U.S. patent application number 12/935301 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-27 for dishwasher and method for cleaning wash ware.
This patent application is currently assigned to PREMARK FEG L.L.C.. Invention is credited to Dietrich Berner, Udo Burkle, Harald Disch, Matthias Kaufmann, Klaus Padtberg.
Application Number | 20110017235 12/935301 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40887078 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110017235 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Berner; Dietrich ; et
al. |
January 27, 2011 |
DISHWASHER AND METHOD FOR CLEANING WASH WARE
Abstract
The invention relates to a dishwasher (1) in the form of a
programmable automatic machine, which has a programme control
device (50) for carrying out at least one treatment programme, a
treatment chamber (2) into which and from which wash ware can be
manually inserted and removed, a tank (4) into which fluid from the
treatment chamber (2) can flow off by gravity, and a washing system
(33, 8, 34, 10) with a washing pump (8) and with a washing line
system (10) for conveying washing fluid (6) during a washing phase
out of the tank (4) through washing nozzles (33, 34) into the
treatment chamber (2). In order to achieve an efficient treatment
(cleaning and drying) of the wash ware, along with as low a
consumption as possible of resources in terms of water, chemicals
and, in particular, energy, there is provision, according to the
invention, for the dishwasher (1) to have, furthermore, a wash-ware
detector device (51) which is designed for detecting the type of
wash ware to be treated, furthermore the programme control device
(50) being designed to select a predetermined or determinable
treatment programme for at least the washing phase automatically as
a function of the detected type of wash ware to be treated and to
set the process parameters associated with the selected treatment
programme.
Inventors: |
Berner; Dietrich;
(Waldstetten, DE) ; Kaufmann; Matthias;
(Ringsheim, DE) ; Disch; Harald; (Elzach, DE)
; Burkle; Udo; (Hohberg, DE) ; Padtberg;
Klaus; (Korbach, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THOMPSON HINE LLP;Intellectual Property Group
P.O Box 8801
DAYTON
OH
45401-8801
US
|
Assignee: |
PREMARK FEG L.L.C.
Wilmington
DE
|
Family ID: |
40887078 |
Appl. No.: |
12/935301 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
April 1, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US09/39059 |
371 Date: |
September 29, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
134/18 ;
134/56D |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 2501/04 20130101;
A47L 15/50 20130101; A47L 15/0055 20130101; A47L 2501/30 20130101;
A47L 2601/04 20130101; A47L 15/4295 20130101; A47L 2501/14
20130101; A47L 2401/04 20130101; A47L 15/0002 20130101; A47L
15/0026 20130101; A47L 15/0036 20130101; A47L 15/0034 20130101;
A47L 2501/07 20130101; A47L 15/4234 20130101; A47L 15/0047
20130101; A47L 2501/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
134/18 ;
134/56.D |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/46 20060101
A47L015/46 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 7, 2008 |
DE |
10 2008 017 597.8 |
Claims
1. Method for cleaning wash ware in a dishwasher in particular in a
commercial dishwasher, which is designed as a programmable
automatic machine and has a treatment chamber for receiving the
wash ware to be treated, characterized in that the method has the
following method steps to be carried out in succession: i) the type
of wash ware to be treated is detected by the direct detection of
the material and the size of the wash ware to be treated, or by the
direct detection of the material and the shape of the wash ware to
be treated; ii) a treatment programme for the treatment of the wash
ware is selected as a function of the detected type of wash ware;
and iii) the process parameters associated with the selected
treatment programme are set automatically.
2. Method according to claim 1, which has, furthermore, the
following programme-controlled method step to be carried out after
the method step iii): iv) a washing phase, in which washing fluid
is sprayed out of a tank by means of a washing pump through a
washing line system into the treatment chamber and can flow back
from the treatment chamber into the tank by gravity, characterized
in that a cycle duration of the washing phase is set automatically
as a function of the detected type of wash ware; and/or in that a
quantity of washing fluid to be sprayed per unit time during the
washing phase is set automatically as a function of the detected
type of wash ware; and/or in that a nozzle pressure with which the
washing fluid is to be sprayed during the washing phase is set
automatically as a function of the detected type of wash ware.
3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that, before
method step iv), as a function of the detected type of wash ware a
steam soaking is carried out automatically, in which steam is
generated by means of a steam generator connected to a fresh-water
feed line and is conducted into the treatment chamber.
4. Method according to claim 2, which has, furthermore, the
following programme-controlled method step to be carried out after
the method step iv): v) a fresh-water rinsing-clear phase, in which
rinsing-clear fluid is sprayed out of a rinsing-clear fluid supply
device by means of at least one rinsing-clear pump through a
rinsing-clear line system into the treatment chamber and can flow
from the treatment chamber into the tank by gravity, characterized
in that a cycle duration of the fresh-water rinsing-clear phase is
set automatically as a function of the detected type of wash ware;
and/or in that a quantity of rinsing-clear fluid to be sprayed
during the fresh-water rinsing-clear phase is set automatically as
a function of the detected type of wash ware; and/or in that a
temperature of the rinsing-clear fluid to be sprayed during the
fresh-water rinsing-clear phase is set automatically as a function
of the detected type of wash ware.
5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that, as a
function of the detected type of wash ware, a steam rinsing-clear
phase following after the fresh-water rinsing-clear phase is
carried out automatically, in which steam is generated by means of
a steam generator connected to a fresh-water feed line and is
conducted into the treatment chamber.
6. Method according to claim 2, which has, furthermore, the
following programme-controlled method step to be carried out after
the method step iv): vi) a drying phase, in which dying air
circulates within the treatment chamber, characterized in that a
cycle duration of the drying phase is set automatically as a
function of the detected type of wash ware; and/or in that a
temperature of the drying air circulating in the treatment chamber
during the drying phase is set automatically as a function of the
detected type of wash ware; and/or in that a volume flow of the
drying air circulating in the treatment chamber during the drying
phase is set automatically as a function of the detected type of
wash ware.
7. Method according to claim 1 wherein the treatment programme is a
stored treatment programme that is either predetermined or
user-determinable.
