Cleaning system and method for cleaning items to be cleaned

Abstract

A cleaning system (110) for cleaning items (112) is proposed. The cleaning system (110) comprises: a) at least one cleaning device (114) having at least one at least partially enclosed cleaning chamber (122) with at least one application device (148) for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items (112); and b) at least one transport system (116) for automatically transporting the items (112), wherein the transport system (116) comprises: a. at least one first conveying device (118) for transporting contaminated items (112); b. at least one second conveying device (120) for transporting the contaminated items (112) to the cleaning device (114); c. at least one transfer device (126) for transferring at least a portion of the contaminated items (112) from the first conveying device (118) to the second conveying device (120). and d.The second conveying device (120) has at least one sensor (128) for detecting areas suitable for cleaning (130). The transport system (116) is configured to control the transfer device (126) such that the contaminated cleaning material (112) is transferred exclusively to the suitable areas (130) of the second conveying device (120). Furthermore, a method for cleaning the cleaning material (112) is proposed.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a cleaning system and a method for cleaning items to be cleaned. Cleaning systems and methods of the aforementioned type can be used, for example, in the field of dishwashing technology, particularly in the field of commercial dishwashing technology. Thus, the invention can be used in particular in commercial kitchens where items to be cleaned, such as trays, dishes, and cutlery, must be cleaned in large quantities. However, other applications are also conceivable in principle. Technical background

[0002] A variety of cleaning devices, also referred to as cleaning appliances, are known from the prior art, which can clean and / or disinfect items to be cleaned. The design of these cleaning devices depends heavily on various boundary conditions, such as the type of item to be cleaned, the level of contamination, the throughput, or similar conditions. Examples of cleaning devices described in DE 10 2004 056 052 A1 or DE 10 2007 025 263 A1 can be used.

[0003] In many cases, cleaning devices in commercial kitchens are combined with transport devices or systems for the automatic delivery and / or removal of the items to be cleaned. For example, many communal catering facilities, such as canteens in schools, hospitals, or other facilities serving large numbers of people, have cleaning systems in which trays of contaminated dishes and cutlery are placed on a conveyor belt. This conveyor belt transports the items to the actual cleaning device, such as a dishwasher.There, the items to be cleaned are usually still sorted by staff, waste is disposed of, and dishes, cutlery, and trays are appropriately conveyed to the cleaning device, for example, a flight-type dishwasher, a rack-type dishwasher, a hood-type dishwasher, or a pass-through dishwasher. In many cases, therefore, despite the conveyor system, manual labor is still required for sorting and feeding the contaminated items into the cleaning device and / or for removing the cleaned items from the cleaning device.

[0004] A technical and organizational challenge in many cases is that the contaminated cleaning items are not distributed evenly. Due in particular to group dynamics, timetables, or other circumstances beyond the control of the commercial kitchen, peak loads often occur, but so do times when little or no cleaning items are required. This poses a considerable challenge for planning staff requirements and also for planning the design of the cleaning equipment. The system and personnel planning must generally be designed so that staff can cope with peak loads. However, this may lead to insufficient staff utilization outside of peak loads. In many cases, therefore, staff planning and the design of the cleaning equipment must be over-dimensioned.

[0005] DE 10 2017 121 978 A1 describes a dishwasher in the form of a commercial utensil or dishwashing machine designed as a programmable automatic machine, which is configured as a hood-type or pass-through dishwasher and has a treatment chamber with at least one washing system designed as a recirculation system. In order to optimize the actual achievable utilization of the machine while simultaneously relieving the workload of the dishwashing staff, the invention provides that the dishwasher is assigned a loading / unloading device for preferably selectively automatically loading the treatment chamber with wash ware and / or for preferably selectively automatically unloading wash ware from the treatment chamber.

[0006] DE 4339111 A1 describes a dishwasher. To sustainably reduce water, energy, and detergent consumption, the dishes are washed in individual dish baskets in cyclical mode, with the dishwasher circuits only being activated during their respective time intervals within the wash program. A conveyor belt for the dish baskets is controlled by appropriate switches so that the dishes remain within a wash zone during the wash cycle.

[0007] DE 10 2004 049 392 A1 describes a method for transporting items to be cleaned through a conveyor-type dishwasher and onto a conveyor-type dishwasher. The conveyor-type dishwasher comprises a washing zone, a final rinse zone, and a drying zone. The items to be cleaned are cleaned in the washing zone, rinsed in the final rinse zone, and dried in the drying zone. Transport devices are provided to transport the items to be cleaned in the conveying direction at an optimal speed for the process steps taking place in the respective zones.

[0008] KR 10 1 327 580 B1 describes an automation system for dishwashers in which food trays and containers (soup bowls, rice bowls, side plates, lids, etc.) are separated by sprockets from a food tray guide carrier installed in the base body. The containers are guided through a drop hole in the food tray guide carrier for transfer to the first and second transfer conveyors installed below. Precision washing of the upper and lower parts of the containers is performed automatically by incorporating a washing section into the center section, and contaminated water is reused by further installing a filter circulator.

[0009] Despite the advantages achieved with these devices and methods, the technical and organizational challenges described above generally persist. Staffing for many cleaning systems still needs to be planned in such a way that they can cope with peak loads under any circumstances. For example, operating personnel must generally sort dishes particularly carefully and distribute them on the conveyor belt, particularly during peak loads, in order to make optimal use of the limited capacity of the cleaning system. If the load then drops, somewhat less careful sorting and distribution is required, but operating personnel must still be available in order to be able to react to sudden, renewed peak loads. This excess capacity in terms of personnel and usually also machinery can lead to unnecessary additional costs in the operation of the cleaning system. Object of the invention

[0010] It would therefore be desirable to provide a cleaning system and a method for cleaning items to be cleaned, particularly items to be cleaned in commercial kitchens, which at least largely avoid the disadvantages of known devices and methods of the type mentioned. In particular, the cleaning system and method should enable more flexible personnel planning with regard to operating personnel and more flexible dimensioning of the equipment, and preferably reduce the use of operating personnel. Disclosure of the invention

[0011] This problem is addressed by a cleaning system and a method for cleaning items to be cleaned, having the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments, which can be implemented individually or in any combination, are presented in the dependent claims.

