EP2465406A2 - Sorption dryer for dishwashers - Google Patents

Sorption dryer for dishwashers Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2465406A2
EP2465406A2 EP11009573A EP11009573A EP2465406A2 EP 2465406 A2 EP2465406 A2 EP 2465406A2 EP 11009573 A EP11009573 A EP 11009573A EP 11009573 A EP11009573 A EP 11009573A EP 2465406 A2 EP2465406 A2 EP 2465406A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sorbent
useful volume
air
dishwasher
heat
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Granted
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EP11009573A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2465406B1 (en
EP2465406A3 (en
Inventor
Peter Dr. Maier-Laxhuber
Ralf Dr. Schmidt
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Hobart GmbH
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Zeo Tech Zeolith Technologie GmbH
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/48—Drying arrangements
    • A47L15/481—Drying arrangements by using water absorbent materials, e.g. Zeolith
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/0018—Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • A47L15/0021—Regulation of operational steps within the washing processes, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending from the detergent nature or from the condition of the crockery
    • A47L15/0034—Drying phases, including dripping-off phases
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/0018—Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • A47L15/0021—Regulation of operational steps within the washing processes, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending from the detergent nature or from the condition of the crockery
    • A47L15/0042—Desorption phases of reversibly dehydrogenated drying material, e.g. zeolite in a sorption drying system
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/48—Drying arrangements
    • A47L15/488—Connections of the tub with the ambient air, e.g. air intake or venting arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/0002—Washing processes, i.e. machine working principles characterised by phases or operational steps
    • A47L15/0013—Drying phases, including dripping-off phases
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
    • A47L2501/22—Loading doors, e.g. door latches, inflatable door seals

Definitions

  • the invention relates to devices and methods with a sorption dryer containing a sorbent, absorbs moisture from an air stream and the sorbent in a subsequent desorption process dries (regenerated).
  • Utility Model 20 2008 011 159 describes a dishwasher with a sorption dryer which uses a zeolite filling to dry wetting residues on the dishes.
  • the zeolite filling is regenerated during the cleaning process by means of hot air.
  • inside air is circulated through the sorption dryer by means of a fan.
  • the air is dried and heated slightly.
  • the air absorbs moisture from the dishes.
  • the energy consumption of the dishwasher can be significantly reduced in this way compared to conventional devices, since the dishes can be dried at a lower temperature. An energy-intensive heating of the dishes to above 60 ° C before the drying step can be omitted.
  • the recirculating air uses a powerful fan that requires extra energy.
  • the sorption dryer and the air ducts require additional space.
  • the object of the invention is to reduce the energy consumption, the drying time and the cost of materials in dishwashers.
  • ambient air is directed through a sorbent before it enters the useful volume and is thereby dried strongly.
  • the very dry air can absorb more easily and more moisture from the dishes and dissipate them together with the air flow to the outside.
  • ambient air is always sucked in, dried, rewetted in the useful volume and then blown out again into the environment. Since the temperature of the dishes does not have to be increased in this case, the total energy consumption can be significantly reduced. At low dishwashing temperature, the maximum possible moisture content of the extracted exhaust air is lower. Condensation in so-called steam clouds is lower.
  • the air flow can be reversed at the beginning of the drying step.
  • the fan then first conveys moist air from the useful volume in the sorbent.
  • the air is dried here and leaves the dishwasher while fresh ambient air flows into the useful volume.
  • the sorbent is strongly heated by the short-term high moisture supply.
  • the flow direction is reversed again.
  • the ambient air then enters the sorbent from the other direction. It is strongly dried during the passage, takes up a part of the previously released heat of adsorption again and transfers it into the useful volume.
  • the sorbent strongly pre-dries the sucked ambient air, the amount of air conducted through the entire system can be reduced. This allows a shorter drying time and / or a lower energy consumption for the fan.
  • zeolite in the sorbent makes it possible to dry the air to a moisture content of a few grams per kilogram of air. ' Zeolites still have a considerable water vapor sorption capacity even at relatively high temperatures (above 100 ° C.) and are therefore also particularly suitable for the use according to the invention. For stability reasons, the maximum temperature in the sorbent should be limited to 500 ° C. Desorbing the entire amount of water, however, already far lower temperatures are sufficient.
  • Zeolite is a crystalline mineral that contains silicon and aluminum oxides in a framework structure.
  • the very regular framework structure contains cavities in which water molecules can be sorbed with heat release.
  • the water molecules are exposed to strong field forces whose strength depends on the amount of water already contained in the framework structure and the temperature of the zeolite. Because of these strong binding forces with respect to water, according to the invention, a Y zeolite should be heated to about 300 ° C. in order to be dried at a partial water vapor pressure of 1000 hPa to a residual moisture content of less than 7% by mass. Only at temperatures above 400 ° C, the zeolite would be almost dry (about 2% by mass).
  • the moisture content is still about 16% by mass.
  • ambient air can be forced through the hot sorbent at the end of sorbent heating.
  • the water vapor partial pressure in the sorbent is thereby drastically reduced, which in turn results in an additional desorption of water vapor and, on the other hand, a more homogeneous temperature distribution arises within the sorbent bed.
  • Not all sorbents are stable under high water vapor pressures and high temperatures.
  • no sorbent can be periodically exposed to extreme hydrothermal decomposition conditions.
  • type Y zeolite is used. This is particularly stable in addition to some naturally occurring zeolite types under extreme hydrothermal conditions.
  • the zeolite types X and A used so far are far less suitable. They are slowly turning into inactive compounds.
  • the sorbent After drying the sorbent, it is to be shielded from moisture storage. Prolonged storage in moist air would lead to an independent absorption of water vapor from the ambient air.
  • the amount of sorbent used in each case is to be dimensioned for the drying process and arranged so that only a minimal pressure drop within the sorbent must be overcome for the flowing, moist air flow. At the same time, however, the sorbent must provide the inflowing air flow with sufficient surface area for attaching the water vapor molecules. Since the intake ambient air is usually colder than the dishes and rarely extremely humid, you can work with less zeolite compared to the prior art. It only has to adsorb the moisture content of the intake air quantity become. By contrast, the air leaving the useful volume has a higher humidity than the ambient air. Consequently, the zeolite filling must adsorb less water than in known solutions. The amount of sorbent can be reduced and requires less space and also causes less pressure drop for the air flowing through.
  • the sorbent can be heated not only in the hot air flow but particularly advantageously without active air circulation only via heating surfaces, ie purely static.
  • the desorbed from the sorbent, hot water steam flows independently due to the natural convection in the useful volume and there heats the fresh cleaning water and the dishes to be cleaned.
  • the temperature of the water vapor flowing out is around 100 ° C.
  • the vapor can condense out of the usable volume on all objects that are colder and heat them up.
  • the sorbent itself can be heated to significantly higher temperatures during static heating than is possible with heating by circulating hot air.
  • the exiting from the sorbent hot air is namely, and especially at low sorbent bed height, quickly hotter than the (plastic) to be heated dishes in the connected useful volume allow.
  • higher sorbent temperatures the sorbent filling used can be used much more efficiently.
  • the sorbent can be optimally desorbed because it can be heated unimpaired by the prevailing air outlet temperature.
  • the sensible heat stored in the zeolite filling can be completely transferred into the useful volume within the main cleaning process.
  • the heat transfer into the useful volume is particularly simple and cost-effective if the sorbent is applied over a large area and at the same time with a small layer thickness in the range an outer wall of the useful volume is attached. In direct contact with the outer wall, the heat is transferred without further transfer agent to the cleaning water.
  • the drying of the sorbent can be carried out particularly efficiently if the circulation of the cleaning water does not occur during the heating period.
  • the wall of the useful volume is then not cooled from the inside, while heated from the outside of the heater over a large area and with maximum heating power sorbent.
  • the spray arms are put back into operation.
  • About the corresponding wall of the useful volume so the sorbent is indirectly cooled to the cleaning temperature.
  • the outside of the sorber can be provided with suitable insulation material to keep the heat loss to the environment low.
  • the entire heat used for the desorption of the water vapor from the sorbent is thus used for the later cleaning and drying process.
  • the open sorbent also functions as a heat pump that pumps heat from the ambient air into the interior of the dishwasher.
  • the entire heat is transferred in the manner described above in the useful volume (heat of condensation and sensible heat).
  • the heat of adsorption which is set free in the sorbent that it absorbs moisture from the ambient air flow.
  • the released heat of adsorption is transferred to the intake air stream and also lands as environmental heat in the useful volume. As a result of this heat pump effect, energy consumption can be further reduced.
  • the drying phase can begin even at significantly colder dishes and usually without additional preheating of the dishes and also the sorbent is particularly receptive thanks to the higher desorption temperatures, so that the sucked Ambient air is strongly predried, the drying time is significantly shorter than in the prior art.
  • a dishwasher 1 is shown, with a useful volume 2, a flat arranged on the rear wall of the useful volume 2 sorbent 4, which is heated by a heater 5, in the form of an electric heating element.
  • the sorbent 4 is enclosed by a casing 3, which contains a lower opening 9 with a fan 6, which is switchable in its conveying direction.
  • a casing 3 which contains a lower opening 9 with a fan 6, which is switchable in its conveying direction.
  • the dishwasher 1 further includes a door 25 with an air opening 8 in the lower area.
  • the sorbent 4 is heated by the heater 5.
  • the fan 6 is out of operation in this process phase.
  • the desorbed from the sorbent 4 water vapor (arrow D) passes through convection flow in the useful volume 2 and condenses there.
  • some ambient air (arrow U) is drawn through the sorbent 4. in principle the openings 8 and 9 are arranged so that little heat is lost by unwanted air exchange. According to the invention, during the heating of the sorbent 4, a circulation and thus a spraying of the useful volume walls with cleaning water in the interior of the useful volume is avoided.
  • the sorbent 4 which is in direct contact with the outer wall of the useful volume 2, can be heated faster and with less energy input.
  • the heater 5 is switched off.
  • the fan 6 can now be put into operation for a few seconds to unify the temperature in the sorbent 4 and to lower the moisture content in the sorbent 4 on. He sucks ambient air to U and pushes them through the sorbent 4 in the useful volume 2. Too long, the fan 6, however, may not be in operation, otherwise the sorbent 4 is too cold and would resume moisture from the air stream U again. The sorbent has now released the moisture absorbed during the preceding drying step into the useful volume.
  • Fig. 2 shows in the same schematic representation, the first phase of the subsequent main drying.
  • the dishes have been cleaned, the wash liquor has been treated with rinse aid and pumped down to the wetting residual amount.
  • the dishes do not have to be heated to high temperatures in order to evaporate the wetting water. It is sufficient to raise the harness only to the temperature that meets the reaction temperature of the rinse aid. For the drying process according to the invention, this temperature can be as low as possible, since the amount of heat necessary for the evaporation of the water on the dish surface can be completely contributed by the sorbent.
  • the fan 6 in the reverse direction of air (arrow F) through the opening 7 from the useful volume 2 suck, steer over the sorbent 4 and dry it out to the environment (arrow T).
  • the sorbent 4 dries the air flowing through it and heats up.
  • Ambient air U flows into the useful volume 2 via the opening 8.
  • the conveying direction of the air flow is reversed.
  • the in Fig. 2 shown process step is not mandatory. At correspondingly low table temperatures, the moisture content of the indoor air is so low that moisture damage to neighboring kitchen furniture due to the additionally occurring mixing with ambient air during direct blowing are not to be expected.
  • Fig. 3 now shows the main drying step.
  • the fan 6 draws in ambient air U and passes it over the sorbent 4, which dries the air strongly and at the same time heats (arrow T) into the useful volume 2.
  • the heat comes firstly from the preceding desorption phase and secondly from the shortly before it expires , reversible operation after Fig. 2 , However, a considerable proportion of heat also comes from the ambient air U itself, which dried leaves the sorbent in the direction of useful volume again (arrow T).
  • the warm and very dry air stream T dries the dishes and leaves the useful volume 2 through the opening 8 as a moist exhaust air flow F. Since the air flow T is very dry and relatively warm, the drying time compared to drying processes that use only ambient heat, significantly reduced. The high energy requirement to heat the wet dishes to over 60 ° C can be completely eliminated. This leads to a significant energy saving.
  • Fig. 4 finally shows another embodiment of the invention.
  • the sorbent 4 is not arranged on the rear outer wall of the useful volume 2, but in a plastic container 23 below the useful volume 2.
  • the inexpensive to be manufactured plastic container 23 includes an upper opening 20 and a lower opening 21. Between the two openings 20, 21 is the sorbent 4 together with the lower third embedded in the heater 24.
  • the heater 24 is arranged in the plastic container 23 that the sorbent areas in contact with the container walls can not exceed the permissible plastic temperature.
  • the Arrangement in the lower third ensures that above all the lower areas are heated by heat conduction, while the upper parts are also heated by the rising steam.
  • the door 25 to the useful volume 2 can be easily opened to allow during the drying process, the air exchange F from the interior to the environment.
  • the drying works in this embodiment as already in the Fig. 1 to 3 described. Shown is in Fig. 4 only the main drying process (analog Fig. 3 ).
  • the fan 27 conveys ambient air U through the sorbent 4 and the upper opening 20 into the useful volume 2.
  • the air flow T exiting through the upper opening 20 is very dry. He can very effectively dry the dishes and exit as a moist air flow F through the gap-shaped opening 28 between slightly tilted door 25 and useful volume 2 in the environment.

