Method and control unit for operating a cleaning device, flushing strip device, sensor and cleaning device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a washer-disinfector (WD). The method comprises a reading step and a control step. In the reading step, a program signal (P) and a sensor signal (S1) are read. The program signal (P) represents a target pressure value of a wash solution in a wash bar assembly (SL1) to be used for a selected cleaning program. The sensor signal (S1) is read by a sensor (DS1), wherein the sensor signal (S1) represents an actual pressure value of the wash solution in the wash bar assembly (SL1). In the control step, the pump assembly (PE) is controlled using the target pressure value and the actual pressure value.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a control unit for operating a cleaning device, a flushing bar device, a sensor and a cleaning device.

[0002] A cleaning device can reliably process or clean wash ware. For this purpose, the cleaning device can be equipped with a frequency-controlled circulation pump that can be controlled by a frequency converter. Each wash step can be assigned fixed frequencies and thus fixed speeds and thus pressures of a wash solution.

[0003] The approach presented here aims to provide an improved method and an improved control unit for operating a cleaning device, an improved flushing bar device, an improved sensor and an improved cleaning device.

[0004] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method and a control unit for operating a cleaning device, a flushing bar device, a sensor, and a cleaning device having the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are set forth in the following subclaims.

[0005] The advantages achievable with the invention are that a rinsing strip device in a cleaning appliance can be reliably supplied with rinsing liquid in order to process wash ware reliably and safely.

[0006] A method for operating a cleaning device comprises a reading step and a controlling step. In the reading step, a program signal and a sensor signal are read. The program signal represents a target pressure value of a rinsing solution in a rinsing bar device to be used for a selected cleaning program. The sensor signal is read from a sensor, wherein the sensor signal represents an actual pressure value of the rinsing solution in the rinsing bar device. In the controlling step, the pump device is controlled using the target pressure value and the actual pressure value.

[0007] The cleaning appliance can be a device for cleaning, disinfecting, and / or reprocessing wash ware. The wash ware can be household crockery, laboratory equipment, or cookware or tableware in the catering industry. The program signal can be generated by a user selecting the cleaning program via an operating device, for example, directly on the cleaning appliance or via a mobile device. Alternatively, the program signal can be generated automatically, for example by a camera in an interior of the cleaning appliance detecting a load condition and selecting the appropriate cleaning program in response to the load condition. The sensor can be designed as a pressure sensor. The wash ware can be treated reliably if an appropriate pressure is applied to the flushing bar device, on which wash ware can be arranged.The approach presented here can generate a corresponding target frequency using the program signal and the sensor signal. The approach presented here can therefore also be understood as load-dependent flush pressure control of a circulation pump.

[0008] The approach presented here can enable sustainable operation of the cleaning device. Furthermore, the rinsing program can respond dynamically to the actual boundary conditions, such as the load of the respective user. The cleaning programs can be operated with optimum energy and water consumption, as smaller reserves are provided during the rinsing steps. In other words, low water and energy consumption can be achieved. The approach presented here can also enable greater process reliability for the user and allow full utilization of the flexibility of the load carriers. In addition, all parameters of the Sinner circle can be utilized. Temperature, time, and concentration are already part of the control system; now, for the first time, pressure can also be used as a parameter for the mechanics.

[0009] During the reading step, the actual pressure value can be read from the sensor. The sensor can be located on at least one connection piece of the flushing bar device for connecting and / or placing washware. The sensor can thus reliably read the actual pressure value of the wash liquor in the flushing bar device.

[0010] During the reading step, the actual pressure value can be read from the sensor. The sensor can be fixed and / or removable from the connection piece of the flushing panel device for connecting and / or placing washware. The sensor can be easily and quickly attached to the connection piece by a user and removed as needed. This can increase user satisfaction.

[0011] During the reading step, the actual pressure value can be read from the sensor. The sensor can be located on a connection piece of the flushing bar device that is furthest away from a connection element of the flushing bar device. At this position of the connection piece, the actual pressure can be most influenced by the individual loading situation. The sensor can thus provide a reliable measurement result.