[0012] In the following, the terms "have," "have," "comprise," or "include," or any grammatical variations thereof, are used non-exclusively. Accordingly, these terms can refer both to situations in which, besides the features introduced by these terms, no further features are present, or to situations in which one or more further features are present. For example, the expression "A has B," "A has B," "A comprises B," or "A includes B" can refer both to the situation in which, apart from B, no further element is present in A (i.e., a situation in which A consists exclusively of B), and to the situation in which, in addition to B, one or more further elements are present in A, for example, element C, elements C and D, or even further elements.

[0013] Furthermore, it should be noted that the terms "at least one" and "one or more," as well as grammatical variations of these terms, when used in connection with one or more elements or features and intended to express that the element or feature may be provided singly or multiple times, are generally used only once, for example, when the feature or element is first introduced. Upon subsequent re-mention of the feature or element, the corresponding term "at least one" or "one or more" is generally no longer used, without limiting the possibility that the feature or element may be provided singly or multiple times.

[0014] Furthermore, the terms "preferably," "in particular," "for example," or similar terms are used below in connection with optional features, without limiting alternative embodiments. Thus, features introduced by these terms are optional features, and these features are not intended to limit the scope of the claims, and in particular the independent claims. Thus, as those skilled in the art will recognize, the invention can also be carried out using other embodiments. Similarly, features introduced by "in one embodiment of the invention" or "in an embodiment of the invention" are understood as optional features, without limiting alternative embodiments or the scope of the independent claims.Furthermore, these introductory expressions are intended to leave untouched all possibilities of combining the features introduced thereby with other features, whether optional or non-optional.

[0015] In a first aspect, a cleaning system for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed. This cleaning system comprises at least one cleaning device and at least one transport system as components.

[0016] The term "cleaning system," as used herein, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be attributed, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. Thus, a "system" can generally be understood as a device or a group of interacting devices configured to fulfill at least one common purpose. Accordingly, the term "cleaning system" can refer, without limitation, in particular to a system configured to perform at least one cleaning process, i.e., to completely or partially free items to be cleaned of adhering macroscopic contaminants and / or microbial contaminants.

[0017] The term "transport system," as used herein, is also a broad term, which should be given its ordinary and customary meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can refer, without limitation, in particular to a system within the meaning of the above definition, which serves to transport one or more elements or objects, such as, in the present case, in particular, the transport of cleaning supplies.

[0018] The term "cleaning device" as used here is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be attributed, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a device designed to free items to be cleaned from adhering macroscopic or even microscopic contaminants or to at least partially remove such contaminants. In addition, a disinfection effect can optionally be exerted. The cleaning device can, as explained in more detail below, be designed in particular as a dishwasher, in particular as a dishwashing machine.The dishwasher can be designed, for example, as a single-chamber dishwasher, in particular as a commercial single-chamber dishwasher with a multi-circuit washing system, or as a conveyor dishwasher, in particular as a flight-type dishwasher and / or as a rack-type dishwasher. Examples are explained in more detail below.

[0019] The term "item to be cleaned," as used herein, is a broad term to which its ordinary and customary meaning should be given, as understood by one skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can refer, without limitation, to any item that can be cleaned by means of the cleaning device. One item can be cleaned, or multiple items can be cleaned simultaneously or sequentially. In particular, the item to be cleaned can be items that are used directly or indirectly for the preparation, storage, or presentation of food, for example, dishes, cutlery, trays, bowls, glasses, pots, pans, or similar items.Accordingly, the cleaning device can be designed, in particular, as a dishwasher, for example, as a dishwasher for commercial use in large-scale kitchens or communal catering kitchens. Other configurations of the items to be cleaned are also possible in principle.

[0020] The cleaning device has at least one at least partially closed cleaning chamber with at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning liquid to the items to be cleaned.

[0021] The term "cleaning chamber," as used herein, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a completely or partially enclosed chamber within which the cleaning process can be carried out completely or partially. The cleaning chamber can, in particular, comprise at least one housing that completely or partially encloses the cleaning chamber. A single cleaning chamber can be provided, or in principle, several cleaning chambers can be provided, for example, sequentially. The cleaning chamber can, for example, comprise at least one opening for loading the cleaning chamber with the items to be cleaned.For example, this can be an opening with a flap arranged on the front side of the cleaning chamber and / or on the top side of the cleaning chamber. Alternatively, hoods for closing off the cleaning chamber are also possible, for example in so-called hood-type dishwashers. Alternatively, the cleaning chamber can also be designed entirely or partially as a tunnel, for example in so-called conveyor dishwashers or conveyor dishwashers, for example as a tunnel with an inlet opening and an outlet opening. Other designs are also possible in principle.

[0022] The term "application device" as used here is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by one skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to any device by means of which the items to be cleaned within the cleaning chamber can be exposed to the cleaning fluid. The application device can, in particular, as explained in more detail below, comprise at least one nozzle system. Furthermore, the application device can comprise at least one pump and at least one line system for supplying cleaning fluid to the nozzle system. For example, a nozzle system and a line system for applying cleaning fluid from a tank can be provided, as well as at least one corresponding pump.Alternatively or additionally, at least one nozzle system can be pressurized directly from a supply line, for example, without the need for a pump. The cleaning device can provide one or more cleaning zones, through which the items to be cleaned pass sequentially, for example. For example, a single cleaning zone can be provided, with the cleaning device being configured to carry out a cleaning program by means of the pressurization device. In this program, the items to be cleaned are held stationary in the cleaning chamber and are successively pressurized with cleaning fluid in different ways in one or more cleaning steps of the cleaning program.Alternatively, the items to be cleaned can also be transported successively through several cleaning zones, in which a different type of exposure to cleaning liquid takes place, for example one or more cleaning zones selected from the group consisting of: a pre-clearing zone; a washing zone; a final rinse or final rinsing zone, which can be further subdivided into a pumped final rinse zone and a downstream fresh water final rinse zone. Furthermore, at least one drying step can be provided, which, for example, can be downstream of exposure to the cleaning liquid in one chamber with stationary reception of the items to be cleaned or which, for example, can take place in a drying zone downstream of the liquid cleaning zones in the case of a conveyor dishwasher.

