SALT DISSOLVING DEVICE FOR PROVIDING AT LEAST ONE SALT SOLUTION FOR A DISHWASHER

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a brine solution device for providing at least one brine solution for a dishwasher, a dishwasher for cleaning items, and a method for producing at least one brine solution for a dishwasher. Brine solutions, dishwashers, and methods of the aforementioned type can be used, for example, in the field of commercial dishwashing technology. The devices and methods of the aforementioned type can be used, for example, in the field of dishwashing technology, particularly in the field of commercial dishwashing technology. Thus, the invention can be used, in particular, in large kitchens where items such as trays, dishes, and cutlery need to be cleaned in large 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. Technical background

[0002] Numerous cleaning devices, also known as cleaning equipment, are known from the prior art for cleaning and / or disinfecting items. The design of these cleaning devices depends heavily on various boundary conditions, such as the type of item to be cleaned, the degree of soiling, the throughput, and similar factors. Examples of such cleaning devices can be found in DE 10 2004 056 052 A1, DE 10 2007 025 263 A1, DE 10 2015 102 593 A1, EP 2 491 844 A2, and EP 1982631 A2. However, other designs are also possible.

[0003] In a dishwasher, the items to be cleaned are typically exposed to at least one cleaning fluid. This can be done, for example, in a cleaning chamber via at least one application device, in particular with at least one nozzle system.

[0004] To produce the cleaning fluid and / or at least one component of the cleaning fluid, at least one salt solution can be generated. Various salt dissolving devices are known from the prior art.

[0005] EP 3 433 411 B1 describes a household washing machine. The household washing machine comprises an outer casing and a wash tub located inside the outer casing and designed to hold items to be washed during a wash cycle. The household washing machine also comprises an internal water softening device, which includes a water softening agent capable of reducing the hardness of fresh water to be supplied to the wash tub during a wash cycle, a brine tank containing brine to be supplied to the water softening device for regeneration of the water softening agent, and at least one sensor arrangement equipped with at least one electro-optical sensor configured to determine the salt content of the brine contained in the brine tank.

[0006] DE 1 883 789 U describes a salt container for ion exchangers in washing machines, in particular dishwashers, which has a device for dividing the incoming water over the upper cross-sectional area of ​​the container.

[0007] DE 33 03 161 A1 describes a water softening device for household appliances, in particular for dishwashers, comprising an ion exchange vessel and a salt container through which water flows from bottom to top. The salt container has a collection chamber for fresh water in its base below the salt intake chamber, which is covered by a sieve. In its upper section, the container has a brine overflow leading to the ion exchange vessel, into which a mixing channel bypassing the salt intake chamber and fed by fresh water opens. A liquid-permeable salt chamber, which can be filled from the salt intake chamber, is associated with the mixing channel.

[0008] DE 10 2004 021 197 A1 describes a device for water treatment in household appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, or the like, comprising an ion exchanger and a salt container. The salt container includes an internal salt chamber for storing salt for regenerating the ion exchanger. The device ensures that even with a low salt level and / or rapid throughput during brine displacement into the ion exchanger, a sufficient quantity of adequately concentrated brine is reliably supplied to the ion exchanger. This is achieved by providing a brine chamber for liquid brine, which is separated from the salt chamber by a partition that is impermeable to undissolved solid salt but permeable to liquid brine. This partition thus contains at least part of the brine required for a regeneration process as a brine reserve.

[0009] EP 1 023 868 A2 describes a device for softening fresh water in a cleaning device for dishware and / or tray parts, comprising a closed container in which at least one ion exchange tank, a salt container, and a dosing device for salt solution for regeneration are arranged in a flow-through connection. The method comprises the steps of rinsing the at least one regenerated exchange tank with water between the washing and rinsing steps of the dishware and / or tray parts, loading the at least one exchange tank for softening rinsing liquid, and regenerating the at least one exchange tank by passing salt solution through it. The exchange tank is subjected to reverse flow during water softening and regeneration.

[0010] EP 1 334 688 A2 describes a method for detecting salt depletion in a dishwasher or washing machine equipped with a water softener. The salt container of the water softener is connected to fresh water or the like for brine preparation, and an ion exchanger is regenerated with the brine from the salt container. The density of the brine is used to detect a salt deficiency. According to the invention, liquid level differences between the brine and the fresh water are derived from the density differences between the supplied fresh water and the brine and used to sensing the brine concentration. The device for carrying out the method can be implemented simply and reliably with minimal construction effort and low costs. A light sensor in the form of an optical light barrier can advantageously be used for this purpose.

[0011] GB 1 493 229 A describes a container for storing a regeneration agent for a water softener in a dishwasher, comprising a hollow body extending below the bottom of the wash tank and a filling nozzle through which the regeneration agent is supplied to the hollow body, wherein the nozzle extends into the wash tank and the gap between the filling nozzle and the hollow body forms an outlet which allows liquid to escape from the hollow body into the wash tank, wherein the arrangement is such that both the filling nozzle and the outlet can be closed simultaneously by a lid.

[0012] WO 2008 / 125504 A1 describes a water-bearing household appliance, in particular a dishwasher or washing machine, with a water softening device, comprising a regeneration agent container having a regeneration agent receiving chamber into which a regeneration agent and water can be introduced and from which a brine formed by the regeneration agent and the water can be discharged via an overflow channel with a predetermined cross-sectional area, with a brine sieve arranged in the regeneration agent container and associated with the overflow channel. The brine sieve has a sieve area that is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the overflow channel.

[0013] Despite the numerous advantages achieved with the known devices and methods, several technical challenges remain. For example, individual components of the salt dissolving devices can easily become encrusted. Furthermore, the salt in the salt collection container can harden or become blocked. Object of the invention

[0014] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a brine solution device for supplying at least one brine solution for a dishwasher, a dishwasher for cleaning items, and a method for producing at least one brine solution for a dishwasher, which at least largely avoid the disadvantages of known devices and methods of the aforementioned type. In particular, a simple, cost-effective, and reliable brine solution device is to be provided. General description of the invention

[0015] This problem is addressed by a salt dissolving device for providing at least one salt solution for a dishwasher, a dishwasher for cleaning items, and a method for producing at least one salt solution for a dishwasher, comprising the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments, which can be implemented individually or in any combination, are described in the dependent claims.

[0016] In the following, the terms "have," "exhibit," "comprise," or "include," or any grammatical variations thereof, are used in a non-exclusive manner. Accordingly, these terms can refer both to situations in which, apart from the features introduced by these terms, no other features are present, and to situations in which one or more additional features are present. For example, the expression "A has B," "A exhibits B," "A comprises B," or "A includes B" can refer both to the situation in which, apart from B, no other element is present in A (i.e., a situation in which A consists solely of B) and to the situation in which, in addition to B, one or more other elements are present in A, such as element C, elements C and D, or even further elements.

[0017] Furthermore, it should be noted that the terms "at least one" and "one or more," as well as grammatical variations of these terms, when used in connection with one or more elements or features and intended to express that the element or feature may be present once or multiple times, are generally used only once, for example, when the feature or element is first introduced. Upon subsequent mention of the feature or element, the corresponding term "at least one" or "one or more" is generally no longer used, without restricting the possibility that the feature or element may be present once or multiple times.

[0018] Furthermore, the terms "preferably," "in particular," "for example," or similar terms are used in the following text in conjunction with optional features without limiting alternative embodiments. Features introduced by these terms are optional features, and it is not intended that these features limit the scope of protection of the claims, and in particular the independent claims. As the person skilled in the art will recognize, the invention can also be implemented using other embodiments. Similarly, features introduced by "in one embodiment of the invention" or by "in an exemplary embodiment of the invention" are understood as optional features without limiting alternative embodiments or the scope of protection of the independent claims.Furthermore, these introductory expressions are intended to leave all possibilities of combining the features introduced herein with other features, whether optional or non-optional features, unaffected.

[0019] The terms "first" and "second" are to be understood as purely descriptive, without indicating any order or ranking, and without, for example, excluding the possibility that multiple types of first or second elements, or exactly one type of each, may be present. Furthermore, additional elements, such as one or more third elements, may be present.

[0020] In a first aspect of the present invention, a salt dissolving device for providing at least one salt solution for a dishwasher is proposed.

[0021] The brine solution comprises at least one salt intake container. The salt intake container has at least one inlet opening for at least one type of salt. The salt intake container is made of at least one fluid-impermeable material. The salt intake container has a funnel-shaped bottom. The salt intake container has at least one inlet at its lower end. The salt intake container also has at least one outlet at its upper end. Furthermore, the brine solution comprises at least one brine container for holding the brine solution. The brine container is fluidically connected to both the inlet and outlet of the salt intake container. The brine container also has at least one brine outlet for supplying the brine solution to the dishwasher.The brine dissolving device further comprises at least one solvent inlet for supplying at least one solvent into the brine dissolving device. The brine dissolving device further comprises at least one pump. The pump is configured to convey at least one fluid medium from the brine container via the inlet into the brine receiving container and from the brine receiving container via the outlet back into the brine container, wherein the fluid medium is selected from the group consisting of: the solvent, the brine solution.

[0022] The term "dishwasher," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a cleaning device designed to remove at least a large extent of adhering contaminants from dishes and / or to sanitize and / or disinfect the dishes, in particular by contact with at least one cleaning fluid. The dishes can include, in particular, items designed and intended for serving, preparing, or storing food and / or beverages, for example, items selected from the group consisting of: plates, cups, bowls, dishes, glasses, pans, pots, trays, cutlery, and catering containers.The dishwasher can be configured for commercial use in large kitchens or catering establishments. Furthermore, the dishwasher can be designed to clean heavy and / or bulky items, such as containers and / or pots. Other configurations of the dishwasher and / or the items being cleaned are also possible.

