Liquid distributor for a liquid transfer system of a conveyor dishwasher, and conveyor dishwasher with such a liquid distributor.

Abstract

Liquid distributor (25) for a liquid transfer system of a conveyor dishwasher (1), wherein the liquid distributor (25) has a first connection (28), a second connection (29) and at least one third connection (30), wherein the liquid sprayed in at least one rinse zone (4, 5) of the conveyor dishwasher (1) can be supplied to the liquid distributor (25) via the first connection (28), wherein a portion of the liquid supplied to the liquid distributor (25) can be discharged via the second connection (29) to a piping system (21) connectable to the second connection (29), and wherein the remainder of the liquid supplied to the liquid distributor (25) can be discharged via the at least one third connection (30) to at least one piping system (26) connectable to the at least one third connection (30), characterized in that the liquid distributor (25) has a particularly replaceable orifice plate (31).by which the proportion of the liquid supplied or supplyable to the liquid distributor (25) via its first connection (28), which is to be discharged via the second connection (29) to the piping system (21) connectable to the second connection (29), is determined, wherein a first channel (32) is formed in the liquid distributor (25), which fluidically connects the first connection (28) of the liquid distributor (25) to the second connection (29) of the liquid distributor (25), and wherein at least one second channel (33) is formed in the liquid distributor (25), which opens into the first channel (32) and fluidically connects it to the at least one third connection (30) of the liquid distributor (25), wherein a channel axis formed by the second channel (33) is arranged at an acute or obtuse angle with respect to a channel axis formed by the first channel (32).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of commercial dishwashing. Specifically, the invention relates to a liquid distributor for a liquid transfer system of a conveyor dishwasher, and to a conveyor dishwasher, in particular a commercial conveyor dishwasher, to which a liquid transfer system with a corresponding liquid transfer distributor is assigned.

[0002] German publication DE 10 163 184 B4 relates to a dishwasher with a wash tank and a hydraulic arrangement, comprising a reversing device and at least one upper spray device and one lower spray device with supply lines connecting the reversing device to the upper and lower spray devices. The upper and lower spray devices are arranged in the wash tank.

[0003] The publication DE 10 2004 030 001 A1 relates to a method for operating a dishwasher which includes at least one cleaning rinse and one rinsing rinse, wherein the items to be washed pass through a cold water curtain after the rinsing rinse.

[0004] The German patent application DE 10 2007 009 252 A1 concerns a continuous flow dishwasher. The continuous flow dishwasher is used for cleaning items and includes a conveying system for transporting the items in the conveying direction through successive treatment zones of the continuous flow dishwasher. This system optionally includes a pre-cleaning zone, at least one cleaning zone, at least one rinsing zone, and optionally a drying zone.

[0005] Document US 6,189,432 B1 concerns a hydraulic control circuit.

[0006] The publication DE 44 28 738 A1 relates to a continuous dishwasher with a pre-cleaning stage, several main washing stages and a post-rinse stage, wherein a heat exchanger is provided for heat recovery.

[0007] The conveyor dishwasher according to the invention has at least one main wash zone and at least one rinse zone downstream of the at least one main wash zone in the transport direction of the items being washed. The at least one rinse zone is designed as a pump rinse zone and / or as a fresh water rinse zone and serves to spray pure fresh water, optionally containing a rinse aid chemical, onto the items to be washed (fresh water rinse zone) or recirculated fresh water, optionally containing a rinse aid chemical, onto the items to be washed (pump rinse zone).

[0008] In the main wash zone of the conveyor dishwasher, washing liquid is sprayed onto the items being washed. This washing liquid is either the same liquid already used for rinsing in the rinse zone, to which a suitable washing chemical has been added, or fresh water to which a washing chemical has been added.

[0009] Optionally, the transport dishwasher according to the invention can also have at least one pre-wash zone upstream of the at least one main washing zone in the transport direction of the items being washed.

[0010] Conveyor dishwashers of the type described herein are also known as multi-tank machines in the field of commercial dishwashing. In these machines, the items to be washed are transported through the individual treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher by means of a transport device.

[0011] The conveyor dishwashers considered here are primarily commercial conveyor dishwashers and can be designed as either flight-type or rack-type dishwashers. Unlike automatic dishwashers where the items to be cleaned remain stationary during the cleaning process, conveyor dishwashers transport the items through various treatment zones within the machine.

[0012] In conveyor dishwashers, the items to be washed (such as dishes, pots, glasses, cutlery, and other utensils) are conveyed through several treatment zones, such as pre-wash zone(s), main wash zone(s), pump rinse zone(s), fresh water rinse zone(s), and drying zone(s). A transport device, typically featuring compartments for holding the items, is used to move the items through the conveyor dishwasher in one direction. In belt conveyor dishwashers, these compartments can be formed by support fingers on a conveyor belt. In rack conveyor dishwashers, dish racks serve as the transport device, and these racks may contain compartments for holding the items. It is conceivable that the dish racks are transported through the rack conveyor dishwasher by a conveyor system.