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  • Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)
  • Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)

Abstract

The dishwasher (1) has a sorbent (4) absorbing humidity from airflow (U), a heater (5) heating the sorbent, and a blower (6) conveying the airflow. The blower intakes environmental air for drying dishes, and is controlled by the sorbent to leave dryness, where the sorbent includes zeolite. Dry environmental air is controlled in usable volumes (2) that receive the dishes. The humidity is received from the airflow and released from the usable volumes by an opening (8) as moist air in environment. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating a dishwasher.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft Vorrichtungen und Verfahren mit einem Sorptions-Trockner, der ein Sorptionsmittel enthaltend, aus einem Luftstrom Feuchtigkeit aufnimmt und das Sorptionsmittel in einem darauffolgenden Desorptionsprozess trocknet (regeneriert).The invention relates to devices and methods with a sorption dryer containing a sorbent, absorbs moisture from an air stream and the sorbent in a subsequent desorption process dries (regenerated).

In der Gebrauchsmusterschrift 20 2008 011 159 wird eine Geschirrspülmaschine mit einem Sorptions-Trockner beschrieben, die zur Trocknung von Benetzungsrückständen auf dem Geschirr eine Zeolithfüllung nutzt. Die Zeolithfüllung wird dabei während des Reinigungsprozesses mittels Heißluft regeneriert. Während des folgenden Trocknungsvorgangs wird mittels eines Lüfters Innenluft über den Sorptions-Trockner im Kreislauf geführt.
Im Sorptionsmittel wird die Luft getrocknet und etwas erwärmt. Im Nutzvolumen der Geschirrspülmaschine nimmt die Luft Feuchte vom Geschirr auf. Der Energieverbrauch der Geschirrspülmaschine lässt sich auf diese Weise gegenüber herkömmlichen Geräten deutlich reduzieren, da das Geschirr bei niedrigerer Temperatur getrocknet werden kann. Ein energieintensives Aufheizen des Geschirrs auf über 60 °C vor dem Trocknungsschritt kann entfallen. Für die im Kreislauf geführte Luft wird ein kräftiger Lüfter eingesetzt, der zusätzliche Energie erfordert. Der Sorptions-Trockner und die Luftführungskanäle fordern zusätzlichen Bauraum.Utility Model 20 2008 011 159 describes a dishwasher with a sorption dryer which uses a zeolite filling to dry wetting residues on the dishes. The zeolite filling is regenerated during the cleaning process by means of hot air. During the following drying process, inside air is circulated through the sorption dryer by means of a fan.
In the sorbent, the air is dried and heated slightly. In the useful volume of the dishwasher, the air absorbs moisture from the dishes. The energy consumption of the dishwasher can be significantly reduced in this way compared to conventional devices, since the dishes can be dried at a lower temperature. An energy-intensive heating of the dishes to above 60 ° C before the drying step can be omitted. The recirculating air uses a powerful fan that requires extra energy. The sorption dryer and the air ducts require additional space.