8. Dishwasher in the form of a programmable automatic machine, the
dishwasher having the following: a programme control device for
carrying out at least one treatment programme; a treatment chamber
into which and from which wash ware can be manually inserted and
removed; a tank into which fluid from the treatment chamber can
flow off by gravity; and a washing system with a washing pump and
with a washing line system for conveying washing fluid during a
washing phase out of the tank through washing nozzles into the
treatment chamber, characterized in that a wash-ware detector
device is provided, which is designed for directly detecting the
type of wash ware to be treated, the wash-ware detector device
having at least one preferably optically operating detector
assembly which is designed to directly detect the size of the wash
ware to be treated and/or which is designed to directly detect the
shape of the wash ware to be treated, and further having at least
one preferably inductively or capacitively operating detector
assembly which is designed to directly detect the material of the
wash ware to be treated; and in that the programme control device
is designed to select a predetermined or determinable treatment
programme for the washing phase automatically as a function of the
detected type of wash ware and for setting the process parameters
associated with the selected treatment programme.
9. Dishwasher according to claim 8, characterized in that the
programme control device is designed to set a cycle duration of the
washing phase automatically as a function of the detected type of
wash ware; and/or in that the programme control device is designed
to set automatically as a function of the detected type of wash
ware a quantity of washing fluid to be sprayed per unit time during
the washing phase; and/or in that the programme control device is
designed to set automatically as a function of the detected type of
wash ware a nozzle pressure with which the washing fluid is to be
sprayed during the washing phase.
10. Dishwasher according to claim 8, which has, furthermore, the
following: a fresh-water rinsing-clear system with at least one
rinsing-clear pump and with at least one rinsing-clear line system
for conveying rinsing-clear fluid during a fresh-water
rinsing-clear phase out of a fresh-water supply device through
rinsing-clear nozzles into the treatment chamber, characterized in
that the programme control device is designed to select a
predetermined or determinable treatment programme for the
fresh-water rinsing clear phase automatically as a function of the
detected type of wash ware and to set the process parameters
associated with the selected treatment programme.
11. Dishwasher according to claim 10, characterized in that the
programme control device is designed to set the cycle duration of
the fresh-water rinsing-clear phase automatically as a function of
the detected type of wash ware; and/or in that the programme
control device is designed to set automatically as a function of
the detected type of wash ware a quantity of rinsing-clear fluid to
be sprayed during the fresh-water rinsing-clear phase; and/or in
that the programme control device is designed to set automatically
as a function of the detected type of wash ware a temperature of
the rinsing clear fluid to be sprayed during the fresh-water
rinsing-clear phase.
12. Dishwasher according to claim 10, which has, furthermore, the
following: a steam rinsing-clear system with a steam generator,
connected to a fresh-water feed line, for generating steam and for
conducting the steam via a steam line into the treatment chamber
during a steam rinsing-clear phase selectively following after the
fresh-water rinsing-clear phase, characterized in that the
programme control device is designed to switch on the steam
rinsing-clear system automatically for a predetermined or
determinable cycle duration, as a function of the detected type of
wash ware, after the expiry of the fresh-water rinsing-clear
phase.
13. Dishwasher according to claim 8, which has, furthermore, the
following: a drying system with a drying blower for generating a
drying-air stream circulating in the treatment chamber during a
drying phase, characterized in that the programme control device is
designed to select a predetermined or determinable treatment
programme for the drying phase automatically as a function of the
detected type of wash ware and to set the process parameters
associated with the selected treatment programme.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a dishwasher and to a method for
cleaning wash ware in a dishwasher.
[0002] The invention relates particularly to a method for cleaning
wash ware in a dishwasher, in particular a commercial dishwasher,
which is designed as a programmable automatic machine. The
invention relates, furthermore, to a dishwasher, in particular a
commercial dishwasher, in the form of a programmable automatic
machine.
[0003] Manually loadable and unloadable dishwashers are
programmable automatic machines. Programmable automatic machines
(called box-type ware washers or else batch dishwashers) may be
basket push-through dishwashers, also called hood-type ware
washers, or front-loadable ware washers. Front loaders may be
under-counter machines, top-counter machines or else free-standing
front loaders.
[0004] Wash ware are, for example, plates, cups, pots, trays,
cutlery, items of cutlery, glasses and kitchen utensils.
[0005] The publication EP 1 738 677 A2 discloses a domestic
dishwasher which is designed for the following method sequence: a
washing phase, during which washing fluid is sprayed by means of a
pump out of a sump via spray nozzles into a washing chamber which
is designed for receiving wash ware. Thereafter, washing fluid is
pumped away, and the sump is filled with fresh water which is then
conveyed by the same pump as that which previously conveyed the
washing fluid to the same spray nozzles as the washing fluid. At
the transition from the sump to the pump, there is a heater for
heating the washing fluid, and, during the rinsing-clear phase, the
rinse aid fluid may be heated or left unheated. After the
rinsing-clear phase, a steam phase follows, in which fresh water is
evaporated out of the sump by means of the heating and is conducted
via the said spray nozzles into the treatment chamber. The steam
phase may be followed by a drying phase in which the heated wash
ware is dried.
[0006] Commercial dishwashers require water, detergent, rinse aid
and energy for cleaning wash ware. The consumption of detergent and
rinse aid is proportional to the water consumption per washing
cycle. In the case of a constant water inflow temperature, this
also applies to the heating energy which is required for heating
the rinsing-clear water.
[0007] A commercial dishwasher, as a rule, has two water circuits
which are completely separate from one another. These are a water
circuit, which is responsible for washing and is executed with used
water from the washing tank, and a fresh-water circuit, which is
responsible for rinsing clear and uses fresh water from a
boiler.
[0008] The main task of the rinsing-clear phase is to remove the
washing fluid residues (lye) located on the wash ware. The
rinsing-clear fluid (pure fresh water or fresh water mixed with
rinse aid) sprayed during the rinsing-clear phase flows into the
washing tank and therefore also serves for regenerating the washing
fluid. Before new rinsing-clear fluid is conducted into the washing
tank during the rinsing-clear phase, the same quantity of washing
fluid is pumped off from the washing tank.
