DISHWASHER, ESPECIALLY IN THE FORM OF A COUNTER MODULE FOR A COUNTER SYSTEM

Abstract

A dishwasher (1) for cleaning items (2) in the form of drinking vessels, in particular drinking cups, mugs, glasses or bottles, wherein the dishwasher is preferably designed as a counter module of a counter system and has at least one and preferably exactly one treatment zone (3) with an associated loading area (4) and an associated unloading area (5). The item to be cleaned can preferably be manually loaded into the treatment zone via the loading area and the cleaned item can preferably be manually unloaded from the treatment zone (3) via the unloading area. The loading area and the unloading area are arranged opposite each other with the treatment zone interposed.In the treatment zone, at least one holder (15) is provided for the purpose of fixing and / or positioning the part of the dishwashing item placed on a support surface (20) in the treatment zone, in a manner that is particularly removable.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a novel counter concept which is designed to optimally prepare and sell food in both economic and ecological terms.

[0002] US Patent 3,940,944 A describes an automatic glasswasher with a cooling unit that pre-washes, immerses, hot- and cold-rinses, and cools cocktail glasses, including beer glasses and mugs, on a rotating Ferris wheel-type conveyor mechanism. The dirty glasses are moved through a wash, rinse, and cool cycle in a compact cabinet design for use in bars or at counters.

[0003] Document WO 2009 / 011524 A relates to a cup washing system with a main body having a cup inlet opening and a cup outlet opening, a guide part for guiding a cup inserted into the inlet opening, which is dropped downwards in a horizontal position, a washing part for washing the cup dropped by the guide part using ultrasonic waves, a rinsing part for injecting wash water into the inside and outside of the cup conveyed by the washing part in order to rinse the cup, and a dispensing part for forcibly ejecting the cup rinsed in the rinsing part through the dispensing opening.

[0004] The publication DE 200 17 158 U1 relates to a device with which containers, in particular reusable drinking vessels, can be cleaned.

[0005] The publication DE 10 2007 005 106 B3 relates to a beverage preparation device with an integrated cleaning device for reusable beverage containers, wherein the cleaning device has a cleaning chamber for receiving containers, and wherein the beverage preparation device and the cleaning device have a common water supply and / or power supply.

[0006] German patent application DE 19 644 438 A1 relates to a continuous dishwashing device for cleaning dishes and / or trays, wherein the continuous dishwashing device comprises a cleaning zone with outlet nozzles for cleaning solution and a cleaning tank, as well as a rinsing zone with outlet nozzles for rinse aid and a pumped rinse tank. At least one pre-rinse nozzle, which can be supplied with rinse aid, is arranged between the outlet nozzles for cleaning solution and the outlet nozzles for rinse aid. The pre-rinse nozzle and the cleaning tank are arranged such that the rinse aid is fed from the pre-rinse nozzle to the cleaning tank (44).

[0007] The present invention relates in particular to a novel counter system for the dispensing of foodstuffs, especially those that are at least partially unpackaged. Counter systems of the type considered herein are counter systems for presenting, preparing and / or selling foodstuffs, especially those that are at least partially unpackaged.

[0008] According to another aspect, the present invention relates generally to the field of commercial dishwashing and in particular to dishwashers according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0009] Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to a dishwasher for cleaning items in the form of drinking vessels, especially drinking cups, mugs, glasses, or bottles, wherein the dishwasher is particularly designed as a counter module of a counter system and has at least one, and preferably exactly one, treatment zone with a placement area and a removal area associated with the treatment zone. The item to be cleaned is preferably manually placed into the treatment zone via the placement area, and the cleaned item is preferably manually removed from the treatment zone via the removal area. In the dishwasher, it is particularly provided that the placement area and the removal area are arranged opposite each other, with the treatment zone interposed.

[0010] The dishwasher's loading area refers specifically to the soiled-side loading area, which is designed so that the item to be cleaned in the dishwasher's at least one treatment zone can be manually placed there. Conversely, the dishwasher's unloading area refers specifically to the clean-side discharge area, which is designed to discharge the cleaned items from the dishwasher's at least one treatment zone so that they can then be manually removed.

[0011] The dishwasher according to the invention further comprises in particular a washing and / or rinsing system with at least one washing and / or rinsing pump and with washing and / or rinsing nozzles, via which cleaning fluid, in particular washing and / or rinsing fluid, can be sprayed onto the item(s) to be cleaned in the at least one treatment zone of the dishwasher.

[0012] Dishwashers of the aforementioned type are already well-known, particularly in commercial dishwashing. These are primarily conveyor dishwashers, meaning dishwashers with a transport system for moving the items to be cleaned through at least one treatment zone of the dishwasher. Such conveyor dishwashers are typically used in commercial settings. Unlike household dishwashers, where the items to be cleaned remain stationary during the cleaning process, these conveyor dishwashers transport the items through various treatment zones of the machine.

[0013] Such a conveyor dishwasher is known, for example, from the aforementioned publication DE 19 644 438 A1. Viewed in the direction of transport of the items being washed, the conveyor dishwasher has, successively, a pre-cleaning zone with pre-cleaning nozzles for removing coarse soiling from the items, at least one wash zone with wash nozzles for spraying washing fluid onto the items, a pre-rinse zone with pre-rinse nozzles, and a fresh water rinse zone with rinse nozzles. The rinse nozzles spray rinse fluid, in particular fresh water, onto the items being washed. The sprayed rinse fluid enters a pre-rinse tank, from which it is pumped to the pre-rinse nozzles. The pre-rinse fluid sprayed by the pre-rinse nozzles flows back into the pre-rinse tank.A portion of the pre-rinse fluid sprayed by the pre-rinse nozzles is directed, for example, via a deflector plate or a bypass line into the wash tank of at least one wash zone. Through a fluid cascade system, fluid can thus flow from the pre-rinse tank into the wash tank, and from there onward to a tank that collects the fluid sprayed by the pre-cleaning nozzles in the pre-cleaning zone, against the direction of the wash material transport.

[0014] Because conveyor dishwashers transport the dishes through various treatment zones (especially wash and rinse zones) within the machine, continuous operation is possible – unlike the batch processes of stationary, program-based dishwashers such as household or undercounter models. However, the disadvantage of conveyor dishwashers lies in their relatively large footprint in the installation room (laundry room).

[0015] However, there is a growing need to utilize the advantages of a transport dishwasher in applications where only a small installation area is available.

[0016] Nowadays, hotels, company canteens, public buildings, hospitals, schools, and rest stops almost always have self-service hot beverage vending machines, especially coffee machines, of various models and sizes. These machines are generally designed to dispense a selected hot beverage into a cup. However, plastic cups are also typically used in vending machine installations in businesses or public buildings.

[0017] On the other hand, the use of plastic cups is decreasing due to environmental concerns, in favor of reusable tableware (glasses, cups, etc.). The same trend—using reusable tableware instead of plastic cups—is evident in self-service cafes, also known as coffee shops. Here, at least partially unpackaged food items are typically presented to customers or potential customers at a counter. After the customer has made their selection, the food items, at least partially unpackaged, are handed to them in disposable tableware, especially disposable plastic tableware. For example, it is common practice in coffee shops to hand a customer's chosen coffee specialty in a so-called "coffee-to-go" cup.

[0018] Due to the enormous amount of plastic waste generated daily by disposable tableware, self-service cafes are also striving to reduce the amount of disposable tableware, especially in counter service.

[0019] One approach to improving the environmental footprint of conventional counter systems is to use disposable tableware, such as disposable "coffee-to-go" cups, which are recyclable. Disposable tableware made from cellulose acetate or so-called oxo-degradable plastic is one example.

[0020] The problem with this type of disposable tableware, however, is that the oxo-degradable plastic can only decompose under certain defined conditions, which are generally not met when recycling disposable tableware made from oxo-degradable plastic. As a result, the material of the disposable tableware breaks down into microplastics and can continue to pollute the environment and pose a health risk.

[0021] Furthermore, the production of disposable tableware from oxo-degradable plastic is relatively complex and therefore also negatively impacts the environmental footprint.

[0022] Since the recycling probability of known reusable tableware made from so-called biodegradable material, such as oxo-degradable plastic, is very low, the environmental impact of preparing and handing over food, especially partially unpackaged food, can only be effectively improved if reusable tableware is used instead of disposable tableware when handing over food.

[0023] Offers to (re)fill customer-owned reusable cups with hot drinks for takeaway ("coffee-to-go") are generally possible in establishments of the catering industry, system catering, institutional catering and in retail, provided that the responsible food business operator can guarantee that the relevant general hygiene regulations are met, such as the hygiene regulations laid down in Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 852 / 2004.

[0024] In particular, when refilling customer-owned reusable containers, such as reusable cups, the food business operator is responsible for ensuring that the reusable container can be considered a safe food contact material and complies with the relevant general hygiene regulations. The criteria for a safe food contact material are set out in Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 1935 / 2004.

[0025] For example, when handling customer-owned cups for dispensing hot beverages in either a serviced or self-service setting, the food business operator's responsibility is limited to ensuring the food is in perfect condition up to the point of filling. Since the container is the customer's property and is filled at the customer's explicit request, and therefore not placed on the market by the food business operator, the operator cannot – at least in principle – be held responsible for the suitability and condition of the reusable container, such as a cup.

[0026] However, the food business operator bears full responsibility for hygienically sound operational processes. They must take appropriate measures to ensure that, during production, such as the brewing and filling process for hot beverages, the risk of contamination of the surrounding area or other food products by the customer's own cup is controlled and minimized. This applies to both serviced and self-service establishments.

