DE102009052029A1 - Suction lance and container with coding geometry - Google Patents

Abstract

A cleaning device (110) for cleaning items to be cleaned (114) is proposed, which is designed to act on the items to be cleaned (114) with at least one cleaning fluid (124). The cleaning device (110) has at least one suction lance (136) for removing at least one auxiliary substance (132) from at least one exchangeable container (134) assigned to the suction lance (136). The suction lance (136) has at least one mechanical coding element (152) with a cross-section deviating from a circular cross-section. The mechanical coding element (152) is designed to be inserted into the container (134) with the suction lance (136). The mechanical coding element (152) requires a mechanically coded opening (158) with a corresponding cross-section deviating from a circular cross-section for insertion into the container (134).

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned, a container for providing at least one auxiliary substance, a removal lance, a kit with at least one container and at least one removal lance and a method for avoiding confusion of different auxiliaries in a cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned. Such devices and methods are used in particular in the field of dishwashing technology, in particular commercial dishwashing technology or household dishwashing technology. In principle, however, it is also possible to use the devices and methods in other fields of natural sciences, technology or medical technology, for example use in the cleaning of medical equipment and / or use in the cleaning of care utensils such as urine bottles, bedpans, bedpans or the like ,

State of the art

Cleaning devices are known from the prior art, in which cleaning material with at least one cleaning fluid, in particular a cleaning liquid, can be acted upon. In many cases, in particular liquid cleaning fluids are used, which in addition to a base fluid, for example water, comprise one or more auxiliaries. Such adjuvants may include, for example, detergents such as cleaners or rinse aids. Other types of excipients are known, such as disinfectants. The cleaning device may in particular comprise one or more metering devices, in which the auxiliary material is removed from a container by means of a removal device, in particular a removal lance or suction lance. The removal lance is usually set up for this and is used to suck the cleaning aid directly from a container, in particular a trading container, for example a canister, and feed it to the metering device.

Commercially available cleaning devices, such as dishwashers, generally require the at least one excipient for proper function. The dosage form of these excipients may be solid, powdery or liquid. The auxiliaries can be supplied to the cleaning process by hand by the operating personnel or by means of partially or fully automatic metering devices.

When liquids are used as auxiliaries, these liquids are usually brought in commercial containers, such as canisters, in the vicinity of the dishwasher or cleaning device. The metering device is equipped with a removal device, in particular with a so-called suction lance, with the aid of which the additives can be taken directly from the canister and fed to the cleaning process.

However, if two different liquid auxiliaries, for example a cleaner and a rinse aid, have to be dosed at a cleaning device, there is the risk that the respective suction lance will be introduced into the wrong canister when the auxiliary substance is renewed. This incorrect operation can have different effects. On the one hand, the cleaning result and the rinse aid result are usually insufficient, up to obvious deficiencies in hygiene and in the physiological safety of the cleaned dishes. Furthermore, dosing devices can be disabled, for example by clogging. This is due in particular to the fact that when the cleaner and rinse aid are mixed, crystallization often occurs in the cleaning fluid. This is in many cases due to the fact that the two products are on the one hand alkaline and on the other hand more acidic and can form salts in a mixture. These blockages can usually be eliminated only by a customer service technician, which can lead to downtime and costs for the operator of the cleaning device. Furthermore, the metering devices can also be permanently damaged and put out of action. This is explained by the fact that for the chemically different auxiliaries different materials are installed in the wetted areas of the metering devices. The consequence of such damage is that a customer service with parts replacement is also required, which has the aforementioned effects for the operator.

From the prior art, various solutions to the above problems are known. For example, describes DE 10 2005 010 475 A1 a device for removing at least one medium from at least one storage container for the medium. The device comprises at least one medium removal element operatively connected to the storage container, to which at least one sensor element for detecting a specific property of the medium is assigned. For example, different electrical conductivities of cleaner and rinse aid can be evaluated and prevented by indications of the dosing or the machine control operation with exchanged removal devices.

In DE 103 58 999 B3 a cleaning and disinfecting machine is described with at least two interchangeable containers for different liquids. These liquids are sucked in each case with a suction lance from the container. Each suction lance has an electrical plug which is connected to the control of the machine via an electrical line. Each pair of containers and suction lances each associated with a component of an electrical connector that is incompatible with the counter component of another container.

However, the known from the prior art solutions of the above task have some technical challenges in practice. One challenge, for example, is that the solutions described are technically relatively complex and impose comparatively high technical burdens on the supplier of the auxiliaries. Thus, the container side electrical devices, such as electrical connectors and / or microchips must be present, which are technically complex to implement and which thus can greatly increase in particular the manufacturing cost of the container

Also in DE 10 2005 010 475 A1 described device is technically complex to implement, since the recognition of said characteristic properties of the excipients is not uniformly possible in all cases and because, for example, different manufacturers can provide auxiliaries of the same kind with different properties.

Furthermore, solutions are known in which the trading containers are coupled by means of hydraulic quick couplings to the nozzles of the dosing. These quick couplings can be designed differently, so that confusion is excluded. However, such quick coupling systems have the disadvantage over the suction lances that they are relatively complex both on the trading containers and on the machines and therefore more expensive than suction lances.

Furthermore, color coding of canisters and associated suction lances are also a known approach. However, this method gives only visual cues, comparable to inscriptions, and can not reliably prevent swapping.

Object of the invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cleaning device which avoids the disadvantages of known cleaning devices. In particular, the cleaning device should be designed to avoid a confusion of containers for the provision of auxiliaries in a simple, reliable and yet cost-effective manner.

Disclosure of the invention

This object is achieved by the invention with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention, which can be implemented individually or in any combination, are shown in the dependent claims.