Ähnlich günstige Verbrauchswerte werden von Geschirrspülmaschinen erreicht, die während der Trocknungsphase Umgebungsluft durch das Nutzvolumen strömen lassen. Auch in diesem Fall ist es nicht notwendig, das Geschirr vor der Trocknungsphase auf sehr hohe Anfangstemperaturen vorzuheizen. Bei höheren Luftfeuchten ist das Trocknungsergebnis jedoch ungenügend und die Trocknungszeit sehr lang.Similarly favorable consumption values are achieved by dishwashers which allow ambient air to flow through the useful volume during the drying phase. Also in this case it is not necessary to pre-heat the dishes to very high initial temperatures before the drying phase. At higher humidities, however, the drying result is insufficient and the drying time is very long.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, bei Geschirrspülern den Energieverbrauch, die Trocknungszeit und den Materialaufwand zu reduzieren.The object of the invention is to reduce the energy consumption, the drying time and the cost of materials in dishwashers.

Gelöst wird diese Aufgabe durch die kennzeichnenden Merkmale der Ansprüche 1 und 9. Die abhängigen Ansprüche zeigen weitere erfinderische Verfahrensschritte und Vorrichtungen auf.This object is achieved by the characterizing features of claims 1 and 9. The dependent claims show further inventive method steps and devices.

Erfindungsgemäß wird demnach während der Trocknungsphase Umgebungsluft vor dem Eintritt in das Nutzvolumen durch ein Sorptionsmittel gelenkt und dabei stark getrocknet. Im Nutzvolumen kann die sehr trockene Luft leichter und mehr Feuchtigkeit vom Geschirr aufnehmen und diese zusammen mit dem Luftstrom nach außen abführen. Im Gegensatz zu bekannten Methoden, welche die Luft im Kreislauf führen, wird erfindungsgemäß immer Umgebungsluft angesaugt, getrocknet, im Nutzvolumen wieder befeuchtet und anschließend wieder in die Umgebung ausgeblasen. Da die Geschirrtemperatur in diesem Fall nicht erhöht sein muss, lässt sich der Gesamtenergieaufwand deutlich reduzieren. Bei niedriger Geschirranfangstemperatur ist zudem der maximal mögliche Feuchtegehalt der ausgeblasenen Abluft niedriger. Ein Auskondensieren in sogenannten Dampfschwaden ist geringer.According to the invention, therefore, during the drying phase, ambient air is directed through a sorbent before it enters the useful volume and is thereby dried strongly. In the useful volume, the very dry air can absorb more easily and more moisture from the dishes and dissipate them together with the air flow to the outside. In contrast to known methods which circulate the air, according to the invention, ambient air is always sucked in, dried, rewetted in the useful volume and then blown out again into the environment. Since the temperature of the dishes does not have to be increased in this case, the total energy consumption can be significantly reduced. At low dishwashing temperature, the maximum possible moisture content of the extracted exhaust air is lower. Condensation in so-called steam clouds is lower.

Erfindungsgemäß kann zu Beginn des Trocknungsschrittes die Luftströmung reversiert werden. Der Lüfter fördert dann zunächst feuchte Luft aus dem Nutzvolumen in das Sorptionsmittel. Die Luft wird hier getrocknet und verlässt die Geschirrspülmaschine während frische Umgebungsluft in das Nutzvolumen nachströmt. Das Sorptionsmittel wird jedoch durch das kurzzeitig hohe Feuchteangebot stark erwärmt. Nach kurzer Zeit wird die Strömungsrichtung wieder umgekehrt. Die Umgebungsluft tritt dann von der anderen Richtung in das Sorptionsmittel ein. Sie wird beim Durchgang stark getrocknet, nimmt einen Teil der zuvor freigesetzten Adsorptionswärme wieder auf und überträgt sie in das Nutzvolumen.According to the invention, the air flow can be reversed at the beginning of the drying step. The fan then first conveys moist air from the useful volume in the sorbent. The air is dried here and leaves the dishwasher while fresh ambient air flows into the useful volume. However, the sorbent is strongly heated by the short-term high moisture supply. After a short time, the flow direction is reversed again. The ambient air then enters the sorbent from the other direction. It is strongly dried during the passage, takes up a part of the previously released heat of adsorption again and transfers it into the useful volume.

Da das Sorptionsmittel die angesaugte Umgebungsluft stark vortrocknet, kann die durch das Gesamtsystem geleitete Luftmenge reduziert werden. Dies erlaubt eine kürzere Trocknungsdauer oder/und eine niedrigere Energieaufnahme für den Lüfter.Since the sorbent strongly pre-dries the sucked ambient air, the amount of air conducted through the entire system can be reduced. This allows a shorter drying time and / or a lower energy consumption for the fan.

Der Einsatz von Zeolith im Sorptionsmittel erlaubt es, die Luft bis auf einen Feuchtegehalt von wenigen Gramm pro Kilogramm Luft zu trocknen. '
Zeolithe haben auch bei relativ hohen Temperaturen (über 100° C) noch ein beträchtliches Wasserdampf-Sorptionsvermögen und eignen sich auch deshalb besonders für den erfindungsgemäßen Einsatz. Aus Stabilitätsgründen sollte die maximale Temperatur im Sorptionsmittel auf 500 °C begrenzt werden. Zum Desorbieren der gesamten Wassermenge genügen aber bereits weitaus niedrigere Temperaturen.The use of zeolite in the sorbent makes it possible to dry the air to a moisture content of a few grams per kilogram of air. '
Zeolites still have a considerable water vapor sorption capacity even at relatively high temperatures (above 100 ° C.) and are therefore also particularly suitable for the use according to the invention. For stability reasons, the maximum temperature in the sorbent should be limited to 500 ° C. Desorbing the entire amount of water, however, already far lower temperatures are sufficient.

