Spray mist device, method for operating a spray mist device, steam condenser and cleaning device

Abstract

The invention relates to a spray mist device (200) for a steam condenser for a cleaning device (100), wherein the spray mist device (200) comprises a spray mist nozzle (205) with a plastic part (405) and a nozzle (400) made of an elastic material. The plastic part forms a channel (500) for directing water to the nozzle. The nozzle is shaped to generate a spray mist using the water.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a spray mist device for a steam condenser, a method for operating a spray mist device, a steam condenser and a cleaning device with a steam condenser with a spray mist device according to the main claims.

[0002] EP 2 604 165 B1 relates to a dishwasher with a washing tank, a steam condenser and a drying fan.

[0003] The approach presented here aims to create an improved spray mist device for a steam condenser, an improved method for operating a spray mist device, an improved steam condenser, and an improved cleaning device with a steam condenser and a spray mist device.

[0004] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a spray mist device for a steam condenser, a method for operating a spray mist device, a steam condenser, and a cleaning device comprising a steam condenser with a spray mist device having the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0005] The advantages achievable with the invention consist of simple automatic cleaning of the spray mist device and a resulting longer service life of the spray mist device.

[0006] A spray mist device for a steam condenser in a cleaning machine features a spray mist nozzle with a plastic part and a nozzle made of an elastic material. The plastic part forms a channel for directing water to the nozzle, and the nozzle is shaped to generate a spray mist using the water.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the spray mist device can be used to remove moisture from humid air by means of sprayed water. The vapor condenser can be designed to change the state of matter of the water vapor used in a cleaning process. For example, the water vapor can be separated as water, thereby dehumidifying the air. According to one embodiment, the cleaning device can be designed as a disinfection device or a dishwasher, in which dehumidified air is used, for example, to dry equipment or dishes. The plastic component can form a fixed part of the spray mist nozzle. For example, the plastic component can be made of a hard, non-deformable plastic. The nozzle of the spray mist nozzle, on the other hand, is made of a softer, deformable material.For example, the nozzle can also be made of plastic or a plastic-rubber compound.

[0008] The spray mist device can include a mechanism for generating a pulse that strikes the nozzle, the pulse serving to dislodge contaminants adhering to the nozzle. This allows the spray mist device to be cleaned automatically, eliminating the need for a user to disassemble and descale it. By eliminating the need for maintenance on the nozzle(s), faster service times and thus cost savings can be achieved.

[0009] The nozzle can be made of an elastomer. Due to the nozzle's elastic deformability, contaminants such as limescale can be easily removed or broken off by briefly deforming the nozzle using a pulse applied to it.

[0010] The generating device can comprise a fixed element positioned within the channel, shaped to create a vortex street as water flows through the channel, thus generating momentum. This vortex street cleans the nozzle of impurities, as the vortices regularly impact the nozzle and knock off limescale. The element can be shaped as a stationary body injected into the channel, positioned perpendicular to the water flow. By injecting only one element, more complex and expensive resources can be saved.

[0011] Thus, the element can, for example, be shaped as an extension of the plastic part projecting into the channel. This allows for cost-effective manufacturing.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the generating device can be designed to supply compressed air to generate the impulse in the channel. For this purpose, the spray mist device can have a water line to supply water to the spray nozzle, and the generating device can have a compressed air channel to supply the compressed air to the water line.

[0013] A check valve and a shut-off valve can be arranged in the compressed air channel. The shut-off valve can be designed to switch between a flow-through and a blocked state. For example, the shut-off valve can be designed as a solenoid valve. According to one embodiment, the check valve can be designed to prevent water from entering the compressed air channel.

[0014] The spray mist device may include a compressed air reservoir, which may be shaped to supply compressed air to the compressed air duct.

[0015] A method for operating a spray mist device can comprise a step of supplying water to the spray nozzle and a step of generating a pulse that strikes the nozzle to dislodge contaminants adhering to it. These steps of the method can be performed either simultaneously or sequentially. Because the pulses clean the nozzle, no maintenance is required.