[0013] In the pre-wash zone (pre-cleaning) of the conveyor dishwasher, lightly adhering dirt is removed from the items to be cleaned. For this purpose, wash fluid is drawn from a reservoir located in this treatment zone by a pump (pre-wash pump) and sprayed onto the items to be cleaned using suitable spray nozzles. The wash fluid then flows back into the reservoir, where it is drawn again by the pre-wash pump (which also acts as a circulation pump) and introduced into the circulation system. The reservoir is typically covered by filters to retain larger dirt particles from the wash fluid.

[0014] In the main wash zone, located downstream of the pre-wash zone (in the direction of transport of the items being washed), at least one main wash zone is used to remove any remaining dirt particles adhering to the items. This is achieved using a typically alkaline wash liquid. The usually heated wash liquid is drawn from the wash tank associated with the treatment zone by a circulating pump and sprayed over the items using appropriately positioned and oriented spray nozzles. The wash liquid then flows back into the wash tank and is drawn in again by the circulating pump. Here, too, the reservoir (wash tank) is typically covered by filters to retain larger dirt particles from the wash liquid.

[0015] Adjoining at least one main wash zone, in the direction of transport of the items being washed, is at least one rinse zone. In this rinse zone, heated fresh water is typically sprayed onto the items to rinse off any remaining wash liquid and any residual dirt. If necessary, a rinse aid chemical may be added to the (hot) fresh water sprayed in the rinse zone.

[0016] The water circulation system of modern conveyor dishwashers (multi-tank conveyor dishwashers) typically operates on the principle of cascade overflow. Fresh water sprayed in the at least one rinse zone of the conveyor dishwasher is collected in a rinse tank associated with that zone and first flows into a lower wash tank. This lower tank, viewed in the direction of transport of the items being washed, is located upstream of the at least one main wash zone. The liquid sprayed in the main wash zone and collected in the wash tank associated with that zone then flows into an even lower pre-wash tank, located upstream of at least one pre-wash zone, which is optional. As previously mentioned, this pre-wash zone is optional and, viewed in the direction of transport of the items being washed, is located upstream of the main wash zone.

[0017] However, the cascade overflow principle presents a problem: during operation of the conveyor dishwasher, there is a risk that the washing liquid (washing solution / detergent) in the wash tank of at least one main wash zone will be unnecessarily diluted by the liquid sprayed in at least one rinse zone, thus requiring an increased dosage of the washing chemical. This, in turn, leads to increased resource consumption and is generally undesirable.

[0018] Based on this problem, the present invention aims to provide a solution that reduces the consumption of resources, and in particular chemicals, in the operation of the transport dishwasher.

[0019] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of independent claim 1, wherein advantageous further developments of the liquid distributor according to the invention are specified in dependent claims 2 to 11.

[0020] Accordingly, the invention relates to a liquid distributor for a liquid transfer system of a conveyor dishwasher, wherein the liquid distributor has a first connection, a second connection and at least one third connection, wherein the liquid sprayed in at least one rinse zone of the conveyor dishwasher can be supplied to the liquid distributor via the first connection, wherein a portion of the liquid supplied to the liquid distributor can be discharged to a piping system connectable to the second connection via the second connection, and wherein the remainder of the liquid supplied to the liquid distributor can be discharged to at least one piping system connectable to the at least one third connection via the at least one third connection.In order to adjust the flow rates through the second and at least one third connection of the liquid distributor, the liquid distributor according to the invention has an interchangeable orifice, by means of which the proportion of the liquid supplied or supplyable to the liquid distributor via its first connection, which is to be discharged via the second connection to the piping system connectable to the second connection, is determined.

[0021] The solution according to the invention is characterized in that the baffle is replaceable, which is particularly important with regard to the dirt load transported with the liquid supplied to the liquid distributor. The baffle, which is used to define the proportion of liquid to be diverted past the at least one main washing zone, can be easily replaced and / or cleaned should larger dirt particles at least partially clog the baffle during operation of the conveyor dishwasher and thereby at least partially block the bypass line of the liquid transfer system.

[0022] The interchangeability of the orifice plate has the further advantage that the effective flow cross-section provided by the orifice plate, which is ultimately decisive for the proportion of liquid to be directed past the at least one main washing zone, can be easily adapted to different machine types and / or to different operating modes of the conveyor dishwasher, in order to ensure that the liquid transfer system assigned to the conveyor dishwasher is always optimally adapted to the operating mode of the conveyor dishwasher.

[0023] In other words, the interchangeability of the aperture allows the liquid distributor for the liquid transfer system of the transport dishwasher to function optimally even when dirt particles are transported with the liquid through the liquid distributor, while furthermore, the liquid distributor makes it possible to adapt to different flow rates as easily as possible.