[0023] The term "cleaning fluid" as used herein is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can refer, without limitation, in particular to a fluid that, upon contact with the item to be cleaned, can exert a cleaning effect. In particular, the cleaning fluid can comprise an aqueous fluid, for example, water and / or water with one or more additives, for example, with one or more cleaning concentrates and / or rinse aids and / or disinfectants. The cleaning device can be configured to use a single cleaning fluid or to employ a combination of several cleaning fluids.If multiple cleaning liquids are provided, the items to be cleaned can be exposed to the different cleaning liquids simultaneously or sequentially. For example, the items to be cleaned can remain stationary within the cleaning chamber and be exposed to the various cleaning liquids and / or cleaning fluids one after the other. Alternatively, as explained above, the items to be cleaned can also be transported sequentially through multiple cleaning zones, in which, for example, exposure to different types of cleaning liquid and / or cleaning liquids with different degrees of purity takes place. Different degrees of purity can be created, for example, by a cascade overflow between different tanks of the cleaning device, with a degree of purity preferably increasing in the direction of transport.Alternatively or additionally, pumped systems that regulate the liquid balance and / or the degree of purity between the individual tanks of the cleaning device are also known and can in principle be used within the scope of the present invention.

[0024] The transport system is designed for the automatic transport of the items to be cleaned. "Automatic" transport of the items to be cleaned can be understood, in particular, as a transport in which the items to be cleaned are transported from at least one first location or area to at least one second location or area without requiring muscle power to move the items to be cleaned. Thus, as explained in more detail below, the automatic transport can be carried out, in particular, using at least one electromechanical transport device, for example, using at least one electromechanical drive such as at least one electric motor.

[0025] The transport system includes: a. at least one first conveyor device for transporting contaminated items to be cleaned; b. at least one second conveyor device for transporting the contaminated items to the cleaning device; c. at least one transfer device for transferring at least a portion of the contaminated items to be cleaned from the first conveyor device to the second conveyor device; and d. at least one sensor for detecting occupable areas on the second conveyor device,

[0026] The terms "first", "second" and, where applicable, further numbering in connection with terms are used purely as nomenclature, without thereby specifying any order or ranking.

[0027] The term "conveying device" as used herein is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can refer, without limitation, in particular to a device configured to convey the items to be cleaned. In particular, the conveying device can comprise at least one device selected from the group consisting of: a conveyor belt; a conveyor chain; and a roller or drum system for conveying. The conveying device can also be configured to transport items to be cleaned indirectly, for example, in baskets. In this case, the baskets can be mounted on slide rails, for example, and conveyed, for example, by means of a reversing ratchet transport system.Other types of devices for indirect transport, such as baskets, are also conceivable and applicable. Combinations of the aforementioned devices are also possible. Furthermore, the first conveyor device and the second conveyor device can be designed identically or differently.

[0028] Contaminated items to be cleaned can generally be understood as items to be cleaned that have not yet been cleaned by the cleaning device, regardless of their actual degree of contamination, for example, by food residues. "Transportation" can generally be understood as the transport of the contaminated items to be cleaned from at least one loading point, in particular to the second conveyor device or to an optional additional conveyor device connected between the first and second conveyor devices.

[0029] The second conveyor device is, as explained above, configured to transport the contaminated items to be cleaned to the cleaning device, for example to an input area or feed area of ​​the cleaning device. The cleaning device itself can, as explained in more detail below, optionally comprise at least one third conveyor device configured to transport the items to be cleaned through the cleaning chamber. The cleaning system can be configured to transfer the items to be cleaned from the second conveyor device to the third conveyor device, for example by having the second conveyor device adjacent to the third conveyor device, so that the items to be cleaned are transferred directly or indirectly from the second conveyor device to the third conveyor device.Alternatively, however, the second and third conveying devices can also be completely or partially identical in terms of components, so that the second conveying device is also configured to transport the items to be cleaned completely or partially through the cleaning chamber. For example, the second conveying device can have at least one area outside the cleaning chamber, in which the items to be cleaned are transferred from the first conveying device to the second conveying device, as well as at least one further area within the cleaning chamber, in which the items to be cleaned pass through the cleaning chamber. Optionally, the second conveying device can also have at least a third area, which is located downstream of the cleaning chamber and which can be configured as an outlet for the cleaned items to be cleaned.If, however, the second and the optional third conveyor device are designed separately, the third conveyor device can, for example, have an area in front of the cleaning chamber, in which the items to be cleaned are transferred from the second conveyor device to the third conveyor device, as well as at least one further area within the cleaning chamber, in which the items to be cleaned pass through the cleaning chamber. In turn, the third conveyor device can optionally further have at least one outlet area downstream of the cleaning chamber in the transport direction, in which the cleaned items to be cleaned can be removed from the third conveyor device. Various configurations are possible, will be apparent to the person skilled in the art from the present description and are partly described in more detail below.

[0030] The term "transfer device" as used herein is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning should be given, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to a device or system configured to transfer or transmit at least one element from a first device or system to at least one second device or system. In particular, this may be an automatic transfer device that performs said transfer fully automatically.The transfer device can in particular have at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a chute on which the goods to be transferred are transferred due to their own gravity; a conveying device, for example a conveyor belt or a conveyor chain; an actuator, in particular an electromechanical actuator, for example at least one actuator selected from the group consisting of: a slider, a pivoting lever; a gripper; a suction cup. Other types of actuators are also conceivable. Furthermore, as explained in more detail below, the transfer device can have at least one positioning system by means of which the at least one actuator can be spatially positioned, for example in one, two, three or more dimensions or degrees of freedom. This positioning system can, for example, have one or more rails along which the actuator can be moved.For example, x-, y-, and optionally z-positioning can be performed and / or positioning by rotation around one or more axes. Alternatively or in addition to positioning along Cartesian coordinates, positioning can also be performed around specific angular coordinates, for example, polar coordinates or cylindrical coordinates. For example, the actuator can have at least one pivoting lever by means of which the material to be transferred can be positioned, with the positioning device having at least one pivot axis around which the pivoting lever can be positioned.

[0031] The term "sensor" as used herein is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning should be given, as understood by one skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to a device configured to detect at least one property of another device, substance, or environment, for example, at least one physical, chemical, or biological property. The sensor may, as explained in more detail below, in particular comprise at least one optical sensor, for example, at least one camera. Alternatively or additionally, however, other types of sensors may also be used, for example, mechanical sensors.