[0027] Due to individual spatial conditions and differing procedures in businesses, the precautions for preventing contamination and minimizing risks when filling customer-supplied containers with food, such as hot beverages, may vary. It is the responsibility of the business owner to assess the hygienic risks and conduct a corresponding risk assessment for each service method (served or self-service).

[0028] It is important to note that customer-owned containers must not be brought into areas where perishable food products are handled openly. Staff should generally avoid handling customer-owned containers, such as cups, "behind the counter." Ideally, customers should use transfer trays, cup holders, or trays to keep their cups within the counter area and prevent them from coming into contact with equipment such as the coffee machine.

[0029] If, however, customer-owned containers, such as cups for hot drinks, are visibly not sufficiently clean or appear unsuitable for filling, the customer must be informed, even if the condition of the cup is not the responsibility of the business. In each individual case, the business owner or authorized personnel ultimately decide whether to fill the container at the customer's request. If an obviously soiled reusable container belonging to the customer poses a risk of environmental contamination, as contact with company equipment is unavoidable during the filling process, filling must be refused as a precautionary measure and out of responsibility for operational hygiene.

[0030] These food hygiene regulations regarding the handling of customer-owned containers, such as customer-owned cups for serving hot beverages in both table service and self-service areas, mean that food businesses generally bear a residual risk. This, in turn, negatively impacts the introduction of reusable tableware, particularly in food business chains such as coffee shops, as on-site risk analysis and assessment are either impossible or extremely difficult to implement effectively in such chains.

[0031] It should also be taken into account that, particularly in the case of globally operating food business chains, especially coffee shops, locally applicable hygiene practices may differ.

[0032] To ensure that customer-owned containers, such as cups for hot beverages, always comply with food hygiene regulations, it would be conceivable to use a conventional conveyor dishwasher, known from the prior art, for cleaning these containers. Such a conveyor dishwasher, known from the prior art, is characterized by its ability to continuously and very quickly clean the items to a hygienically perfect standard.

[0033] However, in practice it is not possible to place a conventional transport dishwasher in the immediate vicinity of the counter area or in the immediate vicinity of a hot beverage vending machine, as such transport dishwashers require a relatively large amount of space in the installation room, which is usually not found in the counter area of ​​coffee shops or near hot beverage vending machines.

[0034] The present invention is therefore based on the problem that existing dishwashers or counter systems, such as those used in catering establishments, chain restaurants, institutional catering and retail outlets, are not designed to ensure, on the one hand, the necessary presentation, preparation and sale of food, while on the other hand, the transfer of food, especially partially unpackaged food, to the customer in an environmentally friendly manner while simultaneously complying with the applicable hygiene regulations or hygiene ordinances.

[0035] Based on this problem, the present invention aims to provide a counter system that makes it possible to maintain the existing ordering process, particularly in self-service cafes, without changes or at least without significant changes, while simultaneously eliminating the need for disposable tableware, without slowing down the workflow for order acceptance and processing without additional staff, and ensuring compliance with applicable hygiene regulations and / or hygiene ordinances, especially for partially unpackaged food products.

[0036] Another object of the present invention is to further develop a dishwasher of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that it has a particularly compact design, so that the dishwasher can also be used in applications where conventional transport dishwashers cannot be used due to a lack of available installation space.

[0037] With regard to the dishwasher, the problem underlying the invention is solved by the subject matter of the attached independent claims, with advantageous further developments of the dishwasher according to the invention being specified in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0038] With regard to the counter module, the problem underlying the invention is solved by the subject matter of dependent claim 29.

[0039] Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to a dishwasher for cleaning items to be washed, which are especially needed in self-service cafes, i.e. items to be washed in the form of drinking vessels, in particular in the form of drinking cups, mugs, glasses or bottles.

[0040] The dishwasher is designed, in particular, as a counter module of a counter system and has at least one, and preferably exactly one, treatment zone with a loading area and a dispensing area associated with the treatment zone. The item to be cleaned is preferably manually loaded into the treatment zone via the loading area, and the cleaned item is preferably manually removed from the treatment zone via the dispensing area. It is particularly provided that the loading area and the dispensing area are arranged opposite each other, with the treatment zone interposed.

[0041] In the design of the dishwasher as a counter system, it is particularly provided that the setting area of ​​the dishwasher is accessible from the area assigned to the customer, and in particular exclusively from the area assigned to the customer, while the unloading area of ​​the dishwasher is preferably accessible exclusively from the area of ​​the counter system that is assigned to the counter staff.

[0042] In this way, a dishwasher can be integrated into a counter system, for example in a self-service café, whereby the dishwasher's loading area, which corresponds to the "dirty area" in the context of commercial dishwashing, is preferably accessible only from the area of ​​the counter system assigned to the customer. This ensures a safe separation between the area "behind the counter" and the area "in front of the counter".

[0043] This measure minimizes, or even eliminates, the risk of environmental contamination from containers (cups, etc.) that are not cleaned or not cleaned properly in the area of ​​the operational equipment necessary for filling the containers. Furthermore, the dishwasher has a dispensing area that corresponds to the "clean area" in the context of commercial dishwashing. When the dishwasher is designed as a counter module, this "clean area" is preferably accessible only from the area of ​​the counter system assigned to the counter staff.

[0044] This ensures, in particular, that no customer-owned containers, such as cups, can enter operational areas where perishable foodstuffs are handled openly. Specifically, this effectively prevents staff from handling customer-owned reusable containers "behind the counter" without first ensuring proper hygiene.

[0045] Furthermore, the provision of transfer containers, cup holders, or trays for customer cups can be dispensed with. The solution according to the invention particularly guarantees that customer-owned containers, which may not be hygienically sound, can come into contact with operational equipment, such as a coffee machine.

[0046] The dishwasher according to the invention, which is designed in particular as a counter module, has the further advantage that the usual procedures for taking orders, preparing and handing over the ordered food do not have to be changed, or at least only to an insignificant extent, despite the use of customer-owned dishes.

[0047] The service of (re)filling customer-owned reusable containers with food, such as customer-owned reusable cups with hot drinks to take away ("coffee-to-go"), can be implemented with the help of the dishwasher according to the invention, without requiring more counter staff or increasing the effort involved in processing customer-specific and, in particular, customized orders.

[0048] The dishwasher according to the invention is particularly designed to include at least one holder in the treatment zone, specifically to detachably fix and position the item to be cleaned that has been manually placed in the treatment zone. This ensures a particularly compact design of the dishwasher while simultaneously enabling consistently optimal cleaning results, since the holder in the treatment zone automatically aligns the item to be cleaned optimally with respect to the washing and / or rinsing nozzles of the dishwasher.

[0049] Preferably, the dishwasher is designed so that the items to be washed (especially drinking vessels such as cups, glasses, etc.) are loaded and unloaded individually, i.e., one after the other. However, the invention is not limited to this preferred embodiment. Loading the dishwasher's treatment zone in smaller groups is also possible in principle.

[0050] The dishwasher according to the invention is a type of "hybrid dishwasher" in which the technology of stationary program machines for batch processes is combined with the technology of conveyor dishwashers designed for continuous operation, but without a transport device being provided, since in the dishwasher according to the invention the items to be cleaned are preferably inserted and removed individually manually into and from the holder provided in the treatment zone.

[0051] By eliminating the need for a transport device to move the items to be cleaned, not only is a more compact dishwasher design possible, but the optimal alignment of the items to be cleaned, achieved with the help of the holder provided in the treatment zone, is also ensured. Thus, the dishwasher according to the invention offers the advantages of stationary, batch-process dishwashers while also utilizing the advantages of conveyor dishwashers.

[0052] According to preferred embodiments of the dishwasher according to the invention, the treatment zone of the dishwasher is dimensioned and / or designed such that exactly one drinking vessel can be accommodated in the treatment zone. In this preferred embodiment, the dishwasher is thus designed so that the items to be washed are fed in individually.

[0053] According to one aspect of the present invention, the holder is designed to be formed in the treatment zone of the dishwasher in order to position and / or center the drinking vessel independently, particularly centrally and preferably in the treatment zone.

[0054] The holder is further preferably designed so that a drinking vessel can preferably be brought into operative contact with the holder manually and in particular with one hand via the adjustment area and can preferably be removed manually and in particular with one hand via the removal area from the holder.

[0055] With regard to the holder provided in the treatment zone, it is conceivable that it has two holding elements separated by a gap. The two holding elements are flexible or flexibly mounted in such a way that an inner circumference defined by the two holding elements can be adapted to objects of different diameters to be held by the holder.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the two retaining elements of the bracket are mounted so as to be movable relative to each other, in particular so as to be longitudinally displaceable or rotatable, in such a way that an inner circumference defined by the two retaining elements can be adapted to objects of different diameters to be held by the bracket.

[0057] According to preferred embodiments, the holder is provided in particular with a drinking vessel receptacle, especially in the form of a recess or a groove, to position and / or center a drinking vessel held by the holder. In particular, the drinking vessel should be placed in the holder in an upside-down position.

[0058] To ensure the holder can securely accommodate items of varying diameters, it should have at least two opposing, preferably spring-loaded, holding elements, between which a holding area for the drinking vessel is formed. Advantageously, the holding elements are designed such that a drinking vessel can be inserted manually, and particularly with one hand, into the holding area of ​​the holder via the adjustment range, especially by a horizontal movement, and preferably removed manually, and particularly with one hand, from the holding area of ​​the holder via the dishwasher's unloading area.

[0059] The holder provided in the treatment zone serves to fix, in particular releasably, and / or to position the item to be washed, which is placed on a support surface in the treatment zone. Preferably, the holder is designed to position the item to be washed or the drinking vessel independently in the treatment zone and / or to align it with a spray direction, in particular the main spray direction, of at least one washing and / or spray nozzle of the dishwasher.

