Dishwasher for a coffe shop and / or a quick-restaurant

Abstract

The invention relates to a dishwasher (1), particularly for use in a coffee shop and / or a fast-food restaurant, for cleaning items to be washed, wherein the dishwasher (1) is assigned an input area (2), and wherein the dishwasher (1) has a transport device (3) for transporting the item to be washed from the input area (2) to a treatment area (4) of the dishwasher (1) and from there to a discharge or removal area (16) of the dishwasher (1). The dishwasher (1) according to the invention is characterized in particular in that the input area (2) of the dishwasher (1) has at least one receiving opening (5) which is designed such that an item to be washed can be manually placed into a loading area (9) of the dishwasher (1), wherein the receiving opening (5) is assigned a locking element (6) which is movable relative to a machine frame of the dishwasher (1) and which is movable between an open position and a closed position.The input area (2) has an adjustment control system (7) that interacts with the locking element (6) and is designed such that the locking element (6) is only moved into its open position when the adjustment control system (7) detects and / or verifies that the operator of the dishwasher (1) has authorized the cleaning of the item to be cleaned.

Description

[0001] The invention relates generally to the field of commercial dishwashing.

[0002] Specifically, the invention relates to a special dishwasher optimized for use in a coffee shop and / or fast-food restaurant for cleaning dishes. Furthermore, the invention relates to a transport device for such a dishwasher, specifically designed for use in a coffee shop and / or fast-food restaurant.

[0003] The dishwasher according to the invention is in particular designed as a conveyor dishwasher and has a transport device for transporting the items to be washed from an input or setting area associated with the dishwasher to a treatment area of ​​the dishwasher and from there to an output or removal area of ​​the dishwasher. The input or setting area associated with the dishwasher represents the soiled side area, while the output or removal area of ​​the dishwasher represents the clean side area of ​​the machine.

[0004] Conveyor dishwashers of this type are used in commercial settings. Unlike household dishwashers, where the items to be cleaned remain stationary during the cleaning process, conveyor dishwashers transport the items through various treatment zones within the machine.

[0005] 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.

[0006] However, there is a growing need to utilize the advantages of a transport dishwasher in applications where only a small installation area is available.

[0007] 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 drinking cup, although plastic cups are also used in vending machine installations in businesses or public buildings.

[0008] The same applies to coffee shops or fast-food restaurants, where it is common practice to hand a customer's chosen coffee specialty in a so-called "coffee-to-go" cup. Due to the enormous amounts of plastic waste generated daily by disposable tableware, there is a drive to reduce the amount of disposable tableware, particularly in coffee shops and fast-food restaurants.

[0009] One approach to improving the environmental footprint of coffee shops and fast-food restaurants in particular is to use disposable tableware, such as recyclable "coffee-to-go" cups. Disposable tableware made from cellulose acetate or so-called oxo-degradable plastic is one example.

[0010] 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 during recycling. 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.

[0011] Furthermore, the production of disposable tableware from oxo-degradable plastic is relatively complex and therefore also negatively impacts the environmental footprint.

[0012] The German patent application DE 10 2019 119 462 A1 relates to a conveyor dishwasher for cleaning items, particularly drinking vessels such as coffee cups. The conveyor dishwasher comprises a wash zone and a spatially separate rinse zone, as well as a housing in which the wash zone and the rinse zone are contained. The conveyor dishwasher also has a soiled-side infeed area for manually loading items to be cleaned in the dishwasher's treatment zones and a clean-side discharge area for discharging and manually removing items cleaned in the treatment zones. Furthermore, the conveyor dishwasher includes a transport device for moving items from the infeed area through the treatment zones to the discharge area.In particular, it is provided that the input area and the output area are formed in one and the same side of the housing of the transport dishwasher or in immediately adjacent sides of the housing of the transport dishwasher.

[0013] Document US 2021 / 0259509 A1 concerns a glasswashing machine in which the drinking glasses to be cleaned are transported through the treatment zones of the transport dishwasher by means of a revolver-like transport device.

[0014] The German patent application DE 10 2022 112 613 A1 relates to a dishwasher, in particular for a coffee shop and / or a fast-food restaurant, for cleaning items, wherein the dishwasher is assigned an input or loading area, designed in particular as a return unit and in particular as a return machine for reusable items. The dishwasher has a transport device for transporting the items from the input or loading area to a treatment area of ​​the dishwasher and from there to a discharge or removal area of ​​the dishwasher.

[0015] Based on this problem statement, the task is therefore to provide a solution, especially for coffee shops or fast-food restaurants, with which their environmental footprint can be significantly improved.

[0016] There is therefore a particular need for a dishwasher, especially for a coffee shop and / or a fast-food restaurant, for cleaning items, specifically and preferably exclusively items issued by the coffee shop and / or the fast-food restaurant, such as drinking cups. The dishwasher must be equipped with a loading area designed specifically as a return system and, in particular, as a return machine for reusable items. It is essential that the dishwasher can be loaded with items as easily as possible, even by untrained personnel. In particular, the loading area should be self-explanatory, allowing for the intuitive insertion of items to be cleaned in the correct orientation.

[0017] The problem underlying the invention is solved in particular by the subject matter of independent claim 1, which relates to a dishwasher, especially for a coffee shop and / or a fast-food restaurant.