Zeolith ist ein kristallines Mineral, das in einer Gerüststruktur Silizium- und Aluminiumoxide enthält. Die sehr regelmäßige Gerüststruktur enthält Hohlräume, in welchen Wassermoleküle unter Wärmefreisetzung sorbiert werden können. Innerhalb der Gerüststruktur sind die Wassermoleküle starken Feldkräften ausgesetzt, deren Stärke von der bereits in der Gerüststruktur enthaltenen Wassermenge und der Temperatur des Zeolithen abhängt.
Wegen dieser starken Bindungskräfte gegenüber Wasser sollte ein Y-Zeolith erfindungsgemäß auf ca. 300 °C erhitzt werden, um bei einem Wasserdampfpartialdruck von 1000 hPa auf einen Restfeuchtegehalt von unter 7 Massen-% getrocknet zu werden. Erst bei Temperaturen von über 400 °C wäre der Zeolith nahezu trocken (ca. 2 Massen-%). Bei 200 °C und einem Wasserdampfdruck von 1000 hPa beträgt der Feuchtegehalt noch ca. 16 Massen-%. Erfindungsgemäß kann folglich am Ende der Sorptionsmittelbeheizung Umgebungsluft durch das heiße Sorptionsmittel gedrückt werden. Zum einen wird dadurch der Wasserdampfpartialdruck im Sorptionsmittel drastisch reduziert, was wiederum eine zusätzliche Desorption von Wasserdampf zur Folge hat und zum anderen stellt sich innerhalb der Sorptionsmittel-Schüttung eine homogenere Temperaturverteilung ein.
Unter hohen Wasserdampfdrücken und gleichzeitig hohen Temperaturen sind nicht alle Sorptionsmittel stabil. Außer Zeolith kann kein Sorptionsmittel periodisch extremen hydrothermalen Zersetzungsbedingungen ausgesetzt werden. Erfindungsgemäß wird Zeolith vom Typ Y verwendet. Dieser ist neben einigen natürlich vorkommenden Zeolithtypen unter extremen hydrothermalen Bedingungen besonders stabil. Die bisher zum Einsatz kommenden Zeolithtypen X und A sind weitaus weniger geeignet. Sie wandeln sich langsam in inaktive Verbindungen um.Zeolite is a crystalline mineral that contains silicon and aluminum oxides in a framework structure. The very regular framework structure contains cavities in which water molecules can be sorbed with heat release. Within the framework structure, the water molecules are exposed to strong field forces whose strength depends on the amount of water already contained in the framework structure and the temperature of the zeolite.
Because of these strong binding forces with respect to water, according to the invention, a Y zeolite should be heated to about 300 ° C. in order to be dried at a partial water vapor pressure of 1000 hPa to a residual moisture content of less than 7% by mass. Only at temperatures above 400 ° C, the zeolite would be almost dry (about 2% by mass). At 200 ° C and a water vapor pressure of 1000 hPa, the moisture content is still about 16% by mass. Thus, according to the invention, ambient air can be forced through the hot sorbent at the end of sorbent heating. On the one hand, the water vapor partial pressure in the sorbent is thereby drastically reduced, which in turn results in an additional desorption of water vapor and, on the other hand, a more homogeneous temperature distribution arises within the sorbent bed.
Not all sorbents are stable under high water vapor pressures and high temperatures. Apart from zeolite, no sorbent can be periodically exposed to extreme hydrothermal decomposition conditions. According to the invention type Y zeolite is used. This is particularly stable in addition to some naturally occurring zeolite types under extreme hydrothermal conditions. The zeolite types X and A used so far are far less suitable. They are slowly turning into inactive compounds.

Nach dem Trocknen des Sorptionsmittels ist es abgeschirmt von Feuchtigkeit zu lagern. Eine längere Lagerung an feuchter Luft würde zu einer selbständigen Wasserdampfaufnahme aus der Umgebungsluft führen.After drying the sorbent, it is to be shielded from moisture storage. Prolonged storage in moist air would lead to an independent absorption of water vapor from the ambient air.

Die jeweils zum Einsatz kommende Sorptionsmittel-Menge ist für den Trocknungsprozess so zu dimensionieren und so anzuordnen, dass für den durchströmenden, feuchten Luftstrom nur ein minimaler Druckabfall innerhalb des Sorptionsmittels überwunden werden muss. Zugleich muss aber das Sorptionsmittel dem zuströmenden Luftstrom ausreichend Oberfläche zur Anlagerung der Wasserdampfmoleküle bieten. Da die angesaugte Umgebungsluft in aller Regel kälter als das Geschirr und nur selten extrem feucht ist, kann im Vergleich zum Stand der Technik mit weniger Zeolith gearbeitet werden. Es muss lediglich der Feuchtegehalt der angesaugten Luftmenge adsorbiert werden. Die aus dem Nutzvolumen austretende Luft hat hingegen eine höhere Feuchte als die Umgebungsluft. Die Zeolithfüllung muss folglich weniger Wasser adsorbieren als bei bekannten Lösungen. Die Sorptionsmittelmenge kann reduziert werden und benötigt weniger Bauraum und verursacht auch weniger Druckabfall für die durchströmende Luft.The amount of sorbent used in each case is to be dimensioned for the drying process and arranged so that only a minimal pressure drop within the sorbent must be overcome for the flowing, moist air flow. At the same time, however, the sorbent must provide the inflowing air flow with sufficient surface area for attaching the water vapor molecules. Since the intake ambient air is usually colder than the dishes and rarely extremely humid, you can work with less zeolite compared to the prior art. It only has to adsorb the moisture content of the intake air quantity become. By contrast, the air leaving the useful volume has a higher humidity than the ambient air. Consequently, the zeolite filling must adsorb less water than in known solutions. The amount of sorbent can be reduced and requires less space and also causes less pressure drop for the air flowing through.

Um eine gleichmäßige Sorption innerhalb des Sorptionsmittels und gleichzeitig einen geringen Druckabfall zu gewährleisten, haben sich besonders Sorptionsmittel-Granulate bewährt. Granulatdurchmesser zwischen 2 und 6 mm zeigen für die erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren optimale Resultate.In order to ensure a uniform sorption within the sorbent and at the same time a low pressure drop, particularly sorbent granules have proven themselves. Granule diameter between 2 and 6 mm show optimum results for the inventive method.

Noch vorteilhafter sind formbeständige Zeolith-Formkörper, in die bereits die Strömungskanäle eingearbeitet sein können und deren Formgebung der gewünschten Heizflächen-Geometrie angepasst ist.Even more advantageous are dimensionally stable zeolite shaped bodies into which the flow channels can already be incorporated and whose shaping is adapted to the desired heating surface geometry.

Erfindungsgemäß kann das Sorptionsmittel nicht nur im Heißluftstrom sondern besonders vorteilhaft ohne aktive Luftumwälzung nur über Heizflächen, also rein statisch aufgeheizt werden. Der aus dem Sorptionsmittel desorbierte, heiße Wasserdampf strömt dabei selbstständig aufgrund der natürlichen Konvektion in das Nutzvolumen ab und erwärmt dort das frische Reinigungswasser und das zu reinigende Geschirr. Die Temperatur des abströmenden Wasserdampfes liegt bei ca. 100 °C. Der Dampf kann innerhalb des Nutzvolumens an allen Gegenständen, die kälter sind, auskondensieren und diese erwärmen. Das Sorptionsmittel selbst kann bei statischer Erwärmung auf wesentlich höhere Temperaturen erwärmt werden, als es bei einer Erwärmung durch zirkulierende Heißluft möglich ist. Die aus dem Sorptionsmittel austretende Heißluft ist nämlich, und ganz besonders bei geringer Sorptionsmittel-Schütthöhe, schnell heißer als es die zu erwärmenden (Kunststoff-)Geschirrteile im angeschlossenen Nutzvolumen erlauben. Bei erfindungsgemäß höheren Sorptionsmittel-Temperaturen kann die eingesetzte Sorptionsmittelfüllung weitaus effizienter genutzt werden.According to the invention, the sorbent can be heated not only in the hot air flow but particularly advantageously without active air circulation only via heating surfaces, ie purely static. The desorbed from the sorbent, hot water steam flows independently due to the natural convection in the useful volume and there heats the fresh cleaning water and the dishes to be cleaned. The temperature of the water vapor flowing out is around 100 ° C. The vapor can condense out of the usable volume on all objects that are colder and heat them up. The sorbent itself can be heated to significantly higher temperatures during static heating than is possible with heating by circulating hot air. The exiting from the sorbent hot air is namely, and especially at low sorbent bed height, quickly hotter than the (plastic) to be heated dishes in the connected useful volume allow. In accordance with the invention higher sorbent temperatures, the sorbent filling used can be used much more efficiently.