[0060] To enable easy operation, the holder should preferably be designed in such a way that a drinking vessel can preferably be brought into operative contact with the holder manually and especially with one hand via the adjustment area and can preferably be removed from the holder manually and especially with one hand via the removal area.

[0061] According to embodiments of the dishwasher according to the invention, the holder has a drinking vessel receptacle, particularly in the form of a recess or a groove, or the holder is at least partially designed as a drinking vessel receptacle, particularly in the form of a recess or a groove, in order to position a drinking vessel and / or to align it with a spray direction, particularly the main spray direction, of at least one wash and / or spray nozzle of the dishwasher. It is preferably provided that the item being washed is placed upside down on the support surface in the treatment zone.

[0062] With regard to the holder, it is also conceivable that it has an upper, in particular spring-loaded, holding element with which a dishwashing item, in particular a drinking vessel, is pressed onto the drinking vessel holder in the treatment chamber of the dishwasher.

[0063] According to another aspect, and particularly relevant in this context, it is intended that, with regard to the drinking vessel holder in the dishwasher's treatment chamber, a washing / rinsing finger, especially one projecting centrally, should protrude, at least partially, into the interior of the drinking vessel when it is inserted. The treatment chamber or dishwasher should be designed in such a way that the drinking vessel to be cleaned can be placed upside down onto the drinking vessel holder in the treatment chamber.

[0064] According to embodiments of the dishwasher according to the invention, a door, preferably designed as a revolving door, is assigned to exactly one treatment zone in order to close an access opening leading to the setting area of ​​the dishwasher if necessary.In particular, according to preferred implementations in this context, it is provided that the door has a circumferential element with respect to the treatment zone, which has a first and a second passage opening and is movable relative to the setting opening and the removal opening of the treatment zone, and in particular rotatable about a vertically extending axis, such that optionally at least a first state, in which the first passage opening is at least substantially aligned with the setting opening of the treatment zone and the second passage opening is at least substantially aligned with the removal opening of the treatment zone, and a second state are realizable in which the circumferential element covers both the setting opening and the removal opening of the treatment zone at least substantially completely.

[0065] For example, in this context it is conceivable that the circumferential element is in particular a circumferential revolving door arranged within the treatment zone and preferably rotatably mounted about a vertical central axis of the treatment zone relative to the setting opening and the removal opening of the treatment zone.

[0066] A rotating, perimeter door, which is pivotally mounted about the vertical central axis of the treatment zone, is preferably equipped with a drive, in particular an electric motor drive. The drive serves to move the rotating door relative to the dishwasher housing as needed. The housing comprises two outer side wall sections, with the rotating door pivotally mounted within the housing. The housing also includes two opposing window sections, which serve as loading and unloading openings for the dishwasher and can be closed as needed by the pivotally mounted door located inside the housing.

[0067] Preferably, a control unit is associated with the drive of the revolving door, which is preferably an electric motor. This control unit is designed to control the drive accordingly and to move the revolving door into a closed position in which the loading and unloading openings of the dishwasher are covered by the revolving door when a sensor detects that an item has been placed in the dishwasher's treatment chamber. Alternatively, the control unit is designed to control the drive of the revolving door accordingly when a corresponding command is entered manually, particularly via a switch or keypad.

[0068] Preferably, the control device is further configured to (re)act the drive associated with the revolving door and to move the revolving door into its open position, in which the revolving door no longer obscures the setting and unloading openings of the dishwasher's treatment chamber once a treatment program or cycle of the dishwasher has been completed. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the opening of the revolving door can be initiated, particularly via manual input.

[0069] In this context, it is particularly advantageous to provide a holder in the treatment zone to fix and / or position a dishwashing item inserted into the treatment zone. For example, the holder can have two opposing, preferably spring-loaded, holding elements, between which a holding area is formed for a dishwashing item designed as a drinking vessel. A dishwashing item designed as a drinking vessel can preferably be manually inserted into the holding area via the adjustment area and preferably manually removed from the holding area via the removal area.

[0070] According to implementations of the dishwasher according to the invention, the holder has at least two opposing, in particular spring-loaded, holding elements which are connected to the inside of the door, which is designed in particular as a hinged door.

[0071] Preferably, the holder further comprises at least two opposing holding elements, which, however, are fixed in position with respect to the treatment zone. In this way, a four-point hold is provided, ensuring that even smaller items are securely fixed during cleaning.

[0072] In order to ensure that no residual moisture or water droplets remain in the treatment zone after the treatment of the item being washed, particularly at the contact surface of the item being washed with the support surface, it is provided that the support surface is inclined at least in some areas to the horizontal, preferably by an angle of 5° to 35° and even more preferably by an angle of 10° to 30° and even more preferably by an angle of 22° to 28°.

[0073] To further optimize the drying result, it is preferably provided, either alternatively or additionally, that the storage area is formed at least partially by a strut structure, in particular a grid-like strut structure.

[0074] According to implementations of the solution according to the invention, particularly in those where the support surface is inclined at least partially relative to the horizontal, it is provided that the holder has a support arrangement, in particular in the form of a support strut arrangement, for supporting a dishwashing item received in the treatment zone and placed on the support surface which is inclined, in particular with regard to the horizontal.

[0075] To optimize drying results, the dishwasher is designed with an air blowing system featuring at least one air blowing nozzle. This nozzle is shaped and positioned relative to the drying surface to blow water droplets off the items being washed.

[0076] In particular, the air blow system is designed to preferably automatically blow compressed air towards the part being washed via the air blow nozzle after completion of a rinsing phase, or preferably automatically blow compressed air towards the part being washed via the air blow nozzle when the part being washed is removed from the treatment zone.

[0077] According to a further aspect of the present invention, this relates to a dishwasher of the aforementioned type or according to the preamble of independent claim 1, wherein according to this aspect it is particularly provided according to the invention that the dishwasher has a cleaning system with at least one cleaning nozzle which is designed to clean the setting area of ​​the dishwasher, preferably automatically, for example after the treatment zone has been loaded with a dishwashing item.

[0078] This aspect is particularly advantageous when the dishwasher's treatment zone is designed to receive and clean the item to be cleaned, i.e., the drinking vessel, in an upside-down state.

[0079] Especially when placing customer-owned reusable cups for cleaning, contamination of the placement area is often unavoidable, particularly if residual liquid remains in the container. The preferably automatic, and even more preferably optionally automatic, activation of the cleaning system ensures that the placement area is automatically cleaned.

[0080] According to implementations of the inventive solution, the dishwasher's loading area is designed such that it preferably transitions seamlessly to the support surface in the treatment zone. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the loading area is designed, at least partially, as a drip tray located in a plane below the countertop level. If, for example, liquid drips from the item being placed in the treatment zone onto the loading area, this liquid can be easily rinsed off and drain directly into the dishwasher's wash tank.

[0081] The same applies, figuratively speaking, to the extraction area of ​​the treatment zone.

[0082] Alternatively, it is also conceivable to provide a detachable drip tray that can be connected to the dishwasher's loading or unloading area as needed.

[0083] According to further developments of the dishwasher according to the invention, it is provided that at least one door, in particular in the form of a tambour door, is assigned to the treatment zone, via which an adjustment opening and / or removal opening at the adjustment area or removal area can be closed as required and in particular automatically after a drinking vessel has been inserted into the treatment zone.

[0084] This effectively prevents steam and / or splashing water from escaping the treatment zone during dishwasher operation.

[0085] As an alternative to a door, it is also conceivable to provide appropriate splash protection, for example in the form of a splash curtain, at the insertion and / or removal opening.

[0086] To further prevent the escape of vapors from the treatment zone, it is conceivable that the treatment zone is equipped with a suction system, which is preferably automatically and, in particular, activated or activatable as needed, in order to extract vapors and thus prevent them from entering the counter area.

[0087] The at least one door, via which the setting opening and / or the removal opening of the dishwasher can preferably be closed as required and in particular automatically, should be able to be moved in a horizontal plane relative to the treatment zone between an open position in which the setting opening and the removal opening are open and a closed position in which the setting opening and the removal opening are closed.

[0088] Alternatively, it is also possible for at least one door to be reversibly movable in a vertical plane relative to the treatment zone between the open position and the unloading opening. However, in the open position, the door is not located above the treatment zone, but rather moves downwards relative to the treatment zone, into the dishwasher's housing. This effectively prevents the door from obstructing the view of the customer or counter staff when the treatment zone is open, as would be the case with conventional hood-type dishwashers.

[0089] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a dishwasher of the aforementioned type or a dishwasher according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the dishwasher further comprises a washing and / or rinsing system with washing and / or rinsing nozzles, via which cleaning fluid, in particular washing and / or rinsing fluid, can be sprayed onto the drinking vessel to be cleaned in the treatment zone.

[0090] In this concept, it is particularly provided according to the invention that the dishwasher is spatially divided into an over-counter area, which in the normal use of the dishwasher is located above a counter level, and an under-counter area, which in the normal use of the dishwasher is located below the counter level. The loading area, the unloading area, and at least part of the at least one treatment zone are each part of the over-counter area, with at least one wash and / or rinse pump of the washing and / or rinsing system being part of the under-counter area.

[0091] This type of dishwasher design is particularly suitable for coffee shops where customers bring their own cups, which then need to be cleaned on-site before being filled with, for example, a hot beverage. The cup to be cleaned can then be manually inserted into the cleaning zone via the adjustment area and manually removed via the dispensing area after cleaning.

