Dishwasher with washing system and cleaning opening

Abstract

A dishwasher includes a washing system designed as a recirculation system, which has at least one washing arm with at least one washing nozzle for spraying washing liquid onto items to be washed, a washing tank for collecting at least some of the sprayed washing liquid and a feed line system with a washing pump, via which washing liquid collected in the washing tank can be or is fed to the at least one washing arm. In the feed line system, at least one cleaning opening is formed or provided, via which, during the operation of the washing pump, some of the washing liquid conveyed by the washing pump in the direction of the at least one washing arm is sprayed or discharged into a treatment chamber or treatment zone of the dishwasher.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a commercial tableware or utensil washer, which is configured as a box-type warewasher or as a conveyor warewasher.BACKGROUND

[0002] The invention is aimed at a warewasher having at least one washing zone configured as a recirculation loop. The washing zone configured as the recirculation loop comprises a nozzle system having at least one washing nozzle for spraying washing liquid onto the wash items to be cleaned, a washing tank for collecting at least a portion of the sprayed washing liquid, and a washing pump for feeding washing liquid collected in the washing tank to the at least one washing nozzle.

[0003] Optionally, the warewasher may comprise a dirt discharge system associated with the at least one washing zone, having at least one tank cover screen in order to separate dirt particles from the washing liquid flowing back into the washing tank due to gravity.

[0004] Box-type warewashers are manually loadable and unloadable warewashers. The box-type warewashers (also referred to as “batch dishwashers”) can be tableware basket sliding warewashers (“hood-type warewashers”) or front loaders (“front loader warewashers”). Front loaders can be under-counter machines, top-counter machines, or free-standing front loaders.

[0005] A warewasher configured as a box-type warewasher typically comprises a treatment chamber for the cleaning of items. Typically, a washing tank is arranged below the treatment chamber, in which liquid can flow back from the treatment chamber due to gravity. In the washing tank, there is washing liquid, which is typically water, to which a cleaning agent may be added.

[0006] A warewasher configured as a box-type warewasher further comprises a washing system having a washing pump, a conduit system connected to the washing pump, and a nozzle system having at least one washing nozzle. The washing liquid located in the washing tank can be conveyed from the washing pump via the conduit system to the at least one washing nozzle and, through at least one washing nozzle, sprayed onto the items to be cleaned in the treatment chamber. The sprayed washing liquid subsequently flows back into the washer tank due to gravity.

[0007] Conveyor warewashers are in particular flight-type warewashers or rack conveyor warewashers. Conveyor warewashers are commonly used in the commercial sector. By contrast to box-type warewashers, in which the wash items to be cleaned remain stationary in the machine during cleaning, in conveyor warewashers the wash items are conveyed through different treatment zones of the conveyor warewasher.

[0008] A conveyor warewasher typically comprises at least one pre-washing zone and at least one main washing zone located downstream of the pre-washing zone(s) when viewed in the conveying direction of the wash items. When viewed in the conveying direction, at least one post-washing or pre-rinsing zone and at least one rinsing zone downstream of the post-washing zone(s) are typically arranged downstream of the main washing zone(s). When viewed in the conveying direction, the wash items received either directly on the conveyor belt or held by racks typically run in the conveying direction through the inlet tunnel, the subsequent pre-washing zone(s), main washing zone(s), post-washing zone(s), rinsing zone(s), a drying zone, and into an outlet path.

[0009] The aforementioned washing zones of the conveyor warewasher are each associated with a washing system comprising a washing pump and a conduit system (washing conduit system) connected to the washing pump, via which washing liquid is fed to the nozzle system or the at least one washing nozzle of the nozzle system. The washing liquid fed to the at least one washing nozzle of the nozzle system is sprayed onto the wash items in the respective washing zones of the conveyor warewasher, which are conveyed by a conveyor apparatus of the conveyor warewasher through the respective washing zones. Each treatment zone is associated with a tank in which liquid sprayed by the washing nozzles is received and / or in which liquid is provided for the nozzle systems of the respective treatment zones.

[0010] In conveyor warewashers commonly known from the prior art, rinsing liquid in the form of fresh water, which can be pure or can be mixed with further additives such as a rinsing agent, is sprayed via the spray nozzles of the rinsing zone onto the wash items. At least a portion of the sprayed rinsing liquid is conveyed from zone to zone in a cascading system counter to the conveying direction of the wash items.

[0011] The sprayed rinsing liquid is collected in a tank (post-washing tank) of the post-washing zone, from which it is conveyed via the washing pump system of the washing system belonging to the post-washing zone to the spray nozzles (post-washing nozzles) of the post-washing zone. In the post-washing zone, washing liquid is rinsed off of the wash items. The resulting liquid flows into the washing tank of the at least one main washing zone, which is upstream of the post-washing zone when viewed in the conveying direction of the wash items. Here, a cleaning agent is typically added to the liquid, and then the liquid is sprayed onto the wash items by a pumping system belonging to the washing system of the main washing zone (washing pump) via the nozzles (washing nozzles) of the main washing zone. From the washing tank of the main washing zone, the liquid then flows into the pre-washing tank of the pre-washing zone, unless a further main washing zone is provided. The liquid in the pre-washing tank is sprayed onto the wash items by a pumping system belonging to the washing system of the pre-washing zone (pre-washing pump) via the pre-washing nozzles of the pre-washing zone, in order to remove coarse impurities from the wash items.

[0012] Typically, warewashers are equipped with rinsing pumps that feed the rinsing liquid to be sprayed to the conduit system of the rinsing zone. This in particular ensures a virtually constant volume flow rate of the rinsing liquid in the rinsing zone. However, it is also contemplated to use the on-site conduit pressure, for example the pressure of the fresh water supply, in order to supply the rinsing liquid to the conduit system of the rinsing zone. In the latter case, an actuatable valve can be provided between the conduit system and the spray nozzles of the rinsing zone in order to be able to achieve a temporary or complete interruption of the feeding of rinsing liquid to the spray nozzles.

[0013] Regardless of whether a warewasher is configured as a box-type warewasher or as a conveyor warewasher, commercial warewashers thus typically comprise at least one washing zone configured as a recirculation loop, which comprises a nozzle system having at least one washing nozzle for spraying washing liquid onto the items to be cleaned, a washing tank for collecting at least a portion of the sprayed washing liquid, and a washing pump for feeding liquid collected in the washing tank to the at least one washing nozzle.

[0014] Because a washing zone configured as a recirculation loop is used in order to clean the wash items, at least a portion of the washing liquid already sprayed in the washing zone is guided in a loop, so that there is a risk that the dirt particles removed from the wash items will be exponentially pulverized due to the permanent circulation of the washing liquid and thus will no longer be easily separated from the washing liquid through the use of screening apparatuses, etc. Accordingly, there is a risk that, with a washing zone configured as a recirculation cycle, the dirt load of the washing liquid in the washing zone increases with increasing washing time, so that the risk of resoiling of wash items increases, and the overall washing result deteriorates.

[0015] This problem occurs in particular in the pre-washing or main washing zones of a warewasher configured as a conveyor warewasher. Because, in the case of conveyor warewashers, the flow direction of the washing liquid used is cascadingly counter to the conveying direction of the items to be cleaned, the dirt concentration of the washing liquid in the at least one pre-washing zone is the greatest compared to the dirt concentration of the washing liquid in the remaining treatment zones, as the most dirt accrues in the pre-washing zone.

[0016] On the other hand, it cannot be avoided that, over the runtime of a warewasher configured as a conveyor warewasher, a portion of the more soiled washing liquid of the pre-washing zone is “dragged” by the conveyance of the wash items into the at least one main washing zone downstream of the pre-washing zone. As a result, the dirt load of the washing liquid in the main washing zone increases, and, consequently, the rinsing result in the main washing zone can also deteriorate.

[0017] In order to separate the dirt particles introduced into the warewasher from the washing liquid used for rinsing the items, it is well known to use screening apparatuses in the form of dirt screening baskets in which the dirt particles introduced into the warewasher are collected. In the case of warewashers configured as box-type warewashers, such a dirt screening basket is typically arranged in the sump of the treatment chamber above the washing tank.

[0018] On the other hand, with regard to warewashers configured as conveyor warewashers, it is known to equip at least the pre-washing tank associated with the pre-washing zone, and preferably also the main washing tank associated with the at least one main washing zone, with flat screens and dirt screening baskets.

[0019] In the operation of the warewasher configured as a box-type warewasher or as a conveyor warewasher, the dirt particles rinsed off of the wash items with the aid of the circulating washing water fall onto the flat screens due to gravity. There, the dirt particles are separated from the washing liquid flowing back into the corresponding washing tank. The separated dirt particles are then typically flushed into a dirt screening basket.

[0020] Regardless of whether the warewasher is configured as a box-type warewasher, in particular as a hood-type warewasher or as a conveyor warewasher, the warewasher is or must be cleaned accordingly at least at the end of each commercial washing day or at the end of a washing shift. A plurality of work steps to be performed manually are involved in this process.

