Dishwasher with a drying device and method for drying the items to be washed

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1), in particular a commercial dishwasher, comprising at least one treatment area (2) designed such that items to be washed can be partially or completely dried in this treatment area (2) during operation of the dishwasher (1), wherein the dishwasher has a drying device, the drying device comprising at least one light-emitting device (25) arranged in the treatment area (2) or arranged such that it can emit light into the treatment area (2), wherein the dishwasher (1) comprises a control device (23) configured to switch the one or more light-emitting devices (25) on for at least a predetermined or determinable period of time when the dishwasher (1) is in an operating state.in which a drying process is carried out. The present invention further relates to a method for drying items to be washed in a dishwasher.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher, in particular a commercial dishwasher, for cleaning items, especially dishes and / or cutlery, bottles, or other containers and equipment. Commercial dishwashers are used particularly in the catering and hotel sectors.

[0002] There are different types of dishwashers, especially commercial dishwashers, for example so-called automatic dishwashers, which include a washing chamber in which items to be washed can be placed and treated, in particular cleaned, or so-called conveyor dishwashers, in which items to be washed are transported through the dishwasher on a conveyor belt, possibly using one or more washing baskets, and treated there, in particular cleaned and dried.

[0003] Dishwashers are also commonly designed to include a drying function, allowing the equipment being cleaned to be at least partially dried during the cleaning process and quickly reused.

[0004] Common drying methods typically include mechanical drying techniques such as blowers or heating devices that introduce or circulate hot air into the treatment area, for example, a rinsing chamber, to at least partially evaporate moisture. These methods are widely used and have proven effective in many applications. However, there are some challenges associated with these conventional drying techniques.

[0005] In particular, the hot air may not reach all areas of the dishes evenly in some cases, which can lead to uneven drying and residual water spots. The evaporation of residual moisture is also sometimes ineffective. Furthermore, a fan generates noise that is regularly considered a nuisance and is perceived as unpleasant by users.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved dishwasher, in particular an improved commercial dishwasher, and a method for operating such a dishwasher, which in particular takes into account the aspects of drying or partial drying.

[0007] This problem is solved by a dishwasher according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 14. Claims 2 to 13 relate to particularly preferred embodiments of the dishwasher according to claim 1. Claim 15 relates to a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to claim 14.

[0008] The present invention relates to a dishwasher, in particular a commercial dishwasher, comprising at least one treatment area designed in such a way that items to be washed during operation of the dishwasher can be partially or completely dried in this treatment area.

[0009] According to the invention, the dishwasher has a drying device, wherein the drying device comprises at least one light-emitting device which is arranged in the treatment area or is arranged in such a way that it can emit light into the treatment area. Furthermore, the dishwasher according to the invention comprises a control device which is configured to switch on the one or more light-emitting devices for at least a predetermined or determinable period of time when the dishwasher is in an operating state in which a drying process is being carried out.

[0010] Irradiating the items to be treated with light, particularly and preferably in the visible wavelength range, causes an evaporation or drying process. This evaporation or drying process can occur alone or in combination with other drying methods or processes.

[0011] This leads to an improved drying process and better and / or faster drying results.

[0012] The evaporation rates depend on the wavelength and power of the light emitted onto the items being washed and can be adjusted depending on the application, the design of the dishwasher, or the items being washed.

[0013] It should be noted that irradiation with light, particularly in the visible light range, can even lead to evaporation rates exceeding the limit for thermal evaporation. The inventors recognized that such an effect can be used very effectively, especially in dishwashers, particularly commercial dishwashers, thus enabling particularly energy-efficient drying.

[0014] The dishwasher according to the present invention provides an improved drying process that can be particularly well adapted to the items being washed and also to their arrangement and positioning within the treatment area. In particular, it allows other drying methods, especially fans and heaters, to be dispensed with at least partially, and possibly even completely, thereby avoiding or reducing the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0015] In this context, it should be noted that even without the effect described above, according to which the drying device used in the dishwasher according to the invention can lead to evaporation rates that exceed the limit for thermal evaporation, particularly good drying is ensured, optionally also in conjunction with other drying devices or drying methods.