[0092] By dividing the dishwasher into an undercounter area, in which essentially all the technology necessary for the operation of the dishwasher is housed, and an overcounter area, which has the setting and removal area and at least partially the treatment zone, the dishwasher according to the invention can be ideally integrated into a counter system, in particular of a coffee shop.

[0093] Preferably, all components belonging to the dishwasher's technology are integrated into the under-counter area of ​​the dishwasher in order to keep the area above the counter as free as possible, which is a basic requirement for integrating the dishwasher into a counter system.

[0094] According to implementations of the dishwasher according to the invention, at least one of the following components is integrated at least partially and preferably completely into the undercounter area of ​​the dishwasher: • a rinse aid dosing system for the selective and / or on-demand dosing of rinse aid to the cleaning fluid to be sprayed in the at least one treatment zone; • a cleaner dosing system for the selective and / or on-demand dosing of a cleaning chemical to the cleaning fluid to be sprayed in the at least one treatment zone; • a wash tank for at least temporarily storing the cleaning fluid to be sprayed in the at least one treatment zone and / or for temporarily storing the cleaning fluid sprayed in the at least one treatment zone; • a rinse aid tank for providing rinse aid liquid to be sprayed in at least one treatment zone, to which rinse aid may be added; • a wastewater tank for at least temporary storage of wastewater generated during the cleaning of the items to be washed; • a water heater for heating the cleaning fluid to be sprayed in the at least one treatment zone, particularly on an optional and / or demand basis; and / or • a disinfectant dosing system for adding a disinfectant as needed to the cleaning fluid to be sprayed in at least one treatment zone.

[0095] The aforementioned components are part of the washing and / or rinsing system of the dishwasher and are integrated into the undercounter area of ​​the dishwasher.

[0096] Naturally, the above list is not exhaustive. It also goes without saying that not all of the aforementioned components belonging to the "technology" of the dishwasher need to be integrated into the under-counter area of ​​the dishwasher, and in particular, not all need to be fully integrated.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment of the dishwasher, it has a body with an upper horizontal plane which lies below the counter level or which defines the counter level, with the undercounter area of ​​the dishwasher being formed by the body.

[0098] The term "carcass" as used herein refers specifically to the load-bearing part of the dishwasher (frame). The carcass may include side panels, an upper and lower base, and a back panel, although this is not strictly necessary. Fixed center panels, fixed intermediate shelves, and front panels may also be part of the carcass.

[0099] Preferably, the body has at least one door through which access to the components housed in the body, and in particular those belonging to the “technology” of the dishwasher, is possible.

[0100] Preferably, the body of the dishwasher is supported by height-adjustable feet or rollers, or by a particularly height-adjustable base, plinth, frame or the like.

[0101] This measure allows the counter height, i.e. the counter level of the dishwasher, to be adjusted vertically and, in particular, adapted to counter concepts or counter systems, especially existing counter systems.

[0102] In this context, it is particularly conceivable that the upper horizontal plane of the unit could be designed, at least in part, as the upper shelf. This would allow the dishwasher to be integrated directly into an existing counter system without interrupting the counter surface.

[0103] In the area of ​​the at least one treatment zone, the upper floor of the body should preferably have at least one passage or opening through which at least cleaning fluid can be transferred from the under-counter area, i.e., from the technology housed in the under-counter area, to the over-counter area, and in particular to the at least one treatment zone of the dishwasher, and vice versa.

[0104] In the treatment zone, a recess is preferably arranged in the upper base of the housing. This allows for a horizontal support surface, and in particular a drinking vessel holder, to be positioned below the countertop level. This effectively prevents splashing water from the treatment zone during dishwasher operation. It also reduces contamination of the dishwasher door, which is preferably closed during operation, by splashing water.

[0105] Especially for larger coffee shops, it is advantageous if two drinking vessels can be placed in parallel in the treatment area.

[0106] The dishwasher according to the invention should advantageously be assigned a control unit, which can, for example, also be integrated in the under-counter area or in the body of the dishwasher. In particular, the treatment parameters necessary and / or desired for cleaning the items to be washed (temperature of the cleaning fluid, nozzle pressure, etc.) can be selected and / or adjusted via the control unit.

[0107] According to preferred implementations of the dishwasher according to the invention, the control device is particularly designed to control the washing and / or rinsing system of the dishwasher or the technology associated with the washing and / or rinsing system of the dishwasher in the at least one treatment zone for the purpose of treating the items to be washed in such a way that at least one washing phase and then at least one rinsing phase, in particular a fresh water rinsing phase, and optionally a disinfection phase are carried out successively.

[0108] Field tests have shown that sufficient cleaning of the items being washed can be achieved if at least one washing phase lasts between 5 and 30 seconds, preferably between 5 and 20 seconds, and even more preferably about 15 seconds.

[0109] A disinfection phase should last between 1 and 10 seconds, and preferably about 7 seconds, while the rinsing phase should last between 1 and 10 seconds, preferably between 2 and 8 seconds, and even more preferably between 3 and 5 seconds.

[0110] The rinsing phase may include an (additional) cold water rinse after the actual NSF cleaning process to condense fumes and thus minimize steam escape when opening at least one door, and furthermore to reduce the cup temperature to a maximum of 50°C.

[0111] Of course, significantly longer times for the washing phase, disinfection phase and / or rinsing phase are also conceivable, however, longer durations would be disadvantageous when using the dishwasher in the counter area, especially in a coffee shop.

[0112] The underlying consideration here is that, advantageously, the dishwasher should be designed in such a way that a complete cleaning of an item can be carried out within approximately 30 to 60 seconds, i.e. within the usual time period in which an order can be taken and billed by the counter staff.

[0113] Accordingly, and particularly because the dishwasher's loading area is accessible from the customer's section of the counter system, customers can place their own reusable containers in the dishwasher's loading area when placing their order with the counter staff. After the ordering and payment process, which typically takes between 30 and 60 seconds, the cleaned, customer-owned reusable container will be available at the dishwasher's unloading area, preferably within easy reach of the counter staff. Therefore, no additional steps are required from the counter staff when a customer's reusable container needs to be (re)filled.

[0114] In general, it is advantageous for the control unit of the dishwasher to be designed to automatically, and preferably optionally automatically, recognize that a dish item has been inserted into the treatment zone of the dishwasher via the setting area, in order to then activate - preferably after appropriate authorization by the counter staff - the technology belonging to the washing and / or rinsing system of the dishwasher.

[0115] Before the washing and rinsing process, and after authorization by the counter staff, the loading and unloading opening of the treatment zone should be automatically closed by at least one door. Preferably, a safety device, such as a pinch guard, should be provided to prevent potential injuries and / or damage. Once the items have been cleaned, the control unit should automatically deactivate the washing and / or rinsing system of the dishwasher and open at least one door, at least in the unloading area.

[0116] The optional cleaning nozzle in the loading area should also preferably be activated automatically and in a controlled manner to remove contaminants, such as beverage residue, that drip from the cup onto the loading area, especially during loading. Activating this cleaning system can be directly coordinated with the actual cleaning process.

[0117] According to preferred implementations of the solution according to the invention, the dishwasher according to the invention or the control device associated with the dishwasher is designed to preferably automatically implement the following treatment cycle after the item to be cleaned has been manually inserted into the treatment zone with the door of the treatment zone open: 1. Preferably automatic detection, or optionally automatic detection, that a dish item has been placed in the treatment zone and the loading process is complete, whereby the door to the treatment zone is then preferably closed automatically. Alternatively, instead of the automatic closing of the door, it is also conceivable that the door is closed by pressing a switch, button, etc., preferably by the counter staff. 2. Automatic initiation of a wash cycle after the door is (fully) closed, the wash cycle taking place at a minimum of 50°C and preferably at approximately 66°C. The wash cycle should last, in particular, 5 to 30 seconds and preferably approximately 10 to approximately 20 seconds. 3. After completion of the washing phase, a rinsing phase is automatically initiated with hot rinse fluid at a minimum of 50°C and preferably at approximately 82°C, in order to disinfect the item being washed in addition to rinsing. The rinsing / disinfection phase with hot rinse fluid preferably lasts approximately 1 to 10 seconds and particularly approximately 2 to 6 seconds. 4. After completion of the rinse with hot rinse fluid, a further rinse with rinse fluid at ambient temperature takes place to cool down the item being washed, which was heated during the hot rinse. The rinse phase with rinse fluid at ambient temperature preferably lasts between approximately 1 and 10 seconds, and particularly between approximately 2 and approximately 6 seconds. 5. The dishwasher door should then open automatically, allowing the cleaned item to be removed manually.

[0118] In this context, it is generally advantageous that during the rinsing phase, the rinsing liquid, and especially the heated rinsing liquid, is sprayed onto the item being rinsed via rinsing nozzles. These nozzles can be arranged above and below the item. It is particularly preferred that the rinsing nozzles for rinsing with the heated rinsing liquid are arranged exclusively below the item being rinsed. In other words, in the preferred embodiment, the item being rinsed is rinsed from below with hot rinsing liquid. Since the item being rinsed is positioned "upside down" in the treatment zone, this ensures that the interior of the item, designed as a drinking vessel, is optimally rinsed with minimal consumption of (hot) rinsing liquid.

[0119] For additional rinsing with room-temperature rinse fluid, additional rinse nozzles can be arranged in the treatment zone. Specifically, the additional rinse nozzles for the room-temperature rinse phase should be designed to produce a finer spray compared to the nozzles used for the heated rinse phase. For example, the additional rinse nozzles for the room-temperature rinse phase can be designed to spray a smaller droplet size on average compared to the nozzles used for the heated rinse phase.

