Stacking system for transport dishwashers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a destacking system (70) for transport dishwashers (1) for automatically destacking upright trays (100) in a tray stacking station (80) in which the destacking trays (100) are horizontally aligned, wherein the destacking system (70) has a sliding surface (71) inclined towards the tray stacking station (80) and a guide (72) with which, preferably in the discharge area of ​​the transport dishwasher (1), upright trays (100) can be transferred one after the other in a superimposed tilting and linear movement to the sliding surface (71).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a conveyor dishwasher with a destacking system for automatically destacking upright trays in a tray stacking station.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to a conveyor dishwasher with at least one washing zone and at least one final rinsing zone and with a transport device for transporting wash ware through the at least one washing zone and the at least one final rinsing zone, wherein a stacking system is provided in the outlet-side end region of the conveyor dishwasher for automatically removing and stacking trays transported through the treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher.

[0003] The document GB 2 155 772 A relates to a dishwasher specially designed for cleaning trays, which has a conveyor belt and a guide or guide surfaces which serve to deposit or turn the trays from an upright position on the conveyor belt into a horizontal position in which the trays can be stacked on top of one another immediately after unloading.

[0004] The document US 3 486 939 A relates to a conveyor dishwasher with a first and a second conveyor belt which run parallel to each other.

[0005] The conveyor warewasher according to the invention is in particular a commercial conveyor warewasher and can be designed as a flight-type warewasher or as a rack-conveyor warewasher.

[0006] Conveyor warewashers are used in commercial applications. Unlike household dishwashers, in which the items to be cleaned remain stationary in the machine during the cleaning process, conveyor warewashers transport the items through various treatment zones of the machine.

[0007] In conveyor dishwashers, the wash ware, such as trays, dishes, pots, glasses, cutlery and other utensils to be cleaned, are conveyed through several treatment zones, such as the pre-wash zone(s), main wash zone(s), final wash or pre-rinse zone(s), final rinse zone(s) and drying zone(s). To transport wash ware in one transport direction through the conveyor dishwasher, a transport device is used which usually has compartments to hold the wash ware. In flight conveyor dishwashers, the compartments can be formed by support fingers on a conveyor belt of the transport device. In rack conveyor dishwashers, dish baskets serve as the transport device, which can have compartments to hold the dishes to be treated. It is conceivable for the dish baskets to be transported through the rack conveyor dishwasher using a conveyor system.

[0008] Typically, the items to be cleaned are pre-sorted before being placed on the conveyor belt. For example, US Pat. No. 6,530,996 B2 discloses a rack conveyor dishwasher in which the items to be treated are pre-sorted and fed into the respective treatment zones in dish baskets.

[0009] With regard to trays or tray-like items, pre-sorting usually occurs in such a way that the set of dishes and cutlery is removed from a tray to be cleaned and the tray is then stacked in front of the conveyor device or in the inlet area (dirty side) of the conveyor dishwasher. The trays from this stack of trays are placed on the conveyor belt of the dishwasher from time to time and cleaned according to type. This sorting approach has the advantage that trays do not cast a spray shadow on smaller items stacked behind the trays. Furthermore, this procedure greatly simplifies and more efficient the stacking and destacking workflow compared to mixing the items to be cleaned with the trays.

[0010] While the trays from this stack are placed on the dishwasher's conveyor belt and cleaned according to their type, it is not possible to clean other items, such as plates, bowls, or other dishes, because the trays placed on the conveyor belt usually have to be placed perpendicular to the conveyor belt's transport direction, thus filling the entire available area of ​​the conveyor belt. Therefore, cleaning trays requires a relatively long time compared to other types of items.

[0011] Furthermore, the conveyor dishwasher operator must incorporate each tray into their workflow twice at the machine inlet: the first time when removing the cutlery and crockery from the tray to be cleaned and the second time when actually placing the tray into the conveyor belt of the conveyor dishwasher.

[0012] Finally, there are further manual work steps in the discharge area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher, since the wash items previously manually inserted into the conveyor dishwasher in the inlet area (dirty side) must be removed again.

[0013] Based on this problem, the invention is based on the object of developing a conveyor dishwasher of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that it makes it possible to design the entire washing and rinsing process more efficiently, whereby in particular the working time of the dishwashing staff can be shortened and the resource consumption of the dishwasher can be reduced.

[0014] This object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1.

[0015] Accordingly, the invention proposes a conveyor dishwasher with a stacking system for automatically stacking upright trays in a tray stacking station in which the stacked trays are horizontally aligned. The stacking system has a slide surface inclined toward the tray stacking station and a guide with which trays, preferably positioned upright in the discharge area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher, can be transferred one after the other to the slide surface in a superimposed tilting and linear movement.

[0016] The stacking system is used in a conveyor dishwasher, preferably a commercial conveyor dishwasher, which has at least one wash zone and at least one final rinse zone, as well as a transport device for transporting wash ware through the at least one wash zone and the at least one final rinse zone. It is preferred if the transport device has a first conveyor belt for receiving trays or tray-like wash ware in an upright position. The stacking system is provided in the end region of the conveyor dishwasher on the machine outlet side in order to automatically stack the trays received by the first conveyor belt in an upright position in a tray stacking station, in which the stacked trays are aligned horizontally.

[0017] The provision of such a stacking system significantly reduces the workload for the operating personnel, particularly at the conveyor dishwasher's outlet. Trays, which are typically transported at high speed through the conveyor dishwasher's individual treatment zones and consequently arrive at the machine's outlet at a high rate, are automatically deposited in a corresponding tray stacking station, i.e., without manual intervention. The tray stacking station can, for example, be a trolley on which the stacked trays lie horizontally aligned one above the other.

[0018] The term “tray” used herein refers not only to trays in the true sense of the word, but also to tray-like items for washing, i.e. flat items for washing such as flat plates, etc.

