Cleaning device and method for cleaning articles to be cleaned

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device (110) for cleaning articles (124) to be cleaned, comprising in particular at least one basket carrier (150), wherein the basket carrier (150) is designed to be reversibly introduced into the cleaning chamber (128), and the basket carrier (150) has at least one drive device (146). The cleaning device (110) has at least one drive (142) which is at least partly arranged in the cleaning chamber (128), and the basket carrier (150) is designed to be mechanically coupled to the drive (142) when the basket carrier (150) is introduced into the cleaning chamber (128). The cleaning device (110) is designed such that the coupled drive device (146) can be driven by means of the drive in order to draw a cleaning basket (126), comprising articles (124) to be cleaned, into the cleaning chamber (128) when the cover device (134) is open and receive the drawn in cleaning basket (126) in a stationary manner in order to apply a cleaning fluid to the articles (124) to be cleaned in the cleaning basket (126) in the cleaning chamber (128). The invention additionally relates to a method for cleaning articles (208) to be cleaned.

Description

[0001] Cleaning device and method for cleaning items to be cleaned

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The invention relates to a cleaning device and a method for cleaning items to be cleaned. The device and the method of the type mentioned can be used, for example, in the field of dishwashing technology, in particular in the field of commercial dishwashing technology. Thus, the invention can be used in particular in commercial kitchens in which items to be cleaned for the preparation, storage, and serving of food and drinks, for example trays, plates, dishes, and cutlery, must be cleaned in large quantities. In particular, the invention can be used in dishwashers of the pass-through type, in particular a pass-through dishwasher, in particular in a pass-through dishwasher designed as a hood-type dishwasher in which a hood can be moved vertically to open or close a cleaning chamber.However, other types of cleaning devices and / or items to be cleaned can also be modified in principle according to the invention, and / or the invention can be used to clean other types of items to be cleaned.

[0004] Technical background

[0005] Typically, a pass-through dishwasher is manually loaded by an operator with cleaning baskets containing the items to be cleaned. To do this, an operator places the baskets filled with items to be cleaned on a feed table and loads them with the items to be cleaned, which may be dirty and / or contaminated. When the dishwasher is ready for use, the cleaning baskets are pushed into the cleaning chamber. This may require the hood of the pass-through dishwasher to be opened, particularly if the pass-through dishwasher is designed as a hood-type dishwasher. After the cleaning baskets have been pushed in, the operator normally closes the hood and starts the washing program. Once the washing program is finished, the operator typically opens the hood and pushes the baskets with the now cleaned items out of the cleaning chamber onto a discharge table.In principle, it is possible for the hood to be opened and / or closed partially and / or fully automatically.

[0006] Typically, the separation of the dirty and clean sides requires the operator to perform additional actions or activities when switching between the sides, such as removing protective gloves on the dirty side, washing hands, and / or disinfecting them. Depending on the circumstances, this can place a significant burden on the dishwashing staff and result in an unfavorable and / or inefficient workflow.

[0007] US 2947311 A relates to a dishwasher with a closed housing divided into two compartments of substantially equal dimensions, each compartment having a tank at its bottom and spray heads in its upper part for spraying liquid over the dishes to be cleaned, with a pump for each compartment connected to deliver liquid from the associated tank to the associated spray heads, with a supply source for rinsing liquid, with rinsing spray heads for mounting in one of the compartments, which are suitable for connection to the supply source, with a device for mounting the rinsing spray heads in one of the compartments to enable the use of the compartment in which the rinsing spray heads are mounted as a rinsing compartment, with a control device for operating the pump in a compartment in which the rinsing spray heads are mounted,for a fixed time interval and for subsequently connecting the rinsing spray heads to the source of rinsing liquid for a second fixed time interval, with an additional control device which ensures the operation of the pump in the other compartment during the combined time intervals, with a device for establishing an operating cycle of both control devices and a locking device which maintains the operation of both control devices during the cycle.

[0008] DE 102017121978 A1 relates to 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 personnel, the invention provides that the dishwasher is assigned a loading / unloading device for preferably selectively automatically loading the treatment chamber with items to be washed and / or for preferably selectively automatically unloading items to be washed from the treatment chamber.

[0009] JP2022103921A relates to a dishwashing system capable of reliably transporting a dish basket to a prescribed position on a lifting device of a dishwasher. The lifting device includes: a lifting device for transporting a dish basket vertically; conveyor belts having projection portions hooked onto portions of the dish basket to pull the dish basket toward the lifting device; a first sensor for detecting the entry of the dish basket from a dishwasher into the lifting device; and a second sensor for detecting when the dish basket is transported to a prescribed position downstream of a detection position of the first sensor in a pulling direction of the conveyor belt.

[0010] US 5329952 A discloses a method for washing dishes, in which a rack with dishes to be washed is introduced into a downstream dishwasher by a rack introduction unit.The method comprises the following steps: transferring the rack, after completion of washing in the dishwasher, to a lifting unit arranged next to the dishwasher, with or without the aid of a rack transport mechanism; pulling the rack to a predetermined position in the lifter by a rack loading device, both of which are arranged in the lifting unit; raising or lowering the lifter to be positioned next to a required pair of holders of a carriage arranged on the outlet side of the lifting unit to transfer the rack loaded on the lifter onto the pair of holders; and raising the lifter after completion of the deployment of the rack from the rack deployment position and allowing the tapers formed in the lifter to face the carriage to push the rack fully into a predetermined position in the carriage.

[0011] JP 2021177861 A discloses a washing system that saves labor. The washing system includes: a pre-washing machine that washes a plate; a transfer table that supports a plate rack that accommodates the plate in the pre-washing machine; a main washing machine that washes the plate washed by the pre-washing machine; and an inter-device transport device that supports the plate rack that stores the plate transferred from the pre-washing machine to the main washing machine. DE 102018218193 A1 discloses a cleaning system for cleaning items to be cleaned.The cleaning system comprises: a) at least one cleaning device, comprising at least one cleaning chamber and at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning liquid to the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber; and b) at least one transport system, comprising a plurality of transport segments for receiving the items to be cleaned, wherein the transport segments are guided in such a way that they can be transported in a circuit in a transport direction through the cleaning chamber, wherein the transport system further comprises at least one transport device for driving the transport segments.

[0012] DE 198 29 650 C2 relates to a conveyor-type dishwashing device for dish baskets, comprising a cleaning zone with outlet nozzles for cleaning liquor and a cleaning tank; a final-rinse zone with outlet nozzles for final-rinse liquid and a final-rinse tank; and a drying zone, wherein a transport device driven by a transport drive is provided for intermittent dish basket transport, which transports the dish baskets forward in each case step by step, characterized in that at least one sensor device is provided which determines the current state of movement of the dish baskets and in that a control device is provided which, depending on an output signal of the sensor device, releases the discharge of the final-rinse liquid from the outlet nozzles when the dish baskets are transported forward, and which stops the discharge of the final-rinse liquid when the dish baskets stop.

[0013] DE 10 2005 010 616 A1 relates to a dishwasher having a storage container for items to be cleaned, to which a drive is assigned which automatically moves the storage container into or out of a treatment chamber of a washing container by actuating a switching element.

[0014] Despite the advantages associated with developments in the aforementioned state of the art, there is still a significant need for technical improvements. Improvements are particularly needed with regard to occupational safety, ergonomics, operating efficiency, and the throughput of cleaning items. For example, existing automatic transport devices that are openly accessible still pose risks to operating personnel and are generally associated with high acquisition and operating costs. Closed-loop, program-controlled machines, on the other hand, which offer greater occupational safety and are more cost-effective, often do not achieve the required throughput of cleaning items.In addition, there is generally potential for improvement with regard to faster access to essential, easily contaminated elements of the cleaning device, in particular for repairs and / or cleaning purposes, in order to minimize downtime, in particular maintenance times and cleaning times, of the cleaning device.

[0015] Object of the invention

[0016] It would therefore be desirable to provide a cleaning device and a method for cleaning items to be cleaned which at least largely avoid the disadvantages of known devices and methods of the type mentioned.

[0017] In particular, a safe cleaning device should be provided so that the occupational safety of the operator is guaranteed.

[0018] In particular, an efficient and / or cost-effective cleaning device is to be provided which enables rapid access to essential, easily soiled elements of the cleaning device, in particular for repair and / or cleaning purposes, in order to minimize downtimes, in particular maintenance times and cleaning times, of the cleaning device.

[0019] General description of the invention

[0020] This object is addressed by a cleaning device 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.

[0021] In the following, the terms "have", "have", "comprise" or "include" or any grammatical variations thereof are used in a non-exclusive manner. Accordingly, these terms can refer both to situations in which, apart from 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.

[0022] 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. When the feature or element is subsequently mentioned again, 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.

[0023] Furthermore, the terms “preferably”, “in particular”, “for example” or similar terms are used hereinafter 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 by “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.

[0024] In a first aspect of the present invention, a cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed.

[0025] The term "cleaning," 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 can, without limitation, refer in particular to a process in which items to be cleaned are freed from adhering macroscopic or microscopic contaminants and / or in which such contaminants are at least partially removed. In addition, a disinfection effect can optionally be exerted.

[0026] The term “item to be cleaned,” as used herein, is 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, without limitation, refer in particular to any objects which can be cleaned in the cleaning device. One object can be cleaned, or several objects can be cleaned simultaneously or sequentially. In particular, the item to be cleaned can be objects which are used directly or indirectly for the preparation and / or storage and / or presentation of food and / or beverages, for example dishes, cutlery, trays, bowls, glasses, cups, pots, pans or similar objects.Accordingly, the cleaning device can also be designed, for example, as a dishwasher, for example, as a dishwasher for commercial use in large-scale kitchens or communal catering kitchens. Alternatively or additionally, the items to be cleaned can also be, for example, items of personal protective equipment, such as respiratory masks or breathing apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, the items to be cleaned can also be items from industrial production that are cleaned, for example, degreased, during or at the end of a production process. Other designs of the cleaning device and / or the items to be cleaned are also possible in principle.