[0016] Drying with a light-emitting device also means that the use of conventional drying devices, especially heating and blowing, can be reduced or even eliminated entirely. This leads in particular to a reduction in noise, especially from the blowing mechanism, which is very pleasant for the operating personnel (in the case of commercial dishwashers) or the user (in the case of household dishwashers).

[0017] Furthermore, the light-emitting devices take up very little space, so that dishwashers with a smaller volume (or with larger clearances, etc.) can be provided.

[0018] The control unit can be programmable and allows for precise control of the drying process, resulting in even and effective drying of the dishes. Integrating the control unit can also help optimize energy consumption by ensuring that the light-emitting devices are only activated when actually needed.

[0019] Another technical advantage is the reduction of moisture in the treatment area, regardless of the items being washed, which can, for example, also reduce the risk of unpleasant odors.

[0020] Precise positioning of the light-emitting devices further facilitates the effective drying of hard-to-reach areas of the dishes, which is often problematic with conventional drying methods. This allows for more accurate and efficient drying, which is particularly advantageous in commercial environments where fast and reliable drying processes are required. Positioning is further supported by the fact that the light-emitting devices are very small, especially when LEDs are used.

[0021] Overall, a dishwasher according to the invention therefore offers a particularly adaptable, innovative solution for drying dishes, which, through the integration of light-emitting devices and a control device, can improve both the efficiency and the effectiveness of the drying process.

[0022] The control device can also function as a central unit to coordinate various functions and components of the machine. This control device is preferably also responsible for monitoring and controlling the entire operation of the dishwasher, including the drying processes.

[0023] The control device is designed to switch one or more light-emitting devices on for at least a predetermined or determinable period. This means that the control device can regulate the activation and deactivation of the light-emitting devices to ensure optimal drying. The predetermined or determinable period can vary depending on various factors such as the type of items being washed or the desired drying intensity.

[0024] It is also possible that the cycle time is controlled by sensors located in the treatment area or other parts of the dishwasher. Such sensors may include temperature and / or humidity sensors.

[0025] The control device switches one or more light-emitting devices on when the dishwasher is in a drying cycle. This ensures that the light-emitting devices are only activated when needed, thus improving energy efficiency and extending the lifespan of the devices.

[0026] Preferably, the control device is designed such that the one or more light-emitting devices are only in a switched-on state when the dishwasher is in an operating state in which a drying process is being carried out, which offers particular advantages especially in dishwashers with a wash chamber that can be opened, since when the user opens the treatment area or the wash chamber it is ensured that the light-emitting devices do not emit any radiation to the outside and especially not in the direction of the user.

[0027] According to one embodiment, at least one light-emitting device is designed as a light-emitting diode, or LED. The use of LEDs as light-emitting devices offers a particularly energy-efficient solution, as LEDs have high efficiency and lower energy consumption compared to conventional light sources. This contributes to reducing the overall energy consumption of the dishwasher, making it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective to operate. Furthermore, LEDs have a longer lifespan, which reduces maintenance costs and the need for frequent replacements.

[0028] Another advantage of using LEDs is their low heat generation compared to other light sources. This is particularly beneficial in the vicinity of a dishwasher, where excessive heat is undesirable. The low heat output of LEDs helps control the temperature in the treatment area and prevents the dishes from overheating, thus increasing safety and drying quality.

[0029] In addition, LEDs offer the possibility of emitting light in different wavelengths, which can be used for special drying requirements.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the dishwasher comprises at least one light-emitting device that emits light in a wavelength range, in particular of visible light or near the range of visible light, in particular and for example emits light in a range of 450 nm to 650 nm.

[0031] This specific selection of wavelength range is designed to improve the efficiency of the drying process by enabling optimal energy transfer to the items being washed. The wavelength range of 450 nm to 650 nm covers a large part of the visible light spectrum, increasing flexibility in the choice of light sources while ensuring that the emitted radiation is safe for use in both residential and commercial settings.