[0009] In dishwashers which are designed in the form of a
programmable automatic machine, the wash ware to be treated, such
as, for example, dishes, pots, glasses, cutlery and other utensils
to be cleaned, are treated during a plurality of treatment phases
to be carried out in succession, such as, for example, washing
phase or phases, rinsing-clear phase or phases and drying phase or
phases. However, different types of wash ware require different
treatment parameters for the individual process steps because of
their use, their degree of soiling, their shape and the material.
In present-day dishwashers designed as a programmable automatic
machine, however, an automatic differentiation of the types of wash
ware to be treated is, as a rule, not carried out, and therefore
the conventional programmes often are designed to be a compromise
such that they can be used for a plurality of different types of
wash ware.
[0010] It is known that the programmable automatic dishwashers
known from the prior art, such as, for example, under-counter
dishwashers or hood-type dishwashers, may be equipped with a
plurality of programmes. The individual programmes differ from one
another mainly in the length of running time (cycle duration) of
the treatment phases or, in the case of special programmes
particularly for the treatment of drinking glasses, in the
temperature parameters of the washing phase and of the
rinsing-clear phase. In programmable automatic machines of this
type, the operating personnel have the possibility, for example, of
selecting a shorter programme for lightly soiled wash ware, such
as, for example, drinking glasses, and a longer programme for more
heavily or heavily soiled wash ware. In practice, however, because
of inadequate training of the operating personnel, the possibility
of manual programme selection is utilized only rarely, and
therefore a programme preset at the factory is mainly employed for
the treatment of the wash ware, irrespective of the type of wash
ware.
[0011] If, in the treatment of the wash ware, a programme preset at
the factory is employed, which, as a rule, is designed to be a
compromise such that it can be used more or less efficiently for a
plurality of types of wash ware, then, for example, lightly soiled
crockery, such as, for example, drinking glasses, are washed for an
uneconomically long time and at higher temperatures than would
actually be required. On the other hand, there is the risk that,
for example, wash ware with food residues which are relatively
difficult to remove, such as, for example, cooking utensils and/or
cutlery, are not cleaned sufficiently, and therefore, under certain
circumstances, a plurality of washing runs or additional manual
cleaning work are necessary.
[0012] The invention is intended to achieve the object of providing
a dishwasher, in particular commercial dishwasher, which is
designed as a programmable automatic machine and which has a
treatment chamber for receiving wash ware and which can provide
good treatment results for all types of wash ware by the efficient
utilization of resources (fresh water, chemicals and energy) during
operation. Furthermore, the object is to be achieved of specifying
a corresponding method for operating such a dishwasher designed as
a programmable automatic machine.
[0013] The solution according to the invention is distinguished in
that, before the actual treatment (cleaning) of the wash ware,
first the type of wash ware to be treated is detected with the aid
of a suitable wash-ware detector device and a predetermined (e.g.,
predefined) or determinable (e.g., user definable) treatment
programme for the treatment of the wash ware is selected
automatically as a function of the detected type of wash ware by a
programme control device. Subsequently, an automatic setting of the
process parameters associated with the selected treatment programme
takes place.
[0014] The treatment programme may be set during machine
manufacture or may be set or modified by service personnel and/or
machine operators/users in the field or on-site.
[0015] On the one hand, an automatic detection of the type of wash
ware to be treated is possible due to the provision of the
wash-ware detector device. On the other hand, with the aid of the
programme control device, an optimal treatment programme for the
treatment of the wash ware during at least one treatment phase is
selected automatically for each detected type of wash ware, and the
process parameters associated with the selected treatment programme
are set. The selection and automatic setting of the process
parameters preferably take place for at least one treatment phase
(washing phase, rinsing-clear phase, drying phase). Since the
process parameters applicable to the respective treatment phases
can thereby be adapted to the type of wash ware to be treated, the
consumption of fresh water, chemicals and energy can be
optimized.
[0016] It is basically conceivable that the programme control
device is designed for assigning each detected type of wash ware to
a predetermined or determinable wash ware group likewise preferably
before the actual treatment of the wash ware. Advantageously, for
each wash ware group, there should, in turn, be a predetermined or
determinable treatment programme, according to which the wash ware
of the type of wash ware assigned to this wash ware group is to be
treated during at least one of the treatment phases, such as, for
example, during the washing phase, the rinsing-clear phase and/or
the drying phase.
[0017] The treatment programme predetermined or determinable for
each wash ware group is preferably a treatment programme which is
adapted, on the one hand, to the consumption of fresh water,
chemicals and energy and, on the other hand, to a sufficient
cleaning result. The solution according to the invention therefore
makes it possible that the process parameters of the dishwasher are
optimally adapted automatically to the respective type of wash ware
to be treated, without the operating personnel having to take
action and carry out a programme selection manually.
[0018] The "type of wash ware" is understood in the present context
to mean the type of wash ware to be treated or to be cleaned. The
type of wash ware depends particularly, for example, on the size,
shape and/or material of the wash ware to be cleaned.
[0019] The invention is described below by means of preferred
embodiments of the dishwasher according to the invention with
reference to the drawings in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically a dishwasher designed in the
form of a programmable automatic machine, according to a first
embodiment of the invention; and
[0021] FIG. 2 shows diagrammatically a dishwasher designed in the
form of a programmable automatic machine, according to a second
embodiment of the invention.
[0022] The dishwasher 1 according to the invention has a treatment
chamber 2 for cleaning wash ware, not illustrated in the drawings.
Below the treatment chamber 2 is arranged a washing tank 4 in which
fluid can flow back out of the cleaning chamber 2 by gravity. The
washing tank 4 may be covered at the transition to the treatment
chamber 2 with the aid of a screen, not illustrated in the
drawings. The washing tank 4 contains washing fluid 6 which is
usually water, to which, if appropriate, detergent can be supplied
automatically in a controlled way by a detergent metering device,
not illustrated in the drawings. The washing fluid 6 can be
conveyed by a washing pump 8 via a washing line system 10 to
washing nozzles 33 and 34 (e.g., nozzles that may be located in
upper and lower rotatable wash arms) and be sprayed through these
washing nozzles 33, 34 in the treatment chamber 2 onto the wash
ware to be cleaned. The sprayed washing fluid 6 subsequently flows
back into the washing tank 4. The lower end 5 of the washing tank 4
may have connected to it a discharge line 3 with an outflow pump
11, in order, as required, to empty the washing tank 4.