[0018] The dishwasher according to the invention is specifically designed to clean items, and in particular items that are exclusively served by the coffee shop and / or the fast-food restaurant. The dishwasher is preferably installed in the coffee shop or the fast-food restaurant so that customers of the coffee shop or the fast-food restaurant can, for example, clean their drinking containers.

[0019] In particular, the dishwasher has an input area. This input area is specifically designed as a return device, and preferably as an automatic return machine, for reusable dishwashing parts.

[0020] The dishwasher preferably also includes a transport device for moving items to be washed from the infeed area of ​​the dishwasher to a treatment area of ​​the dishwasher and from there to an outfeed or dispensing area of ​​the dishwasher. The treatment area of ​​the dishwasher particularly includes a washing and rinsing system for washing and rinsing the item and, optionally, a downstream drying system – viewed in the direction of transport of the item – for drying the rinsed item.

[0021] The input area associated with the dishwasher, designed specifically as a return facility and preferably as a return machine for reusable dishwashing items, need not itself be part of the dishwasher. It can, in particular, be a return station located remotely from the actual dishwasher, which is ultimately connected to the dishwasher's treatment zones via the transport device in order to feed the items handed over by a customer at the input area, specifically to the dishwasher's treatment area.

[0022] For example, it may be provided that the input area assigned to the dishwasher, and in particular designed as a return facility and preferably as a return machine for reusable dishwashing parts, is arranged separately from the treatment area of ​​the dishwasher and in particular from an inlet tunnel of the dishwasher leading to the treatment area of ​​the dishwasher.

[0023] Preferably, the input area associated with the dishwasher, and in particular designed as a return device and preferably as a return machine for reusable dishwashing parts, has a refund device.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the input area assigned to the dishwasher, and in particular designed as a return facility and preferably as a return machine for reusable dishwashing parts, has a user interface and an identification device for dishwashing parts that interacts with a data processing device via a data storage device, wherein the identification device in particular has an optical recognition system and / or wherein the identification device is designed for barcode recognition, RFID recognition, three-dimensional surface analysis, 3D matching, logo recognition, OCR recognition and / or color recognition.

[0025] According to the invention, it is particularly provided that the loading area of ​​the dishwasher has at least one receiving opening, which is designed such that an item to be cleaned can be manually placed into a loading area of ​​the dishwasher. A locking element (door) is associated with the receiving opening and is movable relative to a machine frame of the dishwasher. This locking element can be moved between an open position, in which the item to be cleaned can be placed into the loading area, and a closed position, in which the receiving opening is closed and placement of the item to be cleaned into the loading area is prevented.

[0026] To ensure that only certain items can be received by the input area of ​​the dishwasher, which is designed in particular as a return machine, the dishwasher according to the invention is provided with an adjustment control system that interacts with the locking element and is designed such that the locking element is only moved into its open position when the adjustment control system recognizes and / or verifies that the operator of the dishwasher has authorized the cleaning of the item to be cleaned.

[0027] Various designs are possible for the setting control system. For example, it is conceivable that the setting control system includes a scanner device which is provided in or near the loading area of ​​the dishwasher in such a way that the scanner device can detect the type of item to be placed in the loading area of ​​the dishwasher. The scanner device could, in particular, be a code reading device, especially a barcode reading device.

[0028] However, other systems are also suitable, which are trained to visually identify the item to be washed or to determine its type. In addition to barcode recognition, three-dimensional surface analysis, 3D matching, logo recognition, OCR recognition, and / or color recognition are also possible, for example.

[0029] The setting control system is specifically designed to verify, based on the type of item detected by the scanner, that the dishwasher operator has authorized cleaning of the item. Furthermore, upon verification that the dishwasher operator has authorized cleaning, the setting control system is designed to initiate the dishwasher's closing element to its open position, allowing the item to be placed in the dishwasher's loading area.

[0030] Instead of a scanner, it is also conceivable that the setting control system includes a reader designed to detect, particularly using electromagnetic waves, a type of item to be placed in the dishwasher's loading area. Such a reader could, for example, be an RFID reader.

[0031] Here too, it is advantageous that the setting control system is designed to verify, based on the type of item detected by the reader, that the dishwasher operator has authorized cleaning of the item. Furthermore, upon verification that the dishwasher operator has authorized cleaning of the item, the setting control system is designed to move the dishwasher's closing element to its open position so that the item can be placed in the loading area.

[0032] Preferably, the setting control system is associated with a data storage device and a data processing device, wherein the data processing device is configured to identify whether the dishwashing item is a dishwashing item issued or accepted by the coffee shop operator or the fast food restaurant operator.

[0033] If the returned item is recognized as one stored in the dishwasher's data storage and accepted by the dishwasher's operator, such as a coffee shop or fast-food restaurant, then—in addition to the dishwasher's locking mechanism being opened—a user interface display can show the amount due for that item. This amount can be paid out in cash, for example. Alternatively, the customer can be credited with a discount on the purchase price of a new beverage or food item, reducing it by the amount due for the returned item. The customer can then choose whether to receive the credit or purchase a new item at the discounted price.

[0034] It is also conceivable that the person could choose to refuse the amount to be reimbursed and not place the item to be washed into the dishwasher through the open receiving opening.

[0035] The input area associated with the dishwasher is therefore preferably designed as a type of return machine for reusable dishwashing items and preferably includes a refund mechanism. With regard to the refund mechanism, it is generally conceivable that the user receives a paper receipt or ticket, as is common with reverse vending machines.