[0027] 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 clean items to be cleaned, i.e., to free them from adhering macroscopic or microscopic contaminants or to at least partially remove such contaminants. In addition, a disinfecting effect can optionally be exerted.

[0028] The cleaning device can, as explained in more detail below, be designed in particular as a dishwasher, for example as a dishwashing machine and / or as a dishwasher for personal protective equipment. The dishwasher can be designed in particular as a single-chamber dishwasher, in particular as a commercial single-chamber dishwasher with a multi-circuit washing system, which, for example, has at least one wash tank and at least one rinse tank formed separately from the wash tank. In particular, the cleaning device can, as explained in more detail below, be designed wholly or partially as a pass-through dishwasher, in particular as a hood-type dishwasher. In principle, however, the invention can also be used in dishwashers with a single-circuit washing system with water exchange.

[0029] The cleaning device comprises at least one cleaning chamber, preferably exactly one cleaning chamber, in which the items to be cleaned can be accommodated in a stationary manner by means of at least one cleaning basket.

[0030] The term "cleaning chamber" as used here is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not restricted to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a completely or partially closed chamber within which the cleaning process can be carried out completely or partially. The cleaning chamber can in particular have at least one housing which completely or partially encloses the cleaning chamber. In general, a single cleaning chamber can be provided, or in principle several cleaning chambers can also be provided, for example sequentially. The invention can preferably be used in a cleaning device which has exactly one cleaning chamber.For example, it can be a cleaning chamber which sits on a base frame in which, for example, fluidic elements such as one or more tanks and / or electronic or electromechanical components such as a machine control system and / or one or more pumps are accommodated. A floor area of ​​the cleaning chamber can, for example, be formed by a tank. To the sides and optionally also to the top, the cleaning chamber can be closed off by the housing, which can, for example, sit on the base frame. This housing can, for example, have side panels, as will be explained in more detail below. In particular, the housing can be designed in the form of a hood which can, for example, be opened and / or closed by a vertical movement, so that the hood, together with the tank, closes off the cleaning chamber when closed.However, other configurations are also possible in principle.

[0031] The term "housing" as used here is a broad term which should be given its usual and common meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to an element or a combination of elements which are designed to completely or partially enclose at least one space and / or at least one other element and to completely or partially shield the space and / or the other element from an external space, for example mechanically, in particular from mechanical external influences, and / or chemically, in particular from chemical external influences.In particular, the housing can be made entirely or partially from at least one rigid material, for example, at least one metallic material, for example, one or more metal sheets, and / or at least one plastic material. In particular, the housing can be made entirely or partially from sheet metal, for example, sheet steel. The cleaning chamber can have at least one interior space, which can be entirely or partially enclosed by the housing. In particular, the housing can seal the interior space from an exterior space in a liquid-tight and / or vapor-tight manner.

[0032] As explained above, the items to be cleaned can be accommodated in a stationary manner in the cleaning chamber by means of at least one cleaning basket. In particular, the cleaning chamber can be designed such that exactly one cleaning basket can be accommodated in the cleaning chamber. For example, the cleaning chamber can have a square floor plan, which allows for the accommodation of a square cleaning basket.

[0033] The term “cleaning basket,” as used here, also referred to as “washing basket,” is a broad term that should be given its usual and common meaning 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 portable receiving device in which items to be cleaned can be received, introduced into a cleaning device, for example a dishwasher, and then removed from the cleaning device again in a cleaned state. The cleaning basket can therefore be reversibly introduced into the cleaning chamber. Accordingly, the cleaning chamber can, for example, have at least one receptacle for the cleaning basket. Furthermore, cleaning baskets can also be used for the temporary storage of items to be cleaned.The cleaning basket can in particular have a plurality of openings so that liquid can drip down. The cleaning basket can in particular have a substantially cuboid shape, with a basket base which can for example have a square or generally rectangular outline, and which has a support surface for placing the cleaning basket on a flat work surface. Optionally, one or more basket walls can extend upwards from the basket base, for example with a raised edge and further optionally other elements such as handles. Furthermore, the cleaning basket can have a plurality of holders for the items to be cleaned, for example fingers and / or compartments. The cleaning basket can in particular have a flat basket base on which the cleaning basket can slide on a smooth surface, for example a metal table.The cleaning basket can, for example, be made of at least one plastic material and / or of at least one wire material and / or of combinations of these materials.

[0034] The cleaning device can, in particular, be designed such that the cleaning basket can be pushed into the cleaning chamber from a flat support surface. For this purpose, the cleaning chamber can, for example, have at least one rail in which the cleaning basket can slide.

[0035] The term “stationarily accommodateable”, as used here, is a broad term which should be given its usual and common meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not restricted to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to the fact that the cleaning basket is firmly accommodated in the cleaning chamber during cleaning and, for example, is not transported through the cleaning chamber by means of a transport device. For example, during the execution of a cleaning program, in particular during the exposure of the items to be cleaned to at least one cleaning fluid, the cleaning basket can be stored essentially stationary in the cleaning chamber, for example it can be moved by no more than 50 mm in any dimension.This distinguishes the proposed cleaning device, for example, from conveyor dishwashers, in which the items to be cleaned are moved through the cleaning chamber during cleaning and transported past nozzles. In the proposed cleaning device, the items to be cleaned can, for example, be accommodated in the cleaning chamber in such a way that, during the execution of at least one cleaning program in which the items to be cleaned are subjected to at least one cleaning fluid, they remain essentially stationary relative to a cleaning device (described in more detail below), for example, they are moved by no more than 50 mm in any dimension.

[0036] The cleaning device further comprises at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned. The cleaning device is designed as a programmable automatic device and is configured to apply at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned, which are held stationary in the cleaning chamber, by means of the application device.

[0037] The term “application device,” as used here, is a broad term that should be given its usual and common meaning as understood by a person 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, in particular to at least one cleaning liquid. The application device can, in particular, as explained in more detail below, comprise at least one nozzle system, for example at least one nozzle arm, for example at least one rotatably mounted nozzle arm. 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 supplying cleaning fluid from at least one tank, for example at least one wash tank, can be provided, as well as at least one pump, for example at least one wash pump. Furthermore, at least one nozzle system and at least one line system for supplying cleaning fluid from at least one optional final rinse tank, also referred to as a rinsing tank, can be provided, which is preferably designed separately from the wash tank and in which final rinse liquid, also referred to as rinsing liquid, can be processed separately from the wash tank, as well as at least one rinsing pump. Examples are explained in more detail below. The supply device can, for example, comprise at least one nozzle system above the items to be cleaned and at least one nozzle system below the items to be cleaned.For example, at least one rotatably mounted nozzle arm can be provided above the items to be cleaned and at least one rotatably mounted arm below the items to be cleaned. For example, the device for applying the washing liquid and the final rinse liquid can comprise separate nozzle systems. For example, at least one rotatably mounted nozzle arm of a washing system for the washing liquid and at least one rotatably mounted nozzle arm of a final rinse system for the final rinse liquid can be provided above the items to be cleaned, and at least one rotatably mounted nozzle arm of the washing system and at least one rotatably mounted nozzle arm of the final rinse system can be provided below the items to be cleaned.

[0038] The term “cleaning fluid,” also referred to as “cleaning liquid,” 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 a fluid, and in particular a liquid, which, upon contact with the item to be cleaned, can exert a cleaning action. In particular, the cleaning liquid can comprise an aqueous liquid, 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 liquid or to use a combination or sequence of several cleaning liquids.If multiple cleaning fluids are provided, the items to be cleaned can be exposed to the different cleaning fluids simultaneously or sequentially. For example, the items to be cleaned can remain stationary within the cleaning chamber and be exposed to the different cleaning fluids one after the other. For example, the cleaning fluid can comprise at least one washing fluid, which can have a temperature of 40°C to 70°C, for example, and at least one final rinse fluid, which can have a temperature of at least 80°C, for example a temperature of 85°C to 95°C. Both cleaning fluids can be aqueous liquids with one or more additives, for example. For example, the washing fluid can contain an addition of one or more cleaning concentrates.The rinse aid liquid can, for example, contain an additive of one or more rinse aid concentrates. The cleaning fluids can, for example, be used sequentially, for example, first the wash liquid in at least one wash step, for example in circulation mode, and then the rinse aid liquid, for example in at least one rinse step, whereby, for example, no circulation mode can be used but a simple application. If different cleaning fluids are provided, they can, for example, be prepared, for example heated, in different tanks. For example, the wash liquid can be prepared in at least one wash tank, for example at the bottom of the cleaning chamber, with a corresponding heating device provided there.The rinse liquid can, for example, be prepared in a separate rinse tank, for example also with an appropriate heating device, such as a continuous flow heater or a boiler.

