EP4005460B1 - Method and device for cleaning care utensils - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device and a method for cleaning and thermal disinfection of items to be cleaned, in particular care dishes.

Particularly when disinfecting and cleaning care utensils such as bedpans, bedpans or sliders, problems often arise when removing stool residue from the care utensils. The cleaning methods known to date often have disadvantages because particularly intensive cleaning is not possible with the cleaning devices known from the state of the art. The cleaning and disinfection devices have a deep-drawn washing chamber which is provided with a siphon bend for the drain. A key difference between the cleaning and disinfection devices and dishwashers is that the water and the cleaning and disinfection agents used are not circulated. The circulation process is not possible because the water or cleaning agent is drained directly via the drain provided with the siphon bend.

According to the state of the art, the cleaning disinfection devices for the items being cleaned, such as nursing dishes, bedpans, bed slides, other items to be washed in the form of vessels or glassware, must meet certain requirements and test procedures in accordance with EN ISO 15883-3. For example, the program control must be automatic and sensors must be present to regulate and monitor the disinfection. In addition, process chemicals must be dosed automatically and this process must be automatically monitored.

In the EP 0894469 A1 A dishwasher for cooking and dining utensils, in particular a conveyor belt dishwasher, is described, wherein foam is applied to the dishes by means of nozzles.

DE 10 2010 006448 A1 discloses a cleaning and disinfection device for care utensils. Cleaning is carried out using various nozzles, water and rinsing medium. Steam is used for disinfection.

US 2019/075998 A1 discloses a cleaning device for heavily soiled kitchen utensils, whereby the dirt on the objects to be cleaned is softened with a cleaning foam sprayed through the nozzles.

DE 30 18 048 A1 discloses an arrangement for developing and dispensing foams for the odorless deposit of excrement in bedpans, the application also being suitable for cleaning purposes.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method and a device to enable foam cleaning for the care dishes.

The object is achieved in that the cleaning and disinfection device further comprises a device for generating a cleaning foam. The device further comprises a device for distributing the cleaning foam inside the device. The foam distribution is directed on the one hand to the surfaces of the care utensils or the items to be cleaned, but also to the inside of the cleaning and disinfection device. The devices for distributing the foam can be separate and/or additional devices. However, the invention also provides for the use of a combination of these distribution devices. The object is further achieved in that a kit is made available which designs the cleaning and disinfection device in such a way that the method for distributing the foam on the surfaces of the items to be cleaned can be carried out.

The present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning and thermally disinfecting items to be washed, comprising a washing chamber for receiving items to be cleaned, wherein the washing chamber is provided with a siphon bend for drainage, characterized in that the device further comprises at least one device for generating a cleaning foam, at least one device for distributing the cleaning foam in the interior of the washing chamber or a combination of the devices for generating and distributing the cleaning foam.

According to the invention, a cleaning device is provided, wherein the at least one device for generating and/or distributing the cleaning foam is selected from at least one foam spray nozzle or at least one foam lance.

Particularly preferred is also a cleaning device, wherein the at least one device for generating and/or distributing the Cleaning foam comprises at least one container for providing a foam-forming agent, wherein the foam formation takes place by means of a foamer, which preferably comprises a sieve device, a sponge-like structure made of metals and/or plastics, a mesh made of metals and/or plastics or a similar device for producing foam.

According to the invention, the foam spray nozzle or foam lance is arranged inside the washing chamber in such a way that the cleaning foam can be applied directly to the items to be washed.

According to the invention, the foam spray nozzle or foam lance is arranged and/or aligned inside the washing chamber such that the cleaning foam can be applied directly to the inner walls of the washing chamber.

According to the invention, a cleaning device is also preferred, wherein a device for introducing air or other gases into the foam-forming agent is provided for foam generation.

Furthermore, it is preferred according to the invention that the device for introducing air or other gases is a Venturi nozzle, an air or gas pressure piston, a compressor, an air generator, an air or gas supply opening in the supply area of the foam-forming agent or a combination of the devices mentioned.

