Flushing system for cleaning items with at least one cavity

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a rinsing system and a method for cleaning items with at least one cavity. In particular, the rinsing system and the method can be used for cleaning containers, especially bottles. The invention can be used particularly in the field of dishwashing technology, especially in the field of commercial dishwashing technology. Thus, the invention can be used particularly in commercial kitchens where large quantities of items need to be cleaned. In particular, the invention can be used to clean bottles, for example, bottles for table water in restaurants, or other bottle-like objects such as wine carafes, soda jugs, or similar items with at least one cavity. However, other areas of application are also conceivable in principle. Technical background

[0002] Numerous cleaning devices, also known as cleaning equipment, are known from the prior art for cleaning and / or disinfecting items. The design of these cleaning devices depends heavily on various boundary conditions, such as the type of item to be cleaned, the degree of soiling, the throughput, and similar factors. Examples of such cleaning devices can be found in DE 10 2004 056 052 A1 and DE 10 2007 025 263 A1.

[0003] Particular technical challenges arise when the items to be cleaned have one or more cavities. In this case, it is essential to ensure that the inner walls of the cavities are sufficiently saturated with cleaning fluid to guarantee reliable cleaning and sanitizing. This problem is especially relevant when cleaning bottles, particularly reusable bottles, which typically have a narrow neck followed by a widened cavity. To reliably clean such items, dishwasher baskets are available that can be used in dishwashers and feature a nozzle system for attaching the bottles. An example of such a basket is the one manufactured by Dishmachines (www.cmadishmachines.com) from Garden Grove, CA 92841, USA. Further examples are described in DE 10 2016 114 589 B3 and WO 2018 / 024772 A1.This document describes a bottle washing basket device for a commercial dishwasher with two separate washing systems, comprising a basket carrier and a washing basket for holding bottles to be cleaned. The basket carrier includes a docking device with at least two separate feed channels, and the washing basket includes a distribution system with a distribution flange that can be connected to the docking device of the basket carrier. Furthermore, a dispensing pipe for dispensing liquid onto bottles to be cleaned is provided, which is connected to a common distribution channel of a distribution system, and liquids from each of the two washing systems can be supplied to this dispensing pipe via the common distribution channel.

[0004] A particular technical challenge lies in drying the items being cleaned, especially the cavities, i.e., the inner walls of the items. For efficient drying, each item would need to be turned upside down after a wash cycle and subsequent draining phase, so that its openings face upwards. The residual moisture could then evaporate and escape upwards, ensuring drying. However, this process would require interrupting a program and manual intervention, which would be practically impossible in commercial dishwashing facilities, extremely time-consuming, and would also require significant personnel resources.

[0005] US patent 2,480,227A discloses a sterilizing device that can be used for drying and sterilizing dairy equipment. In this sterilizing device, hot air is blown into a milking bucket inside the drying cabinet for the purpose of killing germs.

[0006] From DE 34 13 386 A1 a dishwasher for cleaning, disinfecting and drying medical accessories is known.

[0007] From DE 103 32 150 B3 a vehicle is known which is used for cleaning and drying anesthesia material in a dishwasher.

[0008] US Patent 5,010,660 discloses a device for rinsing and vacuum-drying long-necked laboratory bottles. The device comprises a basket that can be rolled into a rinsing chamber and includes a distribution tube. Upright tubes extend from the distribution tube into the bottles. After being filled with water, the bottles can be vacuum-sealed through these tubes, with a vacuum blower drawing moist air out of the bottles during drying and replacing it with drier air from the rinsing chamber.

[0009] Despite the advantages of this device, some technical challenges remain. For example, using a drying oven is very time-consuming in practice. Furthermore, in many cases, despite the comparatively high handling effort, the drying effect of the devices used is insufficient, and the drying result is often uneven. In addition, the drying time is comparatively long, especially for bottles with narrow necks. Moreover, the use of the described vacuum device requires a comparatively high level of equipment, as the vacuum blower used must generally be designed to pump moist air.Furthermore, even after the actual rinsing process, the rinsing chamber usually still contains warm, moist air, which flows into the cavity during extraction, so that moist air remains in the cavity and can negatively affect the drying result. Object of the invention

[0010] It would therefore be desirable to provide a rinsing system and a method for cleaning items with at least one cavity that largely avoids the disadvantages of known devices and methods of this type. In particular, efficient drying of the items should be enabled with minimal equipment and yet with a reliable drying result. General description of the invention

[0011] This problem is addressed by a rinsing system and a method for cleaning items with at least one cavity, comprising the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments, which can be implemented individually or in any combination, are described in the dependent claims.

[0012] In the following, the terms "have," "exhibit," "comprise," or "include," or any grammatical variations thereof, are used in a non-exclusive manner. Accordingly, these terms can refer both to situations in which, apart from the features introduced by these terms, no other features are present, and to situations in which one or more additional features are present. For example, the expression "A has B," "A exhibits B," "A comprises B," or "A includes B" can refer both to the situation in which, apart from B, no other element is present in A (i.e., a situation in which A consists solely of B) and to the situation in which, in addition to B, one or more other elements are present in A, such as element C, elements C and D, or even further elements.

[0013] Furthermore, it should be noted that the terms "at least one" and "one or more," as well as grammatical variations of these terms, when used in connection with one or more elements or features and intended to express that the element or feature may be present once or multiple times, are generally used only once, for example, when the feature or element is first introduced. Upon subsequent mention of the feature or element, the corresponding term "at least one" or "one or more" is generally no longer used, without restricting the possibility that the feature or element may be present once or multiple times.