[0012] In the control step, a pump device can be controlled, which can comprise a circulation pump and a frequency converter that controls the circulation pump. In the control step, the pump device can be controlled using a target frequency generated from the target pressure value and the actual pressure value in the frequency converter. The pump device can deliver the wash liquor to the washware at the target frequency appropriate for the washware in order to reliably process the washware. For this purpose, components that are often already available in a cleaning device can be used.

[0013] During the reading step, the sensor signal can be read by a reading interface, which can be connected to the sensor either wired or wirelessly. This type of implementation also allows the advantages of the approach described here to be realized very efficiently.

[0014] In the reading step, a further sensor signal can be read from a further sensor. The further sensor signal can represent a further actual pressure value of the wash liquor in the flushing bar device or at least one further flushing bar device. In the controlling step, the pump device can be controlled using the target pressure value, the actual pressure value, and the further actual pressure value. The advantages of the approach described here can also be realized very efficiently through such an embodiment.

[0015] During the reading step, the additional actual pressure value can be read from the additional sensor, which can be located on a further connection piece of the additional flushing bar device, in particular the one furthest away from a further connection of the additional flushing bar device. At this position of the additional connection piece, the actual pressure can be most influenced by the individual loading situation. The additional sensor can thus provide a reliable measurement result.

[0016] During the reading step, the program signal can be read by an operating device. The operating device can be configured to read a cleaning program selected by a user. The operating device can be arranged on the cleaning device or be configured as a mobile device.

[0017] The approach presented here further provides a control unit configured to perform, control, or implement the steps of a variant of a method presented here in corresponding devices. This embodiment of the invention in the form of a device also allows the problem underlying the invention to be solved quickly and efficiently.

[0018] The control unit can be designed to read in input signals and to determine and provide output signals using the input signals. An input signal can, for example, represent a sensor signal that can be read in via an input interface of the control unit. An output signal can represent a control signal or a data signal that can be provided at an output interface of the control unit. The control unit can be designed to determine the output signals using a processing rule implemented in hardware or software. For example, the control unit can comprise a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or a software module and can, for example, be implemented as a discrete component or be comprised of a discrete component.

[0019] Also advantageous is a computer program product or computer program with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable carrier or storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory, or an optical memory. If the program product or program is executed on a computer or a control unit, the program product or program can be used to carry out, implement, and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described here.

[0020] A flushing bar device has an inlet and at least one connection piece for connecting and / or attaching washware. The inlet is fluidly coupled or can be coupled to a pump device of a cleaning appliance. The flushing bar device comprises a sensor for detecting an actual pressure value of a wash liquor in the flushing bar device. The flushing bar device can comprise at least one flushing bar element, on which connection pieces for connecting and / or attaching washware can be arranged. The sensor can be arranged on the flushing bar device, on one of the connection pieces, and / or within the flushing bar device or within the connection piece.

[0021] A sensor is designed to detect the actual pressure value of a wash liquor in a flushing bar device. The sensor is coupled or can be coupled to the flushing bar device and is connected or can be connected to a reading interface of a cleaning device. The sensor can be designed as a pressure sensor to reliably determine the actual pressure value.

[0022] A cleaning appliance for processing wash ware comprises a wash chamber, a wash bar device, a sensor, and a control device. The wash chamber is configured to accommodate at least one wash basket. The wash bar device is arranged or can be arranged on the wash chamber and configured to accommodate wash ware. The pump device is configured to convey a wash liquor into the wash chamber and / or to the wash bar device. The sensor is arranged or can be arranged on or in the wash bar device and configured to provide a sensor signal representing at least one actual pressure value of the wash liquor in the wash bar device. The control device is configured to actuate the pump device using the sensor signal and the program signal. The wash ware can be medical wash ware, such as hollow-body instruments and / or MIS instruments.The pumping system can include a circulation pump and a frequency converter. The circulation pump can be activated during a rinsing step to circulate the rinse water in the device. In some cases, a frequency-controlled pump can also be used.