[0023] In the embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1, of the dishwasher
1 according to the invention, a first rinsing-clear pump 12 is
connected with its suction side to an outlet 35 of a boiler 21. The
boiler 21 has, furthermore, an inlet 22 which is connected to a
fresh-water feed line 28 and via which either fresh water or fresh
water with metered rinse aid is supplied to the boiler 21. In the
boiler 21, the fluid (pure fresh water or fresh water with metered
rinse aid) supplied via the inlet 22 is heated according to a
stipulated process sequence. Via the first rinsing-clear pump 12
connected with its suction side to the boiler outlet 35, the
rinsing-clear fluid heated in the boiler 21 may be supplied, for
example during a fresh-water rinsing-clear phase, to rinsing-clear
nozzles 7 and 9 (e.g., nozzles that may be located in upper and
lower rotatable rinse arms) via a rinsing-clear line system 15,
15a. The rinsing-clear nozzles 7 and 9 are arranged in the
treatment chamber 2, in order to spray the rinsing-clear fluid
heated in the boiler 21 onto the wash ware in the treatment chamber
2.
[0024] It is, of course, also conceivable, however, that the boiler
21 is supplied via the inlet 22 and the fresh-water feed line 28
with pure fresh water, to which, after heating the boiler 21, rinse
aid is metered with the aid of a rinse-aid metering device, not
illustrated in the drawings.
[0025] In the embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1, of the dishwasher
1 according to the invention, furthermore, a second rinsing-clear
pump 13 is provided, which is connected with its suction side to a
fresh-water container 14 and with its delivery side to a
rinsing-clear line system 15, 15b. The rinsing-clear line system
15b extending from the delivery side of the second rinsing-clear
pump 13 and the rinsing-clear line system 15a extending from the
delivery side of the first rinsing-clear pump 12 merge into a
common rinsing-clear line system 15. By means of the second
rinsing-clear pump 13 connected to the fresh-water container 14,
unheated rinsing-clear fluid can be conveyed to the rinsing-clear
nozzles 7 and 9 arranged in the treatment chamber 2, in order, as
required, to spray unheated rinsing-clear fluid onto the wash
ware.
[0026] The fresh-water container 14 has an inlet 37 which is
connected to a fresh-water feed line 31. Via this fresh-water feed
line 31, either pure fresh water or fresh water with metered rinse
aid is supplied to the fresh-water container 14. It is, of course,
also conceivable, however, to arrange the already mentioned
rinse-aid metering device, not illustrated explicitly in the
drawings, downstream after the outlet 36 of the fresh-water
container 14.
[0027] The washing nozzles 33, 34 and rinsing-clear nozzles 7, 9
are in each case preferably arranged above and below the wash-ware
region and are directed towards the wash-ware region of the
treatment chamber 2. In the embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1, of
the dishwasher 1 according to the invention, an upper
washing-nozzle system and an upper rinsing-clear nozzle system,
formed separately from this, and also a lower washing-nozzle system
and a lower rinsing-clear nozzle system, formed separately from
this, are provided. It would, of course, also be conceivable,
however, to provide an upper and a lower washing-nozzle system
which serves jointly for spraying washing fluid and for spraying
rinsing-clear fluid. Also, the washing nozzles 33, 34 and/or the
rinsing-clear nozzles 7, 9 may be arranged only at the top or only
at the bottom, instead of at the bottom and at the top, or, instead
or additionally, also one side of the treatment chamber 2 and be
directed into the wash-ware region transversely with respect to the
treatment chamber 2.
[0028] In the embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1, of the dishwasher
1 according to the invention, both the boiler 21 and the
fresh-water container 14 are connected to a non-return device 16
via fresh-water feed lines 24, 26, 28, 29 and 31. The non-return
device 16 serves for preventing the situation where fresh water may
be sucked back from the suction side of the first rinsing-clear
pump 12 and/or the suction side of the second rinsing-clear pump 13
into a fresh-water feed line 17.
[0029] The non-return device 16 has an outlet 40 which is connected
to a water softener device 39 via fresh-water feed lines 24 and 41.
The water softener device 39 has, on the one hand, a salt container
42 connected to the fresh-water feed line 41 and, on the other
hand, first and second water softeners 39a, 39b arranged parallel
to one another. The two water softeners 39a, 39b arranged parallel
to one another are connected to the outlet 40 of the non-return
device 16 via corresponding fresh-water line system and the
fresh-water feed line 24. The water softeners 39a, 39b of the water
softener device 39 can be operated alternately by the suitable
activation of valves 43, in order to soften the fresh water
supplied to the boiler 21 via the fresh-water feed lines 26 and 28
and the fresh water supplied to the fresh-water container 14 via
the fresh-water feed lines 26, 29 and 31.
[0030] The salt container 42 belonging to the water softener device
39 may contain a suitable salt or a suitable chemical. The salt or
chemical serves, as required, for regenerating a water softener
agent metered to the fresh water or a decomposition product
occurring after metering. The salt container 42 can be topped up
with the salt or the chemical from the treatment chamber 2 of the
dishwasher 1 via a port closable by means of a lid 44.
[0031] In the illustrated preferred embodiment of the dishwasher 1
according to the invention, the boiler 21 has an integrated steam
generator 20. A corresponding steam outlet 23 of the steam
generator 20 is formed at the upper region of the boiler 21. The
steam outlet 23 of the steam generator 20 is connected via a steam
line 32, at a point 37 located above the washing tank 4, to the
treatment chamber 2, in order, as required, to introduce into the
latter the steam generated in the steam generator 20. The outlet
port of the steam line 32 is preferably located between the upper
nozzles 7, 33 and the lower nozzles 9, 34 of the washing line
system 10 or of the rinsing-clear line system 15. However, other
positions are, of course, also possible.
[0032] A heater 45 is located in the boiler 21 which serves not
only for heating the rinsing-clear fluid, but also for generating
steam. Furthermore, a level sensor 46, which, for example, controls
a valve 19 of the fresh-water line 17, may be arranged in or on the
boiler.