[0036] However, a paperless and customer-friendly deposit receipt system is preferred. One paperless method would be to transfer such a deposit receipt to a smartphone. This transfer to the smartphone can be achieved wirelessly. One such method uses NFC (Near Field Communication). Since most smartphones and many credit cards support this standard, it would also be preferable to use it later to pay for another item or food product in the coffee shop or fast-food restaurant.

[0037] According to various embodiments of the dishwasher according to the invention, it is provided that only the input area of ​​the dishwasher, which is designed in particular as a return machine, is visible to the customer.

[0038] In other words, the dishwasher's loading area is separated from the washing and / or rinsing system, as well as the optional downstream drying system. This allows the dishwasher to be integrated particularly harmoniously into the coffee shop or fast-food restaurant.

[0039] To prevent misuse, the dishwasher's setting control system is preferably equipped with additional sensors, in particular in the form of a scanner and / or a reader, which are designed to detect the type of item placed in the dishwasher's loading area, wherein the setting control system is designed to verify, based on the type of item detected by the additional sensors, that the dishwasher operator has authorized the cleaning of the item, and wherein the setting control system is further designed, upon verification that the dishwasher operator has authorized the cleaning of the item, to cause the dishwasher's closing element to be moved into its closed position.

[0040] In this way, it can be effectively prevented that an authorized item causes the dishwasher's locking element to be moved into its open position, but then an unauthorized item is placed in the dishwasher's loading area instead of the authorized item.

[0041] According to a further embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention, the setting control system is provided with a sensor, which in particular operates without contact, and which is designed to detect whether several items of food, in particular several items of food in the form of a stack of items, are placed in the loading area of ​​the dishwasher. For example, it is conceivable in this context that the sensor is designed to perform a height check when or as soon as the loading area of ​​the dishwasher is occupied by at least one item of food.

[0042] This measure ensures that the items to be cleaned are only placed individually into the loading area of ​​the dishwasher, which is a prerequisite for proper and, in particular, hygienically sound further processing / cleaning of the item.

[0043] In this context, it is conceivable, for example, that the loading control system includes a device based on the Poka-Yoke principle, designed to prevent multiple items, particularly multiple items in the form of a stack, from being placed in the loading area. An example of such a Poka-Yoke-based device would be a loading gate or panel that only allows an item to be transferred into the dishwasher's loading area if only a single item is being transferred.

[0044] According to one implementation of the dishwasher according to the invention, the setting control system is further designed to check the item to be placed in or already placed in the loading area of ​​the dishwasher for marking, damage, degree of soiling and / or tightness.

[0045] In this way, the dishwasher optimally cleans items from a hygienic perspective, while simultaneously preventing waste. For example, the dishwasher or its setting control system is designed to detect whether an item, such as a drinking cup, has been used as a waste container. If so, the item is prevented from being accepted or cleaned. Cups or items identified as waste containers can also be sorted out, so that only items deemed truly reusable are cleaned. These cleaned items can then be reused.

[0046] The input control system thus performs a certain input control, whereby waste cups classified as unusable and empty cups classified as usable can be sorted using this input control.

[0047] For this purpose, a sensory and, even more preferably, an optical input control is used.

[0048] Preferably, the setting control system is further configured in this context to issue a warning message and / or to prevent or stop the transport of the item to be washed to the treatment area of ​​the dishwasher if the setting control system detects that the item to be taken into or already taken into the loading area has a mark, damage, a degree of soiling exceeding a threshold value and / or lacks at least sufficient sealing.

[0049] The dishwasher according to the invention is provided that the loading area of ​​the dishwasher has at least one adjustment area specifically designed for a particular item to be cleaned. This at least one adjustment area is designed to accommodate the item in a predetermined orientation. This predetermined orientation is preferably an upside-down position, in accordance with the intended use of the item.

[0050] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the setting control system is designed to detect whether a dish item is positioned in the predefined orientation within the setting area. The setting control system should also be designed to issue a warning message and / or prevent or stop the dish item from being transported to the dishwasher's treatment area if it detects that a dish item is not positioned in the predefined orientation within the setting area.

[0051] Monitoring that a dishwashing item is placed in the dishwasher's setting area in the predetermined orientation is preferably carried out using suitable sensors, in particular non-contact sensors.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally to the aspect mentioned above, it is conceivable that the loading area of ​​the dishwasher has at least one dedicated adjustment area for a specific item to be cleaned, which is designed to hold that item. The adjustment control system is designed to detect whether a single item is held in the adjustment area or whether multiple items, in particular multiple items in the form of a stack, are held in the adjustment area. In this context, it is advantageous for the adjustment control system to further issue a warning message and / or prevent or halt the transport of the items to the dishwasher's treatment area if the adjustment control system detects that multiple items are held in the adjustment area.

[0053] Here too, this adjustment check is carried out with the help of suitable sensors, especially those that operate without contact.

[0054] According to the invention, the setting control system includes a device based on the Poka-Yoke system, which is designed to prevent a part of the dish from being received in the setting area in a non-predetermined orientation.

[0055] In this context, it is advisable that the Poka-Yoke-based device be designed to allow the item to be placed in the dishwasher's loading area only if it is positioned in a predetermined orientation. For example, the Poka-Yoke system could take the form of a loading gate or panel that only permits the item to be placed in the loading area if it is positioned in the predetermined orientation.

