Dishwasher with washing system and cleaning opening

Abstract

The invention relates to a dishwasher (1) with at least one washing system designed as a recirculation circuit, which has at least one washing arm (6) with at least one washing nozzle (5) for spraying washing liquid onto the items to be cleaned, a washing tank (3) for collecting at least a portion of the sprayed washing liquid, and a supply line system (8) with a washing pump (4) through which washing liquid collected in the washing tank (3) can be supplied to, or is supplied to, the at least one washing arm (6). According to the invention, it is particularly provided that at least one cleaning opening (20) is formed or provided in the supply line system (8), through which, during operation of the washing pump (4), a portion of the washing liquid conveyed by the washing pump (4) towards the at least one washing arm (6) is sprayed or discharged into a treatment chamber (2) or treatment zone of the dishwasher (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dishwasher according to the preamble of claim 1. In particular, the invention relates to a commercial dishwasher or utensil washer, which is designed as a program-controlled automatic dishwasher or as a conveyor dishwasher.

[0002] The invention is thus directed to a dishwasher which has at least one washing zone designed as a recirculation circuit. The washing zone designed as a recirculation circuit has a nozzle system with at least one washing nozzle for spraying washing liquid onto the items to be cleaned, a washing tank for collecting at least part of the sprayed washing liquid, and a washing pump for supplying washing liquid collected in the washing tank to the at least one washing nozzle.

[0003] Optionally, the dishwasher may also have a dirt collection system assigned to at least one washing zone with at least one tank cover sieve to separate dirt particles from the sprayed washing liquid which flows back into the washing tank by gravity.

[0004] Automatic dishwashers are manually loaded and unloaded. These dishwashers (also called box-type or batch dish washers) can be either pass-through dishwashers (hood-type or hood-type) or front-loading dishwashers. Front-loading dishwashers can be under-counter, top-counter, or freestanding models.

[0005] A dishwasher designed as a program-controlled automatic dishwasher typically has a treatment chamber for cleaning the dishes. Usually, a wash tank is located below the treatment chamber, into which liquid from the treatment chamber can flow back by gravity. The wash tank contains washing fluid, which is usually water, to which detergent can be added if necessary.

[0006] A dishwasher designed as a program-controlled automatic dishwasher further comprises a washing system with a wash pump, a pipe system connected to the wash pump, and a nozzle system with at least one wash nozzle. The washing liquid in the wash tank can be pumped by the wash pump via the pipe system to the at least one wash nozzle, and sprayed by this nozzle onto the items to be cleaned in the treatment chamber. The sprayed washing liquid then flows back into the wash tank by gravity.

[0007] Conveyor dishwashers are primarily belt-type dishwashers (flight-type washers) or rack-type dishwashers. Conveyor dishwashers are typically used in commercial settings. Unlike automatic dishwashers where the items to be cleaned remain stationary during the cleaning process, conveyor dishwashers transport the items through various cleaning zones within the machine.

[0008] A conveyor dishwasher typically has at least one pre-wash zone and at least one main wash zone, which, viewed in the direction of transport, is located downstream of the pre-wash zone(s). Following the main wash zone(s), in the direction of transport, there is usually at least one post-wash zone or pre-rinse zone and at least one rinse zone downstream of the post-wash zone(s). Viewed in the direction of transport, the items, either picked up directly on the conveyor belt or held in baskets, typically pass through an inlet tunnel, the subsequent pre-wash zone(s), main wash zone(s), post-wash zone(s), rinse zone(s), and a drying zone before entering an outlet section.

[0009] Each of the aforementioned washing zones of the conveyor dishwasher is assigned a washing system comprising a wash pump and a pipe system connected to the wash pump (wash pipe system), through which washing fluid is supplied to the nozzle system or at least one of the nozzle system's wash nozzles. The washing fluid supplied to the at least one nozzle of the nozzle system is sprayed onto the items being washed in the respective washing zones of the conveyor dishwasher, which are transported through these zones by a conveyor system. Each washing zone is assigned a tank in which the fluid sprayed by the wash nozzles is collected and / or in which fluid is supplied to the nozzle systems of the respective treatment zones.

[0010] In conventional conveyor dishwashers, rinse aid, in the form of fresh water (which may be pure or contain additives such as rinse aid), is sprayed onto the items being washed via the spray nozzles of the rinse zone. At least a portion of the sprayed rinse aid is transported from zone to zone via a cascade system, in the opposite direction to the transport of the items.