[0033] In the preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1, of the
dishwasher 1 according to the invention, by the provision of the
fresh-water container 14 and of the second rinsing-clear pump 13,
it is selectively possible also to supply unheated rinsing-clear
fluid to the rinsing-clear nozzles 7 and 9 via the rinsing-clear
line system 15b and 15. It is therefore possible selectively to
supply unheated or heated rinsing-clear fluid to the treatment
chamber 2 by means of a suitable activation of, for example, the
rinsing-clear pumps 12, 13 and/or by means of a suitable activation
of, for example, the valves 19, 27 and 30 arranged in the
fresh-water feed lines to the fresh-water container 14 and the
boiler 21.
[0034] A programme control device 50, illustrated merely
diagrammatically in the drawings, serves for controlling at least
one cleaning programme and is designed and connected to the
controllable components of the dishwasher 1, such as, for example,
to the valves 19, 27 and 30, to the washing pump 8, to the first
rinsing-clear pump 12, to the second rinsing-clear pump 13 and/or
to a heater control circuit (not illustrated explicitly) for
controlling the heater 45, in order to implement a cleaning method
(cleaning cycle) having the following steps (phases) to be carried
out in succession: [0035] 1. A washing phase, in which washing
fluid 6 is sprayed out of the washing tank 4 through the washing
line system 10 into the treatment chamber 2 by means of the washing
pump 8 and can then flow back from the treatment chamber 2 into the
washing tank 4 by gravity; [0036] 2. A fresh-water rinsing-clear
phase, in which heated or unheated fresh water or fresh water with
metered rinse aid is sprayed as rinsing-clear fluid into the
treatment chamber 2 by means of the first rinsing-clear pump 12 or
the second rinsing-clear pump 13 and can then flow from the
treatment chamber 2 into the washing tank 4 by gravity; and [0037]
3. (Optionally) a drying phase, in which drying air circulates
within the treatment chamber 2.
[0038] In a preferred implementation of the programme control
device 50, this is designed in such a way that it automatically
activates the controllable components of the dishwasher 1 as a
function of the detected type of wash ware, such that, after the
fresh-water rinsing-clear phase, a steam rinsing-clear phase is
carried out, in which steam is generated by means of the steam
generator 20 connected at the fresh-water feed line 28 and is
conducted into the treatment chamber 2.
[0039] The dishwasher 1 according to the invention, as illustrated,
for example, in FIG. 1, is distinguished, inter alia, in that a
wash-ware detector device 51, indicated merely diagrammatically in
the drawings, is provided, which serves for detecting the type of
wash ware received in the treatment chamber 2. The wash-ware
detector device 51 is preferably arranged inside or outside the
treatment chamber 2 in such a way that either the wash ware
received in the treatment chamber 2 or a wash-ware basket inserted
in the treatment chamber 2 comes within its detection range. The
term "wash-ware detector device" used herein is to be understood as
meaning any detection device which is designed for directly or
indirectly detecting or determining the type of wash ware.
[0040] It is in this case conceivable, in particular, that the
wash-ware detector device 51 has at least one detector assembly 52,
by means of which the size, shape and/or material of the wash ware
to be treated in the dishwasher 1 can be detected. In one possible
implementation of a wash-ware detector device 51 of this type, this
has, for example, at least one preferably optically, inductively or
capacitively operating detector assembly 52, so that, to identify
the type of wash ware, the size, shape and/or material of the wash
ware can be detected. However, other detector types may also be
considered as a detector assembly 52, such as, for example,
inductively operating sensors, light scanners, light barriers,
laser scanners, 3D lasers, cameras, etc.
[0041] Alternatively or additionally to this, it is conceivable
that the wash-ware detector device 51 has at least one detector
assembly 52, by means of which the type of wash ware can be
detected indirectly. This implementation is suitable particularly
when the dishwasher 1 is designed in such a way that at least one
wash-ware basket (not illustrated explicitly in the drawings),
which receives the wash ware to be treated, can be inserted into
the treatment chamber 2 of the dishwasher 1. In this case, the wash
ware to be treated should preferably be sorted according to types
of wash ware in such a way that only wash ware of a single type of
wash ware is inserted in each wash-ware basket. Preferably, in this
case, there is provision for each wash-ware basket to have an
identification feature, such as, for example, an identification
code, detectable by the detector assembly 52. The identification
feature detected by the detector assembly 52 then delivers
information on the type of wash ware received by the wash-ware
basket.
[0042] On the other hand, however, it is also conceivable that the
detector assembly 52 is designed to detect the size and/or type of
the at least one wash-ware basket receivable in the treatment
chamber 2 of the dishwasher 1 and, on the basis of this
information, to draw a conclusion as to the type of wash ware
received by the wash-ware basket. In one possible implementation,
there may, for example, be provision for carrying out the following
sorting before the actual treatment of the wash ware in the
dishwasher: [0043] plates manufactured from porcelain or a
porcelain-like material are inserted into a wash-ware basket
designed as a plate basket; [0044] cooking utensils manufactured
from a metal, in particular from high-grade steel, are inserted
into a wash-ware basket designed as a flat basket; [0045] cutlery
or items of cutlery which are manufactured from metal, in
particular from a high-grade steel, are inserted into a wash-ware
basket designed as a cutlery basket; and [0046] drinking glasses
manufactured from glass or a glass-like material are inserted into
a wash-ware basket designed as a glass basket.
[0047] The remaining types of wash ware may in this case be
inserted, for example, into a wash-ware basket designed as a plate
basket. If such presorting is carried out, it is conceivable, in
one possible implementation of the wash-ware detector device 51,
that this has a detector assembly 52 which is designed, for
example, for detecting the type of wash-ware basket (plate basket,
flat basket, cutlery basket, glass basket, etc.) inserted or to be
inserted into the treatment chamber 2 and thus to determine
indirectly the type of wash ware inserted into the treatment
chamber 2 of the dishwasher 1. The type of wash-ware basket may be
detected, for example, optically via the size, height and/or shape
with the aid of the detector assembly 52. However, in this case, of
course, the detection of another suitable identification feature of
the wash-ware basket may also be considered.
[0048] As already mentioned, in the dishwasher 1 according to the
present invention, furthermore, the programme control device 50,
illustrated merely diagrammatically in the drawings, is provided.
