ES2984370T3 - Pre-rinse dishes - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

Pre-rinse dishes

Field of invention

The present invention relates to a method for batch pre-rinsing of tableware prior to washing, the pre-rinsing being carried out with the aid of spray means for spraying a rinsing liquid. The invention further relates to a tableware cleaning system, comprising a device for batch pre-rinsing of tableware.

Background technique

A process for cleaning dirty tableware, for example kitchen utensils such as plates, glasses, cutlery, pans, etc., typically comprises the steps of

place dishes in a dishwasher basket to facilitate batch handling of dishes;

rinsing the dishes in the dishwasher basket in a pre-rinse stage, during which large food residues are removed and dried food residues are descaled by means of a spray gun;

place the dishwasher basket containing the dishes in a dishwasher;

washing the dishes in a washing process, which normally comprises one or more pre-wash stages, washing stages and rinsing stages; and

remove the dishwasher basket containing the clean dishes from the dishwasher.

An effective pre-rinse can make cleaning easier both at the pre-rinse stage and at the post-wash stage.

US 4439242 A describes a dishwasher comprising a wash chamber and a wash tank. Within the wash chamber there are upper and lower rotating wash arms, and upper and lower rotating rinse spray arms. Rinse water is supplied through a connection to the rinse spray arms under the control of a rinse solenoid valve.

Summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a more efficient process for cleaning tableware. This object is achieved by a system according to claim 1. The system comprises a device for batch pre-rinsing of tableware prior to washing, the device comprising spray means for spraying a rinsing liquid, the spray means being arranged in a rinsing chamber, which is adapted to receive and enclose a batch of tableware, the rinsing chamber being adapted to open after the tableware has been rinsed to remove the pre-rinsed tableware. The rinsing chamber allows spraying of the tableware in any optional direction, for example from below, or in more than one direction, while avoiding splashing to the dishwasher operator or the surroundings. This allows a more thorough pre-rinsing of the tableware, whereby subsequent washing is made easier and more efficient and/or whereby the washing result is improved. The present invention makes it possible, for example, to reduce the washing time and/or the amount of detergent used in the subsequent washing operation. A further advantage is that the device can be easily adapted for automatic pre-rinsing, which favours an improvement in working conditions and allows the dishwasher operator to perform other tasks while the pre-rinsing is taking place.

Preferably, the device comprises a rinsing liquid reservoir, which is arranged to receive collected rinsing liquid that has been sprayed from said spraying means, the device being arranged to recirculate, during pre-rinsing, the rinsing liquid from the rinsing liquid reservoir to said spraying means. By virtue of this recirculation of the rinsing liquid, a more efficient pre-rinsing and/or a lower consumption of rinsing liquid, for example water, is obtained, since the same liquid can be used several times to spray the dishes. Furthermore, in a pre-rinsing device using heated rinsing liquid, recirculation can save energy, since the amount of rinsing liquid that needs to be heated is lower than with a device in which the rinsing liquid is not recirculated. Furthermore, thanks to the rinsing liquid reservoir, it is possible to store the rinsing liquid in order to pre-rinse additional batches of dishes later.

The device comprises an inlet for rinsing liquid that has been used in a washing or rinsing process of a dishwasher. By reusing the washing water from a dishwasher, water and electricity consumption can be further reduced, as there is no need to supply fresh water to the device for pre-rinsing. In addition, the fact that the used washing water has often already been heated in the washing process results in energy savings and/or increased pre-rinsing efficiency. In addition, the used washing water often contains detergent, which helps to descale dried food residues from the dishes during pre-rinsing.

In a preferred embodiment, the rinsing chamber comprises means for receiving a dishwasher basket. This facilitates the introduction and removal of a batch of dishes into the pre-rinse device.

According to one embodiment, said spraying means are rotatable about a substantially vertical axis. This embodiment allows the sprayed rinsing liquid to be distributed effectively over the dishes.