[0019] According to the invention, the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher comprises, in addition to the first conveyor belt, at least one second conveyor belt running parallel thereto for other washware, such as pots, cutlery, or glasses. Preferably, the first conveyor belt has a reduced width compared to the second conveyor belt such that a tray or tray-like item can only be picked up by the first conveyor belt if it is in an upright position and oriented parallel to the transport direction.

[0020] The term “width of the conveyor belt” used herein refers to the horizontal extent of the conveyor belt transversely, i.e. perpendicular to the direction of transport.

[0021] Because the conveyor dishwasher according to the invention is provided with a separate conveyor belt (first conveyor belt) for trays or tray-like objects, into which trays or tray-like objects can be placed in an upright position and oriented parallel to the transport direction, it is possible to clean the trays or tray-like objects at the same time as other items to be washed, without there being a risk that the trays or tray-like objects will cast a spray shadow onto the items to be cleaned at the same time as the trays or tray-like objects.

[0022] Furthermore, the orientation of trays or tray-like items parallel to the direction of travel of the first and second conveyor belts ensures minimal use of the total conveyor area. This minimal use of space means that the second conveyor belt, which is intended for other wash items, remains usable with virtually no restrictions. Both glass baskets and GN containers can be placed on the second conveyor belt next to a tray placed on the first conveyor belt.

[0023] The arrangement of two conveyor belts thus shortens the entire washing and dishwashing process in a commercial dishwashing area and thus represents a reduction in the working time of the dishwashing staff and, on the other hand, a reduction in the resource consumption of the conveyor dishwasher.

[0024] In a preferred implementation of the solution according to the invention, the conveyor dishwasher of the type discussed above has a transport speed of the first conveyor belt that is higher than the transport speed of the second conveyor belt. This increase in transport speed enables each tray to be loaded without delay the moment all cutlery and crockery items have been removed from the tray. It is therefore possible for the trays, after any crockery and cutlery items present on the tray have been removed, not to be placed in a stack but to be loaded directly onto the first conveyor belt. This embodiment eliminates a second processing step for each tray.Automatic tray stacking at the machine outlet is also preferred for this machine configuration, since the parallel cleaning processes on both conveyor belts may overwhelm the operating personnel at the machine outlet with unloading the conveyor dishwasher.

[0025] The concept of providing a separate conveyor belt for specific types of washware can be expanded as desired, and various combinations of individual conveyor belts are possible. In a preferred implementation of the solution according to the invention, at least one further conveyor belt is used, running parallel to the first and second conveyor belts, wherein this further conveyor belt is preferably intended for cutlery items. It is preferred if the further conveyor belt intended for cutlery items runs directly next to the first conveyor belt and between the first and second conveyor belts. With this implementation, the operator of the conveyor dishwasher no longer needs to manually remove the set of cutlery from the respective tray at the machine inlet.Since the trays are placed upright for feeding and placing them on the first conveyor belt, the cutlery set automatically falls – driven by gravity – from the upright tray into the cutlery lane (another conveyor belt) and, after washing and drying, into a provided container. This completely eliminates the need to handle the cutlery.

[0026] Furthermore, special lanes can be provided for individual types of wash ware, such as plates and / or bowls, since automatic stacking systems for all of these types of wash ware are already familiar from semi-automatic and fully automatic technology. The increased level of automation provided by these special lanes, combined with automated stacking, saves working time on both the clean and dirty sides of the conveyor dishwasher. The wash process is thus more efficient and its overall time is reduced, saving both working time and resources.

[0027] With regard to the destacking system, which is used in the end area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher at the machine outlet side to stack upright trays that have previously been transported through the individual treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher in a tray stacking station, it is provided that the guide of the destacking system is assigned to a conveyor belt of the conveyor dishwasher, on which the trays or tray-like objects can be transported through the conveyor dishwasher in an upright state. The guide runs at least partially laterally offset from the conveyor belt and above the conveyor belt and, in the outlet area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher, is at least partially inclined relative to the horizontal in the direction of the conveyor belt plane.

[0028] The term “conveyor belt level” used herein refers to the horizontal level in which the conveyor belt runs, onto which the items to be cleaned in the conveyor dishwasher are placed in order to be transported through the individual treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher.

[0029] Because the guide in the stacking system is at least partially offset laterally from the conveyor belt and runs above the conveyor belt, this guide not only guides the upright wash items through the individual treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher, but also simultaneously supports the upright wash items. Since this guide is at least partially inclined relative to the horizontal in the direction of the conveyor belt plane in the discharge area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher, the support point defined by the guide moves in this area toward the conveyor belt plane, causing a tilting movement of the upright trays.

[0030] In a possible implementation of the last-mentioned embodiment of the stacking system according to the invention, the end of the guide, which is inclined at least partially relative to the horizontal in the direction of the conveyor belt plane in the discharge area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher, is located in front of the actual conveyor belt end, as seen in the direction of transport of the conveyor belt. This ensures, in a simple yet effective manner, that the upright trays in the discharge area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher can be transferred to the sliding surface in a superimposed tilting and linear movement.

[0031] The invention is described below with reference to the drawings using various embodiments as examples. Identical or functionally equivalent parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0032] The drawings show: Fig. 1 is a schematic longitudinal view of a conveyor dishwasher in which a stacking system according to the invention can be used in the machine outlet-side end region of the conveyor dishwasher in order to automatically stack upright trays or tray-like objects one after the other; Fig. 2a a plan view of a portion of a first exemplary embodiment of a transport device which is used in a conveyor dishwasher according to Fig. 1 can be used; Fig. 2b a cross-sectional view of the transport device according to Fig. 2a; Fig. 3a is a plan view of a portion of a second exemplary embodiment of a transport device which is used in a conveyor dishwasher according to Fig. 1 can be used; Fig. 3b a cross-sectional view of the transport device according to Fig. 3a; Fig. 4a is a plan view of a portion of a third exemplary embodiment of a transport device which is used in a conveyor dishwasher according to Fig. 1 can be used; Fig. 4b a cross-sectional view of the transport device according to Fig. 4a; Fig. 5 a perspective view of the discharge area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher according to Fig. 1 with a first exemplary embodiment of the stacking system according to the invention; Fig. 6 a side view of the discharge area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher according to Fig. 5; Fig. 7 a front view against the transport direction of the discharge area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher according to Fig. 5; Fig. 8 a plan view of the discharge area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher according to Fig. 5; Fig. 9 a perspective view of the discharge area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher according to Fig. 1 with a second exemplary embodiment of the stacking system according to the invention; Fig. 10 a side view of the discharge area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher according to Fig. 9; Fig. 11 a front view against the transport direction of the discharge area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher according to Fig. 9; and Fig. 12 a plan view of the discharge area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher according to Fig. 9.