[0039] The term "programmable automatic machine," 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 a cleaning device in which the items to be cleaned are stored stationary in a cleaning chamber and can be subjected there to at least one cleaning program which has a defined or definable start and a defined or definable end and in which the cleaning fluid is applied. For example, the cleaning program can have a predetermined or predeterminable duration.The term "cleaning program" can thus refer to a process in which items to be cleaned are exposed to at least one cleaning fluid, wherein the cleaning program has a defined or definable start and a defined or definable end and / or a defined or definable duration. For example, the cleaning program can comprise several sequential cleaning steps, each of which involves exposure to cleaning fluid, but which differ in at least one parameter. For example, the cleaning program can comprise several sequential cleaning steps with different cleaning fluids.For example, the cleaning program can comprise at least one washing step in which the items to be cleaned are exposed to at least one washing fluid or at least one washing liquid, as well as at least one final rinsing step, in particular downstream of the washing step, in which the items to be cleaned are exposed to at least one final rinsing fluid or at least one final rinsing liquid. The washing step can, for example, take place in circulation mode, using at least one circulation pump, whereas the final rinsing step takes place, for example, by simply applying the final rinsing liquid, without circulation. The cleaning program can optionally comprise one or more further steps, for example at least one drying step downstream of the final rinsing step.The automated program controller can, for example, have at least one controller, for example the machine controller described in more detail below, which is configured to control the execution of the cleaning program. The automated program controller can, for example, be configured to allow a user to select from several possible cleaning programs with different parameters and / or to adjust operating parameters of the at least one cleaning program. The cleaning device further comprises at least one cover device for covering the cleaning chamber. The cover device has at least one open state and at least one closed state.

[0040] The term “covering device” as used here is 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 a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a part of the housing of the cleaning device which completely or partially closes or encloses the cleaning chamber. Thus, the covering device can be identical to the housing or form a component of the housing. The covering device can in particular be made wholly or partially from at least one rigid material, for example at least one metallic material, for example one or more metal sheets, and / or at least one plastic material. In particular, the covering device can be made wholly or partially from sheet metal, for example sheet steel.The cleaning chamber may have at least one interior space, which may be completely or partially enclosed by the housing, wherein the cover device may form part of this housing. In addition to the cover device, the housing may comprise further components, for example, one or more rigid components that are immovable and that remain unchanged, for example, in the open and closed states.

[0041] As explained above, the covering device has at least one open state and at least one closed state. Accordingly, the covering device can be designed entirely or partially as a movable covering device. Accordingly, the covering device can, for example, comprise at least one flap or door. However, within the scope of the present invention, preference is generally given to using a covering device that is designed entirely or partially as a displaceable part, for example as a displaceable sheet or as a displaceable hood. Thus, the covering device can, for example, have at least one vertically displaceably mounted sheet and / or at least one vertically displaceably mounted hood.

[0042] The terms “open state” and “closed state” as used herein are broad terms which should be given their usual and common meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art. The terms are not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The terms can refer in particular to positions, orientations or locations of the cover device in which the cleaning chamber is open or closed. For example, in the open state the cleaning chamber can be opened in such a way that the items to be cleaned and / or the cleaning basket can be introduced into the cleaning chamber or the items to be cleaned and / or the cleaning basket can be removed from the cleaning chamber. In the open state the cleaning chamber can, for example, be closed in such a way that the introduction and removal are prevented.Furthermore, the closed state can be such that the cleaning chamber is covered by the covering device in such a way that no liquid and / or no steam can escape from the cleaning chamber into the environment. The cleaning device can, for example, comprise at least one actuator, for example at least one actuator with at least one electric motor, by means of which the covering device can be moved from the closed state to the open state and / or by means of which the covering device can be moved from the open state to the closed state. For example, the actuator can also comprise at least one gear. For example, the actuator can comprise at least one lifting device, by means of which the covering device and / or a part of the covering device can be raised and / or lowered.The at least one actuator can be controlled, for example, by at least one control of the cleaning device, for example the machine control described in more detail below, in order to bring the covering device into the open state or the closed state.

[0043] As described above, the covering device can, for example, comprise at least one displaceably mounted sheet and / or a displaceably mounted hood. Accordingly, the covering device can, for example, comprise at least one guide along which the covering device and / or a part thereof can be displaced.

[0044] For example, the cover device can comprise at least one sheet made of metal and / or at least one other material, which is displaceably mounted in a guide. For example, the cover device can comprise side sheets which are displaceably mounted, in particular vertically displaceably mounted, on two opposite sides and which can be moved vertically simultaneously or independently of one another to open or close one or both of the sides. In a first position, which can correspond to the closed state, the displaceably mounted sheet can tightly seal against at least one other part of the housing and / or the cleaning device, so that the cleaning chamber is closed. In a second position, which can correspond to the open state, at least one intermediate space can be created between the displaceably mounted sheet and the other part of the housing, so that the cleaning chamber is open and / or accessible.As an alternative to the sliding mounting of the cover device described above, a pivoting or rotating movement is also possible, for example, around a horizontal rotation axis at the rear upper corner of the cover device. Combinations of the aforementioned movement options are also possible.

[0045] Alternatively, the covering device may also comprise a hood. The term "hood" as used herein is a broad term to which its ordinary and customary 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 part of a housing which comprises at least two side walls of the housing and which is movable in a vertical movement. For example, the vertical movement may be configured such that it includes a lower position, which may correspond to the closed state, in which the hood is sealed off from other parts of the housing and / or the cleaning device.Furthermore, the vertical movement can be designed such that it includes an upper position which corresponds to the open state, in which a gap or an opening is created between the hood and the other housing parts, so that the cleaning chamber is accessible. For example, the housing of the cleaning device can be cuboid-shaped, with two side walls, a rear wall, a front side, a roof and optionally a base, whereby the hood can, for example, form at least the two side walls and the front side, and optionally also the rear wall and / or the roof. The hood can, for example, sit on a base and / or a frame of the cleaning device. During the vertical movement from the closed state to the open state, the rear wall can optionally remain stationary, so that the hood moves relative to the rear wall.Optionally, the roof can remain stationary, so that only a hood shell partially enclosing the cleaning chamber on both side walls and the front is moved vertically. Various configurations are possible.

[0046] The cleaning device further comprises at least one basket carrier. The basket carrier is designed to be introduced, at least partially, reversibly into the cleaning chamber. The term “basket carrier,” 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 a component which is preferably formed in one piece and which is designed to accommodate at least one, preferably exactly one, cleaning basket. For example, the basket carrier can have at least one support surface, in particular a substantially flat support surface, onto which a cleaning basket can be placed, so that the cleaning basket, for example, when it is stationary in the cleaning chamber, stands on the support surface.Thus, the basket carrier can, for example, span at least one surface that corresponds at least to the base area of ​​the cleaning basket. For example, the basket carrier can be designed such that the cleaning basket can slide on the at least one support surface. As described above, the cleaning device can, for example, have at least one guide rail for the cleaning basket. This guide rail can be fully or partially integrated into the basket carrier or can also be fully or partially designed such that the cleaning basket slides on the support surface when the cleaning basket is inserted into the guide rails.The basket carrier can, for example, comprise at least one frame, for example a rectangular and in particular square frame, which is made, for example, entirely or partially from at least one metallic material, for example from stainless steel, or, alternatively or additionally, entirely or partially from at least one plastic material. Other materials are also possible in principle. The frame can comprise, in particular flat, shaped elements which serve to specifically direct cleaning fluid to the underside of the cleaning basket. For example, water baffles can be integrated on all four inner sides of the frame, which specifically direct the cleaning fluid sprayed by the nozzle system below the items to be cleaned to the bottom of the cleaning basket. In addition to the frame, the basket carrier can comprise further elements, as described in more detail below.

[0047] The basket carrier is designed to be reversibly inserted into the cleaning chamber. The term "reversible," 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 reversible process. For example, the cleaning chamber can have at least one basket carrier receptacle into which the basket carrier can be inserted and from which the basket carrier can be removed.For example, this can be a basket carrier receptacle whose dimensions are adapted to the outer contour of the basket carrier and which, for example, has at least one holder, so that the basket carrier inserted into the basket carrier receptacle is preferably aligned horizontally, so that, for example, the support surface described above is aligned horizontally. Accordingly, for example, the frame of the basket carrier, when inserted into the basket carrier receptacle, can be aligned substantially horizontally, for example with a deviation from a horizontal orientation of no more than 10°, preferably no more than 5°.The reversible insertion of the basket carrier into the cleaning chamber can, for example, be carried out by at least one action selected from the group consisting of inserting, pivoting, pushing, latching, or similar movements or a combination of these or other movements. For example, the basket carrier receptacle can also have at least one guide element, for example a guide rail, into which at least one element of the basket carrier engages during insertion and guides the movement of the basket carrier during insertion, for example a projection. Other configurations are also possible. In this way, it is possible to prevent the basket carrier from jamming when inserted into the cleaning chamber and, in particular, to prevent the coupling elements described in more detail below from jamming.In particular, the insertion can be carried out without tools, so that, for example, no screws or bolts have to be loosened in order to insert the basket carrier into the cleaning chamber or to remove it from the cleaning chamber again.

[0048] The basket carrier has at least one drive device. The term “drive device,” as used here, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by a person 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 that is designed to set at least one element, upon which the drive device acts, in motion, in particular in a linear motion. Thus, the drive device can in particular comprise a conveyor device. For example, the drive device can comprise at least one roller conveyor, in particular a driven or drivable roller conveyor.Alternatively or additionally, the drive device can also comprise, for example, at least one conveyor belt, in particular at least one driven or drivable conveyor belt. Other embodiments are also possible and are described in more detail below. The drive device can, for example, be designed to transport a cleaning basket seated on the basket carrier in a linear movement in a transport direction. For example, the drive device can accordingly form a transport path for the basket carrier and / or the cleaning basket, which extends, for example, over at least a distance of 70%, in particular of at least 80% or even of at least 90% of a width of the basket carrier in the direction of the linear movement, i.e. in the transport direction.