[0016] A steam condenser for a cleaning device has the following characteristics: an inlet for admitting moist air from a cleaning room; an outlet for releasing dehumidified air into the cleaning room; an air duct for connecting the inlet to the outlet; and a spray mist device said to be in the air duct, wherein the nozzle is arranged in the air duct to generate the spray mist in the air duct for dehumidifying the moist air.

[0017] A cleaning device has a cleaning chamber and a steam condenser.

[0018] The approach described here can be used in connection with a commercial or professional device, for example a medical device such as a cleaning or disinfection device, a small sterilizer, a large-capacity disinfector or a container washing system, or in connection with a household appliance, for example a dishwasher.

[0019] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cleaning device; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a spray mist device; Figure 3 is a detailed representation of an embodiment of a spray mist device; Figure 4 is a representation of an embodiment of a spray mist nozzle; Figure 5 is another representation of an embodiment of a spray mist nozzle; Figure 6 is another representation of an embodiment of a spray mist nozzle; Figure 7 is another schematic representation of an embodiment of a spray mist device; Figure 8 is a detailed view of an embodiment of a spray mist device; and Figure 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating a spray mist device.

[0020] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cleaning device 100. The cleaning device 100 has a cleaning chamber 105 in which moist air 110 has accumulated after a cleaning process. The moist air 110 is passed from the cleaning chamber 105 through an inlet 115 to a steam condenser. The steam condenser includes a spray mist device with at least one spray mist nozzle made of an elastic material. Using the nozzle, a spray mist can be generated within the steam condenser, which dehumidifies the moist air 110.

[0021] According to this embodiment, the cleaning device 100 is configured as a disinfection device. Alternatively, the cleaning device 100 is also configured as a dishwasher. The cleaning device 100 includes a door 120 for the cleaning chamber 105, with which the cleaning chamber 105 can be closed.

[0022] The approach described here is suitable, for example, for use in a cleaning and disinfection unit that employs a spray mist steam condenser for drying. The nozzle used prevents calcification at the nozzle tips, even in areas with hard water. This avoids changes in the spray pattern and a reduction in the steam condenser's performance. Unlike nozzles with a rigid shape, a nozzle with an elastically deformable shape incorporates a cleaning function and is therefore less susceptible to contamination.

[0023] Figure 2Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a spray mist device 200 for a cleaning device 100. The cleaning device 100 is, according to an embodiment, like the one shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 The described cleaning device is designed as follows. The spray mist device 200 is arranged as part of a steam condenser on the rear side of the cleaning device 100. The spray mist device 200 comprises a spray mist nozzle 205, which ensures that water from a water line 210 is sprayed as a spray mist into an air duct 215 through which air to be dehumidified is passed.

[0024] The air duct 215 is shaped to guide moist air flowing in through an inlet 220 to an outlet 225. The spray mist causes the vapor contained in the moist air to condense, thus dehumidifying the moist air as it flows through the air duct 215.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the air duct 215 is U-shaped with two parallel duct sections. Each of the duct sections is assigned a spray nozzle 205. By way of example, a first spray nozzle 205 is designed to generate a first spray mist in the area of ​​the inlet 220, and a second spray nozzle 205 is designed to generate a second spray mist in the area of ​​the outlet 225.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the spray mist device 200 has two water lines 210. The water lines 210 are shaped to direct water to each spray mist nozzle 205. The spray mist nozzles 205 are, by way of example, aligned parallel to each other.

[0027] Figure 3 Figure 1 shows a detailed illustration of an embodiment of a spray mist device 200 in a cleaning device 100. The cleaning device 100 is, according to an embodiment, like the one shown in Figure 1. Figure 1The described cleaning device is shaped. The spray mist device 200 is again arranged on the rear side of the cleaning device 100. The air duct 215 is more clearly visible here than in Figure 2 It is recognizable and features a 300 mm outlet from which condensation can drain. The 200 mm spray mist device is the same as the one in Figure 1 and in Figure 2 The described spray mist device is shaped.

