Conveyor dishwasher and method for operating a conveyor dishwasher

Abstract

The invention relates to a conveyor dishwasher (1) for cleaning wash ware, wherein the conveyor dishwasher (1) has at least one wash zone (6, 7, 8, 9) and at least one final rinse zone (10), as well as a transport device (2) for transporting wash ware through the at least one wash zone (6, 7, 8, 9) and the at least one final rinse zone (10). According to the invention, it is particularly provided that the conveyor dishwasher (1) has a camera system (34) which is arranged above or below or to the side of the transport device (2) and is designed to record at least one image of an area of the transport device (2), preferably continuously or at predetermined or definable times and / or events. Furthermore, an evaluation device (35) is provided which is designed to determine a preferably average degree of soiling of the wash ware,which was present in the area of the transport device (2) at the time of the image capture, and / or to determine a preferably average type of soiling of the items to be washed that were present in the area of the transport device (2) at the time of the image capture, wherein the evaluation device (35) is further designed to carry out a machine diagnostic preferably automatically and even more preferably optionally automatically depending on the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the items to be washed and / or depending on the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the items to be washed.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of commercial dishwashing and, in particular, to a conveyor dishwasher according to the preamble of independent claim 1, as well as to a method for operating such a conveyor dishwasher.

[0002] Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to a conveyor dishwasher for cleaning wash ware, wherein the conveyor dishwasher has at least one wash zone and at least one final rinse zone as well as a transport device for transporting wash ware through the at least one wash zone and the at least one final rinse zone.

[0003] The conveyor dishwasher according to the invention is in particular a flight conveyor dishwasher or a rack conveyor dishwasher.

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

[0005] In conveyor dishwashers, the items to be washed, such as dishes, pots, glasses, cutlery, and other utensils, are conveyed through several treatment zones, such as at least one pre-wash zone, at least one main wash zone, at least one final wash or pre-rinse zone, at least one fresh water rinse zone, and at least one drying zone. However, different types of items require different treatment parameters for the individual process steps due to their intended use, degree of soiling, shape, and the material used. However, today's conveyor dishwashers generally do not automatically differentiate between the types of items to be washed, so conventional systems are often designed as a compromise to be usable for several different types of items.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a conveyor dishwasher of the type mentioned above, in which cleaning efficiency is optimized while simultaneously saving resources and optimizing the operating costs of the conveyor dishwasher. Furthermore, a corresponding method for operating such a conveyor dishwasher is to be provided.

[0007] With regard to the conveyor dishwasher, the object underlying the invention is achieved by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1, wherein advantageous developments of the conveyor dishwasher according to the invention are specified in dependent patent claims 2 to 9.

[0008] An optional alternative solution for the problem underlying the invention is specified in the independent patent claim 10, wherein advantageous developments of the conveyor dishwasher according to this aspect are specified in the dependent claims 11 to 16.

[0009] The object underlying the invention is further achieved by a method according to the independent patent claim 17.

[0010] Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to a conveyor dishwasher for cleaning wash ware, wherein the conveyor dishwasher has at least one wash zone and at least one final rinse zone as well as a transport device for transporting wash ware through the at least one wash zone and the at least one final rinse zone.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, it is provided that the conveyor dishwasher further comprises a camera system which is arranged above or below or to the side of the conveyor device and is designed to record at least one image of an area of ​​the conveyor device, preferably continuously or at predetermined or definable times and / or events.

[0012] In this aspect of the invention, an evaluation device is further provided which is designed to determine a preferably average degree of soiling of the items to be washed which were present in the area of ​​the transport device at the time the image was taken and / or a preferably average degree of soiling of the items to be washed which were present in the area of ​​the transport device at the time the image was taken.

[0013] In the first aspect of the present invention, the conveyor dishwasher further comprises a control device which is designed, preferably automatically and even more preferably selectively automatically, to initiate at least one measure influencing the quality of a washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone, possibly with a time delay, and / or at least one measure influencing the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher, depending on the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware or washware parts.

[0014] Alternatively or in addition to the solution mentioned above, it is also conceivable that the evaluation device is designed to determine a preferably average type of soiling of the wash ware that was present in the area of ​​the transport device at the time the image was taken and / or a preferably average type of soiling of the wash ware parts that were present in the area of ​​the transport device at the time the image was taken, wherein the control device of the conveyor dishwasher is then designed to initiate, preferably automatically and even more preferably optionally automatically, depending on the determined, in particular average type of soiling of the wash ware, at least one measure influencing the quality of a washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone, possibly with a time delay, and / or at least one measure influencing the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher.

[0015] The following different types of soiling are conceivable as "types of soiling" of the washware: ▪ Soiling type 1: coarse soiling, for example food leftovers; ▪ Soiling type 2: fine soiling, for example sauces, ketchup, coffee, etc.; ▪ Soiling type 3: liquid soiling, for example fat or oil; ▪ Soiling type 4: burnt-in soiling, particularly on cookware such as pans or pots, or GN containers.

[0016] Of course, other types of contamination that can be detected with the camera system are also conceivable.

[0017] The term "degree of soiling" is generally understood as a parameter for measuring the soiling of washware. For example, the following degrees of soiling can be distinguished: ▪ Soiling level 1: no or only slight soiling of the item to be washed; ▪ Soiling level 2: slight soiling, which has arisen, for example, during handling of the item to be washed in the dirty area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher; ▪ Soiling level 3: soiling which normally occurs when using the corresponding item to be washed; and ▪ Soiling level 4: heavy soiling, which has arisen, for example, on pans or cookware.

[0018] The degree of soiling is preferably determined with the aid of the camera system, namely by using the evaluation device belonging to the camera system to determine in the recorded image of the items of washware what percentage of the surface of a piece of washware is covered by soiling.

[0019] The type of soiling of the wash ware can also be determined with the help of the camera system and the associated evaluation device, since depending on the type of soiling, the soiled areas on the surface of a wash ware item have different shapes and / or reflect light differently.

