INPUT UNIT FOR INTRODUCING LIQUID ACTIVE AGENTS INTO A CLEANING DEVICE

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to an input unit for inputting at least one liquid active agent into a cleaning device and to a cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for cleaning items to be cleaned using the proposed cleaning device. The devices and the method of the type mentioned can be used, for example, in the field of dishwashing technology, in particular in the field of commercial dishwashing technology. Thus, the invention can be used in particular in commercial kitchens in which items to be cleaned, for example trays, dishes and cutlery, have to be cleaned in larger quantities. However, other types of cleaning devices can also be modified according to the invention, and / or the invention can be used to clean other types of items to be cleaned. Technical background

[0002] A variety of cleaning devices, also referred to as cleaning appliances, are known from the prior art, which can clean and / or disinfect items to be cleaned. The design of these cleaning devices depends heavily on the various boundary conditions, such as the type of item to be cleaned, the level of contamination, the throughput, or similar conditions. Examples of cleaning devices described in DE 10 2004 056 052 A1, DE 10 2007 025 263 A1, DE 10 2015 102 593 A1, EP 2 491 844 A2, or EP 1982631 A2 are also possible. However, other designs are also possible.

[0003] In a cleaning device, the items to be cleaned are generally exposed to at least one cleaning fluid. For example, this can be done in a cleaning chamber via at least one exposure device, in particular with at least one nozzle system. In many cases, aqueous cleaning fluids are used, for example. To produce or prepare the cleaning fluid, at least one liquid active ingredient is often used. For example, this can be at least one cleaner and / or at least one rinse aid. The liquid active ingredient can be introduced into the cleaning device, for example, in the form of a ready-to-use solution or as a concentrate.

[0004] For reasons of simplified transport, cost, and packaging volume, in many cases at least one active ingredient concentrate is used as the active ingredient, which is then diluted, for example, in the cleaning device, gradually with at least one solvent such as water. For example, in a dishwasher, the concentrate can be prepared into at least one application solution, for example, by diluting 300 ml of rinse aid concentrate with water to produce 3 l of rinse aid as the application solution. Optionally, it may be possible to process several different concentrates and also combine their application concentrates.

[0005] The liquid active ingredients, also known as raw materials, can be individual substances or mixtures of substances, which are often highly concentrated. Such a concentrate or mixture can be, for example, a starting material for rinse aid. The rinse aid concentrate can contain all the necessary ingredients, such as surfactants, complexing agents, polymers, acids, preservatives, or just some of these ingredients.

[0006] However, several technical challenges arise when delivering one or more of the liquid active ingredients to the cleaning device. One challenge, for example, is dosing. Liquid active ingredients, such as concentrates, typically contain little or no water or other solvents. Accordingly, in many cases, the active ingredients cannot be used or dosed directly in the cleaning device, as this would require dosing very small volumes, which is usually technically very complex or even impossible.

[0007] A further challenge is that many of the liquid active ingredients used exhibit toxic properties, especially in concentrated form. Accordingly, high operational safety and a high level of protection for operating personnel from the liquid active ingredient must be ensured when supplying the liquid active ingredients to the cleaning device. For example, skin contact with the liquid active ingredient must be prevented.

[0008] Finally, a further challenge often arises from the fact that only certain types of active ingredients need to be delivered to the cleaning device. If multiple active ingredients are to be delivered, these must, if possible, not be confused inside and outside the cleaning device. Furthermore, the use of products that are not approved for the respective cleaning device should generally also be prevented.

[0009] A large number of technical devices and methods are known from the prior art which describe the introduction of liquid active ingredients, in particular for cleaning purposes, into cleaning devices or other devices. For example, EP 2 502 542 B1 describes a device for the multiple dosing of cleaners in a cleaning device, wherein the at least one cleaner is in powder form, as granules, as a tablet, in block form, in liquid or as a gel. The at least one cleaner is accommodated in a cartridge which has at least one seal, after which seal is opened the at least one cleaner reaches a dissolving chamber or a dissolving / dissolving area which is connected to a treatment agent storage container. Both the dissolving chamber or the dissolving / dissolving area and the treatment agent storage container are connected to a device for fluid circulation, via which the liquid in the dissolving chamber orthe treatment agent produced in the dissolving / resolving area and the medium contained in the treatment agent storage tank are circulated.

[0010] EP 2 791 584 B1 discloses a method for cleaning a cavity of a device for heat treating or cooking substances. The cavity comprises a base and a drain arranged in the base, the drain having an opening leading to a cleaning box. The drain and the cleaning box allow the entry and exit of water for cleaning the device. The method includes inserting a cleaning cartridge into the cavity and inverting the cleaning cartridge via a mechanism arranged in the drain. The mechanism comprises a neck portion having an outer circumference sized to fit into the opening of the drain, and a flange portion arranged around the neck portion and having an outer circumference sized to not fit into the opening of the drain.The mechanism further comprises a plurality of openings disposed above the neck portion and within the outer periphery of the flange portion, and at least one protruding edge disposed proximally of at least one of the plurality of openings and in a direction away from the drain and toward the cavity. The method further comprises pressing downwardly on the cleaning cartridge to cause the at least one protruding edge on the mechanism to contact and pierce a seal adhered to the inner wall of the cleaning cartridge, and releasing the single-dose detergent / rinse aid into the drain.

[0011] EP 3 517 016 A1 discloses a dispenser for dispensing a chemical agent from a container coupled to the dispenser. The dispenser can be inserted into a coupling position in a receiving space of the dispenser. The dispenser has a sensor for contactless detection of container information or container content information and a presence sensor that detects whether a container inserted into the receiving space is in the coupling position. Only when the container is in the coupling position does the presence sensor activate the sensor for contactless detection of container information or container content information, which, in the activated state, detects the container information or container content information and checks it for accuracy. If this is the case, the sensor triggers the release of the dispenser into an operating state in which the chemical agent can be dispensed from the container.The dispenser further comprises an inlet connection located at the bottom of the receiving space for connection to an outlet of the container, which inlet connection has a plunger that can be extended into and retracted from the outlet of the container. The plunger is extended when the container holder is moved into an operating position. When the container holder is moved into the replacement position, the plunger is retracted.

[0012] JP 2019034219 A discloses a dispenser for a chlorine-containing detergent for use in an automatic dishwasher. It uses a water-insoluble cartridge with a downward-facing supply port. Water is injected into the supply port until the contents of the cartridge dissolve.

[0013] US 10704183 B2 discloses a household appliance for treating at least one object. The household appliance comprises a treating chemical dispenser that accommodates a unit-dose container. The treating chemical dispenser includes a door movable between an open position and a closed position. Furthermore, the dispenser includes a piercing mechanism disposed near the treating chemical dispenser. The piercing mechanism includes a piercer movable between a non-piercing position and a piercing position, wherein, in the piercing position, the piercer is moved to perforate a unit-dose container accommodated in the treating chemical dispenser.

[0014] WO 2014 / 005951A1 describes a device for contamination-free filling of a tank from a canister. The device comprises a tank adapter with a tank mounting flange for attachment to the tank and a first coupling part, as well as a closable connecting channel. Furthermore, the device comprises a canister adapter with a canister mounting flange for attachment to the canister and a second coupling part, as well as a closing piston guided in the canister adapter. The tank adapter and the canister adapter are detachably connected to one another via the first and second coupling parts. The closing piston has a first contact surface that is in operative contact with a second contact surface provided on the tank adapter when the second coupling part of the canister adapter is coupled to the first coupling part of the tank adapter.The device further comprises a flushing connection for supplying cleaning fluid, which is attached to the tank adapter and connected to the closable connecting channel. In an open position, the device provides a fluid connection between the canister mounting flange and the tank mounting flange, and in a closed position, closes the fluid connection between the canister mounting flange and the tank mounting flange. The second contact surface can be lifted off the first contact surface. The second coupling part of the canister adapter is coupled to the first coupling part of the tank adapter.

[0015] Furthermore, devices and methods are also known from the prior art that describe the identification of active ingredients. For example, US 2007 / 0044820 A1 discloses a system that controls the dispensing of various chemicals from containers using a plurality of ports. Each container contains data that identifies the chemical within the container. The system reads the data from each container to determine which port is occupied by which chemical. When a specific chemical is required, the system activates a flow control device coupled to the port associated with that chemical, thereby dispensing the chemical to a consumer device. This automatically identifies which port is occupied by which chemical, regardless of which port an operator connects a specific chemical to, and dispensing is configured accordingly.

[0016] EP 3 476 269 A1 describes a method for automatically evaluating the type of detergent used in a dishwasher. The dishwasher has a dispenser with a flap configured to move between a closed and an open position and is designed to implement a cleaning program. The method comprises providing a detergent in the dispenser, capturing a first digital image representing the detergent when the flap moves from the closed position to the open position to release the detergent into the wash area of ​​the dishwasher. The method further comprises digitally processing the first captured image to obtain a first processed image. The first processed image defines either a contour section or a roughness value of the detergent.Furthermore, the method comprises comparing the at least one contour section with a predetermined contour or comparing the roughness value with a roughness threshold value in order to determine a detergent type, as well as changing one or more of the cleaning parameters of the cleaning program according to the detergent type.

[0017] DE 10 2015 216 726 B4 describes a method for operating a household appliance, in particular a dishwasher. The method comprises scanning an identifier of a package of incoming consumables, transmitting a first message to a central location, the first message comprising the identifier, determining the quantity of incoming consumables by the central location using a database and the identifier, inferring the quantity of consumables available for operating the household appliance based on the quantity of incoming consumables, transmitting a second message from the household appliance to the central location, which allows inferring the quantity of consumables used in operating the household appliance, determining the quantity of remaining consumables by the central location, and sending the second message by the central location.a third message if the operability of the household appliance is at risk due to a lack of consumables or if an operator of the household appliance triggers the third message by a request.

[0018] EP 3 693 895 A1 discloses a consumable product comprising one or more consumable components and an RFID tag. The RFID tag includes data indicating the type of consumable components. Furthermore, a machine configured to operate with the consumable product is described.

[0019] DE 10 2006 043 919 A1 describes a water-conducting household appliance, in particular a household dishwasher, with a washing chamber and a detergent dosing system which has a device for dosing and / or adding at least one detergent, in particular a liquid detergent, into a washing chamber of the water-conducting household appliance, wherein the device has a dosing chamber for receiving the at least one added detergent and at least one outlet which can be opened and closed by a closure, wherein the closure can be actuated by means of an actuator.The invention is characterized in that the actuator comprises: - a transmission means which is operatively connected to the closure, so that a movement of the transmission means causes a movement of the closure, - opening means which cause a movement of the transmission means in a first direction to open the closure, - return means which cause a movement of the transmission means in a second direction to close the closure.

[0020] DE 10 2008 027 813 A1 describes a cleaning agent for cleaning objects in a cleaning machine, wherein the cleaning agent is divided into several pre-portioned quantities. The special feature is, among other things, that the pre-portioned quantities are packaged in a common container and can be fed and held together in a holder on the cleaning machine. The container can only be opened once it is in the holder.

[0021] DE 10 2006 043 973 A1 describes a water-conducting household appliance, in particular a household dishwasher, comprising a detergent dosing system. The detergent dosing system comprises a detergent dispenser with a receiving space for accommodating at least one cartridge. The cartridge is designed to store at least one detergent. The stored quantity of detergent is greater than the quantity required for a wash cycle. The detergent dosing system comprises a device for detecting a fill level in the detergent dispenser and / or at least one cartridge.

[0022] DE 10 2013 002 522 A1 describes the use of a cartridge system for the chemicals required for cleaning and disinfection in cleaning and disinfection devices.

[0023] DE 10 2008 033 100 A1 describes a dosing system for dispensing liquid and / or solid cleaning preparations inside a water-conducting household appliance, in particular a dishwasher or washing machine. The dosing system comprises at least one cartridge for holding at least one cleaning preparation, a dosing device that can be coupled to the cartridge, a sensor unit, and at least one actuator connected to the energy source and the control unit in such a way that a control signal from the control unit causes the actuator to move and thus release the preparation. The actuator is designed as a means for nebulizing and / or atomizing a preparation into the ambient air.

[0024] DE 10 2006 043 974A1 describes a water-conducting household appliance, in particular a household dishwasher, having a detergent dosing system. The detergent dosing system comprises a detergent dispenser with a receiving space for receiving at least one cartridge, wherein the cartridge is designed to store at least one detergent. The stored quantity of detergent is greater than the quantity required for a wash cycle. The at least one receiving space is designed such that, when the door of the water-conducting household appliance is partially open, at least one cartridge can be inserted into the at least one receiving space.

[0025] Despite the numerous advantages achieved with known devices and methods, numerous technical challenges remain. In particular, many of the described methods and devices are technically extremely complex and require numerous moving parts, drives, or similar complex mechanical components. This generally significantly increases the manufacturing costs and installation space of the cleaning device.

[0026] A further challenge is the continued inadequate preparation of liquid active ingredients for use in the cleaning device. In particular, the problem of producing cleaning fluid from the active ingredient is still unsatisfactory in many cases, as producing a homogeneous solution with a specified concentration and quantity remains technically difficult.

[0027] Another challenge in many cases is that concentrates, especially solvent-free concentrates, often have a high viscosity. However, high viscosity typically results in significant residues of the active ingredient remaining in the active ingredient container and not being made available to the cleaning device. This not only reduces cost-effectiveness, but residues of the active ingredients in the active ingredient containers can lead to skin contact after supposedly empty active ingredient containers are removed from the cleaning device. Furthermore, residues can enter the environment, and recycling of the active ingredient containers can be made more difficult by these residues. Object of the invention

[0028] It would therefore be desirable to provide an input unit, a cleaning device, and a method for cleaning items that at least largely avoid the disadvantages of known devices and methods. In particular, the input of liquid active ingredients into the cleaning device should be technically simple, highly economical, and simultaneously provide a high level of occupational safety. General description of the invention

[0029] This object is addressed by an input unit, a cleaning device, and a method for cleaning items to be cleaned, having the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments, which can be implemented individually or in any combination, are presented in the dependent claims.

[0030] In the following, the terms "have," "have," "comprise," or "include," or any grammatical variations thereof, are used non-exclusively. Accordingly, these terms can refer both to situations in which, besides the features introduced by these terms, no further features are present, or to situations in which one or more further features are present. For example, the expression "A has B," "A has B," "A comprises B," or "A includes B" can refer both to the situation in which, apart from B, no further element is present in A (i.e., a situation in which A consists exclusively of B), and to the situation in which, in addition to B, one or more further elements are present in A, for example, element C, elements C and D, or even further elements.

[0031] 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 provided singly or multiple times, are generally used only once, for example, when the feature or element is first introduced. Upon subsequent re-mention of the feature or element, the corresponding term "at least one" or "one or more" is generally no longer used, without limiting the possibility that the feature or element may be provided singly or multiple times.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "preferably," "in particular," "for example," or similar terms are used below in connection with optional features, without limiting alternative embodiments. Thus, features introduced by these terms are optional features, and these features are not intended to limit the scope of the claims, and in particular the independent claims. Thus, as those skilled in the art will recognize, the invention can also be carried out using other embodiments. Similarly, features introduced by "in one embodiment of the invention" or "in an embodiment of the invention" are understood as optional features, without limiting alternative embodiments or the scope of the independent claims.Furthermore, these introductory expressions are intended to leave untouched all possibilities of combining the features introduced thereby with other features, whether optional or non-optional.

[0033] In a first aspect of the present invention, an input unit for inputting at least one liquid active agent into a cleaning device for cleaning items is proposed. The input unit comprises: i. at least one housing with at least one interior space and with at least one pivoting door, wherein the pivoting door can be pivoted about at least one pivot axis from at least one open position to at least one closed position; ii. at least one holder arranged on a side of the pivoting door facing the interior space and connected to the pivoting door for receiving at least one active ingredient container; iii. at least one piercing device arranged in the interior space for piercing the active ingredient container; and iv. at least one collecting container arranged in a floor region of the interior space for receiving the liquid active ingredient.

[0034] The input unit is configured such that when the swing door pivots from the open position to the closed position, at least one area of ​​the active ingredient container is pressed against at least one cutting edge of the piercing device. The piercing device thereby perforates this area. When the swing door is closed, the container is oriented such that the liquid active ingredient flows through the perforated area from the active ingredient container into the collection container.

[0035] The term "input unit" as used herein is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by one skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to a device configured to provide at least one operating means to another device, in particular to introduce the operating means into the other device. The input unit may be designed as a separate unit or may be fully or partially integrated into the other device.

[0036] The term "input" as used herein is a broad term, which should be given its ordinary and customary meaning as understood by one skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may refer, without limitation, in particular to the introduction of the operating fluid into a designated area of ​​the other device, for example, into at least one tank. The introduction may be in liquid form, for example, by pouring.

[0037] The term "active ingredient" as used here is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be attributed, as understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to at least one substance or at least one mixture of substances that can exert at least one chemical, biological, or physical effect in a process. In particular, the active ingredient can be designed such that it can exert at least one effect on items being cleaned, selected from the group consisting of: a cleaning effect; a washing-active effect; a rinse-aid effect; a surfactant effect; a defoaming effect; a bactericidal effect; a virucidal effect; a fungicidal effect; and a disinfecting effect.The active ingredient may in particular comprise at least one active ingredient selected from the group consisting of: a surfactant; a complexing agent; a polymer; an acid; an alkali; a defoamer; a disinfectant; a bactericide; a virucide; a fungicide; a preservative.