[0056] According to the invention, the device based on the Poka-Yoke principle has at least one locking element which is designed to prevent a dishwashing item from being picked up in the dishwasher's setting area in a non-predetermined orientation.

[0057] The at least one locking element can, for example, be a pin- or rod-shaped element provided in the adjustment area, which is designed to extend, at least when the dishwasher's closing element is moved into its open position in the adjustment area, in such a way that a dish item cannot be received in the adjustment area if the dish item is not in the pre-defined orientation.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention, it is provided in this context that the dishwasher has a corresponding mechanism which is designed in such a way that, when the locking element is moved into its open position, it initiates an extension of the pin- or rod-shaped element, and when the locking element is moved into its closed position, it initiates a retraction of the pin- or rod-shaped element.

[0059] With regard to the dedicated adjustment area of ​​the dishwasher, it is specifically intended that the dedicated adjustment area is designed, at least in part, as a receptacle and / or recess into which a dish item to be cleaned can be placed in a predefined adjustment position.

[0060] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the loading area and / or the input area of ​​the dishwasher has a drip tray with a sieve cover.

[0061] To prevent steam from escaping from the dishwasher's loading area, the dishwasher is designed, according to its various versions, to have a steam extraction system assigned to the dishwasher's loading area, which is designed to at least partially extract any steam escaping from the dishwasher's treatment area into the dishwasher's loading area.

[0062] To achieve a particularly compact dishwasher design, the setting and control system is configured to control the dishwasher's transport mechanism in such a way that items to be washed are fed discontinuously, and especially in batches, from the infeed area to the treatment area of ​​the dishwasher. In this way, the dishwasher can have a length of preferably 1 to 3 m, a height of approximately 1 to 1.75 m, and a width of approximately 0.3 to 1 m.

[0063] In particular, the transport device is controlled in such a way that the items to be cleaned are transported discontinuously, i.e. in a time-interrupted manner, from the input area of ​​the dishwasher through the washing and rinsing system and the drying system provided if applicable to the output or removal area of ​​the dishwasher, preferably also at different speeds.

[0064] The dishwasher may also have a control unit to operate the transport device and / or the controllable components associated with the washing and rinsing system and / or the drying system. It is advantageous for the transport device and, if applicable, the controllable components associated with the washing and rinsing system and / or the drying system to be controlled depending on the presence or absence of items in the input area and / or the output or removal area of ​​the dishwasher.

[0065] With the solution according to the invention, a change from disposable to reusable tableware by a coffee shop or fast food restaurant even offers economic advantages, since no logistics, in particular in the form of workers, need to be provided to collect the soiled dishes.

[0066] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention shown in the drawings.

[0067] The drawings show: FIG. 1 schematically and in an isometric view an exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention; FIG. 2 schematically and in an isometric view the input area of ​​the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher according to FIG. 1 , namely in a state in which the locking element is in its open position; FIG. 3 schematically and in an isometric partial sectional view of the input area of ​​the dishwasher according to the in FIG. 1 The exemplary embodiment shown; FIG. 4 schematically and in an isometric view of the input area of ​​the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention. FIG. 1 , namely in a state in which the locking element is in its open position; FIG. 5 schematically and in an isometric partial sectional view of the input area according to FIG. 1 ; FIG. 6 schematically and in a partially cutaway top view of the input area according to FIG. 4 ; FIG. 7 Schematic and in an isometric view of the adjustment range of the loading area of ​​the dishwasher according to FIG. 1 , specifically in a state in which a pin- or rod-shaped element is extended into the adjustment range as a locking element; FIG. 7B schematic and in an isometric view of the adjustment range according to FIG. 7A , namely in a state in which the pin- or rod-shaped locking element is in its retracted state; FIG. 8A, B schematically the mechanism for extending and retracting the pin- or rod-shaped locking element.

[0068] An exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 1 The dishwasher is shown schematically and in an isometric view. Dishwasher 1 is particularly suitable for coffee shops or fast-food restaurants where reusable dishes are used and returned by the customer.

[0069] For this purpose, dishwasher 1, according to the in FIG. 1 The exemplary embodiment shown has an input area 2. The input area 2 can, for example, be designed as a return machine for reusable dishwashing parts.

[0070] In the present case, the dishwasher 1 according to the invention is described in connection with the cleaning of drinking vessels. The drinking vessels are, in particular, cup-shaped drinking vessels that are served in coffee shops or fast-food restaurants for hot drinks (coffee drinks, etc.) or cold drinks.

[0071] However, the solution according to the invention is not limited to the treatment of this type of dishwashing item. By slightly modifying the dishwasher 1 and, in particular, the transport device 3 of the dishwasher 1, it is also suitable for other, and especially for several different, types of dishwashing items, such as plates, bowls, etc.

[0072] The dishwasher 1 according to the invention has a transport device 3 which is particularly suitable for the safe transport and treatment of items to be washed of different sizes and / or shapes.

[0073] The input area 2 of the dishwasher 1, which – as described – can be designed in particular as a return machine for reusable dishware, is preferably positioned in a location accessible to the customer of the coffee shop or fast-food restaurant. It can have a user interface 8 and an identification device for dishware that interacts with a data processing unit and a data storage unit. This identification device is part of a corresponding setting control system 7 of the dishwasher 1 in order to identify the dishware returned by the customer or placed at input area 2 of the dishwasher 1.