[0020] Depending on the determined type of soiling and / or depending on the determined degree of soiling of the washware, according to implementations of the conveyor dishwasher according to the invention, with the aid of the control device, at least one measure influencing the quality of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the washing zone is initiated, preferably automatically and even more preferably optionally automatically, and / or at least one measure influencing the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher is initiated.

[0021] With regard to the at least one measure influencing the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher, the invention provides in particular that the control device is designed to set a volume flow rate and / or a nozzle pressure and / or a temperature of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone in order to set or adapt the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher as a function of the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided in particular that the control device is designed to set a detergent concentration of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone in order to set or adapt the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher as a function of the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided in particular that the control device is designed to adjust the transport speed of the transport device in order to set or adapt the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher as a function of the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided in particular that the control device is designed to set a fresh water rinse quantity introduced into the at least one final rinse zone in order to set or adapt the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher as a function of the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided in particular that the control device is designed to set a separate wash tank regeneration quantity for setting or adapting the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher as a function of the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided in particular that the control device is designed to set and / or activate a separate and in particular additional machine device, in particular a detergent direct spray system, in order to set or adapt the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher as a function of the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided in particular that the control device is designed to activate an additional pre-clearing or washing module for treating particularly heavily soiled items in order to set or adapt the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher as a function of the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the items to be washed and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the items to be washed.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable to influence or improve the quality of the washing liquid by influencing or improving the regeneration of the washing liquid with incoming water. The incoming water preferably comes from a fresh water rinsing zone located upstream of the at least one washing zone in the transport direction of the transport device. The higher the amount of regeneration water supplied to the at least one washing zone per unit of time, the better the rinsing result achievable in the at least one washing zone.

[0029] In order to influence the quality of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone, it is also conceivable, as an alternative or in addition to the regeneration of the washing liquid, to take into account the dirt-carrying capacity of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone.

[0030] The soil-carrying capacity is the ability of the washing liquid to disperse or emulsify food residues in such a way that they cannot settle again on previously cleaned surfaces.

[0031] For example, by increasing the detergent concentration in the wash liquid to be sprayed in at least one wash zone of the conveyor dishwasher, the dirt-carrying capacity of the wash liquid is also increased. In other words, by increasing the detergent concentration in the wash liquid, the quality of the wash liquid can be positively influenced.

[0032] The same applies, at least in part, to the temperature of the wash liquid to be sprayed in at least one wash zone. A higher temperature of the wash liquid generally also increases the ability of the wash liquid to disperse or emulsify food residues, preventing them from redepositing on previously cleaned dishware surfaces.

[0033] Thus, in further developments of the conveyor dishwasher according to the invention, it is provided that the control device is designed, preferably automatically and even more preferably optionally automatically, to adjust and in particular to increase the dirt-carrying capacity of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone as a function of the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware, if necessary with a time delay.

[0034] In this context, it is particularly conceivable that the control device is designed to adjust a temperature of the washing liquid and / or a detergent concentration of the washing liquid, in particular in a regulating manner, in order to adjust or adapt the dirt-carrying capacity of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone, if necessary with a time delay.

[0035] The quality of the washing liquid to be sprayed in at least one washing zone can also be adjusted or improved by taking the dirt load of the washing liquid into account. The dirt load of the washing liquid is the totality of all dirt components, including easily or poorly soluble, emulsifiable, or dispersible contaminants in the washing liquid. The dirt load influences the cleaning result and foam formation.

[0036] Thus, in embodiments of the conveyor dishwasher according to the invention, it is provided that the control device is designed to initiate, preferably automatically and even more preferably optionally automatically, a dirt discharge from the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone, if necessary with a time delay, depending on the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or depending on the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware.

[0037] In a particularly easy-to-implement but nevertheless effective manner, it is provided in this context that the at least one washing zone of the conveyor dishwasher according to the invention has a washing system designed as a recirculation circuit, wherein the washing system has a nozzle system with at least one washing nozzle for spraying washing liquid onto the items to be cleaned, a washing tank for collecting at least part of the sprayed washing liquid and a washing pump for supplying washing liquid collected in the washing tank to the at least one washing nozzle.

[0038] In order to reduce the dirt load of the washing liquid, it is particularly provided in this context that the washing system has a correspondingly assigned dirt removal system. A tank cover screen can be assigned to the dirt removal system, which is designed to separate dirt particles from the sprayed washing liquid flowing back into the washing tank by gravity. It is advisable for the dirt removal system to have a dirt collection area arranged at least partially in the washing tank for collecting the dirt particles separated from the washing liquid by the tank cover screen.

[0039] In this context, it is particularly conceivable that a dirt discharge system is provided which is fluidically connected to the dirt collection area and via which the dirt collection area can be emptied, in particular as required.

[0040] In this embodiment, the control device of the conveyor dishwasher can be designed to activate and / or deactivate the dirt discharge system and in particular a dirt discharge pump assigned to the dirt discharge system, preferably automatically and even more preferably optionally automatically, depending on the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or depending on the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware and, if necessary, with a time delay.

[0041] In particular, the control device is designed to initiate the measure influencing the quality of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone with a time delay with regard to the time of determining the in particular average degree of soiling or with regard to the time of determining the in particular average type of soiling of the washware, wherein the time delay depends in particular on the transport speed of the transport device and / or on a distance between the camera system and the at least one washing zone.

[0042] In particular, in order to influence the quality of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone, a degree of soiling averaged over a predetermined or definable period of time or a type of soiling of the wash ware averaged over a predetermined or definable period of time should be determined.

[0043] According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can be combined with the previously described first aspect of the invention, a conveyor dishwasher for cleaning dishes is provided, wherein the conveyor dishwasher has at least one wash zone and at least one final rinse zone as well as a transport device for transporting dishes through the at least one wash zone and the at least one final rinse zone.

[0044] In this further (second) aspect of the invention, it is particularly provided that the conveyor dishwasher has a camera system which is arranged above or below or to the side of the conveyor device and is designed to record at least one image of an area of ​​the conveyor device, preferably continuously or at predetermined or definable times and / or events.