[0021] To clean, for example, a conveyor warewasher, the washing arms as well as the screen systems of the individual wash systems must first be removed. Since a conveyor washer typically has a plurality of wash zones arranged in series and thus a corresponding number of wash systems, these work steps must be carried out several times.

[0022] The removed screen systems are then manually sprayed with water and additionally—depending on the degree of contamination—manually scrubbed.

[0023] In particular, the corresponding washing tanks of the conveyor warewasher must also be manually sprayed with water and, if necessary, scrubbed manually. The washing tanks in the area of the loading zone of a conveyor warewasher, which are some of the most contaminated treatment zones, are sprayed with water during the cleaning process and partially cleaned manually with a cleaning wipe (if necessary) as well as, if applicable, with the aid of a cleaning solution.

[0024] After the individual treatment zones of a conveyor warewasher have been completely emptied, at the end of each washing day each treatment zone, in particular each washing tank of each treatment zone, is usually sprayed with warm water and cleaned manually (if necessary) with a cleaning wipe as well as, if applicable, with the aid of a cleaning solution.

[0025] The interior cleaning also includes corresponding inspection doors of a conveyor warewasher, which are typically designed as sliding doors or swing doors.

[0026] The total cleaning of a conveyor washer takes between 30-40 minutes, depending on the machine size, with the fresh water quantity used for machine cleaning being between 400 liters and 600 liters.

[0027] To clean a box-type warewasher, in particular a hood-type warewasher, at the end of a commercial day, at least the washing tank must be cleaned in a similar manner. Here as well, a plurality of work steps to be performed manually are involved in this process.

[0028] To clean, for example, a tableware basket sliding warewasher, you must first remove the washing and rinsing arms of the washing system as well as the screen system. The removed screen system is then manually sprayed, typically with warm water, and additionally—depending on the degree of contamination—manually scrubbed. Furthermore, after the treatment chamber of the warewasher has been completely emptied, it must generally be sprayed with warm water and cleaned manually (if necessary) with a cleaning cloth as well as, if necessary, with the aid of a cleaning solution.

[0029] The overall interior cleaning of a tableware basket sliding warewashers takes between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the machine size, with the fresh water quantity used for machine cleaning being between 60 liters and 120 liters.SUMMARY

[0030] The object of the present invention is to specify a warewasher of the above-mentioned type, in which the cleaning to be carried out, in particular at the end of a commercial day, can be designed more efficiently. In particular, a warewasher is to be specified, in which at least a part of the work steps required for the interior cleaning of the warewasher can be simplified or even eliminated in order to save personnel in this way and at the same time reduce the resources used for cleaning (water, energy, chemicals).

[0031] Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to a warewasher having at least one washing system configured as a recirculation system, which comprises at least one washing arm with at least one washing nozzle for spraying washing liquid onto the wash items, a washing tank for collecting at least some 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 or is fed to the at least one washing arm.

[0032] The warewasher according to the invention is in particular a tableware or utensil warewasher, which is configured either as a box-type warewasher or as a conveyor warewasher.

[0033] According to a preferred implementation of the invention, the warewasher is designed as a box-type warewasher and in particular in the form of a hood-type warewasher.

[0034] In order to simplify interior cleaning of the warewasher, and in particular in order to simplify or even eliminate the work steps required for this purpose, it is provided according to the invention that in the supply line system of the warewasher, at least one cleaning opening is configured or provided, via which, during the operation of the washing pump, some of the washing liquid conveyed by the washing pumps in the direction of the at least one washing arm is sprayed or discharged into a treatment chamber or treatment zone.

[0035] The advantages achievable with the solution according to the invention are obvious: because at least one cleaning opening is configured or provided in the supply line system, via which a portion of the washing liquid conveyed with the washing pump towards the at least one washing arm is sprayed or dispensed into the treatment chamber or treatment zone of the warewasher during operation of the washing pump, it is possible to prevent accumulation of dirt particles during spraying of the washer fluid on interior walls of the treatment chamber or treatment zone in an easy-to-implement, but still efficient manner.

[0036] In other words, while the washing liquid is sprayed via the washing nozzles of the washing arm, a portion of the washing liquid is used to rinse or at least wet at least regions of the treatment chamber or treatment zone of the warewasher with washing fluid so that no dirt particles can settle in these regions of the treatment chamber or treatment zone or at least a significantly reduced amount of dirt particles can settle. This at least simplifies the interior cleaning of the warewasher at the end of a washing shift or at the end of a washing day.

[0037] In this context in particular, it is provided that the at least one cleaning opening is configured or provided in the supply line system such that wash liquid is sprayed or dispensed into a region of the treatment chamber or treatment zone of the warewasher via the at least one cleaning opening, which is difficult to reach by the operator of the warewasher during the manual cleaning of the interior of the warewasher at the end of a washing shift or at the end of a washing day.

[0038] In this context in particular, it is provided in preferred embodiments of the warewasher according to the invention that the washing arm is releasably connected to an end region of the supply line system and in particular is connected or connectable via a plug-in connection.

[0039] It is contemplated that the at least one cleaning opening is configured or provided in or on the end area of the supply line system.

[0040] This design variant is based on the finding that, in particular in regions in which the supply line system is connected to the washing arm, manual interior cleaning is relatively complex, since these areas are difficult to access. Independent of this, the interior regions of the warewasher where increased amounts of dirt particles are deposited during operation are predestined to have washing liquid applied to them with the help of the cleaning opening.

[0041] With the solution according to the invention, such areas are automatically cleaned, and in particular are already cleaned while the washing liquid is sprayed during a washing cycle to clean the wash items.

[0042] According to one implementation, in particular of the above-mentioned design variant of the warewasher according to the invention, it is provided that the end region of the supply line system is formed by a connection piece. The connection piece is preferably a plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part.

[0043] Of course, however, it is also contemplated that the connector is an integral part of the end region of the supply line system.

[0044] Independent of the concrete implementation of the connecting piece, this in particular comprises a fluid inlet, which is fluidly connected or connectable to an end region of a supply line of the supply line system. In particular, the fluid inlet of the connecting piece is fluidly releasably connected to the end region of the supply line of the supply line system and preferably connectable or connectable via a plug-in connection.

[0045] On the other hand, the connector preferably comprises a fluid outlet, which is fluidly releasably connected or connectable to a fluid inlet of at least the wash arm in particular.

[0046] According to embodiments of the above-mentioned variant of the warewasher according to the invention, it is provided that the connecting piece is at least substantially L-shaped when viewed in cross-section.

[0047] In particular, it is preferably useful in this context if the connecting piece - as seen in cross-section—is at least essentially L-shaped, such that the washing liquid supplied to the connecting piece via the fluid inlet of the connecting piece in the connecting region is deflected preferably by approximately 90° before the washing liquid is supplied or can be supplied to the washing arm via the fluid outlet of the connecting piece.

[0048] Independent of the specific embodiment of the connecting piece, preferably the at least one cleaning opening should be integrally configured in the connecting piece. This allows the solution according to the invention to be implemented without additional design space or without additional external components.

[0049] It is contemplated, for example, that the connecting piece comprises a first arm region in which the fluid inlet of the connecting piece is configured.

[0050] The connecting piece according to this design variant may further comprise a second arm region in which the fluid outlet of the connecting piece is configured. Preferably, the at least one cleaning opening is configured at least partially or in regions in the first arm region.

[0051] According to preferred implementations, in particular the above-mentioned design variant of the warewasher according to the invention, it is provided that the first arm region of the connecting piece is at least partially or in regions designed and configured as a female plug-in part, i.e. as a “receiving” plug-in part, to at least partially or in regions accommodate the end region of the supply line of the supply line system in particular in a positive-locking manner and preferably by forming a plug-in connection.

[0052] In this embodiment of the connecting piece, it is useful that the cleaning opening is configured to spray or dispense at least a part of the portion of the washing liquid conveyed with the washing pump towards the washing arm along a main direction into the treatment chamber or treatment zone of the warewasher, wherein said main direction is at least substantially opposite to the insertion direction, in which the plug connection is configured between the first arm region of the connecting piece and the end region of the supply line of the supply line system.

[0053] In a specific design variant of this embodiment, it is provided that at least in a state where the end region of the supply line of the supply line system is connected to the first arm region of the connecting piece, a flow-reversing region is formed in the connecting piece in which a main flow direction of the washing fluid supplied via the supply line is reversed. The flow-reversing region is fluidly connected to a cleaning channel, wherein the cleaning opening forms an outlet opening of the cleaning channel.

[0054] This embodiment has key advantages. By forming a corresponding flow-reversing region, in particular in the connecting piece, dirt particles carried along with the washing liquid can be prevented from entering the cleaning channel in an easy-to-implement, but still effective manner.