[0049] The cleaning device, for its part, has at least one drive, arranged at least partially in the cleaning chamber, i.e. a drive which is designed separately, separately, or separable from the drive device. The term "drive," 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 an actuator which is configured to generate and / or transmit a movement. In particular, the drive can comprise at least one electromechanical energy converter which is configured to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, in particular into rotational energy. In particular, the drive can comprise at least one motor, in particular an electric motor.The drive can be designed so that only the torque required for operation is delivered to its output shaft, i.e., the output torque is limited to a set value. This measure can be taken to prevent overloads in the drive device and / or the risk of accidents. Various technical approaches are possible to achieve this goal. The preferred approach may be an intrinsically safe design of the drive motor itself, in which the electric motor interrupts the rotary motion in the event of an overload without causing further damage.

[0050] Furthermore, the drive can comprise at least one coupling element and / or at least one gear element, for example at least one drive gear and / or drive pinion. The drive is at least partially arranged in the cleaning chamber. This means that at least part of the drive is arranged in the cleaning chamber and can couple there to the basket carrier, in particular the drive device of the basket carrier. For example, at least one coupling element of the drive, also referred to as a coupling element, can be arranged in the cleaning chamber in order to be able to couple there to the basket carrier and in particular the drive device of the basket carrier, in particular a corresponding coupling element of the drive device. Optionally, at least one further part of the drive can be arranged outside the cleaning chamber.For example, at least one component of the drive, which is sensitive to moisture and / or heat, can be located outside the cleaning chamber and coupled, for example, via at least one feedthrough to the part of the drive located inside the cleaning chamber. For example, at least one motor and / or at least one gear of the drive can be located outside the cleaning chamber, for example, in an installation space of the dishwasher, in which, for example, pumps or other electronic components can also be located.A movement from the motor and / or the gear can be transmitted via at least one feedthrough to the at least one part of the drive arranged within the cleaning chamber, for example to at least one coupling element of the drive arranged there, for example at least one gear and / or at least one gear element of the drive. Alternatively, the drive can also be arranged entirely within the cleaning chamber. Optionally, at least part of the drive can also be designed to be protected in such a way that it is largely insensitive to the conditions prevailing in the cleaning chamber. For example, the drive can have at least one liquid-tight and / or moisture-tight housing.

[0051] In particular, the drive can be arranged entirely or partially within the cleaning chamber and remain there when the basket carrier is removed from the cleaning chamber. Thus, the drive can remain entirely within the part of the cleaning device that is not associated with the basket carrier, for example, the cleaning chamber, installation space, housing, base frame, or other components that cannot be removed with the basket carrier. The drive and the drive device can interact in a complementary manner.

[0052] The basket carrier is designed to mechanically couple to the drive when the basket carrier is inserted into the cleaning chamber. Accordingly, the drive and the basket carrier can each comprise at least one coupling element, wherein the coupling element of the basket carrier couples to the coupling element of the drive when the basket carrier is inserted, so that a movement from the drive, for example a rotational movement, can be transmitted to the drive device of the basket carrier. For example, the coupling elements can each comprise gears, for example, with coarse teeth, which mesh with each other when the basket carrier is inserted.The engagement should be designed to be reversible, so that when the basket carrier is removed from the cleaning chamber, which should in particular be possible without tools, the coupling element of the drive device is separated again from the coupling element of the drive, for example by separating the gear wheels from one another.

[0053] The cleaning device is configured such that the coupled drive device can be driven by means of the drive in order to draw a cleaning basket containing items to be cleaned into the cleaning chamber when the cover device is open, and to hold the drawn-in cleaning basket stationary in the cleaning chamber for the purpose of exposing the items to be cleaned in the cleaning basket to the cleaning fluid. Thus, in particular when the basket carrier is inserted into the cleaning chamber, the drive is coupled to the drive device such that a movement of the drive, in particular a rotational movement, can be transmitted to the drive device in order to drive the drive device such that it can draw a cleaning basket containing the items to be cleaned into the cleaning chamber. The drive device can, in particular, be arranged entirely within the cleaning chamber.Accordingly, the drive device can be designed such that it only acts on parts of the cleaning basket that protrude into the cleaning chamber and, via these parts that protrude, completely retracts the cleaning basket into the cleaning chamber. As soon as the cleaning basket has been completely retracted into the cleaning chamber, the cleaning device, for example a machine control of the cleaning device, can in particular be designed such that further movement of the cleaning basket is stopped, for example by stopping the drive. In this way, the cleaning basket, now completely retracted into the cleaning chamber and held stationary in the cleaning chamber, can have the at least one cleaning fluid applied to the items to be cleaned held therein. One or more further steps can be provided between the retraction and the application.For example, the cover device can be in the open state while the cleaning basket is being retracted into the cleaning chamber, or, if multiple open states are provided, in at least one of the open states. After retraction, the drive can be stopped, and the cover device can be closed. The cleaning chamber can then be pressurized. Accordingly, the cleaning chamber can, for example, have at least one machine control system that is programmed to automatically control the following steps in the specified order:

[0054] - Retracting the cleaning basket using the drive device while the cover device is in the open position,

[0055] Stop the feed when the cleaning basket is completely retracted into the cleaning chamber,

[0056] Closing the cover device, whereby the cover device is moved into the closed position, and

[0057] - Applying the at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned in the cleaning basket, which is stationary and accommodated in the cleaning chamber. To detect whether the cleaning basket has been fully retracted into the cleaning chamber, the cleaning device can, as explained in more detail below, comprise, for example, at least one basket sensor. This can, for example, be arranged entirely or partially in the cleaning chamber. Various types of basket sensors are possible, for example, at least one basket sensor selected from the group consisting of a mechanical basket sensor, in particular a switch, an optical basket sensor, in particular a light barrier, and an electrical basket sensor.

[0058] In order to bring the cleaning basket, which is still partially arranged outside the cleaning chamber, into engagement with the drive device for retraction, for example in overlap with the drive device, the cleaning device can have at least one conveying device outside the cleaning chamber. For example, this can be a driven roller conveyor or a conveyor belt, as explained in more detail below. The conveying device, which can also be referred to as a basket feed, can be active or passive. For example, a weight-driven basket feed can be achieved, for example via an inclined infeed table, or, alternatively or additionally, an active feed by means of a driven conveying device.In general, in this way or in another way, for example manually, a cleaning basket can be partially inserted into the cleaning chamber with the cover device open so that the drive device can grasp it and pull it completely into the cleaning chamber.

[0059] As explained above, the cleaning device can in particular comprise at least one machine control. The term "machine control," alternatively often simply referred to as "control," 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 refer, without limitation, in particular to a single-part or multi-part device of the cleaning device, which is configured to fully or partially control and / or regulate an operation of the cleaning device.In particular, the controller can be configured to change, in particular to control and / or regulate, one or more operating parameters of the cleaning device, for example at least one temperature, at least one pressure, at least one heating output, at least one pump output, at least one valve position, or a combination of two or more operating parameters. The controller can, in particular, comprise at least one data processing device, for example at least one processor. The term "processor" as used here is also a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning.The term can refer, without limitation, to any logic circuit configured to perform basic operations of a computer or system, and / or to a device configured to perform calculations or logical operations. In particular, the processor can be configured to implement basic instructions that control a computer or computer system.For example, the processor may have at least one component selected from the group consisting of: an arithmetic logic unit (ALU); a floating-point unit (FPU), such as a mathematical coprocessor or a numerical coprocessor; a plurality of registers, in particular registers configured to supply operands to the ALU and to store results of operations; a memory, in particular a data memory, such as an LI and / or L2 cache data memory. In particular, the processor may have a single core or multiple cores. In particular, the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU) or comprise such a central processing unit.Additionally or alternatively, the processor may be a microprocessor or comprise a microprocessor, so that, in particular, the components of the processor may be comprised in a single integrated circuit chip. Alternatively or additionally, however, the processor may also comprise one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and / or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or similar components. The processor may in particular be configured, in particular by software programming, to perform one or more evaluation operations.

[0060] Accordingly, the control device can be implemented partially by hardware and / or, alternatively or additionally, entirely or partially by software. Furthermore, the control device can comprise at least one volatile and / or non-volatile data memory. Furthermore, the control device 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 control device can in particular comprise at least one computer and / or at least one processor. The control device can in particular be a centralized or decentralized machine control system of the cleaning device.The controller can also be connected to at least one sensor of the cleaning device and, for example, process one or more sensor signals using programming.

[0061] The machine control system can be configured, in particular by programming, to control or execute at least one cleaning program of the cleaning device. Alternatively or additionally, the machine control system can also be configured to control the covering device. For example, the machine control system can be configured to transmit control commands to at least one actuator of the covering device, for example at least one motor that drives the covering device, for example at least one electric motor. In particular, this can be, for example, a motor that drives an opening movement of the hood and / or the at least one sheet. Accordingly, the machine control system can, for example, determine when the covering device is opened or closed.

[0062] The machine control system can also be configured to control the drive. When the basket carrier is inserted into the cleaning chamber, the drive can then act on the coupled drive device of the basket carrier and thus control the movement of a cleaning basket interacting with the drive device, for example, the retraction of a cleaning basket into the cleaning chamber and / or the ejection of a cleaning basket from the cleaning chamber.

[0063] As already explained above, the cleaning device can generally comprise at least one basket sensor. In particular, at least one basket sensor arranged in the cleaning chamber can be provided. The term "basket sensor", 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 any device which is configured to detect the presence of at least one basket at one or more locations monitored by the basket sensor and to generate, for example, at least one corresponding digital or analog signal.In addition to the mere presence or absence of at least one cleaning basket, the basket sensor can detect one or more further pieces of information, for example at least one piece of information about a type or property of the cleaning basket and / or at least one piece of information about a type or property of the items to be cleaned held in the cleaning basket. As explained above, the at least one basket sensor can be based in particular on a sensor principle, for example at least one sensor principle selected from mechanical detection, optical detection, or electrical detection. For example, the basket sensor can comprise at least one mechanical and / or electromechanical switch or button that can be triggered by the presence of a cleaning basket. Alternatively or additionally, the basket sensor can comprise, for example, at least one light barrier. Other types of basket sensors are also possible.