[0032] A preferred embodiment provides that the light is emitted within a narrower wavelength range of 500 nm to 550 nm. A further preferred option is an even narrower wavelength range of 510 nm to 530 nm, and a wavelength range of 520 nm is particularly preferred.

[0033] It has been found that these narrower wavelength ranges are particularly suitable and led to particularly high evaporation rates.

[0034] Such a preferred wavelength range also differs significantly from infrared radiation outside the visible range, where infrared radiation is used as thermal radiation to evaporate moisture. Evaporation or drying using light in the visible range, and in particular using light in the wavelength range of 510 nm to 530 nm, is preferred in contrast and prevents excessive heating of the items being washed or at least reduces heating, especially when light is emitted, for example, onto dry or already dried areas of the items being washed.

[0035] According to another embodiment, at least one light-emitting device emits monochromatic or essentially monochromatic light. Monochromatic light, i.e., light of a single wavelength or a very narrow wavelength range, can be specifically tailored to certain materials or surfaces of the object being treated in order to optimize the drying properties. Furthermore, certain monochromatic light can influence the surface tension of water on the objects being dried, thereby causing the water to evaporate more quickly.

[0036] According to a further embodiment, at least one light-emitting device has a power output in a range between 50 W and 200 W, preferably a power output in a range between 100 W and 180 W and particularly preferably a power output in a range between 150 W and 180 W.

[0037] By defining the power ranges, it is ensured that the light-emitting device supplies sufficient energy to dry the dishes effectively without consuming excessive energy. These specific power ranges of the light-emitting device therefore contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the drying process in the dishwasher.

[0038] According to another embodiment, the dishwasher comprises several light-emitting devices, in particular LEDs, arranged in a treatment area. This arrangement of several light-emitting devices enables more uniform and efficient drying of the dishes, since the light energy is distributed evenly over the entire treatment area.

[0039] The total power output of the light-emitting devices arranged in the treatment area is preferably in the range of 500 W to 2500 W. This power range ensures that sufficient energy is available to effectively dry the items being washed without incurring unnecessarily high energy costs. Particularly preferably, the total power output of the light-emitting devices is in the range of 1000 W to 1500 W, which represents an optimal balance between drying efficiency and energy consumption, also taking into account the efficiency of modern LEDs, which is in the range of 30% to 50%.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the dishwasher, all light-emitting devices provided in a treatment area have an identical wavelength characteristic or emit light of identical wavelengths. This offers the advantage that the light used to dry the dishes has a consistent and uniform effect, which further increases the efficiency of the drying process.

[0041] According to a further embodiment, the dishwasher comprises a treatment area with several sub-areas, each of which contains at least one light-emitting device. This configuration enables targeted and differentiated treatment of the items to be washed within the treatment area.

[0042] In particular, in a first sub-area, one or more light-emitting devices with a first wavelength characteristic and / or power characteristic are arranged, while in a second sub-area, one or more light-emitting devices with a second wavelength characteristic and / or power characteristic are arranged, wherein the second wavelength characteristic and / or power characteristic differs from the first.

[0043] This arrangement enables optimized drying of the dishes, as different wavelengths can better address specific properties of the items being washed. Integrating these features increases the flexibility and efficiency of the dishwasher, which is particularly advantageous in commercial applications. Furthermore, the ability to use different wavelengths for different areas opens up new possibilities for adapting the machine to different types of dishes and drying requirements.

[0044] According to a further embodiment, the dishwasher comprises at least one receiving device for items to be washed, which includes a receiving surface with a predetermined area for directly or indirectly receiving the items to be washed, wherein this receiving device is preferably a dish rack. However, the receiving device can also be implemented as a shelf or a conveyor belt, particularly in conveyor dishwashers. A receiving surface can, for example, be defined by the base area of ​​a dish rack; in this case, the area corresponds to the size of the base of the dish rack. A receiving surface can also be defined by a predetermined area in the dishwasher or on a conveyor belt of a conveyor dishwasher, onto which items to be washed can be positioned.