[0055] This design variant is based on the finding that a particularly laminar bubble is formed in the wash liquid flow through a forced flow-reversing region of the connecting piece, which is supplied to the connecting region via the supply line of the supply line system. In the particularly laminar bubble formed at least partially or in regions in the flow-reversing region of the connecting piece, the dirt particles transported in the washing liquid are not also reversed, or at least only a small part thereof are also reversed.

[0056] This provides the advantage that some “filtration” of the washing liquid occurs through the flow-reversing region. With this filtration, it is achieved that only a significantly reduced number of dirt particles, if any, can enter the cleaning channel.

[0057] In this context, it has proven particularly advantageous that the cleaning channel is connected to the flow-reversing region via an opening region, wherein the opening region is formed in a wall region of the connecting piece that extends at least substantially parallel to the plug-in direction.

[0058] Alternatively or in addition to the above-mentioned design variants, in which a corresponding flow-reversing region 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 configured in the connecting piece.

[0059] In general, it is useful if the cleaning opening is configured as an outlet opening of a cleaning channel, wherein the cleaning channel is formed, at least in certain regions, by a wall region, in particular an inner wall region, of the connecting piece, and by a wall region, in particular an outer wall region, of the end region, which is inserted into the first arm region of the connecting piece, of the supply line of the supply line system.

[0060] Of course, however, other design variants are also contemplated for a particularly integral configuration of the cleaning opening in the connecting piece.

[0061] A washing liquid channel system is preferably configured in the connecting piece, in particularly integrally, which fluidly connects the fluid inlet of the connecting piece to the fluid outlet of the connecting piece.

[0062] In this context, it is useful if a rinsing liquid channel, separate from the washing liquid channel system, is configured in the connecting piece. This rinsing liquid channel is in particular configured to fluidly connect a rinsing liquid supply line (second supply line) of the supply line system to a rinsing arm or to rinsing nozzles of the warewasher.

[0063] In particular, it is contemplated that the supply line system is embodied as a combined supply line system and comprises a first supply line for washing liquid and a second supply line for rinsing liquid. Here, the first supply line (washing liquid supply line) and the second supply line (rinsing liquid supply line) are preferably disposed at least partially or in regions, 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 disposed within the first supply line, i.e. the washing liquid supply line.

[0064] Of course, other embodiments for the supply line system can also be considered here.

[0065] In general, the at least one washing nozzle of the warewasher according to the invention should be configured to spray at least some of the washing liquid supplied to the corresponding washing arm by the washing pump and the supply line system into the treatment chamber or treatment zone of the warewasher along a first main direction, and wherein the cleaning opening formed or provided in the supply line system is configured to spray or discharge at least some of the portion of the washing liquid conveyed by the washing pump in the direction of the washing arm along a second main direction into the treatment chamber or treatment zone of the warewasher, wherein the second main direction is different from the first main direction and in particular lateral or at least approximately 90°different from the first main direction.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] The invention is described in further detail below on the basis of an exemplary embodiment, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] The following are shown:

[0068] FIG. 1 shows a hydraulic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the warewasher according to the present invention;

[0069] FIG. 2 shows schematically and in an isometric view, the region of a supply line system of an exemplary embodiment of the warewasher according to the present invention, in which the supply line system is connected to a corresponding washing and / or rinsing arm of the warewasher;

[0070] FIG. 3 shows schematically and in a sectional view, the region of the supply line system according to FIG. 2; and

[0071] FIG. 4 shows schematically illustrates a detailed view of the supply line system according to FIG. 3, in particular to illustrate the flow-reversing region.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] Commercial warewashers are designed for cleaning large quantities of washware in as short a time as possible. In a hood-type warewasher from the present applicant, the duration of the preset standard program, which is typically used for normally soiled washware such as plates, bowls, cups, and glasses, is only 70 seconds. This means that the theoretical capacity of the hood-type warewasher is up to 52 baskets per hour.

[0073] Almost without exception, commercial-grade warewashers are equipped with rotating washing-and-rinsing systems. A washing-and-rinsing system typically consists of a washing arm and a rinsing arm.

[0074] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a commercial warewasher 1 has an upper as well as a lower washing and rinsing system.

[0075] During operation, the washing liquid (detergent solution) is pumped from the washing tank 3 of the warewasher 1 to the washing arms 6 via a pipe system (supply line system 8) using a washing pump 4. The washing arms 6 are used in order to apply the washing liquid (detergent solution) to the washware to be cleaned. The dirt is removed from the washware and integrated into the washing liquid. As shown in FIG. 1, the washing liquid then flows back into the washing tank 3 of the warewasher 1 via a screen system that retains coarse dirt residues.

[0076] The screen system of a commercial warewasher 1 typically comprises a flat screen, a fine screen and a collection tank (dirt collection region 14) for coarse food residues. The collection tank is also commonly referred to as the dirt collection region 14

[0077] However, systems are also known in which the collection tank (dirt collection region 14) and the fine screen are combined in one part.

[0078] Typically, the flat screen / tank cover screen is formed as a perforated sheet. However, flat screens / tank cover screens without perforations are also known.

[0079] Typically, the flat screen / tank cover screen comprises perforations of 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm in diameter. However, this means that dirt particles that are less than 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm cannot be filtered out of the detergent solution. In subsequent wash programs, these are repeatedly pumped by the washing pump 4 via the washing arms 6. This allows these dirt particles to disperse and settle in the machine interior.

[0080] Coarser dirt particles (3.0 mm to 7.0 mm) are filtered out via the flat screen / tank cover screen and the fine screen. The particles of this size are supplied via the drain pump (waste water pump 17), for example, to a waste water system. Dirt residues larger than 7.0 mm are collected in a collection tank (dirt collection region 14). This must be manually removed and cleaned at the end of the washing shift.

[0081] At the end of the washing shift, the machine interior is usually cleaned with a relatively high level of manual effort. To this end, the operator usually cleans the interior including the washing tank 3 with a sponge. In the case of stubborn soiling, a brush is first used. Depending on the installation, manual spraying of the machine interior with a water hose / handheld shower is also a common practice.

[0082] The objective of the invention is to eliminate or at least reduce the manual cleaning effort in the interior of the warewasher 1 and thus significantly reduce the manual cleaning effort for the operator for the entire warewasher 1.

[0083] In the following detailed description of the figures, the same or similarly acting components are provided with the same reference characters.

[0084] In FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of the warewasher 1 according to the invention is illustrated. It should be noted that this comprises only the components required for understanding the invention. Details of the warewasher 1 are subsequently described with reference to the illustrations in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4.

[0085] The warewasher 1 according to FIG. 1 is in particular a commercial table or utensil washer, which is configured as a hood-type warewasher.

[0086] Of course, it is also possible to configure the warewasher 1 according to the invention as a box-type warewasher or as a conveyor warewasher. The structural changes necessary for this are of course known to the person skilled in the art.

[0087] The warewasher 1 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a treatment chamber 2 with an associated wash tank 3. The wash tank 3 serves to receive a treatment liquid, which can be conveyed to a plurality of washing nozzles 5 via a washing pump 4. In particular, according to the illustrated embodiment, the wash nozzles 5 are located in the upper and lower regions of the treatment chamber 2, where a wash / rinse system with an associated washing arm 6 and a rinsing arm 7 is provided.

[0088] The upper and lower washing arms 6 are connected to the washing tank 3 via a wash line 30 (cf. FIG. 3). Because the washing tank 3 is located in the lower region of the treatment chamber 2, this can result in a recirculation of the treatment liquid (wash liquid) after the spraying of the washware.

[0089] The warewasher 1 shown in FIG. 1 further comprises at least one rinsing system for providing a rinsing liquid. In the illustrated embodiment, the rinsing system consists of a reservoir 9 that contains a rinsing concentrate.

[0090] As can be seen from the illustration in FIG. 1, the reservoir 9 of the rinsing system is connected to a water heater (boiler 10) via a fluid line. The boiler 10 comprises a fresh water connection 11 through which fresh water (e.g. tap water) can be introduced into the boiler 10. The fresh water located in the boiler 10 is heated by a heating device and mixed with the rinsing concentrate of the reservoir 9. For this purpose, the rinsing concentrate is conveyed through a dosing pump from the reservoir 9 to the boiler 10. The rinsing liquid resulting from a combination of fresh water and rinsing concentrate can be conveyed to a plurality of rinsing nozzles 13 via a rinsing pump 12 and the associated rinsing lines. Similar to the washing nozzles 5, the rinsing nozzles 13 are also located inside the treatment chamber 2 of the warewasher 1, namely in an upper and lower rinsing arm 7, respectively.

[0091] As can in particular be seen in the illustrations in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, the exemplary embodiment of the warewasher 1 according to the invention shown schematically in FIG. 1 comprises a cleaning system with which interior cleaning of the warewasher 1 is automatically performed at least in regions during a washing cycle, i.e. when washing liquid is supplied to the washing arms 6 of the warewasher 1 with the help of the washing pump 4.