[0023] Although the approach described is based on a household appliance, the approach described here can be used accordingly in connection with a commercial or professional device, for example a medical device, such as a cleaning or disinfection device, a small-scale sterilizer or a large-scale disinfector.

[0024] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a flushing strip device; Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a cleaning device; Fig. 3 shows a representation of a control system for an embodiment of a cleaning device; Fig. 4 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating a cleaning device; and Fig. 5 a block diagram of an embodiment of a control unit for operating a cleaning device.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows an illustration of an embodiment of a flushing strip device SL1. The flushing strip device SL1 is designed to accommodate washware. For this purpose, the flushing strip device SL1 has a plurality of connection pieces AS to which the washware is connected and / or placed. More specifically, the flushing strip device SL1 comprises two flushing strip elements SLE1, SLE2, with the plurality of connection pieces AS being arranged on each flushing strip element SLE1, SLE2.

[0026] The rinsing strip device SL1 can be arranged in a cleaning appliance. For this purpose, the rinsing strip device is arranged, for example, in or on a basket K1. The basket K1 can also be referred to as a rinsing basket and can be arranged in a rinsing chamber of the cleaning appliance. A spray arm SA1 is arranged below the basket K1 to direct a rinsing solution to the basket K1, which can also contain washware.

[0027] The flushing bar elements SLE1, SLE2 of the flushing bar device SL1 each have an inlet that is or can be coupled to a connection element AE of the cleaning device.

[0028] If the SL1 flushing bar device or the basket K1 with the SL1 flushing bar device is arranged on a pump device of the cleaning device, a wash solution is conveyed via the connection element AE to the SL1 flushing bar device and to the connection ports AS when the cleaning device is in the operational state. Washware arranged on the connection ports AS is thus cleaned, disinfected, and / or reprocessed.

[0029] The spray arm SA1 is also arranged on the connecting element AE, so that the wash water is pumped from the pump device to the spray arm SA1. In this way, the washware arranged in the basket K1 is cleaned, disinfected, and / or reprocessed.

[0030] For reliable cleaning, processing and / or disinfection of the washware, the wash liquor is conveyed to the rinsing bar device SL1 at an appropriate pressure. For this purpose, the rinsing bar device SL1 has a sensor for detecting an actual pressure value of the wash liquor in the rinsing bar device SL1, wherein the sensor is Fig. 2 is shown and described in more detail.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 shows an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a washer-disinfector (RDG). The washer-disinfector (RDG) is designed for cleaning, reprocessing, and / or disinfecting washware.

[0032] For this purpose, the cleaning device RDG has a rinsing chamber SR, a rinsing bar device SL1, a pump device PE, a sensor DS1 and a control device STRG.

[0033] The washing chamber SR is designed to accommodate at least one washing basket K1 and the washing strip device SL1. The washing basket K1 is, for example, the Fig. 1 described rinsing basket, in the case of the SL1 rinsing strip device by the Fig. 1 described flushing bar device.

[0034] The pump device PE is designed to pump the wash liquor into the wash chamber SR and / or to the wash strip device SL1. According to one embodiment, the pump device PE comprises a circulation pump UP and a frequency converter FU.

[0035] The sensor DS1 is arranged on or in the flushing bar device SL1 and is designed to provide a sensor signal S1 that represents at least one actual pressure value of the washing liquor in the flushing bar device SL1. More specifically, the sensor DS1 is arranged on a connection piece AS of the flushing bar device SL1. The sensor DS1 is, for example, placed or screwed onto the connection piece AS and is fixed or removable from the connection piece AS. More specifically, the sensor DS1 is arranged on the connection piece furthest from the connection element AE.

