Patent Description:
The invention is consequently directed at a washing machine which has at least one washing zone designed as a recirculation circuit. The washing zone designed as a recirculation circuit has a nozzle system with at least one washing nozzle for spraying washing liquid onto the batch of dishes and/or utensils to be cleaned, a washing tank for capturing at least part 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. Furthermore, the washing machine has a dirt capture system assigned to the at least one washing zone and having at least one tank-covering screen, in order to separate dirt particles from the sprayed washing liquid flowing back into the washing tank as a result of gravity.

The document <CIT> relates to a method for operating a dishwasher with a variable washing program, according to which the recirculation pump and the lye pump are at least temporarily operated in an alternating manner during a partial step of a program such that the dishwasher filter systems are automatically cleaned and the accumulated washing residues are conveyed away from the dishwasher at an early stage.

Programmable machines are manually loadable and unloadable dish-washing machines. The programmable machines (called "box-type ware washers" or else "batch dish washers") may be basket-type push-through washing machines, also called hood washing machines ("hood-type ware washers"), or front loaders ("front loader ware washers"). Front loaders may be built-under machines.

("under counter machines"), table top machines ("top counter machines") or freestanding washing machines with front loading ("free standing front loaders").

A washing machine designed as a programmable machine usually has a treatment chamber for the cleaning of a batch. As a rule, arranged beneath the treatment chamber is a washing tank, in which liquid can flow back out of the treatment chamber as a result of gravity. Located in the washing tank is washing liquid which is usually water, to which, if appropriate, detergent can be supplied.

Furthermore, a washing machine designed as a programmable machine has a washing system with a washing pump and with a line system connected to the washing pump and having a nozzle system which has at least one washing nozzle. The washing liquid located in the washing tank can be conveyed from the washing pump to the at least one washing nozzle via the line system and sprayed through this at least one washing nozzle in the treatment chamber onto the batch to be cleaned. The sprayed washing liquid subsequently flows back into the washing tank as a result of gravity.

Transport washing machines ("conveyor ware washers") are, in particular, belt-type transport washing machines ("flight-type ware washers") or basket-type transport washing machines ("rack conveyor ware washers"). Transport washing machines are usually employed in the commercial sector. In contrast to programmable machines, in which the batch to be cleaned remains at a fixed location in the machine during cleaning, in transport washing machines a transport of the batch through various treatment zones of the transport washing machine takes place.

A transport washing machine usually has at least one pre-washing zone and at least one main-washing zone, which is arranged downstream of the pre-washing zone or pre-washing zones, as seen in the direction of transport of the batch. As a rule, at least one post-washing zone or pre-rinsing zone and at least one final-rinsing zone following the post-washing zone or post-washing zones are arranged downstream of the main-washing zone or main-washing zones, as seen in the direction of transport. As seen in the direction of transport, either the batch received directly on the conveyor belt or the batch held by baskets usually runs in the direction of transport through an entry tunnel, the following pre-washing zone or pre-washing zones, main-washing zone or main-washing zones, post-washing zone or post-washing zones, final-rinsing zone or final-rinsing zones and a drying zone into an exit section.

Said washing zones of the transport washing machine are assigned in each case a washing system which has a washing pump and a line system (washing line system) which is connected to the washing pump and via which washing liquid is supplied to the nozzle system or the at least one washing nozzle of the nozzle system. The washing liquid supplied to the at least one washing nozzle of the nozzle system is sprayed in the respective washing zones of the transport washing machine onto the batch which is being transported by a transport device of the transport washing machine through the respective washing zones. Each washing zone is assigned a tank in which the liquid sprayed by the washing nozzles is received and/or in which liquid for the nozzle systems of the respective treatment zones is provided.

In the transport washing machines conventionally known from the prior art, final-rinsing liquid in the form of fresh water, which may be pure or mixed with further additives, such as for example final-rinsing agent, is sprayed onto the batch via the spray nozzles of the final-rinsing zone. At least part of the sprayed final-rinsing liquid is transported from zone to zone, opposite to the direction of transport of the batch, via a cascade system.

The sprayed final-rinsing liquid is captured in a tank (post-washing tank) of the post-washing zone, from which tank it is conveyed via the washing pump of the washing system belonging to the post-washing zone to the spray nozzles (post-washing nozzles) of the post-washing zone. Washing liquid is rinsed off from the batch in the post-washing zone. The liquid which in this case occurs flows into the washing tank of the at least one main-washing zone which precedes the post-washing zone, as seen in the direction of transport of the batch. Here, the liquid is usually provided with a detergent and sprayed onto the batch via the nozzles (washing nozzles) of the main-washing zone by means of a pump system (washing pump) belonging to the washing system of the main-washing zone. If no further main-washing zone is provided, the liquid subsequently flows from the washing tank of the main-washing zone into the pre-washing tank of the pre-washing zone. The liquid in the pre-washing tank is sprayed onto the batch via the pre-washing nozzles of the pre-washing zone by means of a pump system (pre-washing pump) belonging to the washing system of the pre-washing zone, in order to remove coarse impurities from the batch.