[0032] The term "region" as used herein is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning should be given, as understood by one skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to a spatially limited one-, two-, or three-dimensional section of the second conveying device. For example, if the second conveying device comprises a belt, such as a conveyor belt, the term may refer, for example, to a section of the belt or to a portion of a track of the belt. For example, if the second conveying device comprises transport fingers or compartments, the term may refer, for example, to a group of spatially adjacent transport fingers or to one or more transport compartments.Accordingly, the term "occupable," as used here in connection with the term "area," is a broad term to which its ordinary and customary meaning should be given, as understood by one skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to the ability of an area to accommodate cleaning items. In particular, an occupable area can be an area that is not yet occupied by cleaning items and can therefore accommodate additional cleaning items, or an area that is not yet sufficiently occupied by cleaning items and can therefore still accommodate additional cleaning items.

[0033] The transport system and / or the cleaning system, for example a control of the transport system and / or the cleaning system, are preferably configured to control the transfer device such that the contaminated cleaning items are transferred exclusively to the accessible areas of the second conveyor device. If, for example, the sensor detects an accessible area of ​​the second conveyor device, for example a free belt section and / or a free section of a belt track, the transfer device can be controlled, if cleaning items to be transferred are present, such that the cleaning items are transferred to this accessible area. If, on the other hand, the sensor detects that there is currently no accessible area, the transfer can be temporarily stopped, for example by not controlling the actuator and / or by temporarily stopping the transport of the cleaning items.If multiple tracks are present on the second conveyor device, for example, tracks running parallel to a conveying direction of a belt of the second conveyor device, the transfer device can, for example, evenly distribute the items to be cleaned across these tracks, so that a full width of the second conveyor device is utilized and multiple pieces of the items to be cleaned are arranged parallel to one another or next to one another on the second conveyor device. In particular, the transfer device can thus be configured to adjust or change the position of the items to be transferred in a direction perpendicular to a transport direction or conveying direction of the second conveyor device.For example, the sensor can detect that at least a first area of ​​the second conveyor device is not available for use, but that at least a second area, arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction next to the first area, is available for use, and then transfer the items to be cleaned to this second area accordingly. To carry out the steps described, the cleaning system, for example the transport system, can have at least one controller that is programmatically configured to control this transfer. Different types of items to be cleaned can also be distinguished, since the term "available for use" can also depend, for example, on the type of item to be cleaned. For example, a free area of ​​the second conveyor device can be available for plates, but is too small for trays and therefore cannot be used.The control system can, for example, recognize the suitability for the type of cleaning material to be transferred and control the transfer accordingly and / or select cleaning material that is suitable for the transfer.

[0034] The first conveying device and the second conveying device can in particular be arranged in relation to one another in such a way that they cross one another. For example, the first conveying device can in particular be arranged at least partially above the second conveying device and cross it, for example, in at least one transfer area. The transfer device can in particular include a transfer between different levels. In particular, the transfer device can have at least one chute for the contaminated items to be cleaned, which chute, for example, in at least one transfer area effects a transfer between the first conveying device and the second conveying device that is at least partially caused by gravity. Alternatively or additionally, the transfer device can also comprise, for example, at least one actuator and / or at least one conveyor belt. The transfer area can be designed to be stationary or, optionally, spatially variable.

[0035] The transfer device can further comprise at least one brake for the contaminated items to be cleaned. The transport system can be configured to apply the brake if the sensor detects an occupied area of ​​the second conveyor device and the items to be cleaned would be transferred to the occupied area of ​​the second conveyor device if the brake were open. The brake can, for example, comprise a barrier that prevents the items to be cleaned from further transport or transfer. For example, this at least one barrier can be arranged in front of, at, or on the chute described above, or at another location on the first conveyor device, the second conveyor device, or the transfer device. The brake can, in particular, be part of a lock for the items to be cleaned.The lock can have the brake in particular as a front lock gate facing the second conveying device, wherein the lock can optionally further have a rear lock gate facing the first conveying device.

[0036] The second conveyor device can, in particular, have at least two occupable tracks arranged parallel to one another. The term "track," as used here, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to the fact that, in a direction perpendicular to a transport direction of the second conveyor device, several items of cleaning material can be arranged so that, viewed in the transport direction, they are arranged next to one another on the second conveyor device. Each of the adjacent items then occupies a track.The second conveying device, for example, a conveyor belt, can then be divided virtually or actually into strips parallel to the transport direction, with each strip having, for example, the width of a piece of material to be cleaned. Depending on the type of material to be cleaned, these strips can vary in width.

[0037] The transfer device can, in particular, comprise at least one switch configured to direct the cleaning item to different tracks, for example, depending on which of the tracks the sensor has detected an occupable area on. The term "switch," as used here, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be attributed, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a device configured to selectively direct the movement of at least one object onto one of at least two tracks. The switch can, in particular, comprise at least one guide element whose angular position can be changed and which can direct the object onto one track or another track depending on the angular position.The switch can be arranged, for example, on a chute or on a conveyor belt, for example in a stationary manner, and can, for example, have at least one guide element pivotable about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is arranged, for example, perpendicular to the chute or the conveyor belt. Depending on the angular position, a piece of the item to be cleaned, which slides on the chute or is transported on the conveyor belt, can be guided onto one track or another track of the second conveyor device. In this way, for example, a position of the item to be cleaned can be adjusted perpendicular to a transport direction of the second conveyor device.

[0038] The second conveying device can, in particular, comprise a conveyor belt. This can, for example, be a continuous conveyor belt or, for example, a conveyor belt divided into links, or a conveyor chain or link chain. The conveyor belt can be flat or, for example, also have receiving compartments, such as transport fingers. The areas that can be occupied can, in particular, be free areas on the conveyor belt.

[0039] The second conveyor device can, in particular, comprise a transport device for baskets for cleaning items, also referred to as transport baskets, dish baskets, or dishwashing baskets. This transport device can, for example, comprise a plurality of transport fingers or other types of carriers that can interact with the baskets and carry them along. The occupyable areas can, in particular, be free areas in the baskets for cleaning items.

[0040] The cleaning device can, in particular, comprise at least one dishwasher. The dishwasher can, in particular, be selected from the group consisting of: a rack-type dishwasher, a conveyor-type dishwasher, a hood-type dishwasher, and a pass-through dishwasher.