[0064] The machine control system can, in particular, be configured to evaluate at least one signal from the basket sensor in the cleaning chamber. Accordingly, the machine control system can also be configured to control the drive according to the signal from the basket sensor. For example, the machine control system can be configured to move the drive until the basket sensor in the cleaning chamber generates a signal indicating that the cleaning basket has been completely retracted into the cleaning chamber. The machine control system can be configured to stop the drive when this signal, which indicates that the cleaning basket has been completely retracted into the cleaning chamber, is detected.Then, for example, as explained above, the machine control can control an actuator of the covering device in such a way that the covering device is moved from the at least one open position into the closed position, for example by closing the hood or the sheet metal.

[0065] As explained above, the stationary accommodation of the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber during exposure to the at least one cleaning fluid requires that the items to be cleaned are not transported through the cleaning chamber during exposure, but remain essentially stationary within the cleaning chamber. In this case, the items to be cleaned either remain completely still or are optionally moved slightly around a central position, for example by no more than 50 mm. In particular, the items to be cleaned can be moved periodically around a central position. This can improve the cleaning result because, for example, additional surfaces of the items to be cleaned can be reached by the cleaning fluid, for example by spray jets emerging from nozzles of the exposure device.Thus, the cleaning device can further be configured, in particular, to periodically move the cleaning material, which is held stationary in the cleaning chamber, back and forth around a central position by means of the drive device while being subjected to the cleaning fluid, in particular with an amplitude of no more than 50 mm, in particular with an amplitude of no more than 30 mm, and particularly preferably with an amplitude of no more than 20 mm. The cleaning chamber can be dimensioned accordingly so that, for example, at least 25 mm of space remains around the central position in both directions, so that the basket carrier with the cleaning basket held thereon can be periodically moved in these two directions.

[0066] As explained above, the covering device can be designed in various ways. In particular, it can comprise at least two movable walls, which can be mounted so as to be movable, in particular displaceable, in the vertical direction, for example. In general, the covering device can, for example, form at least three walls of the cleaning chamber, in particular two side walls and one end wall. Optionally, the covering device can, as explained above, also additionally form at least one rear wall of the cleaning chamber and / or at least one roof of the cleaning chamber. Various designs are possible and have already been discussed above. For example, the covering device can comprise at least two displaceably mounted side walls, which can be moved simultaneously or at different times.For example, the cleaning basket with the items to be cleaned can be pushed into the cleaning chamber on the side of a first side wall when this first side wall is in its open state. Furthermore, on the side of a second side wall, which is opposite the first side wall, the cleaning basket with the now cleaned items can be pushed out of the cleaning chamber when the second side wall is in its open state. The first side wall and the second side wall can be opened simultaneously or at different times. Optionally, one or more other walls of the cleaning chamber can be moved with the first side wall and the second side wall. As explained above, individual walls of the cleaning chamber can be moved, or several walls at the same time, for example in the form of a hood or in the form of a hood shell with at least three sides.In general, the cleaning chamber can be designed to move at least two of the walls simultaneously or at different times, in particular in a vertical movement, in order to bring the covering device from the open state to the closed state or vice versa.

[0067] The cleaning device can, in particular, as explained above, be designed entirely or partially as a hood-type dishwasher, in particular as a hood-type dishwasher, or can comprise such a hood-type dishwasher. Thus, the cleaning device can, in particular, be configured to move at least three walls of the cleaning chamber formed by the cover device, in particular at least the two side walls and the front wall, together in a vertical movement. The cover device can thus be designed entirely or partially as a hood, which encompasses at least the two side walls and the front wall of the cleaning chamber. Optionally, the hood can comprise further walls of the cleaning chamber, for example the rear wall and / or the roof.

[0068] As explained above, the cleaning device is particularly configured to drive the coupled drive device by means of the drive such that a cleaning basket containing items to be cleaned can be drawn into the cleaning chamber when the cover device is open. As explained above, the cleaning device can further be configured such that the coupled drive device can be driven by means of the drive in order to eject the cleaning basket containing items to be cleaned from the cleaning chamber after cleaning has been completed when the cover device is open. The drive device can therefore also push the cleaning basket, for example, completely or partially out of the cleaning chamber after cleaning. Examples are described in more detail below.

[0069] As explained above, the drive device can interact with the cleaning basket in various ways to retract it into the cleaning chamber and / or optionally also push it out of the cleaning chamber. Thus, the drive device can, in particular, comprise at least one drive element configured to couple to the cleaning basket in a manner selected from the group consisting of a force-locking and a form-locking coupling. In particular, a frictional connection can be established, for example, by means of transport rollers on which the cleaning basket can rest.

[0070] In general, the drive device can be designed in various ways. For example, the drive device can have at least one conveyor element that can be driven by the drive device for conveying the cleaning basket, i.e., an element that is configured to set the cleaning basket in motion and / or transport it. In particular, the conveyor element can be selected from the group consisting of: a roller conveyor; a conveyor belt; a conveyor belt; a conveyor chain; and an oscillating ratchet conveyor. As explained above, the retraction of the cleaning basket by the drive device can be carried out completely or partially and / or can be linked to one or more conditions, in particular to one or more preconditions regarding an initial position and / or initial orientation of the cleaning basket.For example, the drive device can be configured such that the retraction of the cleaning basket only begins when the cleaning basket is pushed far enough into the cleaning chamber to engage with the drive device. Accordingly, the drive device can, for example, be configured to act exclusively on parts of the cleaning basket that protrude into the cleaning chamber.

[0071] As explained above, the cleaning device can, in particular, be designed entirely or partially as a pass-through dishwasher or comprise a pass-through dishwasher. In particular, the cleaning device can be designed entirely or partially as a pass-through dishwasher. The cleaning device can, in particular, have at least one basket inlet and at least one basket outlet, in particular a basket outlet opposite the basket inlet with respect to the cleaning chamber.

[0072] The term “basket feed” as used here is a broad term which should be given its usual and common meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not restricted to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to any device by means of which one or more cleaning baskets can be actively or passively fed into the cleaning chamber. For example, the basket feed can comprise at least one support surface outside the cleaning chamber onto which a cleaning basket containing the items to be cleaned can be placed. This at least one support surface can, for example, also comprise one or more rails and / or a plurality of non-driven rollers or, alternatively or additionally, a large-area support surface.The support surface can be completely horizontal or can also be completely or partially inclined, as explained in more detail below. The at least one support surface can, for example, be arranged at the same height as the basket carrier within the cleaning chamber, so that a cleaning basket can be pushed from the support surface of the basket feed directly onto the basket carrier without any height offset. Alternatively or additionally, the basket feed can also comprise at least one conveyor device, as explained in more detail below, by means of which cleaning baskets can be actively transported. Analogously, the term "basket output" as used here is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not restricted to a specific or adapted meaning.The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to any device by means of which one or more cleaning baskets can be actively or passively removed from or out of the cleaning chamber. For example, the basket dispenser can comprise at least one support surface outside the cleaning chamber onto which a cleaning basket containing the cleaned items can be placed. This at least one support surface can, for example, also comprise one or more rails and / or several non-driven rollers or, alternatively or additionally, a large-area support surface. The support surface can be completely horizontal or can also be completely or partially inclined, as explained in more detail below.The at least one support surface can, for example, be arranged at the same height as the basket carrier within the cleaning chamber, so that a cleaning basket can be pushed from the basket carrier in the cleaning chamber onto the support surface of the basket dispenser without any vertical offset. Alternatively or additionally, the basket dispenser can also comprise at least one conveyor device, as explained in more detail below, by means of which cleaning baskets can be actively transported.

[0073] The basket infeed and basket outfeed can be arranged on opposite sides of the cleaning chamber. For example, a cleaning basket can be pushed sequentially in a linear direction, without changing direction, from the basket infeed into the cleaning chamber, and there, in particular, onto the basket carrier, and from there again into the basket outfeed.

[0074] The cleaning device can be configured, in particular, to retract a cleaning basket from the basket feed into the basket carrier by means of the drive device of the basket carrier when the cover device is open, i.e., when the cover device is in the open state or, if multiple open states are provided, in at least one of the open states. The cleaning device can further be configured, when the cover device is closed, to store the items to be cleaned held in the cleaning basket in a stationary manner in the basket carrier and to apply the cleaning fluid to them in at least one cleaning program, in particular in at least one cleaning program with at least one washing step and at least one rinsing step.Furthermore, the cleaning device can be configured to transfer the cleaning basket containing the cleaned items from the basket carrier to the basket outlet by means of the drive device following the execution of the cleaning program when the cover device is open, i.e., when the cover device is in the open state or, if multiple open states are provided, in at least one of the open states. If multiple open states of the cover device are provided, the open states for drawing the cleaning basket into the cleaning chamber and for transferring it out of the cleaning chamber can differ, for example, if the cover device comprises multiple separately movable side walls. Alternatively, these states can also be identical.

[0075] As explained above, the drive device can be configured, in particular, to act on parts of the cleaning basket projecting from the basket feed into the basket carrier, in particular on parts of the cleaning basket interacting with the drive device, and thereby retract the cleaning basket into the basket carrier. Similarly, the drive device can be configured to act on the cleaning basket during the transfer of the cleaning basket to the basket output until no part of the cleaning basket projects into the basket carrier anymore, i.e., no part of the cleaning basket interacts with the drive device anymore.

