EP0783264B1 - Method of cleaning crockery in commercial dish washers and a dish washer suitable for implementing the said method - Google Patents

Abstract

Detergent powder is drawn by suction from a detergent container (39) outside the dish washer (1) and conveyed pneumatically to a washing chamber (4-6) and, in the case of multiple tank machines, preferably to second or subsequent washing chambers (4-6) configured along the path taken by the detergent. Precise quantities of detergent can easily and economically be dispensed directly from the sale packaging into the dish washer (1) without any need for major modifications to the overall process and without disrupting the pre-set wash process.

Description

The invention is directed to a method for cleaning dishes in Dishwashers, in which particulate detergent from one a detergent container arranged outside the dishwasher Conveying line fed, sucked into this and pneumatically directly into the Washing area of the dishwasher receiving washware is conveyed Furthermore, the invention is directed to a dishwasher Clearing zone or cycle and / or one or more washing zones or cycles in which a detergent container with the wash ware pneumatic conveying line connecting the receiving washing zone particulate detergent directly into the free space of the washing zone Dishwasher opens.

In the following, cutlery and crockery and tableware are also included other items usually cleaned in commercial dishwashers Understood.

To supply commercial dishwashers with cleaning agents nowadays so-called stock lye by mixing water and powder or liquid dishwashing detergent. With this The dishwashers are then supplied to the base liquor. It is also known, liquid detergent directly into the washing tanks of dishwashers meter in. In a similar way, a Mixture of powder detergent and water directly to one or fed several washing tanks to a dishwasher.

The dosing of powder detergent in the machine or in the Master liquor container without simultaneous supply of water is problematic. she is often associated with dust generation. The product contact is with the usually strongly alkaline dishwashing detergent powders for that Operating personnel uncomfortable and dangerous to health. Furthermore, that is Transferring the powder from the sales container is cumbersome and time-consuming.

The aim should therefore be a direct dosage from the sales container into the Dishwasher. The different requirements for the Dosage quantities and dosing accuracy to be observed. While for commercial washer-extractors dosing quantities from 4 to 6 kg / min are typical, with continuous washing lines about 0.1 to 1.5 kg / min and in commercial dishwashers, which are also of the type of Rinsing lines work, only 10 to 20 g / min metered. Adhering to such low doses creates additional difficulties.

Attempts to solve the problems mentioned are known. So in that in the DE-A-41 24 881 described the powdered agent directly from the Sales containers are sucked in via a suction pipe and into a stock container promoted. At the same time, fresh water is used to produce the base liquor directly added via the suction line. The pneumatic conveying of washing or Dangerous caking of powder in detergents Mouth area of the pipe can not occur because it is immediately from the water loosened and washed away. The additional supply of fresh water at the Dosing point is particularly undesirable in commercial machines, because here are special techniques for reducing water consumption for water management, e.g. B. countercurrent, used by additional Water supply can be disrupted. For direct dosing of the powder in the Machine without simultaneous water supply is the known method otherwise not suitable.

Also known is a metering device for powdered detergent, the first the powder from one or more storage containers by means of discharge screws into a dosing container and only then pneumatically into the washing machine promotes (DE-A-39 07 361). A direct dosage from the sales container into the Machine is not made here either.

Another problem arises in the field of dishwashers. As before The dosing amounts listed above are very small and for example significantly lower than with washing machines. The pneumatic conveying of However, powder is designed for large feed rates. If you throttle the delivery rate, then instabilities occur in the powder stream and thus fluctuate over time Dosing quantities.

According to the state of the art for cleaning the dishes in the circulated in the spray arms of a commercial dishwasher Wash liquor a desired concentration of cleaning-active substance set. However, not all can be achieved with the usual concentration ranges Completely remove soiling, so that usually in a cycle of a so-called basic cleaning with increased concentration for approx. 4 weeks cleaning-active substance is carried out

To avoid these basic cleaning cycles, the increased cleaning consumption and bring a high pollution of the wastewater with you DE-OS-37 07 366 has been proposed during a normal rinsing process spray a highly concentrated detergent solution onto the tableware. A highly concentrated detergent solution indicates more than 0.5% by weight active cleaning substance. While liquid detergents are already manufactured by the manufacturer must be available in such a highly concentrated form powdered detergent only in a stock container to such a prepared highly concentrated solution and kept ready for the rinsing process become. This additional step when using particulate Detergent involves an undesirable effort.