Conventionally, washing machines are equipped with rinsing pumps which supply the line system of the final-rinsing zone with the final-rinsing liquid to be sprayed. This ensures, in particular, a virtually constant volume flow of the final-rinsing liquid in the final-rinsing zone. It is also conceivable, however, to utilize the on-site line pressure, for example the pressure of the fresh water supply, in order to deliver the final-rinsing liquid to the line system of the final-rinsing zone. In this last-mentioned instance, an activatable valve may be provided between the line system and the spray nozzles of the final-rinsing zone, so that a temporary or complete interruption in the supply of final-rinsing liquid to the spray nozzles can be achieved.

Irrespective of whether the washing machine is designed as a programmable machine or as a transport washing machine, industrial dish-washing machines therefore usually comprise at least one washing system designed as a recirculation circuit, which has a nozzle system with at least one washing nozzle for spraying washing liquid onto the batch to be cleaned, a washing tank for capturing at least part of the sprayed liquid and at least one washing pump for feeding liquid collected in the washing tank to the at least one washing nozzle.

Since a washing zone designed as a recirculation circuit is used for cleaning the batch, at least part of the washing liquid already sprayed in the washing zone is circulated, and there is therefore the risk of the dirt particles removed from the batch being subjected to repeated comminution, on account of the permanent circulation of the washing liquid, and thus no longer being capable of being readily separated from the washing liquid by screening devices, etc. Therefore, in the case of a washing zone designed as a recirculation circuit, there is the risk of the contamination of the washing liquid in the washing zone increasing as the washing time increases, so that there is a greater risk of a batch being recontaminated and the washing result worsening overall.

This problem arises, in particular, in the case of the pre-washing or main-washing zones of a washing machine designed as a transport washing machine. Since, in the case of transport washing machines, the washing liquid used flows in cascade form counter to the transporting direction of the batch which is to be cleaned, the concentration of dirt in the washing liquid in the at least one pre-washing zone is greater than the concentration of dirt in the washing liquid in the rest of the treatment zones, since most dirt occurs in the pre-washing zone.

On the other hand, it is unavoidable that, during operation of a washing machine designed as a transport washing machine, part of the more contaminated washing liquid in the pre-washing zone is "entrained", by the transportation of the batch into the at least one main-washing zone which is arranged downstream of the pre-washing zone. This increases the contamination of the washing liquid in the main-washing zone and, accordingly, the washing result in the main-washing zone can likewise worsen.

In order for the dirt particles introduced into the washing machine to be separated from the washing liquid used for washing the batch, it is generally known to use screening devices in the form of dirt-screening baskets, in which the dirt particles introduced into the washing machine collect. In the case of washing machines designed as programmable machines, such a dirt-screening basket is usually arranged in the treatment chamber in the washing tank.

On the other hand, in respect of washing machines which are designed as transport washing machines, it is known for at least the pre-washing tank, which is assigned to the pre-washing zone, and preferably also the main-washing tank, which is assigned to the at least one main-washing zone, to be equipped with planar screens and dirt-screening baskets.

During operation of the washing machine, designed either as a programmable machine or as a transport washing machine, the dirt particles washed off the batch with the aid of the circulating washing water then fall onto the planar screens as a result of gravity. The dirt particles are separated there from the washing liquid flowing back into the corresponding washing tank. The separated dirt particles are then usually washed into a dirt-screening basket.

The solutions known so far from the prior art, in which planar screens or dirt-screening baskets are used for separating dirt particles from a circulating washing liquid, entail the risk that the dirt particles collecting on the planar screen or in the dirt-screening basket are comminuted by the permanent circulation of the washing liquid to such an extent as the washing time increases that the dirt particles have a grain size that is no longer held back by the mesh width of the planar screen or dirt-screening basket, and therefore increasing accumulations of dirt particles in the washing liquid as the washing time increases can no longer be prevented in spite of providing a planar screen or dirt-screening basket.

This risk can in fact be countered by providing in a washing machine of the type mentioned at the beginning a dirt capture system, assigned to the at least one washing system and having at least one tank-covering screen, in order to separate dirt particles from the sprayed washing liquid flowing back into the washing tank of the washing system designed as a recirculation circuit as a result of gravity, the dirt capture system also having a dirt-collecting region, arranged in the washing system, for collecting the dirt particles separated from the washing liquid with the aid of the tank-covering screen. The dirt-collecting region is in this case open at the top, to allow dirt particles separated with the aid of the tank-covering screen to be fed in. However, the sides of the dirt-collecting region are of a completely closed form, so that even fine and ultrafine dirt is prevented from escaping from the dirt-collecting region. In the case of the solution according to the invention, it is also provided that the dirt capture system additionally has a dirt-discharging pipe system, connected to the dirt-collecting region, for discharging from the washing system the dirt particles collected in the dirt-collecting region.