[0033] In Fig. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal view of an exemplary embodiment of a conveyor dishwasher 1, in which a transport device 2 is used for transporting in Fig. 1 not shown wash ware in a transport direction T through the conveyor dishwasher 1. The Fig. The conveyor dishwasher 1 shown in Figure 1 is particularly suitable for a stacking system according to the present invention being provided in the outlet area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher 1 in order to automatically stack the washware transported by the conveyor dishwasher 1 with the aid of the transport device 2 in a tray stacking station. Exemplary embodiments of suitable stacking systems are described below with reference to the illustrations in the Fig. 5 to 12 described.

[0034] At the Fig. 1, it is conceivable that - as will be explained subsequently with reference to the illustrations in the Fig. 2 to 4 - the transport device 2 is designed for the simultaneous treatment (cleaning and drying) of several types of wash ware arranged one behind the other, in order to make the entire washing and rinsing process more efficient, whereby in particular the working time of the dishwashing staff can be shortened and the resource consumption of the dishwasher can be reduced.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 1 can be removed, the conveyor dishwasher 1 according to the exemplary embodiment has at least one washing zone, for example as in Fig. 1, a pre-wash zone 10 and two main wash zones 11.1, 11.2, which are arranged after the pre-wash zone 10 as seen in the transport direction T.

[0036] Viewed in the transport direction T, a final wash zone 12 is arranged after the at least one washing zone 10, 11.1, 11.2 and at least one final rinse zone, for example, as shown, only a single final rinse zone 13, is arranged after the final wash zone 12. The final rinse zone 13 is followed by Fig. 1, a drying zone 14 is provided in the transport direction T of the wash ware.

[0037] The respective zones 10, 11.1, 11.2, 12, 13, 14 of the conveyor dishwasher 1 can be separated from each other by dividing curtains 5. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the inlet tunnel 3 of the conveyor dishwasher 1 itself is also separated from the inlet 4 by a separating curtain 5. The provision of the separating curtains 5 prevents overspray of wash liquid and rinse aid liquid and the escape of vapors from the conveyor dishwasher 1.

[0038] Spray nozzles 30a, 30b, 31.1a, 31.1b, 31.2a, 31.2b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 33c are assigned to the aforementioned treatment zones 10, 11.1, 11.2, 12, 13 of the conveyor dishwasher 1. These spray nozzles 30a, 30b, 31.1a, 31.1b, 31.2a, 31.2b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 33c serve to spray liquid onto the items to be treated as they are transported by the conveyor device 2 through the respective treatment zones 10, 11.1, 11.2, 12, 13. The individual spray systems of treatment zones 10, 11.1, 11.2, 12, 13 ensure that the items to be treated are sprayed from both the top and bottom.

[0039] At the Fig. However, in the conveyor dishwasher 1 schematically illustrated in Figure 1, the final rinse zone 13 not only has downward-directed upper final rinse nozzles 33a and upward-directed lower final rinse nozzles 33b, but also transversely directed lateral final rinse nozzles 33c on each side of the conveyor device 2. The use of lateral final rinse nozzles 33c enables targeted spraying of the washware surfaces (dish surfaces) with final rinse liquid, even in shadow areas. Especially with a fully loaded conveyor system, for example when the dish carrier is loaded plate to plate, the use of lateral final rinse nozzles 33c in the final rinse zone 13 has a clear advantage with regard to the final rinse result (effective rinsing of detergent residues on dish surfaces, even in shadow areas) compared to systems in which only upper and lower final rinse zones 33a, 33b and no transversely directed lateral final rinse nozzles 33c are provided in the final rinse zone 13.

[0040] The post-wash or pre-wash zone 12, main wash zones 11.1, 11.2 and pre-wash zone 10 are further assigned tanks (post-wash tank 22, main wash tanks 21.1, 21.2, pre-wash tank 20) ​​for receiving sprayed liquid and / or for providing liquid for the spray nozzles 30a, 30b, 31.1a, 31.1b, 31.2a, 31.2b, 32a, 32b of the respective treatment zones 10, 11.1, 11.2, 12.

[0041] As already indicated, the Fig. In the conveyor dishwasher 1 shown in FIG. 1, final rinse liquid, which consists of fresh water with added rinse aid, is sprayed onto the wash ware (not shown) via the final rinse nozzles 33a, 33b, 33c arranged above and below the conveyor device 2 and to the side. Part of the sprayed final rinse liquid is transported from treatment zone to treatment zone via a cascade system, counter to the transport direction T of the ware. The remaining part of the final rinse liquid sprayed in the final rinse zone 13 is directed via a valve V1 and a bypass line 6 directly into the prewash tank 20 assigned to the prewash zone 10.

[0042] In the cascade system, the rinse liquid sprayed by the rinse nozzles 33a, 33b, 33c flows by gravity from the rinse zone 13 into the rewash tank 22 assigned to the post-wash zone 12. The rinse liquid collected by the post-wash tank 22 and sprayed in the rinse zone 13 is then conveyed to the spray nozzles of the post-wash zone 12 (upper and lower post-wash nozzles 32a, 32b) by means of a post-wash pump 36.