[0092] For this purpose, as indicated in FIG. 2, the supply line system 8 comprises a cleaning opening 20, via which a portion of the washing liquid conveyed with the washing pump 4 towards the washing arm 6 is sprayed or dispensed into the treatment chamber 2 of the warewasher 1 during operation of the washing pump 4.

[0093] Specifically, and as is shown in the sectional view in FIG. 3, the washing arm 6 is releasably connected or connectable to an end region of the supply line system 8 via a plug-in connection. The cleaning opening 20 is configured or provided in or on the end region of the supply line system 8.

[0094] In the exemplary embodiment of the warewasher 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, in particular a plastic injection-molded part.

[0095] As is in particular shown in the sectional view in FIG. 3, the connecting piece 21 comprises a fluid inlet 22, which is fluidly releasably connected to an end region of a supply line 30, 31 of the supply line system 8 and in particular connected via a plug-in connection. In addition, the connecting piece 21 comprises a fluid outlet 23, which is fluidly releasably connected or connectable to a fluid inlet 22 of the washing arm 6, in particular.

[0096] In detail, in the exemplary embodiment of the warewasher 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings, it is provided that the connecting piece 21 is at least substantially L-shaped when viewed in cross-section (cf. FIG. 3). The washing liquid supplied via the fluid inlet 22 of the connecting piece 21 to 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.

[0097] The connecting piece 21 comprises a first arm region 24 in which the fluid inlet 22 of the connecting piece 21 is configured. The connecting piece 21 further comprises a second arm region 25 in which the fluid outlet 23 of the connecting piece 21 is configured. In the exemplary embodiment of the solution according to the invention shown in the drawings, the cleaning opening 20 is configured at least partially or in regions in the first arm region 24 of the connector 21.

[0098] Although this is not limiting, in the exemplary embodiment of the inventive warewasher 1, according to the drawings, the first arm region 24 of the connector 21 is embodied and configured as a female plug-in part and is configured to receive the end region of the supply line 30, 31 of the supply line system 8 in a positive-locking manner and by forming a plug-in connection.

[0099] As is shown in particular in the illustration in FIG. 3, the cleaning opening 20 is configured to spray or dispense at least a part of the portion of the washing liquid conveyed with the washing pump 4 of the warewasher 1 towards the washing arm 6 along a main direction into the treatment chamber 2 of the warewasher 1. The main direction is at least substantially opposite to the insertion direction in which the plug connection is configured between the first arm region 24 of the connecting piece 21 and the end region of the supply line 30, 31 of the supply line system 8.

[0100] As is shown in particular in the detailed view according to FIG. 4, in a state where 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-reversing region 26 is formed in the connecting piece 21 in which a main flow direction of the washing liquid supplied via the supply line 30 to the connecting piece 21 is reversed. The flow-reversing region 26 is fluidly connected to a cleaning channel 27. The cleaning opening 20 forms an outlet opening of the cleaning channel 27.

[0101] The detailed view according to FIG. 4 furthermore shows that the cleaning channel 27 is fluidly connected to the flow-reversing region 26 via an opening region, wherein the opening region is formed in a wall region of the connecting piece 21 that extends at least substantially parallel to the plug-in direction.

[0102] The illustration in FIG. 2 shows that the cleaning opening 20 is configured as an outlet opening of a cleaning channel 27, wherein the cleaning channel 27 is formed, at least in certain regions, by a wall region, in particular an inner wall region, of the connecting piece 21, and by a wall region, in particular an outer wall region, of the end region, which is inserted into the first arm region 24, 25 of the connecting piece 21, of the supply line 30, 31 of the supply line system 8.

[0103] Returning to the sectional view according to FIG. 3, it is noted that in the exemplary embodiment of the warewasher 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings, the supply line system 8 is embodied as a combined supply line system 8. Specifically, the combined supply line system 8 comprises a first supply line 30 for washing liquid and a second supply line 31 for rinsing liquid. The first supply line 30 for washing liquid and the second supply line 31 for rinsing liquid are disposed at least partially or in regions at least substantially coaxially and in particular also concentrically to one another. The second supply line 31 for rinsing liquid is disposed within the first supply line 30 for washing liquid.

[0104] The sectional view according to FIG. 3 furthermore shows that a rinsing liquid channel 28 is formed in the connecting piece 21, which is designed to fluidly connect the second supply line 31 for rinsing liquid of the supply line system 8 with a rinsing arm of the warewasher 1.

[0105] On the other hand, a washing liquid channel system 29 is formed in the connecting piece 21, which fluidly 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, to the fluid outlet 23 of the connecting piece 21, and in particular to a fluid inlet of the wash arm 6.

[0106] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but rather results when all of the features disclosed herein are considered together.LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0107] 1 Warewasher

[0108] 2 Treatment chamber

[0109] 3 Washing tank

[0110] 4 Washing pump

[0111] 5 Washing nozzle

[0112] 6 Washing arm

[0113] 7 Rinsing arm

[0114] 8 Supply line system

[0115] 9 Reservoir for rinsing concentrate

[0116] 10 Water heater / boiler

[0117] 11 Water heater fresh water connection

[0118] 12 Rinsing pump

[0119] 13 Rinsing nozzle

[0120] 14 Dirt collection region

[0121] 15 Fill level monitoring sensor

[0122] 16 Dirt discharge pipe system

[0123] 17 Wastewater pump

[0124] 20 Cleaning opening

[0125] 21 Connecting piece

[0126] 22 Fluid inlet of the connecting piece

[0127] 23 Fluid outlet of the connecting piece

[0128] 24 First arm region of the connecting piece

[0129] 25 Second arm region of the connecting piece

[0130] 26 Flow-reversing region

[0131] 27 Cleaning channel

[0132] 28 Rinsing liquid channel

[0133] 29 Washing liquid channel system

[0134] 30 First supply line

[0135] 31 Second supply line

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0072]Commercial warewashers are designed for cleaning large quantities of washware in as short a time as possible. In a hood-type warewasher from the present applicant, the duration of the preset standard program, which is typically used for normally soiled washware such as plates, bowls, cups, and glasses, is only 70 seconds. This means that the theoretical capacity of the hood-type warewasher is up to 52 baskets per hour.

[0073]Almost without exception, commercial-grade warewashers are equipped with rotating washing-and-rinsing systems. A washing-and-rinsing system typically consists of a washing arm and a rinsing arm.

[0074]For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a commercial warewasher 1 has an upper as well as a lower washing and rinsing system.

[0075]During operation, the washing liquid (detergent solution) is pumped from the washing tank 3 of the warewasher 1 to the washing arms 6 via a pipe system (supply line system 8) using a washing pump 4. The washing arms 6 are used in order to ...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a commercial tableware or utensil washer, which is configured as a box-type warewasher or as a conveyor warewasher.BACKGROUND

[0002] The invention is aimed at a warewasher having at least one washing zone configured as a recirculation loop. The washing zone configured as the recirculation loop comprises a nozzle system having at least one washing nozzle for spraying washing liquid onto the wash items to be cleaned, a washing tank for collecting at least a portion of the sprayed washing liquid, and a washing pump for feeding washing liquid collected in the washing tank to the at least one washing nozzle.

[0003] Optionally, the warewasher may comprise a dirt discharge system associated with the at least one washing zone, having at least one tank cover screen in order to separate dirt particles from the washing liquid flowing back into the washing tank due to gravity.

[0004] Box-type warewashers are manually loadable and unloadable warewashers. The box-type warewashers (also referred to as “batch dishwashers”) can be tableware basket sliding warewashers (“hood-type warewashers”) or front loaders (“front loader warewashers”). Front loaders can be under-counter machines, top-counter machines, or free-standing front loaders.

[0005] A warewasher configured as a box-type warewasher typically comprises a treatment chamber for the cleaning of items. Typically, a washing tank is arranged below the treatment chamber, in which liquid can flow back from the treatment chamber due to gravity. In the washing tank, there is washing liquid, which is typically water, to which a cleaning agent may be added.

[0006] A warewasher configured as a box-type warewasher further comprises a washing system having a washing pump, a conduit system connected to the washing pump, and a nozzle system having at least one washing nozzle. The washing liquid located in the washing tank can be conveyed from the washing pump via the conduit system to the at least one washing nozzle and, through at least one washing nozzle, sprayed onto the items to be cleaned in the treatment chamber. The sprayed washing liquid subsequently flows back into the washer tank due to gravity.

[0007] Conveyor warewashers are in particular flight-type warewashers or rack conveyor warewashers. Conveyor warewashers are commonly used in the commercial sector. By contrast to box-type warewashers, in which the wash items to be cleaned remain stationary in the machine during cleaning, in conveyor warewashers the wash items are conveyed through different treatment zones of the conveyor warewasher.