On this basis, it is an object of the present invention to develop a washing machine of the type mentioned at the beginning to the extent that the risk of recontamination of the batch can be reduced still further and the overall washing result can be improved in a way that is effective but nevertheless easy to accomplish.

Various advantages that can be achieved with the solution according to the invention. Firstly, providing on the one hand the tank-covering screen, preferably designed as a planar screen, and on the other hand the dirt capture system ensures that the dirt particles washed off the batch in the washing system and the dirt particles introduced into the washing liquid in some other way can be effectively separated from the washing liquid and collected or concentrated in the dirt-collecting region. Since the dirt-collecting region is of a completely closed form (i.e. fluidtight) at its sides, the dirt particles collected in the dirt-collecting region are encapsulated in relation to the washing liquid in the washing tank, so that even relatively small dirt particles that could possibly be produced by the dirt particles collected in the dirt-collecting region breaking up cannot get back into the washing liquid received in the washing tank.

On the other hand, it is provided that the dirt-collecting region is connected to a dirt-discharging pipe system via which the dirt particles collected in the dirt-collecting region can be removed from the washing system. This makes it possible to reduce the residence time of the dirt particles in the dirt-collecting region, and thus in the washing system, so that it is no longer possible for dirt to break up as a result of the washing liquid circulating in the washing system.

However, the solution according to the invention goes further and envisages interrupting the operation of the washing pump for a first time. Within this first time, or at the latest upon the expiry of this first time, operation of the dirty-water pump then takes place for a second period of time. This allows the rate at which dirt is introduced into the dirt-discharging system to be significantly improved, in particular in the case of machines and systems with a great washing pump circulating rate of <NUM>/min to <NUM>/min. For this purpose, the washing pump circulation is interrupted for a short time immediately before the dirt pumping-away cycle, so that the dirt particles contained in the washing liquid can settle more easily in the dirt-collecting region.

Accordingly, the solution according to the invention achieves a constant washing result even as the washing time increases, recontamination of the batch by dirt particles in the washing liquid being effectively prevented.

On the other hand, the solution according to the invention provides an effective method of discharging dirt particles from the washing liquid, and it is therefore possible to realize a longer service life for the washing liquid in comparison with conventional solutions. It is thus possible to use the washing liquid for cleaning a greater quantity of dishes before it has to be changed. This cuts down, in particular, on the use of clean water, detergent and heating energy.

For discharging the dirt particles, the dirt capture system has at least one dirty-water pump arranged in the dirt-discharging pipe system. This pump serves for actively feeding the dirt particles collected in the dirty-water collecting region optionally either to a dirt-capturing container formed outside the washing system or to a waste-disposal system formed outside the washing machine. Preferably, the dirty-water pump is in this case designed to remove the dirt particles collected in the dirt-collecting region from the washing system continuously or at given times or when given events occur.

In addition, at least one activatable valve arranged in the dirt-discharging pipe system may also be provided, in order to connect the dirt-collecting region optionally to a dirt-capturing container formed outside the washing system or to a waste-disposal system formed outside the washing machine when required or at given times or when given events occur. By activating the valve arranged in the dirt-discharging pipe system, it is possible to connect the dirt-collecting region to the dirt-capturing container or the waste-disposal system, so that the dirt particles collected in the dirt-collecting region can be discharged, for example by gravity, from the dirt-collecting region, and consequently from the washing zone or the washing machine.

Accordingly, the solution according to the invention allows the dirt particles collected in the at least one washing system of the washing machine with the aid of the dirt capture system to be removed automatically from the washing machine. Such dirt discharge, carried out automatically and consequently much more thoroughly than before, relieves the personnel operating the washing machine. In addition, influencing or blocking of the recirculation of the washing liquid in the washing zone due to overfilling of the dirt-collecting region can be effectively prevented.

Exemplary embodiments of the solution according to the invention, given by way of example, are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an example of a transport washing machine <NUM> designed according to the teachings of the present invention. The transport washing machine <NUM> according to the representation in <FIG> has a pre-washing zone <NUM> and a main-washing zone <NUM>, which is arranged downstream of the pre-washing zone <NUM>, as seen in the direction of transport T of the batch (not represented in <FIG>). In the case of the transport washing machine <NUM> represented in <FIG>, a post-washing or pre-rinsing zone <NUM> and a final-rinsing zone <NUM> following the post-washing or pre-rinsing zone <NUM> are arranged downstream of the main-washing zone <NUM>, as seen in the direction of transport T.

In the case of the transport washing machine <NUM> represented, at least the pre-washing zone <NUM> and the main-washing zone <NUM> are respectively formed as washing system <NUM>-<NUM> and washing system <NUM>-<NUM>.

The batch, either received directly on a conveyor belt <NUM> or held by baskets, runs in the direction of transport T through an entry tunnel <NUM>, the following pre-washing zone <NUM>, the main-washing zone <NUM>, the post-washing zone <NUM>, the final-rinsing zone <NUM> and a drying zone <NUM> into an exit section <NUM>.

