DISHWASHER WITH DIRT DISCHARGE SYSTEM

Abstract

A dishwasher includes a washing system configured as a recirculation loop and a dirt discharge system associated with the washing system. The dirt discharge system is associated with a separator apparatus configured so as to separate at least a portion of the washing liquid required to empty a dirt collection region of the dirt discharge system and discharged together with the dirt particles from the dirt collection region from the dirt particles discharged from the dirt collection region and to return the separated washing liquid back to the water circulation of the dishwasher.

Claims

1. A dishwasher having at least one washing system configured as a recirculation loop, wherein the at least one washing system 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 washing liquid collected in the washing tank to the at least one washing nozzle, and wherein a dirt discharge system associated with the at least one washing system is provided, wherein a tank cover screen is associated with the dirt discharge system, which screen is configured so as to separate dirt particles from the sprayed washing liquid that flows back into the washing tank due to gravity, wherein the dirt discharge system comprises a dirt collection region arranged at least regionally in the washing tank for collecting the dirt particles separated from the washing liquid by the tank cover screen, and wherein the dirt discharge system is fluidly connected to the dirt collection region, via which the dirt collection region can be emptied, wherein the dirt discharge system is associated with a separator apparatus configured so as to separate at least a portion of the washing liquid required to empty the dirt collection region and discharged together with the dirt particles from the dirt collection region from the dirt particles discharged from the dirt collection region and to return the separated washing liquid back to the water circulation of the dishwasher.

2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the dirt discharge system with the separator apparatus is configured so as to feed the washing liquid separated from the dirt particles discharged from the dirt collection region back to the washing tank of the dishwasher.

3. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the dirt discharge system comprises a dirt discharge pump, whose suction side is fluidly connected or connectable to the dirt collection region and whose pressure side is fluidly connected or connectable to the separator apparatus, wherein the dishwasher comprises a control device, which is configured so as to actuate the dirt discharge pump of the dirt discharge system independently of a fresh water entry into the water circulation of the dishwasher.

4. The dishwasher according to claim 3, wherein the dishwasher comprises a sensor system, which is configured so as to detect a level of soiling of the washing liquid in the at least one washing tank of the dishwasher and/or to detect a dirty loading of the items to be washed in the dishwasher, wherein the control device is configured so as to actuate the dirt discharge pump of the dirt discharge system depending on the detected level of soiling of the washing liquid and/or depending on the detected dirty loading of the items to be washed in the dishwasher.

5. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the separator apparatus comprises a collection container that is fluidly connected or connectable to the dirt discharge system, to which, upon emptying of the dirt collection region, the washing liquid with the dirt particles, which is required in order to empty the dirt collection region, is fed from the dirt collection region, wherein a screen system is associated with the collection container, with which screen at least a portion of the washing liquid required for emptying the dirt collection region and discharged from the dirt collection region together with the dirt particles is separated from the dirt particles discharged from the dirt collection region.

6. The dishwasher according to claim 5, wherein the separator apparatus is configured so as to automatically discharge from the separator apparatus the dirt particles separated from the washing liquid in the separator apparatus.

7. The dishwasher according to claim 5, wherein an overflow system is associated with the collection container of the separator apparatus, which overflow system fluidly connects the collection container with a local drain or with the washing tank of the dishwasher.

8. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the separator apparatus is associated with a waste water pump, which is configured so as to feed the washing liquid separated in the separator apparatus back to the water circulation of the dishwasher at predetermined times and/or events or continuously.

9. The dishwasher according to claim 8, wherein the separator apparatus is associated with a sensor system configured so as to detect the amount of washing liquid separated in the separator apparatus, and wherein the separator apparatus is associated with a control device configured so as to actuate the waste water pump depending on the amount of the washing liquid separated from the dirt particles in the separator apparatus.

10. The dishwasher according to claim 6, wherein a control device is associated with the separator apparatus, which device is configured so as to cyclically actuate the waste water pump at least as needed or at predetermined or determinable times or events, such that at least partial rinsing of the screen system of the separator apparatus is achievable.

11. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the separator apparatus comprises a filter system configured so as to filter the washing liquid separated from the dirt particles in the separator apparatus prior to its return to the water circulation of the dishwasher.

12. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the separator apparatus is associated with a heat exchange system for heat recovery of the washing liquid separated from the dirt particles in the separator apparatus.

13. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the dishwasher is configured as a conveyor dishwasher, wherein the at least one washing system is configured as at least one washing zone, and wherein, in addition to the at least one washing system configured as a washing zone, the conveyor dishwasher comprises at least one rinsing zone as well as a conveyor device for conveying the items to be washed through the at least one washing system configured as a washing zone and the at least one rinsing zone that is downstream of the washing system when viewed in the conveying direction of the items to be washed; or wherein the dishwasher is configured as a program automation and comprises a treatment chamber in which the washing system is configured.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Exemplary embodiments of the solution according to the invention are described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] The following are shown in the drawings:

[0050] FIG. 1 schematically, a dishwasher configured in the form of a conveyor dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the invention; and

[0051] FIG. 2 schematically, a dishwasher configured in the form of a box-type dishwasher according to a second embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] In FIG. 1, a schematic longitudinal sectional view shows an example of a conveyor dishwasher 50 configured according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0053] The conveyor dishwasher 50 according to the illustration in FIG. 1 comprises a pre-washing zone 51 and a main washing zone 52, which is located downstream of the pre-washing zone 51 when viewed in the conveying direction T of the items to be washed (not shown in FIG. 1). When viewed in the conveying direction T, in the conveyor dishwasher 50 shown in FIG. 1, downstream of the main washing zone 52, a post-washing or pre-rinsing zone 53 and a rinsing zone 54 downstream of the post-washing or pre-rinsing zone 53 are arranged. The items to be washed received either directly on a conveyor belt 58 or held by racks typically run in the conveying direction T through an inlet tunnel 55, the subsequent pre-washing zone 51, the main washing zone 52, post-washing zone 53, the rinsing zone 54, and a drying zone 56 into an outlet path 57.

[0054] Spray nozzles 13-1, 13-2, 13-3, 13-4 are respectively associated with the aforementioned treatment zones 51, 52, 53, 54 of the conveyor dishwasher 50, via which nozzles liquid is sprayed onto the items to be washed conveyed by the conveyor belt 58 through the respective treatment zones 51, 52, 53, 54. At least the pre-washing zone 51, the main washing zone 52, and the post-washing or pre-rinsing zone 53 are each associated with a tank (washing tank 14-1, 14-2, 14-3) in which sprayed washing liquid is received and/or washing liquid is provided for the spray nozzles 13-1, 13-2, 13-3 of the relevant zones 51, 52, 53.

[0055] The pre-washing zone 51, the main washing zone 52, and the post-washing zone 53 of the conveyor dishwasher 50 according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1 each comprise a washing system 10-1, 10-2, 10-3. Each washing system 10-1, 10-2, 10-3 is comprised of a washing pump 11-1, 11-2, 11-3, a conduit system 12-1, 12-2, 12-3 connected to the washing pump 11-1, 11-2, 11-3, and spray nozzles 13-1, 13-2, 13-3 connected to the conduit system 12-1, 12-2, 12-3.

[0056] Furthermore, a control device 100, shown schematically in FIG. 1, is provided, which (among other things) serves to actuate the respective washing pumps 11-1, 11-2, 11-3 of the washing systems 10-1, 10-2, 10-3 appropriately during a washing process, in order to at least temporarily feed washing liquid to the spray nozzles 13-1, 13-2, 13-3 of the nozzle system belonging to the respective washer system 10-1, 10-2, 10-3 via the associated conduit system 12-1, 12-2, 12-3.

[0057] In the conveyor dishwasher 50 shown in FIG. 1, rinsing liquid is sprayed onto the items to be washed, not shown in FIG. 1, in the form of fresh water, which can be mixed with further chemical additives such as rinsing agents, via the spray nozzles 13-4 of the rinsing zone 54 arranged above and below the conveyor belt 58. As shown in FIG. 1, laterally arranged spray nozzles 13-5 can also be provided in the rinsing zone 54.

[0058] A portion of the rinsing liquid sprayed in the rinsing zone 54 is conveyed from zone to zone in a cascading system counter to the conveying direction T of the items to be washed. The remaining portion is guided directly into the pre-washing tank 14-1 of the pre-washing zone 51 via a valve 59 and a bypass conduit 60.