[0024] In particular, it is conceivable that the at least one third connection of the liquid distributor is designed as a connection nozzle in which the aperture is at least partially received or can be received.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid distributor according to the invention, a first channel is formed in the liquid distributor, which fluidically connects the first connection of the liquid distributor to the second connection of the liquid distributor. Furthermore, at least one further (second) channel is formed in the liquid distributor, which opens into the first channel and fluidically connects it to the at least one third connection of the liquid distributor. In this context, it is advantageous if a channel axis formed by the second channel is preferably arranged at an acute angle to a channel axis formed by the first channel, such that the opening is oriented towards the second connection of the liquid distributor.

[0026] It is particularly advantageous if the aperture is designed as an aperture insert that can be received, at least partially, in the at least one second channel, and in which at least one flow channel is formed. The at least one flow channel can, for example, be designed as a bore and / or a groove extending longitudinally along the aperture insert. Preferably, the at least one flow channel runs, at least partially, parallel to the channel axis formed by the at least one second channel.

[0027] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the liquid distributor according to the invention, the orifice is designed as an orifice insert and has a base body that is at least partially and at least substantially cylindrical or conical, which can be received at least partially in the at least one second channel of the liquid distributor. Here, the at least one flow channel is designed as a bore or groove in the base body that extends at least partially along the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical or conical base body.

[0028] According to embodiments of the liquid distributor according to the invention, the at least one flow channel is associated with a flow channel region extending at least partially radially to the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical or conical base body, which is formed in the base body such that the corresponding flow channel opens into the outer surface of the base body above the flow channel region associated with it. In this context, it is conceivable that the flow channel region associated with the at least one flow channel is formed in an end region of the cylindrical base body such that, when the orifice, designed as an aperture insert, is received in the at least one second channel, the at least one flow channel is fluidly connected or connectable to the first channel via its associated flow channel region.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, it is advisable if the flow channel area assigned to the at least one flow channel is designed in such a way in an end area of ​​the base body that, in a state when the aperture designed as a diaphragm insert is received in the at least one second channel, the flow channel area opens into the first channel on the rear side relative to the flow direction.

[0030] Preferably, the at least one flow channel and the associated flow channel area have an effective flow cross-section that determines the proportion of the liquid supplied to the liquid distributor via the first connection that is discharged or can be discharged via the third connection of the liquid distributor per unit of time.

[0031] The invention is not limited to a liquid distributor of the type described above, but also relates to a conveyor dishwasher with a transport device for conveying items to be washed through the individual treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher, wherein the conveyor dishwasher has at least one main wash zone and at least one rinse zone downstream of the at least one main wash zone in the transport direction of the items to be washed. The at least one rinse zone is designed as a pump rinse zone and / or as a fresh water rinse zone and serves to spray recirculated fresh water, to which a rinse aid chemical may optionally be added, or pure fresh water, to which a rinse aid chemical may optionally be added, onto the items to be washed.

[0032] Optionally, the transport dishwasher according to the invention can also have at least one pre-wash zone upstream of the at least one main washing zone in the transport direction of the items being washed.

[0033] According to the invention, a liquid transfer system is associated with the transport dishwasher, via which at least a portion of the liquid sprayed in the at least one rinse zone can be fed directly to the at least one optional pre-wash zone, directly to a wastewater drain, or directly to a wastewater tank. In this context, it is provided that the liquid transfer system has a particularly interchangeable baffle, by which the proportion of the liquid sprayed in the at least one rinse zone that is to be fed directly to the optional at least one pre-wash zone, the wastewater drain, or the wastewater tank is determined.

[0034] In this context, it is conceivable that the liquid transfer system of the transport dishwasher according to the invention is associated with a liquid distributor of the type described above, i.e., a liquid distributor which in particular has a first connection, a second connection and at least one third connection, wherein the liquid sprayed in the at least one rinse zone of the transport dishwasher is supplied or can be supplied to the liquid distributor via the first connection, wherein a portion of the liquid supplied to the liquid distributor is discharged or can be discharged to a piping system connected to the second connection via the second connection, and wherein the remainder of the liquid supplied to the liquid distributor can be discharged to at least one piping system connected to the at least one third connection via the at least one third connection.

[0035] According to further developments of the transport dishwasher according to the invention, it is provided in this context that the first connection of the liquid distributor is preferably detachably connected or connectable to the pressure side of a pump, wherein the second connection of the liquid distributor is preferably detachably connected or connectable to a bypass line, and wherein the third connection of the liquid distributor is preferably detachably connected or connectable to a piping system designed separately from the bypass line.

[0036] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the first connection of the liquid distributor is preferably detachably connected or connectable to the pressure side of a pump, wherein the third connection of the liquid distributor is preferably detachably connected or connectable to a bypass line, and wherein the second connection of the liquid distributor is preferably detachably connected or connectable to a piping system separately designed from the bypass line.