Das Sorptionsmittel kann optimal desorbiert werden, da es unbeeinträchtigt von der herrschenden Luftaustrittstemperatur erhitzt werden kann. Die in der Zeolithfüllung gespeicherte, fühlbare Wärme kann vollumfänglich noch innerhalb des Hauptreinigungsprozesses in das Nutzvolumen überführt werden. Besonders einfach und kostengünstig wird die Wärmeübertragung in das Nutzvolumen, wenn das Sorptionsmittel großflächig und zugleich mit geringer Schichtdicke im Bereich einer Außenwand des Nutzvolumens angebracht ist. Bei direktem Kontakt mit der Außenwand wird die Wärme ohne weitere Übertragungsmittel an das Reinigungswasser überführt. Besonders effizient kann die Trocknung des Sorptionsmittels dann erfolgen, wenn während der Heizdauer die Umwälzung des Reinigungswassers unterbleibt. Die Wand des Nutzvolumens wird dann von innen nicht gekühlt, während von außen die Heizung großflächig und mit maximaler Heizleistung das Sorptionsmittel erhitzt. Sobald die Endtemperatur erreicht ist, werden die Sprüharme wieder in Betrieb genommen. Über die entsprechende Wand des Nutzvolumens wird so das Sorptionsmittel mittelbar bis auf die Reinigungstemperatur gekühlt. Bei entsprechender Verteilung des Sorptionsmittels kann dann zudem an diesen Stellen das gewöhnlich eingesetzte Schall-Dämpfungsmaterial entfallen. Die Außenseite des Sorbers kann mit geeignetem Isolationsmaterial versehen sein, um die Wärmeverluste an die Umgebung gering zu halten.The sorbent can be optimally desorbed because it can be heated unimpaired by the prevailing air outlet temperature. The sensible heat stored in the zeolite filling can be completely transferred into the useful volume within the main cleaning process. The heat transfer into the useful volume is particularly simple and cost-effective if the sorbent is applied over a large area and at the same time with a small layer thickness in the range an outer wall of the useful volume is attached. In direct contact with the outer wall, the heat is transferred without further transfer agent to the cleaning water. The drying of the sorbent can be carried out particularly efficiently if the circulation of the cleaning water does not occur during the heating period. The wall of the useful volume is then not cooled from the inside, while heated from the outside of the heater over a large area and with maximum heating power sorbent. Once the final temperature is reached, the spray arms are put back into operation. About the corresponding wall of the useful volume so the sorbent is indirectly cooled to the cleaning temperature. With appropriate distribution of the sorbent can then also be omitted at these points the commonly used sound-damping material. The outside of the sorber can be provided with suitable insulation material to keep the heat loss to the environment low.

Besonders vorteilhaft ist es, die Beheizung des Sorptionsmittels im unteren Bereich der Sorptionsmittelfüllung anzuordnen. Desorbierter, heißer Wasserdampf steigt selbständig auf und strömt durch die vor bzw. über ihm liegenden Sorptionsmittelbereiche in das Nutzvolumen. Überhitzter Dampf kühlt sich dabei ab und kann die durchströmten, nicht direkt beheizten Bereiche weiter desorbieren.It is particularly advantageous to arrange the heating of the sorbent in the lower region of the sorbent charge. Desorbed, hot water vapor rises automatically and flows through the sorbent areas in front of or above it into the useful volume. Superheated steam cools down and can further desorb the flowed through, not directly heated areas.

Auf die erfindungsgemäße Weise wird somit die gesamte für die Desorption des Wasserdampfes aus dem Sorptionsmittel aufgewandte Wärme für den späteren Reinigungs- und Trocknungsprozess genutzt. Bei genauer Betrachtung arbeitet das offene Sorptionsmittel zugleich in der Funktion einer Wärmepumpe, die Wärme aus der Umgebungsluft in das Innere der Spülmaschine pumpt. Zum einen wird die gesamte Heizwärme in oben beschriebener Weise in das Nutzvolumen übertragen (Kondensationswärme und fühlbare Wärme). Zusätzlich aber auch die Adsorptionswärme, die im Sorptionsmittel dadurch frei gesetzt wird, dass es vom Umgebungsluftstrom Feuchte aufnimmt. Die dabei frei gesetzte Adsorptionswärme wird an den angesaugten Luftstrom übertragen und landet ebenfalls als Umweltwärme im Nutzvolumen. Über diesen Wärmepumpeneffekt kann folglich der Energieverbrauch weiter gesenkt werden.In the manner according to the invention, the entire heat used for the desorption of the water vapor from the sorbent is thus used for the later cleaning and drying process. Upon closer inspection, the open sorbent also functions as a heat pump that pumps heat from the ambient air into the interior of the dishwasher. On the one hand, the entire heat is transferred in the manner described above in the useful volume (heat of condensation and sensible heat). In addition, but also the heat of adsorption, which is set free in the sorbent that it absorbs moisture from the ambient air flow. The released heat of adsorption is transferred to the intake air stream and also lands as environmental heat in the useful volume. As a result of this heat pump effect, energy consumption can be further reduced.

Da die Trocknungsphase bereits bei noch deutlich kälterem Geschirr und in aller Regel ohne zusätzliche Vorerwärmung des Geschirrs beginnen kann und zudem das Sorptionsmittel dank der höheren Desorptionstemperaturen besonders aufnahmefähig ist, so dass die angesaugte Umgebungsluft stark vorgetrocknet wird, ist die Trocknungszeit deutlich kürzer als beim Stand der Technik.Since the drying phase can begin even at significantly colder dishes and usually without additional preheating of the dishes and also the sorbent is particularly receptive thanks to the higher desorption temperatures, so that the sucked Ambient air is strongly predried, the drying time is significantly shorter than in the prior art.

Bei statischer Desorption und damit still stehendem Lüfter wird zudem Energie eingespart. Ein Gebläsestillstand von bis zu 30 Minuten kann gegenüber der bekannten Betriebsweise nochmals Stromkosten sparen.In static desorption and thus standing still fan energy is also saved. A blower standstill of up to 30 minutes can again save electricity costs compared to the known mode of operation.

Obwohl die erfindungsgemäßen Vorteile überwiegend für den Anwendungsfall Geschirrtrockner beschrieben sind, gilt Analoges auch für andere Haushaltsgeräte, z.B. Wäschetrockner, Waschmaschinen oder professionellen Sterilisatoren. Neben der angestrebten höheren Energieeffizienz erreicht man mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren niedrigere Trocknungstemperaturen. Damit einhergehend sind kürzere Trocknungszeiten zu erwarten.Although the advantages according to the invention are described predominantly for the case of a dishwashing appliance, the same applies analogously to other domestic appliances, e.g. Dryers, washing machines or professional sterilizers. In addition to the desired higher energy efficiency can be achieved with the inventive method lower drying temperatures. Along with this, shorter drying times are to be expected.

In der Zeichnung sind zwei vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen und einzelne Luftführungen während einzelner Prozessphasen dargestellt.

  • Fig. 1 zeigt eine erfindungsgemäße Geschirrspülmaschine während der Beheizung des Sorptionsmittels,
  • Fig. 2 zeigt den Verfahrensschritt zu Beginn der Trocknungsphase,
  • Fig. 3 zeigt die Geschirrspülmaschine während der Haupttrocknungsphase und
  • Fig. 4 zeigt eine weitere Ausgestaltung einer Geschirrspülmaschine.
In the drawing, two advantageous embodiments and individual air ducts are shown during individual process phases.
  • Fig. 1 shows a dishwasher according to the invention during the heating of the sorbent,
  • Fig. 2 shows the process step at the beginning of the drying phase,
  • Fig. 3 shows the dishwasher during the main drying phase and
  • Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of a dishwasher.