[0059] The rinsing liquid sprayed in the rinsing zone 54 is collected in the tank (post-washing or pre-rinsing tank 14-3) of the post-washing or pre-rinsing zone 53, from which it is conveyed to the spray nozzles 13-3 (post-washing or pre-rinsing nozzles) of the post-washing or pre-rinsing zone 53 via the washing pump 11-3 belonging to the washing system 10-3 of the post-washing or pre-rinsing zone 53. In the post-washing or pre-rinsing zone 53, washing liquid is rinsed off of the items to be washed.

[0060] The liquid accumulating here flows into the washing tank 14-2 of the main washing zone 52, and a chemical cleaning agent is typically added, and then the liquid is sprayed onto the items to be washed via the spray nozzles 13-2 (washing nozzles) of the washing system 10-2 belonging to the main washing zone 52 using a washing pump 11-2 belonging to the washing system 10-2 of the main washing zone 52.

[0061] From the washing tank 14-2 of the main washing zone 52, the washing liquid then flows into the pre-washing tank 14-1 of the pre-washing zone 51. In the pre-washing zone 51, with the aid of a washing pump 11-1 belonging to the washing system 10-1 of the pre-washing zone 51, the washing liquid collected in the pre-washing tank 14-1 is sprayed on the items to be washed via the spray nozzles 13-1 (pre-washing nozzles) of the washing system 10-1 belonging to the pre-washing zone 51 in order to remove coarse soiling from the items to be washed.

[0062] In the conveyor dishwasher 50 shown in FIG. 1, the main washing zone 52 has a tank cover screen 20-2 arranged above the main washing tank 14-2. In the operation of the conveyor dishwasher 50, washing liquid is sprayed onto the items to be washed via spray nozzles 13-2 (washing nozzles) of the washing system 10-2. The sprayed washing liquid returns to the washing tank 14-2 of the main washing zone 52 due to gravity, wherein the dirt particles rinsed off in the main washing zone 52 are retained by the tank cover screen 20-2, provided the dirt particles are larger than the mesh size of the tank cover screen 20-2. The mesh size of the tank cover screen 20-2 is preferably in a range of approximately 1 mm to 4 mm.

[0063] In the conveyor dishwasher 50 schematically shown in FIG. 1, in order to clean the tank cover screen 20-2, the rinsing operation must be interrupted for manual cleaning of the tank cover screen 20-2.

[0064] A portion of the washing liquid sprayed in the main washing zone 52 enters the washing tank (pre-washing tank 14-1) of the pre-washing zone 51 via an overflow system 61. Like the main washing zone 52, the pre-washing zone 51 is equipped with a tank cover screen 20-1 configured as a flat screen. This tank cover screen 20-1 is arranged above the washing tank (pre-washing tank 14-1) of the pre-washing zone 51 in order to separate dirt particles from the washing liquid sprayed in the pre-washing zone 51 and flowing back into the pre-washing tank 14-1 due to gravity. The mesh size of the tank cover screen 20-1 is preferably in a range between approximately 1 mm and 4 mm.

[0065] As explained above, because the dirt concentration of the washing liquid in the pre-washing zone 51 is the greatest due to the fact that the most dirt is accrued here, the conveyor dishwasher 50 shown in FIG. 1 is equipped with a dirt discharge system 70 associated with pre-washing zone 51, which has a dirt collection region 71-1 arranged within pre-washing zone 51, and in particular within the pre-washing tank 14-1.

[0066] The construction and operation of the dirt discharge system 70 used in the conveyor dishwasher 50 shown in FIG. 1 will also be described in further detail below with reference to the illustration in FIG. 2.

[0067] In the embodiment of the conveyor dishwasher 50 shown in FIG. 1, the dirt collection region 71-1 is used in order to collect the dirt particles separated from the washing liquid using the tank cover screen 20-1.

[0068] Specifically, and as will be described in further detail below with reference to the illustration in FIG. 2, the dirt collection region 71-1 is configured as a chamber arranged in the pre-washing tank 14-1, preferably opening upwardly, which can have a pressure equalization system on its sides. Through the upper opening, the dirt particles separated by means of the tank cover screen 20-1 can pass into the chamber-shaped dirt collection region 71-1. Due to the fact that the dirt collection region 71-1 comprises a pressure equalization system on its sides, a particularly rapid emptying of the dirt collection region 71-1 can be realized.