[0011] The sprayed rinse aid is collected in a tank (post-wash tank) in the post-wash zone. From there, it is pumped by the wash pump of the post-wash zone's washing system to the spray nozzles (post-wash nozzles). In the post-wash zone, the wash fluid is rinsed off the items being washed. The resulting liquid flows into the wash tank of at least one main wash zone, which is located upstream of the post-wash zone in the direction of item transport. Here, the liquid is typically mixed with a cleaning agent and sprayed onto the items via the nozzles (wash nozzles) of the main wash zone by a pump system (wash pump) belonging to the main wash zone's washing system. From the main wash zone's wash tank, the liquid then flows—unless another main wash zone is present—into the pre-wash tank of the pre-wash zone.The liquid in the pre-wash tank is sprayed onto the items being washed via a pump system (pre-wash pump) belonging to the pre-wash zone's washing system, using the pre-wash nozzles, in order to remove coarse dirt from the items being washed.

[0012] Dishwashers are usually equipped with rinse pumps that supply the rinse aid liquid to be sprayed to the piping system of the rinse zone.

[0013] This ensures, in particular, a virtually constant flow rate of the rinse fluid in the rinse zone. However, it is also conceivable to utilize the existing line pressure – for example, the pressure of the fresh water supply – to deliver the rinse fluid to the rinse zone's piping system. In this latter case, a controllable valve can be installed between the piping system and the rinse zone's spray nozzles to allow for a temporary or complete interruption of the rinse fluid supply to the spray nozzles.

[0014] Regardless of whether a dishwasher is designed as a program-controlled automatic dishwasher or as a conveyor dishwasher, commercial dishwashers typically include at least one washing zone designed as a recirculation circuit, which has a nozzle system with at least one washing nozzle for spraying washing liquid onto the items to be cleaned, a washing tank for collecting at least part of the sprayed washing liquid, and a washing pump for supplying liquid collected in the washing tank to the at least one washing nozzle.

[0015] Since a recirculating wash zone is used to clean the items being washed, at least some of the washing liquid already sprayed in the zone is circulated. This creates the risk that the protective particles removed from the items will be increasingly broken down by the constant recirculation of the washing liquid and thus can no longer be easily separated from the liquid by sieves or other means. Consequently, in a recirculating wash zone, the level of soiling in the washing liquid increases with the washing time, increasing the risk of re-soiling the items and ultimately deteriorating the washing results.

[0016] This problem occurs particularly in the pre-wash or main wash zones of a conveyor dishwasher. Because the flow direction of the wash liquid in conveyor dishwashers is cascading, opposite to the transport direction of the items being cleaned, the dirt concentration in the wash liquid is highest in at least one pre-wash zone compared to the other treatment zones, as this is where most of the dirt accumulates.

[0017] On the other hand, it is unavoidable that during the operation of a transport dishwasher, some of the more heavily soiled wash liquid from the pre-wash zone is carried into the main wash zone (at least one) downstream of the pre-wash zone by the transport of the dishes. This increases the soiling level of the wash liquid in the main wash zone, and consequently, the washing result in the main wash zone can also deteriorate.

[0018] To separate the dirt particles introduced into the dishwasher from the washing liquid used to rinse the dishes, it is generally known to use sieve devices in the form of dirt sieve baskets, in which the dirt particles collected. In dishwashers designed as automatic programs, such a dirt sieve basket is usually located in the sump of the treatment chamber above the wash tank.

[0019] On the other hand, with regard to dishwashers designed as transport dishwashers, it is known to equip at least the pre-wash tank assigned to the pre-wash zone, and preferably also the main wash tank assigned to the at least one main wash zone, with surface sieves and dirt sieve baskets.

[0020] During operation of a dishwasher, whether a program-controlled or conveyor dishwasher, the dirt particles rinsed from the dishes by the circulating wash water fall onto the surface filters due to gravity. There, the dirt particles are separated from the wash liquid, which flows back into the corresponding wash tank. The separated dirt particles are then typically rinsed into a dirt filter basket.

[0021] Regardless of whether the dishwasher is a program-controlled automatic dishwasher, especially a hood-type dishwasher, or a conveyor dishwasher, it must be cleaned at least at the end of each commercial dishwashing day or at the end of a dishwashing shift. This involves a number of manual steps.

[0022] To clean a conveyor dishwasher, for example, the wash arms and the filter systems of the individual wash units must first be removed. Since a conveyor dishwasher typically has several wash zones arranged in series and therefore a corresponding number of wash units, these steps must be repeated several times.

[0023] The removed sieve systems are then manually rinsed with water and additionally scrubbed manually, depending on the degree of soiling.

[0024] In particular, the corresponding wash tanks of the conveyor dishwasher must also be manually rinsed with water and, if necessary, scrubbed manually. The wash tanks in the loading area of ​​a conveyor dishwasher, which are among the most heavily soiled treatment zones, are rinsed with water during the cleaning process and partially (if necessary) cleaned manually with a cleaning cloth and, if required, with the aid of a cleaning solution.

[0025] After the individual treatment zones of a transport dishwasher have been completely emptied, each treatment zone and especially each wash tank of each treatment zone is usually rinsed with warm water at the end of each washing day and partially (if necessary) manually cleaned with a cleaning cloth and possibly with the help of a cleaning solution.