The upper part of the rinsing chamber is delimited by a vertically adjustable hood. In this embodiment it is extremely easy to introduce batches of dishes.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a more efficient process for cleaning tableware by means of a method for batch pre-rinsing of tableware prior to washing, the method comprising introducing a batch of tableware into a rinsing chamber; closing the rinsing chamber; rinsing the tableware in the rinsing chamber with the aid of a rinsing liquid; opening the rinsing chamber; and removing the batch of tableware. The rinsing chamber allows spraying of the tableware in any optional direction, for example from below, or in more than one direction, while avoiding splashing to the dishwasher operator or the surroundings. This allows a more thorough pre-rinsing of the tableware, whereby the subsequent washing process becomes easier and more efficient and/or whereby the washing result is improved. Furthermore, if the process is automated, fully or partially, the working conditions are improved and the dishwasher operator can perform other tasks while the pre-rinsing is being performed. The pre-rinsed batch of dishes is transferred, after being removed from the rinsing chamber, to a separate dishwasher for subsequent washing.

Preferably, the method comprises collecting rinsing liquid from the rinsing chamber and rinsing the dishes with the aid of the collected rinsing liquid. This allows for more efficient pre-rinsing and/or lower consumption of rinsing liquid, e.g. water, since the same liquid can be used several times to spray the dishes. Furthermore, if the pre-rinsing method requires heated rinsing liquid, recirculation can help save energy, since a smaller amount of rinsing liquid needs to be heated.

The method comprises receiving rinse liquid from a dishwasher. By reusing the wash water or rinse water from a dishwasher, water and electricity consumption can be further reduced, as there is no need to supply clean water to the device for pre-rinsing. Furthermore, the fact that the received rinse liquid has often already been heated in the dishwasher results in energy savings and/or increased pre-rinsing efficiency. Furthermore, the received rinse liquid often contains detergent, which helps to descale dried food residues from the dishes during pre-rinsing.

Therefore, a more efficient process for cleaning tableware is provided by means of the tableware cleaning system, comprising a dishwasher for batch washing of pre-rinsed tableware, the dishwasher being provided with an outlet for used wash water, the system further comprising a device for batch pre-rinsing of tableware, the device being provided with an inlet for rinsing liquid, the inlet being connected to the outlet for used wash water of the dishwasher. Such a system for cleaning tableware saves electricity and water while offering better washing results.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will now be described in more detail by means of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates a prior art device, and the use thereof, for batch pre-rinsing of dishware. Figure 2 is a schematic side view of a device for batch pre-rinsing of dishware.

Figure 3 is a sectional view of the device of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a view along section IV-IV of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a dishwashing system. The system comprises a device for batch pre-rinsing of dishes of the type of Figures 2-4.

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a dishwashing system.

Description of preferred embodiments

Figure 1 illustrates a prior art device, and the use thereof, for batch pre-rinsing of dishes. The device consists of a gun sprayer 10, comprising a gun sprayer hose 12 and a gun sprayer nozzle 14. The gun sprayer is connected to a water pipe 16 and coupled to a sink 20 provided with a bowl 22. The bowl 22 has a bottom filter (not shown) to prevent large food scraps from being poured into the drain.

Pre-rinsing is effected by an operator 24 placing a dishwashing basket 26 containing a batch of soiled tableware 28 in the sink 20 above the bowl 22. The operator 24 then activates the gun sprayer 10 by means of an operating knob 18, thereby causing the gun sprayer nozzle 14 to spray a jet of water onto the batch of tableware 28 from above. The operator 24 holds the gun sprayer nozzle 14 in one hand and, by aiming the gun sprayer nozzle 14, can direct the jet of water across the tableware 28.

When the pre-rinsing of the dishes 28 is completed, the operator 24 transfers the dishwasher basket 26 containing the pre-rinsed dishes 28 to a dishwasher (not shown), in which the dishes 28 are then washed.

Figure 2 illustrates an example of an embodiment of a device for batch pre-rinsing of tableware according to the present invention. The figure shows a pre-rinse machine 50. The machine 50 has a frame 52, which is provided with projections 54 (Figure 3) arranged to support a dishwasher basket 26 of the standard width of 500 mm. A vertically adjustable hood 58 is arranged to allow, in its raised position (indicated by a solid line in Figure 2), the dishwasher basket 26 containing the soiled tableware 28 to be introduced into the appliance 50 through a hood gap 62 and placed on the projections 54. In the lowered position (indicated by a broken line in Figure 2), the hood 58 is arranged to fit firmly against the frame 52, thus forming a closed rinsing chamber 64 (Figure 3). The bell 58 is arranged to be raised and lowered by means of an operating control 60.