1. a) Bereitstellung einer Reinigungsvorrichtung gemäß mindestens einem der voranstehenden Ansprüche,
2. b) mindestens einen Vorspülschritt,
3. c) mindestens einen ersten Spülschritt, optional mit Mischwasser,
4. d) mindestens einen Intensivreinigungsschritt,
5. e) mindestens einen thermischen und/oder chemischen Desinfektionsschritt und
6. f) mindestens einen Abkühlschritt ausführt,
   dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass man
7. g) mindestens einen zusätzlichen Schaumreinigungsschritt ausführt, wobei man einen Reinigungsschaum auf das Reinigungsgut und/oder die Innenseite der Waschkammer aufbringt.

Another object of the present invention is a method for cleaning and thermal disinfection of items to be cleaned, comprising a cleaning program in which the following steps are carried out:

1. a) providing a cleaning device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
2. b) at least one pre-rinse step,
3. c) at least one first rinsing step, optionally with mixed water,
4. d) at least one intensive cleaning step,
5. e) at least one thermal and/or chemical disinfection step and
6. f) carries out at least one cooling step,
   characterized by the fact that
7. g) carrying out at least one additional foam cleaning step, whereby a cleaning foam is applied to the items to be cleaned and/or the inside of the washing chamber.

Particularly preferred according to the invention is a process in which mixed water is used in the at least one first rinsing step c).

Furthermore, a method particularly preferred according to the invention is one in which the cleaning foam is applied during the pre-rinse step b) and/or during the first rinse step c) and/or during the intensive cleaning step d).

Very particularly preferred is a process in which the cleaning foam is applied several times during steps b), c) or d), optionally carrying out a rinsing step with mixed or pure water in order to remove the cleaning foam from the items to be cleaned.

Furthermore, according to the invention, a method is preferred in which the foam cleaning step g) is carried out after the pre-rinse step b) and/or after the first rinse step c) and/or after the intensive cleaning step d).

Also preferred is a process in which the foam cleaning step g) is carried out at a temperature between 20 °C and 60 °C; preferably at a temperature of 30 °C to 40 °C; particularly preferably at a temperature of 32 °C to 37 °C.

Also particularly preferred is a process in which the foam cleaning step g) is carried out for 0.25 min to 10 min; preferably 3 min to 8 min; particularly preferably 4 min to 5 min.

According to the invention, a method is also preferred, wherein the foam cleaning step g) is carried out in such a way as to clean the insides of the washing chamber of the cleaning device. It is particularly preferred that the foam cleaning step g) is carried out before step b) or after step f) of the method in order to clean the inside of the washing chamber.

• Vorspülen des Reinigungsguts mit Kaltwasser
• Vorreinigen mit Mischwasser, ggf. mit einer Wassertemperatur von ca. 35 °C Intensivreinigen mit Mischwasser, ggf. unter Zugabe eines Wasserkonditioniermittels und ggf. Reiniger
• Thermisches Desinfizieren mit Wasserdampf und/oder chemische Desinfektion
• Abkühlung und Entfeuchtung

In the cleaning and disinfection devices known in the state of the art, the following cleaning steps are generally carried out, namely

• Pre-rinsing the items to be cleaned with cold water
• Pre-cleaning with mixed water, if necessary with a water temperature of approx. 35 °C Intensive cleaning with mixed water, if necessary with the addition of a water conditioning agent and if necessary cleaner
• Thermal disinfection with steam and/or chemical disinfection
• cooling and dehumidification

According to the present invention, further cleaning steps are added to the methods known per se. According to the invention, a cleaning foam is applied to the items to be washed before the step of thermal disinfection with steam and/or chemical disinfection.

The foam generating device serves to foam a cleaning agent, whereby the foaming is brought about by the addition of air or other gases. Foam generating devices are known in the prior art. These are in particular foam distribution devices, frothers which have a sieve-like component, a sponge-like structure made of metals and/or plastics, a mesh made of metals and/or plastics or a similar device for generating foam, devices for enriching the foam generating agent with air or other gases, liquid lines and storage containers for foam generating agents and the like.

• Fig. 1 eine erste Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen schaumerzeugenden Reinigungsvorrichtung;
• Fig. 2 eine zweite Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen schaumerzeugenden Reinigungsvorrichtung; und
• Fig. 3 eine dritte Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen schaumerzeugenden Reinigungsvorrichtung.

The present invention is explained in more detail with the accompanying drawings. It shows:

• Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a foam-generating cleaning device according to the invention;
• Fig. 2 a second embodiment of a foam-generating cleaning device according to the invention; and
• Fig. 3 a third embodiment of a foam-generating cleaning device according to the invention.