[0014] Furthermore, the terms "preferably," "in particular," "for example," or similar terms are used in the following text in conjunction with optional features without limiting alternative embodiments. Features introduced by these terms are optional features, and it is not intended that these features limit the scope of protection of the claims, and in particular the independent claims. As the person skilled in the art will recognize, the invention can also be implemented using other embodiments. Similarly, features introduced by "in one embodiment of the invention" or by "in an exemplary embodiment of the invention" are understood as optional features without limiting alternative embodiments or the scope of protection of the independent claims.Furthermore, these introductory expressions are intended to leave all possibilities of combining the features introduced herein with other features, whether optional or non-optional features, unaffected.

[0015] The first aspect of a proposed dishwashing system includes at least one dishwashing basket system for cleaning items with at least one cavity. This dishwashing basket system can be used, in particular, for cleaning containers and especially bottles. The dishwashing basket system comprises: at least one washing basket with at least one basket base and a plurality of nozzles extending from the basket base, wherein at least one fluid supply for supplying the nozzles with cleaning fluid is provided in the basket base, and at least one pressurization device connectable to the washing basket for supplying the item to be cleaned with compressed gas, in particular with compressed air, wherein the pressurization device can be connected to the washing basket in such a way that the nozzles can be supplied with compressed gas via the fluid supply by means of the pressurization device.

[0016] The term "dishwashing basket system," as used here, is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, should be attributed. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a device composed of at least two interacting components, which includes at least one dishwashing basket.

[0017] The term "dishwashing basket," as used here, is also a broad term, and its usual and common meaning, as understood by experts, should be applied. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. Without restriction, the term can refer, in particular, to a portable device for holding items to be cleaned, placing them in a dishwasher, and then removing them clean. Dishwashing baskets can also serve for the temporary storage of items, such as cleaned glasses or bottles. A dishwashing basket may, in particular, have numerous openings to allow liquid to drain away.

[0018] The term "cleaning," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, it can refer in particular to a process in which items are freed from adhering macroscopic or microscopic contaminants and / or in which such contaminants are at least partially removed. Additionally, a disinfection effect can optionally be achieved. Accordingly, the present dishwashing basket system can be configured for cleaning and drying items, and for the complete or partial removal of adhering liquids from the items.

[0019] Accordingly, the term "item to be cleaned," as used here, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, should be attributed. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. Without restriction, the term can refer in particular to any objects that can be cleaned using the cleaning device. This can involve cleaning a single object, or cleaning several objects simultaneously or sequentially. In particular, the item to be cleaned can be objects used directly or indirectly for the preparation, storage, or serving of food. Specifically, as stated above, the item to be cleaned can include one or more bottles. Other configurations of the item to be cleaned are also fundamentally possible.

[0020] The dishwashing basket comprises at least one basket base. The term "basket base," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to an element that completely or partially closes off the bottom of the dishwashing basket when it rests on a support surface. The basket base can, in particular, be essentially flat. For example, it can have a flat support surface on its underside. The basket base can also be essentially flat on its surface. The basket base can, in particular, be square or, more generally, rectangular.The basket base can be made entirely or partially of a plastic material, particularly a thermoplastic material. The basket base can be designed as a single plate and / or may include multiple struts. It can be made of one piece or multiple pieces. Furthermore, the basket base may have multiple openings that allow liquid to drain through it.

[0021] The dishwashing basket further comprises a plurality of nozzles extending from the basket base. For example, the basket base may have an underside with a support surface for placing the dishwashing basket on a work surface, and an upper surface opposite the underside, which is essentially parallel to the underside, with the nozzles extending from the upper surface. For example, the nozzles may be arranged essentially perpendicular to the upper surface and / or to a plane of the dishwashing basket, such as the plane in which the support surface is located. Deviations from a perpendicular orientation are also acceptable, for example, deviations of up to 45°, for instance, to allow bottles to be placed at an angle in the dishwashing basket. The nozzles may extend, for example, at least 40 mm from the basket base, or from 50 mm to 200 mm.The nozzles can, for example, extend into the interior of a basket, which may be enclosed by the basket base and a basket frame. The nozzles can extend directly from the basket base or they can start at a distance from the basket base and extend into the interior of the dishwashing basket.

[0022] The term "nozzle," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a device designed to apply liquid to another object, for example, by spraying or dripping it. The nozzle may, in particular, comprise a nozzle body in which one or more supply lines are arranged, and at least one nozzle opening through which the liquid can exit the nozzle, for example, as a jet, a stream, or drops. The nozzle body may, in particular, as will be explained in more detail below, be made entirely or partially of at least one plastic material.The nozzle body can, in particular, be essentially elongated, with a length that exceeds the diameter by at least a factor of 2, in particular by at least a factor of 3 or at least a factor of 4. The nozzle body can, for example, be essentially cylindrical. The nozzle body can, for example, be designed such that it can extend into the interior of a bottle and that a bottle can be attached to the nozzle body.

[0023] The basket base includes at least one fluid supply for delivering cleaning fluid to the nozzles. For example, one or more fluid supplies may be provided. The fluid supply may, for instance, comprise at least one distribution system for distributing at least one cleaning fluid to the nozzles. If multiple fluid supplies are provided, they may, for example, include at least one wash fluid supply and at least one rinse fluid supply. The term "fluid supply," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning.The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to any channel or channel structure that allows the supply of fluid, especially washing fluid and / or rinse fluid, from the outside into the dish rack and to the nozzles. As will be explained in more detail below, the at least one fluid supply can in particular comprise at least one channel that is integrated into the bottom of the rack and / or that is mounted as at least one pipe in or on the bottom of the rack. The at least one fluid supply can in particular have at least one opening through which a fluid supply from the outside is possible, for example, at least one opening in an end face of the dish rack.