[0023] The dishwasher can be selected from the following group: a conveyor dishwasher, in particular a belt conveyor dishwasher and / or a rack conveyor dishwasher; a pass-through dishwasher; a program-controlled dishwasher. Other configurations are also conceivable in principle.

[0024] The term "items to be cleaned," as used here, is also a broad term to which its usual and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, should be attributed. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without restriction, the term can refer to any items that can be cleaned using a dishwasher. This includes cleaning a single item, or cleaning multiple items simultaneously or sequentially. In particular, the items to be cleaned can be objects used directly or indirectly for the preparation, storage, consumption, or serving of food, such as dishes, cutlery, trays, bowls, glasses, pots, cups, pans, or similar items.

[0025] The term "salt dissolving device," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to any device configured to dissolve at least one salt and thus produce a salt solution. In particular, the salt dissolving device can be configured to receive at least one salt and / or at least one salt mixture. Furthermore, the salt dissolving device can be configured to dissolve the salt and / or the salt mixture in a solvent, in particular water. Furthermore, the salt dissolving device can be configured to provide a salt solution. In particular, the salt dissolving device can be configured to store the salt solution and / or transfer it to another device.In particular, the saline device can be configured to provide the saline solution with a desired salt concentration. The saline device can comprise several components, which are described in more detail below.

[0026] The term "salt," as used here, is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, shall be attributed. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to any chemical compound that is essentially crystalline, composed of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. The salt may, in particular, be a moderately soluble salt or a sparingly soluble salt. However, soluble, readily soluble, or very readily soluble salts are also conceivable. The salt may, in particular, have a solubility of 50 g / dm³ to 1000 g / dm³ in water at 20°C. The salt may, in particular, be an alkali salt, especially a sodium salt or a potassium salt.The alkali salt can be selected from the following group: sodium citrate, methylglycine diacetic acid trisodium salt (MGDA), sodium polyacrylate, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium formate, sodium acetate, potassium citrate, potassium polyacrylate, potassium tripolyphosphate, potassium acetate, tetrasodium N,N-bis(carboxylomethyl)L-glutamate (GLDA), tetrasodium iminodisuccinate (IDS), ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA). Mixtures of the aforementioned alkali salts are also conceivable. Other salts are also conceivable.

[0027] The term "fluid medium," as used here, is also a broad term, to which its ordinary and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, should be attributed. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a substance in a fluid state, especially a gaseous and / or liquid state. The fluid medium can, for example, be a pure substance or a mixture of substances. In particular, the fluid medium can comprise at least one aqueous liquid, especially water.

[0028] The term "solvent," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to any substance that can dissolve and dilute gases, liquids, and / or solids without any chemical reactions occurring between the solvent, the substance to be dissolved, and the dissolved substance during the dissolving process. The solvent can be, in particular, water, preferably fresh water. The term "fresh water," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning.The term can refer, without limitation, to fresh, unused water. The water must be largely free of impurities. The fresh water can be, in particular, drinking water. Furthermore, the solvent can be reverse osmosis water. The term "reverse osmosis water," as used here, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning, as understood by experts, should be attributed. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can refer, without limitation, to filtered water that is almost entirely free of contaminants, for example, through a reverse osmosis system. Due to its high degree of purity, reverse osmosis water can have a water hardness of almost 0° GH. Other types of solvents are also conceivable in principle.

[0029] The term "salt solution," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to any solution of at least one salt in at least one solvent, especially water. The salt solution can be at least one cleaning fluid or at least one component of the cleaning fluid. Alternatively, the salt solution can be a starting material for at least one component of the cleaning fluid. For example, the salt solution can be converted into the at least one component of the cleaning fluid, in particular into at least one alkali and / or at least one acid, by means of at least one conversion device.The conversion device could be, for example, an electrolysis cell or a dialysis cell. Other devices are also conceivable. As explained above, the brine solution device is designed to provide at least one brine solution for the dishwasher. The brine solution device can be a component of the dishwasher itself. Therefore, the brine solution can be produced in the dishwasher. However, it is not absolutely necessary for the brine solution to be produced in the dishwasher.

[0030] The term "cleaning fluid," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer to any fluid, and in particular any liquid, which, upon contact with the item being cleaned, can have a cleaning effect. In particular, the cleaning fluid can be aqueous, for example, water and / or water with one or more additives, such as one or more cleaning concentrates and / or rinse aids and / or disinfectants. The cleaning device can be configured to use a single cleaning fluid or a combination of several cleaning fluids.If multiple cleaning fluids are used, the items to be cleaned can be treated with the different cleaning fluids simultaneously or sequentially. For example, as described above, the items can remain stationary within the cleaning chamber and be treated with the different cleaning fluids one after the other. Alternatively, the items can be transported through the cleaning chamber, for example, via a cleaning tunnel, and treated sequentially in successive cleaning zones with different types of cleaning fluid and / or cleaning fluids of varying purity.

[0031] The term "salt receiving container," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood to mean its ordinary and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to any container designed to receive at least one type of salt. The salt receiving container can, in particular, completely or partially enclose or seal at least one interior space. The salt receiving container can, in particular, provide mechanical stability. The salt receiving container can, for example, be made of at least one rigid material. As stated above, the salt receiving container includes at least one inlet opening. The term "inlet opening," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood to mean its ordinary and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art.The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to any opening of a container which is designed for introducing a substance, especially salt, into at least one interior space of the container.

[0032] As stated above, the salt storage container is made of at least one fluid-impermeable material. The term "fluid-impermeable material," as used here, is a broad term and should be interpreted according to its usual and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer to any material that is impermeable to any fluid. In particular, the fluid-impermeable material can be a non-porous material. As stated above, the salt storage container can completely or partially enclose or seal at least one interior space. The salt storage container can have at least one wall that completely or partially encloses or seals the interior space. The wall can be made of the fluid-impermeable material.The salt, particularly after being poured into the salt collection container, can be in direct contact with the wall made of fluid-impermeable material. This prevents the escape of a fluid medium from the interior of the salt collection container into the external environment through the fluid-impermeable material. However, the salt collection container, and in particular the wall made of fluid-impermeable material, can have one or more openings, especially recesses, which can form an inlet into the salt collection container and / or an outlet from the salt collection container for the fluid medium. The salt collection container can be made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of: a metal, preferably stainless steel; a plastic, preferably a thermosetting or thermoplastic plastic. The plastic can be, for example, polypropylene or polyethylene.The plastic may optionally include at least one reinforcing material, in particular glass fibers and / or one or more minerals. Other materials are also conceivable in principle.

[0033] As explained above, the salt collection container has a funnel-shaped bottom. The term "bottom," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood to have its ordinary and common meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any special or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a region of a larger space which, with respect to a direction of gravity usually prevailing in that larger space, is located furthest away in the direction of gravity, and / or to a region of the larger space in which a liquid and / or a solid will usually collect under the influence of gravity. The term "funnel-shaped bottom," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood to have its ordinary and common meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art.The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer to any base that is at least partially funnel-shaped. The funnel-shaped base may taper uniformly or unevenly in its cross-section. The funnel-shaped base may have an upper end and an opposing lower end. The funnel-shaped base may taper from the upper end to the lower end. The funnel-shaped base may have the shape of a cone or a truncated cone, in particular a right cone or truncated cone. The funnel-shaped base of the salt receiving container may have an opening angle of 20° to 120°, preferably 60° to 100°, and particularly preferably 80°. An "opening angle" is generally understood to be twice the angle between a generatrix and an axis of a cone.Other opening angles are also conceivable in principle.

[0034] The salt collection container, in particular its funnel-shaped base, may have a cross-section selected from the group consisting of: a circular cross-section, in particular a circular cross-section; a rectangular cross-section, in particular a square cross-section; or a polygonal cross-section. Other cross-sections and cross-sectional shapes that vary along the length of the salt collection container or its funnel-shaped base are also conceivable. Optionally, the salt collection container may have a region above the funnel-shaped base with a substantially constant cross-section. This can simplify the introduction of the salt.

[0035] As stated above, the salt storage container has at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The terms "inlet" and "outlet," as used here, are broad terms to which the ordinary and common meanings, as understood by those skilled in the art, are to be attributed. The terms are not limited to special or adapted meanings. Without limitation, the terms can refer in particular to areas, especially openings, of a container through which a fluid medium enters or exits an interior space of the container.

[0036] As explained above, the salt collection container has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end and the lower end may be opposite each other. The funnel-shaped bottom may be located at the lower end. The term "lower end," as used here, is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and common meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any special or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term may refer in particular to a region of an element which, with respect to a normally prevailing direction of gravity, is located furthest away in the direction of gravity. The term "upper end," as used here, is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and common meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any special or adapted meaning.The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to an area of ​​an element which, with regard to a normally prevailing direction of gravity, is located furthest away in the direction of gravity.

[0037] As described above, the salt collection container has an inlet at its lower end. The inlet can, in particular, be formed by an opening in the funnel-shaped base. As described above, the outlet is located at the upper end of the salt collection container. The outlet can, in particular, be located on a side wall of the funnel-shaped base. Furthermore, as described above, the salt collection container can have a region adjacent to the funnel-shaped base above, which has a substantially constant cross-section, and the outlet can be formed by an opening in this adjacent region. In particular, the outlet of the salt collection container can have at least one outlet nozzle. The brine dissolving device can be configured such that the fluid medium flows against gravity from the brine container into the salt collection container.In particular, the brine dissolving device can be configured such that the fluid medium flows from the brine container substantially axially, i.e., along an axis, through the inlet into the salt receiving container. Specifically, the brine dissolving device can be configured such that the fluid medium flows from the brine container along an axis of a piping system between the brine container and the salt receiving container, in particular along a longitudinal axis of a pipe or hose between the brine container and the salt receiving container, through the inlet into the salt receiving container.