In a first aspect of the present invention, a cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed. The cleaning device is set up to apply at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned. In principle, this cleaning device can be configured as desired and clean any types of cleaning material. A particular focus of the present invention is on the cleaning of dishes, so objects that are used for the preparation and / or provision of food and / or drinks and which may come into direct or indirect contact with food or drinks. Thus, the cleaning device can be set up in particular as a dishwasher or comprise such a dishwasher. In particular, it may be a commercial dishwasher with one or more cleaning chambers, ie a dishwasher, which has at least two tanks for the conditioning of cleaning fluid. In the case of such industrial dishwashers, the advantage of the present invention is particularly noticeable due to the high throughput and the associated requirement of frequent replacement of auxiliaries.

However, other types of items to be cleaned can in principle be cleaned, for example machine parts, care utensils, medical equipment or the like. For example, the items to be cleaned may comprise care utensils, bedpans, urine bottles, bedpans or similar types of items which may, for example, hold relatively large quantities of liquid or solid waste, for example quantities of more than 100 ml, for example in the form of human excretions. The cleaning device may in particular be designed to dispose of this waste, for example by providing a corresponding outflow, for example with a siphon bend, in which the waste can be emptied. Accordingly, the cleaning device, for example, also wholly or partly as a so-called cleaning and disinfection device be configured, so as a device in which the items to be cleaned emptied in a chamber is cleaned and disinfected by applying at least one cleaning liquid, for example by means of a steam disinfection. For such devices can, for example DE 10 2007 021 245 A1 or on DE 10 2007 025 262 A1 as well as the state of the art mentioned in these documents. The devices described there are also modifiable according to the invention in the context of the present invention.

The cleaning device may in particular comprise at least one chamber in which the cleaning material is acted upon by the at least one cleaning fluid. This chamber may for example be configured closed or have one or more openings. One or more chambers may be provided. Thus, for example, the items to be cleaned may remain stationary in a chamber, for example if the cleaning device is designed as a single-chamber dishwasher and / or as a cleaning and disinfection device. Alternatively, the items to be cleaned can also be transferred successively into different chambers, for example in order to be cleaned in different chambers in different ways. The latter can in particular be realized such that the cleaning device is designed, for example, as a multi-chamber dishwasher and / or transport dishwasher, for example as a belt transport or basket transport dishwasher, wherein the cleaning material passes through one or more chambers, in which the cleaning material is acted upon by the cleaning fluid , For example, one or more chambers may be combined in a tunnel, for example in a tunnel with a housing. The at least one cleaning fluid may in particular comprise at least one cleaning fluid, for example on an aqueous basis.

The cleaning device may be configured to use at least one adjuvant during its operation. Such auxiliaries can be of very different types and fulfill different tasks. Examples of such auxiliaries are additives to the at least one cleaning fluid. For example, these may be cleaners, in particular detergent concentrates, rinse aids, disinfectants, fragrances or combinations of the aforementioned and / or other auxiliaries. However, the auxiliaries may also be adapted to the type of cleaning device. Thus, types of cleaning devices other than dishwashers may require other types of excipients, for example the use of oils and / or other chemical auxiliaries. In this respect, the at least one adjuvant can be an additive to the cleaning fluid or else a substance which is used elsewhere, for example alone and without further addition. The cleaning device may in particular have at least one metering device which is set up to dose the at least one auxiliary substance. This metering can take place, for example, into the cleaning fluid, for example into a tank, in particular a water tank. Alternatively or additionally, the metering device can also carry out another type of metering, for example a metering of the excipient directly onto the item to be cleaned and / or a metering onto specific machine elements of the cleaning device itself.

The cleaning device has at least one suction lance for removing the at least one auxiliary substance from at least one exchangeable container associated with the suction lance. A suction lance is generally understood to mean a removal lance, that is to say an element which is at least partially elongated and which is set up to be introduced into the container. In particular, the suction lance may comprise a sampling tube which is inserted into the container. However, a more complex design of the suction lance is in principle possible. The term "suction lance" is used regardless of whether the liquid is actually aspirated or otherwise conveyed from the container to the cleaning device, for example by generating overpressure in the container itself. Preferably, the adjuvant is designed to be liquid. However, other types of auxiliaries are also possible in principle, for example gaseous auxiliaries or auxiliaries, which are provided in the form of bulk material, for example powder.

The container itself can be configured, for example, as a canister, container, drum, bottle or similar container, or comprise such a container. There are also containers with several chambers possible. The container is not necessarily part of the cleaning device but can be connected or connected as an exchangeable part with the cleaning device. The container may for example be wholly or partly made of plastic and / or a metallic material. The container is preferably not provided by the manufacturer or provider of the cleaning device itself, but independently of a supplier of the at least one excipient. In this case, a plurality of different exchangeable containers may be provided which comprise different auxiliaries, for example different types of excipients and / or auxiliaries of different properties and / or or excipients of different quality. Examples are explained in more detail below.

The suction lance comprises at least one mechanical coding element with a cross section deviating from a circular cross section. In this case, a cross section is generally understood to mean a geometric shape in a plane perpendicular to an insertion direction of the suction lance into the container. The mechanical coding element is set up so that it is introduced into the container with the suction lance, wherein the mechanical coding element for insertion into the container, in particular for precise insertion into the container, a mechanically coded opening with a corresponding, deviating from a circular cross-section cross-section requires. In other words, the mechanical coding element and the associated mechanically coded opening can cooperate or cooperate, for example in the manner of a key and a lock, such that insertion of the suction lance into a container whose mechanically coded opening does not correspond to the coding element of the suction lance is at least substantial is prevented, even if, for example, the mechanically coded opening and the mechanical coding element substantially equal in magnitude have the same cross-sectional areas, for example, cross-sectional areas which do not differ from each other by more than 20%, preferably not more than 5%. For the purposes of the invention, "required" can thus be understood in particular to mean that the mechanically coded opening must have a cross-section which differs from a circular cross-section and corresponds to the cross-section of the coding element deviating from the circular cross-section, whereas a Insertion of the suction lance is in a not the suction lance associated container is substantially prevented.