[0043] In the post-wash zone 12, washing liquid is rinsed off the washware. The resulting liquid (post-wash liquid) flows by gravity into the main wash tank 21.1 assigned to the first main wash zone 11.1. Preferably, a drain element 7, for example a drain base or a guide plate, is provided for this purpose, which directs the post-wash liquid sprayed by the post-wash nozzles 32a, 32b into the main wash tank 21.1. According to another embodiment of the conveyor dishwasher 1 (not shown), the drain element 7 can be omitted if the main wash tank 21.1 extends below the post-wash nozzles 32a, 32b of the post-wash zone 12.

[0044] The liquid collected by the main wash tank 21.1 of the first main wash zone 11.1 is typically treated with a detergent and sprayed onto the washware by a first main wash pump 35.1 via the spray nozzles of the first main wash zone 11.1 (upper and lower main wash nozzles 31.1a, 31.1b). The wash liquid sprayed by the main wash nozzles 31.1a, 31.1b then flows back into the main wash tank 21.1 by gravity.

[0045] The main wash tank 21.1 is fluidly connected to the main wash tank 21.2 assigned to the second main wash zone 11.2 via an overflow line 9.1. The wash liquid sprayed in the first main wash zone 11.1 flows via this overflow line 9.1 into the main wash tank 21.2 of the second main wash zone 11.2 when a sufficient amount of wash liquid has been absorbed in the main wash tank 21.1 of the first main wash zone 11.1.

[0046] The liquid collected by the main wash tank 21.2 of the second main wash zone 11.2 is sprayed onto the washware by a second main wash pump 35.2 via the spray nozzles of the second main wash zone 11.2 (upper and lower main wash nozzles 31.2a, 31.2b). The wash liquid sprayed by the main wash nozzles 31.2a, 31.2b then flows back into the main wash tank 21.2 of the second main wash zone 11.2 by gravity.

[0047] The main wash tank 21.2 of the second main wash zone 11.2 is fluidly connected to the pre-wash tank 20 assigned to the pre-wash zone 10 via an overflow line 9.2. The wash liquid sprayed in the second main wash zone 11.2 flows into the pre-wash tank 20 via this overflow line 9.2 when a sufficient amount of wash liquid has been absorbed in the main wash tank 21.2 of the second main wash zone 11.2.

[0048] The liquid collected in the pre-wash tank 20 of the pre-wash zone 10 is then sprayed onto the washware by a pre-wash pump 34 via the spray nozzles of the pre-wash zone 10 (upper and lower pre-wash nozzles 30a, 30b) to remove coarse contaminants from the washware. The wash liquid sprayed by the pre-wash nozzles 30a, 30b then flows back into the pre-wash tank 20 by gravity.

[0049] The pre-wash tank 20 is provided with an overflow line 8, which serves to feed the excess amount of liquid to a wastewater network when a certain liquid level in the pre-wash tank 20 is exceeded.

[0050] As already indicated, the liquid sprayed in the main washing zones 11.1, 11.2 and in the pre-wash zone 10 preferably contains detergent, which is added, for example, to the liquid held in the main washing tank 21.1 of the first main washing zone 11.1 by means of a detergent dosing device (not shown in the drawings).

[0051] As already mentioned, the final rinse zone 13 is followed in the transport direction T by the drying zone 14. In the drying zone 14, the dishes are dried with dry, heated air to blow off or dry off the moisture present on the dishes. To keep the humidity content of the air within a range favorable for drying, it is conceivable, for example, to supply room air from outside to the drying zone 14 via an opening, such as the outlet opening for the dishes.

[0052] The warm and humid air in the drying zone 14 is then extracted from the drying zone 14 through another opening, for example, with the aid of a fan 15. It is advantageous if the exhaust air stream from the drying zone 14 passes through a heat recovery device 16, which may include, for example, a condenser. The heat recovery device 16 serves to recover at least part of the thermal energy contained in the exhaust air. This recovered thermal energy can be used, for example, to heat the liquid to be sprayed in the final rinse zone 13.

[0053] If, before the conveyor dishwasher 1 is started for the first time, the tanks assigned to the treatment zones 10, 11.1, 11.2, 12 (pre-wash tank 20, main wash tanks 21.1, 21.2, post-wash tank 22) are empty or insufficiently filled, they must first be filled via a fresh water line 18 and / or by spraying rinse aid in the rinse zone 13. The fresh water line 18 can be connected to a fresh water supply network via a controllable valve V3. The amount of washing liquid available in the main washing zones 11.1, 11.2 and in the pre-wash zone 10 can be monitored by means of a level sensor provided in the main washing tank 21.1, 21.2 of the first and / or second main washing zone 11.1, 11.2 or by means of a level sensor provided in the pre-wash tank 20 and reported to a control device 40.

[0054] The rinse zone 13 can - as in Fig. 1, a fresh water tank 23 may be assigned for temporarily storing at least a portion of the fresh water intended for the final rinse. The fresh water tank 23 is provided with a fresh water connection, which can be connected to a fresh water supply network via a controllable fresh water supply valve V2. The fresh water tank 23 is also connected to the suction side of a final rinse pump 37.

[0055] The pressure side of the rinse pump 37 is connected to the upstream end region 47 of a main line system 44, through which, when the rinse pump 37 is actuated, fresh water is pumped from the fresh water tank 23 to the rinse nozzles 33a, 33b, 33c. Specifically, the main line system 44 connects the pressure side of the rinse pump 37 to a water heater 17 (boiler). The main line system 44 is designed such that the liquid supplied by the rinse pump 37 to the rinse nozzles 33a, 33b, 33c first passes through the heat recovery device 16 before reaching the water heater 17. In this way, it is possible to use at least part of the thermal energy of the exhaust air discharged from the drying zone 14 to heat the liquid supplied to the spray nozzles 33a, 33b, 33c via the main line system 44.