The following descriptions of the figures explain the invention in more detail without limiting the scope of the invention.

The Figures 1 to 3 The devices shown show various embodiments of the present invention. This is a cleaning device for cleaning and thermal disinfection of washware. The Figures 1 to 3 The features shown relate exclusively to the device according to the invention for producing a cleaning foam. In the Figures 1 to 3 the features which are known in the prior art for such cleaning devices and which are used, for example, to meet the hygienic requirements for the cleaning and disinfection of the items to be washed are not shown.

The Figures 1 to 3 The devices shown for generating and applying a cleaning foam essentially comprise the actual washing chamber 1, with the items to be washed 2 placed therein. The washing chamber 1 is closed by a door and has a drain in the floor area, which is preferably designed like a siphon (not shown). Foam nozzles 3, 4 are arranged on the side walls of the washing chamber 1, which are preferably aimed directly at the items to be washed and which are fluidically connected to a frother 7 by means of the foam lines 5, 6.

The Figure 1 The device shown now describes that the frother 7 is still fluidically connected to the water tank 9 and the detergent container 8. The detergent container 8 is fluidically connected to the canister 23 in order to introduce the detergent stored in the canister 23 into the container 8. The detergent container 8 is still fluidically connected via Pneumatic hose 20 is connected to a pressure supply system. Cleaning agent container 8 is also designed to be pressure-resistant.

Using the Figure 1 The foam cleaning process according to the invention is carried out as follows using the components shown. The cleaning process is carried out with the aid of a linear drive motor (LAM) 18. The LAM is connected to the piston 16 of the cylinder 17 by a coupling 19. The piston 16 is set in motion by driving the LAM. The air is compressed in the cylinder 17 and fed through the pneumatic hose 20 into the cleaning agent container 8. Overpressure is created in the container and as a result the cleaning agent is fed further into the system through the liquid hose 14. A small air supply opening 15 is provided on the liquid hose (in the container) above the cleaning agent level, which is necessary for foam formation. The overpressure created in the container not only forces cleaning agent into the liquid hose, but also air through the air supply opening 15. The air and the cleaning agent are mixed together in the pipe. This mixture is fed to the frother 7 via the liquid hose 14. A very fine sieve is arranged in the foamer 7, through which the cleaning air mixture is pressed with the pressure generated. This causes the air bubbles in the cleaning agent to be broken down very finely, creating the cleaning foam. The foam is then passed through the foam line 5 to the upper foam nozzle 3 and through the foam line 6 to the lower foam nozzle 4. The foam is distributed in the washing chamber 1 onto the items to be washed 2 via the foam nozzles. It is clear that further foam nozzles can be arranged in the washing chamber. These are then also fed with the cleaning foam via foam lines.

Since residues or residues of the cleaning foam produced can harden in the frother 7 and in the foam lines 5, 6 and lead to blockage of the system, the system should be rinsed with clear water either after each wash cycle or after a certain period of time. To do this, water is fed from the water tank 9 of the dishwasher into the rinse water line 13 using the liquid pump 11 and thus rinses the foam lines 5, 6, frother 7 and nozzles 3, 4.

The self-closing check valve 12 ensures that the cleaning agent does not enter the water tank when the foam generation system is operating. The self-closing check valve 10 ensures that the water does not enter the cleaning agent container 8 during the rinsing process.

The return movement of the piston 16 is used to refill the cleaning agent container 8. Since a negative pressure is created in the cylinder 17 when the piston 16 returns, a suction effect occurs in the container 8 and in the canister 23. This negative pressure causes the container 8 to be refilled by the canister 23.

The self-closing check valve 22 serves to ensure that excess pressure can build up in the cleaning agent container 8 during operation of the foam generation system, i.e. that air is not directed into the canister 23.

The Figure 2 The device shown now describes that the frother 7 is also fluidically connected to the water tank 9 and canister 23, which contains the cleaning agent. This fluidic connection is made via a 3-way solenoid valve 25. The corresponding fluids are then transferred to the frother 7 by means of the liquid pump 11.