[0076] As explained above, the basket feed can be designed in various ways. In particular, the basket feed can have at least one inlet table connected to the cleaning chamber for feeding cleaning baskets with items to be cleaned to the cleaning chamber. For example, this can be a metal table, for example with a flat surface, which can be horizontal or inclined. For example, the inlet table can be arranged at an incline such that cleaning baskets can slide on its surface towards the cleaning chamber due to their gravity. Alternatively or additionally, the inlet table can in particular have at least one conveyor device designed separately from the drive device for conveying the cleaning baskets to the basket feed.In particular, this conveying device can be selected from the group consisting of a driven roller conveyor, a conveyor belt, a conveyor chain.

[0077] The infeed table may comprise one or more further elements. For example, the infeed table may have at least one basket sensor for detecting cleaning baskets. Alternatively or additionally, the infeed table may have at least one basket brake, which may be configured to brake the transport of at least one cleaning basket when the basket brake is closed and to release the transport when the basket brake is open. The term "brake" as used here is a broad term which should be given its usual and common meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not restricted to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to a reduction in the speed of at least one moving object, in particular by an action on the object, in particular a force acting on the object which counteracts the movement.Braking can be performed in such a way that the movement of the object is slowed down, in particular such that after braking is complete, the movement of the object is slowed down, but in particular, the object does not come to a standstill. Alternatively, braking can be performed in such a way that the object comes to a complete standstill and / or stops as a result of the braking.

[0078] The cleaning device can further comprise at least one feed control. The feed control can, in particular, be a control within the meaning of the above definition. The feed control can, in principle, be configured analogously to the machine control, with the options mentioned above. The feed control can generally be set up to control the conveyance of the cleaning baskets to the basket feed. For example, the feed control can control the at least one conveying device of the feed control. Furthermore, the feed control can control the timing of the feed to the cleaning chamber. The feed control can be configured separately from the machine control or can be fully or partially combined with the machine control.In particular, the feed control can be part of the machine control of the cleaning device, wherein, as explained above, the machine control can be configured to control at least one cleaning program in the cleaning chamber and wherein the machine control can further be configured to control the covering device.

[0079] Regarding the basket dispensing, the options are essentially similar to those for the basket infeed. For example, the basket dispensing can have at least one discharge table connected to the cleaning chamber for removing cleaning baskets containing cleaned items from the cleaning chamber. For example, this can be a metal table, for example, with a flat surface, which can be horizontal or inclined. For example, the discharge table can be arranged at an angle so that cleaning baskets can slide away from the cleaning chamber due to their gravity.Alternatively or additionally, the discharge table can in particular have at least one conveying device designed separately from the drive device for conveying the cleaning baskets away from the basket output, in particular a conveying device selected from the group consisting of a driven roller conveyor, a conveyor belt, a conveyor chain.

[0080] Again analogous to the basket feed, the discharge table can comprise additional elements. For example, the discharge table can have at least one basket sensor for detecting cleaning baskets. Alternatively or additionally, the discharge table can have at least one basket brake, which is configured to slow the transport of at least one cleaning basket when closed and to release the transport when open.

[0081] Again analogous and alternatively or in addition to the basket feed, the basket output and the removal of cleaning baskets from the basket output can also be fully or partially automated. For example, the cleaning device can have a sequence control which can be set up to control the transport of the cleaning baskets away from the basket output. With regard to the possible options for designing the sequence control, reference can be made to the options mentioned with regard to the inflow control. The sequence control can in particular be a control system within the meaning of the above definition. The sequence control can in particular be designed wholly or partly separately from the machine control system, but can also be wholly or partly combined with the machine control system. In particular, the sequence control can be a component of the machine control system.As stated above, the machine control may be configured to control at least one cleaning program in the cleaning chamber and may further be configured to control the covering device.

[0082] In this way, the machine control can, for example, be set up to carry out a sequence with the following steps, in particular in the order mentioned:

[0083] Controlling the conveyor device of the basket feed to convey at least one cleaning basket with items to be cleaned to the cleaning chamber; Opening the cover device;

[0084] Controlling the drive device for pulling the cleaning basket with the items to be cleaned from the basket feed into the cleaning chamber;

[0085] Carrying out at least one cleaning program, wherein the items to be cleaned in the cleaning basket in the cleaning chamber are exposed to the at least one cleaning fluid;

[0086] Opening the cover device; activating the drive device to transfer the cleaning basket with the cleaned items to the basket outlet; and

[0087] Control of the conveyor device of the basket output to remove the cleaning basket with the cleaned items away from the cleaning chamber.

[0088] The steps of the sequence can overlap completely or partially and / or be performed simultaneously and / or repeatedly. Furthermore, additional steps can be included. If multiple cleaning baskets are provided, a more complex timing of the supply and / or removal of the cleaning baskets can be implemented. The basket sensors and / or basket brakes outlined above can also be used for this purpose. In particular, this allows for fully or partially automated basket supply, cleaning, and removal.

[0089] The cleaning device can further comprise further elements. For example, the discharge table can have at least one drying fan for drying items to be cleaned in at least one cleaning basket on the discharge table. For example, this drying fan can be integrated into the discharge table in such a way that it exposes the cleaned items to at least one stream of dry air, in particular heated air, through the cleaning basket, in particular through openings in the base of the cleaning basket. Alternatively or additionally, one or more further drying fans can also be provided, for example to expose the items to be cleaned from above to at least one stream of dry air, in particular heated air.

[0090] Further possible options relate to the drive and the drive device. For example, as explained above, the drive and the drive device can each have at least one drive element, in particular drive elements that complement each other. For example, the drive elements can be designed to mechanically engage with each other when the basket carrier is inserted into the cleaning chamber, so that a movement of the drive causes a movement of the drive device of the basket carrier. In particular, the drive elements can engage with each other in a form-fitting manner. As also explained above, the drive elements together can form a transmission, in particular a gear transmission. In this case, a transmission ratio of 1:1 can be present, or also a transmission ratio x:l or l:x, where x can be a rational number between 0 and 1.The basket carrier can, in particular, be inserted into the cleaning chamber and removed from the cleaning chamber without the need for tools, i.e., for example, without having to loosen screws or nuts. A locking mechanism can, however, be provided, which can, however, be manually releasable, for example. In particular, the basket carrier can be inserted into the cleaning chamber by means of a movement, wherein the movement comprises at least one pivoting movement, in particular a pivoting movement about one or more pivot axes. The movement by means of which the basket carrier can be inserted into the cleaning chamber and / or removed from the cleaning chamber can also be a combination of one or more linear movements and one or more rotational movements.The cleaning device can also have at least one basket carrier receptacle in the cleaning chamber and / or at least one guide element, for example at least one guide rail, which guides the insertion and / or removal of the basket carrier.

[0091] The basket carrier can in particular have at least one frame. This frame can, for example, be rectangular, in particular square, since many cleaning baskets, particularly in the field of commercial dishwashing, are square. This frame can in particular be insertable into a basket carrier receptacle in the cleaning chamber. The frame can span an intermediate space, for example also a rectangular and in particular square intermediate space. Optionally, the frame can have at least one guide rail for inserting the cleaning basket. The drive device can be configured to move the cleaning basket in the guide rail. Alternatively or additionally, however, the frame can also have a smooth surface onto which the cleaning basket can be pushed and / or on which the cleaning basket can be moved by means of the guide rail.Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning basket can also be designed in such a way that the cleaning basket placed on it has no contact with the frame, but only has contact with the drive device.

[0092] The drive device can in particular be connected to the frame in such a way that an interior of the frame remains at least largely uncovered. In particular, the frame can span a free area which can be rectangular, for example, and in particular square. The drive device can be connected to the frame in such a way that this free area is not substantially covered by the drive device, for example by the drive device only being provided in the immediate vicinity of one or more sides of the frame, for example along a direction of movement of the cleaning basket. In particular, the drive device can be connected to the frame in such a way that a free area remains in the frame overall which amounts to at least 90%, in particular at least 95%, of the free area spanned by the frame.In this way, the items to be cleaned can also be exposed to cleaning fluid from below, through the basket support and the remaining free area. The frame of the basket support can, in particular, be open at the bottom so that cleaning fluid can be applied to the items to be cleaned through the frame from at least one nozzle element of the application device arranged below the frame.

[0093] The cleaning device can further comprise one or more cleaning baskets. As explained above, the items to be cleaned can, in principle, be designed in any desired manner. In particular, however, the cleaning device can be designed as a dishwasher. Thus, the cleaning device can, in particular, be designed as a dishwasher and configured to clean items to be cleaned, which are configured for at least one purpose selected from the group consisting of preparing food, preparing beverages, serving food, serving beverages, storing food, and storing beverages.Accordingly, the cleaning basket can, for example, have at least one basket which is designed to receive and position items to be cleaned which are intended for at least one purpose selected from the group consisting of preparing, storing and serving food and / or drinks. In particular, it can be a glass basket with a plurality of fingers and / or compartments for receiving glasses. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one cleaning basket can comprise at least one basket for receiving cutlery. Again alternatively or additionally, the at least one cleaning basket can comprise at least one basket for receiving dishes, for example plates, with corresponding compartments for receiving the dishes, for example the plates.

[0094] In a further aspect of the present invention, a method for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed. The method uses a cleaning device according to the present invention, for example according to one or more of the configurations described above and / or according to one or more of the embodiments described in more detail below. The method comprises the following method steps. These method steps can be carried out in the order shown. However, a different order is also possible in principle. Furthermore, it is possible for two or more or even all of the method steps to be carried out simultaneously or with an overlap in time. Furthermore, one, several or all of the method steps can also be carried out repeatedly.