[0074] Preferably, the input area 2 of the dishwasher 1 has at least one access or receiving opening 5, wherein the access or receiving opening 5 has a closing element 6 that is movable relative to a machine frame of the dishwasher 1. In the present case, this is a hinged door which is guided by a corresponding guide 10 and which is rotatably mounted about a pivot axis which runs vertically.

[0075] From the input area 2 of the dishwasher 1, the item to be washed, which may have been identified, is transported by means of the transport device 3 to the treatment area 4 of the dishwasher 1. The treatment area 4 of the dishwasher 1 consists in particular of a treatment zone with a washing and rinsing system and a drying zone located downstream in the direction of transport of the item to be washed.

[0076] In the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings, a transport device 3 is used which has a single transport track designed to transport the items to be cleaned in a row to and through the treatment area 4 of the dishwasher 1.

[0077] In principle, it is also conceivable that the transport device 3 has several parallel transport tracks which are designed to transport at least two items to be washed simultaneously and in parallel through the treatment area 4 of the dishwasher 1.

[0078] At the dispensing or removal area 16 of the dishwasher 1, a destacking device may be provided which is designed to destackle the items treated in the treatment area 4 of the dishwasher 1 into a corresponding stack of items.

[0079] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the cleaned and possibly dried dishware items are dispensed into an area provided at the dispensing or removal area 16 of the dishwasher 1, or into a container or the like, without being stacked.

[0080] As shown in the partially cutaway view according to FIG. 4 In the dishwasher 1 according to the invention, a special transport device 3 is used, which is adapted and optimized in particular for the use of the dishwasher 1 in a coffee shop and / or in a fast food restaurant. The transport device 3 serves in particular to transport drinking vessels to be cleaned through the treatment area 4 of the dishwasher 1.

[0081] In general, the transport device 3 has a circulating conveyor belt, in particular in the form of a circulating transport chain or in the form of a circulating conveyor belt. A plurality of holding elements are connected to the circulating conveyor system. The holding elements are designed to receive parts to be cleaned, in particular in a form-fitting manner and preferably at least partially or partially, and then to hold them in a detachable manner.

[0082] The input area 2 of the dishwasher 1 is intuitively designed and features a user interface 8 through which necessary information can be presented to the user. The user interface 8 is part of a setting control system 7, which, among other things, serves to coordinate the movement of the locking element 6.

[0083] The locking element 6, which in the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings is designed as a hinged door, is movable between an open position, in which it is possible to place an item to be cleaned into a loading area 9 of the dishwasher 1, and a closed position. In the closed position of the locking element 6, the receiving opening 5 is closed and thus it is prevented that the item to be cleaned can be placed into the loading area 9.

[0084] The setting control system 7 interacts with the locking element 6 accordingly. Specifically, the setting control system 7 is designed such that the locking element 6 is only moved into its open position when the setting control system 7 detects and / or verifies that the operator of the dishwasher 1 has authorized the cleaning of the item to be washed.

[0085] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the setting control system 7 includes a scanner in the form of a barcode reader. This scanner is positioned at the input area 2 of the dishwasher 1 such that it can detect the type of item to be placed in the loading area 9 of the dishwasher 1. The setting control system 7 is designed to verify, based on the type of item detected by the scanner, that the operator of the dishwasher 1 has authorized the cleaning of that item.

[0086] Preferably, the setting control system 7 is further configured, upon verification that the operator of the dishwasher 1 has authorized the cleaning of the part to be washed, to cause the closing element 6 of the dishwasher 1 to be moved into its open position so that the part to be washed can be adjusted into the loading area 9.

[0087] Instead of a scanner device, it is also conceivable that the setting control system 7 has a reading device, in particular an RFID reading device.

[0088] Although not shown in the drawings, it is conceivable that the setting control system 7 includes additional sensors, for example in the form of a scanner or a reader, which are designed to detect the type of item already placed in the loading area 9 of the dishwasher 1. In this context, it is conceivable that the setting control system 7 is designed to verify, based on the type of item detected by the additional sensors, that the operator of the dishwasher 1 has authorized the cleaning of the item.

[0089] Furthermore, the setting control system 7 should be designed, upon verification that the operator of the dishwasher 1 has authorized the cleaning of the item to be washed, to initiate the closing element 6 of the dishwasher 1 to be moved into its closed position, so that the item to be washed can then be transported to the treatment area 4 of the dishwasher 1.

[0090] Preferably, the setting control system has 7 additional functionalities.

[0091] In particular, it is advantageous that the setting control system 7 can also monitor whether the item to be washed is placed individually or as a stack in the loading area 9 of the dishwasher 1. It is conceivable that the setting control system 7 has a sensor, particularly a non-contact sensor, designed to detect whether several items to be washed, especially several items in the form of a stack, are placed in the loading area 9. It is conceivable that the sensor performs a height check when or as soon as the loading area 9 is occupied by at least one item.

[0092] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the setting control system 7 has a device based on the Poka-Yoke principle, which is designed to prevent several items to be washed, in particular several items to be washed in the form of a stack of items to be washed, from being placed in the loading area 9 of the dishwasher 1.

[0093] Such a device based on the Poka-Yoke principle can, for example, be designed in the form of an adjustment backdrop or adjustment panel, which only allows transfer into loading area 9 if a single item to be washed is to be transferred into loading area 9.

