwasher 208 comprises at least one salt dissolving device 110. Figure 3 The salt dissolving device 110 corresponds at least to a large extent to the Figure 1A or Figure 1B Therefore, reference may be made to the above exemplary embodiments of Figure 1A and Figure 1B Description.

[0221] The salt dissolving device 110 may further include at least one display device 226 for guiding the user, which is activated by the controller of the dishwasher 208. The display device 226 may be adapted to instruct the user of the dishwasher 208 to introduce at least one salt 116 into the at least one introduction opening 114 of the salt dissolving device 110.

[0222] The display device 226 may include at least one visual display 228, in particular a color display 230, in particular a color illuminated display. With the aid of the color display 230, a prompt to add salt 116 may be given. The display device 226 may be arranged on at least one operating element 232 of the dishwasher 208, in particular on a door handle 234 of at least one door 236 of the introduction opening 114.

[0223] The packaging of salt 116 may be color coded and the introduction opening 114 may also be color coded according to the need for salt 116, the marking may be permanent but is preferably marked using a color display 230 which lights up in the corresponding color only when salt 116 is needed.

[0224] Reference numerals list

[0225] 110 Salt dissolution device

[0226] 112 Salt receiving container

[0227] 114 Introduction opening

[0228] 116 Salt

[0229] 118 Funnel-shaped bottom

[0230] 120 Entrance

[0231] 122 Exit

[0232] 123 Lower end

[0233] 124 Top

[0234] 126 outlet connection

[0235] 128 Horizontal axis

[0236] 130 Area

[0237] 132 Screen

[0238] 134 Flexible Screen

[0239] 136 Saline solution container

[0240] 138 Saline solution

[0241] 140 First Pipeline System

[0242] 142 Second pipeline system

[0243] 144 Salt solution container outlet

[0244] 146 Pipe

[0245] 148 Saline solution container inlet

[0246] 150 Pipe

[0247] 152 Salt solution outlet

[0248] 154 Other Systems

[0249] 156 Components

[0250] 157 Pump

[0251] 158 Solvent inlet

[0252] 160 Solvent supply device

[0253] 162 Clean fresh water supply device

[0254] 164 valve

[0255] 166 Additional brine outlet

[0256] 168 Wastewater System

[0257] 170 Components

[0258] 171 Valve

[0259] 172 valve

[0260] 174 Pumps

[0261] 176 Smaller opening

[0262] 178 Larger opening

[0263] 180 Salt receiving container solvent supply device

[0264] 182 Nozzle

[0265] 184 First Exit

[0266] 186 Second Exit

[0267] 188 First saline solution container

[0268] 190 Second saline solution container

[0269] 192 First Pump

[0270] 194 Second Pump

[0271] 196 First solvent inlet

[0272] 198 Second solvent inlet

[0273] 200 Pipeline system

[0274] 202 Pipeline system

[0275] 204 T-piece

[0276] 206 valve

[0277] 208 Dishwasher

[0278] 209 Entrance

[0279] 210 Salt solution storage container

[0280] 211 Belt Conveyor Dishwasher

[0281] 212 Pipeline system

[0282] 214 Exit

[0283] 216 Supply Pump

[0284] 218 Valve

[0285] 220 Entrance

[0286] 222 Salt solution storage container outlet

[0287] 224 Exit

[0288] 226 Display device

[0289] 228 Visual Display

[0290] 230 color display

[0291] 232 Operating elements

[0292] 234 Door handle

[0293] 236 Doors

Claims

1. A salt dissolving device (110) for providing at least one salt solution (138) for a dishwasher (208), wherein the salt dissolving device (110) comprises: at least one salt receiving container (112), wherein the salt receiving container (112) has at least one introduction opening (114) for at least one salt (116), wherein the salt receiving container (112) is made of at least one fluid-impermeable material, wherein the salt receiving container (112) has a funnel-shaped bottom (118), wherein the salt receiving container (112) has at least one inlet (120) at a lower end of the salt receiving container (112), wherein the salt receiving container (112) also has at least one outlet (122) at an upper end (124) of the salt receiving container (112); at least one saline solution container (136) for receiving the saline solution (138), wherein the saline solution container (136) is fluidly connected to each of the inlet (120) and the outlet (122) of the salt receiving container (112), wherein the saline solution container (136) also has at least one saline solution outlet (152) for providing the saline solution (138) to the dishwasher (208); at least one solvent inlet (158) for supplying at least one solvent into the salt dissolving device (110); as well as at least one pump (174), wherein the pump (174) is adapted to transfer at least one fluid medium from the saline solution container (136) via the inlet (120) to the salt receiving container (112), and to transfer the fluid medium from the salt receiving container (112) back to the saline solution container (136) via the outlet (122), wherein the fluid medium is selected from the group consisting of the solvent, the saline solution (138).