EP-A-0611843 describes a method for cleaning dishes Dishwashers known in which particulate detergent from a preferably arranged outside the dishwasher Detergent container supplied to a conveyor line, preferably in this is sucked, and pneumatically directly into a receiving the washware Washing zone of the dishwasher is promoted. Furthermore, from this Patent application for a dishwasher with a clearing zone or cycle and / or one or more wash zones or cycles, in which one one preferably arranged outside the dishwasher Detergent container with a washing zone that receives the wash ware connecting pneumatic delivery line for particulate detergent opens directly into the free space in the washing zone of the dishwasher. At this known prior art is from inside or outside the Dishwasher arranged detergent container particulate Detergent conveyed into a pneumatic conveyor line and then in this Delivery line pneumatically fed to the tank of a dishwasher. The Powder then gets into the dishwasher's washing cycle liquid, which then, as in household dishwashers usual, is sprayed onto the dishes via spray arms. In contrast, in commercial dishwashers, the mode of action of particulate Improve detergents.

The invention is therefore based on the object in a generic Method and a generic dishwasher the particulate Use detergents even more efficiently.

In a method of the type described in the introduction, this task solved according to the invention in that the method in a commercial Dishwasher performed and preferably in multi-tank machines in the second or a subsequent washing zone in the transport direction of the wash ware or is conveyed into a chamber formed between two washing zones, and that the cleaning agent is directed onto the wet wash ware in the washing zone or Chamber is blown.

Surprisingly, fears emerged that it would be in the area of Powder outlets for caking come as unfounded. Possible caking are instantly by the radiance of the high speed the powder striking it is detached and blown away.

It is particularly advantageous that the cleaning agent is applied directly to the wet wash ware will blow directed. This means that the detergent can be used immediately its undiminished cleaning power when entering the dishwasher unfold the desired position.

The invention is particularly advantageous in a method for mechanical Cleaning of tableware in a commercial dishwasher with a or more washing zones or cycles in which the Utensils first by spraying with water for a rough cleaning is subjected. The tableware is then used for rough cleaning before the first actual washing zone or the first actual washing cycle or between two washing zones or cycles in the dishwasher sprayed pneumatically conveyed cleaning powder.

The use of the method according to the invention makes it possible to use of particulate detergent on the tableware a highly concentrated Let cleaner solution arise without first Stock liquor must be made.

On the tableware still wet from the previous rough clearing with water becomes pneumatically conveyed particulate cleaning agent before entering another washing zone or before starting another Washing cycle, e.g. B. sprayed in the intermediate zone between two wash tanks. The sprayed cleaning powder is evenly distributed on the wash ware and remains on the wet or damp areas of the tableware be liable. One instantly forms on the damp surface of the wash ware highly concentrated cleaning solution with a very good swelling and dissolving effect so-called accumulated starch coverings. Even with a discontinuous one The items to be washed are blown in over a longer period of time, thoroughly cleaned.

The highly concentrated cleaning solution is created particularly quickly when that particulate detergent is blown in the form of a powder mist, such as this provides the invention in an embodiment.

Preferably, the cleaning powder in such an amount and on such Sprayed on that the dishes are almost completely powder-covered, like this the invention provides in a further embodiment.

To spray the surface of the tableware as completely as possible can, it is expedient according to the invention if the Dishes are sprayed from above and / or below.

The cleaning agent is preferably applied with a fan-shaped jet characteristic the dishes are inflated, which the invention also provides. So you get a very even distribution of the cleaning agent on the to be cleaned Surfaces.

Inflating the detergent onto the dishes can be done in different ways Way. In a first embodiment of the invention, this occurs Particulate cleaning agents in the respective rinsing chamber at only one opening a delivery line and at the same time this opening in an in essential horizontal level, especially periodically, fan-shaped back and forth pivoted here, so that the blown product evenly on the Washware distributed. The end of the delivery line can be pivoted, for example Hose be formed, as in an embodiment below is described in more detail.