[0094] Preferably, the item to be washed is inspected in loading area 9 or before being placed in loading area 9. For example, the loading control system 7 could be designed to check the item to be placed in or already placed in loading area 9 of the dishwasher 1 for markings, damage, degree of soiling, and / or leaks. If the item to be placed in or already placed in loading area 9 of the dishwasher 1 fails this preliminary inspection—for example, if the item has individual markings or damage, or if the item is too heavily soiled—a warning message is issued and / or transport of the item to treatment area 4 is prevented.

[0095] As can be seen in particular in the depictions in FIG. 4 bis FIG. 7 The loading area 9 of the dishwasher 1 has at least one dedicated adjustment area 12 for a specific item to be cleaned. This dedicated adjustment area 12 is designed so that the user intuitively knows how and where to position the item within the loading area 9. The adjustment area 12 may be color-coded or may also include guide elements.

[0096] In particular, the dedicated adjustment area 12 is designed to accommodate a part to be cleaned in a predetermined orientation. This is preferably an upside-down position, in accordance with the intended use of the part.

[0097] The setting control system 7 is preferably configured to detect whether a part to be washed is held in the setting area 12 in the predefined orientation. Preferably, the setting control system 7 is configured to issue a warning message and / or to prevent or stop the transport of the part to the treatment area 4 of the dishwasher 1 if the setting control system 7 detects that a part to be washed is not held in the setting area 12 in the predefined orientation.

[0098] Checking whether the item being washed is in the "correct" orientation on the dedicated setting area 12 can be done, for example, using sensors.

[0099] Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the setting control system 7 includes a device based on the Poka-Yoke system, which is designed to prevent a part of the item being received in the setting area 12 in a non-predefined orientation. Such a Poka-Yoke-based device can, for example, be designed as a setting cam or setting panel, which only permits transfer into the setting area 12 if the part of the item is in the predefined orientation.

[0100] In the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings, however, with regard to the device based on the Poka-Yoke principle, it is provided that it has a locking element 11 which is designed to prevent a part of the dishwashing item from being received in the setting area 12 in the orientation of the part of the dishwashing item not being predetermined.

[0101] As can be seen, for example, in the presentation in FIG. 7A und FIG. 7B This locking element 11, for example, is a pin- or rod-shaped element which is designed to extend, at least when the locking element 6 is moved into its open position in the setting area 12, in such a way that a part of the dishwashing cannot be received in the setting area 12 if the part of the dishwashing is not in the previously defined orientation of the part of the dishwashing.

[0102] In FIG. 7A The figure shows the state in which the pin- or rod-shaped locking element 11 is extended into the setting area 12. It is particularly evident that in this position, a dishwashing item (here: a drinking cup) cannot be inserted into the setting area 12 unless the drinking cup is in the upside-down position.

[0103] After the (correct) positioning of the dishware in the setting range 12, the locking element 11 should retract (see FIG. 7B ), so that easy transport of the item to be washed to treatment area 4 of the dishwasher 1 is possible.

[0104] For this purpose, in the embodiment shown in the drawings, a mechanism is provided which is designed such that, when the locking element 6 is moved into its open position, it initiates an extension of the pin- or rod-shaped element 11, and when the locking element 6 is moved into its closed position, it initiates a retraction of the pin- or rod-shaped element 11.

[0105] The mechanics are schematically represented in FIG. 8A und FIG. 8B shown. It can be seen that when opening the locking element 6 (cf. FIG. 8A ) via a pressure element 17 the pin- or rod-shaped locking element 11 is pushed upwards.

[0106] However, if the locking element 6 is moved into its closed position (cf. FIG. 8B ), simultaneously pivots the pressure element 17, so that the pin- or rod-shaped locking element 11 pivots downwards again.

[0107] The representations in FIG. 7A und FIG. 7B It can be seen that the dedicated adjustment area 12 is designed, at least in part, as a receptacle or recess into which the item to be cleaned can be placed in a predefined adjustment position.

[0108] As can be seen in particular in the depictions in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 The loading area 9 and the input area 2 of the dishwasher 1 have a drip tray 13 with a sieve cover 14.

[0109] The representation in FIG. 4 It can be seen that the dishwasher 1 also has a vapor extraction system 15 assigned to the input area 2 of the dishwasher 1, which is designed to at least partially extract vapors escaping from the treatment area 4 of the dishwasher 1 into the loading area 9 of the dishwasher 1, if necessary.

[0110] In order to achieve the most compact design possible, the invention provides that the transport device 3 of the dishwasher 1 transports the items to be washed discontinuously and in particular in batches from the input area 2 to the treatment area 4 of the dishwasher 1.

[0111] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher 1 shown in the drawings, but results from a combination of all the features disclosed herein.