[0038] The term "cleaning," as used herein, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, 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 process in which items to be cleaned are freed from adhering macroscopic or microscopic contaminants and / or in which such contaminants are at least partially removed. In addition, a disinfection effect can optionally be exerted.

[0039] The term "item to be cleaned," as used here, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to any objects that can be cleaned in the cleaning device. One object can be cleaned, or several objects can be cleaned simultaneously or sequentially. In particular, the item to be cleaned can be containers for holding human excreta, for example, urinals, bedpans, bedpans, or similar containers. Accordingly, the cleaning device can be designed, for example, as a so-called washer-disinfector (WD).Alternatively, the items to be cleaned can also be objects that are used directly or indirectly for the preparation, storage, or serving of food, such as dishes, cutlery, trays, bowls, glasses, cups, pots, pans, or similar items. Accordingly, the cleaning device can also be designed as a dishwasher, for example, a dishwasher for commercial use in large-scale kitchens or communal catering kitchens. Alternatively or additionally, the items to be cleaned can also be items of personal protective equipment, such as respiratory masks or breathing apparatus. Other designs of the cleaning device and / or the items to be cleaned are also possible in principle.

[0040] The term "cleaning device," as used here, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be attributed, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a device designed to clean items to be cleaned, i.e., to free them from adhering macroscopic or microscopic contaminants or to at least partially remove such contaminants. In addition, a disinfecting effect can optionally be exerted.

[0041] The cleaning device can, as explained in more detail below, be designed in particular as a dishwasher, for example as a dishwasher for personal protective equipment and / or as a dishwashing machine, for example as a container dishwasher. The dishwasher can be designed in particular as a single-chamber dishwasher, as a commercial single-chamber dishwasher with a multi-circuit washing system, as a front-loading door dishwasher or as a hood-type dishwasher, in particular as a pass-through dishwasher, or in particular as a conveyor dishwasher with one or more tanks. The advantages of the invention can be particularly evident in conveyor dishwashers, since conveyor dishwashers, on the one hand, generally have sufficient installation space for the input unit and, on the other hand, generally have a high demand and / or throughput of active ingredient. Dishwashers with water changes, in particular so-called single-circuit systems, can also be used.Alternatively or in addition to dishwashers, other types of cleaning devices can also be used, for example, as explained above, washer-disinfectors (WDs) or other cleaning devices.

[0042] The term "housing" as used herein is a broad term to which its ordinary and customary meaning should be given, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to an element or a combination of elements configured to completely or partially enclose at least one compartment and / or at least one other element and to completely or partially shield the compartment and / or the other element from an external space, for example, mechanically and / or chemically. In particular, the housing may be made entirely or partially of at least one rigid material, for example, at least one metallic material and / or at least one plastic material. In particular, the housing may be made entirely or partially of sheet metal, for example, stainless steel sheet.The at least one interior space can be completely or partially enclosed by the housing. In particular, the housing can seal the interior space from an exterior space in a liquid-tight manner.

[0043] The term "swing door," as used herein, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to an element or a combination of elements configured to close off a space, preferably as a reversibly opening closure, wherein the element is configured, for example, as a flap and / or other type of door that can be pivoted about the at least one pivot axis from the open position to the closed position and vice versa. The pivot axis may, in particular, be configured horizontally, so that, for example, the closed position may be a position in which an entry opening of the housing is closed by the swing door and / or in which the swing door is arranged substantially vertically.The open position can in particular be a position in which an input opening of the housing is released for the input of active ingredient, for example a position in which the pivoting door is arranged obliquely to the vertical and / or horizontally. The pivoting door can be opened and / or closed continuously or in steps. In the closed position and / or the open position, the pivoting door can also be fixed, for example by a corresponding fixing device. In addition to the at least one pivot axis, the pivoting door can optionally have at least one mechanism which supports the pivoting movement from the open position to the closed position and / or vice versa, for example at least one rod assembly. The closed position can also be referred to as the closed state, and the open position as the open state.

[0044] The pivot door can be designed, for example, as a flap. The pivot door can, in particular, have a side facing the interior, also referred to as the inner side, and at least one outer side facing the exterior space outside the interior. For example, the pivot door can be designed as a flat door, with the inner and outer sides arranged parallel to each other. However, other designs are also possible in principle.

[0045] The term "holder," as used here, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be attributed, as understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a device configured to receive at least one element, in particular reversibly, and / or to hold and / or align at least one element in a fixed position. In particular, the holder can be made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of a metallic material and a plastic material. In particular, the holder can be configured entirely or partially as a basket, for example, as a wire basket. The holder can, for example, have at least one insertion opening through which the at least one active ingredient container can be reversibly inserted into the holder.The bracket can be permanently or detachably connected to the inside of the swing door.

[0046] The term "active ingredient container" as used here is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a device having at least one interior space that can accommodate the at least one active ingredient, in particular the at least one liquid active ingredient. Accordingly, the active ingredient container can in principle comprise any desired container. The active ingredient container can, in particular, be selected from the group consisting of: a bottle; a screw-cap container; a canister; a tubular bag; and a stand-up pouch.The active ingredient container can in particular be made entirely or partially from a material selected from the group consisting of: a plastic, in particular a thermoplastic, in particular polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET); a paper material; a metallic material, in particular a metal sheet, in particular aluminum. Combinations of the materials mentioned are also conceivable in principle, for example a composite of metal and plastic or a composite of metal and paper. For example, the active ingredient container can have a container wall which has a thickness of 0.3 mm to 3 mm, in particular a thickness of 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

[0047] The active ingredient container can, in particular, have a basic rigidity, so that the active ingredient container can be dimensionally stable. In particular, the active ingredient container can have a rigidity at least at the edge, so that a force can be applied to the piercing device. The active ingredient container can, for example, be supported on at least one stop in the input unit, so that the piercing process can be carried out due to the rigidity of the active ingredient container.

[0048] The term "piercing device" as used herein is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by one skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a device configured to perforate at least one other device, i.e., to act on the other device through the mechanical action of at least one pointed or sharp component of the device in such a way that it is pierced and / or cut through, thereby creating at least one opening and / or at least one slit. For example, a region of the other device can also be completely or partially punched out. Accordingly, the term "piercing" can be understood as creating at least one opening and / or at least one slit in the other device.

[0049] The piercing device, as listed above, has at least one cutting edge. This cutting edge can, in particular, be arranged at an upper end of the piercing device. The term "cutting edge," as used herein, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a sharp and / or pointed element configured to create at least one perforation in another element. For example, the cutting edge can comprise an elongated straight or curved edge capable of creating the perforation.The cutting edge can be created, for example, by the piercing device being at least partially tubular, with the tube being cut obliquely to a tube axis, creating a cutting plane that runs obliquely to the tube axis, for example, at a cutting angle of 5° to 85°, in particular at a cutting angle of 14° to 76°. The cutting edge can be created where the tube wall touches the cutting plane, or at least along part of this contact line. Other ways of producing cutting edges are also generally known to those skilled in the art.

[0050] The term "floor area" as used herein is a broad term to which its ordinary and customary meaning should be given, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may refer, without limitation, in particular to a region of a superordinate space that is located furthest in the direction of gravity with respect to a direction of gravity normally prevailing in the superordinate space and / or a region of the superordinate space in which a liquid will normally collect under the influence of gravity.

[0051] Accordingly, the term "collection container" as used herein is a broad term to which its ordinary and customary meaning should be given, as understood by one skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to a fully or partially enclosed area in which one or more amorphous substances can be collected, for example, a liquid-tight area. The wall of the collection container may optionally be conceptually included within the collection container, or the term may refer merely to the enclosed area itself. The collection container may, for example, be fully or partially, directly or indirectly, enclosed by the aforementioned housing of the input unit, or by an inner housing arranged within the housing.The collecting container can, for example, be completely or partially cubic and / or completely or partially conical, for example with at least one funnel-shaped section at its lower end.

[0052] The collection container is, as explained above, designed to hold the liquid active ingredient. Accordingly, the volume of the collection container can in particular correspond at least to the volume of the active ingredient container, in particular at least twice the volume, at least five times the volume, or even at least ten times the volume of the active ingredient container. The volume of the active ingredient container can result from the dimensions of the holder, so that the volume of the collection container can in particular correspond at least to the maximum volume of the largest possible active ingredient container that can be accommodated in the holder. This is due to the fact that the collection container should preferably also hold, in addition to the active ingredient, the solvent described in more detail below, which is to be used, for example, to rinse out the active ingredient container and / or to dilute the active ingredient.For example, the collection container can have a volume of at least 1000 ml, in particular at least 2000 ml, for example at least 3000 ml, in particular a volume of 1000 ml to 4000 ml. The active ingredient container can, for example, have a volume of 100 ml to 1000 ml, in particular 200 ml to 500 ml, for example 300 ml.

[0053] As explained above, the input unit is designed such that when the pivoting door is pivoted from the open position to the closed position, at least one area of ​​the active ingredient container is pressed against at least one cutting edge of the piercing device, whereby the piercing device perforates the area. The piercing device can, for example, remain stationary within the input unit, in particular within the interior, whereas the pivoting door with the active ingredient container attached to it via the holder is moved, in particular pivoted, and pressed against the piercing device by the force acting on the pivoting door. In general, the pivoting of the pivoting door can be effected manually, for example by a force applied to the pivoting door from the outside by the operating personnel.Thus, the swing door can be designed without a drive, for example, without an electromechanical drive. Alternatively or additionally, however, the swing door can also have at least one drive, for example at least one electromechanical drive, for example a motor and in particular at least one electric motor, which drives the swing door, for example from the open position to the closed position and / or vice versa. The electric motor can be controlled, for example, by at least one controller of the input unit and / or the higher-level optional cleaning device.

[0054] As explained above, the container is oriented in the closed position such that the liquid active ingredient can flow from the active ingredient container into the collection container through the perforated area. This means, in particular, that a perforation created by the cutting edge of the piercing device in the active ingredient container is formed in a region that, relative to an interior of the active ingredient container, is located at the lower end of the interior, so that the liquid active ingredient can flow out of the interior at least largely through the area and the perforation formed in the area.In particular, when the pivoting door is closed, the piercing device can be arranged completely or at least partially below the holder and / or below the active ingredient container accommodated in the holder, but for example a part of the piercing device protrudes through the perforated area into the active ingredient container.

[0055] The input unit can be configured, in particular, to mix, in particular to dilute, the liquid active ingredient with at least one solvent. For this purpose, as explained in more detail below, the input unit can, in particular, comprise at least one solvent supply. For example, this solvent supply can generally be configured to admix at least one solvent from at least one solvent connection and / or at least one solvent supply to the at least one active ingredient.

[0056] The at least one mixture of the at least one active ingredient and the at least one solvent optionally generated in the input unit is also referred to, without limitation, hereinafter as "consumable," "liquid consumable," "application solution," or "application concentrate." This designation applies regardless of whether the mixture is used immediately or is first further processed, for example, further diluted, or temporarily stored.

[0057] Accordingly, the input unit can generally have, for example, at least one solvent supply line which, for example, opens into the collection container. Alternatively or additionally, the solvent supply line can also be led into the active ingredient container and / or into at least one storage container, as will be explained in more detail below by way of example. Various options for supplying solvent are possible. The input unit, in particular at least one controller of the input unit, can in particular be designed to monitor, control and / or regulate a total supply of solvent so that, for example, a predetermined amount of solvent can be supplied. The input unit can accordingly in particular be designed to dilute the active ingredient to a predetermined or predeterminable concentration.If several solvent supply lines are provided, the flows can be added together so that a total amount of solvent supplied can be taken into account for dilution.

[0058] The input unit also includes: i. at least one solvent supply, wherein the solvent supply has at least one solvent connection and at least one solvent lance fluidically connected to the solvent connection, wherein the lance is configured to introduce at least one solvent through the perforated area into the active ingredient container when the pivoting door is in the closed position.

[0059] The term "solvent supply" as used herein is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a device configured to supply at least one solvent to another device and / or into a predetermined area. As explained above, the supply can in particular be made to at least one predetermined area, selected from the group consisting of: the active ingredient container, in particular by means of the solvent lance; the collection container; and a storage container. Other types of supply are also possible in principle.

[0060] The solvent can be, in particular, water, for example, fresh water, in a warm or cold state, and / or at least one aqueous solvent. Alternatively or additionally, however, one or more other types of solvents can also be used, depending on the liquid active ingredient used. The solvent can, in particular, be designed such that the liquid active ingredient is fully or partially soluble in the solvent and / or is emulsifiable and / or suspendable and / or dispersible.

[0061] The solvent connection can, for example, form at least one area of ​​the solvent supply, at which area solvent can be introduced into the solvent supply by means of at least one external or internal source of the input unit. For example, this can be at least one nozzle and / or at least one connection such as a pipe connection into which the solvent can be introduced. For example, the solvent connection can have at least one thread and / or at least one other type of fluid connection to which, for example, a hose and / or a pipe of a solvent source can be connected, for example a water connection, in particular a fresh water connection. The solvent connection can, for example, be connected directly or indirectly to the solvent source, for example also via a network separation.

[0062] The term "solvent lance" as used herein is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a fluidic device by means of which at least one solvent can be introduced into a cavity. In particular, this can be an elongated nozzle and / or a finger-shaped device that can protrude into a cavity and through which solvent can be introduced into the cavity, in particular sprayed or injected, by means of at least one channel accommodated in the finger-shaped device. Thus, the solvent lance can in particular comprise at least one elongated or finger-shaped nozzle.The nozzle can, for example, have a cylindrical base body, for example, with a length of 10 mm to 200 mm, in particular a length of 20 mm to 150 mm. The length of the nozzle can, in particular, be adapted to the length of the piercing device and / or to the size of the active ingredient container. For example, the length of the nozzle can be designed such that it does not protrude, or at least does not protrude significantly, beyond the piercing device.

[0063] The solvent lance and the solvent connection can be fluidically connected to each other, for example, by at least one fluid channel, for example, at least one line, for example, at least one pipe and / or at least one hose. In this way, solvent can be transported from the solvent connection to the solvent lance, for example, by a fluidic pressure exerted by the solvent source, which can be connected to the solvent connection.

[0064] The lance is designed to introduce at least one solvent into the active ingredient container through the perforated area when the pivoting door is closed. For this purpose, the lance can, for example, protrude through the perforated area from an area outside the active ingredient container into the active ingredient container. When the pivoting door is perforated when it is closed, i.e. when the pivoting door is moved from the open position to the closed position, the solvent lance can also be partially introduced into the active ingredient container at the same time. As explained above, the solvent lance can in particular have at least one nozzle or be designed wholly or partially as a nozzle, by means of which the solvent can be introduced into the active ingredient container through the perforated area, in particular by spraying and / or injecting it.In particular, at least one mouth of the at least one nozzle can be arranged inside the active ingredient container when the pivoting door is in the closed position.

[0065] The solvent lance can in particular be designed to at least partially rinse the active ingredient container with the solvent. This can be achieved in particular, as explained above, in that the solvent lance has at least one nozzle with at least one mouth or nozzle opening, which, when the pivoting door is closed, is oriented such that solvent emerging from the mouth is injected or sprayed into the active ingredient container, thereby wetting at least one inner wall of the active ingredient container with solvent. The container can in particular be oriented in the closed position of the pivoting door such that the solvent, alone or mixed with the at least one active ingredient from the active ingredient container, can flow through the perforated area from the active ingredient container into the collection container.

[0066] As explained above, the cutting edge of the piercing device at least partially encloses the solvent lance. For this purpose, the cutting edge of the piercing device can, for example, be designed entirely or partially as a ring, wherein the ring can be round, oval, or polygonal, for example. Thus, the cutting edge can, in particular, be annular and can, in particular, enclose the solvent lance in a ring-like manner, in particular concentrically.

[0067] In particular, the piercing device can have at least one piercing nozzle. The term "piercing nozzle," as used here, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a part of the piercing device that is designed in the form of a nozzle, in particular a piece of pipe, for example, a piece of a cylindrical pipe, for example, with a round, oval, or polygonal cross-section. In particular, as explained above, the piercing nozzle can be a nozzle that is cut transversely to a pipe axis of the nozzle, creating a cutting plane that is arranged obliquely to the pipe axis. A cutting line in the cutting plane can thus be oval, in particular elliptical, for example.The entire cutting line or just a part of it, for example a part of it that projects furthest upwards, can serve as a cutting edge or as part of the cutting edge.

[0068] The solvent lance can, in particular, run at least partially within the piercing nozzle. Thus, the solvent lance can, for example, run along a tube axis of the piercing nozzle. The solvent lance can be completely or partially enclosed by the piercing nozzle. The solvent lance can run completely or partially within the piercing nozzle. For example, the length of the solvent lance can be dimensioned such that it does not protrude beyond the cutting edge of the piercing nozzle. In particular, the solvent lance can be dimensioned such that when the pivoting door is closed, the cutting edge first touches the active ingredient container, perforating the area of ​​the active ingredient container, and then, as the closing movement continues, the tip of the solvent lance is introduced through the perforated area into the active ingredient container.

[0069] The solvent lance can, in particular, be arranged within the piercing nozzle in such a way that at least one gap remains between the solvent lance and the wall of the piercing nozzle, for example, an annular gap surrounding the solvent lance. This gap allows, for example, solvent and / or active ingredient to flow from the active ingredient container into the collection container.