[0026] Interior cleaning also includes the corresponding inspection doors of a transport dishwasher, which are usually designed as sliding doors or hinged doors.

[0027] Depending on the machine size, the entire cleaning process for a transport dishwasher takes between 30 and 40 minutes, with the amount of fresh water used for cleaning ranging from 400 liters to 600 liters.

[0028] Cleaning a program-controlled dishwasher, especially a hood-type dishwasher, at the end of a commercial dishwashing day requires at least the wash tank to be cleaned in a similar manner. This also involves a large number of manual work steps.

[0029] To clean a pass-through dishwasher, for example, the wash and rinse arms of the washing system, as well as the filter system, must first be removed. The removed filter system is then manually rinsed, usually with warm water, and additionally scrubbed manually, depending on the degree of soiling. Furthermore, the dishwasher's treatment chamber, after it has been completely emptied, should be rinsed, usually with warm water, and also partially cleaned manually (if necessary) with a cleaning cloth and, if required, with the help of a cleaning solution.

[0030] Depending on the machine size, the entire interior cleaning process of a pass-through dishwasher takes between 10 and 30 minutes, with the amount of fresh water used for cleaning ranging from 60 liters to 120 liters.

[0031] The present invention aims to provide a dishwasher of the type mentioned at the outset, in which the cleaning process, particularly at the end of a commercial dishwashing day, can be made more efficient. In particular, the invention aims to provide a dishwasher in which at least some of the steps required for cleaning the interior of the dishwasher can be simplified or even eliminated, thereby saving personnel and simultaneously reducing the resources (water, energy, chemicals) used for cleaning.

[0032] The problem underlying the invention is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1, wherein advantageous further developments of the dishwasher according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0033] Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to a dishwasher with at least one washing system designed as a recirculation circuit, which has at least one washing arm with at least one washing nozzle for spraying washing liquid onto the items to be cleaned, a washing tank for collecting at least part of the sprayed washing liquid and a supply line system with a washing pump, via which washing liquid collected in the washing tank can be supplied or is supplied to the at least one washing arm.

[0034] The dishwasher according to the invention is in particular a dishwashing or utensil washing machine, which is designed either as a program-controlled automatic dishwasher or as a conveyor dishwasher.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dishwasher is designed as a program-controlled automatic dishwasher and in particular in the form of a hood-type dishwasher.

[0036] In order to simplify the interior cleaning of the dishwasher, and in particular to simplify or even eliminate the necessary work steps, the invention provides that at least one cleaning opening is formed or provided in the supply line system of the dishwasher, through which, during operation of the wash pump, a portion of the washing liquid conveyed by the wash pump towards the at least one wash arm is sprayed or discharged into a treatment chamber or treatment zone.

[0037] The advantages achievable with the solution according to the invention are obvious: by having at least one cleaning opening formed or provided in the supply line system, through which, during operation of the washing pump, a portion of the washing liquid conveyed by the washing pump towards the at least one washing arm is sprayed or discharged into the treatment chamber or treatment zone of the dishwasher, an accumulation of dirt particles on inner wall areas of the treatment chamber or treatment zone during the spraying of the washing liquid can be prevented in a simple yet efficient manner.

[0038] In other words, while the washing fluid is sprayed through the spray nozzles of the wash arm, some of it is used to rinse or at least wet certain areas of the dishwasher's treatment chamber or zone. This prevents dirt particles from settling in these areas, or at least significantly reduces the amount. This simplifies the interior cleaning of the dishwasher at the end of a wash shift or day.

[0039] In this context, it is particularly intended that the at least one cleaning opening is designed or provided in the supply line system in such a way that washing liquid is sprayed or dispensed via the at least one cleaning opening into an area of ​​the treatment chamber or treatment zone of the dishwasher that is difficult for the dishwasher operator to reach during manual cleaning of the interior of the dishwasher at the end of a washing shift or at the end of a washing day.

[0040] In this context, in preferred embodiments of the dishwasher according to the invention, it is provided that the washing arm is detachable from an end area of ​​the supply line system and, in particular, is connected or connectable via a plug connection.

[0041] It is advisable that at least one cleaning opening be designed or provided in or at the end area of ​​the supply line system.

[0042] This design variant is based on the understanding that manual interior cleaning is relatively time-consuming, particularly in areas where the supply line system is connected to the wash arm, as these areas are difficult to access. Furthermore, the interior areas of the dishwasher, where dirt particles tend to accumulate during operation, are ideally suited for cleaning with wash fluid via the cleaning opening.

[0043] With the solution according to the invention, such areas are automatically cleaned, in particular already during the spraying of the washing liquid within a washing cycle for cleaning the items being washed.