According to the invention, the programme control device 50 is
designed to activate different activatable components of the
dishwasher 1, such as, for example, the respective pumps and
valves, according to a predetermined or determinable programme
sequence, so that suitable process parameters can thereby be set
during the individual treatment phases (washing phase,
rinsing-clear phase and drying phase). The programme control device
50 is connected, in particular, via suitable communication
connection to the wash-ware detector device 51, in order
continuously or at predetermined times or events, preferably before
the start of the washing cycle, to interrogate the type, detected
by the wash-ware detector device 51, of wash ware received in the
treatment chamber 2 of the dishwasher 1.
[0049] The programme control device 50 is designed, on the basis of
the type of wash ware detected by the wash-ware detector device, to
recognize automatically the wash ware to be treated. The programme
control device 50 may preferably recognize automatically at least
the following wash ware: [0050] plates manufactured from porcelain
or a porcelain-like material; [0051] cups manufactured from
porcelain or a porcelain-like material, glass or a glass-like
material; [0052] bowls manufactured from porcelain or a
porcelain-like material, glass or a glass-like material; [0053]
trays or tray-like articles manufactured from a plastic material;
[0054] containers, in particular GN containers, manufactured from a
metal, in particular from high-grade steel; [0055] pots
manufactured from a metal, in particular from high-grade steel;
[0056] pans manufactured from a metal, in particular from
high-grade steel; [0057] cutlery and items of cutlery manufactured
from a metal, in particular from high-grade steel; and [0058]
drinking glasses manufactured from glass or a glass-like
material.
[0059] In the event that the programme control device 50 does not
recognize the wash ware on the basis of the detected type of wash
ware, the respective wash ware is identified as "other wash
ware".
[0060] The solution according to the invention is distinguished not
only, on the one hand, by the automatic detection of the type of
wash ware to be treated and, on the other hand, by the automatic
recognition of the wash ware to be treated, but also by the
additional functionality of the programme control device 50,
whereby this is designed for automatically selecting as a function
of the detected type of wash ware a predetermined or determinable
treatment programme, according to which the wash ware received in
the treatment chamber 2 is to be treated during at least one
treatment phase, and for setting the process parameters of the
selected treatment programme by means of a corresponding activation
of the activatable components of the dishwasher 1. For this
purpose, it is basically conceivable that the programme control
device 50 has, for example, a storage device, not illustrated
explicitly in FIG. 1, to which the programme control device 50 can
have access. In each case optimally adapted treatment programmes or
corresponding process parameters for operating the dishwasher 1 are
stored in this storage device for the individual types of wash ware
which are in question.
[0061] The invention is based on the knowledge that the process
parameters optimal for the individual treatment phases are
dependant on the type of wash ware to be treated. The different
types of wash ware require suitable treatment programmes, according
to which the wash ware is to be treated, for example, during the
washing phase, the fresh-water rinsing-clear phase and/or the
drying phase. Thus, for example, only lightly soiled items of
crockery, such as, for example, drinking glasses, in contrast to
heavily soiled items of crockery with burnt-on food residues
difficult to remove, such as, for example, cooking utensils,
keeping-warm containers, baking moulds, etc., require, during the
washing phase, only a relatively small quantity of washing fluid
sprayed per unit time and only a relatively low nozzle pressure
with which the washing fluid is sprayed. Furthermore, in comparison
with heavily soiled items of crockery, only a shorter cycle
duration of the washing phase is necessary for lightly soiled items
of crockery.
[0062] On the other hand, the different types of wash ware also
require coordinated treatment programmes for the fresh-water
rinsing-clear phase which follows after the washing phase. An
adaptation, carried out in terms of the type of wash ware, of the
process parameters for the steam rinsing-clear phase and drying
phase, to be carried out, if appropriate, after the fresh-water
rinsing-clear phase, is also likewise conceivable.
[0063] As a result, an "over-treatment", particularly of only
lightly soiled items of crockery, such as, for example, drinking
glasses, can be efficiently prevented in a simple, but effective
way, so that no more resources in terms of energy, water,
chemicals, etc. than are necessary are used during the process of
cleaning (and, if appropriate, of drying) only lightly soiled items
of crockery of this type.
[0064] The consumption of fresh water, which is sprayed in pure
form, or mixed with further additives, onto the wash ware, for
example, during the fresh-water rinsing-clear phase can also be
reduced. As a result of the reduced fresh-water consumption of the
dishwasher 1, the consumption of chemicals, in particular rinse
aids and/or detergents, can also be reduced, without a variation in
the chemical concentration of the respective fluid (washing fluid,
rinsing-clear fluid) occurring. Owing to a lower fresh-water
supply, the water quantity to be heated is lower, with the result
that energy can be saved.
[0065] In this case, the invention is based on the knowledge that,
in conventional dishwashers, the washing and rinsing-clear cycles
of which proceed according to a programme preset at the factory, an
over-treatment of the wash ware often takes place. It is frequently
sufficient for an adequate washing and rinsing result simply to
have, for example, a shorter cycle duration of the washing phase, a
smaller quantity of washing fluid which is sprayed per unit time
during the washing phase, a lower nozzle pressure with which the
washing fluid is sprayed during the washing phase, a smaller
quantity of rinsing-clear fluid which is sprayed overall during the
fresh-water rinsing-clear phase, and/or a lower temperature of the
fluid (washing fluid, rinsing-clear fluid) to be sprayed during the
washing phase and fresh-water rinsing-clear phase.
[0066] According to the invention, therefore, the programme control
device 50 is designed in such a way that this automatically
activates the washing pump 8 as a function of the detected type of
wash ware, in such a way that at least one of the parameters given
below is adapted to the detected type of wash ware for the washing
phase: [0067] the cycle duration of the washing phase; [0068] the
quantity of washing fluid sprayed per unit time during the washing
phase; and [0069] the pressure with which the washing fluid is
sprayed during the washing phase.