[0036] In other words, the sensor DS1 is designed, for example, as a separate component and can be plugged onto a connection piece AS of the flushing panel device SL1, which can also be referred to as a flushing panel. The connection piece AS is designed, for example, for optional connection to washware to be cleaned inside or to the sensor DS1. However, the sensor DS1 can also be permanently attached to the flushing panel device SL1, for example in an internal channel of the flushing panel device SL1. The sensor DS1 should be arranged, if possible, at the distal end of the flushing panel device SL1, i.e. as far as possible from the connection element AE, which can also be referred to as the basket connection, and in particular at the connection piece furthest away from it, since this is where the actual pressure is most influenced by the individual load situation.

[0037] In the wash cabinet SR, two spray arms SA1, SA2 are arranged, for example, which are also connected to the connection element AE. Thus, when in an operational state, the pump unit PE also pumps the wash liquor to the spray arms SA1, SA2 to clean the dishes in the baskets K1, K2.

[0038] According to one exemplary embodiment, the spray arm SA1 is arranged between a ceiling of the washer-disinfector (RDG) and the basket K1. Another spray arm SA2 is arranged between a pump sump PS, in which, for example, water W is arranged for cleaning the washware, and another basket K2. A further flushing strip device SL2 is also arranged on the additional basket K2.

[0039] The baskets K1, K2 are identically shaped for illustrative purposes only and each have a sensor DS1, DS2. The sensors DS1, DS2 are designed, for example, as pressure sensors and are designed to read the actual pressure value of the wash liquor in the wash bar device SL1 and the additional wash bar device SL2, with the sensors DS1, DS2 reading the actual pressure values ​​as sensor signals S1, S2.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the sensor signals S1, S2 are output from the respective sensors DS1, DS2 to a signal receiver SE. The corresponding function is p k1 , p k2 = f(Load, Water). The signals S1, S2 are transmitted to the control unit STRG via the signal receiver SE. The control unit STRG receives a program signal P simultaneously or with a time delay via an operating device BAE. The operating device BAE is designed to read in a cleaning program selected by a user U.

[0041] The control unit STRG is designed to control the pump device PE using the at least one sensor signal S1 and the program signal P. For this purpose, a corresponding target frequency is generated using the program signal P and the sensor signal S1. Alternatively, if both baskets K1, K2 or flushing strip devices SA1, SA2 are loaded with washware, the target frequency is generated using the program signal P and the sensor signals S1, S2. The corresponding function then reads f = f(Prog[ramm], p k1 , p k2 ). The frequency converter FU outputs the set frequency n = f(f) to the circulation pump UP, which in turn outputs p = f(n).

[0042] In summary, the RDG (Washer-Disinfector-Ground Instrument Cleaning System) processes different numbers of hollow instruments in different programs, depending on user specifications, discipline, and validated programs. Depending on the load situation, this requires a different cleaning program, tailored to the baskets and modules, in order to generate a consistent rinsing pressure as an integral parameter within the Sinner Circle. If more modules with connections for hollow instruments are connected, the pressure prevailing at the connection ports varies, as the flow resistance of the items being washed, which can also be referred to as the items being processed, can vary. The approach presented here takes temperature, time, and water quality into account. The amount of water used per program phase is thus precisely calculated, thus utilizing the full potential in terms of sustainability, i.e., the reduction of water consumption.

[0043] In other words, in the approach presented here, a frequency-controlled circulation pump UP is triggered by the frequency converter FU. The control unit STRG accepts various input variables in order to supply an ideal frequency value to the frequency converter FU as a setpoint. The frequency depends on the program, i.e. the setpoint pressure value stored in the flushing block, which can also be referred to as the setpoint flush pressure value, as well as the actual pressure values ​​recorded by the adapter point and reported back to the controller as feedback. For this purpose, at least one sensor DS1 is provided in the cleaning device RDG, more precisely in the flushing chamber of the cleaning device RDG, more precisely on the baskets K1, K2 of the cleaning device RDG, more precisely on the flushing strip devices SL1, SL2 of the basket K1, K2, which delivers a sensor signal S1 to the control unit STRG, which can also be referred to as the device controller, either wired or wirelessly via the signal receiver SE.The program then takes into account one or more actual pressure values ​​and uses them to generate the target frequency in order to achieve a desired target pressure.