[0037] The pump, to whose pressure side the first connection of the liquid distributor is preferably detachably connected, is in particular a rinse pump assigned to a pump-rinse zone of the conveyor dishwasher. The bypass line, to which the second connection of the liquid distributor is preferably detachably connected, is designed such that this bypass line leads, in the vicinity of at least one main wash zone of the conveyor dishwasher, into a treatment zone of the conveyor dishwasher upstream of the at least one main wash zone (viewed in the direction of transport of the items being washed), into a wastewater tank, or into a wastewater drain. The piping system, which is separate from the bypass line, is preferably connected to a pre-rinse nozzle system of the conveyor dishwasher.

[0038] Preferred embodiments of the solution according to the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] They show: Fig. 1 a hydraulic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the transport dishwasher according to the invention; Fig. 2 schematically the structure of a first exemplary embodiment of the liquid distributor according to the invention; Fig. 3 schematically a second exemplary embodiment of the liquid distributor according to the invention in an isometric view; Fig. 4a schematically the liquid distributor according to Fig. 3 in a side-section view; Fig. 4b schematically an enlarged section from Fig. 4a; and Fig. 5a to c schematically show different views of an exemplary embodiment of the liquid distributor according to Fig. 2 used aperture inserts.

[0040] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an example of a transport dishwasher 1 designed according to the teachings of the present invention. The transport dishwasher 1 according to the illustration in Fig. 1 has a pre-wash zone 2 and a main wash zone 3, which are in the transport direction T of the (in Fig. (1. not shown) the items to be washed are located after the pre-wash zone 2. Viewed in the transport direction T, they are located after the main wash zone 3. Fig. In the transport dishwasher 1 shown, a pump rinse zone 4 (post-wash or pre-wash zone) and a fresh water rinse zone 5 downstream of the pump rinse zone 4 are arranged.

[0041] In the illustrated transport dishwasher 1, at least the pre-wash zone 2 and the main wash zone 3 are each designed as washing system 6 and washing system 7 respectively.

[0042] The items to be washed, either picked up directly on a conveyor belt or held in baskets, run in the transport direction T through an inlet tunnel 9, the subsequent pre-wash zone 2, the main wash zone 3, the pump rinse zone 4, the fresh water rinse zone 5 and a drying zone 10 into an outlet section 11.

[0043] Each of the treatment zones 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the conveyor dishwasher 1 is equipped with spray nozzles through which liquid is sprayed onto the items being washed as they are transported by the conveyor belt through the respective treatment zones 2, 3, 4, and 5. At least one tank 12, 13, or 14 is assigned to each of the pre-wash zone 2, the main wash zone 3, and the pump rinse zone 4. This tank collects the sprayed liquid and / or provides liquid for the spray nozzles of the respective zones 2, 3, and 4.

[0044] The pre-wash zone 2, the main wash zone 3 and the pump rinse zone 4 of the conveyor dishwasher 1 according to the in Fig. In the embodiments shown in Figure 1, each system comprises a washing system 6, 7 and a rinsing system 15, respectively. Each washing system 6, 7 consists of a washing pump 16, 17, a piping system 18, 19 connected to the washing pump 16, 17, and the spray nozzles (wash nozzles) connected to the piping system 18, 19. The rinsing system 15 comprises a rinse pump 20, a piping system 21 connected to the pressure side of the rinse pump 20, and the spray nozzles (rinse nozzles) connected to the piping system 21.

[0045] Furthermore, a control device 100, shown only schematically in the drawings, is provided which (among other things) serves to appropriately control the respective washing pumps 16, 17 of the washing systems 6, 7 and the rinse pump 20 of the rinsing system 15 during a washing / rinsing process in order to supply liquid at least temporarily via the associated piping system 18, 19, 21 to the spray nozzles of the nozzle system belonging to the respective washing or rinsing system 6, 7, 15.

[0046] At the in Fig. In the transport dishwasher 1 shown, rinse liquid in the form of fresh water, which may contain further chemical additives such as a rinse aid chemical and / or a disinfectant chemical, is sprayed onto the surface of the fresh water rinse zone 5 via the spray nozzles arranged above and below the conveyor belt 58. Fig. 1. Items not shown are sprayed. Laterally arranged spray nozzles may also be provided in the fresh water rinse zone 5.

[0047] The liquid sprayed in the fresh water rinse zone 5 is collected in the rinse tank 14 assigned to the pump rinse zone 4. The rinse pump 20 assigned to the pump rinse zone 4 is connected to the rinse tank 14 via its suction side and serves to supply a portion of the rinse liquid sprayed in the fresh water rinse zone 5 and collected in the rinse tank 14 to the spray nozzles of the rinse system 15 assigned to the pump rinse zone 4.