[0045] The one or more light-emitting devices are preferably designed and arranged such that they emit a total radiant power onto this receiving surface in the range of 0.5 kW / m² to 2 kW / m², preferably in the range of 0.8 kW / m² to 1.5 kW / m², and particularly preferably in the range of 1 kW / m² to 1.5 kW / m². This specific radiant power is designed to ensure optimal drying of the items being washed by providing sufficient energy to effectively evaporate the moisture without damaging the items or consuming unnecessarily large amounts of energy.

[0046] According to a further embodiment, one or more light-emitting devices are arranged above the items to be washed or above a receiving surface of a receiving device for items to be washed. Positioning the light-emitting devices above the items or the receiving surface ensures that the light strikes the surfaces of the items directly, thus enabling uniform and effective drying. This arrangement minimizes shadow areas and ensures that even hard-to-reach areas of the items, such as recesses and corners, are sufficiently illuminated and therefore dried.

[0047] According to a further embodiment, the dishwasher comprises one or more light-emitting devices arranged below the items to be washed or below a receiving surface of a receiving device for items to be washed. This positioning of the light-emitting devices below the items allows for direct and uniform irradiation of the underside of the items, resulting in more efficient drying. This is particularly advantageous because the underside of items is often more difficult to dry if water accumulates there.

[0048] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the light-emitting devices are arranged both above and below the items being washed in order to ensure the best possible drying even regardless of the placement and positioning of the items being washed, for example within a dishwashing basket, by the user.

[0049] According to a further embodiment, one or more light-emitting devices are arranged such that they are located laterally to or laterally relative to the item being treated. This also enables multi-sided or even all-around irradiation of the item being treated.

[0050] Furthermore, one or more light-emitting devices are preferably arranged or attached to or within a side wall of the dishwasher. This specific arrangement in or on the side wall offers the advantage that the devices are firmly and securely mounted, which facilitates maintenance and replacement. Moreover, this arrangement optimizes the use of the dishwasher's interior space without requiring additional structures or brackets that could restrict the space for the dishes being washed.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, one or more light-emitting devices are also integrated into the structure of the treatment chamber or the structures delimiting the treatment chamber. This allows the light-emitting devices to be housed in a particularly protected manner. It is also possible to position the light-emitting devices, especially LEDs, behind covers that allow the light to be emitted into the treatment area. These covers are preferably made of a material that is transparent or substantially transparent to the emitted wavelength, in particular providing a transparency of over 80%, preferably over 90%, and more preferably over 95%. This also simplifies the cleaning of the dishwasher or the treatment area itself, which should be carried out regularly.

[0052] According to a further embodiment, the dishwasher includes an additional device for drying the items being washed, in particular a blower and / or a heating device. This additional drying device operates in combination with the light-emitting device provided in the treatment area, so that the advantages of different drying devices and methods can be used in combination.

[0053] According to a further embodiment, the dishwasher includes a cooling device for cooling the items being washed. This cooling device represents an additional functionality that goes beyond simply drying the items and allows for enhanced control over the condition of the items during and after the washing process, and in particular after the drying process.

[0054] The introduction of the cooling device is particularly advantageous in commercial applications where rapid re-availability of the washed items is required and where the washed items must preferably be below a certain temperature for further use, for example for cold drinks.

[0055] According to a further embodiment, the control device of the dishwasher is designed to activate the cooling device in order to carry out a cooling process of the items being washed, which at least partially overlaps with or follows the drying process. This ensures that the items being washed have the desired temperature after treatment or do not exceed a certain temperature.

[0056] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in particular by the fact that the control device and / or the at least one light-emitting device is or are designed such that light of different wavelengths or different wavelength ranges and / or with different power is emitted at different times during the drying process and / or in different sub-areas of the treatment area.