[0028] Figure 4 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a spray mist nozzle 205. The spray mist nozzle 205 is like the one in Figure 205. Figure 2The described spray mist nozzle is shaped as follows. The spray mist nozzle 205 has a nozzle 400, which is designed to generate a spray mist using water. The spray mist nozzle 205 includes a plastic part 405 in which a channel for directing water to the nozzle 400 is formed. The spray mist nozzle 205 also has a water connection 410, via which the spray mist nozzle 205 can be connected to a water supply.

[0029] Figure 5 Figure 1 shows another embodiment of a spray mist nozzle 205. According to one embodiment, the spray mist nozzle 205 is made of the same material as the spray mist nozzle described previously. Figures 1 to 4 The spray mist nozzle 205 consists of two parts: the nozzle 400 and the plastic part 405, in which the channel 500 is arranged. A device 510 for generating a pulse that strikes the nozzle 400 is located in the channel 500.

[0030] In this embodiment, the nozzle 400 is made of elastomer. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the nozzle 400 is made of rubber. When the nozzle 400 is struck by an impulse, it is elastically deformed.

[0031] According to this embodiment, the device 510 comprises an element 520 that is stationary in the channel 500. The water flow striking the element 520 generates a vortex 530, which emits pulses that strike the nozzle 400. These pulses dislodge contaminants adhering to the nozzle 400. The fact that the nozzle 400 is made of a soft material is advantageous, as the pulses allow the nozzle 400 to move, thus further improving the removal of contaminants. Examples of contaminants include limescale deposits, which are then removed by the regular pulses.

[0032] The nozzle 400 can therefore clean itself of limescale and impurities, either automatically or with the help of a pulse. This can happen automatically during operation.

[0033] The spray nozzle 205, also referred to as a spray nozzle, is designed in a 2K injection mold according to one embodiment. The nozzle 400, which serves as the nozzle tip and is crucial for the spray pattern in the steam condenser, forms the elastic part of the spray nozzle 205. The other part of the spray nozzle 205, which receives the water supply hose, for example, via a nozzle, is made of rigid plastic. To break off, for example, a limescale crust on the nozzle tip, a brief impulse is needed that impacts the elastic nozzle shape and dislodges the limescale or other contaminant.

[0034] According to a first embodiment, this is achieved by the element 520, for example, a body suspended in the flow, which is injected, for instance, into the fixed part of the spray nozzle 205. The principle of the Karmann vortex street is utilized. The vortex trails released from the flow body alternately impinge on the nozzle tip and generate the necessary cleaning impulses. According to one embodiment, the element 520 is also molded from plastic and arranged in the plastic part 405 of the spray nozzle 205. The element 520 is, for example, arranged transversely to the water flow so that the vortex trails are formed.

[0035] Figure 6 Figure 1 shows another embodiment of a spray mist nozzle 205. According to one embodiment, the spray mist nozzle 205 is like the one shown in Figure 205. Figure 4The described spray mist nozzle is shaped as follows. The spray mist nozzle 205 comprises the rigid plastic part 405, the flexible nozzle 400, and the channel 500. The spray mist nozzle 205 can be used, for example, in conjunction with a device for generating a pulse using compressed air, as shown below. Fig. 7 As described, compressed air is passed through channel 500 to remove contaminants from nozzle 400. This eliminates the need for a vortex generator.

[0036] Figure 7 Figure 1 shows another schematic representation of an embodiment of a spray mist device 200 for a cleaning device 100. According to one embodiment, the spray mist device 200 is similar to the one shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 The described spray mist device is shaped. The spray mist device 200 comprises the components described in Figure 6The described spray mist nozzle 205. Furthermore, the spray mist device 200 includes a pulse generation device 710. The pulse generation device 710 comprises a compressed air reservoir 720, a compressed air channel 725 with a check valve 730 and a shut-off valve 735.