[0056] Different embodiments of transport devices 2 for transporting wash ware through the Fig. 1 schematically illustrated conveyor dishwasher 1 are described below with reference to the illustrations in the Fig. 2a to 4b.

[0057] In detail, the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b schematically shows a region of a first exemplary embodiment of a transport device 2 which is designed for use in a conveyor dishwasher 1 according to the illustration in Fig. 1 is suitable. In this case, Fig. 2a shows a plan view of the machine outlet side area of ​​the transport device 2, while in Fig. 2b shows the corresponding cross-sectional view.

[0058] Accordingly, the Fig. 2a and Fig. The transport device 2 shown in Figure 2b has a first conveyor belt 50 for trays or tray-like items to be washed 100 and a second conveyor belt 51 running parallel to the first conveyor belt 50 for other items to be washed, in particular plates 101, bowls 102 and / or cutlery 103. The first conveyor belt 50 is designed to be relatively narrow compared to the second conveyor belt 51, so that a tray or tray-like item to be washed 100 can only be picked up by the first conveyor belt 50 in an upright state and oriented parallel to the transport direction T. The orientation of the items to be washed 100 picked up by the first conveyor belt 50 parallel to the running direction of the first conveyor belt 50 requires minimal use of the total belt area.In other words, the first conveyor belt 50 has a width reduced to such an extent that only a minimal area of ​​the total belt area is occupied by the first conveyor belt 50, which precisely allows the placement of trays or tray-like items 100 to be washed when these items 100 are in an upright position and oriented parallel to the transport direction T.

[0059] This allows the second conveyor belt 51 to continue to have a sufficient width to remain usable with virtually no restrictions for transporting other washware, in particular plates 101, bowls 102, and / or cutlery 103, through the individual treatment zones of the conveyor-type dishwasher 1. Thus, glass baskets or GN containers, for example, can still be placed on the second conveyor belt 51 alongside the tray or tray-like washware 100 held on the first conveyor belt 50.

[0060] Just as an example, the Fig. 2a and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2b, a tray 100 and two plates 101 are arranged side by side, with the tray 100 placed on the first conveyor belt 50 of the transport device 2 and the plates 101 placed on the second conveyor belt 51 of the transport device 2. In this embodiment, the plates 101 are held on the second conveyor belt 51 by means of compartments, these compartments being formed by support fingers 63 provided on the second conveyor belt 51.

[0061] As already indicated, the second conveyor belt 51—despite the provision of a first conveyor belt 50 running parallel to the second conveyor belt 51—has a sufficient width to accommodate conventional glass baskets, etc. This is achieved without the conveyor dishwasher 1 having to have a wider overall conveyor device 2.

[0062] The inventive solution thus makes it possible to simultaneously clean both trays or tray-like washware 100 and other washware, in particular plates 101, bowls 102, and / or cutlery 103. This allows parallel cleaning processes to be implemented on both conveyor belts 50, 51, which ultimately shortens the entire washing and dishwashing process in a commercial dishwashing area. This, in turn, shortens the working time of the dishwashing staff and leads to a reduction in the resource consumption of the conveyor dishwasher 1.

[0063] As is particularly evident in the presentation in Fig. 2b, in the exemplary embodiment of the transport device 2, the first conveyor belt 50 is designed to receive trays or tray-like items to be washed 100, said items being supported on the first conveyor belt surface via an edge region 100'. To securely hold the tray-like items to be washed 100 received on the first conveyor belt 50 and placed upright, it is particularly advantageous if a guide is provided associated with the first conveyor belt 50. This guide preferably serves not only to hold the items to be washed 100 on the first conveyor belt 50, but also to guide the items to be washed 100 received on the first conveyor belt 50 when they are transported through the respective treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher 1.

[0064] In the Fig. 2a and Fig. In the embodiment of the transport device 2 shown in Figure 2b, such a guide is realized in the form of a lower guide groove on the one hand and in the form of an upper guide rail on the other hand. In particular, the illustration in Fig. 2b shows that a guide groove 60 is formed in the first conveyor belt 50 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the first conveyor belt 50 to guide and hold the tray-like wash ware 100 held on the first conveyor belt 50. This guide groove 60 serves to receive an edge region 100' of a tray or tray-like wash ware 100 placed on the first conveyor belt 50.

[0065] In addition to the (lower) guide groove 60, the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b, an upper guide element 61 is used, which is opposite the first conveyor belt 50 and is implemented here as a guide rail. As shown in Fig. 2b, this guide element 61 is designed to receive a portion 100" of a tray or tray-like item of washware 100 placed on the first conveyor belt 50 and to guide the item of washware 100 during transport through the individual treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher 1. It is evident that by providing the lower guide groove 60 and the upper guide element 61, the item of washware 100 placed upright on the first conveyor belt is securely held on the first conveyor belt 50.

[0066] As the presentation in Fig. 2b, the upper guide element 61 is preferably designed to receive a region 100" of the tray or tray-like item 100 placed on the first conveyor belt 50, which region is opposite the edge region 100' over which the tray or tray-like item 100 is supported on the first conveyor belt 50.

[0067] In order to ensure that trays or tray-like items to be washed with different dimensions can be accommodated on the first conveyor belt 50, it is advantageous if the upper guide element 61 is adjustable in the vertical direction. In this way, the upper guide element 61 can be easily adapted to the height of a tray or tray-like item to be washed 100, which is to be accommodated by the first conveyor belt 50 and placed upright, in a manner that is easy to implement. Accordingly, the first conveyor belt 50 is suitable, on the one hand, for accommodating trays 100 that are supported on the first conveyor belt 50 via their longitudinal side edge, and, on the other hand, for accommodating trays 100 that are supported on the first conveyor belt 50 via their transverse side edge. The first conveyor belt 50 can thus be used flexibly for a variety of applications.