[0038] The described arrangement of the inlet and outlet, along with the funnel-shaped base, allows for almost complete dissolution of the salt, particularly because undissolved salt continuously slides downwards and, with the pump running, is constantly loosened and surrounded by the solvent. Dissolution of the salt is generally achieved by considering and adjusting the solubility of the salt, the flow rate of the solvent, the duration of the flow through the salt collection container, and / or the temperature of the solvent. The higher the temperature of the solvent and / or the higher the flow rate of the solvent, the faster the salt dissolves.

[0039] The brine dissolving device may further comprise at least one sieve, in particular a flexible sieve. The sieve may be arranged at the inlet and / or outlet of the salt collection container. The sieve may be designed to at least largely prevent the escape of the salt in solid form from the salt collection container. In particular, this allows the salt to remain in the salt collection container until it has completely dissolved. A flexible sieve design allows adhering salt deposits to be at least partially removed, in particular broken off, by the inherent movement of a sieve surface. This inherent movement of the sieve surface may be caused, for example, by switching the pump on and off. The inherent movement may manifest itself, for example, as a warping of an initially nearly flat sieve surface.For example, the sieve surface area can vary by ±10% of the equivalent diameter.

[0040] As stated above, the brine solution further comprises at least one brine container for holding the brine solution. The term "brine container," as used here, is a broad term and should be interpreted in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a completely or partially enclosed container designed to hold at least one fluid, in particular at least one liquid, especially a brine solution. For example, one wall of the brine container can be made completely or partially of at least one metallic material and / or at least one plastic material. Other materials are also conceivable in principle.

[0041] As explained above, the brine container is fluidically connected to the inlet and outlet of the salt receiving container. The term "fluid connection," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to an arrangement that allows an exchange of fluids between at least two fluid-carrying elements. The fluid connection can, in particular, establish a fluidic connection between two or more components of the fluid system, in this case, specifically between the inlet and outlet of the salt receiving container and the brine container.The fluid connection can, for example, include one or more channels and / or pipes and / or two or more corresponding openings in the elements to be fluidically connected. The term "fluid connection" can also include the presence of one or more valves between two or more components of the fluid system.

[0042] In particular, the salt receiving container and the brine container can be spatially separated from one another. The salt receiving container and the brine container can be designed as spaced-apart containers. In particular, the salt receiving container can be located outside the brine container. The brine container can be fluidically connected to the inlet of the salt receiving container via at least one first piping system, and the brine container can be fluidically connected to the outlet of the salt receiving container via at least one second piping system. The first and second piping systems can be fluidically separated from one another. The brine container can have at least one brine container outlet which is fluidically connected to the inlet of the salt receiving container, in particular by means of at least one pipe and / or at least one hose.Furthermore, the brine tank can have at least one brine tank inlet, which is fluidically connected to the outlet of the salt receiving tank, in particular by means of at least one pipe and / or at least one hose. The brine tank can be located below the salt receiving tank. However, designs are also conceivable in which the brine tank is not located below the salt receiving tank. In this case, one or more pumps may be required.

[0043] Other configurations of the salt collection container and the saline solution container are also conceivable. For example, the salt collection container can be integrated into the saline solution container. In particular, the salt collection container can be completely or at least partially enclosed by the saline solution container. A fluidic connection between the salt collection container and the saline solution container can be achieved via an overflow from the salt collection container.

[0044] As explained above, the brine container has at least one brine outlet for supplying the brine to the dishwasher. In particular, the brine unit can be a component of a dishwasher. The brine can therefore be produced in the dishwasher. However, it is not essential that the brine be produced in the dishwasher. The brine outlet allows the produced brine to be removed from the brine container. Specifically, the produced brine can be transferred from the brine container to a downstream system.

[0045] As explained above, the brine solution includes at least one solvent inlet for supplying the at least one solvent into the brine solution. The solvent inlet can, in particular, be an inlet of the brine container. However, other arrangements of the solvent inlet are also conceivable in principle. The solvent inlet can, in particular, be fluidically connected to at least one solvent supply. The term "solvent supply," as used here, is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, should be attributed. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can, in particular, refer to an element or device configured to supply at least one further element, fluidically connected to the solvent supply, with the solvent.The solvent supply can, for example, include at least one solvent-carrying pipe and / or pipe system. In particular, the solvent supply can be a fresh water supply.

[0046] As stated above, the brine dissolving device comprises at least one pump. The term "pump," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood to have its ordinary and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a device for conveying fluid media, especially liquids, which is configured to provide a volumetric or mass flow rate of the fluid medium and / or to provide a quantity of the fluid medium. The pump may, for example, be directly connected to the brine receiving tank via a fluidic connection, such as to the inlet of the brine receiving tank, and / or may be connected to the brine receiving tank via at least one intermediate fluidic element, such as at least one valve.The pump can be connected in particular to an essentially fail-safe energy storage device, especially a battery or a capacitor.

[0047] The pump can preferably be arranged upstream of the inlet of the salt collection tank. In particular, the pump can be arranged between the brine tank and the salt collection tank. However, other arrangements of the pump are also conceivable. For example, the pump can alternatively be arranged downstream of the outlet of the salt collection tank.

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

[0049] The pump can be configured to recirculate fluid medium located in the salt receiving tank, particularly fluid medium that cannot be discharged via the outlet of the salt receiving tank. The pump can be configured to convey the fluid medium in two directions. Alternatively, the pump can be configured to partially seal a piping system between the salt receiving tank and the brine tank, in particular to allow gravity to cause the fluid medium to drain from the salt receiving tank and flow back into the brine tank. The brine tank can be located below the salt receiving tank.

[0050] The brine solution device may further comprise at least one control unit. The control unit may, in particular, be configured to control the pump. Specifically, the control unit may be configured to control the pump in such a way that the fluid medium is repeatedly circulated between the salt receiving tank and the brine solution tank, particularly at time intervals. For example, the pump may be alternately switched on for a period of 5 to 20 minutes, particularly 10 to 15 minutes, and switched off for a period of 1 to 10 minutes, particularly 2 to 5 minutes. For example, the pump may be switched on for a period of 15 minutes, then switched off for a period of 3 minutes, and then switched on again for a period of 15 minutes. Other intervals are also conceivable in principle.

[0051] The term "control system," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer, in particular, to a single-part or multi-part device of the brine solution system, which is configured to fully or partially control and / or regulate the operation of the brine solution system. In particular, the control system can be configured to change, in particular to control and / or regulate, one or more operating parameters of the brine solution system, for example, at least one pump output and / or at least one valve position. The control system can, in particular, comprise at least one data processing device, for example, at least one processor.

[0052] The brine removal unit's control system can be a standalone unit. Alternatively or additionally, the control system can be fully or partially integrated into a higher-level control system, such as a dishwasher control system, of which the brine removal unit may be a component. The dishwasher control system can be, for example, a centralized or decentralized machine control system. In particular, the dishwasher control system can be a single-component or multi-component device within the dishwasher, designed to fully or partially control and / or regulate the dishwasher's operation.In particular, the dishwasher's control system can be configured to change, especially control and / or regulate, one or more operating parameters of the dishwasher, for example, at least one temperature, at least one pressure, at least one heating power, at least one pump output, at least one valve position, or a combination of two or more operating parameters. The dishwasher's control system can, in particular, include at least one data processing device, for example, at least one processor. The dishwasher's control system can, in particular, be configured programmatically, for example, to control or execute at least one cleaning program of the dishwasher.

[0053] The salt receiving vessel can be configured to receive salt. The brine dissolving device, in particular the brine solution container, can be configured to receive the solvent. The brine dissolving device can be configured to allow the fluid medium to flow through the salt in the salt receiving vessel, in particular from below, especially such that the brine solution accumulates in an upper region of the salt receiving vessel. The brine dissolving device can be configured to transfer the brine solution from the salt receiving vessel to the brine solution container. The brine dissolving device can be configured to repeatedly transfer the fluid medium, in particular the brine solution, from the brine solution container to the salt receiving vessel and from the salt receiving vessel to the brine solution container. The brine solution container can be configured to store the brine solution.With increasing dissolution time, the concentration of the salt solution can increase, especially up to a maximum value, which can essentially result from a quantity of salt and a quantity of solvent.

[0054] Salt residues or undissolved salt can clump together to form larger clumps if the flow rate of the solvent is too low or if it stagnates. In this case, the salt may be partially or completely submerged in the solvent. To prevent or at least largely avoid such clumping of the salt in the salt collection container, it can be ensured that the amount of salt placed in the container is almost completely dissolved. This can be achieved, in particular, by ensuring that the pump between the salt collection container and the brine container circulates the solvent or brine solution until the entire amount of salt placed in the container is almost completely dissolved.To ensure this even during unfavorable circumstances and / or conditions, such as a power outage or a machine shutdown, the pump can optionally be connected to the essentially fail-safe energy storage system, as described above. Furthermore, it can be ensured that sufficient solvent is present in the brine dissolving device, particularly to dissolve the added quantity of salt almost completely. This can depend, in particular, on the solvent temperature and the solubility of the salt. The intermittent flow described above can contribute to at least almost complete dissolution of the salt.

[0055] Furthermore, the brine solution device can have at least one brine container solvent supply, in particular a nozzle, which is configured for cleaning the brine container. The brine container solvent supply can be configured, in particular, for cleaning the brine container and / or the first piping system and / or the second piping system and / or the brine solution container. The brine container solvent supply can be configured to spray at least one solvent into the brine container. The brine container solvent supply can be arranged, in particular, above the end of the brine container opposite the funnel-shaped base. However, other arrangements are also conceivable in principle.