[0045] Furthermore, an evaluation device is provided, which is designed to determine a preferably average degree of soiling of the washware that was present in the area of ​​the transport device at the time the image was taken, and / or a preferably average type of soiling of the washware items that were present in the area of ​​the transport device at the time the image was taken. The evaluation device is further designed to perform machine diagnostics, preferably automatically and even more preferably optionally automatically, depending on the determined, in particular average degree of soiling of the washware and / or depending on the determined, in particular average type of soiling of the washware.

[0046] In this context, it is conceivable, for example, that the evaluation device is designed to derive / predict an expected average dirt load of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone as part of the machine diagnostics and to initiate at least one measure influencing the quality of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the evaluation device is designed, particularly within the scope of machine diagnostics, to inform the operator of the conveyor dishwasher about the need for a basic cleaning of the conveyor dishwasher and / or about a time for carrying out a necessary basic cleaning of the conveyor dishwasher.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the evaluation device can be designed, particularly within the scope of machine diagnostics, to provide the operator of the conveyor dishwasher with an estimate of the starch build-up in the treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher.

[0049] Deep cleaning refers to the occasional cleaning process of the dishwasher with suitable cleaning agents. This removes deposits that have built up during use, such as starch, protein, or limescale.

[0050] Starch buildup (cumulative starch) is a type of soiling that can occur when starchy foods (e.g., sauces, mashed potatoes, etc.) are served on preheated plates. If the contact time between the detergent solution and the dirty dishes is too short, and / or the temperature of the detergent solution is too low, and / or the detergent concentration is too low, the dishwasher cannot remove the soil, and cumulative buildup occurs.

[0051] In other words, this embodiment of the conveyor dishwasher according to the invention features condition-based monitoring based on machine diagnostics. Alternatively or additionally, predictive maintenance is also implemented, as the conveyor dishwasher predicts maintenance intervals.

[0052] According to implementations of the latter aspect in particular, the evaluation device is designed to provide the conveyor dishwasher operator with a recommendation for optimized operation of the conveyor dishwasher, particularly within the scope of machine diagnostics. The recommendation may include, in particular, the following: ▪ a transport speed of the transport device; and / or ▪ a detergent dosage; and / or ▪ a type of detergent; and / or ▪ a temperature of the washing liquid.

[0053] In particular, according to further developments of the conveyor dishwasher according to the invention, it is provided that it implements condition-based monitoring and predictive maintenance through machine learning.

[0054] In this context, it is conceivable, for example, that the control device is designed, in particular during a learning or observation phase, over at least one observation period and preferably over several observation periods, each of which preferably relates to a dishwashing shift or a dishwashing day of the conveyor dishwasher or a time segment thereof, to determine a temporal development of the in particular average degree of soiling of the dishes to be transported by the transport device through the treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher and / or to determine a temporal development of the in particular average type of soiling of the dishes to be transported by the transport device through the treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher. In this context, the control device is preferably further designed to derive a pattern or a regularity based on the determined temporal development.

[0055] According to further developments of this embodiment of the conveyor dishwasher according to the invention, it is provided that the control device is designed to divide the observation period, which preferably relates to a washing shift or a washing day of the conveyor dishwasher or a time segment thereof, into a first sub-period and into at least one further, second sub-period, wherein in the first sub-period of the observation period the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware corresponds to a first relative value or falls within a first relative value range, and wherein in the at least one second sub-period of the observation period the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or the determined,in particular the average degree of soiling of the wash ware corresponds to a second relative value or falls within a second relative value range.

[0056] It is conceivable in this context that the control device is further designed, in particular after completion of the learning or observation phase, preferably automatically and even more preferably optionally automatically during the operation of the conveyor dishwasher during a dishwashing shift or during a dishwashing day for the first sub-period, to carry out at least one first measure influencing the treatment of the wash ware in the treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher and / or at least one measure influencing the quality of a washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone of the conveyor dishwasher, if necessary.to initiate with a time delay, and for the at least one second sub-period, at least one second measure influencing the treatment of the wash ware in the treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher and / or at least one measure influencing the quality of a washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone of the conveyor dishwasher, if necessary with a time delay.

[0057] The invention further relates to a method for operating a conveyor dishwasher, in particular a conveyor dishwasher of the aforementioned type according to the invention or a conveyor dishwasher according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0058] In the method according to the invention, a preferably average degree of soiling of the items to be cleaned in the conveyor dishwasher and / or a preferably average type of soiling of the items to be cleaned in the conveyor dishwasher is determined.

[0059] Subsequently, a machine diagnosis is carried out, preferably automatically and even more preferably optionally automatically, depending on the determined degree of soiling and / or depending on the determined type of soiling of the washware.

[0060] Alternatively or in addition to the method steps mentioned above, it is conceivable that preferably an average degree of soiling of the items to be cleaned in the conveyor dishwasher and / or a preferably average type of soiling of the items to be cleaned in the conveyor dishwasher is determined, wherein then preferably automatically and even more preferably optionally automatically depending on the determined degree of soiling of the items to be cleaned and / or depending on the determined type of soiling of the items to be cleaned, at least one measure influencing the quality of a washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone is initiated, if necessary with a time delay.

[0061] In the following, the invention is described with reference to the drawing using a preferred embodiment of the conveyor dishwasher according to the invention.

[0062] It shows: FIG. 1 schematically and in a longitudinal sectional view an exemplary embodiment of the conveyor dishwasher according to the invention.

[0063] FIG. 1 shows a conveyor dishwasher 1 with a transport device 2 for transporting wash ware not shown in the drawings in a transport direction 3 through the conveyor dishwasher 1.

[0064] As a transport device 2, for example, a conveyor belt can be considered, which is preferably designed as a multi-link plastic conveyor belt and is connected by a FIG. 1not shown, preferably electrical drive, so that the items to be washed placed on the conveyor belt 2 are conveyed through the various treatment zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 26 of the conveyor dishwasher 1 as shown in FIG. 1 is promoted.

[0065] Typically, the wash ware transported in the transport direction 3 is placed onto the transport device or conveyor belt 2 in the area of ​​the inlet 4. The wash ware is then transported from the inlet 4 into an inlet tunnel 5 in accordance with the transport direction 3 indicated by the arrow.