[0008] A conveyor warewasher typically comprises at least one pre-washing zone and at least one main washing zone located downstream of the pre-washing zone(s) when viewed in the conveying direction of the wash items. When viewed in the conveying direction, at least one post-washing or pre-rinsing zone and at least one rinsing zone downstream of the post-washing zone(s) are typically arranged downstream of the main washing zone(s). When viewed in the conveying direction, the wash items received either directly on the conveyor belt or held by racks typically run in the conveying direction through the inlet tunnel, the subsequent pre-washing zone(s), main washing zone(s), post-washing zone(s), rinsing zone(s), a drying zone, and into an outlet path.

[0009] The aforementioned washing zones of the conveyor warewasher are each associated with a washing system comprising a washing pump and a conduit system (washing conduit system) connected to the washing pump, via which washing liquid is fed to the nozzle system or the at least one washing nozzle of the nozzle system. The washing liquid fed to the at least one washing nozzle of the nozzle system is sprayed onto the wash items in the respective washing zones of the conveyor warewasher, which are conveyed by a conveyor apparatus of the conveyor warewasher through the respective washing zones. Each treatment zone is associated with a tank in which liquid sprayed by the washing nozzles is received and / or in which liquid is provided for the nozzle systems of the respective treatment zones.

[0010] In conveyor warewashers commonly known from the prior art, rinsing liquid in the form of fresh water, which can be pure or can be mixed with further additives such as a rinsing agent, is sprayed via the spray nozzles of the rinsing zone onto the wash items. At least a portion of the sprayed rinsing liquid is conveyed from zone to zone in a cascading system counter to the conveying direction of the wash items.

[0011] The sprayed rinsing liquid is collected in a tank (post-washing tank) of the post-washing zone, from which it is conveyed via the washing pump system of the washing system belonging to the post-washing zone to the spray nozzles (post-washing nozzles) of the post-washing zone. In the post-washing zone, washing liquid is rinsed off of the wash items. The resulting liquid flows into the washing tank of the at least one main washing zone, which is upstream of the post-washing zone when viewed in the conveying direction of the wash items. Here, a cleaning agent is typically added to the liquid, and then the liquid is sprayed onto the wash items by a pumping system belonging to the washing system of the main washing zone (washing pump) via the nozzles (washing nozzles) of the main washing zone. From the washing tank of the main washing zone, the liquid then flows into the pre-washing tank of the pre-washing zone, unless a further main washing zone is provided. The liquid in the pre-washing tank is sprayed onto the wash items by a pumping system belonging to the washing system of the pre-washing zone (pre-washing pump) via the pre-washing nozzles of the pre-washing zone, in order to remove coarse impurities from the wash items.

[0012] Typically, warewashers are equipped with rinsing pumps that feed the rinsing liquid to be sprayed to the conduit system of the rinsing zone. This in particular ensures a virtually constant volume flow rate of the rinsing liquid in the rinsing zone. However, it is also contemplated to use the on-site conduit pressure, for example the pressure of the fresh water supply, in order to supply the rinsing liquid to the conduit system of the rinsing zone. In the latter case, an actuatable valve can be provided between the conduit system and the spray nozzles of the rinsing zone in order to be able to achieve a temporary or complete interruption of the feeding of rinsing liquid to the spray nozzles.

[0013] Regardless of whether a warewasher is configured as a box-type warewasher or as a conveyor warewasher, commercial warewashers thus typically comprise at least one washing zone configured as a recirculation loop, which comprises a nozzle system having at least one washing nozzle for spraying washing liquid onto the items to be cleaned, a washing tank for collecting at least a portion of the sprayed washing liquid, and a washing pump for feeding liquid collected in the washing tank to the at least one washing nozzle.

[0014] Because a washing zone configured as a recirculation loop is used in order to clean the wash items, at least a portion of the washing liquid already sprayed in the washing zone is guided in a loop, so that there is a risk that the dirt particles removed from the wash items will be exponentially pulverized due to the permanent circulation of the washing liquid and thus will no longer be easily separated from the washing liquid through the use of screening apparatuses, etc. Accordingly, there is a risk that, with a washing zone configured as a recirculation cycle, the dirt load of the washing liquid in the washing zone increases with increasing washing time, so that the risk of resoiling of wash items increases, and the overall washing result deteriorates.

[0015] This problem occurs in particular in the pre-washing or main washing zones of a warewasher configured as a conveyor warewasher. Because, in the case of conveyor warewashers, the flow direction of the washing liquid used is cascadingly counter to the conveying direction of the items to be cleaned, the dirt concentration of the washing liquid in the at least one pre-washing zone is the greatest compared to the dirt concentration of the washing liquid in the remaining treatment zones, as the most dirt accrues in the pre-washing zone.

[0016] On the other hand, it cannot be avoided that, over the runtime of a warewasher configured as a conveyor warewasher, a portion of the more soiled washing liquid of the pre-washing zone is “dragged” by the conveyance of the wash items into the at least one main washing zone downstream of the pre-washing zone. As a result, the dirt load of the washing liquid in the main washing zone increases, and, consequently, the rinsing result in the main washing zone can also deteriorate.

[0017] In order to separate the dirt particles introduced into the warewasher from the washing liquid used for rinsing the items, it is well known to use screening apparatuses in the form of dirt screening baskets in which the dirt particles introduced into the warewasher are collected. In the case of warewashers configured as box-type warewashers, such a dirt screening basket is typically arranged in the sump of the treatment chamber above the washing tank.

[0018] On the other hand, with regard to warewashers configured as conveyor warewashers, it is known to equip at least the pre-washing tank associated with the pre-washing zone, and preferably also the main washing tank associated with the at least one main washing zone, with flat screens and dirt screening baskets.

[0019] In the operation of the warewasher configured as a box-type warewasher or as a conveyor warewasher, the dirt particles rinsed off of the wash items with the aid of the circulating washing water fall onto the flat screens due to gravity. There, the dirt particles are separated from the washing liquid flowing back into the corresponding washing tank. The separated dirt particles are then typically flushed into a dirt screening basket.

[0020] Regardless of whether the warewasher is configured as a box-type warewasher, in particular as a hood-type warewasher or as a conveyor warewasher, the warewasher is or must be cleaned accordingly at least at the end of each commercial washing day or at the end of a washing shift. A plurality of work steps to be performed manually are involved in this process.

[0021] To clean, for example, a conveyor warewasher, the washing arms as well as the screen systems of the individual wash systems must first be removed. Since a conveyor washer typically has a plurality of wash zones arranged in series and thus a corresponding number of wash systems, these work steps must be carried out several times.

[0022] The removed screen systems are then manually sprayed with water and additionally—depending on the degree of contamination—manually scrubbed.

[0023] In particular, the corresponding washing tanks of the conveyor warewasher must also be manually sprayed with water and, if necessary, scrubbed manually. The washing tanks in the area of the loading zone of a conveyor warewasher, which are some of the most contaminated treatment zones, are sprayed with water during the cleaning process and partially cleaned manually with a cleaning wipe (if necessary) as well as, if applicable, with the aid of a cleaning solution.

[0024] After the individual treatment zones of a conveyor warewasher have been completely emptied, at the end of each washing day each treatment zone, in particular each washing tank of each treatment zone, is usually sprayed with warm water and cleaned manually (if necessary) with a cleaning wipe as well as, if applicable, with the aid of a cleaning solution.

[0025] The interior cleaning also includes corresponding inspection doors of a conveyor warewasher, which are typically designed as sliding doors or swing doors.

[0026] The total cleaning of a conveyor washer takes between 30-40 minutes, depending on the machine size, with the fresh water quantity used for machine cleaning being between 400 liters and 600 liters.

[0027] To clean a box-type warewasher, in particular a hood-type warewasher, at the end of a commercial day, at least the washing tank must be cleaned in a similar manner. Here as well, a plurality of work steps to be performed manually are involved in this process.

[0028] To clean, for example, a tableware basket sliding warewasher, you must first remove the washing and rinsing arms of the washing system as well as the screen system. The removed screen system is then manually sprayed, typically with warm water, and additionally—depending on the degree of contamination—manually scrubbed. Furthermore, after the treatment chamber of the warewasher has been completely emptied, it must generally be sprayed with warm water and cleaned manually (if necessary) with a cleaning cloth as well as, if necessary, with the aid of a cleaning solution.

[0029] The overall interior cleaning of a tableware basket sliding warewashers takes between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the machine size, with the fresh water quantity used for machine cleaning being between 60 liters and 120 liters.SUMMARY

[0030] The object of the present invention is to specify a warewasher of the above-mentioned type, in which the cleaning to be carried out, in particular at the end of a commercial day, can be designed more efficiently. In particular, a warewasher is to be specified, in which at least a part of the work steps required for the interior cleaning of the warewasher can be simplified or even eliminated in order to save personnel in this way and at the same time reduce the resources used for cleaning (water, energy, chemicals).