[0068] In particular, the representation in Fig. 2b shows that in the exemplary embodiment of the transport device 2 shown schematically there, a belt guide 62 is provided which is associated with the first conveyor belt 50. Such a belt guide 62 is particularly advantageous when - as in the case of the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b—the first conveyor belt 50 is designed as an endless drive belt. By providing such a belt guide 62, it can be ensured in a simple yet effective manner that the first conveyor belt 50 always runs parallel to the second conveyor belt 51. Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for the first conveyor belt 50 to be designed as a flat, V-belt, toothed, or round belt in order to provide additional guidance for the first conveyor belt 50.

[0069] As it is in Fig. As indicated in Figure 2b, the belt guide 62 associated with the first conveyor belt 50 can be attached, for example, to belt rod axes 55 of the second conveyor belt 51, thereby achieving a compact design of the transport device 2. Of course, other embodiments for attaching the belt guide 62 are also possible.

[0070] As already explained, the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b, a guide groove 60 is provided in the first conveyor belt 50 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the first conveyor belt 50, in which an edge region 100' of a tray or tray-like item 100 to be washed placed on the first conveyor belt 50 can be received in order to guide the item 100 placed upright on the first conveyor belt 50 during transport through the respective treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher 1. Instead of such a guide groove 60, it is also conceivable if the belt guide 62 is used to guide not only the first conveyor belt 50, but also the item 100 to be washed placed on the first conveyor belt 50 during transport through the respective treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher 1. If - as in Fig. 2b - the belt guide 62 is designed as a vertically oriented guide surface, this vertically oriented guide surface can simultaneously also serve as a stop surface for an edge region 100' of a tray or tray-like item to be washed 100 that is picked up and placed upright on the first conveyor belt 50. Although not shown in the drawings, it is thus conceivable that the edge region 100' of the tray or tray-like item to be washed 100 that is picked up and placed upright on the first conveyor belt 50 is supported on the vertically oriented guide surface of the belt guide 62, which enables the item to be washed 100 picked up on the first conveyor belt 50 to be guided through the respective treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher 1.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the upper guide element 61 is designed as a guide rail. This guide rail preferably extends such that, at the outlet of the conveyor dishwasher 1, i.e., behind the at least one final rinse zone 13 as viewed in the transport direction T, a tray or tray-like item 100 held on the first conveyor belt 50 is transferred from its upright state to its horizontally oriented normal state and then stacked. In this embodiment, the tray or tray-like item 100 originally held on the first conveyor belt 50 is thus automatically stacked at the machine outlet, which enables a further reduction in the number of operating personnel at the machine outlet.

[0072] In principle, it is preferred if the first conveyor belt 50, which is intended for transporting trays or tray-like washware 100, has a higher transport speed than the second conveyor belt 51, which is intended for other washware. Increasing the transport speed enables the trays or tray-like washware 100 to be loaded without delay the moment all cutlery and crockery items have been removed from the tray. Thus, after the crockery and cutlery items have been removed, the trays 100 are not placed in a stack but are loaded directly onto the first conveyor belt 50. This eliminates a second work step for each tray 100.

[0073] In a preferred implementation of the latter embodiment, a common drive device is provided for the first and second conveyor belts 50, 51, via which the first and second conveyor belts 50, 51 are jointly driven. By providing a common drive device, the overall structure of the conveyor dishwasher is simplified.

[0074] In order to be able to effect different transport speeds with a common drive device for the first and second conveyor belts 50, 51, it is conceivable that the first conveyor belt 50 is connected to the common drive device via a first drive shaft assigned to the first conveyor belt 50 and a first gear device assigned to the first conveyor belt 50, while the second conveyor belt 51 is connected to the common drive device via a second drive shaft assigned to the second conveyor belt 51 and a second gear device assigned to the second conveyor belt 51.Preferably, the respective transmission ratio of the first and the second transmission device is selected such that the transport speed at which a wash item 100 picked up by the first conveyor belt 50 is transported through the respective treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher 1 is higher than the transport speed at which a wash item 101, 102, 103 picked up by the second conveyor belt 51 is transported through the respective treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher 1.

[0075] Alternatively, it is of course also possible to provide an associated drive device for each conveyor belt 50, 51 to drive the corresponding conveyor belt 50, 51 in such a way that items to be washed picked up by the respective conveyor belt 50, 51 are transported through the respective treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher 1 at a transport speed that is individually set or adjustable for the respective conveyor belt 50, 51.

[0076] The following is based on the illustrations in the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b, a further embodiment of the solution according to the invention is described. In detail, these figures schematically show the machine outlet side area of ​​a second exemplary embodiment of a transport device 2, which is designed for use in a conveyor dishwasher 1 according to the illustration in Fig. 1 is suitable.

[0077] The Fig. 3a and Fig. The embodiment of the transport device 2 shown in Figure 3b differs from the one previously described with reference to the illustrations in the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b is that in addition to the first and second conveyor belts 50, 51, a further conveyor belt 52 is provided. This further conveyor belt 52 runs in the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b, parallel to the first and second conveyor belts 50, 51 and serves to receive cutlery or cutlery-like items to be washed 103. It is preferably provided that the further conveyor belt 52 runs directly next to the first conveyor belt 50 and between the first and second conveyor belts 50, 51.

[0078] Like the first conveyor belt 50, the additional conveyor belt 52 has a reduced width compared to the overall belt area, and in particular compared to the width of the second conveyor belt 51, in order to ensure minimal use of the overall belt area. In other words, despite the provision of the first conveyor belt 50 and the additional conveyor belt 52, the second conveyor belt 51 is still suitable for receiving, for example, glass baskets or two items of dishware arranged side by side, such as a plate 101 and a bowl 102.

[0079] Nevertheless, it is preferred if the cutlery 103 picked up by the additional conveyor belt 52 falls into a container provided at the machine outlet after passing through the conveyor dishwasher 1, which enables a further reduction in the number of operating personnel at the machine outlet. In particular, this embodiment makes it possible to completely eliminate the need for handles for the cutlery both at the machine inlet (dirty side of the conveyor dishwasher 1) and at the machine outlet (clean side of the conveyor dishwasher 1).