[0070] In a preferred implementation of the solution according to
the invention, there is provision for the programme control device
50 to be designed to set the washing pressure, that is to say the
nozzle pressure with which the washing fluid is sprayed onto the
wash ware during the washing phase, at a low value of, for example,
0.2 bar when the type of wash ware detected is plates manufactured
from porcelain or porcelain-like material, drinking glasses
manufactured from glass or a glass-like material or "other wash
ware". In the case of these types of wash ware, the programme
control device 50 preferably also sets the quantity of washing
fluid sprayed per unit time during the washing phase to a low value
of, for example, 120 l/min.
[0071] For the remaining types of wash ware, that is to say for
containers, in particular GN containers, pots, pans, cutlery and
items of cutlery, manufactured from metal, in particular from
high-grade steel, the nozzle pressure is preferably set
automatically to a high value of, for example, 0.4 bar and the
quantity of washing fluid sprayed per unit time during the washing
phase is also set at a high value of, for example, 180 l/min.
[0072] If plates manufactured from porcelain or a porcelain-like
material or drinking glasses manufactured from glass or a
glass-like material or "other wash ware" are treated during the
washing phase, the cycle duration of the washing phase should be
reduced automatically, as compared with the treatment of the other
types of wash ware, by the programme control device 50.
[0073] All the above- and below-mentioned numerical values are to
be considered purely by way of example and, in particular, not to
be judged as a restriction of the invention.
[0074] As already indicated, the dishwasher 1 according to the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 also has, in addition to the
washing system, a fresh-water rinsing-clear system which has a
first and a second rinsing-clear pump 12, 13 and a rinsing-clear
line system 15a, 15b, in order to convey rinsing-clear fluid out of
the fresh-water container 14 or boiler 21 through rinsing-clear
nozzles 7, 9 into the treatment chamber 2 during the fresh-water
rinsing-clear phase. There is provision particularly preferably for
the programme control device 50 to be designed to select a
predetermined or determinable treatment programme for the
fresh-water rinsing-clear phase automatically as a function of the
detected type of wash ware and likewise automatically to set the
process parameters associated with the selected treatment
programme. Settable process parameters which may be considered are,
for example, in particular the cycle duration of the rinsing-clear
phase, the quantity of rinsing-clear fluid to be sprayed overall
during the rinsing-clear phase and/or the temperature of the
rinsing-clear fluid to be sprayed during the rinsing-clear
phase.
[0075] In a preferred implementation of the solution according to
the invention, the programme control device 50 is designed to set
the quantity of rinsing-clear fluid to be sprayed overall during
the fresh-water rinsing-clear phase to a reduced value of, for
example, 1.5 litres per unit area of size 500 mm.times.500 mm,
enclosed by the wall of the treatment chamber 2, as seen in a top
view of the treatment chamber, and the temperature of the
rinsing-clear fluid to be sprayed during the fresh-water
rinsing-clear phase to a high value of, for example, at least
80.degree. C. when plates manufactured from porcelain or
porcelain-like material, containers, in particular GN containers,
pots, pans, cutlery and items of cutlery, manufactured from metal,
in particular from high-grade steel, or "other wash ware" are to be
treated.
[0076] If, by contrast, drinking glasses manufactured from glass or
a glass-like material are detected as the type of wash ware, the
programme control device 50 automatically sets the quantity of
rinsing-clear fluid to be sprayed during the fresh-water
rinsing-clear phase to an increased value of, for example, higher
than 2.5 litres per unit area of size 500 mm.times.500 mm, enclosed
by the wall of the treatment chamber 2, as seen in a top view of
the treatment chamber. The temperature of the rinsing-clear fluid
to be sprayed during the fresh-water rinsing-clear phase is in this
case preferably set to a reduced value of, for example, at least
63.degree. C.
[0077] Preferably, furthermore, the dishwasher 1 has the already
mentioned steam rinsing-clear system 22, 32 which, in particular,
also comprises the steam generator 20. As illustrated in the
drawings, the steam generator 20 is connected to the fresh-water
feed line 28 and is designed for generating steam. The generated
steam is conducted via the steam line 32 into the treatment chamber
2 during the steam rinsing-clear phase. In this case, preferably,
the programme control device 50 is designed to switch on the steam
rinsing-clear system 22, 32 automatically, as a function of the
detected type of wash ware, after the expiry of the fresh-water
rinsing-clear phase for a predetermined or determinable
duration.
[0078] In a preferred implementation of the solution according to
the invention, the programme control device 50 is designed to
switch on the steam rinsing-clear system 22, 32 automatically only
when plates manufactured from porcelain or porcelain-like material,
containers, in particular GN containers, pots, pans, cutlery and
items of cutlery, manufactured from metal, in particular from
high-grade steel, or "other wash ware" are detected as the type of
wash ware.
[0079] After the steam rinsing-clear phase, a condensation and drip
phase can then be carried out, which will last for the defined time
and in which the steam conducted into the treatment chamber 2 of
the dishwasher 1 during the steam rinsing-clear phase can at least
partially condense on the wash-ware surfaces, drip off and flow
into the washing tank 4 by gravity. This optionally provided
condensation and drip phase lasts preferably for about 10 to 60
seconds, and even more preferably for about 20 to 30 seconds.
[0080] In this preferred development, therefore, there is provision
for the above-described fresh-water rinsing-clear phase to be
carried out with a reduced fresh-water quantity of, for example,
1.5 litres, as a function of the detected type of wash ware, after
the standard washing phase. After this fresh-water rinsing-clear
phase, there takes place, likewise as a function of the detected
type of wash ware, the steam rinsing-clear phase in which, with the
aid of the steam introduced into the treatment chamber of the
dishwasher, the washing fluid residues still remaining on the
wash-ware surfaces after the fresh-water rinsing-clear phase are
rinsed off completely. In this steam rinsing-clear phase, overall,
a fresh-water quantity of about 0.05 to 0.25 litres, and preferably
a fresh-water quantity of about 0.10 to 0.15 litres, is used in
steam form.
[0081] The fresh-water quantities given herein always relate to a
dishwasher in the form of a programmable automatic machine, the
treatment chamber 2 of which is designed for a wash-ware basket of
standard size 500 mm.times.500 mm, so that a unit area of the size
500 mm.times.500 mm is enclosed by the wall of the treatment
chamber 2, as seen in a top view of the treatment chamber.