[0070] The solvent supply can further comprise at least one valve for controlling the supply of the solvent. For example, this can be a valve arranged in the fluidic connection between the solvent connection and the solvent lance. The valve can, in particular, be electrically controllable, for example, by a controller of the input unit and / or a controller of the cleaning device.

[0071] As explained above, the solvent lance can in particular protrude into the active ingredient container. In particular, the solvent lance can protrude essentially vertically into the active ingredient container when the pivoting door is closed, for example with a deviation from a vertical orientation of no more than 20°, in particular of no more than 10° and in particular of no more than 5°. In particular, the solvent lance can, as explained above, run essentially parallel to a tube axis of the piercing nozzle, which can accordingly also be oriented essentially vertically, in particular with the possible angular deviations mentioned above. Alternatively, however, the solvent lance and / or the piercing nozzle can also protrude obliquely into the active ingredient container when the pivoting door is closed, for example to promote the drainage of liquid from the active ingredient container, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0072] The piercing device can, in particular, be rigidly accommodated in the interior of the housing of the input unit. Accordingly, the piercing device can, in particular, be designed as a rigid, immovable component in the interior of the housing of the input unit, in contrast, for example, to movable devices with one or more hinges and / or extendable elements. The piercing device can, in particular, be immovable and unchangeable in its position, orientation, and shape relative to the housing of the input unit. As explained above, when the pivoting door of the input unit is moved from the open position to the closed position, the area of ​​the active ingredient container can, in particular, be pressed against the rigid cutting edge of the piercing device, whereby the area is perforated. The active ingredient container is therefore preferably pressed against the cutting edge, which remains stationary.Movable components of the piercing device are therefore preferably avoided, and the piercing device is preferably designed without any moving parts. In particular, the piercing device can be designed without a drive, for example, without an actuator that would drive a longitudinal or pivoting movement of the piercing device or a part thereof.

[0073] The input unit can in particular have the interior space described above, which can be divided into the at least one collection container and optionally at least one further area. For example, in addition to the collection container and / or an interior space of the collection container, the interior space can also have at least one receiving area for receiving the active ingredient container. This receiving area can therefore be the area into which the at least one active ingredient container is introduced when the pivoting door is closed. The receiving area and the collection container, in particular its interior space, can in particular be separated by at least one fluid-permeable partition wall. For example, this fluid-permeable partition wall can comprise at least one partition wall with at least one opening, for example a plurality of openings, which can be round, oval, slit-shaped or polygonal, for example.In particular, the fluid-permeable partition wall may comprise at least one sieve bottom.

[0074] If the interior is divided into the receiving area and the collection container by at least one fluid-permeable partition, the piercing device can in particular be mechanically connected to the fluid-permeable partition. In particular, the piercing device can be fully or partially integrated into the fluid-permeable partition. In particular, the piercing device can project upwards from the fluid-permeable partition into the receiving area. For example, the fluid-permeable partition can comprise a sieve bottom, wherein the piercing device comprises at least one piercing nozzle which can project upwards from the sieve bottom into the receiving area. In the interior of the piercing nozzle, the sieve bottom can be interrupted, so that, for example, a continuous channel is created inside the piercing nozzle, in which channel, for example, the solvent lance can be guided, as explained above.The piercing nozzle can, for example, be welded to the sieve bottom or be mechanically connected to the sieve bottom in another way.

[0075] As stated above, the piercing device can, in particular, form at least one fluid channel between the receiving area and the collecting container. This fluid channel can, in particular, be formed entirely or partially by at least one interior space of a piercing nozzle.

[0076] The receiving area can, in particular, be arranged above the collection container. This allows the liquid active ingredient and, optionally, the solvent to flow from the receiving area into the collection container due to gravity.

[0077] As stated above, the piercing device can generally have at least one piercing nozzle. This piercing nozzle can, as also stated, in particular have a fully or partially circumferential cutting edge. The cutting edge can, in particular, fully or partially form the cutting edge of the piercing device. The piercing nozzle can, in particular, be designed to protrude through the perforated area into an interior of the active ingredient container when the pivoting door is in the closed position.

[0078] If the piercing nozzle protrudes through the perforated area into the interior of the active ingredient container when the pivoting door is closed, the problem can arise that a dead space is created around the piercing nozzle in the active ingredient container from which no active ingredient can flow through the piercing nozzle. Within the scope of the present invention, several options can be implemented, alternatively or in combination, by means of which this problem can be avoided or at least reduced. For example, fluidic measures can be taken. These can consist, for example, in the piercing nozzle having one or more drain openings through which active ingredient and / or solvent can flow out of the described dead space, for example into the interior of the piercing nozzle and / or into the collection container.For example, the piercing nozzle can in particular have at least one nozzle wall, for example a pipe wall, wherein at least one drain opening is accommodated in the nozzle wall. The drain opening can, in particular in the pierced state, fluidically connect the interior of the active ingredient container, in particular the dead space located there around the drain nozzle, with an interior of the drain nozzle and / or with the collection container. The drain opening can in particular be designed such that the liquid active ingredient and optionally also solvent can flow from the interior of the active ingredient container through the drain opening into an inner lumen of the piercing nozzle and from there into the collection container. Alternatively or additionally, direct outflow from the interior of the active ingredient container into the collection container can also be enabled, for example through a groove or through a channel.The drain opening can in particular have at least one opening selected from the group consisting of: a slot, in particular a slot extending axially to a longitudinal axis of the piercing nozzle; a groove, in particular a groove extending axially to a longitudinal axis of the piercing nozzle; a round opening; an oval opening; a polygonal opening.

[0079] Alternatively or in addition to a drainage opening, the active ingredient container can, as explained in more detail below, have at least one weakened portion, for example, at least one predetermined breaking point, in the area intended for perforation by the piercing device. This weakened portion can, for example, be configured in the form of a groove in a wall, in particular a lid, of the active ingredient container. The weakened portion can, for example, extend completely or partially around the container and thus define, delimit, or at least partially surround an opening created by the piercing device and the perforation in the area of ​​the active ingredient container.For example, the weakening can be designed in such a way that the perforation creates a tongue in the area of ​​the active ingredient container, which is pressed into the interior of the active ingredient container by the piercing device during the perforation, but which is still connected to the active ingredient container, for example by a web or bridge. For example, the cutting edge of the piercing device, which can be designed as a knife, for example, can be designed in such a way that it does not have a completely closed contour around the circumference. This means, for example, that a punched-out tongue can remain attached to the active ingredient container, for example to the lid of the active ingredient container, and a channel can form at this point in particular, which allows liquid to drain downwards.The weakening can be dimensioned and / or positioned such that a diameter or equivalent diameter of the opening created by the perforation in the active ingredient container is larger than a diameter and / or equivalent diameter of the piercing nozzle. In general, this weakening can, for example, be dimensioned and / or positioned such that a gap is created between an outer wall of the piercing nozzle and an edge of the opening created by the perforation, which edge is defined, for example, by the weakening, which gap is not or not completely filled by the piercing device, in particular by the piercing nozzle, when the pivoting door is closed. Active ingredient and / or solvent can then flow through this gap from the active ingredient container into the collection container.

[0080] Again alternatively or in addition to one of the two aforementioned possibilities, the piercing device can also be oriented and / or designed in such a way that it performs a rotary movement relative to the active ingredient container in the area of ​​the active ingredient container during the perforation, whereby, similar to the aforementioned possibility, an opening is created during the perforation which, in the closed position of the pivoting door, is not completely filled by the piercing device, in particular the piercing nozzle.For example, when closing the pivoting door, an opening in the form of an elongated hole can be created by a corresponding orientation of the piercing device relative to the pivot axis and / or by a rotation of the active ingredient container relative to the piercing device during perforation, which opening is only partially filled by the piercing device when closed, so that active ingredient and / or solvent can flow out of the active ingredient container into the collection container.

[0081] Again alternatively or in addition to one or more or all of the aforementioned possibilities, further possibilities may be considered to enable fluid to drain from a dead space in the active ingredient container and / or to avoid a dead space. In particular, this can be achieved by a suitable shape of the active ingredient container. For example, the active ingredient container can be shaped such that it has an outwardly curved design in the area to be perforated, for example, the lid. Other configurations are also conceivable.

[0082] The input unit may further comprise at least one controller. The term "controller," as used herein, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be attributed, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may refer, without limitation, in particular to a single-part or multi-part device of the input unit, which is configured to completely or partially control and / or regulate an operation of the input unit. In particular, the controller of the input unit may be configured to change, in particular to control and / or regulate, one or more operating parameters of the input unit, for example, at least one pump output and / or at least one valve position. The controller of the input unit may in particular comprise at least one data processing device, for example, at least one processor.

[0083] The control of the input unit can be designed independently. Alternatively or additionally, however, the control can also be fully or partially integrated into a higher-level control system, for example, into a control system of the cleaning device, of which the input unit can be a component. The control system of the cleaning device can, for example, be a centralized or decentralized machine control system. The control system of the cleaning device can, in particular, be a single-part or multi-part device of the cleaning device, which is configured to fully or partially control and / or regulate the operation of the cleaning device.In particular, the control of the cleaning device can be configured to change, in particular to control and / or regulate, one or more operating parameters of the cleaning device, for example at least one temperature, at least one pressure, at least one heating output, at least one pump output, at least one valve position, or a combination of two or more operating parameters. The control of the cleaning device can in particular comprise at least one data processing device, for example at least one processor. The control of the cleaning device can in particular be configured using programming, for example to control or execute at least one cleaning program of the cleaning device.

[0084] The control of the input unit can be configured, for example, by programming, to control at least one function of the input unit. In particular, the control of the input unit can be configured, by programming, to control at least one input program for inputting the at least one active ingredient and / or to control the processing of the active ingredient into at least one consumable within the cleaning device, for example, to produce at least one cleaning fluid of the cleaning device. For this purpose, the control can be configured, for example, to implement the method described in more detail below. The at least one function that can be controlled by the control of the input unit can, in particular, comprise at least one function,selected from the group consisting of: a user guide for instructing a user to insert an active ingredient container into the input unit; a user guide for instructing a user to remove an active ingredient container from the input unit; a locking of the pivoting door; an unlocking of the pivoting door; a control of at least one valve of the input unit; a control of at least one solvent supply of the input unit; a control of at least one dosing pump of the input unit; a control of at least one mixing device of the input unit; a reading of a sensor signal of at least one sensor of the input unit,in particular at least one level sensor and / or at least one conductivity sensor; reading information from an identifier of an active ingredient container within the input unit; reading at least one piece of information from an identifier of an active ingredient container outside the input unit; assigning the liquid active ingredient to a specific storage container of the input unit.

[0085] The input unit can in particular further comprise at least one display element for displaying at least one item of user information to a user. The display element can in particular comprise at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a display; an acoustic display element; and a lighting element that can be illuminated in different colors, in particular a handle element of the pivoting door of the input unit. For example, the lighting element that can be illuminated in different colors can comprise at least one handle element of the pivoting door of the input unit, which is completely or partially transparent and which is illuminated in different colors by the controller depending on the user information to be conveyed to the user. For example, a specific color can prompt the user to remove an empty active ingredient container and / or another specific color can prompt the user to insert a new active ingredient container.

[0086] The control of the input unit can accordingly be configured in particular to prompt a user, by means of the display element, to perform at least one action selected from the group consisting of: inserting an active ingredient container filled with liquid active ingredient into the input unit; removing an emptied active ingredient container from the input unit. However, other user information is also possible as an alternative or in addition. The control can in particular be configured to unlock the swing door for the action, so that, for example, simultaneously or with a time delay to a corresponding display of user information, the swing door is unlocked, so that the user can insert an active ingredient container filled with liquid active ingredient into the input unit and / or remove an emptied active ingredient container from the input unit.

[0087] The input unit can have at least one reading device for reading at least one piece of information from at least one identifier of an active ingredient container. The term "identifier," as used here, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be attributed, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can refer, without limitation, in particular to an element that can be connected, for example, to an object and that contains at least one piece of readable information, for example, at least one piece of readable information about the object.The at least one readable piece of information can, for example, comprise at least one piece of information selected from the group consisting of: a type of object; an identity of the object; a property of the object; and an intended or intended use or processing of the object. The identifier can, for example, be readable in at least one way selected from the group consisting of: an electronic readout; an optical readout; a magnetic readout. The identifier can, in particular, have at least one connecting element for connecting to the object, for example at least one adhesive surface. Accordingly, the identifier can, in particular, be designed as a label. However, other designs are also possible in principle.

[0088] Accordingly, the term "reader" as used herein is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to a device configured to read the at least one piece of information stored in the identifier. Depending on the type of identifier, the reading device may, for example, comprise at least one optical reading device, in particular a barcode reader, for example a barcode scanner. Alternatively or additionally, the reading device may, for example, also comprise an electronic reading device, in particular an electromagnetic reading device, for example for wirelessly reading an electronic identifier, in particular an RFID reader, for example according to the NFC standard.Alternatively or in addition to one or both of the aforementioned options, the reading device can also comprise a magnetic reading device, in particular a magnetic stripe reader. For example, the reading device can generally be selected from the group consisting of: an optical reading device for reading at least one optical identifier, in particular a barcode and / or QR code and / or data matrix code; an electronic reading device for reading at least one electronic identifier, in particular an RFID chip; and a magnetic reading device for reading at least one magnetic identifier.

[0089] The controller of the input unit and / or the cleaning device can generally be configured to control the at least one reading device. For example, the controller can be configured to start a reading process. Alternatively or additionally, the controller can also be configured to process and / or forward the information read from the identifier. For example, at least one action can be triggered by the controller based on the at least one piece of information read.

[0090] Thus, the control of the input unit can in particular be further configured to carry out at least one action in accordance with the information read out, in particular at least one action selected from the group consisting of: a visual display of at least one instruction to a user; an acoustic display of at least one instruction to a user; a haptic display of at least one instruction to a user; a release of the swing door; a blocking of the swing door; an assignment of the liquid active ingredient to at least one associated storage container, in particular by correspondingly controlling at least one valve and / or at least one pump; an assignment of the liquid active ingredient to at least one associated tank of the cleaning device, in particular by correspondingly controlling at least one valve and / or at least one pump.In this way, for example, it can be prevented that incorrect active ingredients are entered into the input unit, for example active ingredients that are not intended for the cleaning device. Alternatively or additionally, it can be prevented that active ingredients are introduced into the input unit at the wrong time, for example a rinse aid concentrate at a time when detergent concentrate should actually be added, or vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, additional information about the active ingredient can be determined and taken into account accordingly during processing, for example a required amount of solvent that has to be added to the active ingredient in order to produce at least one consumable of the cleaning device, for example a cleaning fluid. Various other options are conceivable.

[0091] The input unit can further comprise at least one level sensor for detecting at least one liquid level in the collection container. This allows, for example, the current liquid level in the collection container to be monitored. This can be done, for example, by controlling the input unit. This can prevent, for example, the collection container from overflowing.

[0092] As explained above, the holder can be configured, in particular, to hold the active ingredient container in a predetermined orientation relative to the pivoting door. This can be achieved, for example, by a corresponding geometry of the holder, which allows the active ingredient container to be accommodated only in the desired geometry. For example, the holder can have at least one receiving geometry to accommodate the active ingredient container in a predetermined orientation relative to the pivoting door. The receiving geometry can be created, for example, by a corresponding shape of the holder.

[0093] In particular, the holder can have at least one base-side contact surface for contacting a base of the active ingredient container. Furthermore, the holder can have at least one front-side contact surface for contacting a front side of the active ingredient container. In this way, the active ingredient container can be held, for example, at the base and the front, for example in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner, for example by clamping. In particular, at least one opening for the passage of a tapered neck of the active ingredient container can be introduced into the front-side contact surface, wherein the tapered neck has an opening of the active ingredient container. For example, the active ingredient container can be designed as a bottle, wherein a tapered bottle neck with an opening can be inserted through the opening in the front-side contact surface when the active ingredient container is inserted into the holder.For example, the mouth of the bottle-shaped active ingredient container can protrude through the opening toward the piercing device. Furthermore, when the pivoting door is closed, the piercing device can protrude through the opening in the frontal contact surface. When the pivoting door is closed, a force can be applied to the active ingredient container via the bottom contact surface, so that the area to be perforated, which can be arranged in particular in the mouth of the active ingredient container, is pressed against the piercing device and, in particular, the cutting edge of the piercing device.

[0094] The input unit may further comprise at least one mixing device. The term "mixing device," as used herein, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be attributed, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to a device configured to mix at least two media, in particular at least two amorphous media, with one another, preferably so that a homogeneous amorphous mixture is formed. In particular, the mixing device may be configured to mix at least two liquids with one another. The mixing device may, in particular, be configured to thoroughly mix liquid in the collection container.The mixing device may in particular comprise at least one device selected from the group consisting of: an agitator; a mixing pump integrated into the collecting container; a mixing pump fluidly connected to the collecting container.

[0095] The input unit may further comprise at least one metering pump fluidically connected directly or indirectly to the collection container. The term "metering pump," as used here, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be attributed, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may refer, without limitation, in particular to a device for conveying fluid media, in particular liquids, which is configured to provide a predetermined volumetric flow or mass flow of the fluid medium and / or to provide a predetermined quantity of the fluid medium.The dosing pump can, for example, be connected directly to the collecting container via a fluidic connection, for example to a drain at the bottom of the collecting container, and / or can be connected to the collecting container via at least one intermediate fluidic element, for example at least one valve.