[0024] The term "fluid," as used here in connection with the terms "cleaning fluid," "washing fluid," and "rinse aid," is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, should be attributed. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to any liquid that, upon contact with the item being cleaned, can have a cleaning effect. Thus, a cleaning fluid can, in particular, comprise at least one liquid that, upon contact with the item being cleaned, can have a cleaning effect. Specifically, the fluid can comprise an aqueous liquid, for example, water and / or water with one or more additives, such as one or more cleaning concentrates and / or rinse aids and / or disinfectants.Accordingly, a wash fluid can be understood as a fluid that can be used for a washing process and which may, for example, contain water and concentrated detergent. A rinse aid fluid, for example, may have a higher temperature than the wash fluid and may also contain water, but which may, for example, be mixed with a rinse aid.

[0025] The dishwashing basket system further comprises, as described above, at least one pressurizing device connectable to the dishwashing basket for pressurizing the item being cleaned with pressurized gas. In particular, the pressurizing device, together with the nozzles, can be configured to pressurize the cavity of the item being cleaned with pressurized gas and thus dry at least one inner wall of the item that adjoins the cavity. The term "pressurizing device," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its ordinary and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning.The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a device configured to supply at least one gas, especially air, at a pressure above normal pressure, for example, a pressure of at least 1.2 bar, preferably a pressure of at least 1.5 bar or even 2 bar. As explained in more detail below, the pressurizing device may include its own pressurized gas source or its own device for generating pressurized gas, and / or may include at least one device that can supply pressurized gas from an external source to the rinsing basket, for example, a pressure nozzle, a pressure reducer, or a pressure connection.

[0026] The term "coupleable," as used here, is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, should be attributed. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can, in particular, describe the property of at least one first element to form a mechanical connection with at least one second element, especially a reversible mechanical connection. The property "coupleable" can, in particular, include the fact that the second element and / or the second element have at least one coupling element capable of effecting the mechanical connection. In particular, this coupling element can be capable of forming at least a frictional and / or at least a positive-locking connection.For example, in the present case, the pressurizing device and / or the rinsing basket can have at least one coupling element. For example, the pressurizing device and the rinsing basket can have complementary coupling elements.

[0027] The pressurization device can be coupled to the rinsing basket in such a way that the nozzles can be pressurized with compressed gas via the fluid supply by means of the pressurization device. This implies that at least one compressed gas supplied by the pressurization device can flow from the pressurization device into the fluid supply, for example, through the at least one opening of the fluid supply described above, for example, by coupling the pressurization device directly and / or via at least one fluidic guide element to the opening. The compressed gas can then flow through the fluid supply to the at least one nozzle, for example, into at least one fluid channel and / or into at least one compressed gas channel within the nozzle.The compressed gas can then flow through the nozzle, for example through the fluid channel and / or the compressed gas channel, to at least one nozzle opening and exit there, for example into the cavity of the item being cleaned, to blow it dry. Generally, separate feeds or channels for cleaning fluid, such as rinse fluid and / or wash fluid, and compressed gas can be provided in the fluid supply and / or the nozzle. Alternatively or additionally, one or more fluid feeds and / or channels can be provided that can be used together or selectively for cleaning fluid and / or compressed gas.

[0028] The pressurization device may, in particular, comprise at least one blower. For example, the at least one blower may have at least one impeller and / or at least one compressor. In particular, the blower may be driven by at least one electric motor.

[0029] The dishwashing basket system can, in particular, have at least one coupling device configured to connect the pressurizing device to the dishwashing basket or vice versa. This coupling device can, for example, have one or more coupling elements connected to the dishwashing basket and / or the pressurizing device, or separately configured. In particular, the coupling device can have at least one clamp. In particular, the coupling device can have at least one coupling element selected from the group consisting of a positive-locking coupling element and a friction-locking coupling element.

[0030] The dishwashing basket system can further include at least one sensor for detecting the connection of the dishwashing basket to the pressurization device. This sensor can, for example, include at least one switch and / or at least one push button. Alternatively or additionally, other types of sensors are also possible that can detect the presence of the dishwashing basket and / or the pressurization device and / or the connection. For example, the sensor can include at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a mechanical sensor, in particular a switch, a push button, or a toggle lever; an electrical sensor, in particular a capacitive sensor and / or an inductive sensor; an optical sensor, in particular a light barrier; or a magnetic sensor. Other types of sensors and / or combinations of the aforementioned sensors are also possible.

[0031] The dishwashing basket system may also include at least one trigger. This trigger may be configured to automatically activate the pressurization of the nozzles with compressed gas, in particular compressed air, when the dishwashing basket is connected to the pressurization device. For example, the trigger may automatically initiate pressurization as soon as the dishwashing basket is connected to the pressurization device, or vice versa. This trigger may, for example, comprise at least one trigger selected from the group consisting of: a mechanical trigger, in particular a switch, a push button, or a toggle lever; an electrical trigger, in particular a capacitive trigger and / or an inductive trigger; an optical trigger, in particular a photoelectric sensor; or a magnetic trigger. Other types of triggers and / or combinations of the aforementioned triggers are also possible.In particular, the trigger can include at least one sensor as described above, as well as at least one actuator or switch which starts the pressurizing device and / or releases pressure generated by the pressurizing device for transmission to the dish basket.