[0041] The first conveyor device and the second conveyor device can, in particular, run parallel to each other at least in a transfer area. The transfer area can be the area in which the items to be cleaned are transferred from the first conveyor device to the second conveyor device. This transfer area can be fixed by the transfer device or can be variable, especially if the transfer device is not stationary.

[0042] The cleaning chamber can, in particular, be configured at least partially as a cleaning tunnel. The cleaning device can, in particular, have at least two cleaning zones in the cleaning tunnel. The transport system can, in particular, be configured, for example, by means of the second conveyor device or by means of a third conveyor device assigned to the cleaning device, to transport the items to be cleaned sequentially through the cleaning zones. The cleaning zones can, in particular, comprise at least two zones selected from the group consisting of: a pre-clearing zone, a washing zone, a pumped rinse zone, a fresh water rinse zone, and a drying zone.

[0043] The cleaning device can, in particular, have at least one third conveyor device, which can be identical to the second conveyor device or can also be designed separately from it and which, for example, is directly or indirectly adjacent to the second conveyor device, so that items to be cleaned can be transferred from the second conveyor device to the third conveyor device directly or via at least one intermediate step. The third conveyor device can, in particular, be adjacent to the second conveyor device and be configured to transport items to be cleaned through the cleaning chamber.

[0044] The cleaning system may further comprise at least one controller. The term "controller," as used herein, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be attributed, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to a single-part or multi-part device of the cleaning system or cleaning device that is configured to fully or partially control and / or regulate the operation of the cleaning system, in particular the cleaning device and / or the transport system.In particular, the controller can be configured to change, in particular to control and / or regulate, one or more operating parameters of the cleaning system, for example, at least one temperature, at least one pressure, at least one heating power, at least one transport speed, or a combination of two or more of the aforementioned operating parameters. The cleaning device and the transport system can have separate controllers, a common controller, or two or more coupled controllers. The controller can, in particular, comprise at least one data processing device, for example, at least one processor.The controller can in particular be set up using programming, for example to control at least one cleaning program of the cleaning device and optionally to control or carry out the proposed method in one or more of the embodiments mentioned below. The controller can be implemented entirely or partially using hardware or / and, alternatively or additionally, entirely or partially using software. Furthermore, the controller can comprise at least one volatile and / or non-volatile data memory. Furthermore, the controller can comprise at least one interface, for example a human-machine interface for inputting commands and / or for outputting information, and / or a wireless or wired interface for the unidirectional or bidirectional exchange of data and / or commands between the cleaning device and at least one further device.The controller can, in particular, comprise at least one computer and / or at least one processor. The controller can, in particular, be a centralized or decentralized machine control of the cleaning device and / or the cleaning system and / or the transport system. The controller can, in particular, be configured by programming to control the operation of the transport system and, in particular, also of the cleaning device. The controller can also be connected to the sensor and, for example, process one or more sensor signals by programming.

[0045] As explained above, the sensor can generally comprise one or more sensors. In particular, the sensor can comprise at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of: an optical sensor; a camera; a metal detector; a light barrier; a mechanical switch; and an electromagnetic sensor. The sensor can, for example, be connected directly or indirectly to the controller, so that the controller can, for example, evaluate sensor signals. For example, the controller can detect occupable areas. For example, the controller can have an image data analysis system that automatically detects occupable areas, for example using a self-learning algorithm and / or artificial intelligence.

[0046] In a further aspect, a method for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed. The method comprises the steps detailed below. These steps can be carried out in the specified order. However, a different order is also possible in principle. Furthermore, two or more of the specified method steps can be carried out simultaneously or overlappingly. Furthermore, one or more of the specified method steps can be carried out singly or repeatedly. In addition to the specified steps, the method can comprise further method steps which are not specified.

[0047] The procedure includes the following steps: I. Providing a cleaning system as proposed here, for example according to one or more of the embodiments described above and / or according to one or more of the embodiments described in more detail below; II. Transporting contaminated items to be cleaned by means of the first conveyor device; III. Detecting coverable areas on the second conveyor device; and IV. Transferring at least a portion of the contaminated items to be cleaned by means of the transfer device to the coverable areas of the second conveyor device.

[0048] For further possible designs, definitions or options, please refer to the above description of the cleaning system.

[0049] The at least one first conveyor device and the at least one second conveyor device and optionally the at least one third conveyor device can generally be operated continuously or in an interrupted operation, for example only when required. Furthermore, the transfer area can be designed to be stationary, as described above, or spatially variable. For example, the second conveyor device can also be stopped as required, with the transfer device moving, for example, in a transport direction lengthwise over the second conveyor device, for example in order to identify areas that can be occupied and to cover them with items to be cleaned. This means that the first conveyor device can continue to operate, for example, even if the second conveyor device is stopped.The latter is useful, for example, when the cleaning device itself operates intermittently, as in pass-through dishwashers. For example, the second conveyor device can operate intermittently, transporting items to be cleaned into the cleaning chamber intermittently, and can be stopped while a wash cycle is running in the cleaning chamber. However, while the second conveyor device is idle, it can continue to be loaded by the transfer device, for example.

[0050] In general, the described cleaning system and the proposed method offer numerous advantages over known devices and methods of the type mentioned. In particular, the technical challenges of known systems and methods described above are addressed. By detecting areas that can be used and automatically transferring the items to be cleaned from the first conveyor to the second conveyor, even short-term load peaks can be accommodated without requiring operating personnel to be permanently present in the cleaning device's input area. This enables significantly more flexible personnel planning, which, in particular, is not necessarily adapted to a potential peak load.Furthermore, the dimensioning of the cleaning device does not necessarily have to be adapted to the peak load, since the automatic detection of usable areas and the automatic transfer to the usable areas can lead to a significantly better distribution of the cleaning items on the second conveyor device and thus to better use of the existing cleaning device. Even if the second conveyor device has to be stopped, the transfer device can, for example, move the transfer area against a transport direction of the second conveyor device, so that the transfer area is moved away from the cleaning device, whereby the first conveyor device can continue to operate, for example. This creates an occupancy buffer that can ensure significantly more consistent operation of the first conveyor device and the transport of the contaminated cleaning items.Even if the second conveyor has to be stopped, contaminated cleaning items can be transported from a drop-off point by the first conveyor, preventing annoying congestion for a canteen user, for example. Furthermore, this method also allows for the efficient use of timed cleaning devices in canteen operations, since the first conveyor can continue to operate continuously even if the second conveyor is temporarily stopped.