In Fig. 1 ist schematisch eine Geschirrspülmaschine 1 dargestellt, mit einem Nutzvolumen 2, einem flach an die Rückwand des Nutzvolumens 2 angeordneten Sorptionsmittels 4, das von einer Heizung 5, in Form eines elektrischen Heizstabes, beheizbar ist. Das Sorptionsmittel 4 ist von einer Hülle 3 eingehaust, die eine untere Öffnung 9 mit einem Lüfter 6 enthält, der in seiner Förderrichtung umschaltbar ist. Am oberen Ende der Hülle 3 befindet sich eine obere Luft-Öffnung 7, die in das Nutzvolumen 2 mündet. Die Geschirrspülmaschine 1 enthält weiterhin eine Tür 25 mit einer Luft-Öffnung 8 im unteren Bereich.In Fig. 1 schematically a dishwasher 1 is shown, with a useful volume 2, a flat arranged on the rear wall of the useful volume 2 sorbent 4, which is heated by a heater 5, in the form of an electric heating element. The sorbent 4 is enclosed by a casing 3, which contains a lower opening 9 with a fan 6, which is switchable in its conveying direction. At the upper end of the shell 3 is an upper air opening 7, which opens into the useful volume 2. The dishwasher 1 further includes a door 25 with an air opening 8 in the lower area.

Zu Beginn der Hauptreinigungsphase, bei dem die Waschflotte auf höhere Temperatur geheizt werden muss, wird das Sorptionsmittel 4 über die Heizung 5 erhitzt. Der Lüfter 6 ist in dieser Prozessphase außer Betrieb. Der aus dem Sorptionsmittel 4 desorbierte Wasserdampf (Pfeil D) gelangt durch Konvektionsströmung in das Nutzvolumen 2 und kondensiert dort. Unter Umständen wird dabei etwas Umgebungsluft (Pfeil U) durch das Sorptionsmittel 4 gezogen. Prinzipiell sind die Öffnungen 8 und 9 so angeordnet, dass wenig Wärme durch ungewollten Luftwechsel verloren geht.
Erfindungsgemäß wird während der Beheizung des Sorptionsmittels 4 ein Umwälzen und damit ein Besprühen der Nutzvolumenwände mit Reinigungswasser im Innern des Nutzvolumen vermieden. Dadurch kann das Sorptionsmittel 4, das direkt mit der Außenwand des Nutzvolumens 2 in Kontakt steht, schneller und mit weniger Energieeinsatz erhitzt werden.
Bei Erreichen der Abschalttemperatur wird die Heizung 5 abgeschaltet. Der Lüfter 6 kann nunmehr für einige Sekunden in Betrieb gesetzt werden, um die Temperatur im Sorptionsmittel 4 zu vereinheitlichen und um die Feuchtebeladung im Sorptionsmittel 4 weiter abzusenken. Er saugt hierzu Umgebungsluft U an und drückt sie durch das Sorptionsmittel 4 in das Nutzvolumen 2. Zu lange darf der Lüfter 6 jedoch nicht in Betrieb sein, da sonst das Sorptionsmittel 4 zu kalt wird und bereits wieder Feuchte aus dem Luftstrom U aufnehmen würde.
Das Sorptionsmittel hat nunmehr die während des vorausgehenden Trocknungsschrittes aufgenommen Feuchte in das Nutzvolumen abgegeben. Die noch im Sorptionsmittel 4 befindliche, fühlbare Wärme wird innerhalb der nächsten Minuten durch Wärmeleitung über die Kontaktfläche mit dem Nutzvolumen 2 an das Reinigungswasser abgegeben. Während des Hauptreinigungsprozesses erfolgt dies automatisch durch die Rotation der Sprüharme, die Wasser an die Innenseite der Kontaktflächen sprühen und damit für einen optimalen Wärmeübergang sorgen.
Falls die Reinigungstemperatur durch diese Maßnahme nicht auf das erforderlichen Niveau angehoben wurde, kann eine konventionelle Zusatzheizung die Waschflotte weiter erwärmen.At the beginning of the main cleaning phase, in which the wash liquor must be heated to a higher temperature, the sorbent 4 is heated by the heater 5. The fan 6 is out of operation in this process phase. The desorbed from the sorbent 4 water vapor (arrow D) passes through convection flow in the useful volume 2 and condenses there. Under certain circumstances, some ambient air (arrow U) is drawn through the sorbent 4. in principle the openings 8 and 9 are arranged so that little heat is lost by unwanted air exchange.
According to the invention, during the heating of the sorbent 4, a circulation and thus a spraying of the useful volume walls with cleaning water in the interior of the useful volume is avoided. As a result, the sorbent 4, which is in direct contact with the outer wall of the useful volume 2, can be heated faster and with less energy input.
When the shutdown temperature is reached, the heater 5 is switched off. The fan 6 can now be put into operation for a few seconds to unify the temperature in the sorbent 4 and to lower the moisture content in the sorbent 4 on. He sucks ambient air to U and pushes them through the sorbent 4 in the useful volume 2. Too long, the fan 6, however, may not be in operation, otherwise the sorbent 4 is too cold and would resume moisture from the air stream U again.
The sorbent has now released the moisture absorbed during the preceding drying step into the useful volume. The still present in the sorbent 4, sensible heat is released within the next few minutes by heat conduction through the contact surface with the effective volume 2 to the cleaning water. During the main cleaning process, this is done automatically by the rotation of the spray arms, which spray water on the inside of the contact surfaces and thus ensure optimum heat transfer.
If the cleaning temperature has not been raised to the required level by this measure, a conventional booster heater can further heat the wash liquor.

Fig. 2 zeigt in derselben schematischen Darstellungsform die erste Phase der anschließenden Haupttrocknung. Zu diesem Zeitpunkt ist das Geschirr gereinigt, die Waschflotte mit Klarspülmittel behandelt worden und bis auf die Benetzungsrestmenge abgepumpt. Im Gegensatz zu konventionellen Trocknungsmethoden muss das Geschirr nicht auf hohe Temperaturen aufgeheizt worden sein, um das benetzende Wasser zu verdunsten. Es genügt, das Geschirr lediglich auf diejenige Temperatur anzuheben, die der Reaktionstemperatur des Klarspülmittel gerecht wird. Für den erfindungsgemäßen Trocknungsprozess kann diese Temperatur so gering wie möglich liegen, da die zum Verdunsten des Wassers auf der Geschirroberfläche notwendige Wärmemenge vollständig vom Sorptionsmittel beigesteuert werden kann. Fig. 2 shows in the same schematic representation, the first phase of the subsequent main drying. At this time, the dishes have been cleaned, the wash liquor has been treated with rinse aid and pumped down to the wetting residual amount. In contrast to conventional drying methods, the dishes do not have to be heated to high temperatures in order to evaporate the wetting water. It is sufficient to raise the harness only to the temperature that meets the reaction temperature of the rinse aid. For the drying process according to the invention, this temperature can be as low as possible, since the amount of heat necessary for the evaporation of the water on the dish surface can be completely contributed by the sorbent.

Um den Ausstoß von warmer, relativ feuchter Luft aus dem Nutzvolumen 2 in die Umgebung zu Beginn des Trocknungsprozesses zu verhindern, kann der Lüfter 6 in umgekehrter Förderrichtung Luft (Pfeil F) durch die Öffnung 7 aus dem Nutzvolumen 2 ansaugen, über das Sorptionsmittel 4 lenken und trocken an die Umgebung auszublasen (Pfeil T). Das Sorptionsmittel 4 trocknet die durchströmende Luft und erwärmt sich dabei. Über die Öffnung 8 strömt Umgebungsluft U in das Nutzvolumen 2 nach. Schon nach relativ kurzer Zeit wird die Förderrichtung des Luftstromes umgekehrt.
Der in Fig. 2 dargestellte Prozessschritt ist nicht zwingend notwendig. Bei entsprechend niedrigen Geschirrtemperaturen ist der Feuchtegehalt der Innenluft nämlich so gering, dass Feuchteschäden an benachbarten Küchenmöbeln aufgrund der zusätzlich noch auftretenden Vermischung mit Umgebungsluft beim direkten Ausblasen nicht zu erwarten sind.In order to prevent the discharge of warm, relatively humid air from the useful volume 2 in the environment at the beginning of the drying process, the fan 6 in the reverse direction of air (arrow F) through the opening 7 from the useful volume 2 suck, steer over the sorbent 4 and dry it out to the environment (arrow T). The sorbent 4 dries the air flowing through it and heats up. Ambient air U flows into the useful volume 2 via the opening 8. After a relatively short time, the conveying direction of the air flow is reversed.
The in Fig. 2 shown process step is not mandatory. At correspondingly low table temperatures, the moisture content of the indoor air is so low that moisture damage to neighboring kitchen furniture due to the additionally occurring mixing with ambient air during direct blowing are not to be expected.