[0120] By selecting a small droplet size during the "cold" rinsing phase, i.e., the rinsing phase in which no heated rinsing liquid, but rinsing liquid at room temperature is sprayed onto the items being washed, it is particularly ensured that the water vapor (fumes) formed in the treatment zone during the washing phase and the rinsing phase with hot rinsing liquid condenses.

[0121] According to implementations of the solution according to the invention, the control unit associated with the dishwasher is designed to determine the inlet temperature of the fresh water and, depending on the inlet temperature, to adjust the duration of the additional rinse phase with the unheated rinse liquid. In particular, the duration of the additional rinse phase and / or the amount of (unheated) rinse liquid sprayed onto the items to be washed per unit of time during the additional rinse phase are selected such that, after completion of the additional rinse phase, the item being washed has a predetermined or definable temperature.

[0122] To adequately heat the cleaning fluid (especially the rinse aid) required for washing the items, the dishwasher preferably has a water heater. To reduce the energy consumption of the water heater, the control unit associated with the dishwasher is preferably designed to fill the water heater with only as much fresh water as is actually needed by the dishwasher to wash the items.

[0123] According to another aspect, it is stipulated that a rinse aid chemical is only dosed into the heated rinse aid liquid, and in particular not into the rinse aid liquid that is sprayed during the subsequent (cold) rinse phase.

[0124] The dishwasher according to the invention significantly reduces resources (water, energy, and chemicals), particularly when handling customer-owned reusable containers in a counter system. Existing counter systems are not designed to hygienically provide customer-owned reusable containers to staff "behind the counter." Instead, it is currently common practice for customers to clean their own reusable containers outside the counter area in a dishwasher. However, such (generally known) dishwashers are usually designed to clean a large number of items simultaneously.

[0125] In practice, this means that when customers bring their own reusable containers for (re)filling, the reusable containers are cleaned individually in the dishwasher, which is not part of the counter system, inevitably resulting in increased water, energy and chemical consumption.

[0126] In this context, it should be noted that the dishwasher according to the invention has a fresh water consumption of approximately 0.2 to 0.3 liters per reusable cup, for example, with an energy consumption of approximately 200 W / h. This allows for water savings of between 50% and 70% and energy savings of a similar magnitude.

[0127] Since the dishwasher according to the invention is specifically designed to clean individual items in batches, a particularly compact design of the dishwasher is achievable.

[0128] According to a further development of the dishwasher according to the invention, it is particularly provided that a fresh water tank, preferably and especially as required, which can be connected to the fresh water network, is integrated in the under-counter area of ​​the dishwasher for the supply of fresh water to the dishwasher.

[0129] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that a wastewater tank, preferably one that can be connected to the wastewater network as needed, is integrated in the under-counter area of ​​the dishwasher for the temporary storage of wastewater generated during the operation of the dishwasher.

[0130] This training makes it possible to integrate a dishwasher into the counter system even if the counter system itself is not connected to the fresh water and / or wastewater network or cannot be connected.

[0131] Preferably, in this context, it can be provided that a heat exchanger system is assigned to the wastewater tank in order to recover at least some of the thermal energy of the wastewater generated during the operation of the dishwasher and, for example, to use it to heat the fresh water required during the operation of the dishwasher.

[0132] In particular, the dishwasher according to the invention is a type of "hybrid dishwasher" that combines the technology of stationary, batch-processing dishwashers with the technology of conveyor dishwashers designed for continuous operation, while eliminating the need for a conveyor system to achieve a particularly compact design. On the one hand, the dishwasher offers the advantages of stationary, batch-processing dishwashers, while on the other hand, it also utilizes the advantages of conveyor dishwashers. The installation space required for the dishwasher is at most equivalent to that of a stationary, batch-processing dishwasher.

[0133] It is particularly preferred that the treatment zone of the dishwasher according to the invention is at least partially limited by at least one wall area located above the counter area and an upper roof area. A first display arrangement, associated with the setting area and preferably located on the upper roof area, is provided to display customer-specific information.

[0134] The customer-specific information primarily consists of instructions on how the customer should insert their drinking vessel into the holder in the treatment zone. However, other information can also be displayed, such as current offers, the dishwasher's energy and water consumption, or information about the resource savings achievable with the dishwasher.

[0135] Preferably, the dishwasher has a further (second) display arrangement, which is also preferably located on the upper roof area of ​​the treatment zone and is assigned to the dispensing area, in order to display relevant information to the counter staff, such as information on whether the dishwasher is ready for a washing or cleaning cycle, information on the progress of the washing or cleaning cycle, error messages, etc.

[0136] Preferably, a switching device, for example in the form of a touchscreen or a switch, is also assigned to the dispensing area, via which the counter staff can enable the operation of the dishwasher.

[0137] In particular, by dividing the dishwasher according to the invention into an under-counter area and an over-counter area, the area available to the counter staff as a work surface on the counter surface can be optimally used, since only the counter area that corresponds to the setting area, the treatment zone and the removal area is actually "needed" by the dishwasher.

[0138] As already explained, according to further developments of the dishwasher according to the invention, it has a control device for controlling the transport device and the controllable components (pumps, valves, heating device, etc.) belonging to the washing and / or rinsing system. The control device is preferably designed to regulate the transport of the items to be washed through the at least one treatment zone depending on the presence or absence of items in the input and / or output area.

[0139] The dishwasher according to the invention is – as already explained – designed in particular for coffee shops. Due to its compact design, the dishwasher can, for example, be integrated into the counter concept of a coffee shop.

[0140] Preferably, the countertop area of ​​the dishwasher has a base area with dimensions of a maximum of 500 mm x 500 mm, and preferably a maximum of 400 mm x 400 mm, and even more preferably a maximum of 250 mm x 600 mm, and even more preferably a maximum of 330 mm x 330 mm or a maximum of 229 mm x 379 mm.

[0141] A maximum installation height of 500 mm for the above-counter area is preferred. Preferably, the under-counter area of ​​the dishwasher has a footprint with dimensions of a maximum of 400 mm x 600 mm, and more preferably a maximum of 300 mm x 600 mm.

[0142] Depending on the design, the dishwasher has a door, such as a hinged or tambour door, to close off an access opening leading to the dishwasher's loading area when needed. A splash guard (or spray curtain) can also be used instead of a door at the access opening.

[0143] According to preferred embodiments, the at least one door has a circumferential element with respect to the treatment zone, which has a first and a second passage opening and is movable relative to the setting opening and the removal opening of the treatment zone such that optionally at least a first state, in which the first passage opening is at least substantially aligned with the setting opening of the treatment zone and the second passage opening is at least substantially aligned with the removal opening of the treatment zone, and a second state, in which the circumferential element covers both the setting opening and the removal opening of the treatment zone at least substantially completely, are possible.

[0144] For example, in this context it is conceivable that the surrounding element is in particular a revolving door arranged within the treatment zone and preferably displaceable or rotatable about a horizontal or vertical central axis of the treatment zone relative to the setting opening and the removal opening of the treatment zone.

[0145] According to implementations of the dishwasher according to the invention, it is provided that at least one window area is formed in the surrounding element such that in the second state of the door the treatment zone can be visually inspected via the setting area and / or removal area.

[0146] It is particularly advantageous that at least one treatment zone is equipped with an extraction system for removing steam, for example, integrated into the under-counter area of ​​the dishwasher. Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous to provide a suitable splash guard to prevent steam and / or liquid from escaping the at least one treatment zone.

[0147] The access opening of the dishwasher preferably has a maximum height of 330 mm, and preferably a maximum height of 280 mm, and a maximum width of 350 mm, and preferably approximately 178 mm. This allows drinking vessels to be placed individually or side by side in the loading area.

[0148] The over-counter area of ​​the dishwasher, and in particular the controllable components of the over-counter area, are preferably detachably connected to the under-counter area or the components of the under-counter area, in particular via at least one quick-release coupling or plug connection.

[0149] The invention further relates to a counter module for a counter system, wherein the counter system has a counter area with a horizontal counter surface, and wherein the counter module has a dishwasher of the aforementioned type according to the invention, wherein the over-counter area of ​​the dishwasher is arranged above the counter surface of the counter area and the under-counter area of ​​the dishwasher is arranged below the counter surface of the counter area.

[0150] Exemplary embodiments of the dishwasher according to the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0151] They show: Fig. 1 schematically and in an isometric view an exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention, in which the adjustment opening is open at the adjustment area of ​​the treatment zone; Fig. 2 schematically another isometric view of the dishwasher according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 schematically a view of the adjustment range of the dishwasher according to the invention Fig. 1; Fig. 4 schematically a first side view of the dishwasher according to Fig. 1; Fig. 5 schematically a second side view of the dishwasher according to the invention Fig. 1; Fig. 6 schematically a top view of the dishwasher according to the invention Fig. 1; Fig. 7 schematically a side view of the dishwasher according to the invention Fig. 1, however, excluding the side wall area of ​​the dishwasher body; Fig. 8 schematically and in an isometric view the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention Fig. 7; Fig. 9 schematically and in a further isometric view the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention Fig. 7; Fig. 10 schematically and in a side view the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention Fig. 1, namely with the dishwasher door open; Fig. 11 schematically and in an isometric view the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention Fig. 10; Fig. 12 schematically a top view of the adjustment range of the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention Fig. 10; Fig. 13 schematically and in a top view the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention Fig. 10; Fig. 14a schematically and in an isometric view of the countertop area of ​​a further exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention, without a dishwashing item included in the treatment zone; Fig. 14b schematically and in an isometric view of the over-table area according to Fig. 14a, namely with a single item of dishwashing material in the form of a drinking cup included in the treatment zone; Fig. 15a schematically and in a view from the extraction area to the over-table area according to Fig. 14a; Fig. 15b schematically and in a view from the removal area the over-table area according to Fig. 14b; Fig. 16a schematically and in an isometric view from obliquely above on the removal area of ​​the over-table area according to Fig. 14a; Fig. 16b schematically and in an isometric view from obliquely above on the removal area of ​​the over-table area according to Fig. 14b; Fig. 17a schematically and in a longitudinal section view the over-table area according to Fig. 14a; Fig. 17b schematically and in a longitudinal section view the over-table area according to Fig. 14b; Fig. 18a schematically and in a mid-longitudinal section view the over-table area according to Fig. 14a; and Fig. 18b schematically and in a mid-longitudinal section view the over-table area according to Fig. 14b.