As indicated above, the container does not necessarily have to be part of the cleaning device. However, it is also intended to encompass a cleaning device which further comprises at least one such replaceable container, the container having at least one mechanically coded opening with a cross section deviating from a circular cross section, the mechanical coding element and the mechanically coded opening cooperating in such a way Insertion of the suction lance in the associated container is possible. In particular, this may be an exact insertion, ie an insertion, in which preferably a clearance of not more than 3 mm, in particular not more than 2 mm and particularly preferably not more than 1 mm or even not more than 0, 5 mm in each direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion. In this case, an insertion of the suction lance into a not the suction lance associated container, so for example a container with an unsuitable excipient, to be substantially prevented. By "substantially" is to be understood in this context that an insertion without much effort and / or damage or deformation of the elements involved should be possible because the elements are matched in their geometry. The prevention is achieved by the above-described interaction between the mechanical coding element on the suction lance and the mechanically coded opening of the container, which interact in the manner of a key and a lock.

The suction lance can in particular have a removal tube with a tube axis. In this case, in at least one angular direction perpendicular to the tube axis, the mechanical coding element can form a section of the suction lance projecting furthest from the tube axis. This means that the coding element in at least one angular direction has a thickening with respect to the remaining sampling tube or the entire suction lance, which can prevent insertion into an unsuitable opening and / or an opening with a different mechanical coding.

The mechanical coding element may in particular comprise one or more of the following elements: a coding disk, in particular a coding disk extending substantially perpendicularly to a removal pipe of the suction lance; a Codieraufsatz, in particular a aufbringbaren on a sampling tube of the suction lance or applied Codieraufsatz. Under a Codierscheibe is understood a disc-shaped element whose thickness, ie its dimension in the direction of a tube axis of the sampling tube, preferably smaller by at least a factor of 2 than its maximum extent in a lateral direction, ie in a direction of its surface area, which, for example, perpendicular can be to the tube axis. Alternatively or in addition to a disk-shaped element, a coding attachment can be used which, for example, can have a geometry deviating from a disc-shaped geometry. Thus, the coding attachment, for example, as explained in more detail below, have the form of a frame, which is placed for example on the sampling tube, and / or a shape of a frame which completely or partially surrounds the sampling tube at least one point. The outer shape of the coding disk or of the coding attachment then determines, if appropriate in cooperation with further elements, the cross section of the mechanical coding element.

The mechanical coding disc and the mechanically coded opening can in this case have a basically arbitrary cross-section which deviates from a circular shape overall and which is suitable, in cooperation, to bring about the key-lock effect described above. It is particularly preferred if the mechanical coding disc and / or the mechanically coded opening have a cross section which is selected from the following cross sections: a triangular cross section; a quadrangular cross section, in particular a square or a rectangular cross section; a five-cornered cross section; a hexagonal cross section; an octagonal cross section; generally a polygonal cross-section, in particular a polygonal cross-section with fewer than twelve corners, preferably with less than eight corners; an oval cross section; a circular cross-section with additional recesses and / or projections, in particular rectangular recesses or projections and / or round recesses or projections; a star-shaped cross-section. However, other cross sections which allow the effect described above are possible in principle.

The mechanical coding disk and / or the mechanically coded opening can in particular have an n-fold rotational symmetry about a pipe axis of the suction lance. Where n is an integer. Preferably, this is an integer which is a maximum of 12, in particular a maximum of 8. In this way, on the one hand, it can be ensured that the suction lance can be introduced into the container in different angular positions. On the other hand, too high rotational symmetry prevents the cross section of the mechanical coding disc and / or the mechanically coded opening from approaching a circular shape, which in turn would not have the key-lock effect described above.

The suction lance can, as already stated above, in particular have at least one removal tube. Furthermore, the suction lance can have at least one removal screen arranged on a side of the coding element facing the container. This sampling sieve can be arranged in particular at one end of the sampling tube. This sieve can basically be designed as a coarse sieve also as a fine sieve, up to an embodiment as a filter. It is also possible to combine several sieves, for example several sieves of the same or different type. In particular, the removal sieve can be arranged in a head of the suction lance, which is arranged on the side of the removal tube facing the container.

Furthermore, the suction lance can have at least one valve arranged on a side of the coding element facing the container, in particular at least one check valve. Various embodiments of non-return valves, in particular so-called foot valves, are known in the prior art. The invention is independent of the presence or the execution of such a foot valve. It is also conceivable to combine such a foot valve and a suction strainer with the invention

The cleaning device may in particular have at least two suction lances with different coding elements. The suction lances can then each be set up to be introduced into respectively associated containers with differently mechanically coded openings. The cleaning device may in particular be designed to provide different auxiliary substances by means of the suction lances and to use them preferably in the cleaning process.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a container for providing at least one excipient is proposed. The container may in particular be designed to be used in a cleaning device according to one or more of the embodiments described above or to cooperate with such a cleaning device. Accordingly, for possible embodiments of the container, reference may be made to the above description of the cleaning device and, in particular, to the features relating to the container. Conversely, reference may be made to the following description of the container for the possible embodiment of the cleaning device. The container has at least one mechanically coded opening with a cross section deviating from a circular cross section.