[0056] The term "nozzle," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to any device configured to dispense at least one fluid in a defined manner, especially as jets or droplets. In particular, the nozzle can be configured to apply the fluid to at least one object in a defined manner. Accordingly, the nozzle can have at least one outlet opening through which the fluid can exit and apply itself to the object. In particular, the nozzle can be configured, for example, to direct the fluid in at least one predetermined direction, such as at a predetermined angle, onto the object.

[0057] The brine unit can be cleaned, particularly after each process in which the salt is at least almost completely dissolved. This can be done via the salt reservoir solvent feed. This rinsing step ensures that an operator never comes into contact with any salt or brine residue. Furthermore, this rinsing step largely prevents the crystallization of salt residue in the brine unit outside of a dissolving process. A typical period until the brine solution is used up from the brine reservoir might be, for example, one week.

[0058] The salt solution container may further comprise at least one sensor. The term "sensor," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood to have its ordinary and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term may refer in particular to a device configured to detect at least one property of another device, a substance, or an environment, for example, at least one physical, chemical, or biological property. The sensor may, in particular, be selected from the group consisting of: a level sensor for detecting a volume of the fluid medium, especially a float with a switching contact; a pressure sensor for detecting a fill level; a sensor for measuring a pH value; a sensor for measuring electrical conductivity.Other types of sensors are also conceivable. For example, at least one sensor could be connected to the control system of the salt dispensing device and / or the control system of the dishwasher.

[0059] Furthermore, the brine tank can have at least one additional brine outlet for feeding the brine into a wastewater system, in particular via at least one pump and / or at least one valve. This allows, for example, excess brine and / or liquid generated during cleaning to be disposed of. It also provides the possibility of emptying the brine system in the event of a malfunction or adverse condition.

[0060] The salt receiving tank can, in particular, have at least two outlets. The brine dissolving device can further comprise at least two brine containers. Each brine container can be fluidically connected to the inlet and one of the at least two outlets of the salt receiving tank. The brine dissolving device can further comprise at least two pumps. Each of the at least two pumps can be configured to pump the fluid medium from one of the brine containers, via the inlet, into the salt receiving tank and from the salt receiving tank back into one of the brine containers, in particular repeatedly. In particular, each of the at least two brine containers can be assigned one of the at least two pumps.The at least two brine containers can, in particular, comprise one brine container and another brine container, the latter having at least one additional solvent inlet for supplying solvent to the latter. The brine container can be fluidically connected to the inlet of the brine receiving container via a piping system. The second brine container can also be fluidically connected to the inlet of the brine receiving container via a piping system. A T-piece can be arranged at the inlet of the brine receiving container. However, other connecting elements, such as Y-pieces, are also conceivable. The piping system and the second piping system can be decoupled from each other by at least one active or passive switching element.The active or passive switching element can be selected from the following group: a valve; a slide valve; a flap valve; a tap valve. Other switching elements are also conceivable. With at least two brine containers, two or more salts can be dissolved sequentially in a single salt receptacle. The switching element can, for example, be connected to the control unit of the brine dissolving device and / or to the control unit of the dishwasher.

[0061] In another aspect of the present invention, a dishwasher for cleaning items is proposed.

[0062] The dishwasher includes at least one salt dissolving device, as already described or as will be described below.

[0063] Furthermore, the dishwasher includes at least one cleaning chamber and at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber.

[0064] The term "cleaning chamber," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a fully or partially enclosed chamber within which the cleaning process can be carried out completely or partially. The cleaning chamber can, in particular, have at least one housing that fully or partially encloses the cleaning chamber. A single cleaning chamber may be provided, or, in principle, several cleaning chambers may be provided, for example, sequentially. In particular, it can be a single cleaning chamber, so that the cleaning device can, for example, be designed as a so-called automated program, as described above.

[0065] The term "contact device," as used here, is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, should be attributed. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to any device by means of which the item to be cleaned can be contacted with the cleaning fluid, especially with at least one cleaning liquid, within the cleaning chamber. "Contact" can generally be understood as any bringing the item to be cleaned into contact with the cleaning fluid.This can be done in particular by direct application, for example by spraying, dripping, irradiating or a combination of the aforementioned and / or other direct application methods, in which the cleaning fluid directly impacts the item being cleaned, preferably with a pulse greater than zero.

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

[0067] The dishwasher may further comprise at least one brine reservoir for receiving the brine from the brine container. The brine reservoir may, in particular, be located below the brine container. The term "brine reservoir," as used here, is a broad term and should be interpreted in its ordinary and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term may refer, in particular, to a completely or partially enclosed container designed to hold at least one fluid, in particular at least one liquid, especially a brine solution. For example, one wall of the brine reservoir may be made entirely or partially of at least one metallic material and / or at least one plastic material.The brine reservoir can be configured to store the brine solution. The brine reservoir can be fluidically connected to, or already connected to, the brine tank. The brine reservoir can have at least one brine reservoir outlet for supplying the brine solution to the dishwasher. The dishwasher can further include at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a valve, a feed pump. This element can be configured to transfer the brine solution from the brine tank to the brine reservoir. This element can be controlled by the brine device or the dishwasher.In this way, for example, the salt solution can be transferred from the salt solution container to the salt solution storage container as needed, or a fluidic separation can be carried out between the salt solution container and the salt solution storage container as needed.

[0068] The system, with at least one brine reservoir, allows two or more salts to be dissolved sequentially in the salt receiving reservoir. Once dissolved, the dissolved salts can then be transferred to a separate brine reservoir for their respective solutions. This transfer can be accomplished either by gravity and at least one valve, and / or by at least one pump. For example, a brine solution can be transferred from one reservoir to the brine reservoir for further storage, and another brine solution can be transferred directly from a reservoir to a downstream system, such as a treatment zone in a dishwasher.

[0069] The dishwasher can, in particular, have at least one housing. The brine removal device can be integrated into the dishwasher. In particular, the brine removal device can be arranged within the dishwasher housing. However, other embodiments are also conceivable. The brine removal device can be located wholly or at least partially within a brine removal device housing. The brine removal device housing can be attached to a dishwasher housing or arranged at a distance from the dishwasher housing. For example, the brine removal device housing can be mounted under an infeed table of the dishwasher. Furthermore, the brine removal device can be located in an auxiliary unit of the dishwasher. The term "housing," as used here, is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, should be attributed.The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to an element that completely or partially encloses or seals at least one other element or at least one interior space. The housing can, in particular, provide mechanical stability. The housing can, for example, be made of at least one rigid material, such as at least one metallic material and / or at least one plastic. In particular, in the present case, the housing can be made entirely or partially of metal, especially stainless steel, preferably rustproof stainless steel.

[0070] The salt dispensing device may further include at least one display device for user guidance. The display device may be controlled by the dishwasher's control unit and / or by the salt dispensing device's control unit. The display device may be configured to guide a dishwasher user to add the at least one salt to at least one input opening of the salt dispensing device. The display device may include at least one graphic display, in particular a graphic display selected from the group consisting of: a text display, a color display. In particular, the display device may include a display and / or a light element that can be illuminated with different colors. The display device may be arranged on at least one control element of the dishwasher, in particular on a door handle of at least one door of the input opening.For example, the illuminated element, which can be lit with different colors, can be positioned on the door handle of the entrance door. This handle can be fully or partially transparent, and the control system can illuminate it in different colors depending on the information being conveyed to the user. The illumination can be continuous or only activated when the user needs to take action. For instance, a specific color could prompt the user to add more salt to the salt receptacle. In particular, a salt package could be color-coded, and a specific color could prompt the user to add new salt, whose packaging is marked in a corresponding color, to the salt receptacle.

[0071] The dishwasher control system and / or the salt dispenser control system can be configured, in particular, to prompt the user to perform at least one action via the display. Other user information is also possible, either alternatively or additionally. Specifically, the control system can be configured to unlock the door of the input opening for the action, so that, for example, simultaneously with or after a delay following the display of corresponding user information, the door of the input opening is unlocked, allowing the user to add new salt to the salt reservoir.

[0072] The salt soluble device may include at least one reader for reading at least one piece of information from at least one identifier on the salt packaging. For example, the salt packaging may include at least one barcode, at least one QR code, or at least one RFID tag. The term "identifier," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term may refer, in particular, to an element that can be connected 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; an intended or proper use or processing of the object. The identifier can, for example, be readable in at least one way, selected from the group consisting of: electronic reading; optical reading; magnetic reading. The identifier can, in particular, have at least one connecting element for attaching it 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 fundamentally possible.

[0073] Accordingly, the term "reader," as used here, is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, should be attributed. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer, in particular, to a device configured to read the at least one piece of information stored in the identifier. Depending on the type of identifier, the reader may, for example, comprise at least one optical reader, in particular a barcode reader, such as a barcode scanner. Alternatively or additionally, the reader may also comprise, for example, an electronic reader, in particular an electromagnetic reader, for example, for wirelessly reading an electronic identifier, in particular an RFID reader, such as one conforming to the NFC standard.Alternatively or additionally to one or both of the aforementioned options, the reader may also include a magnetic reader, in particular a magnetic stripe reader. For example, the reader may generally be selected from the group consisting of: an optical reader for reading at least one optical identifier, in particular a barcode and / or QR code; an electronic reader for reading at least one electronic identifier, in particular an RFID chip; a magnetic reader for reading at least one magnetic identifier.