Using the Figure 2 The foam cleaning process according to the invention is carried out as follows using the components shown. The cleaning process is carried out by means of the liquid pump 11 and a 3-way solenoid changeover valve 25. The 3-way solenoid changeover valve 25 is used to switch between the circuits: cleaner (item 1) and water (item 2). In position 1 of the changeover valve 25, when the liquid pump 11 is driven, a negative pressure is generated in the liquid hose 24 and the cleaner is thus sucked from the canister 23 into the foam generation system, in particular into the frother 7.

A small air supply opening 15 is provided on the liquid hose above the cleaning agent level, which is necessary for the foam formation. Due to the negative pressure created in the liquid hose 24, not only cleaning agent is drawn into the liquid hose 24, but also air through the air supply opening 15. The air and the cleaning agent are mixed together in the liquid hose 24. This Mixture is fed to the frother 7. A very fine sieve is arranged in the frother 7, through which the cleaning air mixture is pressed with the pressure generated. This breaks up the air bubbles in the cleaning agent very finely and creates the cleaning foam. The foam is then fed through the foam line 5 to the upper foam nozzle 3 and through the foam line 6 to the lower foam nozzle 4. The foam is distributed in the washing chamber 1 onto the items to be washed 2 via the foam nozzles. It is clear that further foam nozzles can be arranged in the washing chamber. These are then also fed with the cleaning foam via foam lines.

Since residues or residues of the cleaning foam produced can harden in the frother 7 and in the foam lines 5, 6 and lead to blockage of the system, the system should be rinsed with clear water either after each wash cycle or after a certain period of time. To do this, water from the water tank 9 of the dishwasher is fed into the rinse water line 13 using the liquid pump 11 and the position of the 3-way solenoid changeover valve 25, thus flushing the liquid pump 11, foam lines 5, 6, frother 7 and nozzles 3, 4.

The Figure 3 The device shown now describes that the frother 7 is also fluidically connected to the water tank 9 and canister 23, which contains the cleaning agent. This fluidic connection is made via a Venturi nozzle 27, which is connected to a water line 30 via a water pressure regulator 28 and a check valve 29. The corresponding fluids are then transferred to the frother 7 by means of the Venturi nozzle 27. A cleaning agent flow adjustment valve 26 is used for the adjustable dosing of the cleaning agent.

Using the Figure 3 The foam cleaning process according to the invention is carried out as follows using the components shown. The cleaning process works according to the Venturi principle. The water flows through a pipe section 27 with a narrowing of the cross-section (Venturi nozzle). This narrowing creates a negative pressure in the connected liquid hose 24 (Venturi effect) and the cleaner is sucked out of the canister 23 via the liquid hose 24 into the Venturi nozzle 27. The water for the Foam generation is provided from the water line 30. To prevent backflow of water into the water line, a check valve 29 is used. To regulate the water pressure, a water pressure regulator 28 is installed in the water line.

A small air supply opening 15 is provided on the liquid hose 24 above the cleaning agent level, which is necessary for the formation of foam. The negative pressure created in the liquid hose 24 not only draws cleaning agent into the liquid hose 24, but also air through the air supply opening 15. The air and the cleaning agent are mixed together in the liquid hose 24. This mixture is fed to the frother 7. A very fine sieve is arranged in the frother 7, through which the cleaning air mixture is pressed with the pressure generated. This breaks down the air bubbles in the cleaning agent very finely and this is how the cleaning foam is created. The foam is then fed further through the foam line 5 to the upper foam nozzle 3 and through the foam line 6 to the lower foam nozzle 4. The foam in the wash chamber 1 is distributed onto the items to be washed 2 via the foam nozzles. It is clear that further foam nozzles can be arranged in the wash chamber. These are then also fed with the cleaning foam via foam lines.

Since residues or residues of the cleaning foam produced can harden in the frother 7 and in the foam lines 5, 6 and lead to blockage of the system, the system should be rinsed with clear water either after each wash cycle or after a certain period of time. To do this, water is fed from the water tank 9 of the dishwasher into the rinse water line 13 using the liquid pump 11 and thus rinses the foam lines 5, 6, frother 7 and nozzles 3, 4.

The self-closing check valve 12 ensures that the cleaning agent does not enter the water tank when the foam generation system is operating. The self-closing check valve 31 ensures that the water does not enter the cleaning agent container 23 during the rinsing process.