This at least one mechanically coded opening can be provided in different ways. For example, the container may have at least one removal opening. This removal opening can in principle have any desired cross section, for example a substantially circular cross section. For example, this removal opening may be arranged in a neck of the container and / or directly in a container wall of the container. A container may also have a plurality of removal openings. Furthermore, a container, in addition to the at least one removal opening, also have further openings, for example, openings, which allow refilling of the container and / or openings by means of which another substance and / or pressure can be introduced into the container. Furthermore, the container can have at least one coding aperture, wherein the coding aperture provides the mechanically coded aperture. Under an encoder is thus an element too understand that at least partially limits the maximum cross-section provided by the removal opening so that the mechanically coded opening is formed. In this case, the Codierblende can also interact with the removal opening itself, so that, for example, at least one edge of the mechanically coded opening is provided by the Codierblende and at least one further edge of the mechanically coded opening by the delimitation of the removal opening itself. The Codierblende in particular so on the container be fixed, that the mechanically coded opening is arranged in an insertion at least partially within the removal opening. This means that preferably the mechanically coded opening overlaps at least partially with the removal opening when viewed in the insertion direction. In this case, the mechanically coded opening in the insertion direction may also be arranged in front of or behind the plane of the removal opening. The mechanically coded opening can also cooperate with the removal opening, as stated above. The Codierblende can be permanently or interchangeably connected to the rest of the container. For example, the Codierblende comprise at least one insert or consist of an insert which is inserted into the removal opening. Alternatively or additionally, however, the Codierblende can also be inserted into a neck of the container and / or be integrated and / or be part of the container wall. The use of a Codierbrende, which can be permanently or interchangeably connected to the rest of the container, in particular makes it possible to use standardized container with standardized removal openings, wherein, for example, after the production of the remaining container, the mechanically coded opening generated by using the Codierblende or provided. In this way, production and storage costs can be significantly reduced. The Codierblende can be accommodated for example in a cap of the container. This cap can be permanently or interchangeably connected to the rest of the container. Thus, in the production only a production of the container without coding or cap and one, for example, separate, production of the cap is required.

The container may also comprise at least one removable sealing element, as is often the case with conventional disposable containers. Such a sealing element can for example be introduced directly into a removal opening of the container and / or, for example, before such a removal opening. This sealing element, for example, prevents contamination of the container contents before use by the discharge opening is closed by the sealing element. In particular, the container in this case may be a disposable container. Alternatively, however, for example, containers are conceivable in which the sealing element is integrated into an exchangeable cap. The sealing element is preferably open by a user, for example an operator of the cleaning device, without the aid of tools, ie by hand. For example, the sealing element for this purpose comprise a ring which can be grasped by the user with a finger or a tool to then allow by train opening the removal opening and opening of the sealing element. The sealing element may comprise, for example, a predetermined breaking point. The predetermined breaking point can define the mechanically coded opening. Along the predetermined breaking point, for example, a sealing part of the sealing element can be completely or partially torn out of the container. The sealing element preferably closes the mechanically coded opening completely or partially in the closed state.

As indicated above, the removable sealing element may be disposed directly in the mechanically coded opening or in the dispensing opening and / or in another plane, for example in front of the plane of the dispensing opening. In particular, however, the removable sealing element may comprise a predetermined breaking point, which defines the mechanically coded opening. This means that after ripping out the sealing part of the sealing element just the mechanically coded opening is released because the predetermined breaking point surrounds them substantially.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a container set for providing different excipients is proposed. In particular, this container set can in turn be used in a cleaning device according to one or more of the embodiments described above, so that, for optional embodiments, reference may again be made to the above description. The container set includes a plurality of containers according to one or more of the embodiments described above. The containers comprise differently mechanically coded openings. For example, an adjuvant may be assigned a specific mechanically coded opening in each case.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a suction lance is proposed for providing at least one excipient. The suction lance can be set up in particular for use in a cleaning device according to one or more of the embodiments described above, so that for possible embodiments of the suction lance to the above description of the cleaning device, and there in particular to the suction lance relevant features, referenced can. The suction lance can be set up in particular as a replaceable suction lance. The suction lance has at least one mechanical coding element with a cross section deviating from a circular cross section. The mechanical coding element is set up to be introduced into the container with the suction lance. The mechanical coding element requires for insertion into the container, in particular for precise insertion into the container, a mechanically coded opening on the container, which has a corresponding, deviating from a circular cross-section.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a kit for use in a cleaning device is proposed. This cleaning device may in particular be a cleaning device according to one or more of the embodiments described above, so that again with regard to possible embodiments of this cleaning device, reference may be made to the above description. The kit comprises at least one container according to one or more of the embodiments described above and at least one suction lance according to one or more of the embodiments described above. In particular, the container and the suction lance can be set up such that the mechanical coding element of the suction lance corresponds to the mechanically coded opening of the container, so that insertion of the suction lance into the container is possible.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a method for avoiding a mix-up of different auxiliaries in a cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed. In particular, the cleaning device may in turn be a cleaning device according to one or more of the embodiments described above, so that reference may be made to the above description for possible embodiments of this cleaning device. In the method, at least one excipient is provided by means of at least one suction lance and at least one associated replaceable container. In this case, the container is designed such that it has at least one mechanically coded opening with a cross section deviating from a circular cross section, wherein the suction lance has at least one mechanical coding element with a cross section deviating from a circular cross section. In this case, the cross sections of the mechanical coding element and the mechanically coded opening are selected relative to one another in such a way that insertion of the suction lance into an associated container is made possible, wherein insertion of the suction lance into a container not assigned to the suction lance is substantially prevented.