[0037] As an example, two spray nozzles 205 are used, which, according to this embodiment, are cleaned by generating a pulse of compressed air that removes contaminants from the nozzle of each spray nozzle 205. For this purpose, compressed air from the compressed air reservoir 720 is fed into the compressed air channel 725 via the shut-off valve 735. According to one embodiment, the shut-off valve 735 is configured as a solenoid valve. Alternatively, the shut-off valve 735 is also configured as a ball valve. The shut-off valve 735 serves to either retain compressed air in the compressed air reservoir 720 or to feed compressed air into the compressed air channel 725. According to this embodiment, the compressed air channel 725 is divided to supply the two spray nozzles 205 with compressed air.The two sections of the compressed air channel lead into the water lines leading to the spray mist nozzles 205, so that the compressed air is introduced into the spray mist nozzles 205 via the water lines 210 and used for cleaning.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the compressed air creates a self-cleaning spray nozzle 205 for steam reduction in a steam condenser. Alternatively, after the end of a spray block in the steam reduction program, the necessary impulse can also be provided by a burst of compressed air introduced via a solenoid valve with the compressed air channel 725 into the water path of the nozzle.

[0039] Figure 8 shows a detailed view of an embodiment of a spray mist device 200. The spray mist device 200 is like the one in Figure 7 The described spray mist device is designed. The spray mist device 200 is installed in the cleaning device 100 and includes the device 710 for generating pulses.

[0040] Figure 9 Figure 1 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of method 900 for operating a spray mist device, as described with reference to the preceding figures. Method 900 comprises a step 901 of supplying water to the spray mist nozzle and a step 903 of generating a pulse striking the nozzle to dislodge contaminants adhering to the nozzle. According to one embodiment, the steps of the method are executed either simultaneously, for example, if the pulses are generated via a vortex street, or sequentially, for example, if the pulses are generated via compressed air.

Claims

1. Spray mist device (200) for a steam condenser for a cleaning device (100), wherein the spray mist device (200) has the following feature: a spray mist nozzle (205) with a plastic part (405) and a nozzle (400) made of an elastic material, wherein the plastic part (405) forms a channel (500) for directing water to the nozzle (400), and wherein the nozzle (400) is shaped to generate a spray mist using the water.

2. Spray mist device (200) according to claim 1, comprising a device (510; 710) for generating a pulse striking the nozzle (400) to loosen contaminants adhering to the nozzle (400).

3. Spray mist device (200) according to claim 2, wherein the device (510) for generating comprises an element (520) fixedly arranged within the channel (500), wherein the element (520) is shaped to generate a vortex street (530) for generating the impulse when water is passed through the channel (500).

4. Spray mist device (200) according to claim 3, wherein the element (520) is formed as a projection of the plastic part (405) into the channel (500).

5. Spray mist device (200) according to claim 2, wherein the generating device (710) is shaped to convey compressed air into the channel (500) to generate the impulse.

6. Spray mist device (200) according to claim 5, comprising a water line (210) for supplying the water to the spray mist nozzle (205), wherein the device (710) for generating has a compressed air channel (725) for conveying the compressed air into the water line (210).

7. Spray mist device (200) according to claim 6, wherein a check valve (730) and a shut-off valve (735) are arranged in the compressed air channel (725).

8. Method (900) for operating a spray mist device (200) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: conveying (901) water into the spray mist nozzle (205); and generating (903) a pulse striking the nozzle (400) to dislodge contaminants adhering to the nozzle (400).

9. Steam condenser for a cleaning device (100) wherein the steam condenser has the following features: an inlet (220) for admitting moist air from a cleaning chamber (105); an outlet (225) for releasing dehumidified air into the cleaning chamber (105); an air duct (215) for connecting the inlet (220) to the outlet (225); and a spray mist device (200) according to claims 1 to 7, wherein the nozzle (400) is arranged in the air duct (215) to generate the spray mist in the air duct (215) for dehumidifying the moist air.

10. Cleaning device (100) comprising: a cleaning chamber (105); and a steam condenser according to claim 9.

Images