As an alternative, the powder can also be applied to the wash ware via several nozzles inflate and in this way a uniform distribution of the Detergent can be achieved.

For the targeted adjustment of the concentration of the highly concentrated solution of the Detergent, the invention also provides that in addition to blowing a fine water mist is sprayed from the cleaning agent. The water mist knocks down the powder and spreads it evenly on the Surface of the wash ware.

Because not all cleaning powder particles on the surface of the tableware remain stuck, it is expedient according to the invention that Excess particulate detergent in a wash zone or chamber blown in and excess detergent in the dishwasher is collected and recycled.

The equipment necessary for the circulation of the returned cleaning powder can also be used to convey fresh cleaning powder be used.

For the dissolution of those adhering to the surface of the tableware Cleaning powder particles and the subsequent rinsing of the cleaning agent According to a further embodiment of the invention, it has proven to be advantageous if the cleaning agent after a contact time of 5 to 100 seconds, preferably 8 to 25 seconds in one or more subsequent steps is rinsed off.

It is advantageous here if the subsequent step or steps in Washing zones or cycles of commercial dishwashers Are rinsing treatments.

It has been found that the dissolution rate and the cleaning behavior as well as the composition of common dishwashing detergents powders are sufficient for carrying out the method according to the invention, so that the invention is further characterized in that the Cleaning powder is a common dishwasher cleaner.

It is for transporting the detergent outside of the dishwasher cheap when the operator is no longer in contact with the usually caustic cleaning agents must come. It is proposed that the detergent is sucked directly from a sales container and immediately afterwards with air as the conveying medium in the dishwasher is promoted.

There are different ways of generating the flow of the conveyed medium air possible and are within the scope of the invention. The powder can, for example, with sucked into a blower, passed through it and finally into the machine be blown.

A so-called injector can advantageously be used, which has a suction line is connected to a suction lance arranged in the powder container. Both Injectors are compressed air through an annular gap within the Venturi housing fed. Different versions of injectors, including those directly in the Powder packs to be injected fall as the mouthpiece of a suction lance serve are possible. It is possible that the powder with a compressed air operated injector sucked, passed through the injector and from the pressure side from the injector into the machine. Here is a good suction system Air from the machine is important because the amount of air entered with the powder is relatively high.

An additional advantage is achieved with a conveyor system consisting of a compressed air powered suction lance, the compressed air via a upstream propellant nozzle is supplied. The system works with very little Air volumes, allows a fine adjustment of the flow rate of the powder and is therefore particularly suitable for dosing in a dishwasher. It is therefore possible that the compressed air of the powder feed line through one of its inlet upstream propellant nozzle is supplied. The on a so-called catch nozzle Directed driving nozzle causes local fluidization of the powder. The fluidized Product is fed to the catch nozzle and into the machine via a line promoted.

The invention therefore further provides that the cleaning center before Suction with compressed air is locally fluidized.

The driving nozzle upstream of the inlet of the powder feed line enables the Reduce powder flow down to the smallest amount. On the one hand, it is possible meter the powder continuously when the flow is on the Detergent requirement of the machine is throttled. One is also relieved Process control with several nozzles for blowing in the cleaning agent, whose geometric arrangement an extremely even distribution of Detergent allowed on the wash ware.

In a further embodiment of the method, the Powder feed Foreign air fed into the delivery line. With that you can on the one hand create portions. On the other hand, the delivery line is blown free, and product accumulation in the line can be prevented. Becomes a Blower used, the suction line can be directly behind or inside vent the suction lance via a solenoid valve.

If you suck the powder with a compressed air injector, through guides the injector and directs it into the machine from the pressure side of the injector, can be done in the same way. An even more precise portioning is possible if to stop powder delivery instead of passive ventilation a blast of compressed air is fed into the suction line.

In a further variant, the injector is intermittent, in particular in time periodically operated with pressurized working fluid. The compressed air is e.g. B. generated by a small compressor with a connected pressure vessel. It a connecting line from a pressure source to the injector can be provided, which has a solenoid valve with a relatively large cross section. For a short time Opening the solenoid valve creates a short, powerful suction stroke. With this The method of shock relief can be easily portioned reach sucked powder.