[0044] The approach presented here should therefore be understood as a pressure-controlled circulation pump, not a frequency-controlled circulation pump. The program specifies the target pressure to be achieved, depending on the load and the specific application, and can use this target value to implement various pump speeds and, upstream, motor frequencies depending on the load.

[0045] Fig. 3 shows a representation of a control system for an embodiment of a cleaning device.

[0046] The program signal is output to the control unit STRG, whereby the program signal represents a reference variable, i.e. the target pressure value. The sensor signal from the sensor DS1 is output to the control unit STRG at the same time or with a time delay, whereby the sensor DS1 represents a measuring element. This is done by means of feedback to the control unit STRG. The control unit STRG generates a corresponding target frequency using the program signal and the sensor signal, which can also be referred to as the pressure difference or control deviation. The control unit STRG, which can also be referred to as a controller, outputs the target frequency to an actuator, the pump device PE, consisting of a frequency converter and a circulation pump. Using the target frequency, the rinse water in the rinse circuit SPL, i.e. the controlled system, is pumped to the rinse bar device SL1 at the appropriate pressure, which can also be referred to as the controlled variable.In the control system, disturbance variables SG, such as foam formation, water quantities, contamination, temperatures, etc., are taken into account.

[0047] Fig. Figure 4 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method V for operating a cleaning device. The cleaning device is similar to or corresponds to the cleaning device from one of the figures described above.

[0048] Method V comprises a reading step ST1 and a control step ST2. In the reading step ST1, a program signal and a sensor signal are read. The program signal represents a target pressure value of a wash liquor in a wash bar device to be used for a selected cleaning program. The sensor signal is read from a sensor, wherein the sensor signal represents an actual pressure value of the wash liquor in the wash bar device. In the control step ST2, the pump device is controlled using the target pressure value and the actual pressure value.

[0049] In step ST1 of reading, the sensor signal is read, for example, by a reading interface that is or can be connected to the sensor via a wired or wireless connection.

[0050] According to one embodiment, in step ST1 of reading, the program signal is read in by an operating device. The operating device is designed to read in a cleaning program selected by a user.

[0051] In step ST1 of reading, according to one embodiment, a further sensor signal from a further sensor is read. The further sensor signal represents a further actual pressure value of the wash liquor in the wash bar device or at least one further wash bar device. In step ST2 of controlling, the pump device is then controlled using the desired pressure value, the actual pressure value, and the further actual pressure value.

[0052] In step ST2 of the control, the pump device is controlled, for example, using a target frequency generated from the target pressure value and the actual pressure value.

[0053] Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a control unit STRG for operating a cleaning device. The control unit STRG is designed to implement the method V from Fig. 4 or a similar method and corresponds to or is similar to the control unit STRG from one of the figures described above.

[0054] For this purpose, the control unit STRG has a unit E1 for reading and a unit E2 for controlling.

[0055] The reading unit E1 is designed to read the sensor signal S1 and the program signal P. The sensor signal S1 is read by a sensor DS1, with the sensor signal S1 representing the actual pressure value of the wash liquor in the wash bar device. The program signal P is read, for example, by an operating device BAE and represents the target pressure value of a wash liquor in the wash bar device to be used for a selected cleaning program.

[0056] The control unit E2 is designed to control the pump device PE using the target pressure value and the actual pressure value.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the reading unit E1 is configured to read the further sensor signal S2. The further sensor signal S2 is read by a further sensor and represents a further actual pressure value of the rinsing liquor in the rinsing bar device or at least one further rinsing bar device.

[0058] In the control unit E2, the pump device PE is then controlled using the target pressure value, the actual pressure value and the further actual pressure value.