[0096] The input unit may further comprise at least one storage container. The term "storage container," as used herein, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to a completely or partially enclosed area in which one or more amorphous substances can be accommodated for storage purposes, for example, a liquid-tight area. The wall of the storage container may optionally be conceptually included within the storage container, or the term may refer merely to the enclosed area itself. The storage container may, for example, be formed completely or partially separate from the collection container.For example, the storage container can be arranged outside the housing of the input unit, for example at a different location within the cleaning device. A wall of the storage container can, for example, be made entirely or partially from at least one metallic material and / or from at least one plastic material. The storage container can, in particular, be fluidically connected directly or indirectly to the collection container, for example via at least one hose and / or via at least one pipe. Between the storage container and the collection container, in particular in the fluidic connection, at least one valve can optionally be provided, for example at least one valve controllable by the control of the input unit.In this way, for example, liquid can be drained and / or pumped out from the collection container into the storage container as required, or a fluidic separation between the collection container and the storage container can be achieved by the valve as required. One or more storage containers can be provided, which can be fluidically connected to the same collection container, for example. In the fluidic connection, for example, at least one branch and / or at least one switch can be provided, so that, for example, several storage containers can be filled with liquid from the collection container simultaneously, or one or more storage containers can be filled selectively and / or sequentially, whereas one or more other storage containers are not filled.Accordingly, one or more valves can be provided optionally and independently of each other in the individual fluidic branches, so that if several storage containers are provided, these can each be controlled and / or filled individually.

[0097] The at least one storage container can, in particular, in turn comprise at least one level sensor. As in the case of the collection container, the at least one level sensor can, for example, be single-stage or multi-stage. The at least one level sensor of the storage container can, for example, be connected to the control of the input unit and / or to a control of the cleaning device.

[0098] Analogous to the collection container, the at least one storage container can also optionally comprise at least one mixing device. The mixing device can again in particular comprise at least one device selected from the group consisting of: an agitator; a mixing pump integrated into the storage container; and a mixing pump fluidly connected to the storage container.

[0099] As explained above, the input unit can comprise one or more storage containers, for example, at least two storage containers. If multiple storage containers are included, they can each be fluidically connected to the collection container. These fluidic connections between the collection container and the storage containers can be formed completely or partially separately from one another or can also be at least partially combined, for example in the form of one or more switches, branches, or junctions. Furthermore, at least one valve can optionally and independently be provided in each of the fluidic connections.

[0100] If multiple storage containers are provided, they can be used for different purposes. On the one hand, separate stocks of consumables can be prepared and / or stored separately using the storage containers. Alternatively or additionally, different consumables can be stored in the different storage containers. This can be achieved, for example, by the control system, via the display element, first prompting the user to insert a first active ingredient container containing a first active ingredient into the input unit. This first active ingredient is then diluted, for example, with solvent in the input unit and stored in a first storage container.Once the collection container has been emptied again, optionally followed by a solvent rinse, this process can be repeated once or multiple times. For example, the control system prompts the user via the display element, after removing the first reservoir, to insert a second active ingredient container containing a second active ingredient into the input unit. This second active ingredient container is diluted in the input unit, for example, with the same solvent as the first active ingredient or with a different solvent, and stored in a second reservoir container. Thus, one and the same input unit can be used to supply different active ingredients to the cleaning device.

[0101] The at least one collection container and / or optionally the at least one storage container can, for example, be fluidically connected to at least one loading device of the cleaning device, so that, for example, consumables produced using the active ingredient can be provided to the loading device. For example, the at least one storage container and / or the at least one collection container can be fluidically connected to at least one tank of the cleaning device, for example, a wash tank and / or a final rinse or final rinse tank.

[0102] The at least one storage container can be connected to at least one dosing pump. For example, at least a defined amount of consumable material contained in the storage container can be supplied to another device of the cleaning device, such as at least one tank, via the dosing pump. If multiple storage containers are provided, they can each be connected to independent dosing pumps, so that, for example, at least one dosing pump is assigned to each storage container. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to fluidically connect the storage containers to one and the same dosing pump.

[0103] As explained above, the control unit can perform various functions and / or trigger various actions. In particular, it is possible for the input unit to have at least one electronically controllable locking mechanism for the swing door. This electronically controllable locking mechanism can, in particular, be connected to the control unit so that, where necessary and appropriate, the locking mechanism is switched in such a way that the swing door can be opened. This can, for example, be linked to a corresponding display for a user, for example, the display indicating that an empty active ingredient container is to be removed and / or that an active ingredient container filled with a specific active ingredient is to be inserted.

[0104] In a further aspect, a cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed. The cleaning device comprises at least one cleaning chamber for receiving the items to be cleaned. Furthermore, the cleaning device comprises at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber. Furthermore, the cleaning device comprises at least one input unit as proposed here, for example according to one or more of the configurations described above and / or according to one or more of the embodiments described in more detail below. The cleaning device is configured to use at least one liquid active ingredient provided via the input unit to generate the cleaning fluid.

[0105] Regarding the term "cleaning device," reference can be made to the above description. For example, the cleaning device can comprise at least one dishwasher. The term "dishwasher," as used here, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be attributed, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can refer, without limitation, in particular to a device designed to clean items that are designed for the preparation, presentation, reception, or storage of food or beverages. The dishwasher can be designed, for example, as a single-chamber dishwasher or a programmable automatic dishwasher, or can also be designed as a conveyor dishwasher.The term "conveyor dishwasher," as used here, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can refer, without limitation, in particular to a dishwasher that has at least one transport device. In particular, the conveyor dishwasher can have at least one cleaning chamber, for example at least one cleaning tunnel, in which the items to be cleaned and / or one or more items of crockery are subjected to at least one cleaning fluid, in particular by means of at least one application device. The transport device can be configured to transport the items to be cleaned through the cleaning chamber.

[0106] Alternatively or in addition to a dishwasher, the cleaning device can also be designed entirely or partially as a cleaning and disinfection device. The term "cleaning and disinfection device," as used here, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be attributed, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a device designed to free items to be cleaned in the form of containers intended for the collection of human excreta from adhering macroscopic or microscopic contaminants, or to at least partially remove such contaminants. The cleaning process can, in particular, be designed in such a way that it at least largely removes adhering contaminants from the container.

[0107] The term "cleaning chamber," as used herein, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a completely or partially enclosed chamber within which the cleaning process can be carried out completely or partially. The cleaning chamber can, in particular, comprise at least one housing that completely or partially encloses the cleaning chamber. As explained above, the housing of the cleaning chamber can be completely or partially separate from the housing of the input unit, or can be completely or partially integrated together, so that, for example, the input unit with its housing can also be completely or partially integrated into the housing of the cleaning device and / or the cleaning chamber.In general, a single cleaning chamber can be provided, or in principle, several cleaning chambers can be provided, for example, sequentially. The cleaning chamber can, for example, have at least one opening for loading the cleaning chamber with the items to be cleaned, which can also be referred to as an inlet or feed opening. For example, this can be an opening with a flap or door arranged on a front side of the cleaning chamber and / or a top side of the cleaning chamber. Alternatively, hoods for closing off the cleaning chamber are also possible, for example in the context of so-called hood-type cleaning machines or pass-through machines, such as hood-type dishwashers.Alternatively, the cleaning chamber can also be designed, for example, entirely or partially as a tunnel, particularly in the context of so-called continuous cleaning machines, such as conveyor-type dishwashers or conveyor-type dishwashers, for example as a tunnel with an inlet opening and an outlet opening, also referred to as an outlet. Other designs are also possible in principle.

[0108] The term "cleaning fluid," as used herein, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be attributed, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a fluid, and in particular a liquid, which, upon contact with the item to be cleaned, can exert a cleaning effect. Without limiting the possibility of using other fluid media, the term "cleaning fluid" is used synonymously with the term "cleaning liquid" in the context of this description. In particular, the cleaning liquid can comprise an aqueous liquid, for example, water and / or water with one or more additives, for example, with one or more cleaning concentrates and / or rinse aids and / or disinfectants.The at least one additive can, for example, comprise the at least one active ingredient and / or be formed by the at least one active ingredient.

[0109] The cleaning device can be configured to use a single cleaning fluid, for example, a single cleaning liquid, or to use a combination of several cleaning fluids. If multiple cleaning fluids are provided, the items to be cleaned can be exposed to the different cleaning liquids simultaneously or sequentially. For example, as explained above, the items to be cleaned can remain stationary within the cleaning chamber and be exposed to the different cleaning fluids one after the other.Alternatively, the items to be cleaned can also be successively exposed to different types of cleaning fluids at different locations, for example, in different chambers. For example, the items to be cleaned initially remain stationary in a first cleaning chamber, where they are exposed to at least one first cleaning fluid, and then are transferred to at least one second cleaning chamber, where they remain stationary and are exposed to at least one second cleaning fluid. Without limiting further possible configurations, reference is made below to automated programs in which the items to be cleaned remain stationary in a single cleaning chamber during the cleaning process.

[0110] The cleaning fluid may, in particular, comprise at least one cleaning fluid selected from the group consisting of: an aqueous cleaning fluid; a cleaning fluid with at least one cleaning solution; a cleaning fluid with at least one rinse aid; a cleaning fluid with at least one disinfectant; a rinsing fluid; demineralized water; a heated cleaning fluid, in particular a cleaning fluid heated to a temperature of 30°C to 70°C, and particularly preferably to 60°C. Other types of cleaning fluids or other fluids can also be used in principle.

[0111] The term "application device" as used here is a broad term, which should be given its usual and common meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to any device by means of which the items to be cleaned within the cleaning chamber can be applied with the cleaning fluid, in particular with at least one cleaning liquid.

[0112] The application device can, in particular, comprise at least one nozzle system. The term "nozzle system," as used here, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be attributed, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to any device configured to deliver at least one fluid in a defined manner, in particular as jets or drops. In particular, the nozzle system can be configured to apply the fluid to at least one object to be applied in a defined manner. For example, the nozzle system can be configured to apply at least one cleaning fluid to items to be cleaned in a defined manner, as explained in more detail below.Accordingly, the nozzle system can have at least one outlet opening through which the fluid, in particular the cleaning fluid, can exit and impinge on the item to be cleaned. The nozzle system can be designed, for example, as a single nozzle or as a combination of several nozzles.

[0113] The nozzle system can, for example, comprise at least one nozzle arm, for example, at least one stationary or rotatably mounted nozzle arm. For example, at least one nozzle arm, for example, a rotatably mounted nozzle arm, can be arranged below the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber, and at least one nozzle arm, for example, a rotatably mounted nozzle arm, can be arranged above the items to be cleaned. Separate nozzle arms for washing fluid and rinsing fluid can be provided above and below the items to be cleaned, for example.

[0114] Furthermore, the supply device can comprise at least one pump and at least one line system for supplying cleaning fluid to the nozzle system. For example, a nozzle system and a line system for supplying cleaning fluid from at least one tank, for example, at least one wash tank, can be provided, as well as at least one pump, for example, at least one wash pump. Alternatively or additionally, at least one nozzle system can also be supplied directly from a supply line, for example, without the need for a pump.

[0115] Furthermore, at least one nozzle system and at least one line system for supplying cleaning fluid from at least one optional rinse tank can be provided, which is preferably designed separately from the wash tank and in which rinse fluid can be processed separately from the wash tank, as well as at least one rinse pump. By providing at least one rinse tank designed separately from the wash tank, the cleaning device can be designed for commercial purposes, as heating time can be saved during a washing step by separately processing the rinse fluid. For example, the rinse tank can be designed as a boiler and / or can have a continuous-flow heater.

[0116] The input unit can be fluidically connected to one or more of the components of the application device, for example to at least one of the following components of the application device: a tank, in particular a tank selected from the group consisting of a wash tank and a final rinse or final rinse tank; a pump; a boiler; a storage tank; a piping system.

[0117] One or more cleaning zones can be provided in the cleaning device. For example, a single cleaning zone can be provided, wherein the cleaning device is configured to carry out a cleaning program by means of the application device, in which the items to be cleaned are held stationary in the cleaning chamber and are successively exposed to cleaning fluid in different ways in one or more cleaning steps of the cleaning program. Alternatively, the items to be cleaned can also be transported successively through several cleaning zones, in which a different type of exposure to cleaning fluid takes place, for example one or more cleaning zones selected from the group consisting of: a pre-clearing zone; a washing zone; a rinsing or final rinse zone, wherein the latter can be further subdivided into a pumped final rinse zone and a downstream fresh water final rinse zone.Furthermore, at least one drying step can be provided, which can be arranged downstream of the application of the cleaning liquid in one chamber when the items to be cleaned are held stationary, or which can be carried out, for example, in a conveyor dishwasher in a drying zone downstream of the liquid cleaning zones.

[0118] The cleaning fluid can be generated in the input unit, for example, in the at least one collection container and / or in the at least one optional storage container. Accordingly, the cleaning fluid can be formed, for example, directly or indirectly from the at least one active ingredient, in particular with the addition of the at least one solvent. The at least one solvent can, in particular, comprise water. In particular, as explained above, the cleaning fluid can comprise water with at least one active ingredient as an additive, for example, at least one detergent concentrate and / or at least one rinse aid concentrate and / or at least one disinfectant.Alternatively or in addition to generating the cleaning fluid in the input unit, at least one intermediate product can also be generated in the input unit, for example in the collection container and / or the at least one optional storage container, which intermediate product is then fed, for example, to the application device and further processed there, for example, further diluted. This can be done, for example, by feeding the intermediate product, for example the at least one active ingredient with the at least one solvent, in particular water, to at least one tank of the application device, for example by means of at least one metering pump, where further dilution takes place, for example using the same or a different solvent, in particular water.

[0119] As explained above, the input unit can be fully or partially integrated into other components of the cleaning device. In particular, the cleaning device can, as explained, have at least one housing that at least partially encloses the cleaning chamber. The housing of the input unit can be at least partially integrated into the housing of the cleaning device. Alternatively, however, the housing of the input unit can also be formed separately from the housing of the cleaning device, which housing completely or partially encloses the cleaning chamber. Furthermore, the option of fully or partially integrating the optional control of the input unit into a control of the cleaning device has already been mentioned above.Thus, in general, the cleaning device can have at least one controller which is configured, for example, to influence at least one process parameter of at least one cleaning process running in the cleaning device and / or to control at least one element of the cleaning device. If the cleaning device is configured, for example, as a programmable automatic machine, the controller of the cleaning device can, for example, be configured to carry out one or more program steps of one or more cleaning programs while the items to be cleaned are, for example, held stationary in the cleaning chamber. If the cleaning device is configured, for example, as a conveyor dishwasher, the controller of the cleaning device can, for example, influence process parameters in one or more cleaning zones.

[0120] In a further aspect, a method for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed. The method comprises the following method steps. These can, in particular, be carried out in the specified order. In principle, however, a different order is also possible, or a sequence in which two or more of the method steps are carried out simultaneously or with an overlap in time is possible. Furthermore, individual or several of the method steps can be carried out repeatedly.

[0121] The procedure includes the following steps: a) Providing at least one cleaning device as proposed, for example according to one or more of the configurations described above and / or according to one or more of the embodiments described in more detail below; b) Input of at least one active ingredient container filled with liquid active ingredient into the input unit of the cleaning device, wherein when the pivoting door of the input unit is closed, at least one area of ​​the active ingredient container is pressed against the at least one cutting edge of the piercing device, whereby the piercing device perforates the area, whereby the liquid active ingredient flows through the perforated area from the active ingredient container into the collection container; c) Using the liquid active ingredient to produce at least one cleaning fluid; and d) Applying the at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber of the cleaning device.

[0122] As explained above, the method can be carried out in particular by spraying the active ingredient container with solvent. In this way, almost all components of the active ingredient can be removed from the active ingredient container particularly efficiently. Accordingly, the method can be carried out in such a way that in process step b) and / or following process step b), the active ingredient container is sprayed with the at least one solvent. In this process, the solvent and the active ingredient can mix, and the solvent and the active ingredient can flow together into the collection container, for example, through the piercing device, for example, through the interior of the piercing nozzle.

[0123] With regard to further possible variants of the method, reference can be made to the above description of the input unit and / or the description of the cleaning device. In particular, the method can comprise at least one method step in which user control takes place, as explained above, for example user control in which the user is prompted to carry out method step b). Analogously, at least one method step can also be included in which user control takes place, in which the user is prompted to remove an emptied active ingredient container from the input unit. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the method can comprise at least one step in which at least one piece of information from at least one identifier of at least one active ingredient container is read out by means of at least one reading device.This step may include one or more additional substeps, for example, substeps in which the read information is further processed as described above. Further process steps are possible.

[0124] The method can be fully or partially computer-implemented and / or computer-controlled. In particular, computer control can be provided by prompting a user to carry out method step b). Control of one or more pumps and / or valves can also be computer-controlled, so that, for example, method steps c) and / or d) can be carried out in a computer-controlled manner. Accordingly, corresponding computer programs are proposed which, when executed on a computer or computer network, carry out corresponding method steps, for example the control of the input unit and / or the control of the cleaning device. The computer program can in particular be stored on a computer-readable data carrier, in particular a non-volatile data carrier.

[0125] The proposed input unit, the proposed cleaning device, and the proposed method offer numerous advantages over known devices and methods of a similar nature. In particular, they address the technical challenges mentioned above. This allows for high cost-effectiveness, combined with high occupational safety and guaranteed environmental protection. Active ingredient containers can be reliably and completely emptied, can optionally be rinsed, and can thus be safely removed from the input unit after emptying without endangering operating personnel or the environment. At the same time, highly concentrated active ingredients can be introduced, which can be reliably diluted and therefore accurately dosed.