In the process variant with a periodically swinging back and forth It is advantageous if the compressed air blast resonates with the injection opening Swivel frequency of the injection opening is clocked.

To enable the different variants, the invention provides in Design therefore before that the cleaning agent continuously or periodically is blown in.

Should powder detergent via a delivery line to a commercial Dishwasher are dosed, the powder from the powder container, in particular directly from the sales container, so it is particularly favorable if the compressed air of the powder feed line via one of them Inlet upstream propellant nozzle is supplied. This dosing process is further have already been explained in more detail above. The powder is over a tubular elbow in the area of the spray register of the Dishwasher promoted. Penetration of steam (vapors) from the usually at relatively high temperatures, e.g. B. about 70 C, working Dishwasher is very effectively prevented if the manifold outlet is only during the dosing process is opened. This can be done with a spring-loaded flap be provided.

The invention further relates to a generic dishwasher. At A generic dishwasher is the one mentioned above Object achieved in that it is a commercial dishwasher acts and that the at least one opening of the pneumatic The delivery line is directed towards the wet wash ware.

In the case of a dishwasher designed as a multi-tank machine, it is favorable if the conveyor line in the second in the transport direction of the dishes or subsequent washing zone or in one between two washing zones trained chamber opens, as provided by the invention in configuration. In In this case, the blown-in cleaning agent hits the already damp one Surface of the wash ware and forms a highly concentrated solution with the above described beneficial effects.

Preferably, the openings of the delivery line are for spraying the Particulate cleaning agent suitable nozzles, in particular with a fan-shaped spray characteristics, which is what the invention provides.

To spray the items to be cleaned (tableware) with powder To enable from above and below, the invention sees in another Design before that the delivery line outlet openings above and below the items being moved on a tableware transport device.

A uniform distribution of the cleaning agent on the wash ware can can be achieved in different ways. In one case, funds for Pivotal movement of the mouth opening in a substantially horizontal Level should be provided. In another embodiment, the dishwasher has machine has a plurality of powder nozzles for each rinsing chamber. In addition are one or more additional nozzles for spraying water in some Cases favorable to a defined concentration of the highly concentrated To be able to adjust cleaning solution and a particularly uniform To ensure distribution of the detergent on the dishes.

Further refinements of the invention relate to the supply of the cleaning agent to the dishwasher. The advantages have already been mentioned above. Cheap it is when the delivery line has an injector that can be operated with compressed air. For fluidizing the cleaning agent in its storage container in the inlet area the delivery line, it is advantageous if the inlet of the delivery line Driving nozzle is upstream.

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer üblichen gewerblichen Geschirrspülmaschine,

Figur 2

eine Kammer der Geschirrspülmaschine nach Figur 1 mit einer Einblaseinrichtung für teilchenförmiges Reinigungsmittel gemäß der Erfindung,

Figur 3

eine Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiels für die Pulverbevorratung und Kreislaufführung bzw. Dosierung des Pulvers für die Geschirrspülmaschine nach Figur 1,

Figur 4

eine schematische Darstellung einer gewerblichen Geschirrspülmaschine mit einer Einrichtung zum Einblasen von teilchenförmigem Reinigungsmittel nach einem zweiten erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiel,

Figur 5

den Bereich der Entnahme des Reinigungsmittels im Ausführungsbeispiel nach Figur 4 und

Figur 6

den Bereich des Abgabe des Reinigungsmittels in die Geschirrspülmaschine im Ausführungsbeispiel nach den Figuren 4 und 5.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings. Show it

Figure 1

1 shows a schematic illustration of a customary commercial dishwasher,

Figure 2

2 a chamber of the dishwasher according to FIG. 1 with a blowing device for particulate cleaning agent according to the invention,

Figure 3

1 shows an exemplary embodiment according to the invention for powder storage and circulation or metering of the powder for the dishwasher according to FIG. 1,

Figure 4

1 shows a schematic illustration of a commercial dishwasher with a device for blowing in particulate cleaning agent according to a second exemplary embodiment according to the invention,

Figure 5

the area of removal of the cleaning agent in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 4 and

Figure 6

the area of the dispensing of the cleaning agent into the dishwasher in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a conventional one, generally designated 1 commercial dishwasher shown. The dishes are on the Dishwasher 2 abandoned and runs in the dishwasher during operation 1 in the direction of arrow 3.