Said treatment zones <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the transport washing machine <NUM> are respectively assigned spray nozzles <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, via which liquid is sprayed onto the batch which is being transported by the conveyor belt <NUM> through the respective treatment zones <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. At least the pre-washing zone <NUM>, the main-washing zone <NUM> and the post-washing or pre-rinsing zone <NUM> are respectively assigned a tank (washing tank <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>), in which sprayed washing liquid is received and/or in which washing liquid for the spray nozzles <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of the respective zones <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is provided.

The pre-washing zone <NUM>, the main-washing zone <NUM> and the post-washing zone <NUM> of the transport washing machine <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment represented in <FIG> have in each case a washing system <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. Each washing system <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> is composed of a washing pump <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, a line system <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> connected to the washing pump <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> and the spray nozzles <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> connected to the line system <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>.

Furthermore, a control device <NUM> schematically represented in the figures is provided, serving (inter alia) for suitably activating the respective washing pumps <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of the washing systems <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> during a washing process, in order at least intermittently to supply washing liquid via the associated line system <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> to the spray nozzles <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of the nozzle system belonging to the respective washing system <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. At the same time, the control device <NUM> is designed (e.g., programmed or otherwise configured) to serve for the mutually coordinated activation according to the invention of the washing pump <NUM>-<NUM> and of the dirty-water pump <NUM>-<NUM>, in order to improve the discharge of dirt, especially in the region of the machine <NUM> near the entrance.

In the case of the transport washing machine <NUM> represented in <FIG>, final-rinsing liquid in the form of fresh water, which may be mixed with further chemical additives, for example rinsing agent, is sprayed onto the batch (not represented in <FIG>) via the spray nozzles <NUM>-<NUM> of the final-rinsing zone <NUM>, these nozzles being arranged above and beneath the conveyor belt <NUM>. As represented in <FIG>, laterally arranged spray nozzles <NUM>-<NUM> may also be provided in the final-rinsing zone <NUM>.

Part of the final-rinsing liquid sprayed in the final-rinsing zone <NUM> is transported from zone to zone via a cascade system counter to the transporting direction T of the batch. The rest is channeled directly into the pre-washing tank <NUM>-<NUM> of the pre-washing zone <NUM> via a valve <NUM> and a bypass line <NUM>.

The final-rinsing liquid sprayed in the final-rinsing zone <NUM> is collected in the tank (post-washing or pre-rinsing tank <NUM>-<NUM>) of the post-washing or pre-rinsing zone <NUM>, from which it is delivered to the spray nozzles <NUM>-<NUM> (post-washing or pre-rinsing nozzles) of the post-washing or pre-rinsing zone <NUM> via the washing pump <NUM>-<NUM> belonging to the washing system <NUM>-<NUM> of the post-washing or pre-rinsing zone <NUM>. Washing liquid is washed off the batch in the post-washing or pre-rinsing zone <NUM>.

The liquid which occurs here flows into the washing tank <NUM>-<NUM> of the main-washing zone <NUM>, is usually provided with a detergent and is sprayed onto the batch via the spray nozzles <NUM>-<NUM> (washing nozzles) of the washing system <NUM>-<NUM> belonging to the main-washing zone <NUM> with the aid of a washing pump <NUM>-<NUM> belonging to the washing system <NUM>-<NUM> of the main-washing zone <NUM>.

From the washing tank <NUM>-<NUM> of the main-washing zone <NUM>, the washing liquid then flows into the pre-washing tank <NUM>-<NUM> of the pre-washing zone <NUM>. The washing liquid collected in the pre-washing tank <NUM>-<NUM> is sprayed onto the batch in the pre-washing zone <NUM> via the spray nozzles <NUM>-<NUM> (pre-washing nozzles) of the washing system <NUM>-<NUM> belonging to the pre-washing zone <NUM>, with the aid of a washing pump <NUM>-<NUM> belonging to the washing system <NUM>-<NUM> of the pre-washing zone <NUM>, in order to remove coarse contaminants from the batch.

In the case of the transport washing machine <NUM> represented in <FIG>, the main-washing zone <NUM> has a tank-covering screen <NUM>-<NUM>, which is arranged above the main-washing tank <NUM>-<NUM>. During operation of the transport washing machine <NUM>, washing liquid is sprayed onto the batch via the spray nozzles <NUM>-<NUM> (washing nozzles) of the washing system <NUM>-<NUM>. The sprayed washing liquid flows back into the washing tank <NUM>-<NUM> of the main-washing zone <NUM> as a result of gravity, wherein the dirt particles washed off the batch in the main-washing zone <NUM> are retained by the tank-covering screen <NUM>-<NUM>, provided that the dirt particles are larger than the mesh width of the tank-covering screen <NUM>-<NUM>. The mesh width of the tank-covering screen <NUM>-<NUM> is preferably approximately <NUM> to <NUM>.

In the case of the transport washing machine <NUM> schematically represented in <FIG>, for the purpose of cleaning the tank-covering screen <NUM>-<NUM>, the washing operation has to be interrupted in order to allow the tank-covering screen <NUM>-<NUM> to be cleaned manually.