The devices and methods described above have a number of advantages over known devices and methods. Thus, in particular the above-mentioned errors of a confusion of excipients, even by unskilled personnel, reliably avoided. The inventive solution principle of an interaction of the suction lance and the container in the form of a key and a lock can be realized technically simple without the need for elaborate electronic detection systems or electrical connector systems were required. The proposed solution is thus functionally reliable and can be implemented both on the side of the container, such as a canister, as well as on the side of the suction lance as removal device easily and inexpensively. An operator of the cleaning device still finds the known and easy-to-use system with suction lances, so that a re-learning is not required. The protection against confusion requires no measurable additional effort from the operator.

Furthermore, the solution according to the invention can be easily retrofitted even with existing cleaning devices. For example, such cleaning devices can be easily equipped with suction lances according to the invention. Alternatively, existing suction lances can also be supplemented by mechanical coding elements. Thus, already in use cleaning devices, such as dishwashers, easily equip with the new confusion protection.

The above-proposed option of using a sealing element can also be implemented extremely technically. For example, a sealing function can be integrated into a diaphragm cap of a container. This is not only technically easy to implement on the part of the container manufacturer or manufacturer of the auxiliary substance but can also provide the operator of the cleaning device with additional security for his cleaning process.

Brief description of the figures

Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, in particular in conjunction with the subclaims. In this case, the respective features can be implemented on their own or in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the embodiments. The embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. The same reference numerals in the individual figures indicate the same or functionally identical or in terms of their functions corresponding elements.

In detail show:

1 an embodiment of a conventional cleaning device with a suction lance and a container;

2A and 2 B Embodiments of a suction lance according to the invention and an associated container according to the invention;

3A to 3F different Codiergeometrien of cross sections of mechanical Codierscheiben and / or mechanically coded openings;

4 an embodiment of a suction lance with a Codieraufsatz; and

5A and 5B an embodiment of a Codierblende with a sealing element.

embodiments

In 1 is a prior art example of a cleaning device 110 shown schematically. The cleaning device 110 in particular, at least one cleaning chamber 112 include, in which cleaning material 114 , here exemplified in the form of plate, can be acted upon with at least one cleaning fluid. For example, the cleaning device 110 For this purpose, a spray nozzle system 116 comprise, which via a supply line 118 for example with a pump 120 , from a tank 122 is fed with cleaning fluid. The cleaning operation can be carried out in a simple operation, as in 1 illustrated, or, alternatively or additionally, also in a circulation operation. It should be noted that the cleaning device 110 only shown by way of example. Various modifications are possible. For example, several tanks 122 be provided, as is the case in conventional dishwashers for commercial use. Furthermore, several cleaning chambers 112 be provided, for example in continuous dishwashers, in particular tape transport or basket transport dishwashers. Furthermore, also several spray nozzle systems 116 and / or other systems for applying the cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned 114 be provided.

Also the tank 122 is in 1 shown symbolically and only by way of example. The Tank 122 includes a supply of cleaning fluid 124 in which the cleaning fluid 124 can be conditioned, for example, can be heated, in particular via at least one heating device 126 , The Tank 122 can, for example, via an inlet 128 with fresh cleaning fluid 124 be fed and / or with a component of this cleaning fluid 124 , for example, with fresh water. Also, as described above, a recirculation operation take place in which, for example, cleaning fluid from the cleaning chamber 112 and / or from another cleaning chamber 112 back to the tank 122 to be led. Various embodiments are possible and known to those skilled in the art. Even a business entirely without such a tank 122 is basically possible, for example using one or more water heaters or similar conditioning devices.

Furthermore, the cleaning device comprises 110 in the example shown, at least one metering system 130 , by means of which at least one excipient 132 can be dosed. For example, this excipient may be 132 to a component of the cleaning fluid 124 act and / or an adjuvant 132 , which directly on the cleaning material 114 is applied. The excipient 132 can have one or more containers 134 be provided, which is part of the cleaning device 110 may be or even only with the cleaning device 110 may be connected, so this container 134 in 1 is shown in dashed lines. The provision of the excipient 132 to the cleaning device 110 via a suction lance 136 which via a line 138 with optional pump 140 for sucking the excipient 132 with the dosing system 130 connected is. The suction lance 136 includes a sampling tube 142 with a tube axis 144 which, for example at least in sections, can be essentially straight. The sampling tube 142 is set up with at least a part through a removal opening 146 inside the container 134 to be introduced. Depending on the operating mode is the sampling tube 142 designed for example as an intake manifold. At its end points the sampling tube 142 a head 148 on, for example, a cylindrical head, in which in the illustrated embodiment, one or more sampling screens 150 , For example, suction screens are arranged.

In the 1 shown cleaning device and the suction lance 136 and the container 134 have the disadvantages presented above. This is the removal opening 146 usually equipped with a circular cross-section, with the head of the suction lance 136 Usually equipped with a round cross-section and the furthest from the tube axis 144 protruding part of the suction lance 136 forms. This head 148 is typically dimensioned to be comfortable through the removal opening 148 fits and inside the container 134 can be introduced. However, this creates the difficulty that by operators easily container 134 can be confused because the suction lance 136 even for an unsuitable container 134 or one with an unsuitable excipient 132 filled containers 134 can be used.

In the 2A and 2 B In contrast, an inventive embodiment of a suction lance 136 ( 2A ) and an associated replaceable container 134 ( 2 B ) shown in a schematic, perspective view. This suction lance 136 and this container 134 For example, in a cleaning device 110 according to 1 instead of the suction lance shown there 136 or instead of the container shown there 134 be used. Furthermore, the cleaning device 110 according to 1 also several such suction lances 136 each with an associated container 134 exhibit. Also multi-chamber container 134 are conceivable, with several removal openings 146 are provided, each having a suction lance 136 assigned. Furthermore, in the 2A and 2 B shown devices in other types of cleaning devices 110 be used.