[0048] After the liquid supplied to the spray nozzles of the rinsing system 15 assigned to the pump rinsing zone 4 is sprayed, it is collected in the washing tank 13 assigned to the main washing zone 3, where it is recirculated via the washing system 7 of the main washing zone and transported from zone to zone via a cascade system against the transport direction T of the wash goods.

[0049] The remaining part of the rinse liquid sprayed in the fresh water rinse zone 5 and collected in the rinse tank 14 is directed via a liquid distributor 25 and a bypass line 26 directly into the pre-wash tank 12 of the pre-wash zone 2.

[0050] Specifically, the rinse aid sprayed in the fresh water rinse zone 5 is collected in the tank (pump rinse tank 14) of the pump rinse zone 4, from which a portion is pumped via the rinse pump 20, belonging to the rinsing system 15 of the pump rinse zone 4, to the spray nozzles of the pump rinse zone 4. In the pump rinse zone 4, the washing fluid is rinsed off the items being washed.

[0051] The liquid sprayed in the pump rinse zone 4 and thus produced flows into the wash tank 13 of the main wash zone 3, is usually mixed with a cleaning or washing chemical and sprayed onto the items being washed via the spray nozzles (wash nozzles) of the washing system 7 belonging to the main wash zone 3 by means of a wash pump 17 belonging to the washing system 7 of the main wash zone 3.

[0052] From the wash tank 13 of the main wash zone 3, the wash liquid then flows into the pre-wash tank 12 of the pre-wash zone 2. The wash liquid collected in the pre-wash tank 12 is sprayed onto the items to be washed in the pre-wash zone 2 by means of a wash pump 16 belonging to the wash system 6 of the pre-wash zone 2 via the spray nozzles (pre-wash nozzles) of the wash system 6 belonging to the pre-wash zone 2 in order to remove coarse dirt from the items to be washed.

[0053] Part of the washing liquid sprayed in the main washing zone 3 flows via an overflow system 22 into the washing tank (pre-wash tank 12) of the pre-wash zone 2. Like the main washing zone 3, the pre-wash zone 2 can be equipped with a tank cover screen designed as a surface screen.

[0054] At the in Fig. In the transport dishwasher 1 shown in Figure 1, the drying zone 10 has a drying system with a blower 23, which serves to create an air circulation in the drying zone 10. Specifically, the blower 23 serves to circulate the drying air within the drying zone 10.

[0055] As already explained, the following will take place in Fig. In the schematically depicted transport dishwasher, part of the liquid sprayed in the fresh water rinse zone 5 is transported from zone to zone via a cascade system against the transport direction T of the items being washed. The remaining part of the liquid sprayed in the fresh water rinse zone 5 is routed directly to the pre-wash tank 12 of the pre-wash zone 2 via a bypass line 26.

[0056] In order to adjust the proportion of liquid sprayed in the fresh water rinse zone 5, which is to be supplied directly to the pre-wash tank 12 via the bypass line 26, a liquid distributor 25 is used in the transport dishwasher according to the invention, which is Fig. 1 is only indicated schematically.

[0057] In Fig. Figure 2 schematically illustrates the structure and function of a first exemplary embodiment of a corresponding liquid distributor 25.

[0058] Accordingly, the liquid distributor 25 of this embodiment has a base body 27 with a first connection 28, which is connected or connectable to the pressure side of the rinse pump 20 (pre-rinse pump) of the transport dishwasher 1, a second connection 29, which is flow-wise connected or connectable to the piping system 21 of the rinsing system 15 assigned to the pump rinse zone 4, and a third connection 30, which is flow-wise connected or connectable to the bypass line 26.

[0059] Furthermore, the liquid distributor 25 is assigned an interchangeable orifice plate 31 (perforated orifice plate), which determines the proportion of the liquid supplied or supplyable to the liquid distributor 25 via its first connection 28, which is to be discharged via the second connection 29 to the rinsing system 15 assigned to the pump rinsing zone 4.

[0060] Although with the liquid distributor 25 according to the schematic in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the quantity of the so-called "bypass fluid", i.e., the proportion of the fluid supplied to the fluid distributor 25 that is to be discharged to the bypass line 26, can be adjusted in an easily implemented manner. However, the dirt load transported with the bypass water could be problematic in this system, as larger dirt particles can clog the (replaceable) orifice plate 31 and thus at least partially close the bypass.

[0061] This problem arises in the further (second) exemplary embodiment of the liquid distributor 25 according to the invention, which is described below with reference to the illustrations in the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 is described in more detail, no longer.