Claims

[1] Method (V) for operating a cleaning device (RDG), the method (V) comprising the following steps: Reading (ST1) a program signal (P), wherein the program signal (P) represents a target pressure value of a rinsing solution in a rinsing bar device (SL1) to be used for a selected cleaning program, and reading (ST1) a sensor signal (S1) from a sensor (DS1), wherein the sensor signal (S1) represents an actual pressure value of the rinsing solution in the rinsing bar device (SL1); and Control (ST2) of the pump device (PE) using the target pressure value and the actual pressure value. [2] Method (V) according to claim 1, wherein in the step (ST1) of reading in, the actual pressure value is read in by the sensor (DS1) which is arranged on at least one connection piece (AS) of the flushing strip device (SL1) for connecting and / or placing items to be washed. [3] Method (V) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (ST1) of reading in, the actual pressure value is read in by the sensor (DS1) which is fixed and / or removable on the connection piece (AS) of the flushing strip device (SL1) for connecting and / or placing items to be washed. [4] Method (V) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (ST1) of reading in, the actual pressure value is read in from the sensor (DS1) which is arranged on a connection piece (AS) of the flushing bar device (SL1) which is arranged furthest away from a connection element of the flushing bar device (SL1). [5] Method (V) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (ST2) of the control, a pump device (PE) is controlled, which comprises a circulation pump (UP) and a frequency converter (FU) controlling the circulation pump (UP), wherein in the step (ST2) of the control, the pump device (PE) is controlled using a target frequency generated from the target pressure value and actual pressure value in the frequency converter (FU). [6] Method (V) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (ST1) of reading in, the sensor signal (S1) is read in by a reading interface which is or can be connected to the sensor (DS1) in a wired or wireless manner. [7] Method (V) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (ST1) of reading in, a further sensor signal (S2) is read in from a further sensor (DS2), wherein the further sensor signal (S2) represents a further actual pressure value of the rinsing liquor in the rinsing bar device (SL1) or at least one further rinsing bar device (SL2), and wherein in the step (ST2) of controlling, the pump device (PE) is controlled using the target pressure value, the actual pressure value and the further actual pressure value. [8] Method (V) according to claim 7, wherein in the step (ST1) of reading in, the further actual pressure value is read in by the further sensor (DS2) which is arranged on a further connection piece (AS) of the further flushing bar device (SL2), in particular which is arranged furthest away from a further connection of the further flushing bar device (SL2). [9] Method (V) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (ST1) of reading in, the program signal (P) is read in by an operating device (BAE) which is designed to read in a cleaning program selected by a user (U). [10] Control unit (STRG) which is designed to carry out and / or control the steps (ST1, ST2) of the method (V) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9 in corresponding units (E1, E2). [11] Computer program product with program code for carrying out the method (V) according to one of claims 1 to 9, when the computer program product is executed on a control unit (STRG) according to claim 10. [12] Flushing strip device (SL) with an inlet and at least one connection piece (AS) for connecting and / or placing washware, wherein the inlet is fluidically coupled or can be coupled to a pump device (PE) of a cleaning appliance (RDG), wherein the flushing strip device (SL1) comprises a sensor (DS1) for detecting an actual pressure value of a wash liquor in the flushing strip device (SL1). [13] Sensor (DS1) for detecting an actual pressure value of a rinsing solution in a rinsing bar device (SL1), wherein the sensor (DS1) is coupled or can be coupled to the rinsing bar device (SL1) and is connected or can be connected to a reading interface of a cleaning device (RDG). [14] Cleaning device (RDG) for the processing of wash ware, the cleaning device (RDG) having the following features: a washing chamber (SR) for accommodating at least one washing basket; a rinsing strip device (SL1) which is arranged or can be arranged on the rinsing basket or the rinsing chamber (SR) and is designed to receive items to be washed; a pump device (PE) which is designed to convey a rinsing solution into the rinsing chamber (SR) and / or to the rinsing strip device (SL); a sensor (DS1) which is arranged or can be arranged on or in the flushing bar device (SL1) and is designed to provide a sensor signal (S1) which represents at least one actual pressure value of the rinsing liquor in the flushing bar device (SL1); and a control unit (STRG) which is designed to control the pump device (PE) using the sensor signal (S1) and the program signal (P).

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