[0051] In summary, without limiting further possible embodiments, the following embodiments are proposed: Embodiment 1: Cleaning system for cleaning items to be cleaned, comprising a) at least one cleaning device, having at least one at least partially closed cleaning chamber with at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning liquid to the items to be cleaned; and b) at least one transport system for automatically transporting the items to be cleaned, wherein the transport system comprises: a. at least one first conveyor device for transporting contaminated items to be cleaned; b. at least one second conveyor device for transporting the contaminated items to the cleaning device; c. at least one transfer device for transferring at least a portion of the contaminated items to be cleaned from the first conveyor device to the second conveyor device; and d.at least one sensor for detecting usable areas on the second conveyor device, wherein the transport system is configured to control the transfer device such that the contaminated cleaning items are transferred exclusively to the usable areas of the second conveyor device. Embodiment 2: Cleaning system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the first conveyor device is arranged at least partially above the second conveyor device, wherein the transfer device has at least one chute for the contaminated cleaning items.Embodiment 3: Cleaning system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the transfer device further comprises at least one brake for the contaminated cleaning items, wherein the transport system is configured to close the brake when an occupied area of ​​the second conveyor device is detected by the sensor and the cleaning items would be transferred to the occupied area of ​​the second conveyor device if the brake were open. Embodiment 4: Cleaning system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the brake is part of a lock for the cleaning items, wherein the lock has the brake as a front lock gate facing the second conveyor device, wherein the lock further comprises a rear lock gate facing the first conveyor device.Embodiment 5: Cleaning system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second conveying device has at least two assignable tracks arranged parallel to one another, wherein the transfer device has at least one switch, wherein the switch is configured to direct the items to be cleaned to different tracks. Embodiment 6: Cleaning system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second conveying device has a conveyor belt, wherein the assignable areas are free areas on the conveyor belt. Embodiment 7: Cleaning system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second conveying device has a transport device for items to be cleaned baskets, wherein the assignable areas are free areas in the items to be cleaned baskets. Embodiment 8: Cleaning system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device comprises at least one dishwasher.Embodiment 9: Cleaning system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the dishwasher is selected from the group consisting of: a rack-type dishwasher, a belt-type dishwasher, a hood-type dishwasher, and a pass-through dishwasher. Embodiment 10: Cleaning system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first conveying device and the second conveying device run parallel to one another at least in a transfer region. Embodiment 11: Cleaning system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning chamber is at least partially designed as a cleaning tunnel. Embodiment 12: Cleaning system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning device has at least two cleaning zones in the cleaning tunnel, wherein the transport system is configured, in particular by means of the second conveying device, to transport the items to be cleaned sequentially through the cleaning zones.Embodiment 13: Cleaning system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning zones comprise at least two zones selected from the group consisting of: a pre-clearing zone, a washing zone, a pumped rinsing zone, a fresh water rinsing zone, and a drying zone. Embodiment 14: Cleaning system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device has at least a third conveyor device, wherein the third conveyor device is adjacent to the second conveyor device and is configured to transport items to be cleaned through the cleaning chamber. Embodiment 15: Cleaning system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning system further comprises a controller, wherein the controller is programmatically configured to control operation of the transport system.Embodiment 16: Cleaning system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor comprises at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of: an optical sensor; a camera; a metal detector; a light barrier; a mechanical sensor; an electromagnetic sensor. Embodiment 17: Method for cleaning items to be cleaned, comprising the following method steps: I. Providing a cleaning system according to one of the preceding embodiments; II. Transporting contaminated items to be cleaned by means of the first conveyor device; III. Detecting coverable areas on the second conveyor device; and IV. Transferring at least a portion of the contaminated items to be cleaned by means of the transfer device to the coverable areas of the second conveyor device. Short description of the characters

[0052] Further details and features will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments, particularly in conjunction with the subclaims. The respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are illustrated schematically in the figures. Identical reference numerals in the individual figures designate identical or functionally identical elements, or elements that correspond to one another in terms of their functions.

[0053] In detail: Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a cleaning system for cleaning items to be cleaned in a sectional view from the side; Figure 2 shows a transfer area of ​​the cleaning system according to Figure 1 in an enlarged schematic representation; and Figure 3 shows a transfer area of ​​a further embodiment of a cleaning system. Description of the embodiments

[0054] In Figure 1An embodiment of a cleaning system 110 for cleaning items 112 to be cleaned is shown in a sectional side view. The cleaning system 110 comprises a cleaning device 114 and a transport system 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the transport system 116 comprises a first conveyor device 118 and a second conveyor device 120, wherein the first conveyor device 118 serves to transport contaminated items 112 to be cleaned, and wherein the second conveyor device 120 serves to transport the contaminated items 112 to the cleaning device 114.There, the second conveyor device 120 can either transport the items to be cleaned 112 into a cleaning chamber 122 and optionally also through this cleaning chamber 122, or these tasks can be taken over by a third conveyor device 124, which can be assigned to the transport system 116, there in particular to the second conveyor device 120, and / or also to the cleaning device 114.

[0055] Furthermore, the transport system 116 in this exemplary embodiment comprises a transfer device 126 for transferring at least a portion of the contaminated cleaning items 112 from the first conveyor device 118 to the second conveyor device 120 in a transfer area 127. Furthermore, the transport system 116 in this exemplary embodiment comprises at least one sensor 128 for detecting occupyable areas 130 on the second conveyor device 120. The transport system 116 is configured to control the transfer device 126 such that the contaminated cleaning items 112 are transferred exclusively to the occupyable areas 130 of the second conveyor device 120. For this purpose, the cleaning system 110 can, for example, have a corresponding controller 132, which is coupled, for example, to the sensor 128, evaluates its signals and, in the process, detects occupyable areas 130, and controls the transfer device 126 accordingly locally and temporally.For example, as explained in more detail below, the sensor 128 may include at least one camera 176 and / or at least one position sensor 178, wherein, for example, the camera 176 itself and / or the controller 132 may have image recognition to detect the occupable areas 130. Other configurations of the at least one sensor 128 are also possible.