[0095] The method comprises the following steps: i. Opening the cover device, whereby the cover device is brought into the open state; ii. Pulling at least one cleaning basket with the items to be cleaned into the cleaning chamber with the cover device open by means of the drive device and stationary reception of the cleaning basket in the cleaning chamber; iii. Closing the cover device, whereby the cover device is brought into the closed state; iv. Applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber; v. Opening the cover device, whereby the cover device is brought into the closed state; and vi. Ejecting the cleaning basket with the cleaned items from the cleaning chamber by means of the drive device.

[0096] For possible designs and details as well as for further options, please refer to the above description of the cleaning device.

[0097] The proposed cleaning device and the proposed method have numerous advantages over known cleaning devices and methods. Thus, by means of the present invention, a cleaning device can be realized which can be designed in particular as a pass-through dishwasher, for example as a pass-through dishwasher, and in particular as a hood-type dishwasher, in particular as a hood-type dishwasher, and which can be designed in particular as a program-controlled dishwasher, also referred to as a program dishwasher, with a stationary cleaning process. This proposed cleaning device and the proposed method address the disadvantages of the prior art described above. Furthermore, existing cleaning devices can be easily retrofitted to implement the present invention.For example, a drive and a corresponding basket support can be easily installed in existing pass-through dishwashers, such as hood-type dishwashers.

[0098] Thus, instead of or in addition to manual loading of programmable automatic machines, loading and optionally also unloading of the programmable automatic machines can be fully or at least partially automated. Accordingly, it is not absolutely necessary for at least one operator to be permanently present and available at the cleaning device. Loading and unloading the cleaning chamber, pushing the cleaning baskets in and out, and also manually opening and closing the cleaning chamber, such as the hood, are activities that generally place a significant strain on an operator over time. By implementing the present invention, which enables automation or at least partial automation, such strains can generally be avoided or at least reduced.

[0099] Furthermore, with high throughput and particularly with pass-through dishwashers, there is usually a strict separation between the side of the cleaning device with the items still to be cleaned and the side with items already cleaned. In many cases, this separation requires the operator to perform additional steps and / or activities when changing sides, such as changing protective gloves, washing hands and, if necessary, disinfecting hands. These additional actions, caused by changing sides, particularly depending on the structural conditions, result in further strain on the operating personnel and, in many cases, even in an inefficient workflow. By implementing the present invention, which enables automation or at least partial automation, the strain can be reduced and the efficiency of workflows increased.

[0100] By implementing the present invention, the equipment required can be reduced, in particular, and the protection of operating personnel can be ensured. Furthermore, the cleaning device can be designed in such a way that transport via external lever structures, externally mounted slides, or feed units with carriers located outside the cleaning chamber can be completely or partially eliminated. This increases occupational safety for operating personnel located in the same work area as the transport devices. In particular, hazards from crushing, pinching, being pulled into a transport device, or similar hazards can be reduced or completely eliminated.

[0101] As explained above, the cleaning device can in particular be designed such that the covering device is moved completely or partially automatically, i.e. for example completely or partially automatically, in particular controlled by the machine control, from the closed state to the open state and / or from the open state to the closed state. This control can for example be carried out as required, wherein, as explained above, a time control and / or a control can take place according to received sensor signals, for example signals from one or more basket sensors. In this way, for example, the covering device, in particular the hood, can be opened and / or closed automatically or at least partially automatically, thereby resulting in additional relief for the operating personnel.In addition, loading and / or unloading of the cleaning chamber can be partially or fully automated. For example, cleaning baskets loaded with items to be cleaned can be automatically retracted into the cleaning chamber and optionally removed from the cleaning chamber, especially the wash cabinet, after cleaning.

[0102] The present invention allows for the installation of a drive for the cleaning baskets within the cleaning chamber. Furthermore, the technical complexity of this drive can be significantly reduced, allowing existing cleaning devices to be retrofitted easily and without major technical effort.

[0103] The proposed solution is comparatively simple. The drive device used to transport the cleaning baskets can be integrated into a basket carrier of the cleaning device. At the same time, the basket carrier can be designed so that it can be removed from the cleaning chamber and / or inserted into the cleaning chamber without tools. For example, the basket carrier can be designed so that it can be folded up and / or removed without the need for tools.

[0104] The conveying movement in the cleaning chamber can, for example, in principle be achieved using belts, chains, rollers, an oscillating ratchet conveyor or the like. In particular, the drive device can have a plurality of individual driven rollers. In particular, the rollers can not be designed across the entire width of the cleaning basket to be conveyed, but can, for example, only be arranged laterally, so that in particular only one edge of the cleaning basket is touched and / or covered from below. In this way, the drive device does not impair, or only slightly impairs, the application of the cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned from below. If the drive device has a plurality of individual driven rollers, these can, in particular, be arranged at a distance from one another.This also results in the advantage that the floor of the cleaning basket is only covered by the drive device over a minimal area, so that the item to be cleaned can be reached over a large area by the at least one cleaning fluid from nozzles of the application device arranged below the cleaning basket. The floor of the cleaning basket can in particular be designed in a grid-like manner, in particular with the largest possible free cross-sections, so that the cleaning fluid can also easily reach the item to be cleaned from below. In contrast to continuous conveyor elements such as chains, belts or a ratchet conveyor, transport rollers therefore generally have the advantage that a smaller proportion of the floor area of ​​the cleaning basket can be shaded from the jets of the at least one cleaning fluid.

[0105] Various options are conceivable for transmitting the movement from the drive to the elements of the drive device. In particular, the drive device can, as explained above, have a plurality of individual rollers. To transmit the movement, a drive transmission, for example a gear, can be provided within the basket carrier and in particular within the drive device. This drive transmission can, for example, comprise a transmission by means of one or more bands, one or more belts, one or more chains, a gear transmission or a combination of two, several or all of the aforementioned elements. One or more drive elements or conveyor elements of the drive device can, for example, be provided on the rear side of the basket carrier or on a front side opposite the rear side.For example, the basket carrier can form a frame, in particular a rectangular frame, wherein the drive elements can be provided on a rear and / or a front strut of the frame, in particular on an inner side of the frame. If the drive is provided, for example, on a rear side of the cleaning chamber, drive elements of the drive device located on the front side can be driven via a transmission of the rotary movement, for example by means of a shaft which extends from the rear side to the front side. Thus, in general, at least one transmission element for transmitting a rotary movement from one side of the basket carrier to another side of the basket carrier can be provided, for example from a roller conveyor to a roller conveyor arranged on an opposite side.For example, the basket carrier can comprise two or more parallel roller conveyors, which can be coupled to one another, for example via at least one transmission element, so that the roller conveyors can be driven simultaneously. If the basket carrier comprises at least one gear and / or at least one transmission element, for example a gear with two or more gears, the transmission element can be completely or partially covered, for example. In this way, it can be at least largely prevented that operating personnel can accidentally intervene in moving areas. Furthermore, contamination of the transmission element, in particular the gear, can be completely or partially prevented in this way.The cover can also be on one side only, for example only on the top side of the basket carrier, so that the transmission element, in particular the gear, is accessible to the cleaning fluid from below and thus, for example, any dirt that has penetrated can be rinsed out by the cleaning fluid.

[0106] The movement of the drive device can be transmitted to the cleaning basket engaged with the drive device in various ways. In particular, a frictional connection can be used. For example, a rotary movement of rollers of the drive device can be transmitted to the underside of the cleaning basket by means of a frictional connection between the outer surfaces of the rollers. Such a frictional connection, in particular a frictional connection, is also advantageous in that it prevents mechanical damage in the event of a blockage and / or overload, since the cleaning basket can then simply slide over the rollers.

[0107] The drive device can in principle be made of various materials. In particular, the drive device and in particular the rollers of the drive device can be made entirely or partially of at least one material selected from the group consisting of: a metal; a plastic, for example polypropylene, with or without fillers, for example glass fiber reinforcement; hard rubber; a composite material, in particular a composite of a hard plastic such as a thermoplastic with at least one softer plastic, for example a coating with at least one elastomer material, for example rubber, in particular on a running surface. In this way, the entrainment of the cleaning baskets can generally be improved.

[0108] If rollers are provided in the drive device, these rollers can be mounted in various ways. In particular, the rollers can be mounted with rolling bearings and / or with plain bearings, for example using plain bearings made of a material that is adapted for use under the thermal and chemical conditions in the cleaning device. The drive device is driven via the drive provided in the cleaning chamber and coupled to the drive device, also referred to as the drive unit. The drive can in particular be constructed completely independently of the drive device. The drive can in particular be arranged wholly or partially permanently in the cleaning chamber. At least part of the drive can also be installed, for example, in an installation space of the cleaning device, e.g. the dishwasher.As explained above, part of the drive can then, for example, be arranged within the cleaning chamber, so that, for example, only one component for transmitting the rotary movement protrudes from the dry installation space into the wet interior of the cleaning chamber.

[0109] Alternatively, the drive can be designed to be liquid-tight. In this case, it can also be installed inside the cleaning chamber, for example, the rinsing chamber. Electrical cables for the power supply and / or for controlling the drive can then be routed through a feedthrough into the cleaning chamber, for example, from the installation space. Hybrid designs are also possible.

[0110] The basket carrier can, for example, as explained above, be inserted into the cleaning chamber and / or removed from the cleaning chamber via at least one pivoting movement. During pivoting, locking and / or unlocking can also occur, for example, and / or the drive can be coupled to the drive device, and / or decoupling can occur when the basket carrier is removed from the cleaning chamber. In general, the split design makes it possible for the basket carrier to be folded up on the one hand, for example, and on the other hand to be completely removed from the cleaning chamber without the use of tools. Folding up and / or removing the basket carrier from the cleaning chamber is often necessary, for example, in order to remove sieve elements from the cleaning chamber for cleaning purposes.