[0062] In detail, according to the further (second) exemplary embodiment, the liquid distributor 25 also has a first connection 28, a second connection 29, and a third connection 30. The liquid sprayed in the at least one fresh water rinse zone of the conveyor dishwasher 1 can be supplied to the liquid distributor 25 via the first connection 28. A portion of the liquid supplied to the liquid distributor 25 is discharged via the second connection 29 to a piping system (here: piping system 21) connectable to the second connection 29, while the remainder of the liquid supplied to the liquid distributor 25 is discharged via the at least one third connection 30 to at least one piping system (here: bypass line 26) connectable to the at least one third connection 30.

[0063] As with the first exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 2 further exemplary embodiment of the liquid distributor 25 according to the invention has a preferably interchangeable aperture 31, by means of which the proportion of the liquid supplied or supplyable to the liquid distributor 25 via its first connection 28, which is to be discharged via the second connection 29 to the piping system connectable to the second connection 29, is determined.

[0064] Specifically, it is provided that at least one third connection 30 of the liquid distributor 25 is designed as a connection nozzle in which the aperture 31, designed as an aperture insert, is at least partially received or can be received.

[0065] The sectional views in Fig. 4a and Fig. As can be seen in section 4b, in particular, the liquid distributor 25 of this exemplary embodiment has a first channel 32 which connects the first connection 28 of the liquid distributor 25 to the second connection 29 of the liquid distributor 25. Furthermore, a further (second) channel 33 is formed in the liquid distributor 25, which opens into the first channel 32 and connects it to the at least one third connection 30 of the liquid distributor 25. The orifice 31, designed as an aperture insert, is formed at least partially within the second channel 33 of the liquid distributor 25.

[0066] The section view in Fig. 4b and the section view in Fig. Figure 5a shows that at least one flow channel 34 is formed in the aperture 31, which is designed as an aperture insert. Specifically, the at least one flow channel 34 is designed as a bore extending longitudinally along the aperture insert. However, it is also conceivable that the flow channel 34 could be designed as a groove extending longitudinally along the aperture insert.

[0067] Although in the exemplary embodiment of the liquid distributor 25 according to the invention, which in Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the aperture 31, designed as an aperture insert, has a cylindrical base body 27; in this context, it is conceivable to design the base body 27, for example, as conical or the like.

[0068] The representation in Fig. 4a and Fig. Figure 4b shows that, in the exemplary embodiment shown there, each of the respective flow channels 34, which are designed as bores in the cylindrical base body 27 of the aperture insert, is assigned a flow channel section 35 that extends at least partially radially to the cylinder axis of the cylindrical base body 27. This radially extending flow channel section 35 is designed in the cylindrical base body 27 in such a way that the corresponding flow channel 34 opens into the outer surface of the cylindrical base body 27 via the flow channel section 35 assigned to it.

[0069] The enlarged view according to Fig. It can be seen from 4b that the radially extending flow channel area 35 assigned to the corresponding flow channel 34 is designed in such a way in an end region of the cylindrical base body 27 of the aperture insert that, in a state when the aperture 31 designed as an aperture insert is received in the at least one second channel 33 of the liquid distributor 25 (cf. Fig. 4a) the corresponding flow channel 34 is or can be connected via its associated radially extending flow channel area 35 to the first channel 32 of the liquid distributor 25 in terms of flow flow.

[0070] In particular, the radially extending flow channel area 35 associated with the corresponding flow channel 34 is designed in such a way in an end region of the cylindrical base body 27 of the aperture 31 designed as an aperture insert that in a state when the aperture 31 designed as an aperture insert is received in the second channel 33 of the liquid distributor 25 (cf. Fig. 4a) The radially extending flow channel section 35 opens into the first channel 32 of the liquid distributor 25 on the reverse side relative to the flow direction. In this way, potential clogging of the orifice insert by dirt particles can be effectively prevented.

[0071] The respective flow channels 34, which are formed in the base body 27 of the aperture insert, as well as the radially extending flow channel areas 35 assigned to these flow channels 34, each together have an effective flow cross-section that determines the proportion of the liquid supplied to the liquid distributor 25 via the first connection 28 that is discharged or is to be discharged via the third connection 30 of the liquid distributor 25.

[0072] Preferably and as can be seen in particular in the sectional view in Fig. As can be seen from Figure 5a, several parallel flow channels 34 and radially extending flow channel areas 35 corresponding to these flow channels 34 are provided in the cylindrical base body 27, wherein the respective flow channels 34 and the flow channel areas 35 assigned to them differ from each other by their respective effective flow cross-section.

[0073] With reference to the further exemplary embodiment of the liquid distributor 25 according to the invention, the following can therefore be summarized: According to the in Fig. 3 schematically represented realization of the liquid distributor 25 according to the invention consists essentially of the Y-shaped base body 27 (plastic injection molded part), the aperture insert (aperture 31) and an O-ring 36 for sealing the thread 37.