[0032] The dishwashing basket system may further comprise at least one receiving device for receiving the dishwashing basket. The term "receiving device," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its ordinary and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term may refer in particular to a device designed to receive and preferably fix, preferably mechanically, one or more defined elements. For example, the receiving device may accordingly comprise at least one support that can fix the dishwashing basket in one, two, or three dimensions. The pressurizing device may, in particular, be connected to the receiving device.This connection between the pressurizing device and the receiving device can be, for example, fixed or detachable. In particular, the pressurizing device can also optionally be fully or partially integrated into the receiving device.

[0033] The receiving device can, in particular, include at least one holder for the dishwashing basket. This holder can, in particular, be configured to fix the dishwashing basket in one, two, or more dimensions. The holder can, in particular, include at least one clamping device for the force-fit retention of the dishwashing basket. For example, the holder can include at least one clamping spring and / or at least one further spring element configured to fix the dishwashing basket in at least one dimension.

[0034] In addition to mechanically securing the dishwashing basket, the holding device can have further functions. For example, the holding device itself can be designed to dry the dishwashing basket and / or the items being cleaned within it. Specifically, the holding device can have at least one drying nozzle system and be configured to dry the items being cleaned using this system. A drying nozzle system can generally be understood as a system with one or more nozzle openings through which, for example, air or another drying gas can be blown onto and / or into the items being cleaned.The drying nozzle system can be used, for example, to apply air and / or another type of drying gas to items being cleaned, which are held in the receiving device directly or via a different type of dish basket than the one described above, regardless of the presence of the dish basket with integrated nozzles described above, for example by flowing or blowing on them, and thereby drying them from the outside and / or also from the inside.

[0035] This drying nozzle system allows the dishwashing basket system to be configured to dry the items being cleaned in various ways, either with or without the integrated nozzles as described. The dishwashing basket system can be configured to dry the items using at least one drying mode, selected from the following group: i. Items to be cleaned in the holding device are dried exclusively by means of the drying nozzle system; ii. If the dishwashing basket is in the holding device, items to be cleaned in the dishwashing basket are dried exclusively by pressurization via the dishwashing basket nozzles; iii. If the dishwashing basket is in the holding device, items to be cleaned in the dishwashing basket are dried both by pressurization via the dishwashing basket nozzles and by means of the drying nozzle system; iv. If the dishwashing basket is in the holding device, items to be cleaned in the dishwashing basket are dried either by pressurization via the dishwashing basket nozzles or by means of the drying nozzle system.

[0036] For example, the dishwashing basket system can have at least one control unit, such as at least one mechanical control unit with at least one switch and / or at least one electrical control unit, such as at least one processor, which is configured to set the drying mode and / or make it selectable by a user. Automatic selection of the drying mode is also possible, for example, by selecting drying mode i. as the default setting and, when the presence of a dishwashing basket in the receiving device is detected, for example by a sensor described above, selecting one of drying modes ii.-iii.

[0037] The receiving device can, in particular, have at least one support surface for the dishwashing basket. For example, the receiving device can comprise a flat support surface onto which the dishwashing basket can be placed.

[0038] The receiving device may further comprise at least one guide element for the lateral guidance of the dishwashing basket. For example, this guide element may comprise at least one guide rail and / or at least one guide wall, which is designed, for example, to guide the insertion of the dishwashing basket onto the support surface.

[0039] The receiving device can be integrated, in particular, wholly or partially, into a work surface of a dishwasher. This work surface can be located outside a cleaning chamber of the dishwasher, for example, downstream of and / or next to a cleaning chamber. In particular, the work surface can be a work surface of a dishwasher's discharge table, for example, a work surface of a discharge table in a pass-through dishwasher.

[0040] The receiving device and / or the dishwashing basket can have at least one centering device for positioning the dishwashing basket in the receiving device. In particular, this centering device can have at least one centering device based on the key-lock principle, which positions and / or secures the dishwashing basket in the receiving device. In particular, the centering device can have at least one centering pin.

[0041] As described above, the dishwashing basket system can be arranged, in particular, outside a cleaning chamber of a dishwasher. In this way, for example, wet cleaning can first take place inside the cleaning chamber of the dishwasher, for instance by applying one or more cleaning fluids. Afterward, the items to be cleaned are removed from the cleaning chamber along with the dishwashing basket, and the basket is connected to the pressurization device to allow the at least one cavity of the items to be blown dry. In this way, the cleaning chamber of the dishwasher can be used again simultaneously to clean further items. The dishwashing system according to the invention comprises at least one dishwashing basket system according to one or more of the embodiments described above. The dishwashing system further comprises at least one dishwasher, wherein the dishwasher includes at least one cleaning chamber for receiving the items to be cleaned.The dishwasher includes at least one pressurization device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items being cleaned. The pressurization device is located outside the cleaning chamber. The dish rack can optionally be placed inside the cleaning chamber or connected to the pressurization device outside the cleaning chamber.

[0042] The term "rinsing system," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its ordinary and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a device or a combination of devices configured to perform cleaning on at least one item.

[0043] As stated above, the dishwashing system comprises at least one dishwasher. The term "dishwasher," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a device designed to remove adhering macroscopic or microscopic contaminants from items being cleaned, or at least to partially remove such contaminants. Additionally, a disinfection effect can optionally be achieved. As will be explained in more detail below, the dishwasher can, in particular, be designed as a dishwashing machine.The dishwasher can be designed, for example, as a single-chamber dishwasher, especially as a commercial single-chamber dishwasher with a multi-circuit washing system, or as a hood-type dishwasher, especially as a pass-through dishwasher. Examples are explained in more detail below.