[0074] The control system for the salt dispensing unit and / or the dishwasher can be generally configured to control at least one reader. For example, the control system can be configured to initiate a reading process. Alternatively or additionally, the control system can also be configured to process and / or forward the information read from the identifier. Based on the at least one piece of information read, at least one action can be initiated by the control system.

[0075] The control system for the salt dispenser and / or the dishwasher can be configured to perform at least one action based on the information received, specifically at least one action selected from the following: a visual display of at least one message to the user; releasing the door of the input opening; or blocking the door of the input opening. This prevents, for example, the introduction of incorrect salts into the salt reservoir, such as salts not intended for use in dishwashers. Alternatively or additionally, it prevents, for example, the introduction of salts into the salt reservoir at the wrong time.Alternatively or additionally, further information about the salt can be determined and taken into account during processing, such as the required amount of solvent that must be added to the salt. Various other options are conceivable.

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

[0077] The procedure comprises the steps listed below. These steps can be performed in the order shown. Furthermore, one or more of the procedure steps can be performed simultaneously, overlapping in time, or repeatedly. The procedure may also include additional, unmentioned steps.

[0078] The process includes the following steps: a) Providing the brine solution device as already described or as described below; b) Pouring the at least one salt into the salt receiving container; c) Feeding the at least one solvent into the brine solution container; d) Pumping the solvent from the brine solution container through the inlet into the brine receiving container to create a brine solution; e) Pumping the brine solution back into the brine solution container through the outlet of the brine receiving container; and f) Repeatedly circulating the brine solution between the brine receiving container and the brine solution container using the pump.

[0079] The salt can be supplied as a powder, granules, and / or tablets. It can be supplied in solvent-permeable or solvent-impermeable packaging. Alternatively, it can be supplied unpackaged.

[0080] The salt can be, in particular, a moderately soluble or sparingly soluble salt. However, soluble, readily soluble, or very readily soluble salts are also conceivable. The salt can, in particular, have a solubility of 50 g / dm³ to 1000 g / dm³ in water at 20°C. The salt can, in particular, be an alkali salt, especially a sodium salt or a potassium salt. The alkali salt can be selected from the group consisting of: sodium citrate, methylglycine diacetic acid trisodium salt (MGDA), sodium polyacrylate, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium formate, sodium acetate, potassium citrate, potassium polyacrylate, potassium tripolyphosphate, potassium acetate, tetrasodium N,N-bis(carboxylatomethyl)L-glutamate (GLDA), tetrasodium iminodisuccinate (IDS), ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA). Mixtures of the aforementioned alkali salts are also conceivable. The solvent can be, in particular, water, preferably fresh water.Other solvents such as reverse osmosis water are also conceivable in principle.

[0081] In step f), the salt collection container and the brine solution container can be flushed with the fluid medium at time intervals. For example, the pump can be switched on alternately for periods of 5 to 20 minutes, particularly 10 to 15 minutes, and switched off for periods of 1 to 10 minutes, particularly 2 to 5 minutes. Other intervals are also conceivable in principle.

[0082] After completing step f), the following step can be carried out: g) the salt solution is removed from the salt solution container.

[0083] The term "removal" can include actively pumping the brine solution out of the brine container, for example, by means of at least one pump. Furthermore, the term "removal" can include passively transferring the brine solution from the brine container to another device, for example, by opening a valve. Step g) can supply the brine solution to another device, in particular to another device of the dishwasher.

[0084] The process can further comprise at least one cleaning step. During the cleaning step, the brine dissolving device can be rinsed with at least one solvent. The cleaning step can include supplying solvent to the salt receiving vessel by means of at least one brine receiving vessel solvent supply, preferably by means of at least one nozzle. Furthermore, the cleaning step can include supplying solvent to the brine dissolving device via the solvent inlet, with the solvent being repeatedly circulated between the brine receiving vessel and the brine container by means of the pump. This allows residual salt to be dissolved. The solvent can then remain in the brine dissolving device for the next dissolving cycle.

[0085] The process can be fully or partially computer-implemented and / or computer-controlled. In particular, computer control can be implemented by prompting a user to perform process step b). Control of one or more pumps and / or valves can also be computer-controlled, so that, for example, one or more of process steps c) to f) can be carried out by computer. Accordingly, suitable computer programs are proposed which, when executed on a computer or computer network, for example, the control of the brine solution and / or the control of the dishwasher, carry out the corresponding process steps. The computer program can be stored, in particular, on a computer-readable data carrier, especially a non-volatile data carrier.

[0086] In another aspect, packaging for at least one type of salt is proposed. The packaging is designed to hold this at least one type of salt. The packaging includes at least one dispensing opening for the salt. The dispensing opening is sealed with at least one primary sealing element and optionally with at least one secondary sealing element.

[0087] The first closure element can be or include a transport closure. In particular, the first closure element can include a weld, for example, at least one weld seam. The first closure element can be designed to be opened by an operator, for example, by opening or removing a welded section.

[0088] The second sealing element can be positioned below the first, particularly further inwards within the packaging. The second sealing element can either be closed after the packaging has been filled, especially "at the factory," or it can be closed manually by the operator before the first sealing element is opened. When the packaging is inserted into the filling opening for emptying and rotated so that the pouring opening is at the bottom, the second sealing element can be opened by a quick upward movement of the packaging. The second sealing element can increase operator safety. However, emptying the packaging is also possible without using the second sealing element.

[0089] Regarding the term "salt", please refer to the description above.

[0090] The term "packaging," as used here, is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, should be attributed. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a partial or complete enclosure of at least one object, especially for its protection or handling. In particular, the packaging can be designed to hold the salt. The packaging can have at least one cavity into which the object, in particular the salt, can be placed. The packaging can have at least one cover which partially or completely encloses the cavity. The cover can, in particular, be made of a flexible material. The cover can, in particular, be or comprise at least one plastic film. The packaging can, in particular, be or comprise a bag.

[0091] As stated above, the packaging includes at least one pouring opening. The term "pouring opening," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood to have its ordinary and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to any opening in packaging that is designed for removing the object from the packaging, especially for pouring the object out of the packaging. The pouring opening can be located, in particular, at one end of the packaging. The pouring opening can be located, in particular, on a longitudinal side of the packaging. The pouring opening can extend transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to an axis, in particular a longitudinal axis, of the packaging.

[0092] The term "closing element," as used here, is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning, as understood by a person skilled in the art, should be attributed. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to any element that reversibly or irreversibly closes an opening of an object, especially packaging, in such a way as to prevent an object from escaping from an interior of the object through the opening.

[0093] The first closure element may, in particular, be a weld with perforation. The term "perforation," as used here, is a broad term and should be understood in its usual and common sense, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer, in particular, to a regular, linear arrangement of holes on a substantially flat object. The perforation may therefore also be described as a punch or punch line. The perforation may be designed to subdivide the object and to allow at least partial separation of parts of the object by applying force. Other types of first closure elements are also conceivable in principle. The first closure element may be or include at least one predetermined breaking point in the packaging.For example, the perforation can be designed as a predetermined breaking point. Furthermore, the predetermined breaking point can be or include a notch or a scored line. Other designs are also conceivable in principle.

[0094] The second closure element can be or comprise a hook-and-loop fastener, or preferably a mushroom-head hook-and-loop fastener. All closure elements that can be used at this point have in common that they are and / or comprise an element with a defined opening characteristic, in particular with a defined opening force. The opening force is generally set such that a slightly greater force than that exerted by the weight of the contents of the package is sufficient to open the closure element. For example, the second closure element is designed so that in the event of a sudden upward movement of the package, the weight of the contents opens the closure element.

[0095] The first closure element can, in particular, be a seal. The seal can, in particular, comprise a film with at least one adhesive surface. The first closure element can completely or at least partially cover the dispensing opening and / or the second closure element. The first closure element can be designed to close the dispensing opening during the sale, transport, and / or handling of the packaging.

[0096] In another aspect, a method for filling at least one salt into a device with at least one input opening is proposed.

[0097] Regarding the terms "salt" and "inlet opening," please refer to the description above. In particular, the inlet opening may refer to the inlet opening of the saline device, as already described or as described below.

[0098] The process includes the following steps: i. Providing the at least one salt, wherein the salt is contained in at least one package as already described or as described below; ii. Removing the first closure element from the package, in particular by tearing or peeling the first closure element from a surface of the package; iii. Inserting the package into the inlet opening, and optionally rotating the package so that the dispensing opening is located on a bottom of the package, in particular such that the dispensing opening is oriented near an interior of the inlet opening; iv. Moving the package upwards such that the dispensing opening opens; and v. Pouring the salt into the inlet opening.

[0099] During step iv., the packaging can be held by a user at an end opposite the end where the dispensing opening is located. During step iv., the packaging can be held with the dispensing opening facing downwards. The movement can be, in particular, a jerky movement, especially a short, rapid movement.

[0100] By means of the proposed method for filling the at least one salt into the device with the at least one input opening, essentially dust-free handling can be achieved before and during the filling of the salt into the input opening.

[0101] The proposed devices and methods offer numerous advantages over known devices and methods of the type mentioned.

[0102] The devices and the method can be used, in particular, for the production of chemicals for cleaning items. The required starting materials can be in powder form. Using the devices and methods according to the invention, the starting materials can be dissolved in an aqueous solution.

[0103] The salt introduced into the salt receiving tank can be dissolved quickly and stored in the brine tank or brine reservoir. A bottom-to-top flow direction through the salt receiving tank improves the dissolution process. By allowing the fluid to flow primarily axially into the salt receiving tank, the number of components in the brine dissolution system can be reduced, potentially leading to cost savings.