[0126] For example, the proposed input unit can be used to provide at least one active ingredient in the form of at least one concentrate. For example, the liquid active ingredient can have a water content of not more than 20%, in particular not more than 15%, but preferably at least one water-soluble active ingredient component, in particular in liquid form. The active ingredient can be present entirely or partially in liquid form. The at least one active ingredient can be provided in the at least one active ingredient container, for example in a so-called delivery container, for example at least one bottle. The at least one active ingredient container can, for example, be made entirely or partially from plastic and / or metal, for example with a high dimensional stability during transport.For example, the active ingredient container can be designed entirely or partially as a rigid container, as opposed to, for example, a foil pouch. This ensures a high level of safety during transport and handling.

[0127] The at least one active ingredient can in particular have a comparatively high viscosity. By diluting it with the at least one solvent, a liquid with a lower viscosity can then be produced. In particular, as explained above, this can be done by introducing the solvent into the active ingredient container, so that, despite the originally high viscosity of the active ingredient, the active ingredient container can be reliably emptied. For example, the active ingredient, in particular in undiluted form as provided by the active ingredient container, can have a viscosity of more than 10 mPa*s, in particular more than 50 mPa*s, in particular more than 100 mPa*s, for example a viscosity of 50 mPa*s to 500 mPa*s or of 100 mPa*s to 400 mPa*s, for example 260 mPa*s.

[0128] The at least one active ingredient container can, as explained above, in particular have at least one identifier. This identifier can, for example, be applied to a surface of the active ingredient container, for example on an outer circumference of a bottle, a bottle base, or a bottle cap. The at least one identifier can, for example, comprise at least one code with at least one piece of information, for example information about the at least one liquid active ingredient, for example at least one piece of information of the type described above. For example, the delivery container can be provided with a code. The at least one identifier, for example the code, can be read by the input unit. For this purpose, the input unit can, as explained above, comprise, for example, at least one reading device.

[0129] The active ingredient container can be designed in such a way that a high level of operational reliability can be ensured during handling. For example, the active ingredient container can be designed, as explained above, in particular as a rigid active ingredient container, in contrast to, for example, a film bag. The active ingredient container can, for example, be designed completely or partially as a bottle, for example as a bottle with a mouth and / or a lid. The active ingredient container can, in particular, be designed such that it does not have a closure that can be or would have to be removed manually by operating personnel, for example without a screw cap, tear-off tab or similar closures that have to be removed by hand. For example, the active ingredient container can be designed to be completely closed, without a closure element that would have to be removed reversibly or irreversibly by an operator before the active ingredient is withdrawn.In this way, it can be prevented that the operating personnel come into contact with the active ingredient when removing a closure or that the active ingredient is released into the environment when a closure is opened.

[0130] As explained above, the active ingredient container has at least one region which is perforated by the piercing device. This can be, for example, a lid region of a bottle. In particular, the region can be completely or partially flat. The active ingredient container can have at least one weakened area, for example at least one predetermined breaking point, in the area intended for perforation by the piercing device. For example, at least one groove can be provided in the area intended for perforation by the piercing device, which groove can, for example, correspond to a shape of the piercing device and / or the cutting edge thereof.For example, the cutting edge can engage the groove in the area of ​​the active ingredient container, with a wall of the active ingredient container within the groove having a reduced wall thickness compared to the wall adjacent to the groove. However, other types of predetermined breaking points are also conceivable in principle. The at least one predetermined breaking point can, for example, be located where an opening is to be created by the piercing device. For example, the predetermined breaking point can surround the opening.

[0131] The piercing device can, for example, completely or partially punch out at least a portion of the active ingredient container during the perforation, wherein the portion, for example after the perforation, can be completely separated from the remaining active ingredient container or can also be connected to the remaining active ingredient container via at least one material bridge. The at least one opening can form in the punched-out portion, which opening can, for example, be completely or partially bordered or limited by the predetermined breaking point. The at least one opening can, for example, be created in an end face of the active ingredient container, for example in a lid.

[0132] As explained above, the input unit can in particular have at least one holder. This holder can have at least one receiving geometry in order to receive the active ingredient container in a predetermined orientation relative to the pivoting door. For example, on the side of the active ingredient container on which the mouth of the active ingredient container is provided and / or on which the above-described area is provided which is perforated by the piercing device, a geometry can be provided on the active ingredient container which interacts with a counter-shape in the holder. The geometry of the holder can also be referred to as the receiving geometry. The geometry of the active ingredient container, together with the receiving geometry of the holder, can prevent the active ingredient container from being inserted incorrectly, for example upside down.For example, the active ingredient container can have a smaller diameter on one side, for example its front side, than on another side.

[0133] Water, in particular fresh water, can be used as the solvent in the input unit. Alternatively or additionally, aqueous solvents such as aqueous acids or alkalis can also be used. However, other solvents are also conceivable, depending on the type of active ingredient. Fresh water can be supplied to the input unit, for example, directly or indirectly via a fresh water connection as a solvent connection. Alternatively or additionally, the solvent connection can also be provided by the cleaning device itself. For example, fresh water can also be supplied to the input unit from an internal path of the cleaning device, e.g. the dishwasher. The fresh water connection, which can be provided on the cleaning device and / or on the input unit, can in particular have a network separation from an on-site water supply.Accordingly, at least one network separation can be provided between the solvent connection and the solvent lance, for example.

[0134] By means of the proposed input unit and / or the proposed cleaning device, the proposed method can be carried out in one or more variants.

[0135] For example, the method for cleaning items to be cleaned can include a display on the cleaning device, such as the dishwasher, which provides user guidance in the form of information, such as the information that a new active ingredient container should be inserted. This information can be conveyed, for example, by the message "Insert new bottle" or similar messages. Alternatively or additionally, the display can also be provided directly at the entry point, such as the swing door, for example, by flashing a colored light and / or illuminating the entire swing door or its handle in a specific color. The control system can control this lighting.

[0136] In one variant, for example, the color conveyed by the display element can be the same as the color corresponding to a color code or the overall color scheme of the active ingredient container. This can provide the operating personnel with initial information about which active ingredient the cleaning device requires.

[0137] Furthermore, as explained above, the input unit can have at least one reading device for reading at least one piece of information from the at least one optional identifier of the active ingredient container. The reading device can be fully or partially integrated into the housing of the input unit or can also be implemented in another way, for example at another location within the cleaning device. The reading device can be designed, for example, as an RFID reader and / or as a barcode reader, in particular as a QR code reader. The reading device can, for example, be physically connected to the input unit and / or the cleaning device or, alternatively, can also be only electrically connected to the input unit and / or the cleaning device, for example wired and / or wirelessly. For example, this connection can exist with the control of the input unit and / or the control of the cleaning device.

[0138] For example, the operating personnel can authenticate the active ingredient container, for example the container, in particular in the form of at least one bottle, using the at least one identifier and the at least one reading device. For example, the at least one piece of information can be read from the identifier and compared with at least one piece of target information stored in the control system of the cleaning device and / or the input unit, for example, to determine whether the operating personnel is about to input the correct active ingredient into the input unit at the correct time.

[0139] The control system of the input unit and / or the cleaning device can be configured to trigger at least one action based on the information read out. For example, if authentication has been completed and / or based on other information read out, the swing door for the active ingredient container input can be unlocked, or locked or remain locked if no authentication has occurred. Optionally, the input unit can also be configured, for example based on a corresponding controller configuration, so that the swing door opens automatically after successful authentication.

[0140] The control of the input unit can, in particular, configure and / or control the input unit such that when a new active ingredient container containing active ingredient is inserted into the input unit, the collection container in the interior is empty. Accordingly, at the time the new active ingredient is inserted, the collection container preferably contains no residues of previously used active ingredients that were inserted in a previous process.

[0141] When inserting a new active ingredient container, a situation may arise where a previously used empty active ingredient container is still present in the input unit. This can be removed by the operating personnel, for example, upon request from the input unit, before the new active ingredient container is inserted.

[0142] When inserting the new active ingredient container, it can be correctly inserted, as explained above, due to the appropriate geometry of the holder. For example, a bottle can be inserted into a receiving geometry of the holder on the swing door.

[0143] The input unit can be configured such that the swing door is closed manually by the operating personnel. Furthermore, the input unit can be configured such that the swing door is automatically locked after closing, i.e. when the closed position is reached. During the closing process, as described above, the area of ​​the active ingredient container is perforated using the piercing device. The active ingredient container can then be emptied, and the active ingredient can flow into the collection container. The collection container can act as a receiving container and / or mixing container. Optionally, the perforation of the area of ​​the active ingredient container can only take place once the lock of the swing door has been activated, effectively preventing the operating personnel from coming into contact with the active ingredient.

[0144] Alternatively or in addition to a manual movement of the swing door, the at least one swing door can also be closed completely or partially automatically. The swing door can also optionally comprise at least one actuator that carries out and / or assists the closing movement. For example, the swing door, which can be designed as a flap, can be moved by an electric drive from the open position to the closed position or over part of this swing movement. In this case, the area of ​​the active ingredient container can be pressed against the cutting edge of the piercing device, thereby perforating the area.

[0145] The piercing device can, as also explained above, in particular be designed entirely or partially as a tube and / or comprise a tube. Furthermore, as also explained above, the piercing device can alternatively or additionally comprise at least one solvent lance. By means of the solvent lance, solvent can be directed, in particular sprayed, into the interior of the active ingredient container for rinsing. For example, as explained above, fresh water can be used as the solvent, which can be used in a cold or heated state. Rinsing can take place simultaneously with or at a time delay from the perforation. For example, rinsing the active ingredient container with the at least one solvent can also take place at a time delay of at least a predetermined or predeterminable period of time until the pivoting door is closed and / or the area is perforated.In this way, for example, the active ingredient can initially largely flow out of the active ingredient container into the collection container, after which active ingredient residues can be rinsed out of the active ingredient container by means of the solvent and also flow into the collection container.

[0146] When diluting the at least one active ingredient with the at least one solvent and / or when mixing the at least one active ingredient with the at least one solvent, the control system can be set up such that it controls dilution to a predetermined concentration. The control system can be set up to add together several solvent flows during dilution so that the total amount of solvent added can be taken into account. For example, a total of 2.7 l of fresh water can be added to a quantity of 300 ml of rinse aid concentrate, so that together with the volume from the active ingredient container, in particular the bottle, this results in a total volume of 3 l of rinse aid as consumables and / or application solution. However, other quantities and / or concentrations are also conceivable, depending on the area of ​​application and materials.In general, the input unit can be configured, for example, to input total quantities of liquid active ingredient from 10 ml to 5 l. Furthermore, the input unit can be configured to produce consumables from the liquid active ingredient in quantities of 100 ml to 10 l. In particular, production can be carried out in portions and non-continuously. However, other configurations are also possible.

[0147] The input unit can, in particular, as explained above, be configured to mix, in particular to thoroughly mix, the at least one active ingredient with the at least one solvent. This mixing can be carried out, in particular, by at least one mixing device. The mixing can take place in at least one of the elements selected from the group consisting of the collection container, the storage container, and a mixing container. Another type of mixing, for example, in a piping system, is also conceivable as an alternative or in addition.

[0148] During mixing, the contents of the active ingredient container can, for example, mix completely with the supplied solvent volume, for example, the fresh water volume. The input unit can, in particular, be configured to perform a mixing process, in particular via the mixing device, for a predetermined mixing time. For example, the mixing time can be 10 seconds to 30 minutes, in particular 5 minutes to 20 minutes, for example 10 minutes.

[0149] The consumable generated in the input unit can be provided directly to at least one further device of the cleaning device. For example, at least one mixture of the at least one solvent and the at least one active ingredient can be provided to at least one application device of the cleaning device, for example in at least one tank of the cleaning device and / or in at least one piping system of the cleaning device, for example a piping system which connects at least one tank and at least one nozzle system to one another. For example, the application device and the at least one collection container and / or the at least one storage container can be fluidly connected to one another. In this way, for example, the solution of the active ingredient in the solvent can be dosed into a dishwasher.Dosing of the mixture from the collection container and / or the storage container can, for example, continue until the collection container and / or the storage container are empty or emptied to a predetermined minimum level. At this stage, for example, the active ingredient container in the input unit can be emptied and optionally also rinsed. Residues of active ingredient in the interior of the active ingredient container can thus be negligible. Subsequent loading of the input unit with a new active ingredient container can thus be carried out with the greatest possible protection of the operating personnel from the chemical influences of the active ingredient.

[0150] As explained above, the input unit can, in addition to the collection container, further comprise at least one storage container. The collection container can serve as a mixing container in which a mixture or at least a preliminary mixture of the active ingredient with the solvent takes place. If the contents of the collection container are fed completely or partially to the storage container after mixing the active ingredient with the solvent and thus after production of the consumable material, in particular the application solution, this creates again usable free volume in the collection container so that it can be used again, for example for mixing. Thus, for example, a further mixing process can be started in the input unit using the collection container, while, for example, previously produced consumable material is stored or temporarily stored in the at least one storage container.The renewed mixing process can then be carried out using the same active ingredient and / or the same solvent as the previous mixing process, or at least one different active ingredient and / or at least one different solvent can be used. In principle, various consumables, in particular different active ingredient solutions, for example, different additives, consumables, or detergents, can be produced via the same input unit through suitable mixing and / or dilution. These different consumables can, for example, be fed into designated storage containers.If different consumables are produced in the input unit, at least one rinsing process can take place between the production of different consumables, in which, for example, the interior of the housing and / or the collection container and / or corresponding lines are rinsed with at least one solvent, for example water.

[0151] If different consumables are generated in the input unit, at least one optional reading device can be used. For example, depending on the at least one piece of information read, the consumable, for example, in the form of a premixed substance consisting of an active ingredient and a solvent, also known as a working solution, can be fed into the designated storage container. The control system of the input unit and / or the cleaning device can, for example, activate the corresponding valves and block other valves for this purpose.

[0152] The above-mentioned collection container can be designed to be very small overall. Furthermore, the collection container of the input unit does not necessarily have to be used for storage. For example, in the interior space where the perforation of the active ingredient container occurs, the active ingredient container can simply be emptied and optionally rinsed with solvent. The resulting liquid can then be directed from the collection container into the storage container, for example directly and without being stored in the collection container. The storage container can then function simultaneously as a storage container and as a mixing container. For this purpose, as explained above, at least one mixing device can be provided in the storage container.

[0153] Again, during the supply to the at least one storage container, valve control can be performed by the at least one controller of the input unit and / or the cleaning device. For example, the at least one piece of information about the active ingredient and / or the active ingredient container read by the reader can be used. For example, the produced consumable material can be supplied from the collection container to the designated storage container, for example, by appropriately controlling valves.

[0154] If the production of the homogeneous consumable and / or an at least partial or complete mixing of the at least one solvent and the at least one active ingredient is carried out in the storage container, this homogenization and / or mixing can, as explained above, be carried out or supported in particular by means of the at least one optional mixing device. Thus, the storage container, which can accordingly also function as a mixing container, can comprise, for example, at least one pump and / or at least one agitator.

[0155] After emptying the active ingredient container and, if necessary, rinsing it, and transferring the released liquids, in particular the consumables including the active ingredient and the solvent, into the storage container, the input unit can be reused. The active ingredient from the at least one storage container can be directly transferred and / or stored there. In the meantime, another active ingredient input process can be started in the input unit. This can be carried out with the same active ingredient as before or with one or more different active ingredients.This allows, for example, different active ingredients, such as different detergents and / or additives, to be added, mixed and / or diluted with solvents, and premixed / diluted via the same input unit. These can then be fed into different storage containers, which can optionally also function as mixing containers. This allows, for example, active ingredients to be dosed in different quantities and / or diluted in different concentrations depending on the requirements of the cleaning process.

[0156] The input unit can generally be configured to perform at least one rinsing process. During the rinsing process, for example, the collection container can be rinsed with solvent without, for example, adding an active ingredient. Other components of the input unit can also be rinsed with the solvent during the rinsing process, for example, a piping system that can drain liquid from the collection container, for example, to a valve, a dosing pump, or a storage container. The rinsing process can, for example, be connected to an input process, wherein, during the input process, an active ingredient is added via the input device.The rinsing process can, for example, be carried out in all liquid-carrying areas, for example in the at least one collecting container, in the at least one storage container, which can also function as a mixing container, and in the corresponding lines of the input unit or a part of these lines.

[0157] By means of the proposed input unit, a diluted active ingredient, for example in the form of a diluted liquid process chemical at the application concentration, can be supplied to the cleaning device, for example to the loading device of the cleaning device. For example, the loading device can have at least one rinse line, by means of which the items to be cleaned are loaded with rinse liquid. The rinse line can, for example, comprise at least one rinse tank, at least one rinse nozzle system, and at least one rinse line system. The consumable in the form of the diluted active ingredient can, for example, be supplied to the rinse line, for example by dosing it into the rinse tank.

[0158] Furthermore, in addition to the at least one consumable from the at least one input unit, further additives can be added to the at least one cleaning fluid of the cleaning device, for example from other sources. For example, one or more additional chemicals can be added to the rinse aid line from other sources, such as acid, complexing agents, polymers, or combinations of the aforementioned chemicals and / or other chemicals, provided they are not already contained in the active ingredient. The active ingredient can thus be further processed before use by the cleaning device, for example by further dilution and / or the addition of one or more additional chemicals.