The dishwasher has snack zones 4, 5 and 6, of which the washing zone 4 is also referred to as the pump clearing zone. Wash zone 6 follows the rinse or rinse zone 7. To each of the wash zones 4, 5 and 6 belongs to a tank 8, 9 or 10, from which the in the Wash liquor located in the respective tank by means of circulation pumps 11, 12, 13 the associated spray devices 14, 15 and 16 is supplied. Since that Dishes in the direction of the arrow through the dishwasher 1 is in the tank 8 also follows as the first or third last tank, tank 9 referred to as the middle or penultimate tank and the tank 10 as the last tank.

With the spray devices 14, 15 and 16 is on the dishes during its passage through the dishwasher 1 the washing liquor from sprayed on the bottom and top of the dishes. In the rinse or rinse zone 7 is the dishes with a spray device 17 with fresh water sprayed. The amount of fresh water sprayed here is that of the dishwasher 1 fresh water quantity to be run and gets into the tank 10. From the tank 10 there is a cascade-like overflow 18 to the tank 9 and from there also a cascade-like overflow 19 to the tank 8. Each of the tanks 8, 9 and 10 has a connection, not shown, for the introduction of Cleaner on. Finally, the last tank 10 also has a level electrode or probe 20 on. Furthermore, 16 is in the last washing zone a further fresh water supply 21 is provided with fan jet nozzles. This fresh water supply can also be in the area of the rinse zone 7 be arranged.

The dishes pass in the direction of arrow 3 from front to back Dishwasher 1 and the water, which mainly means the spray device 17 is given in the rinse zone 7, passes the machine in the opposite direction.

According to Figure 2 is in such a known dishwasher between washing zones 4 and 5 according to the present invention a chamber 31 for spraying the transport device shown in dashed lines 32 items to be washed transported through the dishwasher (Tableware) with particulate detergent (powder). The powder is conveyed into the chamber 31 via a conveying line 33 sprayed there via nozzles 34 and 35. Here is a nozzle (34) above and a nozzle (35) below that transported through the dishwasher Washware arranged. The chamber is through lamella curtains 36 separated from the adjacent washing zones 4 and 5. Below the tableware and between the band sections running back and forth the transport device 32 is in the chamber 31 below the spray nozzles 34 and 35 a funnel-like trough 37 for collecting excess powder product arranged. In the bottom of the sump 37 there is a suction opening 38 provided through which the excess through a pipeline Aspirated powder and, if necessary after drying, the Detergent container is fed again.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment for powder storage and circulation or dosage of the powder according to the invention. Out a detergent container 39 is a pneumatic powder removal 40 the particulate detergent discharged and over the Conveying line 33 supplied to commercial dishwashers.

Pneumatic powder extraction can be carried out according to the European patent application 0297 443 be carried out to supplement the disclosure explicit reference is made. The detergent container 39 can be pressurized and sealed accordingly. By the lower part of the detergent container 39 leads a line for the Carrier gas. An inert gas such as argon or nitrogen, but preferably uses compressed air. The one in the lower part of the detergent container 39 arranged line has one or more powder inlet openings. The inlet openings are arranged so that none Gravity delivery of the particulate detergent in the absence a gas flow through the openings occurs. To do this, the openings for example, be arranged laterally.

Via line 46 leading from the upper area of the detergent container 39 via a drying device 47 in the lower region of the detergent container leads, the cleaning agent is fluidized on the one hand and secondly dried. The fluidizing gas is the same Kind of like the gas to promote the detergent and in particular from air.

If compressed air in the direction of arrow 42 through the delivery line 33 flows, the fluidized detergent powder through the side Openings of the powder removal 40 are sucked in and sent to the dishwasher 1 transported. The line 33 has in the area of the lateral bores a cross-section narrowed in the manner of a Venturi nozzle, around the suction effect to improve.