[0056] The cleaning device 114 can be configured, for example, as a conveyor dishwasher, for example a rack-type dishwasher and / or a flight-type dishwasher. Other configurations are also possible, for example, program-controlled dishwashers with discontinuous operation, for example, pass-through dishwashers in the form of hood-type dishwashers or the like. In this case, the control of the transport system 116 should be adapted to the program operation. Without limiting further configurations, the cleaning device 114 is described below with reference to conveyor dishwashers. In general, for possible configurations of such conveyor dishwashers, which can be modified and / or supplemented according to the invention, reference can be made, for example, to DE 10 2004 046 758 A1, DE 10 2007 053 381 B3, or DE 10 2009 035 668 A1. However, other configurations are also possible in principle.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning device 114 has the cleaning chamber 122 in the form of a cleaning tunnel 134. The cleaning tunnel 134 can be divided, in particular by dividing curtains 136, into several zones 138, also referred to as cleaning zones. In the illustrated embodiment, a pre-clearing zone 140, a rinsing zone 142, a final rinse zone 144, and a drying zone 146 are provided, for example. The final rinse zone 144 can, for example, be further subdivided into a pumped final rinse zone and a fresh water final rinse zone. Other configurations of the zones 138 are also possible.

[0058] In the zones 140, 142 and 144, the items to be cleaned 112 can be subjected to at least one cleaning liquid by means of at least one application device 148. For example, a pre-cleaning zone nozzle system 150 can be provided for this purpose in the pre-cleaning zone 140, which, for example, via a Figure 1 a pump (not shown) and a pipe system (not shown) can be supplied with cleaning fluid from a pre-cleaning tank 152. In the rinsing zone 142, for example, a rinsing zone nozzle system 154 can be provided, which can be supplied with cleaning fluid from a rinsing tank 156, for example via a pump (likewise not shown) and a pipe system (likewise not shown). In the final rinsing zone 144, which can be configured in one or more parts, at least one rinsing nozzle system 158 can be provided, which can be supplied with heated fresh water and / or rinsing fluid from a rinsing tank 160.

[0059] After passing through zones 140, 142 and 144, the items to be cleaned 112 can then enter the drying zone 146, in which the items to be cleaned 112 can be exposed to warm air, for example via a fan 162, in order to accelerate the drying of the items to be cleaned 112.

[0060] In this exemplary embodiment, the third conveyor device 124 transports the items to be cleaned 112 in a transport direction 164 from an inlet area 166 through the cleaning chamber 122 to an outlet area 168. The outlet area 168 is located downstream of the cleaning chamber 122 in the transport direction 164, so that the cleaned items to be cleaned 112 can be removed from the third conveyor device 124 in the outlet area 168. For example, the cleaned items to be cleaned 112 can be separated and fed manually or automatically to one or more storage devices.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the conveyor dishwasher can be configured, for example, as a rack-type dishwasher, in which the items 112 to be cleaned are transported by means of items baskets 170, also referred to as transport baskets. Alternatively or additionally, however, other types of cleaning devices 114 can also be used, as explained above, for example, flight-type dishwashers and / or timed-cycle dishwashers, such as program-controlled machines, in particular hood-type dishwashers. The type of transport and / or the type of transfer device 126 and the at least one sensor 128 can be adapted to the type of transport and / or the type of items 112 to be cleaned.

[0062] So in Figure 2 a transfer area of ​​the cleaning system 110 according to Figure 1shown in an enlarged schematic representation. Here, the transfer device 126 is specifically adapted for basket transport. However, as described in more detail below with reference to Figure 3, adaptation to other types of transport, such as belt transport, is also possible.

[0063] As explained above, the items 112 to be cleaned are transported to the transfer area 127 by means of the first conveyor device 118. In this exemplary embodiment, the transfer device 126 has a chute 172. Thus, the first conveyor device 118 and the second conveyor device 120 can run parallel to one another in the transfer area 127, for example, at different levels, so that the items 112 to be cleaned can slide, for example driven by their own gravity, via the chute 172 from the first conveyor device 118 to the second conveyor device 120. Alternatively or additionally, other types of transfer devices can also be provided, for example grippers, suction devices, or other types of positioning devices.

[0064] The transfer device 126 with the chute 172 can, for example, have at least one brake 174 for the contaminated cleaning items 112. The transport system 116 can, for example, be configured to close this brake 174 as long as no occupable area 130 is detected. As explained above, the at least one sensor 128 can, for example, have at least one camera 176, preferably with image recognition. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one sensor 128 can, for example, also have at least one position sensor 178 for a transport basket 170. The position sensor 178 can, for example, again be an optical sensor or comprise an optical sensor, for example a light barrier. Alternatively or additionally, however, other types of sensors can also be provided, for example one or more mechanical switches and / or pressure sensors. Other configurations are also possible.

[0065] The second conveyor device 120 can, for example, be operated continuously or discontinuously, for example intermittently. For example, the second conveyor device 120 can be operated intermittently as a whole or only in sections. In particular, the second conveyor device 120 can, as shown in Figure 2 shown, optionally have at least one motor 180 for timing transport baskets 170. As soon as the camera 176 and / or the position sensor 178 detect a transport basket 170 and / or occupyable areas 130 within the transport basket 170, the controller 132 can, for example, open the brake 174 so that items to be cleaned 112 can slide from the chute 172 into the respective occupyable area 130.

[0066] The brake 174 can be part of a lock 182. This lock 182 can, for example, have the brake 174 as a front lock gate 184 and, in addition, a rear lock gate 186 facing the first conveyor device 118. The lock gates 184, 186 can, for example, be designed as simple flaps. The lock 182 can, for example, prevent a backlog of items 112 to be cleaned from forming on the chute 172, as well as prevent more than one item of items 112 from being transferred to an accessible area 130.

[0067] In the embodiment of the cleaning system 110 according to Figure 1The transfer device with the chute 172 and the lock 182 is exemplary configured to detect areas 130 that can be covered in the longitudinal direction, i.e. in the direction of transport direction 164, and to cover them with cleaning material 112. Alternatively or additionally, however, a distribution and thus a coverage can also take place transversely to the transport direction 164. This is exemplary shown in Figure 3 shown using a flight conveyor dishwasher. However, an analogous design can also be used in other systems, for example in the rack conveyor dishwasher according to the Figures 1 and 2 .