[0066] The conveyor dishwasher 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has at least one washing zone, for example as shown in FIG. 1 shown, a pre-wash zone 6, as well as a first main wash zone 7 and a second main wash zone 8, which are arranged after the pre-wash zone 6 as seen in the transport direction 3.

[0067] Viewed in the transport direction 3 after the at least one washing zone 6, 7, 8, in the FIG. 1 In the conveyor dishwasher 1 shown, a post-wash zone 9 and a final rinse zone 10 are arranged downstream of the post-wash zone 9.

[0068] In the representation according to FIG. 1 The transport device 2 is depicted as a revolving conveyor belt. However, transport baskets, into which the washware (not explicitly depicted) is placed and which are placed on top of the conveyor belt, are also conceivable as the transport device 2.

[0069] Viewed in the transport direction 3, the wash ware, which is either picked up directly on the conveyor belt 2 or held by baskets, runs in the transport direction 3 through the inlet tunnel 5, the adjoining pre-wash zone 6, the first main wash zone 7, the second main wash zone 8, the post-wash zone 9, the final rinse zone 10, a drying zone 26 into an outlet section 25.

[0070] The treatment zones 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the conveyor dishwasher 1 are each assigned spray nozzles 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15, via which liquid is sprayed onto the wash ware that is transported by the transport device 2 through the respective treatment zones 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Each treatment zone 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 is assigned a tank 16, 18, 20 and 22, in which sprayed liquid is collected and / or in which liquid is provided for the spray nozzles of the respective zones. FIG. 1In the conveyor dishwasher 1 shown, rinse aid liquid in the form of fresh water, which can be pure or mixed with other additives, such as rinse aid, is sprayed onto the wash ware (not shown in the drawings) via the spray nozzles 15 of the rinse zone 10 arranged above and below the conveyor belt or to the side.

[0071] A portion of the sprayed rinse aid is transported from zone to zone via a cascade system, counter to the transport direction 3 of the washware. The remaining portion is directed directly into the prewash tank 16 via a valve 77 and a bypass line 88.

[0072] The sprayed rinse aid liquid is collected in the tank 20 (post-wash tank 20) ​​of the post-wash zone 9, from which it is pumped to the spray nozzles 14 (post-wash nozzles 14) of the post-wash zone 9 via a pump system. In the post-wash zone 9, wash liquid is rinsed off the washware. The resulting liquid flows into the wash tank 18b of the second main wash zone 8, is typically provided with a detergent, and is sprayed onto the washware by a pump system via the nozzles 13 (wash nozzles 13) of the second main wash zone 8.

[0073] From the wash tank 18b of the second main wash zone 8, the liquid flows into the wash tank 18a of the first main wash zone 7. From there, the liquid is sprayed onto the washware again via another pump system through the wash nozzles 12 of the first main wash zone 7. From the wash tank 18a of the first main wash zone 7, the liquid then flows into the pre-wash tank 16 of the pre-wash zone 6. The liquid in the pre-wash tank 16 is sprayed onto the washware via a pump system through the pre-wash nozzles 11 of the pre-wash zone 6 to remove coarse contaminants from the washware.

[0074] The individual rinsing systems of treatment zones 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 ensure that the items to be washed are rinsed from both the top and bottom.

[0075] The respective zones 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the conveyor dishwasher 1 can be separated from each other by dividing curtains 37. In the FIG. 1In the embodiment shown, the inlet tunnel 5 itself is also separated from the inlet 4 by a separating curtain 37. The provision of the separating curtains 37 prevents overspray of washing liquid and rinse aid liquid and the escape of vapors from the conveyor dishwasher.

[0076] The final rinse zone 10 is followed in the transport direction 3 of the washware by the aforementioned drying zone 26. In the drying zone 26, the washware is dried with dry, heated air to blow off or dry off the moisture present on the washware. To keep the moisture content of the air within a range favorable for drying, it is conceivable, for example, to supply room air through an opening, for example through the outlet opening for the washware. The warm, humidified air is extracted from the drying zone 26 through another opening, for example with the aid of a fan 31.

[0077] It is advantageous for the exhaust air stream from the drying zone 26 to pass through a heat recovery device 30, which may include a condenser. The heat recovery device 30 serves to recover at least part of the thermal energy contained in the exhaust air.

[0078] In today's flight / rack conveyor dishwashers, the dishes are transported through several treatment zones, such as pre-wash zones, main wash zones, post-wash zones, final rinse zones and drying zones.

[0079] As already mentioned, different types of ware require different treatment parameters in the treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher. However, currently available conveyor dishwashers do not automatically differentiate between the ware types to be treated, so conventional systems are usually designed as a compromise, allowing them to be used more or less efficiently for multiple ware types. This approach generally results in significantly more resources (energy, water, chemicals, etc.) being used to treat the ware than is actually necessary.

[0080] The conveyor dishwasher 1 according to the invention, as described for example in FIG. 1is shown, is characterized in that the conveyor dishwasher 1 has a camera system 34 which is arranged above the transport device 2 and is designed to record at least one image of an area of ​​the transport device 2, preferably continuously or at predetermined or definable times and / or events.

[0081] The camera system 34 is assigned an image processing device 35 which is designed for, in particular, optional preprocessing of the at least one image recorded by the camera system 34, for segmenting the, in particular optionally preprocessed, image and for feature extraction and classification of objects (dishware items) contained in the image.

[0082] The conveyor dishwasher 1 according to the invention, as shown schematically in an embodiment in FIG. 1is shown, is characterized in particular in that with the aid of the camera system 34, which can be arranged above or below or to the side of the transport device 2, at least one image of an area of ​​the transport device 2 is recorded, preferably continuously or at predetermined or definable times and / or events. This image is then evaluated accordingly by the evaluation device 35.

[0083] The evaluation device 35 analyzes the degree of soiling of the washware. This determines the average degree of soiling of the washware, but preferably also the average type of soiling.