[0031] Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to a warewasher having at least one washing system configured as a recirculation system, which comprises at least one washing arm with at least one washing nozzle for spraying washing liquid onto the wash items, a washing tank for collecting at least some 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 or is fed to the at least one washing arm.

[0032] The warewasher according to the invention is in particular a tableware or utensil warewasher, which is configured either as a box-type warewasher or as a conveyor warewasher.

[0033] According to a preferred implementation of the invention, the warewasher is designed as a box-type warewasher and in particular in the form of a hood-type warewasher.

[0034] In order to simplify interior cleaning of the warewasher, and in particular in order to simplify or even eliminate the work steps required for this purpose, it is provided according to the invention that in the supply line system of the warewasher, at least one cleaning opening is configured or provided, via which, during the operation of the washing pump, some of the washing liquid conveyed by the washing pumps in the direction of the at least one washing arm is sprayed or discharged into a treatment chamber or treatment zone.

[0035] The advantages achievable with the solution according to the invention are obvious: because at least one cleaning opening is configured or provided in the supply line system, via which a portion of the washing liquid conveyed with the washing pump towards the at least one washing arm is sprayed or dispensed into the treatment chamber or treatment zone of the warewasher during operation of the washing pump, it is possible to prevent accumulation of dirt particles during spraying of the washer fluid on interior walls of the treatment chamber or treatment zone in an easy-to-implement, but still efficient manner.

[0036] In other words, while the washing liquid is sprayed via the washing nozzles of the washing arm, a portion of the washing liquid is used to rinse or at least wet at least regions of the treatment chamber or treatment zone of the warewasher with washing fluid so that no dirt particles can settle in these regions of the treatment chamber or treatment zone or at least a significantly reduced amount of dirt particles can settle. This at least simplifies the interior cleaning of the warewasher at the end of a washing shift or at the end of a washing day.

[0037] In this context in particular, it is provided that the at least one cleaning opening is configured or provided in the supply line system such that wash liquid is sprayed or dispensed into a region of the treatment chamber or treatment zone of the warewasher via the at least one cleaning opening, which is difficult to reach by the operator of the warewasher during the manual cleaning of the interior of the warewasher at the end of a washing shift or at the end of a washing day.

[0038] In this context in particular, it is provided in preferred embodiments of the warewasher according to the invention that the washing arm is releasably connected to an end region of the supply line system and in particular is connected or connectable via a plug-in connection.

[0039] It is contemplated that the at least one cleaning opening is configured or provided in or on the end area of the supply line system.

[0040] This design variant is based on the finding that, in particular in regions in which the supply line system is connected to the washing arm, manual interior cleaning is relatively complex, since these areas are difficult to access. Independent of this, the interior regions of the warewasher where increased amounts of dirt particles are deposited during operation are predestined to have washing liquid applied to them with the help of the cleaning opening.

[0041] With the solution according to the invention, such areas are automatically cleaned, and in particular are already cleaned while the washing liquid is sprayed during a washing cycle to clean the wash items.

[0042] According to one implementation, in particular of the above-mentioned design variant of the warewasher according to the invention, it is provided that the end region of the supply line system is formed by a connection piece. The connection piece is preferably a plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part.

[0043] Of course, however, it is also contemplated that the connector is an integral part of the end region of the supply line system.

[0044] Independent of the concrete implementation of the connecting piece, this in particular comprises a fluid inlet, which is fluidly connected or connectable to an end region of a supply line of the supply line system. In particular, the fluid inlet of the connecting piece is fluidly releasably connected to the end region of the supply line of the supply line system and preferably connectable or connectable via a plug-in connection.

[0045] On the other hand, the connector preferably comprises a fluid outlet, which is fluidly releasably connected or connectable to a fluid inlet of at least the wash arm in particular.

[0046] According to embodiments of the above-mentioned variant of the warewasher according to the invention, it is provided that the connecting piece is at least substantially L-shaped when viewed in cross-section.

[0047] In particular, it is preferably useful in this context if the connecting piece - as seen in cross-section—is at least essentially L-shaped, such that the washing liquid supplied to the connecting piece via the fluid inlet of the connecting piece in the connecting region is deflected preferably by approximately 90° before the washing liquid is supplied or can be supplied to the washing arm via the fluid outlet of the connecting piece.

[0048] Independent of the specific embodiment of the connecting piece, preferably the at least one cleaning opening should be integrally configured in the connecting piece. This allows the solution according to the invention to be implemented without additional design space or without additional external components.

[0049] It is contemplated, for example, that the connecting piece comprises a first arm region in which the fluid inlet of the connecting piece is configured.

[0050] The connecting piece according to this design variant may further comprise a second arm region in which the fluid outlet of the connecting piece is configured. Preferably, the at least one cleaning opening is configured at least partially or in regions in the first arm region.

[0051] According to preferred implementations, in particular the above-mentioned design variant of the warewasher according to the invention, it is provided that the first arm region of the connecting piece is at least partially or in regions designed and configured as a female plug-in part, i.e. as a “receiving” plug-in part, to at least partially or in regions accommodate the end region of the supply line of the supply line system in particular in a positive-locking manner and preferably by forming a plug-in connection.

[0052] In this embodiment of the connecting piece, it is useful that the cleaning opening is configured to spray or dispense at least a part of the portion of the washing liquid conveyed with the washing pump towards the washing arm along a main direction into the treatment chamber or treatment zone of the warewasher, wherein said main direction is at least substantially opposite to the insertion direction, in which the plug connection is configured between the first arm region of the connecting piece and the end region of the supply line of the supply line system.

[0053] In a specific design variant of this embodiment, it is provided that at least in a state where the end region of the supply line of the supply line system is connected to the first arm region of the connecting piece, a flow-reversing region is formed in the connecting piece in which a main flow direction of the washing fluid supplied via the supply line is reversed. The flow-reversing region is fluidly connected to a cleaning channel, wherein the cleaning opening forms an outlet opening of the cleaning channel.

[0054] This embodiment has key advantages. By forming a corresponding flow-reversing region, in particular in the connecting piece, dirt particles carried along with the washing liquid can be prevented from entering the cleaning channel in an easy-to-implement, but still effective manner.

[0055] This design variant is based on the finding that a particularly laminar bubble is formed in the wash liquid flow through a forced flow-reversing region of the connecting piece, which is supplied to the connecting region via the supply line of the supply line system. In the particularly laminar bubble formed at least partially or in regions in the flow-reversing region of the connecting piece, the dirt particles transported in the washing liquid are not also reversed, or at least only a small part thereof are also reversed.

[0056] This provides the advantage that some “filtration” of the washing liquid occurs through the flow-reversing region. With this filtration, it is achieved that only a significantly reduced number of dirt particles, if any, can enter the cleaning channel.

[0057] In this context, it has proven particularly advantageous that the cleaning channel is connected to the flow-reversing region via an opening region, wherein the opening region is formed in a wall region of the connecting piece that extends at least substantially parallel to the plug-in direction.

[0058] Alternatively or in addition to the above-mentioned design variants, in which a corresponding flow-reversing region 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 configured in the connecting piece.

[0059] In general, it is useful if the cleaning opening is configured as an outlet opening of a cleaning channel, wherein the cleaning channel is formed, at least in certain regions, by a wall region, in particular an inner wall region, of the connecting piece, and by a wall region, in particular an outer wall region, of the end region, which is inserted into the first arm region of the connecting piece, of the supply line of the supply line system.

[0060] Of course, however, other design variants are also contemplated for a particularly integral configuration of the cleaning opening in the connecting piece.

[0061] A washing liquid channel system is preferably configured in the connecting piece, in particularly integrally, which fluidly connects the fluid inlet of the connecting piece to the fluid outlet of the connecting piece.

[0062] In this context, it is useful if a rinsing liquid channel, separate from the washing liquid channel system, is configured in the connecting piece. This rinsing liquid channel is in particular configured to fluidly connect a rinsing liquid supply line (second supply line) of the supply line system to a rinsing arm or to rinsing nozzles of the warewasher.

[0063] In particular, it is contemplated that the supply line system is embodied as a combined supply line system and comprises a first supply line for washing liquid and a second supply line for rinsing liquid. Here, the first supply line (washing liquid supply line) and the second supply line (rinsing liquid supply line) are preferably disposed at least partially or in regions, 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 disposed within the first supply line, i.e. the washing liquid supply line.

[0064] Of course, other embodiments for the supply line system can also be considered here.