[0112] According to preferred implementations, the dishwasher 1 according to the invention provides at least one of the following aspects: a scanner on the outside of the input area for scanning the items to be washed (cups), so that the door or the locking element 6 of the input area only opens when an item to be washed (cup) with a correct code is scanned; the loading area 9 is equipped with a height detection sensor that can detect that only one cup is placed in the loading area 9 and not several nested cups at once.If a stack of cups is placed in loading area 9, an error message appears on the display, the locking element 6 does not close, and the cleaning process does not start. Loading area 9 is equipped with a sensor to detect that the item / cup is correctly placed in loading area 9 with the opening facing downwards (only then can the subsequent cleaning process be carried out correctly). If the item / cup is placed upside down in loading area 9, an error message appears on the display, the locking element 6 does not close, and the cleaning process does not start. The placement position for the item / cup in loading area 9 is highlighted in color (e.g., blue) to illustrate the exact placement position to the customer. Additionally, the placement position of the cup in loading area 9 is indicated by a slight indentation (approx.3-5 mm) recessed to correctly position the item / cup in loading area 9 (also provides additional assistance to customers to see where to correctly place the item / cup); in the center of the item / cup's position, there is a small pin which moves up and down with the door movement. ∘ Locking element 6 / door opens: pin moves upwards a few mm so that the item / cup cannot be placed upside down in the position without tipping over; ∘ Locking element 6 / door closes: pin moves downwards so that the item / cup can be transported by the conveyor system from the position into the wash chamber without the item / cup getting caught on the pin; and / or In front of the actual loading area 9, there is a drip tray 13 including a sieve 14, so that any drippings may occur.Beverage residues in the item being washed / in the cup can be poured directly into the drip tray 13 when the item being washed / the cup is placed in loading area 9.

[0113] Additionally, the following is conceivable: An additional scanner / detection device is located within the loading area to check whether a dishwashing item / cup is damaged. If a dishwashing item / cup is damaged, the cleaning process is not started; ideally, the item / cup is diverted to a separate collection container for defective items / cups. Instead of a scanner on the outside of the loading zone to detect whether a correct dishwashing item / cup is being loaded, a detection device is located within the loading area. This prevents deliberate manipulation, such as scanning a correct dishwashing item / cup to open the door but then intentionally placing an incorrect cup in loading area 12. Bezugszeichenliste

[0114] 1 Dishwasher 2 Input area 3 Transport device 4 Treatment area 5 Receiving opening 6 Locking element 7 Adjustment control system 8 User interface 9 Loading area 10 Door guide 11 Locking element 12 Adjustment area 13 Drip tray 14 Sieve cover 15 Fume extraction system 16 Dispensing / removal area 17 Pressure element

Claims

1. A dishwasher (1), in particular for a coffee shop and / or a fast food restaurant for cleaning washware items, in particular, and preferably exclusively washware items dispensed by the coffee shop and / or the fast food restaurant, wherein the dishwasher (1) is associated with an input region (2), which is configured in particular as a return device and in particular as a return machine for reusable, washware items, and wherein the dishwasher (1) comprises a transport device (3) for transporting the washware items from the input region (2) to a treatment area (4) of the dishwasher (1) and from there to a dispensing or removal area (16) of the dishwasher (1), wherein the treatment area (4) of the dishwasher (1) comprises a washing and rinsing system for washing and rinsing the washware items, and optionally a downstream drying system for drying the rinsed washware items, when viewed in the transport direction of the washware items, wherein the input region (2) of the dishwasher (1) comprises at least one receptacle opening (5), which is configured so that a washware item to be cleaned can be manually inserted into a loading region (9) of the dishwasher (1), wherein the receptacle opening (5) is associated with a closure element (6) that is movable relative to a machine frame of the dishwasher (1), which is movable between an open position, in which it is possible to insert the washware items to be cleaned into the loading region (9), and a closed position, in which the receptacle opening (5) is closed and insertion of the washware items to be cleaned into the loading region (9) is prevented, wherein the input region (2) of the dishwasher (1) comprises an insertion control system (7) cooperating with the closure element (6), which is configured so that the closure element (6) is only moved to its open position when, by means of the insertion control system (7), it is detected and / or verified that cleaning of the washware items to be cleaned is authorized by the operator of the dishwasher (1), wherein the loading region (9) of the dishwasher (1) comprises at least one insertion region (12) dedicated to a washware item be cleaned, which is configured to receive a washware item to be cleaned in a predetermined orientation of the washware item, in particular in an upside-down position in relation to the intended use of the washware item, wherein the insertion control system (7) comprises a device based on the Poka-Yoke system, which is configured to prevent a washware item from being received in the insertion region (12) if it is not in the predetermined orientation of the washware item, wherein the Poka-Yoke principle based device comprises at least one locking element (11), which is configured to prevent a washware item from being received in the insertion region (12) if it is not in the predetermined orientation of the washware item, wherein the at least one locking element (11) is configured to extend into the insertion region (12) at least when the closure element (6) is transferred into its open position so that a washware item cannot be received into the insertion region (12) if the washware item is not in the predetermined orientation of the washware item.

2. The dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, wherein the insertion control system (7) comprises a scanner device, in particular in the form of a code reader, in particular a barcode reader, which is provided in or near the input region (2) of the dishwasher (1) in such a way that, with the aid of the scanner device, a type of a washware item to be inserted into the loading region (9) of the dishwasher (1) can be detected, wherein the insertion control system (7) is configured so as to verify, based on the type of washware item detected with the scanner device, that the operator of the dishwasher (1) is authorized to clean the washware item, wherein the insertion control system (7) is further configured such that, upon verification that the operator of the dishwasher (1) is authorized to clean the washware item, it causes the closure element (6) of the dishwasher (1) to be transferred into its open position, such that the washware item can be inserted into the loading region (9).

3. The dishwasher (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the insertion control system (7) comprises a reader device, which is configured so as to detect, in particular with the aid of electromagnetic waves, a type of a washware item to be inserted into the loading region (9) of the dishwasher (1), wherein the insertion control system (7) is configured so as to verify, based on the type of washware item detected with the reader device, that the operator of the dishwasher (1) is authorized to clean the washware item, wherein the insertion control system (7) is further configured such that, upon verification that the operator of the dishwasher (1) is authorized to clean the washware item, it causes the closure element (6) of the dishwasher (1) to be transferred into its open position, such that the washware item can be inserted into the loading region (9).