Part of the washing liquid sprayed in the main-washing zone <NUM> passes into the washing tank (pre-washing tank <NUM>-<NUM>) of the pre-washing zone <NUM> via an overflow system <NUM>. Like the main-washing zone <NUM>, the pre-washing zone <NUM> is equipped with a tank-covering screen <NUM>-<NUM> designed as a planar screen. This tank-covering screen <NUM>-<NUM> is arranged above the washing tank (pre-washing tank <NUM>-<NUM>) of the pre-washing zone <NUM>, in order to separate dirt particles from the washing liquid which has been sprayed in the pre-washing zone <NUM> and flows back into the pre-washing tank <NUM>-<NUM> as a result of gravity. The mesh width of the tank-covering screen <NUM>-<NUM> is preferably in a range between approximately <NUM> and <NUM>.

Since - as explained at the beginning - the concentration of dirt in the washing liquid is at its greatest in the pre-washing zone <NUM>, since most dirt occurs here, the transport washing machine <NUM> represented in <FIG> is equipped with a dirt capture system <NUM> which is assigned to the pre-washing zone <NUM> and has a dirt-collecting region <NUM>-<NUM> arranged in the pre-washing zone <NUM>, and in particular within the pre-washing tank <NUM>-<NUM>. The construction and the functioning of the dirt capture system <NUM> used for the transport washing machine <NUM> represented in <FIG> is described in more detail below with reference to the representation in <FIG>.

In the case of that embodiment of the transport washing machine <NUM> which is represented in <FIG>, the dirt-collecting region <NUM> serves for collecting the dirt particles separated from the washing liquid with the aid of the tank-covering screen <NUM>-<NUM>. Specifically, and as described in more detail below with reference to the representation in <FIG>, the dirt-collecting region <NUM>-<NUM> is designed as a chamber which is arranged in the pre-washing tank <NUM>-<NUM> and is of a completely closed form on all its sides, but is open at the top, so that the dirt particles separated with the aid of the tank-covering screen <NUM>-<NUM> can pass into the chamber-like dirt-collecting region <NUM>-<NUM> via this opening. Since the dirt-collecting region <NUM> is of a completely closed form on all its sides, it is possible to effectively prevent the dirt particles collected in the dirt-collecting region <NUM>-<NUM> from being able to return into the pre-washing tank <NUM>-<NUM> and contaminate the washing liquid collected in the pre-washing tank <NUM>-<NUM>.

Specifically, and as described in more detail below with reference to the representation in <FIG>, it is preferred if the tank-covering screen <NUM>-<NUM> is arranged above the dirt-collecting region <NUM>-<NUM> and has a runout slope in the form of a gradient directed toward a feed opening <NUM>, the dirt-collecting region <NUM>-<NUM>, which is open at the top, being arranged beneath the feed opening <NUM>, so that the dirt particles separated with the aid of the tank-covering screen <NUM>-<NUM> can pass into the dirt-collecting region <NUM>-<NUM> via the feed opening <NUM>.

It is conceivable here, in particular, for the tank-covering screen <NUM>-<NUM> to be designed, at least in certain regions, in a funnel-like manner, wherein the feed opening <NUM> is formed within the funnel-like region <NUM> of the tank-covering screen <NUM>-<NUM>, and preferably in the center of the funnel-like region <NUM> of the tank-covering screen <NUM>-<NUM> (cf. in this respect also in particular the representation in <FIG>).

The dirt capture system <NUM> used for the embodiment represented in <FIG> also has a dirt-discharging pipe system which is connected to the dirt-collecting region <NUM>-<NUM>, comprises a vertical pipe <NUM>-<NUM> and a dirty-water line <NUM>-<NUM> and is intended for discharging from the pre-washing zone <NUM> the dirt particles collected in the dirt-collecting region <NUM>-<NUM>. As illustrated, a dirty-water pump <NUM>-<NUM> is arranged in the dirt-discharging pipe system <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. The inlet on the suction side of the dirty-water pump <NUM>-<NUM> is connected to the lower region of the dirt-collecting region <NUM>-<NUM> via the vertical pipe <NUM>-<NUM> belonging to the dirt-discharging pipe system <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. The outlet on the pressure side of the dirty-water pump <NUM>-<NUM> opens out in the dirty-water line <NUM>-<NUM> belonging to the dirt-discharging pipe system.

In the case of the embodiment represented in <FIG>, the dirty-water line <NUM>-<NUM> leads to an external dirt-capturing container <NUM>, which is arranged outside the pre-washing zone <NUM>, upstream of the entry tunnel <NUM> of the transport washing machine <NUM>. This external dirt-capturing container <NUM> preferably has a screen and a connection <NUM> to a waste-water system.