[0080] The concept of multiple parallel conveyor belts can be expanded almost infinitely in this sense, allowing for various combinations of conveyor belts specifically designed for specific types of washware. In addition to the previously described solutions, in which up to three parallel conveyor belts 50, 51, 52 are provided, it is particularly conceivable to provide special transport lanes for plates 101 and trays 102, since automatic stacking systems for these types of washware are already known from semi-automatic and fully automatic technology.

[0081] With a view to a conveyor dishwasher 1 operating as efficiently as possible, it is therefore advantageous if, in addition to the first conveyor belt 50, which is specially designed to receive trays or tray-like items to be washed 100, and in addition to the further conveyor belt 52, which is specially designed to receive cutlery 103, further conveyor belts or conveyor belt tracks designed with respect to a specific type of items to be washed are provided.

[0082] In this context, reference is made to the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b. The transport device 2 partially shown in these figures corresponds essentially to the embodiment described above with reference to the illustration in the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b, but now the second conveyor belt 51 has been divided into a transport lane for the type of washware "plates" and another transport lane for the type of washware "bowls". In other words, in the Fig. 4a and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4b, the second conveyor belt 51 is divided into two parallel conveyor belts 51a, 51b. Although not shown in the drawings, each conveyor belt 51a, 51b is provided with an automatic stacking and destacking device at the machine inlet (dirty side of the conveyor dishwasher 1) and / or at the machine outlet (clean side of the conveyor dishwasher 1) for stacking and destacking plates 101 onto the conveyor belt 51a and for stacking and destacking trays 102 onto the conveyor belt 51b.

[0083] By dividing the second conveyor belt 51 into special lanes and by automating stacking and destacking, the degree of automation of the conveyor dishwasher 1 is increased, allowing labor time to be saved on both the clean and dirty sides of the conveyor dishwasher 1. The washing process thus runs more efficiently and its overall time is reduced, allowing resources to be saved in addition to labor time.

[0084] It is conceivable that a common drive device is provided for the second conveyor belt 51 and the at least one further conveyor belt 52, or for the conveyor belt 51 divided into two conveyor belts 51a, 51b and the at least one further conveyor belt 52, via which the corresponding conveyor belts 51, 51a, 51b, 52 are jointly driven. Preferably, the transport speed of each conveyor belt 50, 51, 51a, 51b, 52 can be individually adjusted.

[0085] The representation in Fig. 4b shows that the respective upper sides of the conveyor belts 50, 51a, 51b, and 52 of the transport device 2 lie in a common horizontal plane. This allows items to be picked up across multiple conveyor belts 50, 51a, 51b, and 52, i.e., by multiple conveyor belts 50, 51a, 51b, and 52 simultaneously.

[0086] The following are based on the illustrations in the Fig. 5 to 12 exemplary embodiments of the stacking system 70 according to the invention are described.

[0087] As already explained, the stacking system 70 is particularly suitable for conveyor dishwashers 1 of the type described above, in order to stack upright trays 100 in a tray stacking station 80 in the discharge area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher 1. In the Fig. In the exemplary embodiments of the stacking system 70 according to the invention shown in FIGS. 5 to 12, the tray stacking station 80 is designed in the form of a trolley configured to receive the trays 100 cleaned in the conveyor dishwasher 1 in a stacked state. Of course, other embodiments are also possible as the tray stacking station 80.

[0088] In the Fig. In the first exemplary embodiment of the stacking system 70 according to the invention shown in Figures 5 to 8, the tray stacking station 80, designed in the form of a trolley, is arranged laterally of the conveyor dishwasher 1 in the outlet area. Alternatively, and as shown in Figures Fig. 9 to 12, the stacking system 70 can, however, also be designed such that the trays 100 are stacked in a tray stacking station 80 provided at the front end of the conveyor dishwasher 1.

[0089] As already explained, the stacking system 70 according to the invention is particularly suitable for conveyor dishwashers 1 whose transport device 2 has a separate (first) conveyor belt 50, which is designed to receive trays or tray-like objects 100 in an upright state and to transport them through the individual treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher 1. In addition to this first conveyor belt 50 for upright trays or upright tray-like objects 100, the transport device 2 of the conveyor dishwasher 1 preferably has at least one further (second) conveyor belt 51, running parallel to the first conveyor belt 50, for other wash ware. As can be seen in particular from the illustrations in the Fig. 8 and Fig. 12 can be removed, it is provided that the first conveyor belt 50 has a reduced width compared to the second conveyor belt 51 such that a tray or tray-like item to be washed 100 can only be picked up by the first conveyor belt 50 if it is in an upright state and oriented parallel to the transport direction T.

[0090] The perspective representations in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 9 that the tray 100 picked up by the first conveyor belt 50 is supported by the conveyor belt 50 via its lower edge or its lower rim. At the same time, a guide 72 is provided in the outlet area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher 1, which guides the upright tray 100 during its transport in the transport direction T. The guide 72 runs, in particular, at least in some areas laterally offset from the first conveyor belt 50 and above the first conveyor belt 50, so that the guide 72 not only has a guiding function, but also a supporting function, since the guide 72 accordingly supports the tray 100 placed upright on the first conveyor belt 50.

[0091] Although it cannot be explicitly seen from the drawings, it is conceivable and preferred if the guide 72 is not only provided in the outlet area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher 1, but extends through the entire treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher 1 in order to support and guide the uprightly placed wash ware 100 accordingly during its transport through the individual treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher 1.