[0159] As explained above, the input unit can have at least one mixing device. The at least one mixing device can, for example, be fluidically connected to the at least one collection container and / or to the at least one optional storage container. This mixing device can, in particular, be configured to mix the at least one active ingredient with the at least one solvent. In addition, the mixing device can also perform other functions. For example, the mixing device can also be configured and / or used to premix other process fluids, for example, surface-active substances, defoamers, or disinfectants.

[0160] As explained above, the input unit comprises at least one holder for receiving the at least one active ingredient container. The holder can also be designed to be variable, for example by means of movable holding elements, so that, for example, active ingredient containers of different sizes and / or different shapes can be accommodated in the holder. For example, adapters, movable elements and / or variably pluggable elements can be used in the holder for this purpose. Spring elements can also be used to accommodate different types of active ingredient containers. In particular, active ingredient containers, in particular containers, with different volumes can be used in this way. In general, the holder can be configured to adapt accordingly to different containers. Short description of the characters

[0161] Further details and features will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments, particularly in conjunction with the subclaims. 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 illustrated schematically in the figures. Identical reference numerals in the individual figures designate identical or functionally identical elements, or elements that correspond to one another in terms of their functions.

[0162] In detail: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention in the form of a conveyor-type dishwasher; Figures 2 to 5 show various embodiments of an input unit according to the invention, each in a cross-sectional view; Figures 6A to 6D show a sequence of schematic representations to illustrate the pivoting of a pivoting door of an input unit according to the invention with an active ingredient container from an open position to a closed position; Figure 7 shows a detailed view of the Figure 6D with particular attention to an area of ​​an active ingredient container accommodated in the input unit, perforated by a piercing device of the input unit; and Figure 8 shows a flow diagram of a method according to the invention for cleaning items to be cleaned. Description of the embodiments

[0163] Figure 1shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cleaning device 110 according to the invention in the form of a dishwasher 111. This is in the Figure 1 The exemplary embodiment shown is designed as a conveyor dishwasher 112, also referred to as a conveyor dishwasher. However, other configurations are also possible.

[0164] The cleaning device 110 can have a transport device 114, by means of which items 116 to be cleaned, for example, dishes, can be transported through a cleaning chamber 118 of the cleaning device 110. For example, the cleaning device 110 can be designed as a basket transport machine and can be configured to transport the items 116 to be cleaned in transport baskets 120, or as a belt transport machine, in which the items 116 to be cleaned are transported directly on a conveyor belt, as shown in this exemplary embodiment.

[0165] By means of the transport device 114, the items to be cleaned 116 can be transported in a transport direction 122 from a loading zone 124 to an outlet zone 126. The cleaning chamber 114 can be divided into several zones, for example, a pre-clearing zone 128, a washing zone 130, and a final rinsing zone 132 can be provided. Adjacent to these zones, at least one drying zone 134 can also be provided, in which the items to be cleaned 116 are dried by means of a fan 136.

[0166] The one or more zones 128, 130, 132 may generally be referred to as rinsing zones 138, within which one or more application devices 140, in the form of nozzle systems with nozzles 142, are provided in order to apply at least one cleaning fluid 144 to the item to be cleaned 116.

[0167] For example, a pre-cleaning nozzle system 146 can be provided in the pre-cleaning zone 128, which is fed from a pre-cleaning tank 150 via a pre-cleaning pump 148. A wash zone nozzle system 152 can be provided in the wash zone 130, which can be fed from a wash tank 156 of a washing device 157 via a wash zone pump 154. The final rinse zone 132 can have a pumped final rinse 158 and a fresh water final rinse 160 following in the transport direction 122. The pumped rinse 158 has a pumped rinse nozzle system 162, and the fresh water rinse 160 has a fresh water rinse nozzle system 164. While the pumped rinse nozzle system 162 is fed from a rinse tank 166 via a rinse pump 168, the fresh water rinse nozzle system 164 is fed via a fresh water supply 170 with fresh water from a building-side fresh water connection 172.The fresh water supply 170 can, for example, comprise a temperature control device 174 in the form of a heating device 176, by means of which the supplied fresh water can be heated, for example to a temperature of 80°C to 100°C, preferably to a temperature of at least 85°C. The fresh water supply 170 can optionally be routed via at least one heat recovery device 178, in which waste heat from the cleaning device 110 can be used to heat the supplied fresh water.

[0168] By means of the transport device 114, the items to be cleaned 116 can be conveyed continuously or discontinuously through the rinsing zones 138 before the items to be cleaned 116 are dried in the drying zone 134. The rinsing zones 138 can each be separated by dividing curtains 180.

[0169] The cleaning device 110 preferably uses several types of cleaning fluid 144 in the form of rinsing liquids, which are preferably all aqueous rinsing liquids. Thus, in the fresh water final rinse 160, fresh water is preferably used as the rinsing liquid, usually with an addition of rinse aid. In the fresh water final rinse 160, the rinsing liquid comes into contact with the items to be cleaned 116 only once. In the pumped final rinse 158, however, the items to be cleaned 116 are subjected to circulating rinse liquid from the rinse tank 166. In the wash tank 156, for example, cleaning agent can be added to the rinsing liquid, for example a cleaning solution, for example as a solution of a liquid cleaning concentrate in water. In the wash zone 130, the items to be cleaned 116 can be cleaned in circulating operation with the rinsing liquid from the wash tank 156.In the pre-cleaning zone 128, the cleaning material 116 can be subjected to circulation.

[0170] As stated above, one or more detergent substances can be added to the cleaning fluid 144 in the form of the rinsing liquids in the tanks 150, 156 and 166. For this purpose, one or more dosing devices, for example one or more dosing pumps 264, can be provided, which Figure 1are shown as examples and which are explained in more detail below. For example, a dosing device can optionally be provided on the fresh water supply 170, by means of which a rinse aid and / or a disinfectant can be supplied to the fresh water rinse 160. The connection of the at least one dosing device can, for example, be upstream or downstream of the heating device. Alternatively or additionally, a dosing device can be provided on the rinse aid tank 166, by means of which a rinse aid and / or a disinfectant can be dosed into the rinse aid tank 166. Again alternatively or additionally, for example, at least one dosing device can optionally be provided in the wash zone 130, by means of which one or more cleaning agents can be dosed into the wash tank 156.Alternatively or additionally, at least one dosing device can be provided in the pre-cleaning zone 128, by means of which at least one cleaning agent can be dosed into the pre-cleaning tank 150. The dosing devices can be implemented individually, in pairs, or in the aforementioned combinations. However, other arrangements, combinations, and types of dosing are also fundamentally possible.

[0171] Furthermore, the dishwasher 110 in the illustrated arrangement can have at least one controller 182. This can be, for example, a central machine controller, although it can also be configured in a decentralized manner. The controller 182 can, for example, comprise at least one processor 186 and at least one data memory 188. The controller 182 can further have at least one user interface 190 and / or at least one data interface 192, for example, for the wireless or wired exchange of data and / or control commands.

[0172] By means of the at least one controller 182, for example, one or more cleaning programs in the dishwasher 110 can be controlled. The controller 182 can in particular be connected to at least one supply valve 184, which can control a fresh water supply, and / or to one or more of the aforementioned dosing devices and control these elements. Furthermore, the controller 182 can, for example, be connected entirely or partially to the pumps 148, 154, and 168 and control these pumps. Furthermore, the controller 182 can, for example, be connected to the at least one transport device 114 and control the transport device 114. The controller 182 can, for example, be designed entirely or partially as a control device and / or comprise at least one control system.

[0173] The dishwasher 110 can in turn have one or more sensors for detecting one or more operating parameters. For example, the dishwasher 110 can have one or more sensors for detecting a supply and / or a concentration of one or more components of the washing liquid. The sensors can generally be connected directly or indirectly to the at least one controller 182. For example, the dishwasher 110 can have at least one flow meter for detecting a volume flow and / or mass flow of a fresh water supply. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning device 110, in particular the dishwasher 111, can also have one or more sensors in the tanks 150, 156, and 166.For example, turbidity sensors and / or conductivity sensors can be provided there, by means of which, for example, a detergent concentration and / or a degree of soiling can be detected. To carry out the control of a supply of one or more components of the cleaning fluid or the rinsing liquids of the dishwasher 111, for example to control a fresh water supply and / or to control a dosage of detergent, the controller 182 can, for example, comprise one or more controllers, which can be implemented, for example, in the form of software and / or in the form of hardware. These can, for example, detect one or more actual values ​​using the sensors and / or a flow meter and, for example, using the aforementioned dosing devices and / or the supply valve 184, regulate a supply to at least a target value.

[0174] In Figure 1A sectional view of the cleaning device 110 is shown parallel to the transport direction 122. However, sectional views could also be shown analogously at other locations within the conveyor-type dishwasher 112, for example, through the pre-cleaning zone 128, the washing zone 130, or through the final rinse zone 132 in the fresh water final rinse area 160.

[0175] The cleaning device 110 in the form of Figure 1 The continuous-flow dishwasher 112 shown further comprises an input unit 194 for inputting at least one liquid active agent 195 into the cleaning device 110 for cleaning the items to be cleaned 116, as shown in Figure 1illustrated. The input unit 194 comprises at least one housing 196 and at least one line 262, also referred to as a dosing line, into which, for example, the at least one dosing pump 264 is inserted and which, in this exemplary embodiment, opens into the fresh water supply 170. Alternatively or additionally, however, other embodiments are also conceivable, as described above.

[0176] Furthermore, the input unit 194, as in Figure 1shown by way of example, optionally comprise at least one controller 222. The controller 222 can be configured to completely or partially control and / or regulate an operation of the input unit. In particular, the controller 222 of the input unit 194 can be configured to change, in particular to control and / or regulate, one or more operating parameters of the input unit 194, for example at least one pump output and / or at least one valve position, for example a pump output and / or valve position for regulating the input of the liquid active ingredient 195 into the fresh water supply 170, as in Figure 1 illustrated. The controller 222 of the input unit 194 may in particular comprise at least one data processing device, for example at least one processor 186.

[0177] The control 222 of the input unit 194 can be designed independently, as in Figure 1shown. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 222 can also be fully or partially integrated into a higher-level controller, for example, into the controller 182 of the cleaning device 110, of which the input unit 194 can be a component. The controller 182 of the cleaning device 110 can, for example, be a centralized or decentralized machine controller. The controller 182 of the cleaning device 110 can, in particular, be a single-part or multi-part device of the cleaning device 110, which is configured to fully or partially control and / or regulate the operation of the cleaning device 110, as, for example, already explained above. The controller 222 of the input unit 194 can be connected to the controller 182 of the cleaning device 110, for example, wired and / or wirelessly, as indicated by the dashed double-sided arrow in Figure 1illustrated. The controller 222 of the input unit 194 can be configured, for example, by programming, to control at least one function of the input unit 194. In particular, the controller 222 of the input unit 194 can be configured by programming to control at least one input program for inputting the at least one liquid active ingredient, for example, by controlling a valve of the input unit 194, as shown in Figure 1 illustrated by an arrow. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 222 of the input unit 194 can be programmed to control the processing of the active ingredient 195 into at least one consumable within the cleaning device 110, for example, to generate at least one cleaning fluid of the cleaning device 110. For this purpose, the controller 222 can be configured, for example, to implement the method described in more detail below.

[0178] As described in more detail below, the liquid active ingredient 195 can be supplied undiluted or diluted, for example after dilution with at least one solvent, in particular water, for example to the fresh water rinse 160. For this purpose, the fresh water of the fresh water supply 170 can, for example, first be heated by the temperature control device 174 in the form of the heating device 176 to a temperature of 80°C to 100°C, preferably to a temperature of at least 85°C, before the liquid active ingredient 195 is supplied to it, for example in diluted form, in particular also referred to as a user solution, user concentrate or consumable. Release of the liquid active ingredient 195 into the fresh water supply 170 can be controlled and / or regulated in particular via a controllable pump output and / or a controllable valve position.

[0179] Embodiments of the input unit 194, which in the cleaning device 110 according to Figure 1 or can be used in other types of cleaning devices are listed in the Figures 2 to 7 shown. The following section first describes the common features of these embodiments before discussing their respective special features.

[0180] In general, the input unit 194 in the embodiments shown comprises at least one interior space 198 and at least one pivoting door 200. The pivoting door 200 can be pivoted about at least one pivot axis 202 from at least one open position 204 to at least one closed position 206. The input unit 194 further comprises at least one holder 208, arranged on a side of the pivoting door 200 facing the interior space 198 and connected to the pivoting door 200, for receiving at least one active ingredient container 210. The input unit 194 further comprises at least one piercing device 112, arranged in the interior space 198, for piercing the active ingredient container 210, and at least one collecting container 216, arranged in a floor region 214 of the interior space 198, for receiving the liquid active ingredient 195.The input unit 194 is configured such that when the pivoting door 200 pivots from the open position 204 to the closed position 206, at least one area 218 of the active ingredient container 210 is pressed against at least one cutting edge 220 of the piercing device 212. As a result, the piercing device 212 perforates this area 218. In the closed position 206 of the pivoting door 200, the container 210 is oriented such that the liquid active ingredient 195 flows through the perforated area 218 from the active ingredient container 210 into the collection container 216.

[0181] The Figures 2 to 5 show various embodiments of the input unit 194, each in a cross-sectional view. Figures 2 to 5, the input unit 194 can be seen with the active ingredient container 210 inserted and with the pivoting door 200 in the closed position 206. The input unit 194 comprises the housing 196 with the interior space 198. The housing 196 can be made entirely or partially from at least one rigid material, for example at least one metallic material and / or at least one plastic material. In particular, the housing 196 can be made entirely or partially from sheet metal, for example stainless steel sheet. The at least one interior space 198 can be entirely or partially enclosed by the housing 196. In particular, the housing 196 can seal the interior space 198 in a liquid-tight manner from an exterior space.

[0182] The input unit 194 comprises the pivoting door 200 which can pivot about the pivot axis 202. As in Figure 2As shown, the pivot axis 202 can, in particular, be configured substantially horizontally, so that, for example, the closed position 206 can be a position in which an input opening of the housing 196 is closed by the pivot door 200 and / or in which the pivot door 200 is arranged substantially vertically. As the term "substantially" indicates in the angle specifications, an angular tolerance can generally be present, for example, a deviation of no more than 20°, in particular of no more than 10°, and in particular of no more than 5° from the horizontal or vertical alignment.

[0183] The open position 204 can in particular be a position in which an input opening of the housing 196 is released for an input of active ingredient, for example a position in which the pivoting door 200 is arranged obliquely to the vertical and / or horizontally.

[0184] The pivot door 200 can be opened and / or closed continuously or in steps. In the closed position 206 and / or the open position 204, the pivot door 200 can also be fixed, for example, by a corresponding fixing device 224, as shown in Figure 2 In addition to the at least one pivot axis 202, the pivot door 200 can optionally have at least one mechanism that supports the pivoting movement from the open position to the closed position and / or vice versa, for example at least one linkage (not shown).

[0185] As in Figure 2As can be seen, the input unit 194 further comprises the holder 208 connected to the pivoting door 200 for receiving the active ingredient container 210. The holder 208 can be configured to receive, hold, and / or align the active ingredient container 210. In particular, the holder 208 can be made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of a metallic material and a plastic material. The holder 208 can in particular be designed entirely or partially as a basket, for example, as a wire basket. The holder 210 can, for example, have at least one insertion opening through which the at least one active ingredient container 210 can be reversibly inserted into the holder 208. The holder 208 can be fixedly or detachably connected to an inner side 225 of the pivoting door 200, as in Figure 2 shown.

[0186] Figure 2shows, by way of example, the holder 208 with the active ingredient container 210 accommodated therein. The active ingredient container 210 can in particular contain the liquid active ingredient 195. The active ingredient container 210 can in particular be selected from the group consisting of: a bottle; a screw-cap container; a canister; a tubular bag; a stand-up pouch. The active ingredient container 210 can in particular be made entirely or partially from a material selected from the group consisting of: a plastic, in particular a thermoplastic, in particular polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET); a paper material; a metallic material, in particular a metal sheet, in particular aluminum. Combinations of the aforementioned materials are also conceivable in principle, for example a composite of metal and plastic or a composite of metal and paper.For example, the active ingredient container 210 may have a container wall 226 which has a thickness of 0.3 mm to 3 mm, in particular a thickness of 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

[0187] The input unit 194 further comprises the piercing device 212 with the cutting edge 220. The piercing device 212 can in particular be at least partially tubular, as in Figure 2shown. In particular, the tube 228 can be cut obliquely to a tube axis, so that a cutting plane running obliquely to the tube axis is created, for example at a cutting angle of 10° to 80°, in particular at a cutting angle of 20° to 70°. Where the tube wall of the tube 228 touches the cutting plane or at least along part of this contact line, the cutting edge 220 can be created in the form of the cutting edge. Other ways of producing cutting edges 220 are also generally known to the person skilled in the art. In particular, the piercing device 212 can be configured to perforate the active ingredient container 210 by means of the cutting edge 220 when the active ingredient container 210 received in the holder 208 is pressed against the cutting edge 220 by moving the pivoting door 200 into the closed position 206. Figure 2 shows the active ingredient container 210 with perforated area 218.