Since, when washing liquid is sprayed in the pre-washing zone <NUM>, it is not possible to prevent part of the sprayed washing liquid from getting into the dirt-collecting region <NUM>, the dirty-water pump <NUM>-<NUM> delivers from the pre-washing zone <NUM> not only the dirt particles separated with the aid of the tank-covering screen <NUM>-<NUM> but also part of the washing liquid. The material removed from the dirt-collecting region <NUM>-<NUM> (dirt particles and washing liquid) is screened in the dirt-capturing container <NUM>, wherein the liquid constituent parts (washing liquid) can be fed to a waste-water system via the outflow connection <NUM> and the solids remaining in the dirt-capturing container <NUM> (dirt particles) can then be disposed of.

As represented in <FIG>, it is also conceivable, as an alternative to the embodiment represented in <FIG>, for the dirt particles to be pumped out of the pre-washing zone <NUM> into a waste-disposal system <NUM> along with the waste water, wherein this system <NUM> can be placed in position either directly alongside the transport washing machine <NUM> or further away. Possible waste-disposal systems <NUM> which can be used are squeezing systems for separating solids and liquids and/or comminuting systems (grinding systems, chopping systems, etc.). The material removed from the dirt-collecting region <NUM>-<NUM> (dirt particles and washing liquid) is preferably likewise screened in the waste-disposal system <NUM>, wherein the liquid constituent parts (washing liquid) can be fed to a waste-water system via an outflow connection <NUM> and the solids remaining in the waste-disposal system <NUM> (dirt particles) can then be disposed of. In the case of the embodiment in <FIG>, the control device <NUM> likewise serves for the mutually coordinated activation according to the invention of the washing pump <NUM>-<NUM> and of the dirty-water pump <NUM>-<NUM>, in order to improve the discharge of dirt, especially in the region of the machine <NUM> near the entrance.

<FIG> illustrates a further embodiment of the transport washing machine <NUM> designed according to the teachings of the present invention. This embodiment is essentially identical to the embodiment described above with reference to the representation in <FIG> or <FIG>, with the exception that it is not just the pre-washing zone <NUM> but also the main-washing zone <NUM> that is equipped with a dirt capture system <NUM>, the construction and functioning of which are described in more detail below with reference to the representation in <FIG>.

As a difference from the embodiment represented in <FIG>, in the case of the transport washing machine <NUM> shown in <FIG> a tank-covering screen <NUM>-<NUM>, which has a feed opening <NUM> (cf. <FIG>), is thus provided in or above the main-washing tank <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein a dirt-collecting region <NUM>-<NUM> which is open at the top is arranged beneath the feed opening <NUM>. In this dirt-collecting region <NUM>-<NUM>, the dirt particles separated with the aid of the tank-covering screen <NUM>-<NUM> are introduced into the dirt-collecting region <NUM>-<NUM> via the feed opening <NUM>.

In the case of the embodiment of the solution according to the invention that is represented in <FIG>, a dirt-discharging pipe system comprising a dirty-water line <NUM>-<NUM> and a vertical pipe <NUM>-<NUM> is provided in the lower region of the dirt-collecting region <NUM>-<NUM>. The material collected in the dirt-collecting region <NUM>-<NUM> (washing liquid and separated dirt particles) passes via a dirty-water pump <NUM>-<NUM> into a dirt-capturing container <NUM> formed outside the main-washing zone <NUM> or into a waste-disposal system <NUM> formed outside the transport washing machine <NUM>. In the case of the embodiment in <FIG>, the control device <NUM> serves for the mutually coordinated activation according to the invention of the washing pumps <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> and of the dirty-water pumps <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, in order to improve the discharge of dirt over a batch transporting path of the machine <NUM> that is as great as possible.

The construction and functioning of the dirt capture system <NUM>, and in particular the control device <NUM> according to the invention, are described in more detail below with reference to the representation in <FIG>.

The dirt capture system <NUM> is arranged within a washing tank <NUM> of a transport washing machine <NUM> or of a washing machine designed as a programmable machine. The dirt capture system <NUM> has a tank-covering screen <NUM>, which is preferably arranged in the washing tank <NUM>, above the level of the washing liquid received in the washing tank <NUM>. The tank-covering screen <NUM> serves for separating dirt particles from the washing liquid which has been sprayed and flows back into the washing tank as a result of gravity. For this reason, a suitable mesh width has to be provided for the tank-covering screen <NUM>.

The dirt capture system <NUM> also includes a dirt-collecting region <NUM>, which is designed as a completely closed chamber and is open at the top. The dirt particles separated by the tank-covering screen <NUM> are fed to the dirt-collecting region <NUM> formed as a chamber via the opening of the latter. For this purpose, it is preferred if the tank-covering screen <NUM> has a runout slope in the form of a gradient directed toward a feed opening <NUM>, the dirt-collecting region <NUM>, which is open at the top, being arranged beneath the feed opening <NUM>. As represented in <FIG>, it is conceivable, for example, for the tank-covering screen <NUM> to be designed, at least in certain regions, in a funnel-like manner, wherein the feed opening <NUM> is formed within the funnel-like region <NUM> of the tank-covering screen <NUM>, and preferably in the tapered region of the funnel-like region <NUM> of the tank-covering screen <NUM>.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the dirt-collecting region <NUM> is formed in a funnel-like manner at the upper end (cf. the funnel-like region <NUM> in <FIG>), in order to allow it to be inserted into, and received within, the feed opening <NUM> of the tank-covering screen <NUM>.