The detergent container 39 has a lid 41, so that the Cleaning powder can be filled into the container 39 from above. By the conveying line 33 the powder is conveyed into the chamber 31. The excess Powder is from the drip pan 37 via line 43 in the Container 39 returned. For pneumatic conveying, the Line expediently a blower 44 and a rotary valve 45 be arranged. Since the powder returned through line 43 may has already absorbed moisture in the dishwasher Detergent container 39 corresponding to a drying air circuit 46 EP-A-0 487 829. There is a drying device in this air circuit 47 arranged according to the in the German patent DE-C-31 31 471 principle described works.

In another embodiment, not shown here in a drawing According to the invention, the detergent container works with a pneumatic one Promotion and a powder mist generator.

Such a powder mist generator is for example in DE-A-40 40 227 described. A jet pump charged with compressed air creates inside a vacuum in the detergent dispenser. One on the surface of the powdered cleaning agent directed air jet dissolves there Powder particles, which along with that obtained after the jet calmed down Air volume as a powder-rich mist via a suction channel into a Suction chamber arrives. There is the fog with a compressed air line supplied air flow mixed, greatly diluted and via the delivery line delivered to the injection nozzles. This pneumatic conveyor too can be operated continuously or discontinuously, especially intermittently become.

Another exemplary embodiment is described below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 described. The product is here in one place, namely about a 15 to 25 cm long, freely movable, flexible hose blown in. The hose is stimulated to swivel horizontally, which causes the blown product in a fan shape on the wash ware distributed. The distribution and redemption of the product is carried out by a supports fine water mist.

Fig. 4 shows the side view of a typical commercial dishwasher 1 with integrated blowing device between the first Spray register 70 and the second spray register 71. The blowing device is here with its blowing hose 65 and the bracket 64 shown. The wash ware is transported from inlet 68 towards the outlet 69 of the dishwasher.

Via a spray system downstream of the blowing device, the z. B. constructed similarly to the alkali spray system described in EP-B-0 282 214 can be hot or cold fresh water in the powder mist or sprayed onto the items already dusted with powder. The Spray registers extend across the entire transport range and bear at the top 3 to 4 and below 4 to 5 nozzles. The throughput per nozzle is approx. 3 to 20 l / h at 1 bar fresh water pressure.

The distance between the spray registers 67 and the subsequent spray register 71 of the commercial dishwasher should be in coordination with the average belt speed so that the exposure time the wetted powder film on the washware surface for at least 5 s and is preferably 10 to 15 s.

Figure 5 shows the product conveyor unit 61 of this embodiment. Compressed air from the source 51 passes through a throttle valve 52 and Solenoid valve 53 to the driving nozzle 54. The fluidized product in the storage container 39 is accelerated in the catch nozzle 55 and reaches the delivery line 33 to the commercial dishwasher, as indicated by the arrows 60 is indicated.

Compressed air flows over another via a branch in the compressed air line Solenoid valve 57, which is controlled via a clock control 58 is, and also via a line 59 to the dishwasher. This Device is used to generate short bursts of compressed air, their importance is briefly explained below.

Fig. 6 shows the blowing device within the commercial dishwasher in top view. The product delivery line 33 and the feed line 59 for the clocked compressed air blasts lead to a bracket 64. Die Product delivery line 33 continues in the movable injection hose 65. The feed line 59 is guided so that it laterally on the compressed air blasts the inlet hose 65 conducts. This results in the swivel range 66 of the Injection hose that extends across the entire width B of the chamber.

The timing of the compressed air pulse via the solenoid valve 57 is advantageous to choose that they resonate with the swivel frequency of the injection hose is.