[0104] In summary, without limiting further possible embodiments, the following embodiments are proposed: Embodiment 1: Salt dissolving device for providing at least one salt solution for a dishwasher, wherein the salt dissolving device comprises: at least one salt receiving container, wherein the salt receiving container has at least one inlet opening for at least one salt, wherein the salt receiving container is made of at least one fluid-impermeable material, wherein the salt receiving container has a funnel-shaped bottom, wherein the salt receiving container has at least one inlet at a lower end of the salt receiving container, and wherein the salt receiving container further has at least one outlet at an upper end of the salt receiving container; at least one brine container for holding a brine solution, wherein the brine container is fluidically connected to the inlet and outlet of the brine receiving container, the brine container further comprising at least one brine outlet for supplying the brine solution to the dishwasher; at least one solvent inlet for supplying at least one solvent to the brine device; and at least one pump, the pump being configured to transfer at least one fluid medium from the brine container via the inlet to the brine receiving container and from the brine receiving container via the outlet back to the brine container, the fluid medium being selected from the group consisting of: the solvent, the brine solution. Embodiment 2: A brine dissolving device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the brine dissolving device is configured such that the fluid medium flows substantially axially from the brine container into the salt receiving container via the inlet. Embodiment 3: A brine dissolving device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the brine dissolving device is configured such that the fluid medium flows against gravity from the brine container into the salt receiving container. Embodiment 4: A brine dissolving device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the outlet of the salt receiving container has at least one outlet nozzle.Embodiment 5: A brine dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the brine container is fluidically connected to the inlet of the salt receiving container via at least one first piping system, and wherein the brine container is fluidically connected to the outlet of the salt receiving container via at least one second piping system, the first and second piping systems being fluidically separate from one another. Embodiment 6: A brine dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the brine dissolving device further comprises at least one control unit, the control unit being configured to control the pump, and the control unit being configured to control the pump such that the fluid medium is repeatedly circulated between the salt receiving container and the brine container.Embodiment 7: A brine dissolving device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the control system is configured to control the pump such that the fluid medium is circulated between the salt receiving container and the brine solution container at time intervals. Embodiment 8: A brine dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the salt receiving container and the brine solution container are arranged spatially separate from each other.Embodiment 9: A saline solution device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the saline solution container has at least one saline solution container outlet which is fluidically connected to the inlet of the salt receiving container, in particular by means of at least one pipe and / or by means of at least one hose, wherein the saline solution container further comprises at least one saline solution container inlet which is fluidically connected to the outlet of the salt receiving container, in particular by means of at least one pipe and / or by means of at least one hose. Embodiment 10: A saline solution device according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the saline solution container is arranged below the salt receiving container.Embodiment 11: Salt dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the funnel-shaped bottom of the salt receiving container has an opening angle of 20° to 120°, preferably 60° to 100°, and particularly preferably 80°. Embodiment 12: Salt dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the salt receiving container, in particular the funnel-shaped bottom of the salt receiving container, has a cross-section selected from the group consisting of: a round cross-section, in particular a circular cross-section; a rectangular cross-section, in particular a square cross-section; a polygonal cross-section. Embodiment 13: Salt dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the salt receiving container has a region adjoining the funnel-shaped bottom above, which has a substantially constant cross-section.Embodiment 14: Salt dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the pump is arranged upstream of the inlet of the salt collection container. Embodiment 15: Salt dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the pump is arranged downstream of the outlet of the salt collection container. Embodiment 16: Salt dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the pump is connected to a substantially fail-safe energy storage device, in particular a battery or a capacitor. Embodiment 17: Salt dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the salt dissolving device further comprises at least one sieve, in particular a flexible sieve, which is arranged at the inlet and / or outlet of the salt collection container and which is configured to at least largely prevent the escape of salt in solid form from the salt collection container.Embodiment 18: Salt dissolving device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the sieve is arranged at the inlet of the salt collection container. Embodiment 19: Salt dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the salt dissolving device further comprises at least one salt collection container solvent supply, in particular a nozzle, which is configured for cleaning the salt collection container. Embodiment 20: Salt dissolving device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the salt collection container solvent supply is configured to spray at least one solvent into the salt collection container. Embodiment 21: Salt dissolving device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the salt collection container solvent supply is arranged above the end of the salt collection container opposite the funnel-shaped bottom.Embodiment 22: Brine dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the brine container has at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of: a level sensor for detecting a volume of the fluid medium, in particular a float with a switching contact; a pressure sensor for detecting a fill level; a sensor for measuring a pH value; a sensor for measuring electrical conductivity. Embodiment 23: Brine dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the brine container has at least one further brine outlet for supplying the brine to a wastewater system.Embodiment 24: A brine dissolving device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the brine receiving container has at least two outlets, and wherein the brine dissolving device further comprises: at least two brine solution containers, each brine solution container being fluidically connected to the inlet and one of the at least two outlets of the brine receiving container; and at least two pumps, each of which is configured to convey the fluid medium from one of the brine solution containers through the inlet into the brine receiving container and from the brine receiving container back into one of the brine solution containers. Embodiment 25: A brine dissolving device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein each of the at least two brine solution containers is assigned one of the at least two pumps.Embodiment 26: A saline solution device according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the at least two saline solution containers comprise a saline solution container and a further saline solution container, the further saline solution container having at least one further solvent inlet for supplying solvent into the further saline solution container. Embodiment 27: A saline solution device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the saline solution container is fluidically connected to the inlet of the saline receiving container via a piping system, and wherein the further saline solution container is fluidically connected to the inlet of the saline receiving container via a further piping system.Embodiment 28: A brine dissolving device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein a T-piece is arranged at the inlet of the brine receiving container, the brine container being fluidically connected to the inlet of the brine receiving container via the piping system, and the further brine container being fluidically connected to the further piping system via the further piping system, each by means of the T-piece. Embodiment 29: A brine dissolving device according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the piping system and the further piping system are decoupled from each other by at least one active or passive switching element. Embodiment 30: A brine dissolving device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the active or passive switching element is selected from the group consisting of: a valve; a slide valve; a flap valve; a tap valve.Embodiment 31: Dishwasher for cleaning items, wherein the dishwasher comprises: at least one brine solution device according to one of the preceding embodiments; and at least one cleaning chamber and at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items in the cleaning chamber. Embodiment 32: Dishwasher according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the dishwasher further comprises at least one brine reservoir for receiving the brine from the brine container, wherein the brine reservoir is fluidically connectable to the brine container, and wherein the brine reservoir has at least one brine reservoir outlet for supplying the brine to the dishwasher.Embodiment 33: Dishwasher according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the dishwasher further comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a valve, a feed pump, wherein the element is configured to transfer the brine solution from the brine container to the brine reservoir. Embodiment 34: Dishwasher according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the brine reservoir is arranged below the brine container. Embodiment 35: Dishwasher according to one of the five preceding embodiments, wherein the brine dissolving device is integrated into the dishwasher.Embodiment 36: Dishwasher according to one of the six preceding embodiments, wherein the salt dispensing device is located wholly or at least partially within a salt dispensing device housing, the salt dispensing device housing being attached to a housing of the dishwasher or arranged at a distance from the housing of the dishwasher. Embodiment 37: Dishwasher according to one of the seven preceding embodiments, wherein the salt dispensing device further comprises at least one display device for user guidance, which is controlled by a control unit of the dishwasher, the display device being configured to guide a user of the dishwasher to enter the at least one salt into at least one input opening of the salt dispensing device.Embodiment 38: Dishwasher according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the display device comprises at least one pictorial display, in particular a pictorial display selected from the group consisting of: a text display, a color display. Embodiment 39: Dishwasher according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the display device is arranged on at least one operating element of the dishwasher, in particular on a door handle of at least one door of the input opening.Embodiment 40: A method for producing at least one salt solution for a dishwasher, the method comprising the following steps: a) providing the salt solution device according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a salt solution; b) filling the salt reservoir with the at least one salt; c) supplying the solvent to the salt solution reservoir; d) pumping the solvent from the salt solution reservoir through the inlet to the salt reservoir, so that a salt solution is formed; e) returning the salt solution to the salt solution reservoir through the outlet of the salt reservoir by means of the pump; and f) repeatedly circulating the salt solution between the salt reservoir and the salt solution reservoir by means of the pump. Embodiment 41: A method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the salt is provided as a powder, as granules, and / or in tablet form.Embodiment 42: A method according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the salt is provided in solvent-permeable packaging or in solvent-impermeable packaging. Embodiment 43: A method according to one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the salt is provided unpackaged. Embodiment 44: A method according to one of the four preceding embodiments, wherein the salt is selected from the group consisting of: a moderately soluble salt; a sparingly soluble salt. Embodiment 45: A method according to one of the five preceding embodiments, wherein the salt is an alkali salt, in particular a sodium salt or a potassium salt.Embodiment 46: A process according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the alkali salt is selected from the group consisting of: sodium citrate, methylglycine diacetic acid trisodium salt (MGDA), sodium polyacrylate, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium formate, sodium acetate, potassium citrate, potassium polyacrylate, potassium tripolyphosphate, potassium acetate, tetrasodium N,N-bis(carboxylatomethyl)L-glutamate (GLDA), tetrasodium iminodisuccinate (IDS), ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA). Embodiment 47: A process according to any one of the seven preceding embodiments, wherein the solvent is water, in particular fresh water, in particular reverse osmosis water. Embodiment 48: A process according to any one of the eight preceding embodiments, wherein in step f) the salt receiving container and the brine solution container are perfused with the fluid medium at time intervals.Embodiment 49: A method according to any of the nine preceding embodiments, wherein, after performing step f), the following step is performed: g) the salt solution is removed from the salt solution container. Embodiment 50: A method according to any of the ten preceding embodiments, wherein the method further comprises at least one cleaning step, wherein, during the cleaning step, the salt dissolving device is rinsed with at least one solvent. Embodiment 51: A method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning step comprises supplying solvent to the salt receiving container by means of at least one salt receiving container solvent supply, preferably by means of at least one nozzle.Embodiment 52: Method according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning step comprises supplying a solvent via the solvent inlet into the brine dissolving device, wherein the solvent is repeatedly circulated between the salt receiving container and the brine solution container by means of the pump. Brief description of the characters

[0105] Further details and features will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments, particularly in conjunction with the dependent claims. The respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. Identical reference numerals in the individual figures denote identical or functionally equivalent elements, or elements that correspond to one another with respect to their functions.