Washing liquid is sprayed in the washing zone during operation of the washing machine (not shown in <FIG>), wherein part of the sprayed washing liquid flows back into the washing tank <NUM> via the tank-covering screen <NUM>. The rest of the sprayed washing liquid flows directly, as a result of gravity, into the dirt-collecting region <NUM> via the feed opening <NUM> provided in the tank-covering screen <NUM>. If the washing machine is designed as a transport washing machine (cf. <FIG>), then - as already indicated - during operation of the washing machine washing liquid is sprayed onto the batch via the spray nozzles <NUM>-<NUM> (pre-washing nozzles) and via the spray nozzles <NUM>-<NUM> (washing nozzles). If, on the other hand, the washing machine is designed as a programmable machine (cf. <FIG>), and therefore the batch to be treated remains in one place and the individual treatment steps take place successively one after the other, during operation of the washing machine in the washing zone the washing liquid is sprayed onto the batch via the washing nozzles referred to in <FIG> by the reference numeral "<NUM>".

In the case of the transport washing machine <NUM> represented in <FIG>, the main washing zone <NUM> has a tank-covering screen <NUM>-<NUM>, which is arranged above the main-washing tank <NUM>-<NUM>. During operation of the transport washing machine <NUM>, washing liquid is sprayed onto the batch via the spray nozzles <NUM>-<NUM> (washing nozzles) of the washing system <NUM>-<NUM>.

The dirt particles washed off the batch during washing are prevented from getting into the washing liquid collected in the washing tank <NUM> by the tank-covering screen <NUM> - provided they are larger than the mesh width of the tank-covering screen <NUM>. Rather, the dirt particles separated by the tank-covering screen <NUM> are moved by way of the runout slope to the feed opening <NUM> and thus pass into the dirt-collecting region <NUM>. Since the side walls of the dirt-collecting region <NUM> are of a completely closed form, it is no longer possible for the dirt particles collected in the dirt-collecting region <NUM> to get into the washing liquid that is collected in the washing tank <NUM>. Even if the dirt particles collected in the dirt-collecting region <NUM> are comminuted further by the action of washing liquid falling downward, this dirt still cannot get into the washing liquid collected in the washing tank <NUM> and thereby increase the contamination of the washing liquid.

In order for it to be possible for the dirt-collecting region <NUM> to be emptied automatically, the dirt capture system <NUM> also has a dirt-discharging pipe system. In the case of the embodiment of the dirt-discharging system <NUM> which is represented in <FIG>, this dirt-discharging pipe system comprises a vertical pipe <NUM>, which is connected to the lower region of the dirt-collecting region <NUM>. The vertical pipe <NUM> is connected to the inlet on the suction side of a dirty-water pump <NUM>. The outlet on the pressure side of the dirty-water pump <NUM> opens out in a dirty-water line <NUM>, so that, upon activation of the dirty-water pump <NUM>, the content of the dirt-collecting region <NUM> can be removed from the washing zone.

The control device <NUM> is designed according to the invention for activating the washing pump <NUM> and the dirty-water pump <NUM> in a mutually coordinated manner, so that the recirculation circuit of the washing system <NUM>, <NUM> can be interrupted for a first time span T1, and the discharge of dirt particles takes place within this first time span T1 or, at the latest upon the expiry of this first time span T1, within a second time span T2. For this purpose, the control device <NUM> is connected to the pumps <NUM>, <NUM> via control lines <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. If the circulation of the washing pump is interrupted for a short time, turbulences of the washing liquid can subside at the screen. As a result, the kinetic energy of the dirt particles contained in it decreases, so that they can be sucked more easily into the dirt-collecting region <NUM> with the aid of the dirty-water pump <NUM>. The control device <NUM> may in this case be formed as part of a machine control or be integrated therewith.

The control device <NUM> preferably has a microprocessor with a program code capable of running on it, which initiates the timed activation of the pumps <NUM>, <NUM>. In this case, the control device <NUM> should preferably be designed for the cyclical repetition of the mutually coordinated activation of the washing pump <NUM> and of the dirty-water pump <NUM>, in order to ensure a regular discharge of the dirt particles. Preferably, the washing pump <NUM> is in this case deactivated in a first time span T1 of <NUM> to <NUM> seconds, preferably of <NUM> to <NUM> seconds, and the dirty-water pump <NUM> is activated in a second time span T2 of <NUM> to <NUM> seconds, preferably of <NUM> to <NUM> seconds. In order to ensure a uniformly high washing quality, the control device <NUM> of transport washing machines is preferably designed to stop the batch transport device within the first time span T1.

In the case of programmable machines, it is of advantage if a predetermined washing time per batch is prolonged by the amount of the first time span T1, in order not to experience any losses in washing quality.