[0057] This allows for a high degree of flexibility in adapting the drying process. The drying process can have different time intervals, during which light of varying wavelengths and / or intensities can be emitted onto the items being washed. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to carry out the drying process differently in different sections of the treatment area, with varying time sequences and / or with different wavelengths or intensities. Therefore, it is also possible to adapt the drying process to different types of items being washed and dried simultaneously and / or sequentially in the dishwasher, possibly in different positions, for example, in different sections of a dish rack.

[0058] For this purpose, tunable LEDs are particularly preferred as light-emitting devices, in which the wavelength and / or the power are preferably adjustable.

[0059] The control device can be designed in such a way that it can recognize or group items depending on user input, such as the type of item to be treated or the degree of soiling, or depending on sensors that can recognize a type of item to be treated or a degree of soiling of the item to be treated or another factor that must be taken into account during treatment.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the described dishwasher is an automatic dishwasher comprising a washing container or a washing chamber which can preferably be opened and closed by the user, for example by means of a door or a hood, in order to insert items to be washed into the washing chamber or to remove them from the washing chamber.

[0061] Particularly preferred is the control device designed such that the at least one light-emitting device is switched off when the rinsing tank is not in a closed state. This ensures that the light-emitting devices intended for drying are switched off when the treatment chamber or the rinsing chamber can be viewed by the user, in particular to prevent light from these devices from entering the user's eye.

[0062] According to another embodiment, the dishwasher according to the invention is a transport dishwasher which includes at least one treatment area in which a drying process can be carried out.

[0063] Preferably, in such a transport dishwasher, the light-emitting devices are arranged in such a way that they do not radiate outwards, thus preventing the light intended for drying from accidentally falling into the eye of the user(s).

[0064] According to the invention, a method for drying items to be treated in a dishwasher is also provided, in particular in a commercial dishwasher, which comprises at least one treatment area designed such that, during operation of the dishwasher, items to be treated in this treatment area are irradiated by means of at least one light-emitting device for a predetermined or determinable period of time.

[0065] For the advantages and further details for the realization of such a method according to the invention, reference is made to the above description of the dishwasher according to the invention and its preferred embodiments.

[0066] The present revelation is further explained with reference to the following figure: Figure 1: shows a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of a dishwasher according to the invention.

[0067] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of a dishwasher 1 according to the invention, which is designed particularly for commercial use. The dishwasher 1 comprises a treatment area 2 in which the items to be washed can be partially or completely dried during operation.

[0068] The treatment area 2 contains several components, including one or more light-emitting devices 25, which are arranged in the treatment area to ensure or assist the drying of the items being washed. In this embodiment, these light-emitting devices 25 are designed as LEDs and can emit light in a specific wavelength range. The LEDs selected in this embodiment are LEDs that emit light in a wavelength range of 510 nm to 530 nm. However, it is also possible to use light-emitting devices with other wavelength characteristics, in particular selectable LEDs.

[0069] The dishwasher 1 is equipped with a control device 23 that controls the light-emitting devices 25. This control device 23 is programmed to switch on the light-emitting devices 25 for a predetermined or determinable period of time when the dishwasher is in an operating state in which a drying process is being carried out.

[0070] At the in Figure 1 The schematically depicted dishwasher is an automatic dishwasher in which the treatment chamber 2 is designed as a washing container that can be opened and closed by a user.

[0071] In the upper area of ​​treatment area 2, an upper washing system 7 and an upper rinsing system 15 are arranged. These systems are responsible for cleaning and rinsing the items being washed.

[0072] Treatment area 2 also includes a lower washing system 8 and a lower rinsing system 16, which operate in a similar manner to the upper systems.

[0073] The treatment area also contains a dishwashing basket 24, which holds the items to be washed. The light-emitting devices 25 or LEDs are arranged in such a way as to enable optimal exposure of the items to the light-emitting devices 25.

[0074] In this preferred embodiment, the light-emitting devices 25 are arranged both above and below the dishwashing basket 24 to ensure uniform drying of the items being washed. Additionally, light-emitting devices 25 are arranged in two side areas.