[0044] According to one particular embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention, especially the last-mentioned variant, the end section of the supply line system is formed by a connecting piece. The connecting piece is preferably a plastic part, in particular an injection-molded plastic part.

[0045] Of course, it is also conceivable that the connecting piece is an integral part of the end section of the supply line system.

[0046] Regardless of the specific implementation of the connector, it has in particular a fluid inlet which is fluid-wise connected or connectable to an end section of a supply line of the supply line system. In particular, the fluid inlet of the connector is fluid-wise detachable from the end section of the supply line of the supply line system and is preferably connected or connectable via a plug connection.

[0047] On the other hand, the connecting piece preferably has a fluid outlet which is fluidly connected or connectable to a fluid inlet of at least the washing arm, in particular detachably.

[0048] According to embodiments of the latter variant of the dishwasher according to the invention, the connecting piece is designed to be at least substantially L-shaped in cross-section.

[0049] In this context, it is particularly advantageous that the connecting piece is designed in such a way – viewed in cross-section – that it is at least substantially L-shaped, such that the washing liquid supplied to the connecting piece via the fluid inlet of the connecting piece is deflected in the connection area by preferably about 90° before the washing liquid is supplied or can be supplied to the washing arm via the fluid outlet of the connecting piece.

[0050] Regardless of the specific embodiment of the connecting piece, the at least one cleaning opening should preferably be integrally formed in the connecting piece. This allows the solution according to the invention to be implemented without additional installation space or without additional external components.

[0051] It is conceivable, for example, that the connector has a first arm area in which the fluid inlet of the connector is formed.

[0052] The connecting piece according to this embodiment can further have a second arm section in which the fluid outlet of the connecting piece is formed. Preferably, the at least one cleaning opening is formed at least partially or partially in the first arm section.

[0053] According to preferred implementations, in particular the last-mentioned embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention, it is provided that the first arm area of ​​the connecting piece is designed and configured at least partially or partially as a female plug-in part, i.e. as a "receiving" plug-in part, to receive at least partially or partially the end area of ​​the supply line of the supply line system, in particular in a form-fitting manner and preferably by forming a plug connection.

[0054] In this embodiment of the connecting piece, it is advantageous for the cleaning opening to be designed to spray or discharge at least a portion of the washing liquid conveyed by the washing pump towards the washing arm along a main direction into the treatment chamber or treatment zone of the dishwasher, wherein this main direction runs at least substantially opposite to the insertion direction in which the plug connection between the first arm area of ​​the connecting piece and the end area of ​​the supply line of the supply line system is formed.

[0055] In one specific embodiment of this design, it is provided that, at least in one state when the end section of the supply line of the supply line system is connected to the first arm section of the connector, a flow reversal zone is formed in the connector in which the main flow direction of the washing liquid supplied to the connector via the supply line is reversed. The flow reversal zone is fluidically connected to a cleaning channel, with the cleaning opening forming an outlet opening of the cleaning channel.

[0056] This embodiment has decisive advantages. By creating a corresponding flow reversal zone, particularly in the connecting piece, it is possible to prevent dirt particles carried along with the washing liquid from entering the cleaning channel in a simple yet effective manner.

[0057] This design variant is based on the understanding that a forced flow reversal in the flow reversal zone of the connector creates a particularly laminar separation bubble in the washing liquid flow, which is fed to the connector area via the supply line of the supply line system. In this particularly laminar separation bubble, which is formed at least partially or in certain areas within the flow reversal zone of the connector, the dirt particles carried along in the washing liquid are not, or at least only a small portion of them, deflected.

[0058] This offers the advantage that the flow reversal zone provides a degree of "filtration" of the washing liquid. This filtration ensures that, if any dirt particles enter the cleaning channel, only a significantly reduced number can do so.

[0059] In this context, it has proven particularly advantageous that the cleaning channel is fluidly connected to the flow reversal area via an opening area, the opening area being formed in a wall area of ​​the connector which runs at least substantially parallel to the insertion direction.

[0060] Alternatively or in addition to the aforementioned design variants, in which a corresponding flow reversal area is formed in the connecting piece, a filter, in particular a coarse or fine filter, can also be provided between the cleaning channel and a washing liquid channel system formed in the connecting piece.

[0061] In principle, it is advisable for the cleaning opening to be designed as an outlet opening of a cleaning channel, wherein the cleaning channel is formed at least partially by a wall area, in particular an inner wall area, of the connecting piece, and by a wall area, in particular an outer wall area, of the end area of ​​the supply line of the supply line system inserted into the first arm area of ​​the connecting piece.

[0062] Of course, other design variants are also conceivable, particularly for an integral design of the cleaning opening in the connecting piece.

[0063] The connecting piece preferably incorporates a washing fluid channel system, in particular an integral one, which fluid-flow connects the fluid inlet of the connecting piece to the fluid outlet of the connecting piece.