Fig. 3 zeigt nunmehr den Haupttrocknungsschritt. Der Lüfter 6 saugt Umgebungsluft U an und leitet sie über das Sorptionsmittel 4, das die Luft stark trocknet und gleichzeitig erwärmt (Pfeil T) in das Nutzvolumen 2. Die Wärme stammt zum einen noch von der vorausgehenden Desorptionsphase und zum anderen aus der kurz vorher ablaufenden, reversiblen Betriebsweise nach Fig. 2. Ein beträchtlicher Wärmeanteil stammt aber auch von der Umgebungsluft U selbst, die stark getrocknet wieder das Sorptionsmittel in Richtung Nutzvolumen verlässt (Pfeil T). Der warme und sehr trockene Luftstrom T trocknet das Geschirr und verlässt das Nutzvolumen 2 durch die Öffnung 8 als feuchter Abluftstrom F. Da der Luftstrom T sehr trocken und relativ warm ist, wird die Trocknungszeit gegenüber Trocknungsprozessen, die nur Umgebungswärme nutzen, deutlich verkürzt. Der hohe Energiebedarf zum Aufheizen des feuchten Geschirrs auf über 60 °C kann vollkommen entfallen. Dies führt zu einer deutlichen Energieeinsparung. Fig. 3 now shows the main drying step. The fan 6 draws in ambient air U and passes it over the sorbent 4, which dries the air strongly and at the same time heats (arrow T) into the useful volume 2. The heat comes firstly from the preceding desorption phase and secondly from the shortly before it expires , reversible operation after Fig. 2 , However, a considerable proportion of heat also comes from the ambient air U itself, which dried leaves the sorbent in the direction of useful volume again (arrow T). The warm and very dry air stream T dries the dishes and leaves the useful volume 2 through the opening 8 as a moist exhaust air flow F. Since the air flow T is very dry and relatively warm, the drying time compared to drying processes that use only ambient heat, significantly reduced. The high energy requirement to heat the wet dishes to over 60 ° C can be completely eliminated. This leads to a significant energy saving.

Fig. 4 zeigt schließlich eine andere Ausgestaltung der Erfindung. In einer ansonsten ähnlichen Geschirrspülmaschine 1 ist das Sorptionsmittel 4 nicht an der rückwärtigen Außenwand des Nutzvolumens 2, sondern in einem Kunststoffbehälter 23 unter dem Nutzvolumen 2 angeordnet. Der kostengünstig zu fertigende Kunststoffbehälter 23 enthält eine obere Öffnung 20 und eine untere Öffnung 21. Zwischen den beiden Öffnungen 20, 21 befindet sich das Sorptionsmittel 4 zusammen mit der im unteren Drittel eingebetteten Heizung 24. Die Heizung 24 ist so im Kunststoffbehälter 23 angeordnet, dass die mit den Behälterwänden in Kontakt stehenden Sorptionsmittelbereiche die zulässige Kunststoff-Temperatur nicht überschreiten können. Die Anordnung im unteren Drittel sorgt dafür, dass vor allem die unteren Bereiche über Wärmeleitung geheizt werden, während die oberen Partien auch vom aufsteigenden Dampf mit erwärmt werden. Die Tür 25 zum Nutzvolumen 2 kann leicht geöffnet werden, um während des Trocknungsprozesses den Luftaustausch F vom Innenraum zur Umgebung zu erlauben.
Prinzipiell arbeitet die Trocknung auch in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel wie bereits in den Fig. 1 bis 3 beschrieben. Gezeigt ist in Fig. 4 lediglich der Haupttrocknungsprozess (analog Fig. 3). Der Lüfter 27 fördert Umgebungsluft U durch das Sorptionsmittel 4 und die obere Öffnung 20 in das Nutzvolumen 2. Der durch die obere Öffnung 20 austretende Luftstrom T ist sehr trocken. Er kann das Geschirr sehr wirksam trocknen und als feuchter Luftstrom F durch die spaltförmige Öffnung 28 zwischen leicht gekippter Tür 25 und Nutzvolumen 2 in die Umgebung austreten. Fig. 4 finally shows another embodiment of the invention. In an otherwise similar dishwashing machine 1, the sorbent 4 is not arranged on the rear outer wall of the useful volume 2, but in a plastic container 23 below the useful volume 2. The inexpensive to be manufactured plastic container 23 includes an upper opening 20 and a lower opening 21. Between the two openings 20, 21 is the sorbent 4 together with the lower third embedded in the heater 24. The heater 24 is arranged in the plastic container 23 that the sorbent areas in contact with the container walls can not exceed the permissible plastic temperature. The Arrangement in the lower third ensures that above all the lower areas are heated by heat conduction, while the upper parts are also heated by the rising steam. The door 25 to the useful volume 2 can be easily opened to allow during the drying process, the air exchange F from the interior to the environment.
In principle, the drying works in this embodiment as already in the Fig. 1 to 3 described. Shown is in Fig. 4 only the main drying process (analog Fig. 3 ). The fan 27 conveys ambient air U through the sorbent 4 and the upper opening 20 into the useful volume 2. The air flow T exiting through the upper opening 20 is very dry. He can very effectively dry the dishes and exit as a moist air flow F through the gap-shaped opening 28 between slightly tilted door 25 and useful volume 2 in the environment.

Claims (13)