[0188] As in Figure 2As can be seen, the container 210 is oriented in the closed position 206 such that the liquid active ingredient 195 flows through the perforated area 218 from an interior 230 of the active ingredient container 210 into the collection container 216, as illustrated by the two arrows pointing downward from the active ingredient container 210. The piercing device 212 can, when the pivoting door 200 is closed, be arranged completely or at least partially below the holder 208 and / or below the active ingredient container 210 received in the holder 208, although, for example, a part of the piercing device 212 can protrude through the perforated area into the active ingredient container 210, as shown in Figure 2shown. The liquid active ingredient 195 can flow, in particular, through the piercing device 212, for example, through an interior of the tube 228 into the collection container 216. The liquid active ingredient 195 can also flow into the collection container by flowing out of the piercing device 212, for example, through the perforated area of ​​the active ingredient container 210, which, for example, may only be partially occupied by the piercing device 212. The collection container 216 is arranged in the bottom area 214 of the interior 198 of the housing 196. The collection container 216 can, for example, be completely or partially, directly or indirectly, enclosed by the housing 196 of the input unit 194, as shown in Figure 2Alternatively or additionally, the collecting container 216 can be enclosed by an inner housing arranged within the housing 196 of the input unit 194. The collecting container 216 can, for example, be completely or partially cubic and / or completely or partially conical, for example with at least one funnel-shaped profile at its lower end as in connection with Figure 5 further explained.

[0189] The input unit 194 can be configured, in particular, to mix, in particular to dilute, the liquid active ingredient 195 with at least one solvent. For this purpose, the input unit 194 can, in particular, comprise at least one solvent supply 232, as shown in Figure 2shown. For example, this solvent supply 232 can be configured to admix at least one solvent from at least one solvent connection 234 and / or at least one solvent reservoir to the at least one active ingredient 195. Accordingly, the input unit 194 can in particular have at least one solvent supply line 236, which can, for example, open into the collection container 216. Alternatively or additionally, the solvent supply line 236 can also be led into the active ingredient container 210 and / or into at least one reservoir container 237, as used, for example, in connection with Figure 4 and 5will be described in more detail below. Various possibilities for supplying solvents are possible. In particular, the input unit 194 can have at least one solvent lance 238 fluidically connected to the solvent connection 234, wherein the lance 238 is configured to introduce at least one solvent through the perforated area 218 into the active ingredient container 210 in the closed position 206 of the pivoting door 200, as shown in Figure 2can be seen. By means of the fluidic connection, solvent can be conveyed from the solvent connection 234 to the solvent lance 238, for example by a fluidic pressure exerted by the solvent source that can be connected to the solvent connection 234. The solvent lance 238 can be, for example, an elongated nozzle 240 and / or a finger-shaped device that can protrude into a cavity and through which, by means of at least one channel 242 accommodated in the finger-shaped device, solvent can be introduced into the cavity, in particular sprayed or injected, as in Figure 2by an arrow pointing from the nozzle 240 into the interior 230 of the active ingredient container 210. The nozzle 240 can, for example, have a cylindrical base body, for example with a length of 10 mm to 200 mm, in particular a length of 20 mm to 150 mm. The length of the nozzle 240 can, in particular, be adapted to the length of the piercing device 212 and / or to the size of the active ingredient container 210. In particular, at least one mouth of the at least one nozzle 240 can be arranged inside the active ingredient container 210 when the pivoting door 200 is in the closed position 206, as in Figure 2For example, the perforation can also partially insert the solvent lance 238 into the active ingredient container 210 when the pivoting door 200 is closed. In particular, the solvent lance 238 can be dimensioned in such a way that it does not protrude beyond the cutting edge 220 of the piercing device 212.

[0190] As in Figure 2As shown by way of example, the input unit 194 can generally comprise a controller 222 in this or also in the other exemplary embodiments. The controller 222 can in particular control at least one function of the input unit 194. The at least one function which can be controlled by the controller 222 of the input unit 194 can in particular comprise at least one function selected from the group consisting of: user guidance for instructing a user to insert an active ingredient container 210 into the input unit 194; user guidance for instructing a user to remove an active ingredient container 210 into the input unit 194; locking the pivot door 200; unlocking the pivot door 200; controlling a valve 223 of the input unit 194; controlling at least one solvent supply of the input unit 194; controlling a metering pump of the input unit 194;controlling at least one mixing device of the input unit 194; reading a sensor signal from at least one sensor of the input unit, in particular a level sensor; reading information from an identifier of an active ingredient container 210 within the input unit 194; reading at least one piece of information from an identifier of an active ingredient container 210 outside the input unit 194; assigning the liquid active ingredient 195 to a specific storage container of the input unit 194.

[0191] The controller 222 of the input unit 194 can be configured, in particular, to monitor, control, and / or regulate a total supply of solvent, so that, for example, a predetermined amount of solvent can be supplied. Accordingly, the input unit 194 can be configured, in particular, to dilute the active ingredient 195 to a predetermined or predeterminable concentration. If multiple solvent supply lines 236 are provided, the flows can be added together so that a total amount of supplied solvent can be taken into account for the dilution. Figure 2illustrates such monitoring of the solvent supply by means of the controller 222. For example, the solvent supply 232 may have at least one valve for controlling a supply of the solvent. For example, this may be a valve arranged in the fluidic connection between the solvent connection 234 and the solvent lance 238, as shown in Figure 2 The valve can in particular be electrically controlled, for example by the controller 222 of the input unit 194 and / or the control unit 222, for example in connection with Figure 1 already described control 182 of the cleaning device 110.

[0192] As already mentioned in connection with Figure 1As described, the solvent can be, in particular, water, for example, fresh water, in a warm or cold state, and / or at least one aqueous solvent. However, other types of solvents are also conceivable, depending on the liquid active ingredient used.

[0193] The collection container 216, which can in particular hold the liquid active ingredient 195 diluted with the solvent, is arranged in a floor region 214 of the interior space 198 of the input unit 194. The interior space 198 can optionally have at least one further region. For example, the interior space 198 can further have at least one receiving region 244 for receiving the active ingredient container, wherein the active ingredient container 210 is introduced into the receiving region 244 when the pivoting door 200 is closed. The receiving region 244 and the collection container 216, in particular its interior space, can in particular be separated by at least one fluid-permeable partition wall 246. For example, this fluid-permeable partition wall 246 can comprise at least one partition wall with at least one opening, for example a plurality of openings, which can be round, oval, slit-shaped, or polygonal, for example.In particular, the fluid-permeable partition 246 may comprise at least one sieve plate 248, as shown in . Figure 2 As also shown in Figure 2 As can be seen, the piercing device can, for example, be mechanically connected to the fluid-permeable partition 246. In particular, the piercing device 212 can be fully or partially integrated into the fluid-permeable partition 246. In particular, the piercing device 212 can protrude upwards from the fluid-permeable partition 246 into the receiving area 244. For example, the fluid-permeable partition can comprise a sieve bottom 248, wherein the piercing device 212 comprises at least one piercing nozzle 250, which can protrude upwards from the sieve bottom 248 into the receiving area 244. As in Figure 2As shown, the sieve bottom 248 can be interrupted in the interior of the piercing nozzle 250, so that, for example, a continuous channel 252 is created inside the piercing nozzle 250 between the receiving area 244, in particular the interior of the perforated active ingredient container 210, and the collecting container 216, in which channel, in particular, the solvent lance 238 can be guided. The piercing nozzle 250 can, for example, be welded to the sieve bottom 148 or be firmly mechanically connected to the sieve bottom 248 or the interior of the input unit in another way.

[0194] As in Figure 2As shown, the input unit 194 can further include at least one level sensor 254 for detecting at least one liquid level 256 in the collection container 216. In this way, for example, the current liquid level in the collection container 216 can be monitored. This can be done, for example, by the controller 222 of the input unit 194. In this way, for example, an overflow of the collection container 216 can be prevented.

[0195] The input unit 194 may further comprise at least one mixing device 258. The mixing device 258 may, in particular, be configured to mix liquid in the collection container 216. The mixing device 258 may, in particular, comprise at least one device selected from the group consisting of: an agitator; a mixing pump 260 integrated into the collection container; and a mixing pump 260 fluidly connected to the collection container 216. Figure 2shows an example of an input unit 194 with a mixing pump 260 integrated into the collecting container 216.

[0196] The collection container 216 can, as exemplified in Figure 1 shown, in particular directly or indirectly fluidically connected to at least one application device 140 of the cleaning device 110, so that, for example, consumables produced using the active ingredient 195 can be provided to the application device 140. For example, a fluidic connection of the collection container 216 to at least one tank of the cleaning device 110 can exist, for example a wash tank 156 and / or a final rinse or final rinse tank 166. As in Figure 2As shown, the collection container 216 can further be connected to at least one metering pump 264, by means of which, for example, at least a defined amount of consumable material can be provided from the collection container 216 to another device of the cleaning device 110. For further possibilities, reference is made, for example, to the description of Figure 1 referred to above.

[0197] Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the input unit 194 in a cross-sectional view. Figure 2 also shows Figure 3 the input unit 194 with the active ingredient container 210 inserted and with the swing door 200 in the closed position 206. The Figure 3 The embodiment shown is largely identical to the one shown in Figure 2 illustrated embodiment. For the description of the Figure 3 can therefore largely rely on the detailed description of the Figure 2The same applies to the examples of implementation of the Figures 4 and 5 . The Figures 3 , 4 and 5 are therefore discussed below primarily with regard to the differences to the Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment of the input unit 194 is described. Thus, the mixing of the liquid active ingredient 195, which can flow from the active ingredient container 210 into the collection container, with the solvent can also take place outside the collection container 216, for example by means of an external mixing pump 260, which is fluidically connected to the collection container 216, as in Figure 3 to see.

[0198] The input unit 194 may further comprise, in particular, at least one storage container 237. Figure 4shows an embodiment of the input unit 194, which has two storage containers 237 formed separately from the collection container 216. It is understood that the input unit 194 can also comprise exactly one, or more than two, for example three or more storage containers 237. The storage containers 237 can, for example, be arranged outside the housing 196 of the input unit 194, for example at another location within the cleaning device 110. A wall 265 of the storage container 237 can, for example, be made entirely or partially from at least one metallic material and / or from at least one plastic material. The storage containers 237 can, in particular, be fluidically connected directly or indirectly to the collection container 216, for example via at least one hose and / or via at least one pipe 262.In the fluidic connection, for example, at least one branch 266 and / or at least one switch can be provided, so that, for example, several storage containers 237 can be filled with liquid from the collecting container 216 simultaneously, or one or more storage containers 237 can be filled selectively, whereas one or more other storage containers 237 are not filled. As shown in . Figure 4As can be seen, one or more valves 223 can be provided independently of one another in the individual fluidic branches, so that if multiple storage containers 237 are provided, these can each be controlled and / or filled individually. In particular, the valves 223 can be controlled, for example individually, by the controller 222 of the input unit 194. In this way, for example, liquid can be drained and / or pumped out from the collection container 216 into at least one of the storage containers 237 as required, or a fluidic separation between the collection container 216 and at least one of the storage containers 237 can be effected by the valve 223 as required.

[0199] If the input device 194 comprises two or more storage containers 237, these can be used for different purposes. On the one hand, separate supplies of consumables can be prepared and / or stored separately using the storage containers 237. Alternatively or additionally, different consumables can be stored in the different storage containers 237. This can be achieved, for example, by the controller 222 first prompting the user via a display element 294 to insert a first active ingredient container 210 containing a first active ingredient 195 into the input unit 194, which is then diluted, for example, with solvent in the input unit 194 and stored in a first storage container 237.Once the collection container 216 has been emptied again, optionally followed by a rinsing process with solvent, this process can then be repeated once or multiple times, for example by the controller 222 prompting the user via the display element 294, after removing the first storage container 237, to insert a second active ingredient container 210 containing a second active ingredient 195 into the input unit 194, which is diluted in the input unit 194, for example, with the same solvent as the first active ingredient 195 or with a different solvent, and stored in a second storage container 237. Thus, one and the same input unit 194 can be used to provide different active ingredients 195 to the cleaning device 110.

[0200] As in Figure 4As shown, the at least one storage container 237 can in particular again comprise at least one level sensor 254. As in the case of the collection container 210, the at least one level sensor 254 can, for example, be designed as a single-stage or multi-stage device. The at least one level sensor 254 of the storage container 237 can, for example, again be connected to the controller 222 of the input unit 194 and / or to a controller 182 of the cleaning device 110.

[0201] As in Figure 4As can be seen, the at least one storage container 237, in particular each of the storage containers, can be connected to at least one metering pump 264. Similar to the collecting container 216, which is optionally fluidically connected to a metering pump, at least a defined amount of consumable material can be provided from the storage container 237 to another device of the cleaning device 110, for example to at least one tank, via the metering pump 264. If several storage containers 237 are provided, they can each be connected to independent metering pumps 264, so that, for example, at least one metering pump 264 is assigned to a storage container 237, as in Figure 4 shown. Alternatively, it is also possible to fluidically connect the storage containers 237 to one and the same metering pump 264.

[0202] Analogous to the collection container 216, the at least one storage container 237 can also optionally comprise at least one mixing device 258. Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the input unit 194 with two storage containers 237, each with a mixing device 258, in the form of a mixing pump 260 connected in an external circuit and to the storage container 237. In principle, the mixing device 258 can in turn comprise at least one device selected from the group consisting of: an agitator; a mixing pump 260 integrated into the storage container; and a mixing pump 260 fluidly connected to the storage container.

[0203] Figure 5further illustrates a further possible design of the collection container 216, which in this embodiment of the input unit 194 has a funnel-shaped profile 270 at its lower end. This can, in particular, facilitate the removal of the active ingredient 195 located in the collection container 216, which can be present in diluted or undiluted form, for example, into one or more storage containers 237 fluidly connected to the collection container 216.

[0204] The input unit 194 can, in all embodiments shown or in other embodiments, have at least one reading device 219 for reading at least one piece of information of at least one identifier of the active ingredient container 210. This reading device 219 is symbolically shown as an example in Figure 2The reading device 219 can, for example, be directly or indirectly electronically connected wirelessly and / or wired to the controller 222 or integrated into it. For example, it can be a reading device 219 in the form of a handheld scanner or a reading device 219 integrated into the controller 222 or the housing 196, near which the active ingredient container 210 can be brought before being introduced into the input unit 194 so that the at least one piece of information can be read. Alternatively or additionally, the reading device 219 can also be arranged, for example, inside the input unit 194 so that the at least one piece of information from an active ingredient container in the holder 208 can be read. Again alternatively or additionally, the reading device 219 can also be fully or partially integrated into other electronic devices, for example into personal electronics, for example into a portable computer or a mobile phone.For example, the reader 219 can also be fully or partially integrated into a smartphone, for example as a software application, and can access a camera and / or a barcode reader or NFC reader of a smartphone. Various configurations are conceivable.

[0205] The at least one identifier can be configured, for example, as a contactless readable identifier, for example, as an optically readable identifier and / or as an electronically readable identifier, for example, as a barcode and / or QR code and / or as an RFID code. In general, the identifier can be readable, for example, in at least one way selected from the group consisting of: an electronic readout; an optical readout; a magnetic readout. The at least one identifier can, for example, contain at least one piece of readable information, for example, at least one piece of readable information selected from the group consisting of: a type of active ingredient container 210; an identity of the active ingredient container 210; a property of the active ingredient container 210; and an intended or intended use or processing of the active ingredient container 210.

[0206] The controller 222 of the input unit 194 and / or the cleaning device 110 can generally be configured to control and / or read the at least one reading device. For example, the controller 222 can be configured to start a reading process. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 222 can also be configured to process and / or forward the information read from the identifier.According to the at least one piece of information read out, for example, at least one action can be controlled by the controller 222, in particular at least one action selected from the group consisting of: a visual display of at least one instruction to a user; an acoustic display of at least one instruction to a user; a haptic display of at least one instruction to a user; a release of the swing door 200; a blocking of the swing door 200; an assignment of the liquid active ingredient 195 to at least one associated storage container 237, in particular by a corresponding control of at least one valve 223 and / or at least one pump; an assignment of the liquid active ingredient 195 to at least one associated tank of the cleaning device 110, in particular by a corresponding control of at least one valve 223 and / or at least one pump.

[0207] The Figures 6A to 6Dillustrate in a sequence of schematic representations a pivoting of the pivoting door 200 of an embodiment of the input unit 194 with the active ingredient container 210 accommodated from an open position 204 to a closed position 206. These figures are explained together below. The input unit 194 is in the Figures 6A to 6D can only be seen in part. In particular, the collection container 216 of the input unit 194 is not shown in its entirety. For further possible details of the input unit 194, reference can be made to the Figures 2 to 5 above. However, other configurations are also possible.