In the 2A illustrated suction lance 136 is basically analogous to the suction lance 136 according to 1 designed. She has a sampling tube 142 with a tube axis 144 and a head 148 with one or more optional sampling sieves 150 on. In contrast to the embodiment according to 1 However, in the illustrated embodiment, the head 148 preferably no longer the farthest from the tube axis 144 protruding part of the sampling tube 142 or the suction lance 136 , Instead, it is above the head 148 a mechanical coding element 152 provided, which in the illustrated embodiment as Codierscheibe 154 is designed. This coding element 152 is at least in some spatial directions or angular directions perpendicular to an insertion, which in 2A with the reference number 156 is designated and which, for example, parallel to the tube axis 144 runs, furthest from the tube axis 144 in front. The coding disc 154 thus forms a thickening of the suction lance 136 in the area of the part of the suction lance 136 which are in the container 134 is introduced. The Codierscheibe thus acts in the form of a key, wherein the cross section of the Codierscheibe 154 determines whether, in cooperation with a corresponding mechanically coded opening, this key can be inserted into the lock. The coding disc 154 points out how 2A recognizable, deviating from a circular cross-section cross-section, which is designed in the illustrated embodiment is substantially triangular. The corners of the triangle can also be designed rounded. The coding disc 156 is for example via the sampling tube 142 pushed and preferably at the sampling tube 142 attached, for example by a plastic welding process or an adhesive method. Other fixings are possible.

In 2 B is the area of a removal opening 146 of the container 134 , which is the suction lance 136 according to 2A is assigned, shown. As can be seen from this illustration, the removal opening 146 this partially limited by a mechanically coded opening 158 that has a cross section that deviates from a circular geometry. For example, this mechanically coded opening 158 through a coding stop 160 be given, which this mechanically coded opening 158 provides. The mechanically coded opening 158 acts as a "lock" which with the acting as a "key" mechanical coding 152 interacts. The coding aperture 160 For example, in a cap 162 be arranged, which, for example, on a container wall 164 of the container 134 can be placed and / or fixed to the container wall 164 or a connecting piece can be connected. Other embodiments are possible. The mechanically coded opening 158 is thus on the Codierblende 160 in the illustrated embodiment in the otherwise substantially circular removal opening 146 of the container 134 brought in. Other embodiments are possible, for example embodiments in which the mechanically coded opening 158 offset to the removal opening 146 is configured, for example, this upstream or downstream. Also a combination of several mechanically coded openings 158 , for example in the form of multiple coding apertures 160 , is possible, analogous to the design of a lock in conventional locking systems. Also a combination of several mechanical coding elements 152 is therefore at the suction lance 136 possible.

In the 3A to 3F Various further embodiments of Codierquerschnitten are shown, as for example in the suction lance 136 according to 2A and / or the container 134 according to 2 B can be used. It shows 3A the triangular geometry, which already in the 2A and 2 B has been used. The corners of the triangle, which is preferably configured as an equilateral triangle, can also be designed rounded. Instead of a triangle, it is generally possible to use polygons, preferably polygons having the same edge lengths. Preferably, however, the number of corners of the polygons is limited in order to avoid an approximation to a circular shape, which in turn would favor a confusion. Accordingly, preferably a maximum of eight corners, in particular even six or fewer corners are provided.

In 3B a Codierquerschnitt is shown in the form of a rectangle. A rectangle with unequal side lengths is shown. In principle, however, a square shape is possible.

In the 3C to 3F Coding geometries are shown, each with a main surface 168 is provided, which is designed here as an example circular. Also other geometries of the main surface 168 However, they are basically possible, for example polygonal geometries or oval geometries. From this main area 168 out circumferentially recesses extend 170 (in the case of mechanically coded opening 158 ) or projections 172 (in the case of the mechanical coding element 152 , For example, the encoder 154 ). The show 3C and 3D recesses 170 or projections 172 with an angular geometry, such as a rectangular geometry, whereas the 3E and 3F projections 172 or recesses 170 show with a round geometry. Also other geometries of the recesses 170 or the projections 172 are basically conceivable, for example polygonal geometries, for example triangular geometries.

Furthermore, in the embodiments according to the 3C to 3F also the number of recesses 170 or the projections 172 , In 3C are two such recesses 170 until projections 172 provided in the 3D and 3E three, and in 3F four. Here are the recesses 170 or projections 172 preferably evenly over the circumference of the main surface 168 distributed, so preferably a rotational symmetry about the tube axis 144 results in, in 3C a two-fold symmetry in the 3D and 3E a three-fold symmetry and in 3F a fourfold symmetry. However, a non-symmetrical distribution is also possible.

In 4 is one too 2A alternative embodiment of a suction lance 136 shown. Again, the suction lance has a sampling tube 142 this being essentially analogous to 2A can be designed. Furthermore, a coding element 152 provided, which has a cross section which determines the coding geometry. For example, this is again designed triangular, analogous to 2A , However, other embodiments are possible. The mechanical coding element 152 is, unlike 2A , in the 4 However, not shown embodiment as a coding disc 154 designed, but in the form of a Codieraufsatzes 174 , This can, for example, a thickening of the pipe wall of the sampling tube 142 include. Alternatively or additionally, this coding attachment can be used 174 but also one on the sampling tube 142 act on and preferably connected to this, for example, in turn connected by a cohesive process, separate element. The effect of this coding essay 174 is analogous to the effect of the coding disc 154 according to 2A ,