[0092] As can be seen particularly from the depictions in the Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 can be removed, the guide 72 in the outlet area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher 1 is inclined at least in some areas relative to the horizontal in the direction of the conveyor belt plane. In detail, in this area the guide 72 no longer runs in a horizontal plane that runs parallel to the conveyor belt plane, but rather diagonally towards the conveyor belt plane. This has the result that a tray 100, which is transported with the aid of the first conveyor belt 50 in the transport direction T along the guide 72, is tilted in the inclined area of ​​the guide 72, while the tray 100 is simultaneously moved further in the transport direction T by the first conveyor belt 50. The tilting movement occurs because in the inclined area of ​​the guide 72 the support provided by the guide 72 is shifted further towards the conveyor belt.As a result, the upright tray 100 is tilted toward its horizontally oriented state after a predictable sequence of events.

[0093] In the Fig. In the embodiment of the stacking system 70 according to the invention shown in Figures 5 to 8, the end of the guide 72 is located in front of the conveyor belt end, as seen in the transport direction T of the first conveyor belt 50. Therefore, the trays 100 transported by the first conveyor belt 50 are already in a horizontally aligned state before the conveyor belt end.

[0094] In the Fig. 5 to 8, a sliding surface 71 is also used. This sliding surface 71 is - as is particularly evident from the illustration in Fig. 5 can be removed - arranged laterally offset from the first conveyor belt 50 and inclined away from the first conveyor belt 50. In this way, the trays 100, previously transferred into their horizontally aligned state with the aid of the inclined region of the guide 72, are fed via the sliding surface 72 to the tray stacking station 80 provided laterally to the first conveyor belt 50.

[0095] Alternatively, and as is the case, for example, with the representation in Fig.9, however, it is also conceivable for the sliding surface 71 to be arranged behind the machine outlet-side end of the first conveyor belt 50, as seen in the transport direction T of the first conveyor belt 50. In this embodiment, the tray stacking station 80 can be arranged behind the machine outlet-side end of the conveyor belt 50. Therefore, the stacking system 70 according to the second exemplary embodiment can preferably be used in conveyor dishwashers 1 with wall installation.

[0096] It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments previously presented with reference to the drawings, but results from a synopsis of all individual features disclosed herein.

Claims

[1] Conveyor dishwasher (1), in particular a commercial conveyor dishwasher, with at least one washing zone (10, 11.1, 11.2, 12) and at least one final rinse zone (13) and with a transport device (2) for transporting wash ware (100, 101, 102, 103) through the at least one washing zone (10, 11.1, 11.2, 12) and the at least one final rinse zone (13), wherein the transport device (2) has a first conveyor belt (50) for receiving trays or tray-like wash ware (100) in an upright state, characterized by , that in the end region of the conveyor dishwasher (1) on the machine outlet side, a stacking system (70) is provided for automatically stacking the trays (100) picked up by the first conveyor belt (50) in the upright state in a tray stacking station (80) in which the stacked trays (100) are aligned horizontally, wherein the stacking system (70) has a guide (72), wherein the guide (72) runs at least partially laterally offset from the conveyor belt (50) and above the conveyor belt (50), and wherein the guide (72) in the outlet region of the conveyor dishwasher (1) is at least partially inclined relative to the horizontal in the direction of the conveyor belt plane for transferring upright trays (100) in the outlet region of the conveyor dishwasher (1) one after the other in a superimposed tilting and linear movement, so that the trays (100) are then each in a horizontally aligned state; wherein the transport device (2) has, in addition to the first transport belt (50), at least one second transport belt (51) running parallel thereto for other items to be washed (101, 102, 103), and wherein the first transport belt (50) has a reduced width compared to the second transport belt (51) such that a tray or tray-like items to be washed (100) can only be picked up by the first transport belt (50) if it is in an upright state and oriented parallel to the transport direction (T). [2] Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, wherein the tray or tray-like item to be washed (100) to be picked up by the first conveyor belt (50) has a peripheral rim or a peripheral edge, and wherein the first conveyor belt (50) is designed to pick up the tray or tray-like item to be washed (100) supported on the first conveyor belt (50) via an edge region (100'). [3] Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide (72) of the stacking system (70) is assigned to the first conveyor belt (50) and is designed to guide the trays (100) picked up by the first conveyor belt (50) during transport through the at least one washing zone (10, 11.1, 11.2, 12) and the at least one final rinse zone (13) of the conveyor dishwasher (1). [4] Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a belt guide (62) associated with the first conveyor belt (50) is provided for receiving a marginal or edge region (100') of a tray or tray-like item to be washed (100) placed on the first conveyor belt (50). [5] Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first conveyor belt (50) is designed as an endless drive belt and in particular as a flat, V-belt, toothed or round belt. [6] Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one further conveyor belt (52) running parallel to the first and second conveyor belt (50, 51) is provided, in particular a further conveyor belt (52) for cutlery (103), which preferably runs directly next to the first conveyor belt (50) and between the first and second conveyor belt (50, 51). [7] Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the end of the guide (72) is located in front of the conveyor belt end when viewed in the transport direction (T) of the conveyor belt (50). [8] Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bevelled region of the guide (72) extends in the transport direction (T) of the conveyor belt (50) until the guide (72) intersects the conveyor belt plane. [9] Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the region of the guide (72) inclined relative to the horizontal in the direction of the conveyor belt plane ends before the guide (72) intersects the conveyor belt plane. [10] Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the stacking system (70) further comprises a sliding surface (71) inclined in the direction of the tray stacking station (80), and wherein the guide (72) in the outlet region of the conveyor dishwasher (1) is designed such that the upright trays (100) in the outlet region of the conveyor dishwasher (1) are transferred one after the other to the sliding surface (71) in a superimposed tilting and linear movement. [11] Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to claim 10, wherein the sliding surface (71) is located at least partially behind the machine outlet-side end of the guide (72) as seen in the transport direction (T) of the conveyor belt (50). [12] Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the sliding surface (71) is arranged laterally offset from the conveyor belt (50) and is inclined away from the conveyor belt (50). [13] Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the sliding surface (71) is arranged behind the machine outlet-side end of the conveyor belt (50) as seen in the transport direction (T) of the conveyor belt (50).

Images