[0064] In this context, it is advantageous for the connecting piece to incorporate a rinse aid channel that is separate from the wash fluid channel system. This rinse aid channel is specifically designed to connect a rinse aid supply line (second supply line) of the supply line system to a rinse aid arm or rinse aid nozzles of the dishwasher.

[0065] It is particularly conceivable that the supply line system is designed as a combined supply line system, comprising a first supply line for washing liquid and a second supply line for rinsing liquid. In this configuration, the first supply line (wash liquid supply line) and the second supply line (rinsing liquid supply line) are preferably arranged at least partially or in sections, and in particular at least substantially, coaxially and preferably concentrically to each other. The second supply line, i.e., the rinsing liquid supply line, is preferably arranged within the first supply line, i.e., the washing liquid supply line.

[0066] Of course, other designs for the supply line system are also possible.

[0067] In principle, the at least one washing nozzle of the dishwasher according to the invention should be designed to spray at least a portion of the washing liquid supplied to the corresponding washing arm by the washing pump and the supply line system along a first principal direction into the treatment chamber or treatment zone of the dishwasher, wherein the cleaning opening formed or provided in the supply line system is designed to spray or discharge at least a portion of the portion of the washing liquid conveyed by the washing pump towards the washing arm along a second principal direction into the treatment chamber or treatment zone of the dishwasher, wherein the second principal direction is different from the first principal direction and in particular runs transversely or at least at approximately 90° to the first principal direction.

[0068] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and an exemplary embodiment.

[0069] They show: FIG. 1 a hydraulic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention; FIG. 2 schematically and in an isometric view the area of ​​a supply line system of an exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention, in which the supply line system is connected to a corresponding washing and / or rinsing arm of the dishwasher; FIG. 3 schematically and in a sectional view the area of ​​the supply line system according to FIG. 2 ; and FIG. 4 schematically shows a detailed view of the supply line system according to FIG. 3 , especially for representing the flow reversal region.

[0070] Commercial dishwashers are designed to clean large quantities of items in the shortest possible time. For example, the preset standard program of the hood-type dishwasher used by the applicant in this case, which is typically used for normally soiled items such as plates, bowls, cups, and glasses, lasts only 70 seconds. This means that the theoretical capacity of the hood-type dishwasher is up to 52 dish racks per hour.

[0071] Almost without exception, commercial dishwashers are equipped with rotating wash and rinse systems. A wash and rinse system typically consists of a wash arm and a rinse arm.

[0072] For example, in FIG. 1 As shown, a commercial dishwasher 1 has an upper and a lower washing and rinsing system.

[0073] During operation, a wash pump 4 pumps the washing liquid (washing solution) from the wash tank 3 of the dishwasher 1 through a pipe system (supply line system 8) into the wash arms 6. The wash arms 6 then expose the items to be cleaned to the washing liquid (washing solution). This loosens the dirt from the items and transfers it into the washing liquid. The washing liquid then flows, as described in... FIG. 1 The contents then pass through a sieve system, which retains coarse dirt residues, into a washing tank 3 of the dishwasher 1.

[0074] The filter system of a commercial dishwasher 1 typically includes a flat filter, a fine filter, and a collection container (dirt collection area 14) for coarse food residues. The collection container is also commonly referred to as dirt collection area 14.

[0075] However, systems are also known in which the collection container (dirt collection area 14) and the fine sieve are combined in one part.

[0076] Typically, a flat sieve / tank cover sieve is formed from perforated sheet metal. However, flat sieves / tank cover sieves without perforations are also known.

[0077] The surface filter / tank cover filter typically has a perforation diameter of 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm. However, this means that dirt particles smaller than 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm cannot be filtered out of the wash water. These particles are then repeatedly pumped by the wash pump 4 over the wash arms 6 in subsequent wash cycles. As a result, these dirt particles can spread and settle inside the machine.

[0078] Larger dirt particles (3.0 mm to 7.0 mm) are filtered out via the surface screen / tank cover screen and the fine screen. These particles are then conveyed to a wastewater system, for example, via the drain pump (wastewater pump 17). Dirt residues larger than 7.0 mm are collected in a collection container (dirt collection area 14). This container must be manually removed and cleaned at the end of the rinsing cycle.

[0079] At the end of the washing cycle, the machine interior is typically cleaned manually, requiring a relatively large amount of effort. The operator usually cleans the interior, including the wash tank 3, with a sponge. For stubborn dirt, a brush is used first. Depending on the installation, manually rinsing the machine interior with a hose / hand shower is also common practice.

[0080] The aim of the invention is to eliminate or at least reduce the manual cleaning effort in the interior of the dishwasher 1 and thus significantly reduce the manual cleaning effort for the operator for the entire dishwasher 1.