[0074] The base body 27 is screwed onto the rinse pump 20 or pre-rinse pump using a union nut 38. The straight outlet (second connection 29) is connected to the wash system 15 of the conveyor dishwasher 1 via a hose. The cover plate (cover plate 1) is inserted into the connection (third connection 30) of the bypass line 26 and sealed against the hose connection 39 of the bypass with the O-ring 36. The bypass outlet is connected to the pre-wash tank 12 via a hose.

[0075] The pressure built up in the pre-rinse pump 20 forces the water into the Y-shaped base body 27. There, the flow rate splits in two directions according to the ratio of the different cross-sections. The larger portion flows directly through the base body 27 into the connected rinsing system 15 of the conveyor dishwasher 1. The smaller flow rate flows through the baffle insert into the bypass.

[0076] The size of the aperture insert (aperture) can be adjusted - as in Fig. 5b and Fig. As indicated in Figure 5c, several flow channels 34 (bores) with different diameters can be arranged. By rotating the orifice insert, different volume flows can be achieved in the bypass line 26 (only two are shown in the example, but more are certainly possible). The orifice insert is securely positioned in the base body 27 by the grooves 40 also located on its circumference.

[0077] Comparing the second embodiment of the liquid distributor 25 according to the invention with the first embodiment according to Fig. 2. A major advantage of the second embodiment is that the liquid distributor 25 does not become clogged by dirt particles in the water. This is due to the positioning of the cross-sectional change in the flow rate. Since this change is located in the middle of the main flow rate between the first and second connections 28, 29 of the liquid distributor 25, every dirt particle must necessarily pass through the constriction. If the particle is larger than the opening of the orifice 31, it clogs immediately.

[0078] In contrast, if one considers the liquid distributor 25 according to the second embodiment of the invention, the change in cross-section is located, firstly, at the edge of the volume flow, and secondly, it is positioned on the back side relative to the flow direction (in the dead space). The dirt particles are therefore carried along by the faster main flow between the first and second connections 28, 29 of the liquid distributor 25 and guided past the constriction.

[0079] In addition, the particles are prevented from being drawn in through the bypass line 26 by turbulence caused by the aperture insert 31 projecting into the main volume flow between the first and second connection 28, 29 of the liquid distributor 25.

[0080] It is therefore evident that the liquid distributor 25 according to the invention maintains the function of the bypass even with high levels of dirt. In addition, the bypass volume flow can be easily changed or adapted to other machine types by rotating the orifice plate 1.

[0081] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, but results from a combination of all the features disclosed herein.

[0082] In particular, a hose connection can be provided on the base body 27 for the pump connection instead of the union nut 38. This allows the system to be used arbitrarily between two hoses.

[0083] Furthermore, a second union nut can be provided on the base body 27 instead of the hose connection 42. This allows the system to be used arbitrarily between two pipes.

[0084] Furthermore, a weld butt can be used instead of a union nut and hose connection. This allows all conceivable types of weld fittings to be attached to the system.

[0085] Furthermore, the hose connection 42 located on the base body 27 could be closed. The system would then no longer be a bypass, but the function of the adjustable orifice 31 could be used to adjust the flow rate in a water pipe.