[0075] The light-emitting devices 25 are shown only schematically, wherein in Figure 1Only 6 light-emitting devices are shown as examples and schematically.

[0076] In a particularly preferred embodiment, however, a total of 5-30 light-emitting devices are preferably provided in an upper region and / or preferably 5-30 light-emitting devices in a lower region. Laterally arranged light-emitting devices are optional, with 5-20 light-emitting devices preferably provided on each of two side walls in this embodiment.

[0077] Some dishwashers designed as automatic or program-controlled dishwashers include a door that allows access to the treatment chamber and loading of items to be washed. In such cases, it is preferable to place the light-emitting device only on the side walls, and not on or in the door.

[0078] Dishwasher 1 further comprises a wash chamber 3, which is equipped with a tank 4 and a filter system 5. The tank 4 contains water (also containing detergent), which is filtered through the filter system 5 before entering the wash chamber 3. A wash pump 6 ensures the circulation of the water through the upper and lower wash systems.

[0079] A water inlet 9 supplies fresh water to the dishwasher, controlled by a solenoid valve 10 and a water safety device 11. The water then enters a boiler 12, which is equipped with a heating element 13 to heat the water to the desired temperature. A rinse pump 14 ensures that the heated water circulates through the upper and lower rinse systems 15, 16, after detergent has been added, if necessary, via a metered pump.

[0080] The dishwasher 1 also includes a drain pump 17, which is responsible for the disposal of the wastewater 18. Additionally, a detergent 19 and a detergent dosing pump 20, as well as a rinse aid 21 and a rinse aid dosing pump 22, are provided to introduce the cleaning and rinsing agents into the washing process.

[0081] The control device 23 monitors and controls the entire operation of the dishwasher, including the light-emitting devices 25, the washing and rinsing systems, as well as the pumps and valves.

[0082] The dishwasher can also be equipped with additional drying and cooling devices to further optimize the drying process and cool the dishes after drying. These additional devices are also controlled by the control unit 23 to ensure seamless and efficient operation. Reference symbol list:

[0083] 1. Dishwasher 2. Wash tub 3. Tank 4. Tank heater 5. Filter system 6. Wash pump 7. Upper wash system 8. Lower wash system 9. Water inlet 10. Solenoid valve 11. Water safety device 12. Boiler 13. Boiler heater 14. Rinse pump 15. Upper rinse system 16. Lower rinse system 17. Drain pump 18. Wastewater 19. Detergent 20. Detergent dosing pump 21. Rinse aid 22. Rinse aid dosing pump 23. Machine control 24. Dishwashing basket 25. Light-emitting device

Claims

1. Dishwasher (1), in particular a commercial dishwasher, comprising at least one treatment area (2) designed so that items to be washed can be partially or completely dried in this treatment area (2) during the operation of the dishwasher (1), characterized by the fact thatthe dishwasher has a drying device, wherein the drying device comprises at least one light-emitting device (25) which is arranged in the treatment area (2) or is arranged in such a way that it can emit light into the treatment area (2), wherein the dishwasher (1) comprises a control device (23) which is designed to put the one or more light-emitting devices (25) into a switched-on state for at least a predetermined or determinable period of time when the dishwasher (1) is in an operating state in which a drying process is carried out.

2. Dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that at least one light-emitting device (25) is designed as a light-emitting diode, LED.

3. Dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact thatat least one light-emitting device (25) is designed to emit light in a wavelength range of 450 nm to 650 nm, preferably in a wavelength range of 500 nm to 550 nm, more preferably in a wavelength range of 510 nm to 530 nm, and particularly preferably in a wavelength range of 520 nm.

4. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one light-emitting device (25) is designed to emit monochrome or substantially monochrome light.

5. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one light-emitting device (25) has a power output in the range between 50 W and 200 W, preferably between 100 W and 180 W, particularly preferably between 150 W and 180 W, and / or characterized by the fact thatin a treatment area (2) several light-emitting devices (25), in particular LEDs, are arranged, wherein the total power of the light-emitting devices (25) arranged in the treatment area (2) is in the range of 500 W to 2500 W, in particular in the range of 1000 W to 1500 W, and / or characterized by the fact that in a treatment area (2) several light-emitting devices are arranged, wherein all light-emitting devices (25) provided in this treatment area (2) have an identical wavelength characteristic or emit light of identical wavelengths.

6. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thata treatment area (25) has several sub-areas, in each of which at least one light-emitting device (25) is provided, wherein in a first sub-area one or more light-emitting devices with a first wavelength characteristic are arranged, while in a second sub-area one or more light-emitting devices with a second wavelength characteristic, which differs from the first wavelength characteristic, are arranged, and / or characterized by the fact thata treatment area (25) has several sub-areas in each of which at least one light-emitting device (25) is provided, wherein in a first sub-area one or more light-emitting devices with a first power characteristic are arranged, while in a second sub-area one or more light-emitting devices with a second power characteristic, which differs from the first power characteristic, are arranged.

7. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatit comprises at least one receiving device (24) for items to be treated, which includes a receiving area with a predetermined surface area for the direct or indirect receiving of the items to be treated, wherein the one or more light-emitting devices (25) are designed and arranged such that they emit a total radiant power onto this receiving area which is in the range of 0.5 kW / m² 2 up to 2 kW / m 2 , preferably in a range of 0.8 kW / m² 2 up to 1.5 kW / m 2 , particularly preferably in a range of 1 kW / m² 2 up to 1.5 kW / m 2 is, preferably furthermore characterized by the fact that the receiving device (24) is a dishwashing basket, a storage surface or a conveyor belt.

8. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatone or more light-emitting devices (25) are arranged above the items to be treated or above a receiving area of ​​a receiving device for items to be treated, and / or characterized by the fact that one or more light-emitting devices (25) are arranged below the item to be treated or below a receiving area of ​​a receiving device for the item to be treated.

9. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that both one or more light-emitting devices (25) are arranged above the item to be treated or above a receiving area of ​​a receiving device for the item to be treated, and / or one or more light-emitting devices (25) are arranged below the item to be treated or below a receiving area of ​​a receiving device for the item to be treated, and / or characterized by the fact thatone or more light-emitting devices (25) are arranged such that they are located laterally relative to the items to be treated, wherein the one or more light-emitting devices (25) are preferably arranged or attached to or in a side wall of the dishwasher, in particular to or in a side wall which is located in or adjacent to the treatment area (2).

10. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it includes a cooling device for cooling the items to be treated, preferably furthermore characterized by the fact that the control device is designed in such a way that the cooling device is activated in such a way that it performs a cooling process of the items to be treated, which is downstream of the drying process, and / or characterized by the fact thatthe control device is designed in such a way that the cooling device is activated in such a way that it performs a cooling process of the items to be treated, which overlaps at least partially with the drying process.

11. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the control device and / or the at least one light-emitting device is or are designed such that light of different wavelengths or different wavelength ranges and / or with different power is emitted at different times during the drying process and / or in different sub-areas of the treatment area.

12. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that a dishwasher comprising a washing tank (25), preferably further characterized by the fact thatthe control device (23) is designed such that the at least one light-emitting device (25) is switched off when the rinsing container is not in a closed state.

13. Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by the fact that It is a transport dishwasher that includes at least one treatment area in which a drying process can be carried out.

14. Method for drying items to be treated in a dishwasher, in particular in a dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The item to be treated is irradiated by means of at least one light-emitting device (25) for a predetermined or determinable period of time.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized by the fact thatthe light emitted by the light-emitting devices (25) lies in a wavelength range of 450 nm to 650 nm, preferably in a wavelength range of 500 nm to 550 nm, more preferably in a wavelength range of 510 nm to 530 nm, particularly preferably in a wavelength range of 520 nm, and / or characterized by the fact that it is followed by a drying process using a blower and / or a heater and / or is carried out at least partially overlapping.

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