Figure 3 is a sectional view of the pre-rinse machine 50. The machine 50 is shown with the cover 58 in the lowered position. The frame 52 comprises a rinsing liquid reservoir 66, which is filled with a rinsing liquid, for example water, to a level that is determined by an overflow pipe 68. The overflow pipe 68 is connected to a drain 79 (in a manner not shown).

An upper horizontal rinse arm 70a is located at an upper part of the frame 52 and is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis 69a. The upper rinse arm 70a is provided with a plurality of spray nozzles (not shown), which are directed downwardly to spray rinse liquid onto the tableware 28 from above. A lower horizontal rinse arm 70b is located below the projections 54 and, similarly, is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis 69b. The lower horizontal rinse arm 70b is provided with a plurality of spray nozzles 72b (Fig. 4), which are directed upwardly to spray rinse liquid onto the tableware 28 from below. A rinse liquid pump 74 is arranged to pump rinse liquid from a pump inlet 76 located at a lower part of the rinse liquid reservoir 66 to the rinse arms 70a-b. At the bottom of the rinsing liquid tank 66 there is an outlet 77 which is connected to a drain valve 78 for emptying the rinsing liquid tank 66, via a pipe 75, into the drain 79, for example at the end of the working day or in preparation for cleaning or maintenance of the machine 50.

A collecting plate 80 for collecting rinsing liquid ejected from the rinsing arms 70a-b covers the rinsing liquid reservoir 66 and is inclined downwardly towards a rinsing liquid filter 82. The rinsing liquid filter 82 is arranged to collect food debris that has been rinsed from the tableware 28, while allowing the filtered rinsing liquid to flow into the rinsing liquid reservoir 66. Furthermore, to facilitate the removal of food debris, the filter 82 is adapted to be removable from the machine 50. The rinsing liquid filter 82 shown in Figs. 3-6 is relatively small. However, it may be advantageously designed to hold a larger amount of food debris in order to prolong the intervals between emptying the filter 82. It is also possible to provide the collection plate 80 with perforations, or to design it as a fine mesh net, so that the collection plate 80 also contributes to filtering the rinsing liquid.

Figure 4 is a view along section IV-IV of Figure 3. For the sake of clarity, the dishwasher basket 26 and the dishes 28 are not shown. The view shows the projections 54, the lower rinse arm 70b, the collection plate 80 and the filter 82. Removal of the filter 82 is facilitated by virtue of the fact that the filter 82 is provided with a handle 84.

5 shows a system 100 for cleaning dishes. The system 100 comprises a pre-rinse machine 50, as described above with reference to FIGS. 2-4, and a dishwasher 150 of the type known in the art. In this example, the dishwasher 150 is of the single tank type and comprises a wash water tank (not shown) with an outlet 177. The dishwasher 150 may be used to wash dishes 28 that have been pre-rinsed in the pre-rinse machine 50, or to wash dishes 28 that have not been pre-rinsed or have been pre-rinsed in some other manner. The dishwasher 150 further has an inlet 104 for clean water. The outlet 177 of the dishwasher 150 is connected to the outlet 77 of the pre-rinse machine 50 via a non-return valve 108. Due to this design, it is possible, by opening the drain valve 78, to simultaneously discharge the wash water from the dishwasher 150 and the rinse liquid from the rinse liquid reservoir 66 of the pre-rinse machine 50. However, if the drain valve 78 is closed, any flow of used wash water from the dishwasher 150 will instead be forced to and through the outlet 77 of the pre-rinse machine 50. In this way, the pre-rinse machine 50 can be made to receive used wash water from the dishwasher 150 and use this water as rinse liquid for pre-rinsing the dishes 28. The maximum level of wash water in the dishwasher 150 is limited by the height of the overflow pipe 68 of the pre-rinse machine 50. the pre-rinse machine 50.