Claims

[1] Liquid distributor (25) for a liquid transfer system of a conveyor dishwasher (1), wherein the liquid distributor (25) has a first connection (28), a second connection (29) and at least one third connection (30), wherein the liquid sprayed in at least one rinse zone (4, 5) of the conveyor dishwasher (1) can be supplied to the liquid distributor (25) via the first connection (28), wherein a portion of the liquid supplied to the liquid distributor (25) can be discharged via the second connection (29) to a piping system (21) connectable to the second connection (29), and wherein the remainder of the liquid supplied to the liquid distributor (25) can be discharged via the at least one third connection (30) to at least one piping system (26) connectable to the at least one third connection (30), characterized by, that the liquid distributor (25) has a particularly interchangeable orifice (31) by which the proportion of the liquid supplied or supplyable to the liquid distributor (25) via its first connection (28) which is to be discharged via the second connection (29) to the piping system (21) connectable to the second connection (29) is determined, wherein a first channel (32) is formed in the liquid distributor (25) which connects the first connection (28) of the liquid distributor (25) flow-wise with the second connection (29) of the liquid distributor (25) and wherein at least one second channel (33) is formed in the liquid distributor (25) which opens into the first channel (32) and connects it flow-wise with the at least one third connection (30) of the liquid distributor (25),wherein a channel axis formed by the second channel (33) is arranged at an acute or obtuse angle with respect to a channel axis formed by the first channel (32). [2] Liquid distributor (25) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one third connection (30) is designed as a connection nozzle in which the aperture (31) is at least partially received or can be received. [3] Liquid distributor (25) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aperture (31) is designed as an aperture insert that can be received at least partially in the at least one second channel (33), in which at least one flow channel (34) is formed. [4] Liquid distributor (25) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one flow channel (34) is designed as a bore formed in the longitudinal direction of the aperture insert and / or as a groove formed in the longitudinal direction of the aperture insert. [5] Liquid distributor (25) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the at least one flow channel (34) runs at least partially parallel to the channel axis formed by the at least one second channel (33). [6] Liquid distributor (25) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aperture (31) designed as an aperture insert has a base body (27) that is at least partially cylindrical or conical and can be received at least partially in the at least one second channel (33) of the liquid distributor (25), wherein the at least one flow channel (34) is designed as a bore or groove in the base body (27) extending at least partially along the axis of symmetry of the base body (27). [7] Liquid distributor (25) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one flow channel (34) is associated with a flow channel area (35) extending at least partially radially to the axis of symmetry of the base body (27), which is formed in the base body (27) in such a way that the corresponding flow channel (34) opens into the outer surface of the base body (27) via the flow channel area (35) associated with it. [8] Liquid distributor (25) according to claim 7, wherein the flow channel area (35) associated with the at least one flow channel (34) is designed in an end region of the cylindrical base body (27) such that in a state when the aperture (31) designed as an aperture insert is received in the at least one second channel (33), the at least one flow channel (34) is fluidly connected or connectable to the first channel (32) via its associated flow channel area (35). [9] Liquid distributor (25) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the flow channel area (35) associated with the at least one flow channel (34) is designed in an end region of the base body (27) such that, in a state when the aperture (31) designed as an aperture insert is received in the at least one second channel (33), the flow channel area (35) opens into the first channel (32) on the rear side relative to the flow direction. [10] Liquid distributor (25) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the at least one flow channel (34) and the associated flow channel area (35) have an effective flow cross-section which determines the proportion of the liquid supplied to the liquid distributor (25) via the first connection (28) that is discharged or can be discharged via the third connection (30) of the liquid distributor (25). [11] Conveyor dishwasher (1) with a transport device for transporting items to be washed through the individual treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher (1), wherein the conveyor dishwasher (1) has the following: - at least one main washing zone (3); - optionally at least one pre-wash zone (2) upstream of at least one main wash zone (3) viewed in the transport direction (T) of the items to be washed; and - at least one of the at least one main washing zone (3) downstream in the transport direction (T) of the items being washed, a rinsing zone (4, 5) which is designed as a pump rinsing zone (4) and / or as a fresh water rinsing zone (5) and in which recirculated or pure fresh water, to which a rinsing chemical may be added, is sprayed onto the items being washed; wherein the transport dishwasher (1) is associated with a liquid transfer system, via which at least a part of the liquid sprayed in the at least one rinse zone (4, 5) can be fed directly to the at least one optionally provided pre-wash zone (2), a wastewater drain or a wastewater tank, characterized by , that The liquid transfer system has an interchangeable aperture (31) by which the proportion of the liquid sprayed in the at least one rinse zone (4, 5) that is to be fed directly to the optionally at least one pre-wash zone (2), the wastewater drain or the wastewater tank is determined, wherein the liquid transfer system is associated with a liquid distributor (25) according to one of claims 1 to 10, which has a first connection (28), a second connection (29) and at least one third connection (30), wherein at least a portion of the liquid sprayed in the at least one rinse zone (4, 5) is fed or can be fed to the liquid distributor (25) via the first connection (28), wherein a portion of the liquid fed to the liquid distributor (25) is discharged or can be discharged to a piping system connected to the second connection (29) via the second connection (29).and wherein, via the at least one third connection (30), the remainder of the liquid supplied to the liquid distributor (25) can be discharged to at least one piping system connected to the at least one third connection (30). [12] Transport dishwasher (1) according to claim 11, wherein the first connection of the liquid distributor (25) is preferably detachably connected or connectable to the pressure side of a pump, wherein the second connection of the liquid distributor (25) is preferably detachably connected or connectable to a bypass line (26), and wherein the third connection (30) of the liquid distributor (25) is preferably detachably connected or connectable to a piping system (21) separately formed from the bypass line (26); or wherein the first connection of the liquid distributor (25) is preferably detachably connected or connectable to the pressure side of a pump, wherein the third connection (30) of the liquid distributor (25) is preferably detachably connected or connectable to a bypass line (26), and wherein the second connection of the liquid distributor (25) is preferably detachably connected or connectable to a piping system (21) separately formed from the bypass line (26). [13] Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to claim 12, wherein the pump is in particular a rinse pump (20) which is assigned to a pump rinse zone (4) of the conveyor dishwasher (1), wherein the bypass line (26) - bypassing at least one main wash zone (3) of the conveyor dishwasher (1) - either opens into a treatment zone of the conveyor dishwasher (1) upstream of the at least one main wash zone (3) in the transport direction (T) of the items being washed, or into a wastewater tank or into a wastewater drain, and wherein the piping system (21) formed separately from the bypass line (26) is flow-wise connected to a pre-rinse nozzle system of the conveyor dishwasher (1).

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