[0065] In general, the at least one washing nozzle of the warewasher according to the invention should be configured to spray at least some of the washing liquid supplied to the corresponding washing arm by the washing pump and the supply line system into the treatment chamber or treatment zone of the warewasher along a first main direction, and wherein the cleaning opening formed or provided in the supply line system is configured to spray or discharge at least some of the portion of the washing liquid conveyed by the washing pump in the direction of the washing arm along a second main direction into the treatment chamber or treatment zone of the warewasher, wherein the second main direction is different from the first main direction and in particular lateral or at least approximately 90°different from the first main direction.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] The invention is described in further detail below on the basis of an exemplary embodiment, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] The following are shown:

[0068] FIG. 1 shows a hydraulic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the warewasher according to the present invention;

[0069] FIG. 2 shows schematically and in an isometric view, the region of a supply line system of an exemplary embodiment of the warewasher according to the present invention, in which the supply line system is connected to a corresponding washing and / or rinsing arm of the warewasher;

[0070] FIG. 3 shows schematically and in a sectional view, the region of the supply line system according to FIG. 2; and

[0071] FIG. 4 shows schematically illustrates a detailed view of the supply line system according to FIG. 3, in particular to illustrate the flow-reversing region.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] Commercial warewashers are designed for cleaning large quantities of washware in as short a time as possible. In a hood-type warewasher from the present applicant, the duration of the preset standard program, which is typically used for normally soiled washware such as plates, bowls, cups, and glasses, is only 70 seconds. This means that the theoretical capacity of the hood-type warewasher is up to 52 baskets per hour.

[0073] Almost without exception, commercial-grade warewashers are equipped with rotating washing-and-rinsing systems. A washing-and-rinsing system typically consists of a washing arm and a rinsing arm.

[0074] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a commercial warewasher 1 has an upper as well as a lower washing and rinsing system.

[0075] During operation, the washing liquid (detergent solution) is pumped from the washing tank 3 of the warewasher 1 to the washing arms 6 via a pipe system (supply line system 8) using a washing pump 4. The washing arms 6 are used in order to apply the washing liquid (detergent solution) to the washware to be cleaned. The dirt is removed from the washware and integrated into the washing liquid. As shown in FIG. 1, the washing liquid then flows back into the washing tank 3 of the warewasher 1 via a screen system that retains coarse dirt residues.

[0076] The screen system of a commercial warewasher 1 typically comprises a flat screen, a fine screen and a collection tank (dirt collection region 14) for coarse food residues. The collection tank is also commonly referred to as the dirt collection region 14

[0077] However, systems are also known in which the collection tank (dirt collection region 14) and the fine screen are combined in one part.

[0078] Typically, the flat screen / tank cover screen is formed as a perforated sheet. However, flat screens / tank cover screens without perforations are also known.

[0079] Typically, the flat screen / tank cover screen comprises perforations of 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm in diameter. However, this means that dirt particles that are less than 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm cannot be filtered out of the detergent solution. In subsequent wash programs, these are repeatedly pumped by the washing pump 4 via the washing arms 6. This allows these dirt particles to disperse and settle in the machine interior.

[0080] Coarser dirt particles (3.0 mm to 7.0 mm) are filtered out via the flat screen / tank cover screen and the fine screen. The particles of this size are supplied via the drain pump (waste water pump 17), for example, to a waste water system. Dirt residues larger than 7.0 mm are collected in a collection tank (dirt collection region 14). This must be manually removed and cleaned at the end of the washing shift.

[0081] At the end of the washing shift, the machine interior is usually cleaned with a relatively high level of manual effort. To this end, the operator usually cleans the interior including the washing tank 3 with a sponge. In the case of stubborn soiling, a brush is first used. Depending on the installation, manual spraying of the machine interior with a water hose / handheld shower is also a common practice.

[0082] The objective of the invention is to eliminate or at least reduce the manual cleaning effort in the interior of the warewasher 1 and thus significantly reduce the manual cleaning effort for the operator for the entire warewasher 1.

[0083] In the following detailed description of the figures, the same or similarly acting components are provided with the same reference characters.

[0084] In FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of the warewasher 1 according to the invention is illustrated. It should be noted that this comprises only the components required for understanding the invention. Details of the warewasher 1 are subsequently described with reference to the illustrations in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4.

[0085] The warewasher 1 according to FIG. 1 is in particular a commercial table or utensil washer, which is configured as a hood-type warewasher.

[0086] Of course, it is also possible to configure the warewasher 1 according to the invention as a box-type warewasher or as a conveyor warewasher. The structural changes necessary for this are of course known to the person skilled in the art.

[0087] The warewasher 1 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a treatment chamber 2 with an associated wash tank 3. The wash tank 3 serves to receive a treatment liquid, which can be conveyed to a plurality of washing nozzles 5 via a washing pump 4. In particular, according to the illustrated embodiment, the wash nozzles 5 are located in the upper and lower regions of the treatment chamber 2, where a wash / rinse system with an associated washing arm 6 and a rinsing arm 7 is provided.

[0088] The upper and lower washing arms 6 are connected to the washing tank 3 via a wash line 30 (cf. FIG. 3). Because the washing tank 3 is located in the lower region of the treatment chamber 2, this can result in a recirculation of the treatment liquid (wash liquid) after the spraying of the washware.

[0089] The warewasher 1 shown in FIG. 1 further comprises at least one rinsing system for providing a rinsing liquid. In the illustrated embodiment, the rinsing system consists of a reservoir 9 that contains a rinsing concentrate.

[0090] As can be seen from the illustration in FIG. 1, the reservoir 9 of the rinsing system is connected to a water heater (boiler 10) via a fluid line. The boiler 10 comprises a fresh water connection 11 through which fresh water (e.g. tap water) can be introduced into the boiler 10. The fresh water located in the boiler 10 is heated by a heating device and mixed with the rinsing concentrate of the reservoir 9. For this purpose, the rinsing concentrate is conveyed through a dosing pump from the reservoir 9 to the boiler 10. The rinsing liquid resulting from a combination of fresh water and rinsing concentrate can be conveyed to a plurality of rinsing nozzles 13 via a rinsing pump 12 and the associated rinsing lines. Similar to the washing nozzles 5, the rinsing nozzles 13 are also located inside the treatment chamber 2 of the warewasher 1, namely in an upper and lower rinsing arm 7, respectively.

[0091] As can in particular be seen in the illustrations in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, the exemplary embodiment of the warewasher 1 according to the invention shown schematically in FIG. 1 comprises a cleaning system with which interior cleaning of the warewasher 1 is automatically performed at least in regions during a washing cycle, i.e. when washing liquid is supplied to the washing arms 6 of the warewasher 1 with the help of the washing pump 4.

[0092] For this purpose, as indicated in FIG. 2, the supply line system 8 comprises a cleaning opening 20, via which a portion of the washing liquid conveyed with the washing pump 4 towards the washing arm 6 is sprayed or dispensed into the treatment chamber 2 of the warewasher 1 during operation of the washing pump 4.

[0093] Specifically, and as is shown in the sectional view in FIG. 3, the washing arm 6 is releasably connected or connectable to an end region of the supply line system 8 via a plug-in connection. The cleaning opening 20 is configured or provided in or on the end region of the supply line system 8.

[0094] In the exemplary embodiment of the warewasher 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, in particular a plastic injection-molded part.

[0095] As is in particular shown in the sectional view in FIG. 3, the connecting piece 21 comprises a fluid inlet 22, which is fluidly releasably connected to an end region of a supply line 30, 31 of the supply line system 8 and in particular connected via a plug-in connection. In addition, the connecting piece 21 comprises a fluid outlet 23, which is fluidly releasably connected or connectable to a fluid inlet 22 of the washing arm 6, in particular.

[0096] In detail, in the exemplary embodiment of the warewasher 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings, it is provided that the connecting piece 21 is at least substantially L-shaped when viewed in cross-section (cf. FIG. 3). The washing liquid supplied via the fluid inlet 22 of the connecting piece 21 to 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.

[0097] The connecting piece 21 comprises a first arm region 24 in which the fluid inlet 22 of the connecting piece 21 is configured. The connecting piece 21 further comprises a second arm region 25 in which the fluid outlet 23 of the connecting piece 21 is configured. In the exemplary embodiment of the solution according to the invention shown in the drawings, the cleaning opening 20 is configured at least partially or in regions in the first arm region 24 of the connector 21.

[0098] Although this is not limiting, in the exemplary embodiment of the inventive warewasher 1, according to the drawings, the first arm region 24 of the connector 21 is embodied and configured as a female plug-in part and is configured to receive the end region of the supply line 30, 31 of the supply line system 8 in a positive-locking manner and by forming a plug-in connection.

[0099] As is shown in particular in the illustration in FIG. 3, the cleaning opening 20 is configured to spray or dispense at least a part of the portion of the washing liquid conveyed with the washing pump 4 of the warewasher 1 towards the washing arm 6 along a main direction into the treatment chamber 2 of the warewasher 1. The main direction is at least substantially opposite to the insertion direction in which the plug connection is configured between the first arm region 24 of the connecting piece 21 and the end region of the supply line 30, 31 of the supply line system 8.