[0069] As will be described in further detail below with reference to the illustration in FIG. 2, it is preferred that the tank cover screen 20-1 is arranged above the dirt collection region 71-1 and has a drain slope in the form of a gradient directed towards a feed opening 22, wherein the dirt collection region 71-1, which preferably opens upwards, is arranged below the feed opening 22, such that the dirt particles separated with the aid of the tank cover screen 22 can pass into the dirt collection region 71-1 via the feed opening 22.

[0070] It is contemplated in particular that the tank cover screen 20-1 is configured in a funnel-like manner, at least regionally, wherein the feed opening 22 is configured within the funnel-like region 21 of the tank cover screen 20-1, and preferably in the zenith of the funnel-like region 21 of the tank cover screen 20-1 (cf. in this regard also in particular the illustration in FIG. 2).

[0071] The dirt discharge system 70 used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 further comprises a dirt discharge system 70 connected to the dirt collection region 71-1, for example consisting of a standpipe 72-1 and a dirty water conduit 73-1, for discharging the dirt particles collected in the dirt collection region 71-1 from the pre-washing zone 51.

[0072] As shown, a dirt discharge pump 74-1 is arranged in the dirt discharge system 70; 72-1, 73-1. The suction-side inlet of the dirt discharge pump 74-1 is connected to the lower region of the dirt collection region 71-1 via the standpipe 72-1 associated with the dirt discharge system 70. The pressure-side outlet of the dirt discharge pump 74-1 opens into the dirty water conduit 73-1 associated with the dirt discharge system 70.

[0073] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the dirty water conduit 73-1 leads to a separator apparatus 80, which can be arranged outside the pre-washing zone 51 upstream of the inlet tunnel 55 of the conveyor dishwasher 50.

[0074] The separator apparatus 80 configured so as to separate at least a portion of the washing liquid required to empty a dirt collection region 71-1 and discharged together with the dirt particles from the dirt collection region 71-1 from the dirt particles discharged from the dirt collection region 71-1 and to return the separated washing liquid back to the water circulation of the dishwasher 50.

[0075] In the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher configured as a conveyor dishwasher 50 shown in FIG. 1, it is specifically provided that the washing liquid separated from the dirt particles removed from the dirt collection region 71-1 is fed back to the washing tank 14-1 of the dishwasher 50.

[0076] The dirt discharge pump 74-1 is fluidly connected or connectable to the dirt collection region 71-1 on its suction side and fluidly connected or connectable to the separator apparatus 80 on its pressure side.

[0077] In particular, the dirt discharge pump 74-1 can be activated independently of a fresh water entry into the water circulation of the dishwasher 50.

[0078] According to a contemplated realization, the dishwasher 50 comprises a sensor system, which is configured so as to detect a level of soiling of the washing liquid preferably in the washing tank 14-1 of the dishwasher 50 and/or to detect a dirt load of the items to be washed in the dishwasher 50.

[0079] In particular, it is contemplated that the control device is configured so as to actuate the dirt discharge pump 74-1 of the dirt discharge system 70 depending on the detected level of soiling of the washing liquid and/or depending on the detected dirt load of the items to be washed in the dishwasher 50.

[0080] In the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher according the invention 50 shown in FIG. 1, it is contemplated that the separator apparatus 80 comprises a collection container 81 that is fluidly connected or connectable to the dirt discharge system 70, to which, upon emptying of the dirt collection region 71-1, the washing liquid with the dirt particles, which is required in order to empty the dirt collection region 71-1, is fed from the dirt collection region 71-1.

[0081] A screen system 82 is associated with the collection container 81, with which screen at least a portion of the washing liquid required for emptying the dirt collection region 71-1 and discharged from the dirt collection region 71-1 together with the dirt particles is separated from the dirt particles discharged from the dirt collection region 71-1.

[0082] In particular, the separator apparatus 80 is associated with a waste water pump 83, which is configured, preferably as needed, so as to feed the washing liquid separated in the separator apparatus 80 back to the water circulation of the dishwasher 50 at predetermined times and/or events or continuously.