The Figures 1 to 3 The components described, which are also listed in the list of reference numerals, can be used for a kit to design various embodiments of the foam applying devices.

list of reference symbols

1

washing chamber of the dishwasher/cleaning device

2

dishes

3

Upper foam nozzle/foam spray nozzle/foam lance

4

Lower foam nozzle/foam spray nozzle/foam lance

5

foam line to upper nozzle

6

foam line to lower nozzle(s)

7

frother

8

detergent container

9

water tank of the dishwasher/cleaning device

10

check valve self-closing

11

fluid pump (P)

12

check valve self-closing

13

flush water line

14

fluid hose

15

air supply opening

16

Pistons

17

cylinder

18

linear drive motor (LAM)

19

coupling

20

pneumatic hose

21

fluid hose

22

check valve self-closing

23

canister with cleaner

24

fluid hose

25

3-way solenoid valve (MV)

26

cleaner flow adjustment valve

27

Venturi nozzle

28

water pressure regulator

29

check valve

30

water pipe

31

check valve

Claims (13)

1. Cleaning device for cleaning and thermal disinfection of items to be washed, comprising a washing chamber (1) for receiving items to be cleaned, wherein the washing chamber (1) is provided with a siphon bend for the drain, characterized in that the cleaning device further comprises at least one device for producing a cleaning foam, at least one device for distributing the cleaning foam in the interior of the washing chamber or a combination of the devices for producing and for distributing the cleaning foam,

   wherein the at least one device for producing and/or for distributing the cleaning foam is selected from at least one foam spray nozzle (3, 4) or from at least one foam lance (3, 4),

   wherein the foam spray nozzle (3, 4) or the foam lance (3, 4) are arranged in the inside of the washing chamber (1) in such a way that the cleaning foam is applicable directly onto the items to be washed,

   and wherein the foam spray nozzle (3, 4) or the foam lance (3, 4) are arranged and/or aligned in the interior of the washing chamber (1) so that the cleaning foam is applicable directly to the inner walls of the washing chamber.
2. Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one device for producing and/or for distributing the cleaning foam comprises at least one container (8, 23) for providing a foaming agent,
   wherein the foaming takes place by means of a foamer (7), which preferably comprises a sieve appliance, a sponge-like structure made of metals and/or plastics, a meshwork of metals and/or plastics or a similar device for the production of foam.
3. Cleaning device according to at least one of the claims 1 to 2,
   characterized in that for producing foam a device for inserting air or other gases into the foaming agent is provided.
4. Cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that the device for inserting air or other gases is a venturi nozzle, an air or gas pressure piston, a compressor, an air generator, an air or gas supply opening within the supply line area of the foaming agent, or a combination of said devices.
5. Method for cleaning and thermal disinfection of items to be cleaned, comprising a cleaning program in whose sequence the following steps are carried out:

   a) providing a cleaning device according to at least one of the preceding claims,

   b) at least one pre-rinsing step,

   c) at least one first rinsing step, optionally with mixed water,

   d) at least one intensive cleaning step,

   e) at least one thermal and/or chemical disinfection step and

   f) carries out at least one cooling step,
   characterized in that

   g) at least one additional foam cleaning step is carried out, wherein

   a cleaning foam is applied to the items to be cleaned and to the inner side of the washing chamber.
6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that mixed water is used in the at least one first rinsing step c).
7. Method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the cleaning foam according to step g) is applied during the pre-rinsing step b) and/or during the first rinsing step c) and/or during the intensive cleaning step d).
8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the cleaning foam according to step g) is applied several times during steps b), c) or d), optionally carrying out a rinsing step with mixed or pure water to remove the cleaning foam from the items to be cleaned.
9. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the foam cleaning step g) is performed after the pre-rinsing step b) and/or after the first rinsing step c) and or after the intensive cleaning step d).
10. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the foam cleaning step g) is performed at a temperature between 20 °C to 60 °C, preferably at a temperature of 30 °C to 40 °C, particularly preferable at a temperature of 32 °C to 37 °C.
11. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the foam cleaning step g) is performed for 0,25 min to 10 min, preferably 3 min to 8 min, particularly preferable 4 min to 5 min.
12. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims 5 to11, characterized in that the foam cleaning step g) is performed in such a way as to clean the inner sides of the washing chamber of the cleaning device.
13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the foam cleaning step g) is performed before step b) or after step f) of the method according to claim 5.

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