[0044] As explained above, the dishwasher has at least one cleaning chamber for holding the items to be cleaned. The term "cleaning chamber," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a fully or partially enclosed chamber within which the cleaning process can be carried out completely or partially. The cleaning chamber can, in particular, have at least one housing that completely or partially encloses it. A single cleaning chamber may be provided, or, in principle, several cleaning chambers may be provided, for example, in sequence.The cleaning chamber can, for example, have at least one opening for loading the items to be cleaned. This could be, for instance, an opening with a flap located on the front and / or top of the cleaning chamber. Alternatively, hoods can be used to close the cleaning chamber, for example, in so-called hood-type dishwashers or pass-through dishwashers. Other designs are also possible in principle.

[0045] The dishwasher further comprises at least one spray device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items being cleaned. The term "spray device," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to any device by which the items being cleaned can be sprayed with the cleaning fluid, especially cleaning liquid, within the cleaning chamber. The spray device can, in particular, as will be explained in more detail below, comprise at least one nozzle system, which, for example, may be arranged within the cleaning chamber.Furthermore, the application device can include at least one pump and at least one piping system for supplying cleaning fluid to the nozzle system. For example, a nozzle system and a piping system for supplying cleaning fluid from a tank, as well as at least one corresponding pump, can be provided. Alternatively or additionally, at least one nozzle system can be supplied directly from a supply line without requiring a pump.The dishwasher can, for example, be configured to perform a cleaning program using the application device, in which the items to be cleaned are stationary in the cleaning chamber and are successively exposed to cleaning fluid in one or more cleaning steps of the program in different ways, for example, first in at least one wash step with at least one wash fluid and in at least one rinse step with at least one rinse fluid. Furthermore, at least one drying step can be provided, which, for example, can take place in one of the cleaning chambers after the items have been exposed to the cleaning fluid while stationary. The dishwasher can, for example, have at least one control unit configured to control at least one cleaning program.The control system can, for example, include at least one computer and / or at least one processor.

[0046] The pressurization device is located outside the cleaning chamber. As described above, the pressurization device can, for example, be located wholly or partially within a receiving device and / or connected to a receiving device for the cleaning basket outside the cleaning chamber. The cleaning basket can optionally be received within the cleaning chamber or connected to the pressurization device outside the cleaning chamber. For example, the cleaning chamber can be dimensioned such that the cleaning basket can be received within it, allowing the items to be cleaned in the basket to be pressurized with the cleaning fluid by means of the pressurization device in the cleaning chamber. For example, the cleaning chamber can be provided with at least one holder and / or at least one rail that allows the cleaning basket to be received within the cleaning chamber.After the cleaning fluid has been applied in the cleaning chamber, and optionally the items to be cleaned have been dried or pre-dried in the cleaning chamber, for example from the outside, the washing basket can then be removed from the cleaning chamber and coupled to the pressure application device outside the cleaning chamber.

[0047] As explained above, the dishwasher can be designed in various ways, and the proposed dish rack system can be combined with different types of dishwashers, particularly to ensure the most efficient drying possible of the interior of items with at least one cavity, such as containers and especially bottles. Specifically, the dishwasher can be selected from the group consisting of: a single-chamber dishwasher, in particular a commercial single-chamber dishwasher with a dual-circuit system; a pass-through dishwasher; a conveyor dishwasher. Specifically, the dishwasher can include at least one program selector.

[0048] In a further aspect, a method for cleaning items with at least one cavity is proposed, in particular for cleaning at least one container and especially at least one bottle. The method comprises the steps described in more detail below, which are preferably carried out in the order stated. However, a different order is also possible in principle. Furthermore, two or more of the process steps mentioned can be carried out overlapping or simultaneously. Additionally, one or more of the process steps mentioned can be carried out once or repeatedly.For example, as explained above, while the items being cleaned are drying in a first washing basket connected to the pressurization device, pressurization can already begin again in another washing basket and the items it contains within the cleaning chamber, thus enabling the repeated, simultaneous execution of several process steps. The process may include further process steps beyond those mentioned, which are not specified here.

[0049] The process includes the following steps: a) Providing a rinsing system of the type proposed herein according to one or more of the embodiments described above; b) Placing the item to be cleaned into the rinsing basket such that at least one of the nozzles projects into at least one cavity of the item; c) Placing the rinsing basket with the item to be cleaned into the cleaning chamber; d) Applying cleaning fluid to the item to be cleaned, in particular to the cavity, using the nozzles; e) Removing the rinsing basket with the item to be cleaned from the cleaning chamber; f) Connecting the pressurization device to the rinsing basket; and g) Pressurizing the cavity of the item to be cleaned with pressurized gas using the pressurization device and the nozzles.

[0050] In a further unclaimed aspect, the use of the presented dishwashing basket system, for example according to one or more of the embodiments described above and / or according to one or more of the embodiments described in more detail below, for drying items to be cleaned with at least one cavity is proposed, in particular for drying containers and especially for drying bottles, in particular the interior of the bottles.

[0051] The dishwashing basket system, the washing system, and the process offer numerous advantages over known devices and methods of this type. In particular, the aforementioned technical challenges of known devices and methods of this type can be addressed. Specifically, safe and reliable drying can be ensured outside the dishwasher without significant effort, especially in the hollow interior of the items being cleaned. This also allows for the efficient drying of items that are otherwise difficult to dry, such as bottles with narrow necks. At the same time, additional handling steps can be avoided.

[0052] In particular, the pressurization device, for example the blower, can, when coupled to the cleaning basket, connect directly or indirectly to the at least one fluid supply in the cleaning basket, so that, in the coupled state, the nozzles can be pressurized via the fluid supply. Additionally, the at least one fluid supply in the cleaning basket can, besides at least one fluid supply intended for the at least one cleaning fluid, also have at least one fluid supply exclusively for pressurizing the nozzle with compressed gas, i.e., at least one separate gas supply. Accordingly, the pressurization device, for example the blower, can, when coupled to the cleaning basket, also connect directly or indirectly to the at least one separate gas supply in the cleaning basket, through which the at least one nozzle can be pressurized with compressed gas.