[0152] The following refers to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. Figure 13 of the accompanying drawings describes a first exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention. The dishwasher 1 is designed in particular as a counter module of a counter system and is particularly suitable for cleaning items 2 in the form of drinking vessels, especially drinking cups, mugs, glasses or bottles.

[0153] For cleaning the items to be washed, dishwasher 1 has one (here: a single) treatment zone 3 with a setting area 4 and a removal area 5. Dishwasher 1, or rather treatment zone 3, is designed to treat (clean) items 2 individually and in batches.

[0154] The dishwasher 1 has a housing 14 in which the treatment zone 3 is located. In the upper area of ​​the housing 14, a first display arrangement 16 is arranged, which is oriented towards the setting area 4 of the dishwasher 1 and serves to display customer-specific information to a customer.

[0155] On the opposite side of the housing 14, preferably in the upper area, a second display arrangement 17 is arranged, which displays information for the operating personnel or counter staff. Next to the second display arrangement 17, a switch 18 is also provided, which the operating personnel or counter staff can use to activate the dishwasher 1.

[0156] In the illustrated embodiment, the treatment zone 3, housed in the casing 14, serves to carry out a washing phase, followed optionally by a disinfection phase, then a rinsing phase with hot fresh water, and optionally a rinsing phase with cold fresh water, sequentially. In principle, it is also conceivable that a drying phase could subsequently take place in treatment zone 3.

[0157] The washing phase is a cleaning phase during which the item(s) to be washed are washed with a washing liquid in treatment zone 3. The optional disinfection phase is a cleaning or treatment phase in which the washed item is treated with either a disinfectant chemical, hot fresh water, or hot steam to achieve disinfection. The rinsing phase is a cleaning phase in which the washed item and, if applicable, the disinfected item are rinsed with heated fresh water and, if necessary, added rinse aid.

[0158] In order to carry out these process steps, the dishwasher 1 preferably has two independent liquid systems. A first liquid system is a wash water circuit, which is responsible for washing the item to be washed, wherein the washing is carried out with recirculated water from a wash tank 9 of the dishwasher 1.

[0159] The other liquid system is a fresh water system responsible for rinsing. As already mentioned, rinsing is carried out with fresh water, preferably fresh water from a water heater. After spraying in treatment zone 3, the fresh water is also drawn into the wash tank 9 of the dishwasher 1.

[0160] The main purpose of the final rinse is to remove any remaining lye from the item being washed (part 2). The rinse water flowing through wash tank 9 during the final rinse phase serves to regenerate the wash water already present in wash tank 9.

[0161] Before fresh water is sprayed as rinse fluid during the rinse phase and thereby directed into the wash tank 9 of the dishwasher 1, preferably an equal amount of wash fluid to the amount of fresh water is pumped out of the wash tank 9.

[0162] The exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention, as shown schematically in the drawings, is characterized in particular by the fact that it is spatially divided into an over-counter area 6 and an under-counter area 7. In the intended use of the dishwasher 1, the over-counter area 6 is located above a counter level 12, while the under-counter area 7 is located below the counter level 12.

[0163] It is specifically provided that the components necessary and controllable for carrying out the cleaning phases in treatment zone 3 are housed in the undercounter area 7 of the dishwasher 1. These components are, in particular, the wash and / or rinse pump(s) 8 of a wash and / or rinse system of the dishwasher 1, i.e., those pumps that are assigned to the wash water circuit and the fresh water system of the dishwasher 1.

[0164] Preferably, the undercounter area 7 of the dishwasher 1 also houses the wash tank 9 of the dishwasher 1 and, if applicable, a wastewater tank. As already explained at the beginning, the wash tank 9 serves to at least temporarily store the cleaning fluid to be sprayed in the treatment zone 3 of the dishwasher 1, or to temporarily store the cleaning fluid sprayed in the treatment zone 3.

[0165] It is a further advantage if a fresh water tank or rinse aid tank 10 is also located in the under-counter area 7 of the dishwasher 1, which provides at least part of the rinse aid liquid or fresh water to be sprayed in the treatment zone 3.

[0166] The undercounter area 7 of the dishwasher 1 may also contain a rinse aid dosing system for the selective and / or on-demand addition of rinse aid to the cleaning fluid to be sprayed in treatment zone 3 and / or a detergent dosing system for the selective and / or on-demand addition of a cleaning chemical to the cleaning fluid to be sprayed in treatment zone 3.

[0167] The same applies to an optional disinfectant dosing system for adding a disinfectant as needed to the cleaning fluid to be sprayed in at least one treatment zone 3.

[0168] A water heater (booster) is also preferably arranged in the undercounter area 7 of the dishwasher 1 for optional and / or required heating of the cleaning fluid, in particular rinse aid, to be sprayed in the treatment zone 3.

[0169] On the other hand, in the over-counter area 6 of the dishwasher 1, preferably only the setting area 4, the dispensing area 5 and at least partially the treatment zone 3 of the dishwasher 1 are provided. The treatment zone 3, or a corresponding washing and / or spray nozzle system assigned to the treatment zone 3, is in fluid communication with the washing liquid system and the rinse liquid system and the corresponding components of the washing and / or rinsing system located in the under-counter area 7 of the dishwasher 1.

[0170] The washing and / or spray nozzle system is preferably arranged below treatment zone 3, although a lateral arrangement of corresponding washing and / or spray nozzles and / or an arrangement of washing and / or spray nozzles above treatment zone 3 is also conceivable. In particular, at least some of the washing and / or spray nozzles are arranged below treatment zone 3 in a corresponding trough-shaped area, with the spray direction directed upwards into treatment zone 3.

[0171] In treatment zone 3, a holder 15 is provided to detachably fix a dishwashing item 2 placed in treatment zone 3 and, in particular, to position it with regard to the washing and / or spray nozzles. Specifically, the holder 15 is designed to independently and preferably centrally position and / or center a drinking vessel in treatment zone 3.

[0172] The holder 15 should in particular be designed so that a drinking vessel can preferably be brought into operative contact with the holder 15 manually and especially with one hand via the adjustment area 4 and can be removed from the holder 15 preferably manually and especially with one hand via the removal area 5.

[0173] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the holder 15 has two opposing, in particular spring-loaded, holding elements, between which a holding area for the drinking vessel is formed. The holder 15 is designed such that a drinking vessel can be manually inserted into the holding area via the adjustment area 4, preferably in a horizontal movement, and preferably manually removed from the holding area via the removal area 5.

[0174] Although not shown in the drawings, it is convenient that the holder 15 has a drinking vessel receptacle, in particular in the form of a recess or in the form of a groove area, in order to position and / or center a drinking vessel, particularly in an upside-down state, in the treatment zone 3.

[0175] The drawings also do not show that the setting area 4 of the dishwasher 1 is assigned a cleaning system with at least one cleaning nozzle, which is designed to clean the setting area 4 preferably automatically.

[0176] The drawings show that in the exemplary embodiment, the dishwasher 1 has a body 11 with an upper horizontal plane that defines the counter surface 12 or lies below the actual counter surface 12. The undercounter area 7 of the dishwasher 1 is formed by the body 11, which in this case has height-adjustable feet 13 by which it is supported.

[0177] The cabinet area is equipped with removable wall elements or a door 19 to allow access, for example for maintenance purposes, to the technology housed in the undercounter area 7 of the dishwasher 1. Due to the compact design of the dishwasher 1, the adjustment opening of the adjustment area 4 can be correspondingly small. If – as in the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings – the dishwasher 1 is used for cleaning drinking vessels, in particular reusable drinking vessels such as coffee cups, the adjustment opening of the adjustment area 4 can be slightly higher than the drinking vessel to be cleaned.

[0178] Although not shown in the drawings, the adjustment opening of adjustment area 4 of the dishwasher 1 can be assigned a backdrop corresponding to the drinking vessel to be cleaned in order to specify an orientation of the drinking vessel when the drinking vessel is placed in adjustment area 4.

[0179] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the holder 15 in treatment zone 3 is designed to only accommodate drinking vessels in a predetermined orientation.

[0180] Preferably, the dishwasher 1 has a control device, not explicitly shown in the drawings, for controlling the at least one door, in particular a hinged door, as well as the controllable components assigned to treatment zone 3 and the display arrangements 16, 17. The control device is specifically designed to control the controllable components of treatment zone 3 or of the washing and rinsing system of treatment zone 3 depending on the presence or absence of a drinking vessel in the setting area 4, in the dispensing area 5, or in the area of ​​treatment zone 3.

[0181] In particular, the dishwasher 1 according to the invention is designed, due to its shape and size, to be integrated into the counter concept of, for example, a coffee shop, so that a customer can place a dirty cup into the machine in an area in front of the counter, and the clean cup can then be removed from the machine by staff behind the counter after the cleaning process has been completed, in order to be used directly for refilling according to the customer's order. Specifically, it is provided that the technology for the washing and / or rinsing system is housed in the undercounter area 7 of the dishwasher 1, so that as much space as possible is available in the overcounter area 6 of the dishwasher 1, thus enabling the entire dishwasher 1 to be easily integrated into the counter concept of, for example, a coffee shop.