[0208] As particularly in the Figures 6A to 6DAs can be seen from the movement sequence shown, the pivot door 200 can be designed, for example, as a flap 272. The pivot door 200 can in particular have a side facing the interior 198, also referred to as the inner side 225, and at least one outer side 274 facing the exterior space outside the interior 198. For example, the pivot door 200 can be designed as a flat door, wherein the inner side 225 and the outer side 274 are arranged parallel to one another, as in the Figures 6A to 6D However, other configurations are also possible

[0209] The input unit comprises the holder 208 connected to the swing door 200 for receiving the active ingredient container 210, as shown in the Figures 6A to 6DThe holder 208 can, in particular, be configured to hold the active ingredient container 210 in a predetermined orientation relative to the pivoting door 200. This can be achieved, for example, by a corresponding geometry of the holder 208, which allows the active ingredient container 210 to be received only in the desired geometry. For example, the holder 208 can have at least one receiving geometry 276 to receive the active ingredient container 210 in a predetermined orientation relative to the pivoting door 200. The receiving geometry 276 can, for example, be created by a corresponding shaping of the holder 208. As shown in the Figures 6A to 6DAs shown, the holder 208 can have at least one bottom-side contact surface 278 for contacting a bottom 280 of the active ingredient container 210. Furthermore, the holder 208 can have at least one end-side contact surface 282 for contacting an end face 284 of the active ingredient container 210. In this way, the active ingredient container 210 can be held, for example, at the bottom and the end, for example, in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner, for example, by clamping.

[0210] In particular, at least one opening 286 for the passage of a tapered neck 288 of the active ingredient container 210 can be introduced into the frontal contact surface 282, wherein the tapered neck 288 has an opening 290 of the active ingredient container 210. As shown in the Figures 6A to 6DAs shown, the active ingredient container 210 can be designed, for example, as a bottle 292, wherein a tapered bottle neck 288 with a mouth 290 can be inserted through the opening 286 in the frontal contact surface 282 when the active ingredient container 210 is inserted into the holder 208. Thus, the mouth 290 of the bottle-shaped active ingredient container 210 can, for example, protrude through the opening 286 in the direction of the piercing device 212. As shown in Figure 6DAs can be seen, the piercing device 212 can protrude through the opening 286 in the frontal contact surface 282 in the closed position 206 of the pivoting door 200. When closing the pivoting door 200, a force can be applied to the active ingredient container 210 via the bottom contact surface 278, so that the active ingredient container 210 is pressed with the area 218 to be perforated, which area can be arranged in particular in the mouth 290 of the active ingredient container 210, against the piercing device 212 and in particular the cutting edge 220 of the piercing device 212. This process is particularly described in Figure 6B The previously described elements of the holder 208, in particular the elements of the holder 208 arranged in the front area of ​​the active ingredient container 210, as well as their interaction with the active ingredient container 210, are shown in the detailed view in Figure 7 presented again in detail.

[0211] Figure 6Ashows the swing door 200 in the open position 204. By swinging the swing door 200, the area 218 of the active ingredient container 210 is first pressed against the cutting edge 220 of the piercing device, as in Figure 6B can be seen. As a result, the piercing device 212 perforates the area 218. Figure C shows the active ingredient container 210 with the area 218 partially perforated. In the closed position of the pivoting door 200, the area 218 is perforated and the container 210 is oriented such that the liquid active ingredient 195 flows through the perforated area 218 into the collecting container 216. This state is shown in Figure 6D As can be seen from the Figures 6A to 6DAs can be seen, the piercing device 212 can, for example, remain stationary within the input unit 194, in particular within the interior space 198, whereas the pivoting door 200 with the active ingredient container 210 attached thereto via the holder 208 is moved, in particular pivoted, and is pressed against the piercing device 212 by the force acting on the pivoting door 200. The piercing device 212 can therefore be designed, in particular, as a rigid, immovable component in the interior space 198 of the housing 196 of the input unit 194, in contrast, for example, to movable devices with one or more hinges and / or extendable elements. In particular, the piercing device 212 can be designed without a drive, i.e., for example, without an actuator that would drive a longitudinal movement or a pivoting movement of the piercing device 212 or a part thereof.The pivoting of the pivot door 200 can be effected manually, for example, by a force applied to the pivot door 200 from the outside by the operating personnel. Thus, the pivot door 200 can be designed without a drive, for example, without an electromechanical drive. Alternatively or additionally, however, the pivot door can also have at least one drive, for example, which is not shown here.

[0212] The input unit may in particular further comprise at least one display element 294 for displaying at least one item of user information to a user. The display element 294 may in particular comprise at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a display; an acoustic display element; a light element 296 that can be illuminated with different colors, in particular a handle element 298 of the swing door 200 of the input unit 194. The Figures 6A to 6DThe exemplary embodiment of the input unit 194 shown comprises, for example, a light element 296 integrated into the handle element 298 of the pivoting door 200 as a display element 294, which can be illuminated with different colors. The handle element 298 of the pivoting door 200 can, in particular, be designed to be completely or partially transparent and, depending on the user information to be conveyed to the user, can be illuminated with different colors by the controller 222. For example, a specific color can prompt the user to remove an empty active ingredient container 210 and / or another specific color can prompt the user to insert a new active ingredient container 210. However, other user information is also possible as an alternative or in addition.The controller 222 can in particular be configured to unlock the pivoting door 200 for the removal or insertion of the active ingredient container, so that, for example, simultaneously or with a time delay to a corresponding display of user information, the pivoting door 200 is unlocked so that the user can insert an active ingredient container 210 filled with liquid active ingredient 195 into the input unit 194 and / or remove an emptied active ingredient container 210 from the input unit 194.

[0213] Figure 7 provides a detailed view of the Figure 6D , the last figure in the sequence of Figures 6A to 6D which illustrate the panning process. Figure 7shows a section of the input unit 194 with the pivoting door 200 in the closed position 206. Shown in particular is the area 218 of the active ingredient container 210 accommodated in the input unit 194, which area is perforated by the piercing device 212 of the input unit 194. As already described, the piercing device 212 can have at least one piercing nozzle 250, which can in particular have a completely or partially circumferential cutting edge 300. For example, the cutting edge 300 can completely or partially form the cutting edge 220 of the piercing device 212. As in Figure 7 As shown, the piercing nozzle 250 can be configured in particular to protrude through the perforated area 218 into the interior 198 of the active ingredient container 210 in the closed position 206 of the pivoting door 200.

[0214] If the piercing nozzle 250 protrudes through the perforated area 218 into the interior 198 of the active ingredient container 210 in the closed position 206 of the pivoting door 200, the problem may arise that a dead space is created around the piercing nozzle 250 in the active ingredient container 210, from which no active ingredient 195 can flow through the piercing nozzle 250. Various possibilities can be implemented within the scope of the present invention to avoid or reduce this problem, and are described below in particular with reference to Figure 7 For example, the piercing nozzle 250 may have one or more drain openings 302 through which active substance 195 and / or solvent can flow out of the described dead space, for example into the interior 304 of the piercing nozzle 250, in Figure 7 shown, and further in the Figure 7not shown collecting container 216. In particular, the piercing nozzle 250 can have at least one nozzle wall 306, for example a tube wall, wherein at least one drain opening 302 is accommodated in the nozzle wall 306. Alternatively or additionally, a direct outflow from the interior 198 of the active ingredient container 210 into the collecting container 216 can also be enabled, for example through a groove or through a channel. The drain opening 302 can, for example, comprise a groove 308, as in Figure 7 Other configurations of the opening are also possible. In particular, the drain opening 302 can have at least one opening selected from the group consisting of: a slot, in particular a slot extending axially to a longitudinal axis of the piercing nozzle; a groove 308, in particular a groove extending axially to a longitudinal axis of the piercing nozzle; a round opening; an oval opening; a polygonal opening.

[0215] Alternatively or additionally, the piercing device 212 can also be oriented and / or designed such that it performs a rotational movement relative to the active ingredient container 210 in the region of the active ingredient container 210 during the perforation, whereby an opening is created during the perforation, which opening is not completely filled by the piercing device 212, in particular the piercing nozzle 250, in the closed position 206 of the pivoting door 200. For example, the piercing nozzle 250 can protrude obliquely into the active ingredient container 210 in the closed position 206 of the pivoting door 200, as shown in Figure 7shown. An oblique orientation of the drain nozzle 250 can, for example, lead to the creation of an opening in the form of an elongated hole 310 during perforation when the pivoting door 200 is closed, which opening is only partially filled by the piercing device 212 in the closed state, so that active ingredient 195 and / or solvent can flow from the active ingredient container 210 into the collecting container 216.

[0216] More in Figure 7Possibilities not shown for avoiding and / or reducing dead space may particularly relate to the active ingredient container 210. For example, the active ingredient container 210 and / or the cutting edge 220 may be configured such that, for example, perforation of the active ingredient container 210 creates a tongue that is pressed into the interior of the active ingredient container 210 and remains connected, for example, to the lid of the active ingredient container 210. A channel may be formed at this point, allowing liquid to drain downwards.Alternatively or additionally, a weakening in the area 218 of the active ingredient container 210 to be perforated can be dimensioned and / or positioned such that a diameter or equivalent diameter of the opening created during the perforation in the active ingredient container 210 is larger than a diameter and / or equivalent diameter of the piercing nozzle 250, so that the active ingredient 195 and / or the solvent can flow out of the active ingredient container 210 into the collection container 216 through this intermediate space. Again alternatively or additionally, a suitable shape of the active ingredient container 210 can enable drainage of liquid from a dead space in the active ingredient container 210 and / or avoid a dead space. For example, the active ingredient container 210 can be shaped such that it has an outwardly curved configuration of the area to be perforated, for example the lid. Other configurations are also conceivable.

[0217] Figure 8 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for cleaning items to be cleaned. The method comprises the following steps, which can be carried out, for example, in the order mentioned. A different order is also possible in principle. Furthermore, one or more of the method steps can also be carried out repeatedly or continuously. The method comprises the following steps: a) Providing at least one cleaning device 110 as proposed here, for example according to one or more of the configurations described above and / or according to one or more of the embodiments described above; b) Input of at least one active ingredient container 210 filled with liquid active ingredient into the input unit 194 of the cleaning device 110, wherein when the pivoting door 200 of the input unit 194 is closed, at least one region 218 of the active ingredient container 210 is pressed against the at least one cutting edge 220 of the piercing device 212, whereby the piercing device 212 perforates the region 218, whereby the liquid active ingredient flows through the perforated region 218 from the active ingredient container 210 into the collecting container 216; c) Using the liquid active ingredient to produce at least one cleaning fluid;and d) applying the at least one cleaning fluid to the item 116 to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber 118 of the cleaning device 110.

[0218] In the flowchart, step a) is identified by reference numeral 312, step b) is identified by reference numeral 314, step c) is identified by reference numeral 316 and step d) is identified by reference numeral 312. List of reference symbols

[0219] 110 Cleaning device 111 Dishwasher 112 Conveyor dishwasher 114 Transport device 116 Items to be cleaned 118 Cleaning chamber 120 Transport basket 122 Transport direction 124 Feed zone 126 Discharge zone 128 Pre-cleaning zone 130 Wash zone 132 Rinse zone 134 Drying zone 136 Blower 138 Rinse zone 140 Application device 142 Nozzle 144 Cleaning fluid 146 Pre-cleaning nozzle system 148 Pre-cleaning pump 150 Pre-cleaning tank 152 Wash zone nozzle system 154 Wash zone pump 156 Wash tank 157 Washing device 158 Pumped rinse 160 Fresh water rinse 162 Pump rinse nozzle system 164 Fresh water rinse nozzle system 166 Rinse tank 168 Rinse pump 170 Fresh water supply 172 Fresh water connection 174 Temperature control device 176 Heating device 178 Heat recovery device 180 Partition curtain 182 Cleaning device control 184 Supply valve 186 Processor 188 Data memory 190 User interface 192 Data interface 194 Input unit 195 Liquid agent 196 Housing 198 Housing interior200 Swing door 202 Swing axis 204 Open position 206 Closed position 208 Holder 210 Active ingredient container 212 Piercing device 214 Floor area 216 Collection container 218 Active ingredient container area 219 Reader 220 Cutter 222 Input unit control 223 Valve 224 Fixing device 225 Inside of the swing door 226 Container wall 228 Pipe 230 Interior of the active ingredient container 232 Solvent supply 234 Solvent connection 236 Solvent feed line 237 Storage container 238 Solvent lance 240 Nozzle 242 Solvent lance channel 244 Receptacle area 246 Fluid-permeable partition wall 248 Sieve bottom 250 Piercing nozzle 252 Channel of the piercing nozzle 254 Level sensor 256 Liquid level 258 Mixing device 260 Mixing pump 262 Line 264 Dosing pump 265 Wall of the storage container 266 Branch 270 Funnel-shaped section 272 Flap 274 Outside of the swing door 276 Mounting geometry 278 Base contact surface of the holder 280 Base of the active ingredient container 282 Front contact surface of the holder284End of the active ingredient container 286Opening 288Tapered neck of the active ingredient container 290Mouth 292Bottle 294Display element 296Light element 298Handle element 300Cutting edge 302Drain opening 304Interior of the piercing nozzle 306Nozzle wall 308Groove 310Elongated hole 312Step a) 314Step b) 316Step c) 318Step d)

Claims

1. Introduction unit (194) for introducing at least one liquid active substance (195) into a cleaning device (110) for cleaning items for cleaning (116), comprising: i. at least one housing (196) with at least one interior space (198) and with at least one pivoting door (200), wherein the pivoting door (200) is pivotable about at least one pivot axis (202) from at least one open position (204) into at least one closed position (206); ii. at least one holder (208) for receiving at least one active-substance container (210), said at least one holder being arranged on a side of the pivoting door (200) that faces towards the interior space (198) and being connected to the pivoting door (200); iii. at least one piercing device (212), arranged in the interior space (198), for piercing the active-substance container (210), wherein the introduction unit (194) is configured in such a way that, when the pivoting door (200) is pivoted from the open position (204) into the closed position (206), at least one region (218) of the active-substance container (210) is pressed against at least one cutting edge (220) of the piercing device (212), whereby the piercing device (212) perforates the region (218); iv. at least one collecting container (216), arranged in a bottom region (214) of the interior space (198), for receiving the liquid active substance (195), wherein, in the closed position (206), the active-substance container (210) is oriented in such a way that the liquid active substance (195) flows from the active-substance container (210) into the collecting container (216) through the perforated region (218); and v. at least one solvent supply (232), wherein the solvent supply (232) has at least one solvent connection (234) and at least one solvent lance (238) which is connected fluidically to the solvent connection (234), wherein the lance (238) is configured to introduce at least one solvent into the active-substance container (210) through the perforated region (218) in the closed position (206) of the pivoting door (200), wherein the cutting edge (220) of the piercing device (212) at least partially surrounds the lance (238).

2. Introduction unit (194) according to the preceding claim, wherein the introduction unit (194) is configured to dilute the liquid active substance (195) with the at least one solvent.

3. Introduction unit (194) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the piercing device (212) has a piercing connecting piece (250), wherein the solvent lance (238) extends at least partially within the piercing connecting piece (250).

4. Introduction unit (194) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the interior space (198) has the collecting container (216) and a receiving region (244) for receiving the active-substance container (210), wherein the collecting container (216) and the receiving region (244) are separated by at least one fluid-permeable dividing wall (246), in particular by at least one screen bottom (248).

5. Introduction unit (194) according to the preceding claim, wherein the piercing device (212) is connected mechanically to the fluid-permeable dividing wall (246).

6. Introduction unit (194) according to either of the two preceding claims, wherein the piercing device (212) forms at least one fluid channel (252) between the receiving region (244) and the collecting container (216).

7. Introduction unit (194) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one controller (222), wherein the controller (22) is configured to control at least one function of the introduction unit (194).

8. Introduction unit (194) according to the preceding claim, wherein the introduction unit (194) further has at least one indicator element (294) for indicating at least one item of user information to a user, wherein the controller (222) is configured to prompt a user, by means of the indicator element (294), to perform at least one action selected from the group consisting of: introducing an active-substance container (210) filled with liquid active substance (195) into the introduction unit (194); removing an empty active-substance container (210) from the introduction unit (194).

9. Introduction unit (194) according to either of the two preceding claims, wherein the introduction unit (194) further has at least one reader (219) for reading out at least one item of information of at least one identifier of an active-substance container (210), wherein the controller (222) is configured to control the reader (219).

10. Introduction unit (194) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the introduction unit (194) further has at least one level sensor (254) for detecting a liquid level (256) in the collecting container (216).

11. Introduction unit (194) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder (208) has at least one receiving geometry (276) to receive the active-substance container (210) with a predefined orientation relative to the pivoting door (200).

12. Introduction unit (194) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the introduction unit (194) further comprises at least one mixing device (258), wherein the mixing device (258) is configured to mix liquid in the collecting container (216).

13. Introduction unit (194) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the introduction unit (194) further has at least one storage container (237), wherein the storage container (237) is connected fluidically to the collecting container (216).

14. Cleaning device (110) for cleaning items for cleaning (116), comprising at least one cleaning chamber (118) for receiving the items for cleaning (116), further comprising at least one application device (140) for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items for cleaning (116) in the cleaning chamber (118), further comprising at least one introduction unit (194) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) is configured to use at least one liquid active substance (195), provided via the introduction unit (194), for producing the cleaning fluid.

15. Method for cleaning items for cleaning (116), comprising: a) providing at least one cleaning device (110) according to Claim 14; b) introducing at least one active-substance container (210) filled with liquid active substance (195) into the introduction unit (194) of the cleaning device (110), wherein, when the pivoting door (200) of the introduction unit (194) is closed, at least one region (218) of the active-substance container (210) is pressed against the at least one cutting edge (220) of the piercing device (212), whereby the piercing device perforates the region (218), whereby the liquid active substance (195) flows from the active-substance container (210) into the collecting container (216) through the perforated region (218); c) using the liquid active substance (195) to produce at least one cleaning fluid; and d) applying the at least one cleaning fluid to the items for cleaning (116) in the cleaning chamber (118) of the cleaning device (110).