[0082] In a particularly preferred development of the dishwasher 1
according to the invention, there is provision for this to have,
furthermore, a drying system, not illustrated explicitly in the
drawings, with a drying blower. The drying blower serves for
causing a drying-air stream to circulate in the treatment chamber 2
of the dishwasher 1 during a drying phase to be carried out after
the fresh-water or steam rinsing-clear phase.
[0083] In conventional dishwashers which have a drying system of
this type, an over-treatment of the wash ware often takes place
even during the drying phase. It is frequently sufficient for an
adequate drying result simply to have a lower volume flow of drying
air circulating per unit time in the drying zone, a lower
temperature of the drying air and/or a lower cycle duration of the
drying phase.
[0084] If, as already indicated before, for specific types of wash
ware the fresh-water rinsing-clear phase is followed automatically
by the steam rinsing-clear phase, then, to dry this type of wash
ware, use may be made of the knowledge that a large part of the
energy required for evaporation drying comes from the energy stored
with hot steam during the steam rinsing-clear phase. Accordingly,
in a preferred development of the solution according to the
invention, there is provision for the programme control device 50
to set automatically so that the cycle duration of the drying phase
is set at an increased value of, for example, 180 seconds solely in
the case of the detection of drinking glasses manufactured from
glass or a glass-like material, in which the steam rinsing-clear
phase is not carried out. Likewise, in this case, the volume flow
of drying air circulating per unit time during the drying phase
should have an increased value. For the remaining types of wash
ware, in which the steam rinsing-clear phase is preferably carried
out, a reduced cycle duration of, for example, 120 seconds and a
reduced volume flow of drying air circulating per unit time are
sufficient.
[0085] So that, in the selection of the optimal programme
parameters to be adopted during the individual treatment phases,
the different aspects applicable to the respective types of wash
ware can be taken into account, the programme control device 50
used in the dishwasher 1 according to the invention is preferably
designed to the effect of classifying each individual type of wash
ware detected with the aid of the wash-ware detector device 51 in a
predetermined wash ware group. Each wash ware group is assigned a
determined treatment programme, according to which the types of
wash ware assigned to a specific wash ware group are treated during
the individual treatment phases.
[0086] So that the different types of wash ware can therefore be
taken into account in the selection of the optimal process
parameters, in a preferred implementation of the dishwasher 1
according to the invention with the programme control device 50 the
following assignments are carried out: [0087] plates manufactured
from porcelain or a porcelain-like material are assigned to a first
wash ware group; [0088] utensils manufactured from metal, in
particular from high-grade steel and cutlery or items of cutlery
manufactured from metal, in particular from high-grade steel, are
assigned to a second wash ware group; [0089] drinking glasses
manufactured from glass or a glass-like material are assigned to a
third wash ware group; and [0090] the wash ware which has been
recognized as "other wash ware" is assigned to a fourth wash ware
group.
[0091] FIG. 2 illustrates diagrammatically a dishwasher 1, in
particular a commercial dishwasher, in the form of a programmable
automatic machine, according to the second preferred embodiment of
the solution according to the invention. In contrast to the first
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the dishwasher 1 illustrated in
FIG. 2 has no fresh-water container and therefore also no second
rinsing-clear pump, via which, as illustrated in FIG. 1, unheated
rinsing-clear fluid can be supplied to the rinsing-clear nozzles
via a rinsing-clear line system. The dishwasher 1 illustrated in
FIG. 2 is otherwise structurally and functionally identical to the
dishwasher described with reference to FIG. 1. It is, of course,
conceivable that the heater 45 of the boiler 21 or of the steam
generator 20 can be appropriately activated via the heater control
circuit (not illustrated explicitly) in order to provide
rinsing-clear fluid heated to a greater or lesser extent.
[0092] The invention is not restricted to the embodiments of the
dishwasher 1 which are shown by way of example in the drawings. On
the contrary, the invention arises from an overall consideration by
a person skilled in the art of the patent claims and of the
description of the exemplary embodiments.
[0093] In particular, it is conceivable that the dishwasher 1 has,
furthermore, a detergent metering device for metering detergent
into the washing fluid. The programme control device 50 should in
this case particularly preferably be designed to set, as a function
of the type of wash ware to be treated, the quantity of detergent
metered into the washing fluid. In particular, it is conceivable
that, when a type of wash ware assigned to the second wash ware
group is detected, an increased quantity of detergent is metered,
while, in the case of the other wash ware groups, a standard value
is selected for the quantity of metered detergent.
[0094] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable,
furthermore, that the dishwasher 1 has a rinse-aid metering device
for metering rinse aid into the rinsing-clear fluid, the programme
control device 50 preferably being designed to set, as a function
of the type of wash ware to be treated, the quantity of rinse aid
metered. In this case, in particular, it is conceivable that, when
wash ware assigned to the first wash ware group is detected, the
quantity of metered rinse aid is reduced automatically, in
comparison with the other wash ware groups.
[0095] Finally, in a preferred development of the method according
to the invention, it is conceivable that, as a function of the
detected type of wash ware, steam soaking is carried out
automatically before the washing phase, in which steam is generated
by means of the generator 20 and is conducted into the treatment
chamber 2. This steam soaking phase is to be employed optionally,
in particular, in the treatment of wash ware which is assigned to
the second wash ware group.
[0096] It is likewise conceivable that the dishwasher 1 according
to the invention has a detergent direct-spraying system, in order
to spray detergent directly during the washing phase onto the wash
ware inserted into the treatment chamber 2. This detergent
direct-spraying system can preferably be activated by the programme
control device 50 as a function of the detected type of wash ware.
It is in this case appropriate for the programme control device 50
to be designed to switch on the detergent direct-spraying system
during the washing phase when a type of wash ware assigned to the
second wash ware group is detected.
[0097] The solution according to the invention allows an automatic
detection of the type of wash ware to be treated and an automatic
setting of programme parameters optimally adapted to the type of
wash ware. In this case, there is provision for the programme
control device 50 selectively to select automatically and
correspondingly determine the process parameters which are optimal
in terms of the type of wash ware, in order to afford the operating
personnel basically the possibility of being able to set or vary
manually the process parameters applicable to the individual
treatment phases.
* * * * *