Reference list

1

dishwasher

2nd

Dish infeed

3rd

arrow

4, 5, 6

Wash zone

7

Rinse zone

8th

first tank

9

medium tank

10th

last tank

11, 12,

13

Circulation pump

14, 15,

16, 17

Spraying device

18, 19

Overflow

20th

Level probe

21

Fresh water supply

31

chamber

32

Transport device

33

Conveyor line

34, 35

jet

36

Slat curtains

37

Tub

38

Suction opening

39

Detergent container

40

pneumatic powder extraction

41

cover

42

arrow

43

Head, conveyor line

44

fan

45

Rotary valve

46

Drying air circuit

47

Drying device

51

Compressed air source

52

Throttle valve

53

magnetic valve

54

Propellant nozzle

55

Trap nozzle

57

magnetic valve

58

Clock control

59

management

64

bracket

65

Injection hose

66

Swivel range

67

Spray system

68

enema

69

Spout

70

first spray register

71

second spray register

B

width

Claims (24)

1. A dishwashing process for institutional dishwashing machines (1) in which particulate detergent is delivered from a detergent container (39) disposed outside the dishwashing machine to a feed pipe (33) into which it is drawn and pneumatically delivered directly to a wash zone (4,5,6) of the dishwashing machine (1) in which the machine load is accommodated, characterized in that the process is carried out in an institutional dishwashing machine (1) and, in the case of multitank machines, the detergent is preferably delivered to the second or a following wash zone (5,6) - in the transport direction of the machine load - or to a compartment (31) formed between two wash zones (4,5) and in that the detergent is sprayed into the wash zone (4,5,6) or compartment (31) where it is directed onto the wet machine load.
2. A process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the particulate detergent is sprayed in the form of a powder mist.
3. A process as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the detergent is sprayed on in such a quantity and in such a way that the machine load is almost completely covered.
4. A process as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the machine load is sprayed with detergent from above and/or beneath.
5. A process as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detergent is sprayed onto the machine load in a fan-shaped pattern.
6. A process as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which the particulate detergent emerges from only one opening of the feed pipe (33) into the particular wash zone (4,5,6) or compartment (31), characterized in that this opening is moved back and forth, more particularly periodically, in a substantially horizontal plane so that the product sprayed in is distributed over the machine load in a fan-shaped pattern.
7. A process as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detergent is sprayed onto the machine load from several nozzles (34,35).
8. A process as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fine water mist (67) is additionally sprayed.
9. A process as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the particulate detergent is sprayed in excess into a wash zone (4,5,6) or compartment (31) and excess detergent is collected (37) in the dishwashing machine (1) and recycled.
10. A process as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, after a contact time of 5 to 100 s, the detergent is rinsed off in one or more following steps.
11. A process as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the following step(s) is/are washing or rinsing treatments typically encountered in wash zones or cycles of institutional dishwashing machines.
12. A process as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detergent is a typical dishwashing detergent.
13. A process as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detergent is taken directly from a wholesale container and, immediately afterwards, is pneumatically delivered to the dishwashing machine (1).
14. A process as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, before it is drawn in, the detergent is locally fluidized with compressed air.
15. A process as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detergent is sprayed in continuously or periodically.
16. A dishwashing machine (1) with a clearing zone or cycle and/or one or more wash zones (4,5,6) or cycles in which a pneumatic feed pipe (33) for particulate detergent which connects a detergent container (39) to a wash zone (4,5,6) accommodating the machine load opens directly into the empty space of the wash zone (4,5,6) of the dishwashing machine (1), characterized in that the dishwashing machine is an institutional dishwashing machine (1) and in that at least one opening of the pneumatic feed pipe (33) is directed onto the wet machine load.
17. A dishwashing machine as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that, in the case of multitank machines, the feed pipe (33) opens into the second or following wash zone (5,6) - in the transport direction of the machine load - or into a compartment (31) formed between two wash zones (4,5).
18. A dishwashing machine as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the openings of the feed pipe (33) are in the form of nozzles (34,35) suitable for spraying the particulate detergent.
19. A dishwashing machine as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that the nozzles (34,35) spray in a fan-shaped pattern.
20. A dishwashing machine as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed pipe (33) has outlet openings (34,35) above and below the machine load moved by a conveyor system (32).
21. A dishwashing machine as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized by means (64,64) for reciprocating the opening in a substantially horizontal plane.
22. A dishwashing machine as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized by one or more additional nozzles (67) for spraying water.
23. A dishwashing machine as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed pipe (33) comprises an injector operable by compressed air.
24. A dishwashing machine as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet of the feed pipe (33) is preceded by a power nozzle (54).

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