[0182] It is particularly advantageous if the dishwasher 1 has a door, especially a hinged or tambour door, to close the access opening to the setting area 4 of the dishwasher 1 as needed. The door can be operated manually or automatically. If the door is operated automatically, a sensor can be assigned to setting area 4, which is designed to detect the presence of an item of food to be washed in setting area 4 or in the area of ​​treatment zone 3, whereby the sensor, upon detecting an item of food to be washed, controls a door mechanism to close the door and start a treatment program of the dishwasher 1.

[0183] Similarly, it is advantageous if a corresponding door is also assigned to the dispensing area 5. In particular, the door should be retractable vertically into the body 11 of the dishwasher 1 when it is in the open position. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the door could be retractable horizontally into the side wall area of ​​the housing of treatment zone 3.

[0184] The following refers to the representations in Fig. Sections 15a to 18b describe in more detail the over-the-counter area of ​​another exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention.

[0185] The over-table area of ​​this exemplary embodiment is characterized by the fact that the storage surface 20 in the treatment zone 3 is inclined relative to the horizontal in the direction of the dispensing area 5. Of course, it is also conceivable that the storage surface 20 is inclined in the direction of the adjustment area 4 or in another direction relative to the horizontal.

[0186] Furthermore, it can be seen in the drawings that the storage surface 20 is formed by a strut structure, in particular a grid-like strut structure.

[0187] According to the sectional views Fig. 17a, Fig. 17b, Fig. 18a and Fig. It can be seen from 18b that a revolving door 18 is arranged in the housing 14 of treatment zone 3. The revolving door 18 is designed as an element that surrounds the treatment zone 3 and has a first and a second, opposing passage opening. It is rotatable relative to the adjustment opening and the removal opening of treatment zone 3 such that at least a first state, in which the first passage opening is at least substantially aligned with the adjustment opening of treatment zone 3 and the second passage opening is at least substantially aligned with the removal opening of treatment zone 3, and a second state, in which the surrounding element at least substantially completely covers both the adjustment opening and the removal opening of treatment zone 3, are possible. It should be noted that in Fig. 14a to 18b shows the revolving door 18 in its first state.

[0188] A corresponding motor 21 for operating the revolving door 18 is housed in the upper part of the housing. Furthermore, the first and second display assemblies 16, 17 are located in the upper part of the housing 14 of treatment zone 3.

[0189] At the in Fig. In the exemplary embodiment of the over-counter area 6 of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention, shown in Figures 14a to 18b, the holder 15 for the item to be washed 2 is also arranged in the treatment zone 3. In this case, the holder 15 serves to position and align or center the item to be washed 2 with respect to the washing and / or rinsing nozzle 22 of the washing and / or rinsing system of the dishwasher 1. The washing and / or rinsing nozzle 22 can also serve as an air blow nozzle to blow compressed air towards the item to be washed 2, particularly after completion of a rinse cycle.

[0190] The bracket 15 is used in the Fig. The exemplary embodiment of the over-table area 6 of the dishwasher 1 shown in 14a to 18b also serves as a support arrangement to support the dishwashing item 2 placed on the inclined support surface 20.

[0191] It should be taken into account that the area above the table should preferably be detachable from the body of the unit. Fig. The under-table area 7 of the dishwasher 1, not shown in sections 14a to 18b, can be connected.

[0192] As a further development, it is also conceivable that an under-table area 7 serves to supply two or more over-table areas 6.

[0193] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but results from a combination of all the features disclosed herein. Reference symbol list 1 dishwasher 2. Dishwashing part 3 treatment zones 4 Adjustment range 5 extraction area 6 Over-the-counter area 7 Under-table area 8 Wash and / or rinse pump 9 Wash tank 10 Rinse aid fluid tank 11 Corpus 12 counter level 13 height-adjustable feet 14 Housing of the treatment zone 15 bracket 16 first display arrangement 17 second display arrangement 18 Door / Revolving Door 19 Door of the body 20 parking spaces 21 engine 22 Wash and / or spray nozzle