[0084] In other words, the control device 36 of the conveyor dishwasher 1 according to the invention “knows” the level of dirt on the items to be treated in the treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher 1.

[0085] From this it is possible to deduce how high the dirt discharge will be, particularly into the washing liquid, and what type of contamination can be expected.

[0086] For example, it can be determined whether an increased amount of greasy or oily dirt residues / food residues are entering the washing liquid per unit of time, so that appropriate preventive measures can then be initiated to improve the quality of the washing liquid.

[0087] In particular, the control device 36 is thus designed to initiate, preferably automatically and even more preferably optionally automatically, at least one measure influencing the quality of a washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone, if necessary with a time delay, depending on the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or depending on the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware.

[0088] In this context, it is conceivable, for example, that the control device 36 is designed to regenerate the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone, preferably automatically and even more preferably optionally automatically, as a function of the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of a determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware, specifically by adjusting, in particular in a regulating manner, a quantity of regeneration water to be supplied to the washing liquid to be sprayed per unit of time, preferably as a function of the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware.

[0089] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the control device 36 initiates measures to adjust the dirt-carrying capacity of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone, in particular to the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling and / or to the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware.

[0090] For this purpose, the control device 36 can be designed to adjust or adapt the dirt-carrying capacity of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone, in particular by adjusting a temperature of the washing liquid and / or a detergent concentration of the washing liquid or, alternatively, the type of detergent for the washing liquid.

[0091] Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the control device 36 is designed to initiate a dirt discharge from the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone, if necessary with a time delay.

[0092] Alternatively or in addition to the previously mentioned configuration of the control device 36, it is also conceivable that the evaluation device assigned to the control device 36 is designed to determine a preferably average degree of soiling of the wash ware that was present in the area of ​​the transport device 2 at the time the image was taken and / or a preferably average type of soiling of the wash ware that was present in the area of ​​the transport device 2 at the time the image was taken, wherein a machine diagnostic is carried out preferably automatically and even more preferably optionally automatically as a function of the determined, in particular average degree of soiling of the wash ware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average type of soiling of the wash ware.

[0093] Within the scope of this machine diagnostics, an expected average dirt load of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone can be derived in the short and medium term in order to initiate a measure influencing the quality of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone in a proactive manner.

[0094] It is conceivable, for example, that the operator of the conveyor dishwasher 1 is given a prediction of the need for a thorough cleaning of the conveyor dishwasher 1 and, in particular, a time for carrying out a necessary thorough cleaning of the conveyor dishwasher 1. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable to communicate an estimate of the starch buildup in the treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher 1 to the operator of the conveyor dishwasher 1.

[0095] According to a further development of the conveyor dishwasher 1 according to the invention, the control device 36 is designed to recognize, within the scope of machine learning, when during a dishwashing shift or during a dishwashing day of the conveyor dishwasher 1 which type of soiling / which degree of soiling of the washware is to be expected, so that with this knowledge gained during a learning or observation phase, corresponding measures with regard to influencing the quality of the washing liquid or other measures can be initiated automatically.

[0096] The invention is not limited to the FIG. 1 shown conveyor dishwasher 1, but results from a synopsis of all features disclosed herein.

[0097] The following briefly summarizes aspects of the present disclosure: Aspect 1:

[0098] Conveyor dishwasher 1 for cleaning wash ware, wherein the conveyor dishwasher 1 has at least one washing zone 6, 7, 8, 9 and at least one final rinse zone 10 as well as a transport device 2 for transporting wash ware through the at least one washing zone 6, 7, 8, 9 and the at least one final rinse zone 10, characterized by , thatthe conveyor dishwasher 1 has a camera system 34 which is arranged above or below or to the side of the transport device 2 and is designed to record at least one image of an area of ​​the transport device 2, preferably continuously or at predetermined or definable times and / or events, wherein an evaluation device 35 is also provided which is designed to determine a preferably average degree of soiling of the wash ware which was present in the area of ​​the transport device 2 at the time the image was recorded, and / or a preferably average type of soiling of the wash ware which was present in the area of ​​the transport device 2 at the time the image was recorded, wherein the conveyor dishwasher 1 has a control device 36 which is designed to preferably automatically and even more preferably selectively automatically depending on the determined,in particular the average degree of soiling of the wash ware and / or depending on the determined, in particular average type of soiling of the wash ware, to initiate at least one measure influencing the quality of a washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone 6, 7, 8, 9 and / or at least one measure influencing the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher 1. Aspect 2:

[0099] Conveyor dishwasher 1 according to aspect 1, wherein the control device 36 is designed to set a volume flow rate and / or a nozzle pressure and / or a temperature of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone 6, 7, 8, 9 in order to adjust or adapt the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher 1 as a function of the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware; and / orwherein the control device 36 is designed to set a detergent concentration of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone 6, 7, 8, 9 in order to set or adapt the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher 1 as a function of the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware; and / or wherein the control device 36 is designed to set the transport speed of the transport device 2 in order to set or adapt the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher 1 as a function of the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware;and / or wherein the control device 36 is designed to set a fresh water rinse quantity introduced into the at least one final rinse zone 10 in order to set or adapt the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher 1 as a function of the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware; and / or wherein the control device 36 is designed to set a separate wash tank regeneration quantity in order to set or adapt the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher 1 as a function of the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware;and / or wherein the control device 36 is designed to set and / or activate a separate and in particular additional machine device, in particular a detergent direct spray system, in order to set or adapt the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher 1 as a function of the determined, in particular average degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average type of soiling of the washware; and / or wherein the control device 36 is designed to activate an additional pre-clearing or washing module for treating particularly heavily soiled washware in order to set or adapt the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher 1 as a function of the determined, in particular average degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average type of soiling of the washware. Aspect 3:

[0100] Conveyor dishwasher 1 according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the control device 36 is designed to regenerate the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone 6, 7, 8, 9, preferably automatically and even more preferably selectively automatically as a function of the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of a determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware, and specifically by adjusting, in particular in a regulating manner, a quantity of regeneration water to be supplied to the washing liquid to be sprayed per unit of time, preferably as a function of the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware. Aspect 4:

[0101] Conveyor dishwasher 1 according to one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the control device 36 is designed, preferably automatically and even more preferably selectively automatically, as a function of the determined, in particular average degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average type of soiling of the washware, optionally with a time delay, to adjust the dirt-carrying capacity of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone 6, 7, 8, 9 or at least to adapt it to the determined, in particular average degree of soiling and / or to the determined, in particular average type of soiling of the washware. Aspect 5:

[0102] Conveyor dishwasher 1 according to aspect 4, wherein the control device 36 is designed to adjust or adapt the dirt-carrying capacity of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone 6, 7, 8, 9, if necessary with a time delay, in particular to adjust a temperature of the washing liquid and / or a detergent concentration of the washing liquid in a regulating manner. Aspect 6:

[0103] Conveyor dishwasher 1 according to one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the control device 36 is designed to initiate, preferably automatically and even more preferably selectively automatically, a dirt discharge from the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone 6, 7, 8, 9, optionally with a time delay, as a function of the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware. Aspect 7:

[0104] Conveyor dishwasher 1 according to aspect 6, wherein the at least one washing zone 6, 7, 8, 9 has a washing system designed as a recirculation circuit, wherein the washing system has a nozzle system with at least one washing nozzle for spraying washing liquid onto the items to be cleaned, a washing tank for collecting at least a portion of the sprayed washing liquid, and a washing pump for supplying washing liquid collected in the washing tank to the at least one washing nozzle, and wherein a dirt discharge system associated with the washing system is further provided, wherein the dirt discharge system is associated with a tank cover sieve which is designed to separate dirt particles from the sprayed washing liquid flowing back into the washing tank by gravity,wherein the dirt removal system has a dirt collection area arranged at least partially in the wash tank for collecting the dirt particles separated from the washing liquid with the aid of the tank cover sieve, and wherein a dirt removal system is also provided which is fluidly connected to the dirt collection area and via which the dirt collection area can be emptied, in particular as required, wherein the control device 36 is designed to activate and / or deactivate the dirt removal system and in particular a dirt removal pump assigned to the dirt removal system, preferably automatically and more preferably optionally automatically, depending on the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or depending on the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware and optionally with a time delay. Aspect 8:

[0105] Conveyor dishwasher 1 according to one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the control device 36 is designed to initiate the measure influencing the quality of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone 6, 7, 8, 9 with a time delay with regard to the time of determining the in particular average degree of soiling or with regard to the time of determining the in particular average type of soiling of the washware, wherein the time delay depends in particular on the transport speed of the transport device 2 and / or on a distance between the camera system 34 and the at least one washing zone 6, 7, 8, 9. Aspect 9:

[0106] Conveyor dishwasher 1 according to one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the evaluation device 35 is designed to determine a degree of soiling of the washware averaged over a predetermined or definable period of time, and wherein the control device 36 is designed to initiate the measure influencing the quality of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone 6, 7, 8, 9 as a function of the determined average degree of soiling of the washware. Aspect 10:

[0107] Conveyor dishwasher 1 according to one of aspects 1 to 9, in particular according to aspect 9, or according to the preamble of aspect 1, characterized by , thatthe conveyor dishwasher 1 has a camera system 34 which is arranged above or below or to the side of the transport device 2 and is designed to record at least one image of an area of ​​the transport device 2, preferably continuously or at predetermined or definable times and / or events, wherein an evaluation device 35 is further provided which is designed to determine a preferably average degree of soiling of the wash ware which was present in the area of ​​the transport device 2 at the time the image was recorded, and / or a preferably average type of soiling of the wash ware parts which were present in the area of ​​the transport device 2 at the time the image was recorded, wherein the evaluation device 35 is further designed to record, preferably automatically and even more preferably optionally automatically in dependence on the determined,in particular the average degree of soiling of the wash ware and / or depending on the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the wash ware, to carry out a machine diagnosis. Aspect 11:

[0108] Conveyor dishwasher 1 according to aspect 10, wherein the evaluation device 35 is designed to derive, as part of the machine diagnostics, an expected average dirt load of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone 6, 7, 8, 9 and to initiate at least one measure influencing the quality of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone 6, 7, 8, 9. Aspect 12:

[0109] Conveyor dishwasher 1 according to aspect 10 or 11, wherein the evaluation device 35 is designed, in particular within the scope of machine diagnostics, to inform the operator of the conveyor dishwasher 1 about the need for a basic cleaning of the conveyor dishwasher 1 and / or about a time for carrying out a basic cleaning of the conveyor dishwasher 1; and / or wherein the evaluation device 35 is designed, in particular within the scope of machine diagnostics, to provide the operator of the conveyor dishwasher 1 with an estimate of the starch buildup in the treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher 1. Aspect 13:

[0110] Conveyor dishwasher 1 according to one of aspects 10 to 12, wherein the evaluation device 35 is designed, in particular within the scope of machine diagnostics, to issue a recommendation to the operator of the conveyor dishwasher 1 for optimized operation of the conveyor dishwasher 1, wherein the recommendation comprises in particular the following: a transport speed of the transport device 2; and / or a detergent dosage; and / or a type of detergent; and / or a temperature of the washing liquid. Aspect 14:

[0111] Conveyor dishwasher 1 according to one of aspects 10 to 13, wherein the control device 36 is designed, in particular during a learning or observation phase over at least one observation period and preferably over a plurality of observation periods, each of which preferably relates to a washing shift or a washing day of the conveyor dishwasher 1 or a time segment thereof, to determine a temporal development of the in particular average degree of soiling of the washware to be transported by the transport device 2 through the treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher 1, and / or a temporal development of the in particular average type of soiling of the washware to be transported by the transport device 2 through the treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher 1, wherein the control device 36 is preferably further designed to derive a pattern or a regularity based on the determined temporal development. Aspect 15:

[0112] Conveyor dishwasher 1 according to aspect 14, wherein the control device 36 is further configured to divide the observation period, which preferably relates to a washing shift or a washing day of the conveyor dishwasher 1 or a time segment thereof, into a first sub-period and into at least one further, second sub-period, wherein in the first sub-period of the observation period the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling and / or the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware corresponds to a first relative value or falls within a first relative value range, and wherein in the at least one second sub-period of the observation period the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware and / or the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware corresponds to a second relative value or falls within a second relative value range. Aspect 16:

[0113] Conveyor dishwasher 1 according to aspect 15, wherein the control device 36 is further configured, in particular after the end of the learning or observation phase, preferably automatically and even more preferably selectively automatically during the operation of the conveyor dishwasher 1 during a dishwashing shift or during a dishwashing day, for the first sub-period, to initiate at least one first measure influencing the treatment of the wash ware in the treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher 1 and / or at least one measure influencing the quality of a wash liquid to be sprayed in the at least one wash zone 6, 7, 8, 9 of the conveyor dishwasher 1, if necessary with a time delay, and for the at least one second sub-period, to initiate at least one second measure influencing the treatment of the wash ware in the treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher 1 and / or at least one measure influencing the quality of a wash liquid to be sprayed in the at least one wash zone 6, 7, 8,9 of the conveyor dishwasher 1 to initiate the measure influencing the washing liquid to be sprayed, if necessary with a time delay. Aspect 17:

[0114] Method for operating a conveyor dishwasher 1, in particular a conveyor dishwasher 1 according to one of aspects 1 to 16 or a conveyor dishwasher 1 according to the preamble of aspect 1, wherein the method comprises the following method steps: a preferably average degree of soiling of the items to be cleaned in the conveyor dishwasher 1 and / or a preferably average type of soiling of the items to be cleaned in the conveyor dishwasher 1 is determined; and a machine diagnosis is preferably carried out automatically and even more preferably optionally automatically depending on the determined degree of soiling and / or depending on the determined type of soiling of the items to be cleaned. Aspect 18:

[0115] Method for operating a conveyor dishwasher 1, in particular a conveyor dishwasher 1 according to one of aspects 1 to 16 or a conveyor dishwasher 1 according to the preamble of aspect 1, wherein the method comprises the following method steps: a preferably average degree of soiling of the items to be cleaned in the conveyor dishwasher 1 and / or a preferably average type of soiling of the items to be cleaned in the conveyor dishwasher 1 is determined; and at least one measure influencing the quality of a washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone 6, 7, 8, 9 is initiated, if necessary with a time delay, preferably automatically and even more preferably optionally automatically as a function of the determined degree of soiling of the items to be cleaned and / or as a function of the determined type of soiling of the items to be cleaned.

Claims

1. Conveyor dishwasher (1) for cleaning wash ware, wherein the conveyor dishwasher (1) has at least one washing zone (6, 7, 8, 9) and at least one final rinsing zone (10) and a transport device (2) for transporting wash ware through the at least one washing zone (6, 7, 8, 9) and the at least one final rinsing zone (10), characterized in thatthe conveyor dishwasher (1) has a camera system (34) which is arranged above or below or to the side of the transport device (2) and is designed to record at least one image of an area of ​​the transport device (2), preferably continuously or at predetermined or definable times and / or events, wherein an evaluation device (35) is further provided which is designed to determine a preferably average degree of soiling of the wash ware which was present in the area of ​​the transport device (2) at the time the image was recorded, and / or a preferably average type of soiling of the wash ware parts which were present in the area of ​​the transport device (2) at the time the image was recorded, wherein the evaluation device (35) is further designed to preferably automatically and even more preferably selectively automatically depending on the determined,in particular the average degree of soiling of the wash ware and / or depending on the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the wash ware, to carry out a machine diagnosis.

2. Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation device (35) is designed, as part of the machine diagnostics, to derive an expected average dirt load of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone (6, 7, 8, 9) and to initiate at least one measure influencing the quality of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone (6, 7, 8, 9); and / or wherein the evaluation device (35) is designed, in particular as part of the machine diagnostics, to inform the operator of the conveyor dishwasher (1) about the need for a thorough cleaning of the conveyor dishwasher (1) and / or about a time for carrying out a thorough cleaning of the conveyor dishwasher (1);and / or wherein the evaluation device (35) is designed, in particular within the scope of machine diagnostics, to provide the operator of the conveyor dishwasher (1) with an estimate of the starch build-up in the treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher (1); 3. Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the evaluation device (35) is designed, in particular as part of the machine diagnostics, to issue a recommendation for optimized operation of the conveyor dishwasher (1) to the operator of the conveyor dishwasher (1), wherein the recommendation comprises in particular the following: - a transport speed of the transport device (2); and / or - a detergent dosage; and / or - a type of detergent; and / or - a temperature of the washing liquid.

4. Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the conveyor dishwasher (1) has a control device (36) which is designed, in particular during a learning or observation phase over at least one observation period and preferably over several observation periods, each of which preferably relates to a washing shift or a washing day of the conveyor dishwasher (1) or a time segment thereof, to determine a temporal development of the in particular average degree of soiling of the wash ware to be transported by the transport device (2) through the treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher (1), and / or a temporal development of the in particular average type of soiling of the wash ware to be transported by the transport device (2) through the treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher (1), wherein the control device (36) is preferably further designed,to derive a pattern or regularity based on the determined temporal development.

5. Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to claim 4, wherein the control device (36) is further designed to divide the observation period, which preferably relates to a washing shift or a washing day of the conveyor dishwasher (1) or a time segment thereof, into a first sub-period and into at least one further, second sub-period, wherein in the first sub-period of the observation period the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling and / or the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware corresponds to a first relative value or falls within a first relative value range, and wherein in the at least one second sub-period of the observation period the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware and / or the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware corresponds to a second relative value or falls within a second relative value range.

6. Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to claim 5, wherein the control device (36) is further designed, in particular after completion of the learning or observation phase, preferably automatically and even more preferably selectively automatically during the operation of the conveyor dishwasher (1) during a dishwashing shift or during a dishwashing day, to initiate, if necessary with a time delay, at least one first measure influencing the treatment of the wash ware in the treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher (1) and / or at least one measure influencing the quality of a wash liquid to be sprayed in the at least one wash zone (6, 7, 8, 9) of the conveyor dishwasher (1) for the first sub-period, and to initiate, if necessary with a time delay, at least one second measure influencing the treatment of the wash ware in the treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher (1) and / or at least one measure influencing the quality of a wash liquid to be sprayed in the at least one wash zone (6, 7, 8,9) to initiate the measure influencing the washing liquid to be sprayed into the conveyor dishwasher (1) with a time delay, if necessary.

7. Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the control device (36) is designed, preferably automatically and even more preferably selectively automatically, to initiate at least one measure influencing the quality of a washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone (6, 7, 8, 9) and / or at least one measure influencing the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher (1) depending on the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or depending on the determined, in particular average type of soiling of the washware, wherein the control device (36) is designed to set or adapt the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher (1) depending on the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or depending on the determined,in particular the average degree of soiling of the wash ware, to set a volume flow rate and / or a nozzle pressure and / or a temperature of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone (6, 7, 8, 9); and / or wherein the control device (36) is designed to set or adapt the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher (1) as a function of the determined, in particular average degree of soiling of the wash ware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average type of soiling of the wash ware, to set a detergent concentration of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone (6, 7, 8, 9); and / or wherein the control device (36) is designed to set or adapt the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher (1) as a function of the determined, in particular average degree of soiling of the wash ware and / or as a function of the determined,in particular the average degree of soiling of the wash ware, to set the transport speed of the transport device (2); and / or wherein the control device (36) is designed to set or adapt the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher (1) as a function of the determined, in particular average degree of soiling of the wash ware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average type of soiling of the wash ware, to set a fresh water rinse quantity introduced into the at least one final rinse zone (10); and / or wherein the control device (36) is designed to set or adapt the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher (1) as a function of the determined, in particular average degree of soiling of the wash ware and / or as a function of the determined,in particular the average degree of soiling of the wash ware; and / or wherein the control device (36) is designed to set and / or activate a separate and in particular additional machine device, in particular a detergent direct spray system, for setting or adapting the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher (1) as a function of the determined, in particular average degree of soiling of the wash ware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average type of soiling of the wash ware; and / or wherein the control device (36) is designed to set or adapt the cleaning performance of the conveyor dishwasher (1) as a function of the determined, in particular average degree of soiling of the wash ware and / or as a function of the determined,In particular, if the wash ware is of medium soiling, an additional pre-cleaning or washing module can be activated to treat particularly heavily soiled ware.

8. Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to claim 7, wherein the control device (36) is designed, preferably automatically and more preferably selectively automatically, as a function of the determined, in particular average degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of a determined, in particular average type of soiling of the washware, to regenerate the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone (6, 7, 8, 9), specifically by adjusting, in particular in a controlled manner, a quantity of regeneration water to be supplied per unit of time to the washing liquid to be sprayed, preferably as a function of the determined, in particular average degree of soiling of the washware and / or as a function of the determined, in particular average type of soiling of the washware; and / or wherein the control device (36) is designed, preferably automatically and more preferably selectively automatically, as a function of the determined,in particular the average degree of soiling of the wash ware and / or depending on the determined, in particular average type of soiling of the wash ware, to adjust the dirt-carrying capacity of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone (6, 7, 8, 9) or at least to adapt it to the determined, in particular average degree of soiling and / or to the determined, in particular average type of soiling of the wash ware, where appropriate with a time delay, wherein the control device (36) is preferably designed to adjust a temperature of the washing liquid and / or a detergent concentration of the washing liquid, in particular in a controlled manner, in order to adjust or adapt the dirt-carrying capacity of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone (6, 7, 8, 9), where appropriate with a time delay.

9. Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control device (36) is designed to initiate, preferably automatically and even more preferably selectively automatically, depending on the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or depending on the determined, in particular average type of soiling of the washware, a dirt discharge from the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone (6, 7, 8, 9), if necessary with a time delay.

10. Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to claim 9, wherein the at least one washing zone (6, 7, 8, 9) has a washing system designed as a recirculation circuit, wherein the washing system has a nozzle system with at least one washing nozzle for spraying washing liquid onto the items to be cleaned, a washing tank for collecting at least a portion of the sprayed washing liquid, and a washing pump for supplying washing liquid collected in the washing tank to the at least one washing nozzle, and wherein a dirt discharge system is further provided associated with the washing system, wherein the dirt discharge system is associated with a tank cover sieve which is designed to separate dirt particles from the sprayed washing liquid flowing back into the washing tank by gravity,wherein the dirt removal system has a dirt collection area arranged at least partially in the wash tank for collecting the dirt particles separated from the washing liquid with the aid of the tank cover sieve, and wherein a dirt removal system is further provided which is fluidly connected to the dirt collection area and via which the dirt collection area can be emptied, in particular as required, wherein the control device (36) is designed to activate and / or deactivate the dirt removal system and in particular a dirt removal pump assigned to the dirt removal system, preferably automatically and more preferably selectively automatically, depending on the determined, in particular average, degree of soiling of the washware and / or depending on the determined, in particular average, type of soiling of the washware and optionally with a time delay.

11. Conveyor dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the control device (36) is designed to initiate the measure influencing the quality of the washing liquid to be sprayed in the at least one washing zone (6, 7, 8, 9) with a time delay with regard to the time of determining the in particular average degree of soiling or with regard to the time of determining the in particular average type of soiling of the washware, wherein the time delay depends in particular on the transport speed of the transport device (2) and / or on a distance between the camera system (34) and the at least one washing zone (6, 7, 8, 9).

12. A method for operating a conveyor dishwasher (1), in particular a conveyor dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 or a conveyor dishwasher (1) according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the method comprises the following method steps: - a preferably average degree of soiling of the items to be cleaned in the conveyor dishwasher (1) and / or a preferably average type of soiling of the items to be cleaned in the conveyor dishwasher (1) is determined; and - a machine diagnostic is carried out, preferably automatically and even more preferably optionally automatically, depending on the determined degree of soiling and / or depending on the determined type of soiling of the items to be cleaned.

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