2. The salt dissolving device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the salt dissolving device (110) is adapted to allow the fluid medium to flow from the saline solution container (136) via an inlet (120) into the salt receiving container (112) substantially axially.

3. The salt dissolving device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the salt dissolving device (110) is adapted to allow the fluid medium to flow from the saline solution container (136) into the salt receiving container (112) against gravity.

4. The salt dissolving device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the saline solution container (136) is fluidly connected to an inlet (120) of the salt receiving container (112) via at least a first line system (140), wherein the saline solution container (136) is fluidly connected to an outlet (122) of the salt receiving container (112) via at least a second line system (142), wherein the first line system (140) and the second line system (142) are configured to be fluidically isolated from each other.

5. The salt dissolving device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the salt dissolving device (110) further comprises at least one controller, wherein the controller is adapted to control the pump (174) such that the fluid medium is repeatedly circulated between the salt receiving container (112) and the saline solution container (136).

6. The salt dissolving device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the salt receiving container (112) and the saline solution container (136) are arranged spatially separated from one another.

7. The salt dissolving device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the funnel-shaped bottom (118) of the salt receiving container (112) has an opening angle of 20° to 120°.

8. The salt dissolving device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump (174) is arranged before the inlet (120) of the salt receiving container (112).

9. The salt dissolving device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the salt dissolving device (110) further comprises at least one screen (132), which is arranged at the inlet (120) and / or outlet (122) of the salt receiving container (112) and is suitable, at least to a large extent, for preventing salt (116) in solid form from escaping from the salt receiving container (112).

10. The salt dissolving device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the salt receiving container (112) has at least two outlets (122), wherein the salt dissolving device (110) further comprises: at least two saline solution containers (136), wherein each saline solution container (136) is fluidly connected to the inlet (120) of the salt receiving container (112) and one of the at least two outlets (122); and At least two pumps (174), wherein the at least two pumps (174) are each adapted to transfer the fluid medium from one of the saline solution containers (136) to the salt receiving container (112) via the inlet (120), and to transfer the fluid medium from the salt receiving container (112) back to one of the saline solution containers (136).

11. A dishwasher (208) for cleaning items to be cleaned, wherein the dishwasher (208) comprises: at least one salt dissolution device (110) according to one of the preceding claims; as well as At least one cleaning chamber and at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber.

12. The dishwasher (208) according to the preceding claim, wherein the dishwasher (208) further comprises at least one saline solution storage container (210) for receiving the saline solution (138) from the saline solution container (136), wherein the saline solution storage container (210) is fluidly connectable to the saline solution container (136), wherein the saline solution storage container (210) comprises at least one saline solution storage container outlet (222) for providing the saline solution (138) to the dishwasher (208).

13. A dishwasher (208) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the salt dissolving device (110) further comprises at least one display device (226) for guiding a user, wherein the display device is activated by a controller of the dishwasher (208), wherein the display device (226) is suitable for instructing a user of the dishwasher (208) to introduce at least one salt (116) into at least one introduction opening (114) of the salt dissolving device (110).

14. A method of producing at least one salt solution (138) for a dishwasher (208), wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) providing a salt dissolution device (110) according to one of the preceding claims relating to a salt dissolution device (110); b) introducing the at least one salt (116) into the salt receiving vessel (112); c) supplying the at least one solvent into the saline solution container (136); d) conveying the solvent from the saline solution container (136) via the inlet (120) to the salt receiving container (112) by means of the pump (174) to form the saline solution (138); e) returning the saline solution (138) to the saline solution container (136) via the outlet (122) of the salt receiving container (112) by means of the pump (174); and f) repeatedly circulating the saline solution (138) between the salt receiving container (112) and the saline solution container (136) by means of the pump (174).

15. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the salt (116) is an alkali metal salt.

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