[0100] As is shown in particular in the detailed view according to FIG. 4, in a state where 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-reversing region 26 is formed in the connecting piece 21 in which a main flow direction of the washing liquid supplied via the supply line 30 to the connecting piece 21 is reversed. The flow-reversing region 26 is fluidly connected to a cleaning channel 27. The cleaning opening 20 forms an outlet opening of the cleaning channel 27.

[0101] The detailed view according to FIG. 4 furthermore shows that the cleaning channel 27 is fluidly connected to the flow-reversing region 26 via an opening region, wherein the opening region is formed in a wall region of the connecting piece 21 that extends at least substantially parallel to the plug-in direction.

[0102] The illustration in FIG. 2 shows that the cleaning opening 20 is configured as an outlet opening of a cleaning channel 27, wherein the cleaning channel 27 is formed, at least in certain regions, by a wall region, in particular an inner wall region, of the connecting piece 21, and by a wall region, in particular an outer wall region, of the end region, which is inserted into the first arm region 24, 25 of the connecting piece 21, of the supply line 30, 31 of the supply line system 8.

[0103] Returning to the sectional view according to FIG. 3, it is noted that in the exemplary embodiment of the warewasher 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings, the supply line system 8 is embodied as a combined supply line system 8. Specifically, the combined supply line system 8 comprises a first supply line 30 for washing liquid and a second supply line 31 for rinsing liquid. The first supply line 30 for washing liquid and the second supply line 31 for rinsing liquid are disposed at least partially or in regions at least substantially coaxially and in particular also concentrically to one another. The second supply line 31 for rinsing liquid is disposed within the first supply line 30 for washing liquid.

[0104] The sectional view according to FIG. 3 furthermore shows that a rinsing liquid channel 28 is formed in the connecting piece 21, which is designed to fluidly connect the second supply line 31 for rinsing liquid of the supply line system 8 with a rinsing arm of the warewasher 1.

[0105] On the other hand, a washing liquid channel system 29 is formed in the connecting piece 21, which fluidly 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, to the fluid outlet 23 of the connecting piece 21, and in particular to a fluid inlet of the wash arm 6.

[0106] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but rather results when all of the features disclosed herein are considered together.LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0107] 1 Warewasher

[0108] 2 Treatment chamber

[0109] 3 Washing tank

[0110] 4 Washing pump

[0111] 5 Washing nozzle

[0112] 6 Washing arm

[0113] 7 Rinsing arm

[0114] 8 Supply line system

[0115] 9 Reservoir for rinsing concentrate

[0116] 10 Water heater / boiler

[0117] 11 Water heater fresh water connection

[0118] 12 Rinsing pump

[0119] 13 Rinsing nozzle

[0120] 14 Dirt collection region

[0121] 15 Fill level monitoring sensor

[0122] 16 Dirt discharge pipe system

[0123] 17 Wastewater pump

[0124] 20 Cleaning opening

[0125] 21 Connecting piece

[0126] 22 Fluid inlet of the connecting piece

[0127] 23 Fluid outlet of the connecting piece

[0128] 24 First arm region of the connecting piece

[0129] 25 Second arm region of the connecting piece

[0130] 26 Flow-reversing region

[0131] 27 Cleaning channel

[0132] 28 Rinsing liquid channel

[0133] 29 Washing liquid channel system

[0134] 30 First supply line

[0135] 31 Second supply line

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0072]Commercial warewashers are designed for cleaning large quantities of washware in as short a time as possible. In a hood-type warewasher from the present applicant, the duration of the preset standard program, which is typically used for normally soiled washware such as plates, bowls, cups, and glasses, is only 70 seconds. This means that the theoretical capacity of the hood-type warewasher is up to 52 baskets per hour.

[0073]Almost without exception, commercial-grade warewashers are equipped with rotating washing-and-rinsing systems. A washing-and-rinsing system typically consists of a washing arm and a rinsing arm.

[0074]For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a commercial warewasher 1 has an upper as well as a lower washing and rinsing system.

[0075]During operation, the washing liquid (detergent solution) is pumped from the washing tank 3 of the warewasher 1 to the washing arms 6 via a pipe system (supply line system 8) using a washing pump 4. The washing arms 6 are used in order to ...

Claims

1. A dishwasher having at least one washing system designed as a recirculation system, which washing system has at least one washing arm with at least one washing nozzle for spraying washing liquid onto the items to be washed, a washing tank for collecting at least some of the sprayed washing liquid and a feed line system with a washing pump, via which washing liquid collected in the washing tank can be or is fed to the at least one washing arm,characterized in thatat least one cleaning opening is formed or provided in the feed line system, via which, during operation of the washing pump, some of the washing liquid conveyed by the washing pump in the direction of the at least one washing arm is sprayed or discharged into a treatment chamber or treatment zone of the dishwasher.

2. The dishwasher according to claim 1,wherein the washing arm is connected or can be connected to an end region of the feed line system in a releasable manner, andwherein the at least one cleaning opening is formed in or provided on the end region of the feed line system.

3. The dishwasher according to claim 2,wherein the end region of the feed line system is formed by a connecting piece,wherein the connecting piece has a fluid inlet which is connected or can be connected, in terms of flow to an end region of a feed line of the feed line system, and wherein the connecting piece has a fluid outlet which is connected or can be connected, in terms of flow to a fluid inlet of the washing arm.

4. The dishwasher according to claim 3,wherein the connecting piece—as seen in cross-section—is at least essentially L-shaped, such that the washing liquid supplied to the connecting piece via the fluid inlet of the connecting piece in the connecting piece is deflected before the washing liquid is supplied or can be supplied to the washing arm via the fluid outlet of the connecting piece.

5. The dishwasher according to claim 3,wherein the at least one cleaning opening is formed integrally in the connecting piece.

6. The dishwasher according to claim 3,wherein the connecting piece has a first arm region, in which the fluid inlet of the connecting piece is formed, and a second arm region, in which the fluid outlet of the connecting piece is formed, wherein the at least one cleaning opening is formed at least partially or in some regions in the first arm region of the connecting piece.

7. The dishwasher according to claim 6, wherein the first arm region of the connecting piece is designed at least partially or in some regions as a female plug-in part and is constructed to receive at least partially or in some regions the end region of the feed line of the feed line system, wherein the cleaning opening is formed, spraying or discharging at least some of the portion of the washing liquid conveyed by the washing pump in the direction of the washing arm along a main direction into the treatment chamber or treatment zone of the dishwasher, wherein the main direction runs at least substantially counter to the plug-in direction in which the plug-in connection is formed between the first arm region of the connecting piece and the end region of the feed line of the feed line system.

8. The dishwasher according to claim 7,wherein, at least in a state when the end region of the feed line of the feed line system is connected to the first arm region of the connecting piece, a flow reversing region is formed in the connecting piece, in which a main direction of flow of the washing liquid supplied to the connecting piece via the feed line is reversed, wherein the flow reversing region is connected in flow communication to a cleaning channel, wherein the cleaning opening forms an outlet opening of the cleaning channel.

9. The dishwasher according to claim 8,wherein the cleaning channel is connected to the flow reversing region via an opening region, wherein the opening region is formed in a wall region of the connecting piece that extends at least substantially parallel to the plug-in direction.

10. The dishwasher according to claim 8,wherein the cleaning channel is connected to the flow reversing region via an opening region, wherein the opening region has a filter for filtering out at least some of the dirt particles contained in the washing liquid supplied to the connecting piece.

11. The dishwasher according to claim 3,wherein the cleaning opening is configured as an outlet opening of a cleaning channel, wherein the cleaning channel is formed, at least in certain regions, by an inner wall region, of the connecting piece, and by an outer wall region, of the end region, which is inserted into the first arm region of the connecting piece, of the feed line of the feed line system.

12. The dishwasher according to claim 3,wherein a washing liquid channel system is formed in the connecting piece, which channel system connects the fluid inlet of the connecting piece to the fluid outlet of the connecting piece in terms of flow.

13. The dishwasher according to claim 1,wherein the at least one washing nozzle is designed to spray at least some of the washing liquid supplied to the corresponding washing arm by the washing pump and the feed line system into the treatment chamber or treatment zone of the dishwasher along a first main direction, and wherein the cleaning opening formed or provided in the feed line system is designed to spray or discharge at least some of the portion of the washing liquid conveyed by the washing pump in the direction of the washing arm along a second main direction into the treatment chamber or treatment zone of the dishwasher, wherein the second main direction is different different from the first main direction.

14. The dishwasher according to claim 1,wherein the feed line system is designed as a combined feed line system and has a first feed line for washing liquid and a second feed line for clear rinsing liquid, wherein the first feed line and the second feed line are arranged at least partially or in some regions and coaxially to one another, wherein the second feed line is arranged inside the first feed line.

15. The dishwasher according to claim 3,wherein a clear rinsing liquid channel is formed in the connecting piece which channel is designed to connect the second feed line of the feed line system in terms of flow with a clear rinsing arm or with clear rinsing nozzles of the dishwasher.

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