[0053] The pressurization device, for example the blower, can be simply attached to or inserted into the washing basket and / or coupled to the washing basket in another way. This coupling can, for example automatically, create a gas-tight seal between the pressurization device and the washing basket, particularly the fluid supply. Accordingly, one or more sealing elements can be provided between the pressurization device and the washing basket. For example, one or more O-rings and / or one or more sealing lips can be provided between the pressurization device and the washing basket.This at least one sealing element can be wholly or partly part of the washing basket, wholly or partly part of the pressurizing device, or wholly or partly part of at least one element arranged between the pressurizing device and the washing basket, for example the receiving device described above.

[0054] The pressurization device, in particular the at least one blower, can have its own power supply and / or can also be connected to an external power supply. If it has its own power supply, the pressurization device can, for example, have an integrated accumulator and / or a battery. If it has an external power supply, the pressurization device can, for example, have at least one power adapter.

[0055] The pressurization device can, for example, be fully or partially integrated into a table or tabletop unit. For instance, the mounting device described above for holding the dishwashing basket can be placed on a table and / or be fully or partially integrated into a table. The pressurization device can be permanently connected to the mounting device, for example, permanently integrated into it, or it can be detachably connected. Accordingly, the mounting device and / or the pressurization device can, for example, be designed wholly or partially as a table or tabletop unit with an integrated drying fan. This table or tabletop unit can, for example, have at least one connection point for attaching the dishwashing basket.At this connection point, for example, an air outlet of the pressurization device, such as an air outlet of the table, can be connected to the fluid supply of the dishwashing basket. Furthermore, as described above, the receiving device can also have one or more centering devices. For example, one or more centering pins can be provided on the table. Additionally, one or more switching elements can be wholly or partially integrated into the receiving device and / or the pressurization device, for example, into the table or tabletop, and can, for example, detect the coupling of the dishwashing basket and switch on the pressurization device, such as the blower.

[0056] If a holding device is used, for example in the form of a table or tabletop attachment, it can also be used in several ways for drying the items being cleaned. For instance, the holding device can be configured to dry the items either via the nozzles of the attached dishwashing basket, or independently of the basket's nozzles via drying nozzles that may be integrated into the holding device. A combination of both options is also possible. The option of drying via drying nozzles, which can also be implemented using the pressurization device, can also be used to dry other types of items, such as dishes without cavities or items that are easier to dry than bottles, such as glasses.The mounting device can also be configured to accommodate other types of dishwashing baskets, which, for example, do not necessarily have the described nozzles for drying bottles. In this case, the mounting device can, for example, use the optional integrated drying nozzles to dry the items being cleaned from the outside or inside.

[0057] The dishwashing basket system can, for example, include one or more blowers. These can also perform different functions. If the receiving device has integrated drying nozzles, for instance, at least one blower can be provided to supply the drying nozzles with pressurized gas, and at least one other blower to supply the nozzles of the dishwashing basket with pressurized gas. As described above, other types of pressurization devices can also be used instead of blowers.If multiple pressurization devices are provided, one or more switching elements may be incorporated into the receiving device, such as one or more centering pins, which can detect a cleaning basket with nozzles held in the receiving device and accordingly activate, in addition to the at least one pressurization device provided for the drying nozzles, the at least one pressurization device provided for the nozzles, which then, for example, supplies air or other compressed gas to the fluid supply of the cleaning basket. Alternatively, a switching mechanism may be used, such that, for example, upon detection of a cleaning basket with the described nozzles, the pressurization device switches from pressurizing the drying nozzles of the receiving device to pressurizing the nozzles of the cleaning basket.

[0058] In addition to at least one separate pressurization device, the dishwashing basket system could also include at least one pressurization device permanently integrated into the dishwashing basket. For example, at least one blower could be permanently installed in the dishwashing basket, such as the bottle basket. The pressurization device, such as the blower, could be started manually or automatically, for example, after the dishwashing basket is removed from the dishwasher. The pressurization device could be powered, for example, by an integrated energy storage device, such as at least one battery. The internal energy storage device could be charged, for example, via a docking station or similar charging device. Brief description of the characters

[0059] Further details and features will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments, particularly in conjunction with the dependent claims. The respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. Identical reference numerals in the individual figures denote identical or functionally equivalent elements, or elements that correspond to one another with respect to their functions.

[0060] Specifically, we show: Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a dishwashing basket system and a dishwashing system in a sectional view from the side; and Figure 2 shows another embodiment of a dishwashing basket system. Description of the exemplary implementations

[0061] In Figure 1An exemplary embodiment of a dishwashing basket system 110 and a dishwashing system 112 comprising the dishwashing basket system 110 is shown in a sectional view from the side.

[0062] The dishwashing basket system 110 comprises a dishwashing basket 114 and a pressure application device 116 that can be directly or indirectly connected to the dishwashing basket 114. The dishwashing system 112 further comprises, in addition to the dishwashing basket system 110, a dishwasher 118 with a cleaning chamber 120, which is enclosed by a housing 122 of the dishwasher 118. The dishwashing basket 114 is in Figure 1 The process of removing the wash basket 114 from the cleaning chamber 120 is shown once inside the cleaning chamber 120, separate from the pressurization device 116, and once outside the washing chamber 120. Figure 1 symbolically described with the arrow 124.