The interaction of the suction lance 136 and the container 134 according to the present invention and according to the embodiments described above, has already been described above. The embodiment of the mechanically coded opening 158 For example, may already be part of a manufacturer of the container 134 and / or done by a bottling company. For example, in a bottling operation in an otherwise standardized container 134 the coding stop 160 , For example, as a simple pinhole with the Codiergeometrie used. This Codierblende has one for the contained excipient 132 characteristic Codierquerschnitt, for example, one of the Codierquerschnitte according to the 3A to 3F , For example, a standard can be agreed, which Codierquerschnitt which excipient 132 assigned. In this way, for example, different coding geometries or coding cross sections can be assigned to different types of excipients, different concentrations of excipients, different qualities of excipients or otherwise different excipients. The suction lance 136 can then be equipped with a corresponding counter-geometry, as in synopsis of 2A and 2 B is recognizable, so that a suction lance 136 only in a container 134 , For example, a canister, if this is the excipient 132 contains, for which the suction lance 136 is provided. For example, a container 134 with a cleaner with a coding stop 160 with a mechanically coded opening 158 be equipped with triangular coding geometry. A container 134 for a rinse aid, for example, with a Codierblende 160 be equipped with a rectangular opening. The suction lance 136 for the detergent dosing is then provided accordingly with a triangular identification geometry, the suction lance for rinse aid dosage according to a rectangular identifier geometry. Other forms that interchanging the suction lance 136 reliably exclude in both directions, are also conceivable, for example, the forms according to the 3A to 3F ,

As shown above, the container 134 already on the part of the manufacturer of the container 134 with a corresponding mechanically coded opening 158 be equipped. Alternatively or additionally, however, this can also only after the filling of the excipient 132 respectively. For example, after filling and before final closure of the container 134 , for example a canister, from the supplier an aperture part, for example in the form of the cap 162 and / or the coding diaphragm 160 , on and / or in the removal opening 146 be used on or. This coding aperture 160 or this cap 162 can be made of plastic, for example. For example, this may be configured similar to a sealing cap and / or comprise such a sealing cap, as already many containers 134 the case is.

It should be noted that in the 2A and 4 shown embodiments of the mechanical coding 152 , which determines the Codierquerschnitt, are exemplary only. Various other embodiments are possible to provide the Kenngeometrie the Codierquerschnitts as an outer mold. For example, the coding disc 154 in 2A basically be made of sheet metal or plastic. Another embodiment is possible. Another type, the characteristic geometry of the suction lance 136 is the coding tower 174 according to 4 , This can, for example, on the sampling tube 142 clipped or otherwise positively and / or cohesively and / or non-positively with the sampling tube 142 be connected. Also several mechanical coding elements 152 can be used. Furthermore, the location of the application of the mechanical coding element 152 be changed compared to the embodiments shown. Again alternatively or additionally, the mechanical coding element 152 also directly at the extraction pipe 142 and / or other components of the suction lance 136 be molded, for example, on the housing of the optional head 148 , for example in the area of the sampling screen 150 , Alternatively or additionally, a thickening in a pipe wall of the sampling tube 142 be provided, which provides the appropriate Codiergeometrie. It may be advantageous that the coding geometry of the mechanically coded opening 158 on the container 134 and / or the geometry of the suction lance 136 is performed in a greater thickness than the actual material thickness, so that, for example, the Codieraufsatz 174 arises. This can also be in one piece with the sampling tube 142 be educated. It is conceivable that the handling is further simplified by such an embodiment and the reliability is increased.

In the 5A and 5B is another possible embodiment of the mechanically coded opening 158 or a way to provide such a mechanically coded opening 158 shown. It shows 5A a partial cross section from the side, whereas 5B represents a top view. Shown here is a cap 162 , which as a sealing cap 176 is designed. This in turn comprises a coding disc 154 , For example, again from a plastic material or a sheet. This coding disc 154 in turn comprises a removable sealing element 178 in the form of an area over one or more predetermined breaking points 180 , which may also have a complex geometry, with the remaining coding aperture 160 connected is. The outermost geometry of this breaking point 180 defines the coding cross section of the mechanically coded aperture 158 , While this mechanically coded opening 158 initially closed by the predetermined breaking point 180 is closed, the removable sealing element 178 manually by a user from the coding panel 160 be pulled out by the predetermined breaking point 180 is torn open. For this purpose, the sealing cap 176 for example, a ring 182 comprise, which at at least one connection point 184 with the coding panel 160 or the removable seal element 178 connected is. Will this ring 182 by a user, for example, manually or with a tool, up in 5A pulled, so breaks the breaking point 180 on, the removable seal element 178 is removed, and the mechanically coded opening 158 , which has a square geometry in the illustrated embodiment, is exposed. Various modifications of the in the 5A and 5B shown geometries are possible.

It should be noted that the removable sealing element 178 or the coding diaphragm 160 according to the embodiment in the 5A and 5B can also be modified. So the encoder can 160 also, for example, directly into the container wall 164 a container 134 be inserted. Furthermore, other geometries than the geometries shown are conceivable.