[0081] In the following detailed figure description, identical or equivalent components are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0082] In FIG. 1 An exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention is shown. It should be noted that this embodiment only includes the components necessary for understanding the invention. Details of the dishwasher 1 are subsequently described with reference to the illustrations in FIG. 2 bis FIG. 4 described.

[0083] Dishwasher 1 according to FIG. 1 This refers in particular to a commercial dishwasher or utensil washer, which is designed as a hood-type dishwasher.

[0084] Naturally, it is also possible to design the dishwasher 1 according to the invention as a program-controlled automatic dishwasher or as a conveyor dishwasher. The necessary design modifications for this are, of course, known to those skilled in the art.

[0085] The in FIG. 1 The illustrated dishwasher 1 has a treatment chamber 2 with an associated wash tank 3. The wash tank 3 serves to hold a treatment fluid, which can be pumped via a wash pump 4 to a plurality of wash nozzles 5. According to the illustrated embodiment, the wash nozzles 5 are located, in particular, in the upper and lower regions of the treatment chamber 2, where a wash / rinse system with an associated wash arm 6 and a rinse arm 7 is provided in each region.

[0086] The upper and lower wash arms 6 are connected via a wash line 30 (see FIG. 3 ) connected to the wash tank 3. Since the wash tank 3 is located in the lower area of ​​the treatment chamber 2, this allows for recirculation of the treatment fluid (washing fluid) after the items being rinsed have been sprayed.

[0087] The in FIG. 1 The dishwasher 1 shown further comprises at least one rinse aid system for providing a rinse aid liquid. In the illustrated embodiment, the rinse aid system consists of a reservoir 9 which contains a rinse aid concentrate.

[0088] As the depiction in FIG. 1 The reservoir 9 of the rinse aid system is connected to a water heater (boiler 10) via a fluid line. Boiler 10 has a fresh water connection 11 through which fresh water (e.g., tap water) can be introduced into the boiler 10. The fresh water in the boiler 10 is heated by a heating element and mixed with the rinse aid concentrate from the reservoir 9. For this purpose, the rinse aid concentrate is pumped from the reservoir 9 to the boiler 10 by a dosing pump. The rinse aid solution resulting from the combination of fresh water and rinse aid concentrate can be pumped via a rinse aid pump 12 and the associated rinse aid lines to a number of rinse aid nozzles 13. Similar to the wash nozzles 5, the rinse aid nozzles 13 are also located inside the treatment chamber 2 of the dishwasher 1, specifically in an upper or lower spray arm 7.

[0089] As the depictions in particular show FIG. 2 bis FIG. 4 as can be seen, indicates the in FIG. 1 The schematically shown exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention features a cleaning system with which, during a washing cycle, i.e. when washing liquid is supplied to the washing arms 6 of the dishwasher 1 by means of the washing pump 4, an interior cleaning of the dishwasher 1 is automatically carried out at least in certain areas.

[0090] This points out - as in FIG. 2 indicated - the supply line system 8 has a cleaning opening 20, through which, during operation of the washing pump 4, a portion of the washing liquid conveyed by the washing pump 4 towards the washing arm 6 is sprayed or dispensed into the treatment chamber 2 of the dishwasher 1.

[0091] In detail and as shown in the section view FIG. 3 The washing arm 6 can be detached from an end section of the supply line system 8 and connected or connectable via a plug connection. The cleaning opening 20 is formed or provided in or on the end section of the supply line system 8.

[0092] In the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings, the end region of the supply line system 8 is formed by a connecting piece 21. This is preferably a plastic part and in particular a plastic injection-molded part.

[0093] As can be seen in particular in the sectional view in FIG. 3 The connecting piece 21, which can be removed, has a fluid inlet 22 that is detachably connected, in particular via a plug connection, to an end section of a supply line 30, 31 of the supply line system 8. Furthermore, the connecting piece 21 includes a fluid outlet 23 that is detachably connected, in particular via a plug connection, to a fluid inlet 22 of the washing arm 6.

[0094] In detail, in the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings, it is provided that the connecting piece 21 - seen in cross-section (cf. FIG. 3 ) - is designed at least essentially in an L-shape. The washing liquid supplied to the connecting piece 21 via the fluid inlet 22 of the connecting piece 21 is deflected by approximately 90° in the connecting piece 21 before the washing liquid is supplied to the washing arm 6 via the fluid outlet 23 of the connecting piece 21.

[0095] The connecting piece 21 has a first arm section 24 in which the fluid inlet 22 of the connecting piece 21 is formed. The connecting piece 21 further has a second arm section 25 in which the fluid outlet 23 of the connecting piece 21 is formed. In the exemplary embodiment of the solution according to the invention shown in the drawings, the cleaning opening 20 is formed at least partially or in sections in the first arm section 24 of the connecting piece 21.