[0063] The dishwasher 118 comprises at least one application device 126, which is configured to apply cleaning fluid to the items 128 placed in the dish rack 114 in the cleaning chamber 120. For this purpose, the application device 126 can, for example, include at least one tank 130, at least one piping system 132, at least one pump 134, and at least one spray nozzle system 136. Regarding possible embodiments of the dishwasher 118, reference can be made by way of example to the aforementioned prior art, for instance to one or more of the devices described in DE 10 2004 056 052 A1, DE 10 2007 025 263 A1, DE 10 2016 114 589 B3, or WO 2018 / 024772 A1. Other embodiments are also possible in principle.

[0064] The dishwashing basket 114 comprises a basket base 138 and a plurality of nozzles 140 extending directly or at intervals from the basket base 138 into the interior of the dishwashing basket 114. The item to be cleaned 128 can be placed onto these nozzles 140, so that the nozzles 140 can, for example, each project into a cavity 142 of the item to be cleaned 128. At least one fluid supply 144 is also provided in the basket base 138. If the dishwashing basket 114 is, for example, housed in the cleaning chamber 120, the fluid supply 144 can be connected to the application device 126, for example, via at least one fluidic connection adapter 146, which can also be part of the dishwashing basket system 110 and / or the rinsing system 112.In this way, the nozzles 140 can, for example, be supplied with at least one cleaning fluid via the fluid supply 144, in order to supply, for example, in at least one rinsing step within the cleaning chamber 120, the inner walls of the item to be cleaned 128, which are assigned to the cavity 142, with cleaning fluid, as shown by way of example on the left in . Figure 1 As shown, the cleaning item 128, for example the bottles, can be sprayed with cleaning fluid from the outside via the rinsing nozzle system 136. This spraying can take place in at least one rinsing step in recirculation mode and / or in at least one rinsing step, for example, in simple spraying. The spraying device 126 can be adapted accordingly. In this way, the cleaning item 128 can be cleaned from the inside and from the outside with at least one cleaning fluid.

[0065] After the wash cycle inside the dishwasher 118, for example a door or flap 148 or another type of opening device can be opened, and the dish rack 114 with the items to be cleaned 128 inside it can be removed from the cleaning chamber 120 (arrow 124 in Figure 1 The washing basket 114, containing the rinsed and still damp cleaning items 128, can then be connected directly or indirectly to the pressurizing device 116. The pressurizing device 116 connects, as shown in Figure 1 As can be seen on the right, the nozzles 140 are connected to the fluid supply 144 in such a way that they can be pressurized with compressed gas, for example air, via the pressurizing device 116 and the fluid supply 144. In this way, the cavities 142 of the item to be cleaned 128 can be blown dry by means of the pressurizing device 116.

[0066] The coupling of the pressurization device 116 to the dishwashing basket 114 is preferably reversible. For this purpose, the dishwashing basket system 116 can, for example, have one or more receiving devices 150. This receiving device 150 can, for example, be placed on a work surface, such as a table. Alternatively or additionally, the receiving device 150 can also be wholly or partially integrated into a work surface, such as the work surface of a table of a pass-through dishwasher and / or another type of work surface of a dishwasher.

[0067] The receiving device 150 serves to receive the dishwashing basket 114. The pressurization device 116 can be integrated into the receiving device 150, for example, either permanently or detachably. The integration of the pressurization device 116 into the receiving device 150 can be effected, for example, such that when the dishwashing basket 114 is received in the receiving device 150, the pressurization device 116 is automatically connected to the fluid supply 144, for example, by means of at least one sealing element 152.

[0068] The receiving device 150 can, for example, have one or more clamping devices 154 by means of which the dishwashing basket 114 can be clamped in a holder 156 of the receiving device 150 and thus mechanically fixed. For example, the clamping device 154 can have at least one spring element 158.

[0069] The dishwashing basket system 110 can further comprise at least one sensor 160 for detecting the coupling of the dishwashing basket 114 to the receiving device 150 and / or to the pressurizing device 116. This sensor 160 can, for example, comprise at least one push button and / or at least one other type of sensor. The sensor 160 can be part of a trigger 162 which, for example, automatically, after the dishwashing basket 114 has been inserted into the receiving device 150 and / or after the dishwashing basket 114 has been coupled to the pressurizing device 116, starts the pressurization of the nozzles 140 by means of the pressurizing device 116.

[0070] The receiving device 150 can, as described above, be integrated into and / or rest on a work surface. For example, the receiving device 150 can have at least one support surface 164 for the dishwashing basket 114. This support surface 164 can be flush with other components of the work surface, for instance, because a flush design with other work surfaces allows the dishwashing basket 114 to be easily inserted into the receiving device 150 from the side.

[0071] Additional items can still be inserted into the 150-unit receiving device. Figure 1Nozzles not shown may be integrated. These nozzles can also be pressurized by the pressurization device 116, for example the blower 117, or by a separate pressurization device with pressurized gas. In this way, the items to be cleaned 128 can be blown dry independently of the nozzles 140 of the washing basket 114.