[0106] Specifically, we show: Figures 1A and 1B each show an exemplary embodiment of a salt dissolving device according to the invention for providing at least one salt solution for a dishwasher in a schematic representation; Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a dishwasher according to the invention in a schematic representation; and Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a part of a dishwasher according to the invention in a perspective view. Description of the exemplary implementations

[0107] Figure 1A shows an exemplary embodiment of a salt dissolving device 110 according to the invention for providing at least one salt solution for a dishwasher in a schematic representation.

[0108] The brine dissolving device 110 comprises at least one salt receiving container 112. The salt receiving container 112 has at least one inlet opening 114 for at least one salt 116. The salt receiving container 112 is made of at least one fluid-impermeable material. The salt receiving container 112 has a funnel-shaped bottom 118. The salt receiving container 112 has at least one inlet 120 at a lower end 123. The salt receiving container 112 further has at least one outlet 122, which is arranged at an upper end 124. The outlet 122 may have at least one outlet nozzle 126.

[0109] The funnel-shaped bottom 118 of the salt receiving container 112 can, in particular, have an opening angle α of 20° to 120°, preferably 60° to 100°, and especially preferably 80°. The funnel-shaped bottom 118 of the salt receiving container 112 can further, in particular, have a flank angle β to a horizontal axis 128 of 30° to 80°, preferably 50°. Other dimensions are also conceivable in principle. An extreme form of the salt receiving container 112 could be a tube, in particular with a flank angle of 90°. In the case of the tube, good flow of the salt can be ensured over the entire surface.

[0110] The salt collection container 112, in particular the funnel-shaped bottom 118 of the salt collection container 112, can have a cross-section selected from the group consisting of: a round cross-section, in particular a circular cross-section; a rectangular cross-section, in particular a square cross-section; a polygonal cross-section. The funnel-shaped bottom 118 can accordingly be conical or pyramidal. The salt collection container 112 can, as shown in Figure 1A The figure shown optionally includes a region 130 adjoining the funnel-shaped base 118 above, which has a substantially constant cross-section. In particular, the region 130 adjoining the funnel-shaped base 118 can have a substantially constant diameter d.

[0111] The salt dissolving device 110 can further comprise at least one sieve 132, in particular a flexible sieve 134, which is arranged at the inlet 120 and / or at the outlet 122 of the salt receiving container 112 and which is designed to at least largely prevent the escape of the salt 116 in the form of solids from the salt receiving container 112. In the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 1A A sieve 132 can be arranged at both the inlet 120 and the outlet 122. This allows the added salt 116 to remain in the salt collection container 112 until all of the salt 116 is at least almost completely dissolved. Because the sieve 132 is designed as a flexible sieve 134, any adhering salt deposits can be broken off by the movement of a sieve surface.

[0112] Furthermore, the brine solution device 110 comprises at least one brine solution container 136 for holding a brine solution 138. The brine solution container 136 can be arranged below the brine receiving container 112. The brine receiving container 112 and the brine solution container 136 can be arranged spatially separated from each other.

[0113] The brine container 136 is fluidically connected to the inlet 120 and the outlet 122 of the salt receiving container 112. In particular, the brine container 136 can be fluidically connected to the inlet 120 of the salt receiving container 112 via at least one first piping system 140. The brine container 136 can also be fluidically connected to the outlet 122 of the salt receiving container 112 via at least one second piping system 142. The first piping system 140 and the second piping system 142 can be fluidically separated from each other.

[0114] The brine container 136 can have at least one brine container outlet 144, which is fluidically connected to the inlet 120 of the salt receiving container 112, in particular by means of at least one pipe 146. Furthermore, the brine container 136 can have at least one brine container inlet 148, which is fluidically connected to the outlet 122 of the salt receiving container 112, in particular by means of at least one pipe 150.

[0115] The brine container 136 further comprises at least one brine outlet 152 for supplying the brine solution 138 to the dishwasher. In particular, the brine container 136 can be connected to another system 154, especially via at least one element 156, which can be, in particular, a pump 157 and / or a valve. This connection can be controlled depending on the brine concentration. The other system 154 can either be supplied with a maximally saturated brine solution or with a less saturated brine solution.

[0116] Furthermore, the salt dissolving device 110 comprises at least one solvent inlet 158 ​​for supplying at least one solvent into the salt dissolving device 110. In the embodiment according to Figure 1AThe solvent inlet 158 ​​can be located on the salt solution container 136. In particular, the solvent inlet 158 ​​can be fluidically connected to a solvent supply 160, especially a fresh water supply 162, particularly via at least one valve 164.

[0117] Furthermore, the brine container 136 can have at least one additional brine outlet 166 for supplying the brine 138 to a wastewater system 168, in particular via at least one element 170, which can be, in particular, a pump and / or a valve 172. This allows, in particular, excess brine 138 and / or liquid generated during cleaning to be disposed of. It also provides the possibility of emptying the brine device 110 in the event of a malfunction or adverse condition.

[0118] The brine solution further comprises at least one pump 174. The pump 174 can, in particular, be arranged upstream of the inlet 120. The pump 174 is configured to convey at least one fluid medium from the brine container 136 via the inlet 120 into the brine receiving container 112 and from the brine receiving container 112 via the outlet 122 back into the brine container 136. The fluid medium is selected from the group consisting of: the solvent, the brine solution.

[0119] The salt intake container 112 can be configured to receive the salt 116. The salt 116 can be, as in Figure 1AThe salt is shown to accumulate in the funnel-shaped base 118. The salt dissolving device 110 can be arranged such that the salt 116 is brought into contact with a solvent by flowing the solvent through the salt 116 from below, so that a salt solution, in particular a concentrated salt solution, accumulates at the top of the salt receiving container 112 and can be transferred there via a connection to the salt solution container 136.

[0120] The salt receiving container 112 can be oriented such that a smaller opening is located at the bottom and a larger opening at the top. The arrangement of the inlet 120 and outlet 122 described above, in combination with the funnel-shaped base 118, ensures that the introduced salt 116 dissolves completely. This is achieved by allowing undissolved salt 116 to continuously slide downwards and, when the pump 174 is running, to be constantly loosened and surrounded by the solvent. To ensure complete dissolution of the salt 116, factors such as the solubility of the salt 116, the flow rate of the solvent, the duration of the flow, and the temperature of the solvent can be taken into account or adjusted. The brine container 136 can be configured to store the brine solution 138.As the dissolution time increases, the concentration of the salt solution can rise to a maximum value, which basically results from a certain amount of salt and a certain amount of solvent.

[0121] Salt residues or undissolved salt 116 can, in principle, combine to form larger structures if the flow rate is too low or if the solvent stagnates. In this case, the salt 116 may be partially or completely immersed in the solvent. To prevent or at least reduce such clumping of the salt 116 in the salt receiving container 112, it can be ensured that the amount of salt placed in the salt receiving container 112 is at least almost completely dissolved. For this purpose, the pump 174 can be configured to circulate the solvent or the salt solution 138 between the salt receiving container 112 and the salt solution container 136 until the entire amount of salt placed in it is at least almost completely dissolved. To ensure this even during unfavorable conditions, the pump 174 can be configured to circulate the solvent or the salt solution 138 between the salt receiving container 112 and the salt solution container 136 until the entire amount of salt placed in it is at least almost completely dissolved.To ensure the continued operation of the pump in the event of an adverse condition, such as a power outage or a machine shutdown, the pump 174 can optionally be connected to a fail-safe energy storage device (not shown). Furthermore, it can be ensured that sufficient solvent is present in the brine dissolving device 110 to dissolve the added quantity of salt almost completely. This depends in particular on the solvent temperature and the solubility of the salt 116 or salt mixture. Intermittent flow, such as briefly switching off the pump 174, can further improve this function. For example, the pump 174 can be switched on for 15 minutes, switched off for 3 minutes, and then switched on again for 15 minutes.

[0122] After each process in which the salt 116 has been almost completely or completely dissolved, the brine dissolving device 110 can be cleaned. The brine dissolving device 110 can further comprise at least one salt receiving container solvent feed 180, in particular a nozzle 182, which is configured for cleaning the salt receiving container 112 and / or other components of the brine dissolving device 110, such as the brine container 136, the first piping system 140, and / or the second piping system 142. The salt receiving container solvent feed 180 can, in particular, be arranged above the upper end 124 of the salt receiving container 112.

[0123] This ensures that an operator can never come into contact with residues of salt 116 or salt solution 138. This step prevents the crystallization of salt residues during a downtime of the salt solution device 110. A typical period until the salt solution 138 is used up from the salt solution container 136 could be, for example, one week. Other periods are also conceivable.

[0124] Once the brine container 136 is empty, a further cleaning process can be carried out. For this purpose, a sufficient quantity of solvent can be introduced into the brine container 136 via the solvent supply 160 and the valve 164 and circulated in the brine dissolving device 110 so that any remaining salt is dissolved. The solvent can remain in the brine dissolving device 110 for a subsequent dissolving cycle.