4. The dishwasher (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the insertion control system (7) comprises a further sensory system, in particular in the form of a scanner device or in the form of a reader device, which is configured so as to detect a type of a washware item inserted into the loading region (9) of the dishwasher (1), wherein the insertion control system (7) is configured so as to verify, based on the type of washware item detected with the further sensory system, that the operator of the dishwasher (1) is authorized to clean the washware item, wherein the insertion control system (7) is further configured such that, upon verification that the operator of the dishwasher (1) is authorized to clean the washware item, it causes the closure element (6) of the dishwasher (1) to be transferred into its closed position.

5. The dishwasher (1) according to claim 1 to 4, wherein the insertion control system (7) comprises an in particular contactless sensory system, which is configured so as to detect whether a plurality of washware items, in particular a plurality of washware items in the form of a washware stack, is received in the loading region (9), wherein the sensory system is preferably configured so as to carry out a height control when, or as soon as, the loading region (9) is occupied with at least one washware item.

6. The dishwasher (1) according to claim 1 to 5, wherein the insertion control system (7) comprises a device based on the Poka-Yoke principle, which is configured so to prevent a plurality of washware items, in particular a plurality of washware items in the form of a washware stack, from being received in the loading region (9), wherein the device based on the Poka-Yoke principle is configured in particular in the form of an insertion motion link or an insertion diaphragm, which only permits a transfer into the loading region (9) when a single washware item is to be transferred into the loading region (9).

7. The dishwasher (1) according to claim 1 to 6, wherein the insertion control system (7) is further configured so as to check the washware item to be received or having been received in the loading region (9) for marking, damage, level of soiling, and / or sealing quality, wherein the insertion control system (7) is further configured so as to issue an alert and / or to prohibit or prevent transport of the washware item into the treatment region (4) when it is detected by the insertion control system (7) that the washware item to be received or having been received in the loading region (9) has a marking, damage, or a level of soiling exceeding a threshold value and / or does not have at least a sufficient sealing quality.

8. The dishwasher (1) according to claim 1 to 7, wherein the loading region (9) of the dishwasher (1) comprises at least one insertion region (12) dedicated to a washware item to be cleaned, which is configured so as to receive a washware item to be cleaned in a predetermined orientation of the washware item, in particular in an upside-down position in relation to the intended use of the washware item, wherein the insertion control system (7) is configured so as to detect whether a washware item is received in the insertion region (12) in the predetermined orientation, wherein the insertion control system (7) is further configured so as to issue an alert and / or to prohibit or prevent a transport of the washware item to the treatment region (4) of the dishwasher (1) when it is detected by the insertion control system (7) that a washware item is not received in the predetermined orientation in the insertion region (12).

9. The dishwasher (1) according to claim 1 to 8, wherein the loading region (9) of the dishwasher (1) comprises at least one insertion region (12) dedicated for a washware item to be cleaned, which is configured so as to receive a washware item to be cleaned, wherein the insertion control system (7) is configured so as to detect whether a single washware item is received in the insertion region (12), or whether a plurality of washware items, in particular a plurality of washware items in the form of a washware stack, are received in the insertion region (12), wherein the insertion control system (7) is further configured so as to issue an alert and / or to prohibit or prevent a transport of the washware items to the treatment region (4) of the dishwasher (1) when it is detected by the insertion control system (7) that a plurality of washware items is received in the insertion region (12).

10. The dishwasher (1) according to claim 1 to 9, wherein the device based on the Poka-Yoke principle is configured so as to only allow a receiving of the washware item in the insertion region (12) when the washware item is intended to be received in the insertion region (12) in the predetermined orientation of the washware item; and / or wherein the device based on the Poka-Yoke system is configured in the form of an insertion motion link or insertion diaphragm, which only permits a transfer into the insertion region (12) when the washware item is present in its predetermined orientation; and / or11. The dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one locking element (11) is configured as a pin or rod-shaped element provided in the insertion region (12), and wherein the dishwasher (1) preferably further comprises a mechanism, which is configured to, upon movement of the closure element (6) into its open position, initiate extension of the pin or rod-shaped element (11), and upon movement of the closure element (6) into its closed position, initiate retraction of the pin or rod-shaped element (11).

12. The dishwasher (1) according to claim 8 to 11, wherein the dedicated insertion region (12) is configured at least in regions as a receptacle and / or recess, into which a washware item to be cleaned can be inserted in a predetermined insertion position.

13. The dishwasher (1) according to claim 1 to 12, wherein the loading region (9) and / or the input region (2) of the dishwasher (1) comprises a drip tray (13) with a strainer cover (14); and / or wherein the dishwasher (1) further comprises a vapor suction system (15), which is associated with the input region (2) of the dishwasher (1) and is configured so as to at least partially suck vapors exiting the treatment region (4) of the dishwasher (1) into the loading region (9) of the dishwasher (1).

14. The dishwasher (1) according to claim 1 to 13, wherein the insertion control system (7) is configured so as to actuate the transport apparatus (3) of the dishwasher (1) such that washware items are fed from the input region (2) to the treatment region (4) of the dishwasher (1) discontinuously and in particular in batches.

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