[0083] In FIG. 2, a second exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher 50 according the invention is shown, which is a dishwasher 50 configured as a box-type dishwasher and having a single treatment chamber in which washing liquid is sprayed onto the items to be treated via spray nozzles.

[0084] A dirt discharge system 70 is arranged in the washing tank of the dishwasher configured as a box-type dishwasher, as described in principle above with reference to the conveyor dishwasher 50 shown in FIG. 1.

[0085] As in the embodiment of the dishwasher 50 according to the invention shown in FIG. 1, a separator apparatus 80 is associated with the automatic dirt discharge system 70.

[0086] The dirt discharge system 70 is arranged within the washing tank 14 of the dishwasher 50 configured as a box-type dishwasher. The dirt discharge system 70 comprises a tank cover screen 20, which is preferably arranged in the washing tank 14 above the liquid level of the washing liquid received in the washing tank 14. The tank cover screen 20 serves to separate dirt particles from the washing liquid flowing back into the washing tank due to gravity. For this reason, a suitable mesh size must be provided for the tank cover screen 20.

[0087] Furthermore, the dirt discharge system 70 comprises a dirt collection region 71 that is configured as a chamber that opens upwards. Via the opening of the chamber-like dirt collection region 71, the dirt particles separated from the tank cover screen 20 are fed to the dirt collection region 71. For this purpose, it is preferred when the tank cover screen 20 comprises a drain slope in the form of a gradient directed towards a feed opening 22, wherein the dirt collection region 71, which is configured so as to open upwards, is arranged below the feed opening 22.

[0088] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, it is contemplated that the tank cover screen is configured in a funnel-like manner, at least regionally, wherein the feed opening 22 is configured within the funnel-like region 21 of the tank cover screen 20, and preferably in the tapered region of the funnel-like region 21 of the tank cover screen 20.

[0089] It is further preferred when the dirt collection region 71 is funnel-shaped at the upper end in order to be able to be inserted or received in the feed opening 22 of the tank cover screen 20.

[0090] In the operation of the dishwasher 50 (not shown in FIG. 2), the washing zone sprays washing liquid, wherein a portion of the sprayed washing liquid flows back into the washing tank 14 via the tank cover screen 20. The remaining portion of the sprayed washing liquid flows directly into the dirt collection region 71 via the feed opening 22 provided in the tank cover screen 20 due to gravity. The dirt particles rinsed off of the items to be washed during the washing process, provided they are larger than the mesh size of the tank cover screen 20, are prevented by the tank cover screen 20 from entering the washing liquid collected in the washing tank 14. Rather, the dirt particles separated from the tank cover screen 20 are moved through the drain slope to the feed opening 22 and thus enter the dirt collection region 71.

[0091] In order to be able to preferably automatically empty the dirt collection region 71, the dirt discharge system 70 preferably further comprises a dirt discharge pipe system. This dirt discharge pipe system, in the embodiment of the dirt discharge system 70 shown in FIG. 2, consists of a standpipe 72 connected to the lower region of the dirt collection region 71. The standpipe 72 is connected to the suction-side inlet of a dirt discharge pump 74. The pressure-side outlet of the dirt discharge pump 74 opens into a dirty water conduit 73 such that, upon activation of the dirt discharge pump 74, the contents of the dirt collection region 71 can be discharged from the washing zone.

[0092] The dirt discharge pump 74 is preferably configured so as to remove the dirt particles collected in the dirt collection region 71 together with the washing liquid also collected in the dirt collection region 71, at predetermined times and/or events or continuously. In particular, it is contemplated that the dirt discharge pump 74 will be actuated via the aforementioned control device 100 as a function of the amount of dirt particles collected in the dirt collection region 71.

[0093] Nevertheless, it is of course contemplated that the pumping of dirt out of the dirt collection region 71 can occur as a function of, for example, the level in the dirt collection region 71, the level in the washing tank 14, or other factors.

[0094] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the dirty water conduit 73 leads to a separator apparatus 80. The separator apparatus 80 configured so as to separate at least a portion of the washing liquid required to empty a dirt collection region 71 and discharged together with the dirt particles from the dirt collection region 71 from the dirt particles discharged from the dirt collection region 71 and to return the separated washing liquid back to the water circulation of the dishwasher 50.

[0095] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described in connection with the drawings.