The seal cap 176 For example, from a manufacturer in the container 134 used and only be opened before use. Alternatively, this can also be done at a bottling plant. The advantage of using such a sealing cap 176 is in particular that an operator would have the guarantee, an original, unaltered container to the cleaning device 110 connect, while at the same time through the mechanically coded opening 158 a likelihood of confusion would be provided.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

110

cleaning device

112

cleaning chamber

114

cleaned

116

spray nozzle

118

supply line

120

pump

122

tank

124

cleaning fluid

126

heater

128

Intake

130

dosing

132

excipient

134

container

136

lance

138

management

140

pump

142

sampling tube

144

pipe axis

146

removal opening

148

head

150

Entnahmesieb

152

mechanical coding element

154

encoder

156

insertion

158

mechanically coded opening

160

Codierblende

162

cap

164

container wall

168

main area

170

recesses

172

head Start

174

Codieraufsatz

176

sealing cap

178

removable sealing element

180

Breaking point

182

ring

184

junction

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102005010475 A1 [0006, 0009]
• DE 10358999 B3 [0007]
• DE 102007021245 A1 [0015]
• DE 102007025262 A1 [0015]

Claims (13)

Cleaning device ( 110 ) for cleaning of items to be cleaned ( 114 ), wherein the cleaning device ( 110 ) is set up to the cleaning material ( 114 ) with at least one cleaning fluid ( 124 ), the cleaning device ( 110 ) at least one suction lance ( 136 ) for removing at least one excipient ( 132 ) from at least one of the suction lance ( 136 ) associated replaceable container ( 134 ), wherein the suction lance ( 136 ) at least one mechanical coding element ( 152 ) having a different cross section from a circular cross section, wherein the mechanical coding element ( 152 ) is set up with the suction lance ( 136 ) in the container ( 134 ), wherein the mechanical coding element ( 152 ) for insertion into the container ( 134 ) a mechanically coded opening ( 158 ) with a corresponding, deviating from a circular cross section cross section requires. Cleaning device ( 110 ) according to the preceding claim, further comprising at least one replaceable container ( 134 ), the container ( 134 ) at least one mechanically coded opening ( 158 ) having a different cross section from a circular cross section, wherein the mechanical coding element ( 152 ) and the mechanically coded opening ( 158 ) cooperate in such a way that an insertion of the suction lance ( 136 ) in the associated container ( 134 ), wherein an insertion of the suction lance ( 136 ) in one of the suction lance ( 136 ) associated container ( 134 ) is substantially prevented. Cleaning device ( 110 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the suction lance ( 136 ) a sampling tube ( 142 ) with a tube axis ( 142 ), wherein in at least one angular direction perpendicular to the tube axis ( 142 ) the mechanical coding element ( 152 ) one furthest from the tube axis ( 142 ) projecting portion of the suction lance ( 136 ). Cleaning device ( 110 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical coding element ( 152 ) comprises one or more of the following elements: a coding disc ( 154 ), in particular a substantially perpendicular to a sampling tube ( 142 ) the suction lance ( 136 ) extending encoder disc ( 154 ); a coding attachment ( 174 ), especially one on a sampling tube ( 142 ) the suction lance ( 136 ) attachable or applied coding attachment ( 174 ). Cleaning device ( 110 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical coding disc ( 154 ) and / or the mechanically coded opening ( 158 ) an n-fold rotational symmetry about a tube axis ( 142 ) the suction lance ( 136 ), where n is an integer. Cleaning device ( 110 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device ( 110 ) at least two suction lances ( 136 ) with different coding elements ( 152 ), wherein the suction lances ( 136 ) are arranged to be placed in respectively assigned containers ( 134 ) with differently mechanically coded openings ( 158 ) to be introduced. Container ( 134 ) for providing at least one excipient ( 132 ), in particular for use in a cleaning device ( 110 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container ( 134 ) at least one mechanically coded opening ( 158 ) comprising a cross section deviating from a circular cross section. Container ( 134 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the container ( 134 ) at least one removal opening ( 146 ), in particular a removal opening ( 146 ) having a substantially circular cross section, wherein the container ( 134 ) at least one coding ( 160 ), wherein the coding diaphragm ( 160 ) the mechanically coded opening ( 158 ). Container ( 134 ) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the container ( 134 ) at least one removable sealing element ( 178 ), wherein the sealing element ( 178 ) in the closed state, the mechanically coded opening ( 158 ) closes. Container set for providing different auxiliary substances ( 132 ), in particular for use in a cleaning device ( 110 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container set comprises a plurality of containers ( 134 ) according to one of the preceding, a container ( 134 ), the containers ( 134 ) differently mechanically coded openings ( 158 ) exhibit. Suction lance ( 136 ) for providing at least one excipient ( 132 ), in particular for use in a cleaning device ( 110 ) according to one of the preceding, a cleaning device ( 110 ), wherein the suction lance ( 136 ) at least one mechanical coding element ( 152 ) having a different cross section from a circular cross section, wherein the mechanical coding element ( 152 ) is set up with the suction lance ( 136 ) in the container ( 134 ), wherein the mechanical coding element ( 152 ) for insertion into the container ( 134 ) a mechanically coded opening ( 158 ) with a corresponding, deviating from a circular cross section cross section requires. Kit, in particular for use in a cleaning device ( 110 ) according to one of the preceding, a cleaning device ( 110 ), comprising at least one container ( 134 ) according to one of the preceding, a container ( 134 ), further comprising at least one suction lance ( 136 ) according to the preceding claim. Process for avoiding confusion different excipients ( 132 ) in a cleaning device ( 110 ) for cleaning of items to be cleaned ( 114 ), in particular a cleaning device ( 110 ) according to one of the preceding, a cleaning device ( 110 ), wherein at least one excipient ( 132 ) by means of at least one suction lance ( 136 ) and at least one associated replaceable container ( 134 ), the container ( 134 ) is configured such that this at least one mechanically coded opening ( 158 ) having a cross section deviating from a circular cross section, wherein the suction lance ( 136 ) at least one mechanical coding element ( 152 ) having a cross section deviating from a circular cross-section, which is an insertion of the suction lance ( 136 ) in an associated container ( 134 ), wherein an insertion of the suction lance ( 136 ) in one of the suction lance ( 136 ) associated container ( 134 ) is substantially prevented.

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