In the case of transport washing machines, a particularly high washing quality is achieved even under changing operating conditions if its control device <NUM> is designed to vary the first time span T1 and/or the second time span T2 as a function of the transport speed of a batch. As a result, a uniform discharge of dirt is ensured under differing transport speeds without impairing the washing quality. It is equally preferred also to vary the first time span T1 and/or the second time span T2 as a function of a final-rinsing-liquid quantity. This also applies to the repetition rate of the mutually coordinated activation of the washing pump <NUM> and of the dirty-water pump <NUM>, which is dependent on the transport speed of a batch and/or dependent on a final-rinsing-liquid quantity.

The dirty-water pump <NUM> may also be designed for removing the dirt particles collected in the dirt-collecting region <NUM> together with the washing liquid likewise collected in the dirt-collecting region <NUM> continuously or at given times or when given events occur. In particular, it is conceivable here for the dirty-water pump <NUM> to be activated via the already mentioned control device <NUM> as a function of the quantity of dirt particles collected in the dirt-collecting region <NUM>.

It is nevertheless conceivable of course for dirt to be pumped out of the dirt-collecting region <NUM> as a function of, for example, the level in the dirt-collecting region <NUM>, the level in the washing tank <NUM>, or other factors.

If the dirt capture system <NUM> is used for a transport washing machine <NUM> (cf. , for example, <FIG>), it is also conceivable for the dirty-water pump <NUM> to be activated, for example, as a function of the transport speed at which the batch is transported through the treatment zones of the transport washing machine <NUM> or, for example, as a function of the quantity of final-rinsing liquid which is sprayed per unit of time in the final-rinsing zone <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a schematic representation of a deactivation and activation sequence of the washing pump <NUM> and the dirty-water pump <NUM> over a number of washing cycles Z1, Z2 and Z3. In this example, the washing pump should be deactivated for a time span T1 at the beginning of each washing cycle Z1 to Z3, so that the recirculation circuit of the washing system <NUM>, <NUM> is interrupted. Within this time span T1, or at the latest upon the expiry of this time span T1, that is to say after the turbulence of the dirt particles has subsided at the screen <NUM>, the dirty-water pump <NUM> is activated for a time span T2. On account of their low kinetic energy, the dirt particles can be sucked away very effectively, since they are then only subjected to the influence of the suction of the dirty-water pump, which draws them into the feed opening <NUM> of the dirt-collecting region <NUM>.

Of course, a dirt discharge may take place not only at the beginning of each washing cycle Z1 to Z3 but also at the end or in the middle of a cycle. What is important is that there is a cyclical repetition of the discharge, in order to achieve a uniformly high washing quality.

The invention is not restricted to the embodiments described in conjunction with the drawings.

It is thus conceivable, for example, for the tank-covering screen <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of the dirt capture system <NUM> not to have an essentially central feed opening <NUM> via which the dirt particles separated with the aid of the tank-covering screen <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> pass into the dirt-collecting region <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. Rather, this feed opening <NUM> may also be designed in the form of a gap which is provided along a peripheral region of the tank-covering screen <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>.

It is also conceivable, in principle, for the feed opening <NUM> to be covered by a coarse screen, wherein this coarse screen should preferably have a mesh width which is greater than the mesh width of the tank-covering screen <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. The provision of such a coarse screen can effectively prevent, for example, items of cutlery or other utensils, as opposed to dirty-water particles, from accidentally getting into the dirt-collecting region <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>.

Claim 1:
Washing machine having at least one washing system (<NUM>, <NUM>) designed as a recirculation circuit, in particular industrial dish- or utensil-washing machine, which is designed as a programmable machine or as a transport washing machine (<NUM>), the at least one washing system (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a nozzle system with at least one washing nozzle (<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) for spraying washing liquid onto the batch to be cleaned, a washing tank (<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) for capturing at least part of the sprayed washing liquid, and a washing pump (<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) for feeding washing liquid collected in the washing tank (<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) to the at least one washing nozzle (<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>), and, furthermore, a dirt capture system (<NUM>) assigned to the at least one washing system (<NUM>, <NUM>) being provided in order to separate dirt particles from the sprayed washing liquid flowing back into the washing tank (<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) as a result of gravity, and a dirty-water pump (<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) connected to the dirt capture system (<NUM>) and intended for discharging the dirt particles from the dirt capture system (<NUM>), wherein a control device (<NUM>) is designed for the mutually coordinated activation of the washing pump (<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) and of the dirty-water pump (<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>), so that the recirculation circuit of the washing system (<NUM>, <NUM>) can be interrupted for a first time span (T1), characterized in that the control device (<NUM>) is designed for starting the activation of the dirty-water pump (<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) within this first time span (T1) however not from the beginning of the first time span (T1) and for continuing for a second time span (T2), the control device (<NUM>) being designed for deactivating the washing pump (<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) in the first time span (T1), the first time span (T1) being <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM> seconds, and for activating the dirty-water pump (<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) in the second time span (T2), the second time span (T2) being <NUM> to <NUM> seconds.