[0068] Shown in Figure 3 again only, in a perspective view, the transfer area 127. Regarding the other embodiments of the cleaning system 110, reference can be made, for example, to the embodiment according to Figure 1 However, other configurations are also possible in principle.

[0069] The second conveyor device 120 is designed in this exemplary embodiment as a conveyor belt, with a plurality of transport fingers 188, which can receive the cleaning item 112 in an upright position. Depending on the type of cleaning item 112, as shown in Figure 3shown, several pieces of the items to be cleaned 112 can be received next to one another at the same longitudinal position in the transport direction 164. For example, the conveyor belt can be virtually divided into two or more tracks 190, 192, wherein each track can receive a piece of the items to be cleaned 112 at a position in the transport direction 164. The transfer device 126 can, for example, alternatively or in addition to the lock 182, have at least one switch 194. This switch 194 can, for example, have one or more wings 196, 198, which can, for example, be pivotably mounted about axes 200, 202. In this way or by means of other actuators, the switch 194 can be configured to direct the items to be cleaned 112 to different tracks 190, 192.The switch 194 can be controlled, for example, by the controller 132, depending, for example, on a detection of occupable areas 130 by the at least one sensor 128, for example the camera 176. List of reference symbols

[0070] 110 Cleaning system 112 Items to be cleaned 114 Cleaning device 116 Transport system 118 First conveyor 120 Second conveyor 122 Cleaning chamber 124 Third conveyor 126 Transfer device 127 Transfer area 128 Sensor 130 Occupant area 132 Control system 134 Cleaning tunnel 136 Partition curtain 138 Zones 140 Pre-cleaning zone 142 Rinsing zone 144 Rinsing zone 146 Drying zone 148 Application device 150 Pre-cleaning zone nozzle system 152 Pre-cleaning tank 154 Rinsing zone nozzle system 156 Rinsing tank 158 Rinsing nozzle system 160 Rinsing tank 162 Blower 164 Transport direction 166 Inlet area 168Discharge area 170Transport basket, cleaning items basket, dish basket, rinse basket 172Slide 174Brake 176Camera 178Position sensor 180Motor 182Lock 184Front lock gate 186Rear lock gate 188Transport finger 190Track 192Track 194Switch 196Wing 198Wing 200Axle 202Axle

Claims

1. A cleaning system (110) for cleaning items to be cleaned (112), comprising a) at least one cleaning device (114) having at least one at least partially closed cleaning chamber (122) with at least one application device (148) for applying at least one cleaning liquid to the items to be cleaned (112); and b) at least one transport system (116) for automatically transporting the items to be cleaned (112), wherein the transport system (116) comprises: a. at least one first conveyor device (118) for transporting contaminated items to be cleaned (112); b. at least one second conveyor device (120) for transporting the contaminated items to be cleaned (112) to the cleaning device (114); c. at least one transfer device (126) for transferring at least a portion of the contaminated items to be cleaned (112) from the first conveyor device (118) to the second conveyor device (120); and d.at least one sensor (128) for detecting assignable areas (130) on the second conveyor device (120), wherein the transport system (116) is configured to control the transfer device (126) such that the contaminated cleaning material (112) is transferred exclusively to the assignable areas (130) of the second conveyor device (120).

2. Cleaning system (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first conveying device (118) is arranged at least partially above the second conveying device (120), wherein the transfer device (126) has at least one chute (172) for the contaminated cleaning material (112).

3. Cleaning system (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the transfer device (126) further comprises at least one brake (174) for the contaminated cleaning material (112), wherein the transport system (116) is configured to close the brake (174) when an occupied area (130) of the second conveyor device (120) is detected by means of the sensor (128) and the cleaning material (112) would be transferred to the occupied area (130) of the second conveyor device (120) with the brake (174) open.

4. Cleaning system (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the brake (174) comprises a lock which prevents the cleaning material (112) from further transport or transfer.

5. Cleaning system (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the barrier is arranged on or at the chute (172).

6. Cleaning system (110) according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the brake (174) is part of a lock (182) for the items to be cleaned (112), wherein the lock has the brake (174) as a front lock gate (184) facing the second conveyor device (120), wherein the lock (182) further has a rear lock gate (186) facing the first conveyor device (118).

7. Cleaning system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second conveying device (120) has at least two assignable tracks (190, 192) arranged parallel to one another, wherein the transfer device (126) has at least one switch (194), wherein the switch (194) is configured to direct the items to be cleaned (112) to different tracks (190, 192).

8. Cleaning system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coverable areas (130) are areas which are not yet or not yet sufficiently covered with items to be cleaned (112) and can accordingly accommodate further items to be cleaned (112).

9. Cleaning system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (114) comprises at least one dishwasher.

10. Cleaning system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first conveying device (118) and the second conveying device (120) run parallel to each other at least in a transfer region (127).

11. Cleaning system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning chamber (122) is at least partially designed as a cleaning tunnel (134), wherein the cleaning device (114) in the cleaning tunnel (134) has at least two cleaning zones (138, 140, 142, 144), wherein the transport system (116) is set up, in particular by means of the second conveyor device (120), to transport the items to be cleaned (112) sequentially through the cleaning zones (138, 140, 142, 144).

12. Cleaning system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (114) has at least a third conveyor device (124), wherein the third conveyor device (124) is adjacent to the second conveyor device (120) and is configured to transport items to be cleaned (112) through the cleaning chamber (122).

13. Cleaning system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning system (110) further comprises a controller (132), wherein the controller (132) is programmatically configured to control operation of the transport system (116).

14. Cleaning system (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (128) comprises at least one sensor (128) selected from the group consisting of: an optical sensor; a camera; a metal detector; a light barrier; a mechanical sensor; an electromagnetic sensor.

15. A method for cleaning items to be cleaned (112), comprising the following method steps: I. Providing a cleaning system (110) according to one of the preceding claims; II. Transporting contaminated items to be cleaned (112) by means of the first conveyor device (118); III. Detecting coverable areas (130) on the second conveyor device (120); and IV. Transferring at least a portion of the contaminated items to be cleaned (112) by means of the transfer device (126) to the coverable areas (130) of the second conveyor device (120).

Images