[0096] Although not restrictive, in the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the drawings, the first arm area 24 of the connecting piece 21 is designed and configured as a female plug-in part to receive the end area of ​​the supply line 30, 31 of the supply line system 8 in a form-fitting manner and forming a plug connection.

[0097] As can be seen in particular from the presentation in FIG. 3 The cleaning opening 20 is designed to spray or discharge at least a portion of the washing liquid conveyed by the washing pump 4 of the dishwasher 1 towards the washing arm 6 along a main direction into the treatment chamber 2 of the dishwasher 1. This main direction runs at least substantially opposite to the insertion direction in which the plug connection between the first arm section 24 of the connecting piece 21 and the end section of the supply line 30, 31 of the supply line system 8 is formed.

[0098] As can be seen in particular in the detailed view according to FIG. 4 The system is in a state where the end section of the supply line 30, 31 of the supply line system 8 is connected to the first arm section 24 of the connecting piece 21. In this state, a flow reversal zone 26 is formed in the connecting piece 21, in which the main flow direction of the washing liquid supplied to the connecting piece 21 via the supply line 30 is reversed. The flow reversal zone 26 is fluidically connected to a cleaning channel 27. The cleaning opening 20 forms an outlet opening of the cleaning channel 27.

[0099] According to the detailed view FIG. 4 It can also be deduced that the cleaning channel 27 is fluidly connected to the flow reversal area 26 via an opening area, the opening area being formed in a wall area of ​​the connecting piece 21 which runs at least substantially parallel to the insertion direction.

[0100] The representation in FIG. 2 It can be deduced that the cleaning opening 20 is designed as an outlet opening of the cleaning channel 27, wherein the cleaning channel 27 is formed at least partially by a wall area, in particular an inner wall area, of the connecting piece 21, and by a wall area, in particular an outer wall area, of the end area of ​​the supply line 30, 31 of the supply line system 8 inserted into the first arm area 24, 25 of the connecting piece 21.

[0101] Returning to the section view according to FIG. 3 It should be noted that in the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings, the supply line system 8 is designed as a combined supply line system 8. Specifically, the combined supply line system 8 comprises a first supply line 30 for wash liquid and a second supply line 31 for rinse liquid. The first supply line 30 for wash liquid and the second supply line 31 for rinse liquid are arranged at least partially or in sections at least substantially coaxially and, in particular, also concentrically with respect to each other. The second supply line 31 for rinse liquid is arranged within the first supply line 30 for wash liquid.

[0102] According to the section view FIG. 3 It can also be seen that a rinse aid channel 28 is formed in the connecting piece 21, which is designed to connect the second supply line 31 for rinse aid of the supply line system 8 to a rinse aid arm of the dishwasher 1 in terms of flow.

[0103] On the other hand, a washing fluid channel system 29 is formed in the connecting piece 21, which connects the fluid inlet 22 of the connecting piece 21 and in particular the fluid outlet of the first supply line 30 of the supply line system 8 in terms of flow with the fluid outlet 23 of the connecting piece 21 and in particular with a fluid inlet of the washing arm 6.

[0104] The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in the drawings, but results from a combination of all the features disclosed herein. Bezugszeichenliste

[0105] 1 Dishwasher 2 Treatment chamber 3 Wash tank 4 Wash pump 5 Wash nozzle 6 Wash arm 7 Rinse arm 8 Supply line system 9 Rinse aid concentrate reservoir 10 Water heater / boiler 11 Fresh water connection of the water heater 12 Rinse pump 13 Rinse nozzle 14 Dirt collection area 15 Level sensor 16 Dirt discharge pipe system 17 Wastewater pump 20 Cleaning opening 21 Connector 22 Fluid inlet of connector 23 Fluid outlet of connector 24 First arm section of connector 25 Second arm section of connector 26 Flow reversal section 27 Cleaning channel 28 Rinse fluid channel 29 Wash fluid channel system 30 First supply line 31 Second supply line

Claims

1. Dishwasher (1) with at least one washing system designed as a recirculation circuit, which has at least one washing arm (6) with at least one washing nozzle (5) for spraying washing liquid onto the items to be cleaned, a washing tank (3) for collecting at least part of the sprayed washing liquid and a supply line system (8) with a washing pump (4) through which washing liquid collected in the washing tank (3) can be supplied or is supplied to the at least one washing arm (6), characterized by the fact that in the supply line system (8) at least one cleaning opening (20) is formed or provided, through which, during operation of the washing pump (4), a portion of the washing liquid conveyed by the washing pump (4) towards the at least one washing arm (6) is sprayed or discharged into a treatment chamber (2) or treatment zone of the dishwasher (1).

2. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, wherein the washing arm (6) is detachable and in particular connected or connectable to an end region of the supply line system (8) via a plug connection, wherein the at least one cleaning opening (20) is formed or provided in or on the end region of the supply line system (8).

3. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 2, wherein the end region of the supply line system (8) is formed by a connecting piece (21), which is preferably a plastic part, in particular a plastic injection molded part, wherein the connecting piece (21) has a fluid inlet (22) which is fluidly connected or connectable to an end region of a supply line (30, 31) of the supply line system (8), in particular detachably and preferably via a plug connection, and wherein the connecting piece (21) has a fluid outlet (23) which is fluidly connected or connectable to a fluid inlet of the washing arm (6), in particular detachably.

4. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 3, wherein the connecting piece (21) - viewed in cross-section - is designed at least substantially L-shaped, in particular such that the washing liquid supplied to the connecting piece (21) via the fluid inlet (22) of the connecting piece (21) is deflected in the connecting piece (21) preferably by about 90° before the washing liquid is supplied or can be supplied to the washing arm (6) via the fluid outlet (23) of the connecting piece (21).

5. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the at least one cleaning opening (20) is preferably formed integrally in the connecting piece (21).

6. Dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the connecting piece (21) has a first arm area (24) in which the fluid inlet (22) of the connecting piece (21) is formed, and a second arm area (25) in which the fluid outlet (23) of the connecting piece (21) is formed, wherein the at least one cleaning opening (20) is formed at least partially or partially in the first arm area (24) of the connecting piece (21).

7. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 6, wherein the first arm section (24) of the connecting piece (21) is designed and configured at least partially or partially as a female plug-in part, at least partially or partially to receive the end section of the supply line (30, 31) of the supply line system (8) in a form-fitting manner and preferably by forming a plug connection, wherein the cleaning opening (20) is configured to spray or discharge at least a part of the portion of the washing liquid conveyed by the washing pump (4) in the direction of the washing arm (6) along a main direction into the treatment chamber (2) or treatment zone of the dishwasher (1), wherein the main direction is at least substantially opposite to the plug-in direction in which the plug connection between the first arm section (24) of the connecting piece (21) and the end section of the supply line (30, 31) of the supply line system (8) is formed.

8. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 7, wherein at least in one state, when the end region of the supply line (30, 31) of the supply line system (8) is connected to the first arm region (24) of the connecting piece (21), a flow reversal region (26) is formed in the connecting piece (21), in which a main flow direction of the washing liquid supplied to the connecting piece (21) via the supply line (30) is reversed, wherein the flow reversal region (26) is flow-wise connected to a cleaning channel (27), wherein the cleaning opening (20) forms an outlet opening of the cleaning channel (27).

9. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 8, wherein the cleaning channel (27) is fluidly connected to the flow reversal area (26) via an opening area, wherein the opening area is formed in a wall area of ​​the connecting piece (21) which runs at least substantially parallel to the insertion direction.

10. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the cleaning channel (27) is flow-connected to the flow reversal area (26) via an opening area, wherein the opening area has a filter, in particular a fine filter, for filtering out at least a part of the dirt particles contained in the washing liquid supplied to the connecting piece (21).

11. Dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the cleaning opening (20) is designed as an outlet opening of a cleaning channel (27), wherein the cleaning channel (27) is formed at least partially by a wall area, in particular an inner wall area, of the connecting piece (21), and by a wall area, in particular an outer wall area, of the end area of ​​the supply line (30) of the supply line system (8) inserted into the first arm area (24) of the connecting piece (21).

12. Dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 3 to 11, wherein a washing liquid channel system is formed in the connecting piece (21), which fluidly connects the fluid inlet (22) of the connecting piece (21) to the fluid outlet (23) of the connecting piece (21).

13. Dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one washing nozzle (5) is configured to spray at least a portion of the washing liquid supplied to the corresponding washing arm (6) by the washing pump (4) and the supply line system (8) along a first principal direction into the treatment chamber (2) or treatment zone of the dishwasher (1), and wherein the cleaning opening (20) formed or provided in the supply line system (8) is configured to spray or discharge at least a portion of the portion of the washing liquid conveyed by the washing pump (4) in the direction of the washing arm (6) along a second principal direction into the treatment chamber (2) or treatment zone of the dishwasher (1), wherein the second principal direction is different and in particular differs by at least approximately 90° from the first principal direction.

14. Dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the supply line system (8) is designed as a combined supply line system (8) and has a first supply line (30) for washing liquid and a second supply line (31) for rinsing liquid, wherein the first supply line (30) and the second supply line (31) are arranged at least partially or partially and in particular at least substantially coaxially and preferably concentrically to each other, wherein the second supply line (31) is arranged inside the first supply line (30).

15. Dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 3 to 14 and claim 14, wherein a rinse aid liquid channel (28) is formed in the connecting piece (21), which is configured to connect the second supply line (31) of the supply line system (8) to a rinse aid arm (7) or to rinse aid nozzles (13) of the dishwasher (1) in a flow direction.

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