[0125] Figure 1BFigure 1 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a salt dissolving device 110 according to the invention for providing at least one salt solution 138 for a dishwasher in a schematic representation. The embodiment according to Figure 110 is shown in the schematic representation. Figure 1B corresponds at least largely to the embodiment according to the Figure 1A , so that the description of the Figure 1A can be referred to above.

[0126] In the embodiment according to Figure 1BThe salt receiving vessel 112 can have at least two outlets 122, in particular a first outlet 184 and a second outlet 186. The brine dissolving device 110 can further comprise at least two brine containers 136, in particular a first brine container 188 and a second brine container 190. The brine containers 136 can each be fluidically connected to the inlet 120 and one of the at least two outlets 122 of the salt receiving vessel 112, in particular by means of valves 171. In particular, the first brine container 188 can be fluidically connected to the inlet 120 and the first outlet 184 of the salt receiving vessel 112. In particular, the second brine container 190 can be fluidically connected to the inlet 120 and the second outlet 186 of the salt receiving vessel 112.

[0127] In the embodiment according to Figure 1BThe brine solution device 110 may further comprise at least two pumps 174, in particular at least one first pump 192 and at least one second pump 194. The at least two pumps 174 may each be configured to convey the fluid medium from one of the brine containers 136 via the inlet 120 into the brine receiving container 112 and from the brine receiving container 112 back into one of the brine containers 136. In particular, the first pump 192 may be configured to convey the fluid medium from one of the first brine containers 188 via the inlet 120 into the brine receiving container 112 and from the brine receiving container 112 back into the first brine container 188. In particular, the second pump 194 can be configured to convey the fluid medium from the second brine container 190 via the inlet 120 into the salt receiving container 112 and from the salt receiving container 112 back into the second brine container 190.

[0128] The at least two salt solution containers 136 can each have a solvent inlet 158 ​​for supplying solvent into the salt solution container 136. In particular, the first salt solution container 188 can have a first solvent inlet 196 and the second salt solution container 190 can have a second solvent inlet 198. The first salt solution container 188 can be fluidically connected to the inlet 120 of the salt receiving container 112 via a piping system 200, and the second salt solution container 190 can be fluidically connected to the inlet 120 of the salt receiving container 112 via a piping system 202. A T-piece 204 can be arranged at the inlet 120 of the salt receiving container 112. The first salt solution container 188 can be fluidically connected via the piping system 200 and the second salt solution container 190 can be fluidically connected via the piping system 202, each by means of the T-piece, to the inlet 120 of the salt receiving container 112.

[0129] The at least two salt solution containers 136 can be decoupled from each other by at least one active or passive switching element, for example by valves 206.

[0130] In particular, the at least two brine containers 136 can each be connected to a further system 154, in particular via at least one element 156. Furthermore, the at least two brine containers 136 can each have at least one further brine outlet 166 for supplying the brine 138 to a wastewater system 168.

[0131] Figure 2 Figure 208 shows an exemplary embodiment of a dishwasher according to the invention in a schematic representation.

[0132] The dishwasher 208 comprises at least one cleaning chamber and at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items being cleaned in the cleaning chamber. The cleaning chamber and the application device are in Figure 2 not shown.

[0133] Furthermore, the dishwasher 208 includes at least one salt dispensing device 110. The salt dispensing device 110 according to the Figure 2 corresponds at least largely to the embodiment according to the Figure 1A , so that the description of the Figure 1A can be referred to above.

[0134] The dishwasher 208 can further comprise at least one brine reservoir 210 for receiving the brine solution 138 from the brine reservoir 136. The brine reservoir 210 can be arranged below the brine reservoir 136. The brine reservoir 210 can be fluidically connected to or already connected to the brine reservoir 136, in particular by means of at least one piping system 212. The brine reservoir 136 can have at least one outlet 214 for transferring the brine solution into the brine reservoir 210. The outlet 214 of the brine reservoir 136 and an inlet 220 of the brine reservoir 210 can be fluidically connected to each other via the piping system 212. In the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 2The dishwasher 208 can, in particular, have two brine storage containers 210. The piping system 212 can each have a branch for the two inlets 220 of the two brine storage containers 210. The dishwasher 208 can furthermore have at least one transfer pump 216, which is configured to transfer the brine solution 138 from the brine container 136 to the brine storage container 210. Furthermore, a valve 218 can be arranged upstream of the inlet 220 of the brine storage container 210. The brine storage container 210 can have at least one brine storage container outlet 222 for supplying the brine solution 138 to the dishwasher 208. In particular, the salt solution storage container 210 can be connected to another system 154, in particular via at least one element 156, which in particular can be a pump 157 and / or a valve.

[0135] Furthermore, the brine storage tank 210 can have at least one additional outlet 224 for supplying the brine solution 138 to the wastewater system 168, in particular via at least one element 170, which can in particular be a pump and / or a valve 172.

[0136] Thus, two or more salts 116 can be dissolved successively in the brine dissolving device 110, and after dissolving, they can be transferred to the respective brine reservoir 210 for the respective brine solution 138. The respective brine solution 138 can be selectively transferred to one of the multiple brine reservoirs 210 either by gravity and / or the at least one valve 218 and / or by means of the feed pump 216. For example, a brine solution 138 can be fed directly into a treatment zone of the dishwasher 208, or it can first be transferred into the corresponding brine reservoir 210 and then fed into the treatment zone of the dishwasher 208.

[0137] Figure 3Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a part of a dishwasher 208 according to the invention in a perspective view. In particular, an inlet 209 of a belt conveyor dishwasher 211 is shown.

[0138] The dishwasher 208 includes at least one salt dispensing device 110. The salt dispensing device 110 according to the Figure 3 corresponds at least largely to the embodiment according to the Figures 1A or 1B , so that the description of the Figures 1A and 1B can be referred to above.

[0139] The salt dissolving device 110 can further comprise at least one display device 226 for user guidance, which is controlled by a control unit of the dishwasher 208. The display device 226 can be configured to guide a user of the dishwasher 208 to enter the at least one salt 116 into the at least one input opening 114 of the salt dissolving device 110.

[0140] The display device 226 can comprise at least one pictorial display 228, in particular a color display 230, especially a color light display. The color display 230 can prompt the user to add salt 116. The display device 226 can be arranged on at least one control element 232 of the dishwasher 208, in particular on a door handle 234 of at least one door 236 of the input opening 114.

[0141] The packaging of the salt 116 can be color-coded, and the input opening 114 can be marked in the corresponding color depending on the need for salt 116, either permanently, but preferably with the color indicator 230, which is only activated when salt 116 is present in the corresponding color. Reference symbol list

[0142] 110 Salt dissolving device 112 Salt receiving container 114 Inlet opening 116 Salt 118 Funnel-shaped bottom 120 Inlet 122 Outlet 123 Lower end 124 Upper end 126 Outlet nozzle 128 Horizontal axis 130 Area 132 Sieve 134 Flexible sieve 136 Salt solution container 138 Salt solution 140 First piping system 142 Second piping system 144 Salt solution container outlet 146 Pipe 148 Salt solution container inlet 150 Pipe 152 Salt solution outlet 154 Secondary system 156 Element 157 Pump 158 Solvent inlet 160 Solvent feed 162 Fresh water feed 164 Valve 166 Secondary Brine outlet 168 Wastewater system 170 Element 171 Valve 172 Valve 174 Pump 176 Smaller opening 178 Larger opening 180 Salt reservoir solvent feed 182 Nozzle 184 First outlet 186 Second outlet 188 First brine tank 190 Second brine tank 192 First pump 194 Second pump 196 First solvent inlet 198 Second solvent inlet 200 Piping system 202 Piping system 204 T-piece 206 Valve 208 Dishwasher209 Inlet 210 Salt solution reservoir 211 Belt conveyor dishwasher 212 Piping system 214 Outlet 216 Feed pump 218 Valve 220 Inlet 222 Salt solution reservoir outlet 224 Outlet 226 Display device 228 Pictorial display 230 Color display 232 Control element 234 Door handle 236 Door

Claims

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

2. Salt dissolving device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the salt dissolving device (110) is adapted such that the fluid medium flows from the salt solution container (136) substantially axially via the inlet (120) into the salt receiving container (112).

3. Salt dissolving device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the salt dissolving device (110) is adapted such that the fluid medium flows against gravity from the salt solution container (136) into the salt receiving container (112).

4. Salt dissolving device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the salt solution container (136) is fluidically connected to the inlet (120) of the salt receiving container (112) via at least a first line system (140), wherein the salt solution container (136) is fluidically connected to the outlet (122) of the salt receiving container (112) via at least a second line system (142), wherein the first line system (140) and the second line system (142) are configured so as to be fluidically separate from one another.

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

6. Salt dissolving device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the salt receiving container (112) and the salt solution container (136) are arranged so as to be spatially separate from one another.

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

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

9. Salt dissolving device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the salt dissolving device (110) further comprises at least one screen (132) which is arranged at the inlet (120) and / or at the outlet (122) of the salt receiving container (112) and which is adapted at least largely to prevent the salt (116) in the form of solid from escaping from the salt receiving container (112).

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

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

12. Dishwasher (208) according to the preceding claim, wherein the dishwasher (208) further has at least one salt solution storage container (210) for receiving the salt solution (138) from the salt solution container (136), wherein the salt solution storage container (210) is able to be fluidically connected to the salt solution container (136), wherein the salt solution storage container (210) has at least one salt solution storage container outlet (222) for providing the salt solution (138) for the dishwasher (208).

13. Dishwasher (208) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the salt dissolving device (110) further has at least one display device (226) for guiding a user, said display device being activated by a controller of the dishwasher (208), wherein the display device (226) is adapted to instruct a user of the dishwasher (208) to introduce the at least one salt (116) into at least one introduction opening (114) of the salt dissolving device (110).

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

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