Claims

[1] Dishwasher (1) for cleaning items (2) in the form of drinking vessels, in particular in the form of drinking cups, mugs, glasses or bottles, wherein the dishwasher (1) is in particular designed as a counter module of a counter system and has at least one and preferably exactly one treatment zone (3) with an adjustment area (4) and a removal area (5) associated with the treatment zone (3), wherein the item (2) to be cleaned can preferably be manually adjusted into the treatment zone (3) via the adjustment area (4) and the cleaned item (2) can preferably be manually removed from the treatment zone (3) via the removal area (5), wherein the adjustment area (4) and the removal area (5) are arranged opposite each other with the treatment zone (3) interposed. characterized by, that in the treatment zone (3) at least one holder (15) is provided for fixing and / or positioning the dish part (2) placed on a support surface (20) in the treatment zone (3), in particular releasably, wherein the holder (15) has at least two opposing spring-loaded holding elements, between which a holding area for a dish part (2) designed as a drinking vessel is formed, wherein a dish part (2) designed as a drinking vessel can preferably be inserted manually into the holding area via the adjustment area (4), and preferably can be removed manually from the holding area via the removal area (5). [2] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, wherein the treatment zone (3) is in particular dimensioned and / or designed such that exactly one dish item (2) designed as a drinking vessel can be received in the treatment zone (3), wherein the holder (15) is designed to position the drinking vessel independently in the treatment zone (3) and / or to align it with respect to a jet direction, in particular the main jet direction, of at least one washing and / or spray nozzle (22) of the dishwasher (1), wherein the holder (15) is preferably further designed such that a dish item (2) designed as a drinking vessel can preferably be brought into operative contact with the holder (15) via the adjustment area (4) and can be removed from the holder (15) preferably manually and in particular with one hand via the removal area (5). [3] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holder (15) has a drinking vessel receptacle, in particular in the form of a recess or in the form of a groove area, or wherein the holder (15) is designed at least partially as a drinking vessel receptacle, in particular in the form of a recess or in the form of a groove area, for positioning and / or aligning a dishwashing item part (2) designed as a drinking vessel with regard to a jet direction, in particular the main jet direction, of at least one washing and / or spray nozzle (22) of the dishwasher (1), in particular in an upside-down state of the drinking vessel. [4] Dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support surface (20) is inclined at least in part to the horizontal, preferably by an angle of 5° to 35° and more preferably by an angle of 10° to 30° and more preferably by an angle of 22° to 28°; and / or wherein the storage area (20) is formed at least in part by a strut structure, in particular a grid-like strut structure. [5] Dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4 and in particular according to claim 4, wherein the holder (15) has a support arrangement, in particular in the form of at least one support strut, for supporting a dishwashing part (2) received in the treatment zone (3) and placed on the support surface (20) which is inclined in particular with regard to the horizontal. [6] Dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dishwasher (1) has an air blow system with at least one air blow nozzle, which is designed and oriented with respect to the support surface (20) such that, in particular to optimize a drying result of the dish part (2), water droplets can be blown off the dish part (2) with the air blow nozzle, wherein the air blow system is designed, in particular, to blow compressed air towards the dish part (2) automatically after completion of a rinse phase via the air blow nozzle or, preferably, to blow compressed air towards the dish part (2) automatically when the dish part (2) is removed from the treatment zone (3) via the air blow nozzle. [7] Dishwasher (1) according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, that the dishwasher (1) has a cleaning system with at least one cleaning nozzle which is designed to clean the setting area (4) preferably automatically. [8] Dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the treatment zone (3) is assigned at least one door, in particular in the form of a pivot door (18), especially in the form of a cylinder or in the form of a tambour door, via which an adjustment opening and / or removal opening on the adjustment area (4) or removal area (5) can be closed as required and in particular automatically after the insertion of a dishwashing item (2), in particular in the form of a drinking vessel, into the treatment zone (3), wherein the at least one door can preferably be moved in a horizontal plane relative to the treatment zone (3) between an open position, in which the adjustment opening and the removal opening are open, and a closed position, in which the adjustment opening and the removal opening are closed. [9] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 8, wherein the at least one door has a circumferential element with respect to the treatment zone (3), which has a first and a second passage opening and is movable relative to the setting opening and the removal opening of the treatment zone (3) such that optionally at least a first state, in which the first passage opening is at least substantially aligned with the setting opening of the treatment zone (3) and the second passage opening is at least substantially aligned with the removal opening of the treatment zone (3), and a second state are realizable in which the circumferential element covers both the setting opening and the removal opening of the treatment zone (3) at least substantially completely, wherein the circumferential element is in particular a circumferential revolving door (18) arranged within the treatment zone (3) and preferably displaceable or rotatable about a horizontal or vertical central axis of the treatment zone (3) relative to the setting opening and the removal opening of the treatment zone (3), and wherein preferably at least one window area is formed in the surrounding element such that in the second state of the door the treatment zone (3) can be inspected optically via the adjustment area (4) and / or removal area (5). [10] Dishwasher (1) according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the dishwasher (1) further comprises a washing and / or rinsing system with washing and / or rinsing nozzles, via which cleaning fluid, in particular washing and / or rinsing fluid, can be sprayed onto the drinking vessel to be cleaned in the treatment zone (3), characterized by, that the dishwasher (1) is spatially divided into an over-counter area (6), which in the intended use of the dishwasher (1) is located above a counter level (12), and into an under-counter area (7), which in the intended use of the dishwasher (1) is located below the counter level (12), wherein the setting area (4), the removal area (5) and at least partially the at least one treatment zone (3) are each part of the over-counter area (6), and wherein at least the at least one washing and / or rinsing pump (8) of the washing and / or rinsing system is part of the under-counter area (7). [11] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 10, wherein the washing and / or rinsing system further comprises at least one of the following components: - a rinse aid dosing system for the selective and / or on-demand dosing of rinse aid to the cleaning fluid to be sprayed in the at least one treatment zone (3); - a cleaner dosing system for the selective and / or on-demand dosing of a cleaning chemical to the cleaning fluid to be sprayed in the at least one treatment zone (3); - a washing tank (9) for at least temporarily storing the cleaning fluid to be sprayed in the at least one treatment zone (3) and / or for temporarily storing the cleaning fluid sprayed in the at least one treatment zone (3); - a rinse aid tank (10) for providing rinse aid to be sprayed in the at least one treatment zone (3), to which rinse aid may be added; - a wastewater tank for at least temporary storage of wastewater generated during the cleaning of the items being washed; - a water heater for heating, in particular selectively and / or as required, the cleaning fluid to be sprayed in the at least one treatment zone (3); and / or - a disinfectant dosing system for adding a disinfectant as required to the cleaning fluid to be sprayed in the at least one treatment zone (3), wherein the at least one component of the washing and / or rinsing system is part of the undercounter area (7) of the dishwasher (1). [12] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the dishwasher (1) has a body (11) with an upper horizontal plane which lies below the counter plane (12) or which defines the counter plane (12), wherein the undercounter area (7) of the dishwasher (1) is formed by the body (11), and wherein the body (11) is preferably supported by, in particular, height-adjustable feet (13) or rollers or by, in particular, height-adjustable substructure, base or frame, wherein preferably the upper horizontal plane of the body (11) is designed at least partially as an upper floor, the surface of which lies below the counter plane (12) or defines the counter plane (12), wherein furthermore preferably in the area of ​​the at least one treatment zone (3) the upper floor has at least one passage or opening through which cleaning fluid can be transferred from the under-table area (7) to the upper-table area and vice versa, and wherein preferably the storage area (20) is arranged below the counter level (12). [13] Dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the treatment zone (3) is at least partially bounded by at least one wall area provided above the counter level (12) and an upper roof area, wherein the dishwasher (1) has a first display arrangement (16) associated with the setting area (4) and preferably arranged on the upper roof area for displaying customer-specific information and preferably a second display arrangement (17) associated with the removal area (5) and preferably arranged on the upper roof area for displaying counter staff-specific information, and wherein the treatment zone (3) is preferably assigned at least one door, in particular in the form of a revolving door (18), especially in the form of a cylinder or in the form of a drum door, through which a setting opening and / or removal opening at the setting area (4) orThe dispensing area (5) can be closed as required and in particular automatically after a drinking vessel has been placed in the treatment zone (3), wherein the at least one door can preferably be moved in a horizontal or vertical plane relative to the treatment zone (3) between an open position in which the setting opening and the dispensing opening are open and a closed position in which the setting opening and the dispensing opening are closed, wherein in the open position of the at least one door it does not project above the upper roof area of ​​the dishwasher (1). [14] Dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the dishwasher (1) has dimensions adapted to a counter size, wherein the base area of ​​the overcounter area (6) of the dishwasher (1) preferably has dimensions of a maximum of 500 mm x 500 mm, and preferably a maximum of 400 mm x 400 mm, and more preferably a maximum of 250 mm x 600 mm, and more preferably a maximum of 330 mm x 330 mm, or in particular approximately 229 mm x 379 mm, and wherein the base area of ​​the undercounter area (7) of the dishwasher (1) preferably has dimensions of a maximum of 400 mm x 600 mm, and preferably a maximum of 300 mm x 600 mm, and more preferably 305 mm x 756 mm; and / or wherein an adjustment opening on the adjustment area (4) of the dishwasher (1) has a height of a maximum of 330 mm and preferably a maximum of 280 mm and a width of a maximum of 260 mm and preferably of about 178 mm; and / or wherein the dishwasher (1) has a control device by which the treatment parameters necessary and / or desired for cleaning the items to be washed can be selected and / or adjusted, wherein the control device is in particular configured to control the washing and / or rinsing system of the dishwasher (1) for the treatment of the items to be washed in the at least one treatment zone (3) in such a way that at least one washing phase and subsequently at least one rinsing phase, in particular a fresh water rinsing phase, are carried out successively, wherein the control device is further in particular configured to control the washing and / or rinsing system of the dishwasher (1) for the treatment of the items to be washed in the at least one treatment zone (3) in such a way that at least one disinfection phase is carried out between the at least one washing phase and the at least one rinsing phase,wherein the at least one washing phase preferably lasts between 5 and 30 seconds, preferably between 5 and 20 seconds, and more preferably about 15 seconds, wherein the optionally provided disinfection phase preferably lasts between 1 and 10 seconds, and preferably about 7 seconds, and wherein the rinsing phase preferably lasts between 1 and 10 seconds, preferably between 2 and 8 seconds, and more preferably between 3 and 5 seconds. [15] Dishwasher (1) according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by, that the treatment zone (3) is assigned a door, in particular designed as a revolving door, in order to close, as required, an access opening leading to the setting area (4) of the dishwasher (1), wherein the door has an element circumferential with respect to the treatment zone (3), which has a first and a second passage opening and is movable relative to the setting opening and the removal opening of the treatment zone (3) in such a way and in particular is rotatable about a vertically extending axis, such that optionally at least a first state, in which the first passage opening is at least substantially aligned with the setting opening of the treatment zone and the second passage opening is at least substantially aligned with the removal opening of the treatment zone, and a second state are realizable in which the circumferential element covers both the setting opening and the removal opening of the treatment zone at least substantially completely. [16] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 15, wherein the circumferential element is in particular a circumferential rotating door arranged within the treatment zone and preferably rotatably mounted about a vertical central axis of the treatment zone relative to the setting opening and the removal opening of the treatment zone (3). [17] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein a holder is provided in the treatment zone (3) which serves to fix and / or position a dishwashing item inserted into the treatment zone (3), wherein the holder has two opposing, in particular spring-loaded, holding elements, between which a holding area for a dishwashing item designed as a drinking vessel is formed, wherein a dishwashing item designed as a drinking vessel can preferably be manually inserted into the holding area via the adjustment area, and preferably can be manually removed from the holding area via the removal area. [18] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 17, wherein the holder has at least two opposing, in particular spring-loaded, retaining elements which are connected to the inside of the door, in particular designed as a hinged door. [19] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 18, wherein the holder further comprises at least two opposing holding elements which, however, are fixedly arranged with regard to the treatment zone. [20] Dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the setting area and / or the removal area of ​​the dishwasher are designed in such a way that they preferably transition steplessly to the storage area in the treatment zone. [21] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 20, wherein the setting area and / or the removal area is designed at least partially as a draining sieve which lies in a plane below a counter plane. [22] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 20 or 21, wherein a detachable drip tray is provided which can be connected to the loading or unloading area of ​​the dishwasher as required. [23] Dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the dishwasher has a control device which is configured to preferably automatically implement the following treatment cycle after the item to be cleaned has been manually placed into the treatment zone with the door of the treatment zone open: (a) preferably automatic detection or optionally automatic detection that a dishwashing item has been inserted into the treatment zone and the loading process is complete, wherein the door assigned to the treatment zone is then preferably automatically closed, or wherein, alternatively to the automatic closing of the door by actuating a switch, button, etc., the door is preferably closed by the counter staff; (b) automatic commencement of a washing phase after the (complete) closing of the door, wherein the washing phase takes place at at least 50°C and preferably at about 66°C, and wherein the washing phase lasts in particular 5 to 30 seconds and preferably about 10 to about 20 seconds; (c) after completion of the washing phase, automatic initiation of a rinsing phase with hot rinsing liquid at at least 50°C and preferably at about 82°C, wherein the rinsing phase with hot rinsing liquid preferably lasts about 1 to 10 seconds and particularly about 2 to 6 seconds; (d) after completion of the rinsing with hot rinse liquid, automatic initiation of a further rinsing phase with rinse liquid at ambient temperature, wherein the further rinsing phase with rinse liquid at ambient temperature preferably lasts between about 1 and 10 seconds and particularly between about 2 seconds and about 6 seconds; and (e) then preferably automatically opening the door of the dishwasher so that the cleaned item can then be manually removed. [24] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 23, wherein in step (b) the heated rinse aid liquid is sprayed onto the part of the dish via rinse aid nozzles, wherein these rinse aid nozzles are preferably arranged exclusively below the part of the dish. [25] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 23 or 24, wherein additional rinse nozzles are arranged in the treatment zone for the additional rinsing with the rinse liquid at room temperature, wherein the additional rinse nozzles are in particular designed to spray a finer mist compared to the spray nozzles provided for the rinsing phase with the heated rinse liquid. [26] Dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the control device associated with the dishwasher is configured to determine the inlet temperature of the fresh water and to adjust the duration of the additional rinse phase with the unheated rinse liquid depending on the inlet temperature. [27] Dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the dishwasher preferably has a water heater, and wherein the control device associated with the dishwasher is configured to fill the water heater only with as much fresh water as is actually required by the dishwasher to treat the items to be washed. [28] Dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 23 to 27, wherein preferably only in step (c) a rinse aid chemical is dosed into the heated rinse aid liquid. [29] Counter module for a counter system, wherein the counter system has a counter area with a horizontal counter surface, and wherein the counter module has a dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein an overcounter area (6) of the dishwasher (1) is arranged above the counter surface of the counter area and an undercounter area (7) of the dishwasher (1) is arranged below the counter surface of the counter area.

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