Figure 6 shows an alternative system 200 for cleaning tableware. The system 200 comprises a pre-rinse machine 50 and a dishwasher 250 as described above with reference to Figure 5. However, instead of being connected to the pre-rinse machine 50 via a non-return valve 108, as illustrated in Figure 5, the dishwasher 250 is connected to the pre-rinse machine 50 via a pump 208. The dishwasher 250 is provided with an overflow pipe 268 disposed in a wash water tank (not shown). The overflow pipe 268 is connected to a wash water outlet 277 and the pump 208 is connected between the outlet 277 of the dishwasher 250 and an inlet 209 on the pre-rinse machine 50. The inlet 209 opens into the rinse liquid reservoir 66 above the overflow pipe 68 arranged therein and thus above the rinse liquid level of the rinse liquid reservoir 66 when the rinse liquid reservoir 66 is full. Whenever more liquid is supplied to the dishwasher 250, for example during a rinsing phase, any excess liquid for which there is no room in the wash water tank will flow to the pump 208 via the overflow pipe 268. The pump 208 is arranged to be activated when liquid is supplied to the dishwasher 250. For example, the pump 208 may be arranged to be activated by a control signal which controls the inlet of water via a water inlet 104 to the dishwasher 250. The pump 208 may also be arranged to be activated automatically by a sensor (not shown), which detects the presence of wash water at the wash water outlet 277. When the wash water flows through the overflow pipe 268 to the wash water outlet 277, the pump 208 is arranged to pump the wash water from the outlet 277 of the dishwasher 150 to the rinse liquid reservoir 66 provided in the pre-rinse machine 50. As a result, it is possible to set the desired level of wash water in the dishwasher 250 independently of the level of rinse liquid in the pre-rinse machine 50. Furthermore, this embodiment facilitates emptying the rinse liquid reservoir 66 of the pre-rinse machine 50 without the wash water of the dishwasher 250 being discharged at the same time.

It will be appreciated that the invention may be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims. Thus, it is not necessary, for example, for the batch pre-rinsing device 28 to receive rinsing liquid from the used wash water outlet of a dishwasher. Instead, the rinsing liquid reservoir 66 may be supplied, for example, with clean water through the hood gap 62 using a bucket or a hose.

Furthermore, the rinsing chamber 64 need not be defined by a vertically adjustable hood. Instead, the device for pre-rinsing the dishes may be of the front-loading type, i.e. where access to the interior of the rinsing chamber for the introduction of the dishes is provided through a door in the wall of the rinsing chamber.

Claims (6)

1. A dishwashing system, comprising a dishwasher (150, 250) for batch washing of pre-rinsed dishes (28), the dishwasher (150, 250) being provided with an outlet (177, 277) for used wash water, also understanding the system (100, 200) a device (50) for batch pre-rinsing of tableware, the device (50) comprising spraying means (70a-b) for spraying a rinsing liquid, wherein the spraying means (70a-b) are arranged in a rinsing chamber (64), which is adapted to receive and enclose a batch of tableware (28), the rinsing chamber (64) being adapted to be opened after the tableware (28) has been rinsed to remove the pre-rinsed tableware (28), an inlet (77, 209) for rinsing liquid that has been used in a washing or rinsing process of a separate dishwasher (150, 250) and an overflow pipe (68) connectable to a drain (79), wherein said inlet (77, 209) for rinsing liquid is connected to the outlet (177, 277) for used wash water of the dishwasher (150, 250). 250). 2. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a rinse liquid reservoir (66), which is arranged to receive collected rinse liquid that has been sprayed from said spraying means (70a-b), the device (50) being arranged to recirculate, during pre-rinsing, the rinse liquid from the rinse liquid reservoir (66) to said spraying means (70a-b). 3. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rinse chamber (64) comprises means (54) for receiving a dishwasher basket (26). 4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said spraying means (70a-b) are rotatable about a substantially vertical axis (69a-b). 5. A method for batch pre-rinsing of tableware prior to washing, characterized by the steps of introducing a batch of dishes (28) into a rinsing chamber (64) of a device (50) for batch pre-rinsing of dishes; close the rinse chamber (64); receiving rinse liquid from a separate dishwasher (150); Rinse the dishes (28) in the rinsing chamber (64) with the help of the received rinsing liquid; open the rinse chamber (64); removing the batch of dishes (28) and, after removing the batch of dishes from the rinsing chamber (64), transferring the batch of dishes to a separate dishwasher (150, 250) for said washing. 6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising collecting rinsing liquid from the rinsing chamber (64); and rinsing the dishes (28) with the aid of the collected rinsing liquid.