Geschirrspüler (1) mit einem Nutzvolumen (2) zur Aufnahme von Geschirr, einem Sorptionsmittel (4), das Feuchte aus einem Luftstrom (U, F) aufnehmen kann, einer Heizung (5, 24) zum Erhitzen des Sorptionsmittels (4) und einem Lüfter (6, 27) zur Förderung des Luftstromes (U, T),
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
der Lüfter (6, 27) zum Trocknen des Geschirrs Umgebungsluft (U) ansaugen kann, diese dann durch das Sorptionsmittel (4) lenken kann, um sie von diesem trocknen zu lassen und dass die getrocknete Umgebungsluft (T) in das Nutzvolumen (2) lenkbar ist, wo sie Feuchtigkeit vom Geschirr aufnehmen und anschließend durch eine Öffnung (8, 28) aus dem Nutzvolumen (2) als feuchte Luft (F) wieder in die Umgebung austreten kann.Dishwasher (1) having a useful volume (2) for receiving crockery, a sorbent (4) which can absorb moisture from an air stream (U, F), a heater (5, 24) for heating the sorbent (4) and a Fan (6, 27) for conveying the air flow (U, T),
characterized in that
the fan (6, 27) can suck ambient air (U) for drying the harness, then direct it through the sorbent (4) to allow it to dry and the dried ambient air (T) into the useful volume (2) is steerable, where they absorb moisture from the dishes and then through an opening (8, 28) from the useful volume (2) can escape as moist air (F) back into the environment. Geschirrspüler (1) nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
das Sorptionsmittel (4) Zeolith enthält.Dishwasher (1) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the sorbent (4) contains zeolite. Geschirrspüler (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die Heizung (5, 24) elektrisch betrieben wird und dass das Sorptionsmittel (4) so angeordnet ist, dass der beim Erhitzen des Sorptionsmittels (4) abgegebene Wasserdampf (D) durch Konvektion in das Innere es Nutzvolumens (2) abdampfen kann.Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the heater (5, 24) is electrically operated and that the sorbent (4) is arranged so that the water vapor (D) emitted during heating of the sorbent (4) can evaporate by convection into the interior of the useful volume (2). Geschirrspüler (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
das Sorptionsmittel (4) thermisch so an das Nutzvolumen (2) gekoppelt ist, dass Wärme aus dem heißen Sorptionsmittel (4) in das Nutzvolumen (2) durch Wärmeleitung übertragen werden kann.Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the sorbent (4) is thermally coupled to the useful volume (2) such that heat from the hot sorbent (4) can be transferred into the useful volume (2) by heat conduction. Geschirrspüler (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
der Lüfter (6, 27) so ausgestaltet ist, dass er den geförderten Luftstrom (U, T) reversierend durch das Sorptionsmittel (4) fördern kann.Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the fan (6, 27) is designed so that it can promote the conveyed air flow (U, T) reversing by the sorbent (4). Geschirrspüler (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die Heizung (5, 24) so innerhalb des Sorptionsmittels (4) angeordnet ist, dass sie dieses durch direkte Wärmeleitung erhitzen kann.Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the heater (5, 24) is disposed within the sorbent (4) so that it can heat it by direct heat conduction. Geschirrspüler (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
das Sorptionsmittel (4) großflächig an einer Außenwand des Nutzvolumens (2) angeordnet ist.Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the sorbent (4) is arranged over a large area on an outer wall of the useful volume (2). Geschirrspüler (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die Heizung (24) so innerhalb des Sorptionsmittels (4) angeordnet ist, dass die äußeren Bereiche des Sorptionsmittels (4) kälter bleiben und von einem Kunststoffbehälter (23) umhüllt sein können.Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the heater (24) is disposed within the sorbent (4) such that the outer portions of the sorbent (4) remain colder and may be enveloped by a plastic container (23). Verfahren zur Durchführung eines der vorangehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
das Sorptionsmittel (4) zu Anfang der Hauptreinigungsphase erhitzt wird, damit der in das Nutzvolumen (2) einströmende Wasserdampf (D) das Geschirr erwärmen kann und dass anschließend die fühlbare Wärme im Sorptionsmittel (4) durch Wärmeleitung ebenfalls in das Nutzvolumen (2) geführt wird und dass dabei das trockene Sorptionsmittel (4) keinem nennenswerten Luftwechsel ausgesetzt wird und somit trocken bleibt.Method for carrying out one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the sorbent (4) is heated at the beginning of the main cleaning phase so that the water vapor (D) flowing into the useful volume (2) can heat the dishes and then the sensible heat in the sorbent (4) is also conducted into the useful volume (2) by heat conduction and that while the dry sorbent (4) is not exposed to any significant air exchange and thus remains dry. Verfahren zur Durchführung eines der vorangehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
zu Beginn des Trocknungsschrittes, der Lüfter (6, 27) feuchte Luft (F) aus dem Nutzvolumen (2) durch das Sorptionsmittel (4) lenkt und erst später die Luftführung ändert und Umgebungsluft (U) über das Sorptionsmittel (4) in das Nutzvolumen (2) und von dort befeuchtet (Pfeil F) wieder in die Umgebung ausbläst.Method for carrying out one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
at the beginning of the drying step, the fan (6, 27) moist air (F) from the useful volume (2) through the sorbent (4) and only later changes the air flow and ambient air (U) via the sorbent (4) in the useful volume (2) and from there moistened (arrow F) blows back into the environment. Verfahren zur Durchführung eines der vorangehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
am Ende der Aufheizung des Sorptionsmittels (4) der Lüfter (6, 27) Umgebungsluft (U) durch das Sorptionsmittel (4) in das Nutzvolumen (2) fördert, um den Wasserdampfpartialdruck im Sorptionsmittel (4) abzusenken und zugleich einen Teil der fühlbaren Wärme in das Nutzvolumen (2) zu übertragen.Method for carrying out one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
at the end of the heating of the sorbent (4) the fan (6, 27) ambient air (U) through the sorbent (4) in the useful volume (2) promotes to lower the partial pressure of water vapor in the sorbent (4) and at the same time a part of the sensible heat into the useful volume (2) to transfer. Verfahren zur Durchführung eines der vorangehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
während der Trocknungsphase die Tür (25) des Geschirrspülers automatisch etwas geöffnet wird, um die feuchte Luft (F) aus dem Nutzvolumen ausströmen zu lassen.Method for carrying out one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
during the drying phase, the door (25) of the dishwasher is automatically opened slightly to allow the moist air (F) to flow out of the useful volume. Verfahren zur Durchführung eines der vorangehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
das Geschirrs vor Beginn der Trocknung nur auf die zwingend notwendige Reaktionstemperatur für das eingesetzte Klarspülmittel erwärmt wird, maximal jedoch nicht höher als 45 °C.Method for carrying out one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the dishes are heated before drying begins only on the absolutely necessary reaction temperature for the rinse aid used, but not higher than 45 ° C.
EP11009573.4A 2010-12-14 2011-12-03 Sorption dryer for dishwashers Active EP2465406B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102010054479A DE102010054479A1 (en) 2010-12-14 2010-12-14 Sorption dryer for dishwashers

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2465406A2 true EP2465406A2 (en) 2012-06-20
EP2465406A3 EP2465406A3 (en) 2016-07-27
EP2465406B1 EP2465406B1 (en) 2017-05-17

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DE (1) DE102010054479A1 (en)

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CN106562737A (en) * 2016-11-09 2017-04-19 杭州三花家电热管理***有限公司 Drying system and dish washer with same
EP3841948A1 (en) 2019-12-26 2021-06-30 Arçelik Anonim Sirketi A dishwasher with a region having desiccant properties
EP3909496A1 (en) * 2020-05-12 2021-11-17 LG Electronics Inc. Dishwasher and method for controlling the same
CN114468913A (en) * 2022-01-26 2022-05-13 嵊州市浙江工业大学创新研究院 Efficient energy-saving drying system for dish-washing machine and control method thereof
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DE102018214090A1 (en) * 2018-08-21 2020-02-27 Meiko Maschinenbau Gmbh & Co. Kg Cleaning device and method for cleaning items to be cleaned
US10912442B2 (en) 2019-01-03 2021-02-09 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Drying systems and methods including multi-directional air distribution for a dishwashing appliance
US20230301482A1 (en) * 2022-03-23 2023-09-28 Whirlpool Corporation Dish treating appliance with a drying system and method of operation

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Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013050468A1 (en) * 2011-10-04 2013-04-11 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi A dishwasher comprising a dehumidifying unit
CN106562737A (en) * 2016-11-09 2017-04-19 杭州三花家电热管理***有限公司 Drying system and dish washer with same
CN106562737B (en) * 2016-11-09 2019-09-06 三花亚威科电器设备（芜湖）有限公司 Drying system and dish-washing machine with it
EP3841948A1 (en) 2019-12-26 2021-06-30 Arçelik Anonim Sirketi A dishwasher with a region having desiccant properties
EP3909496A1 (en) * 2020-05-12 2021-11-17 LG Electronics Inc. Dishwasher and method for controlling the same
US11812911B2 (en) 2021-07-28 2023-11-14 Whirlpool Corporation Dish drying system with adsorbent material regeneration
CN114468913A (en) * 2022-01-26 2022-05-13 嵊州市浙江工业大学创新研究院 Efficient energy-saving drying system for dish-washing machine and control method thereof
CN114468913B (en) * 2022-01-26 2023-09-08 嵊州市浙江工业大学创新研究院 Efficient energy-saving drying system for dish washing machine and control method thereof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE102010054479A1 (en) 2012-06-14
EP2465406B1 (en) 2017-05-17
EP2465406A3 (en) 2016-07-27

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