[0072] In Figure 2 A further embodiment of a dishwashing basket system 110 is shown in a partial sectional view. This dishwashing basket system 110 can, for example, be used as an alternative to the one shown in Figure 1 The dishwashing basket system 110 shown is used in the dishwashing system 112. For details of this embodiment, reference can largely be made to the above description of the Figure 1 be referred to. The dishwashing basket system 110 according to Figure 2 differs essentially from the dishwashing basket system 110 according to Figure 1by the fact that the receiving device 150 is designed to be significantly simpler than the receiving device 150 according to Figure 1This receiving device 150 can, for example, simply comprise a coupling device 166, which can serve, for instance, as a holder, so that the pressurizing device 116, for example, the blower 117, can be reversibly coupled to the washing basket 114 by means of the coupling device 116, or vice versa. For example, this coupling device 166 can have at least one clamp 168 and at least one retaining mechanism 170, for example, at least one latch. Furthermore, at least one sealing element 152 can be provided, for example, in the area of ​​a fluidic coupling 172 between the pressurizing device 116 and the washing basket 114. Finally, at least one sensor 160 and / or at least one trigger 162 can also be provided between the pressurizing device 116 and the washing basket 114, which, for example, automatically starts the pressurizing device 116 when a coupling is detected. Reference symbol list

[0073] 110 Dishwasher basket system 112 Dishwashing system 114 Dishwasher basket 116 Pressure device 117 Blower 118 Dishwasher 120 Cleaning chamber 122 Housing 124 Removing the dishwasher basket from the cleaning chamber 126 Pressure device 128 Items to be cleaned 130 Tank 132 Piping system 134 Pump 136 Spray nozzle system 138 Basket base 140 Nozzles 142 Cavity 144 Fluid supply 146 Connection adapter 148 Door 150 Mounting device 152 Sealing element 154 Clamping device 156 Bracket 158 ​​Spring element 160 Sensor 162 Trigger 164 Support surface 166 Coupling device 168 Clamp 170 Holding mechanism 172 coupling

Claims

1. Dish-washing system (112) comprising at least one washing basket system (110) for cleaning items to be cleaned (128) having at least one cavity (142), the washing basket system (110) comprising: - at least one washing basket (114) having at least one basket base (138) and a plurality of nozzles (140) extending from the basket base (138), wherein at least one fluid supply (144) for applying cleaning fluid to the nozzles (140)is provided in the basket base (138); and - at least one pressure impingement device (116) for impinging the items to be cleaned (128) with compressed gas able to be coupled to the washing basket (114), wherein the pressure impingement device (116) is able to be coupled to the washing basket (114) in such a manner that the nozzles (140) can be impinged with compressed gas by means of the pressure impingement device (116) via the fluid supply (144), the dish-washing system (112) furthermore comprising at least one dishwasher (118), wherein the dishwasher (118) comprises at least one cleaning chamber (120) for receiving the items to be cleaned (128), wherein the dishwasher (118) furthermore has at least one impingement device (126) for impinging the items to be cleaned (128) with at least one cleaning fluid, and wherein the pressure impingement device (116) is disposed outside the cleaning chamber (120), characterized in that the washing basket (114) is able to be received selectively in the cleaning chamber (120), or is able to be coupled to the pressure impingement device (116) outside the cleaning chamber (120).

2. Dish-washing system (112) according to the preceding claim, wherein the pressure impingement device (116) comprises at least one blower (117).

3. Dish-washing system (112) according to one of the preceding claims, furthermore comprising at least one coupling device (166) to couple the pressure impingement device (116) to the washing basket (114).

4. Dish-washing system (112) according to preceding Claim 3, wherein the coupling device (166) has at least one clamp (168).

5. Dish-washing system (112) according to one of two preceding Claims 3 and 4, wherein the coupling device (166) has at least one coupling element selected from the group comprising a form-fitting coupling element and a force-fitting coupling element.

6. Dish-washing system (112) according to one of the preceding claims, furthermore comprising at least one sensor (160) for detecting coupling of the washing basket (114) to the pressure impingement device (116).

7. Dish-washing system (112) according to one of the preceding claims, furthermore comprising at least one trigger (162), wherein the trigger (162) is configured to automatically actuate an impingement of the nozzles (140) with compressed gas when the washing basket (114) is coupled to the pressure impingement device (116).

8. Dish-washing system (112) according to one of the preceding claims, furthermore comprising at least one receptacle device (150) for receiving the washing basket (114), wherein the pressure impingement device (116) is connected to the receptacle device (150).

9. Dish-washing system (112) according to preceding Claim 8, wherein the receptacle device (150) has at least one clamping device (154) for the force-fit mounting of the washing basket (114).

10. Dish-washing system (112) according to one of two preceding Claims 8 and 9, wherein the receptacle device (150) has at least one drying nozzle system and is configured to dry the items to be cleaned (128) located in the receptacle device (150) by means of the drying nozzle system.

11. Dish-washing system (112) according to one of three preceding Claims 8 to 10, wherein the receptacle device (150) has at least one support face (164) for supporting the washing basket (114).

12. Dish-washing system (112) according to one of four preceding Claims 8 to 11, wherein the receptacle device (150) is completely or partially integrated in a working area of a dishwasher (118).

13. Dish-washing system (112) according to one of five preceding Claims 8 to 12, wherein the receptacle device (150) and / or the washing basket (114) have / has at least one centring device for positioning the washing basket in the receptacle device (150).

14. Method for the cleaning of items to be cleaned (128) having at least one cavity (142), wherein a dish-washing system (112) according to one of the preceding claims is used, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) providing the dish-washing system (112) according to one of the preceding claims; b) incorporating the items to be cleaned (128) into the washing basket (114) in such a manner that at least one of the nozzles (140) protrudes into at least one cavity (142) of the items to be cleaned (128); c) incorporating the washing basket (114) with the items to be cleaned (128) into the cleaning chamber (120); d) impinging the items to be cleaned (128) with cleaning fluid while using the nozzles (140); e) retrieving the washing basket (114) with the items to be cleaned (128) from the cleaning chamber (120); f) coupling the pressure impingement device (116) to the washing basket (114); and g) impinging the cavity (142) of the items to be cleaned (128) with compressed gas by means of the pressure impingement device (116) while using the nozzles (140).