[0111] At least one receptacle for receiving the basket carrier can be provided in the cleaning chamber. The basket carrier receptacle can, in particular, be designed such that the drive device of the basket carrier is automatically coupled to the drive when the basket carrier is inserted or folded down.

[0112] The basket carrier, in particular the drive device, can be coupled to the drive in various ways. In particular, this can be achieved by a frictional connection and / or a positive connection. For example, coupling can be possible without the need to align the coupling elements to one another, for example by coupling gears to one another or coupling them in an intermeshing manner. This can, for example, create a frictional connection for the rotary movement, and, for example, enable a flawless and trouble-free coupling without any components, such as shaft ends, claw couplings, or similar components, having to be aligned in advance.

[0113] As explained above, at least one element of the drive can be arranged in the cleaning chamber. Optionally, one or more further elements of the drive can be provided outside the cleaning chamber, for example in an installation space of the cleaning device, in which, for example, one or more electronic components and / or one or more pumps are also located. The at least one element of the drive, which is arranged in the cleaning chamber, can in particular comprise at least one coupling element for coupling to the basket carrier, in particular to the drive device of the basket carrier and in particular to a coupling element of the drive device. In particular, this can be at least one gear element, such as at least one gearwheel.For example, on the rear wall of the cleaning chamber, in particular the rinsing chamber, there can be just a single spur gear above the level of the basket carrier and / or above the pivot axis of the basket carrier. This gear can be driven through the rear wall of the cleaning chamber, for example by at least one drive shaft which is passed through the rear wall of the cleaning chamber. A corresponding coupling element can be provided on the basket carrier itself, with the drive device, for example. For example, at least one spur gear can protrude rearward, towards the rear wall of the cleaning chamber, beyond the overall contour of the basket carrier, for example the frame of the basket carrier. This coupling element, for example the gear, can be connected to at least one shaft and / or at least one gear.For example, at least one shaft connected to the coupling element of the drive device can lead to drive elements of the drive device, for example one or more conveyor elements, which can be arranged inside the basket carrier, for example within the frame spanned by the basket carrier. This shaft can, for example, transmit the rotary movement from the drive to other elements of the drive device, for example conveyor elements such as drive rollers. The coupling element of the drive device can generally also be arranged below the plane of the basket carrier and / or below the pivot axis of the basket carrier. For example, the coupling element of the drive device can be arranged below a plane spanned by the frame of the basket carrier.

[0114] The coupling elements of the drive and the drive device can be geometrically aligned to one another such that they can couple to one another. If, for example, gears are provided, they can be arranged and / or oriented relative to one another such that they couple to one another when the basket carrier is inserted into the cleaning chamber. For example, with respect to a longitudinal extent of the cleaning device, gears of the drive and the drive device can be aligned such that their axes lie at least approximately one above the other in a plan view. In a transverse direction of the cleaning chamber, these gears can also be arranged in alignment, in particular with respect to their width.When the basket carrier is inserted into the cleaning chamber, in a position that can also be referred to as the functional position of the basket carrier, the coupling elements, such as the gears, can engage so that, for example, the respective pitch circles of the gearing are tangent to each other. This can be achieved, for example, by mounting the gears so that their pitch circles are level with the pivot axis of the basket carrier.

[0115] The basket carrier of the cleaning device can also be designed to be replaceable. For example, the basket carrier with the drive mechanism can be removed from the cleaning chamber and replaced with a basket carrier without the drive mechanism, which otherwise has similar dimensions. This not only allows for flexible use of the cleaning device, but also allows for continued use, for example, if the drive mechanism malfunctions.

[0116] By means of the proposed cleaning device, the performance of the cleaning device, in particular of the rinsing system and / or the dishwasher, can generally be increased without requiring additional personnel. Conventional pass-through dishwashers can also be used and modified according to the invention. The invention thus enables increased throughput, particularly in programmable dishwashers, without requiring additional personnel.

[0117] In addition, the ergonomic problems described above can be reduced with the present invention. Automatic transport of the cleaning baskets can significantly improve ergonomics for the operating personnel in particular. Furthermore, hygiene can be improved if, for example, an operator first prepares several baskets with items to be cleaned on the basket feed side. These can then be transported into the cleaning chamber in a fully or partially automated and / or synchronized manner. To this end, the control system can, for example, open the cover device after each run of a cleaning program, dispense the cleaning basket with the now cleaned dishes from the cleaning chamber into the basket output, and pull a new basket with items to be cleaned into the cleaning chamber from the basket feed side.This synchronized automation, which can be controlled, for example, by the machine control system, allows multiple cleaning baskets containing items to be cleaned to be prepared and arranged in a queue at the basket inlet. After this preparation, the operator can, for example, remove gloves, wash and / or disinfect their hands, and move to the basket outlet. There, the operator can then process the cleaning baskets containing the cleaned items, for example, removing them, storing them, or emptying them.

[0118] Furthermore, despite the automation, a high degree of hygiene and ease of maintenance can be achieved, in contrast to, for example, permanently installed conveyor belts or other permanently installed transport devices. The removable basket carrier can in particular be removed, for example without tools, for example can be folded up and / or removed from the cleaning chamber in another way, in particular for the purpose of maintenance and / or cleaning of the cleaning device. For example, the basket carrier can be removed from the cleaning chamber in order to remove sieve elements from the cleaning chamber for cleaning purposes, particularly in the floor area of ​​the cleaning chamber. In a permanently installed conveyor device, such sieve elements are generally only accessible from the side through complex dismantling or through additional maintenance hatches.This significantly increases user-friendliness, functional safety, occupational safety and reliability compared to existing systems, especially automated systems.

[0119] Furthermore, the proposed cleaning device can be manufactured comparatively inexpensively and kept structurally simple. Thus, the manufacturing costs for the system according to the invention can generally be kept comparatively low. Furthermore, existing cleaning devices, for example, existing pass-through dishwashers, can also be retrofitted accordingly according to the invention. In summary, without limiting further possible configurations, the following embodiments are proposed:

[0120] Embodiment 1. Cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned, comprising a cleaning chamber in which the items to be cleaned can be accommodated in a stationary manner by means of at least one cleaning basket, further comprising at least one application device, wherein the cleaning device is designed as a programmer and is configured to apply at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned accommodated in a stationary manner in the cleaning chamber, further comprising at least one covering device for covering the cleaning chamber, wherein the covering device has at least one open state and at least one closed state, further comprising at least one basket carrier, wherein the basket carrier is configured to be reversibly introduced, for example inserted, into the cleaning chamber, wherein the basket carrier has at least one drive device,wherein the cleaning device has at least one drive arranged at least partially in the cleaning chamber, wherein the basket carrier is configured to mechanically couple to the drive when the basket carrier is inserted into the cleaning chamber, and wherein the cleaning device is configured such that the coupled drive device can be driven by means of the drive in order to draw a cleaning basket with items to be cleaned into the cleaning chamber with the cover device open and to hold the drawn-in cleaning basket in a stationary manner in the cleaning chamber for the purpose of applying the cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned in the cleaning basket.

[0121] Embodiment 2. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising at least one machine control, wherein the machine control is configured to control at least one cleaning program in the cleaning chamber and wherein the machine control is further configured to control the covering device.

[0122] Embodiment 3. Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the machine control is further configured to control the drive. Embodiment 4. Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning device further comprises at least one basket sensor arranged in the cleaning chamber, wherein the machine control is configured to evaluate at least one signal from the basket sensor in the cleaning chamber and to control the drive accordingly.

[0123] Embodiment 5. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device is configured to periodically move the cleaning material held stationary in the cleaning chamber back and forth around a central position by means of the drive device during the application of the cleaning fluid, in particular with an amplitude of not more than 50 mm, in particular with an amplitude of not more than 30 mm and particularly preferably with an amplitude of not more than 20 mm.

[0124] Embodiment 6. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the covering device forms at least three walls of the cleaning chamber, in particular two side walls and one end wall.

[0125] Embodiment 7. Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning chamber is configured to displace at least two of the walls simultaneously or at different times, in particular in a vertical movement, in order to bring the covering device from the open state into the closed state or vice versa.

[0126] Embodiment 8. Cleaning device according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device is designed wholly or partly as a hood-type dishwasher, in particular as a hood-type dishwasher, and is configured to move the at least three walls of the cleaning chamber formed by the covering device, in particular at least the two side walls and the end wall, together in a vertical movement.

[0127] Embodiment 9. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device is further configured such that the coupled drive device can be driven by means of the drive in order to dispense the cleaning basket with the items to be cleaned from the cleaning chamber after cleaning has been completed with the cover device open. Embodiment 10. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the drive device has at least one drive element configured to couple to the cleaning basket in a manner selected from the group consisting of a force-fitting and a form-fitting coupling.

[0128] Embodiment 11. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the drive device has at least one conveyor element drivable by the drive for conveying the cleaning basket, selected from the group consisting of: a roller conveyor; a conveyor belt; a conveyor belt; a conveyor chain; an oscillating ratchet transport.

[0129] Embodiment 12. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the drive device is designed to act exclusively on parts of the cleaning basket projecting into the cleaning chamber.

[0130] Embodiment 13. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device is designed as a pass-through dishwasher, in particular as a pass-through dishwasher, wherein the cleaning device has at least one basket inlet and at least one basket outlet, in particular a basket outlet opposite the basket inlet with respect to the cleaning chamber, wherein the cleaning device is configured to draw a cleaning basket from the basket inlet into the basket carrier by means of the drive device of the basket carrier when the cover device is open, wherein the cleaning device is further configured to store the items to be cleaned held in the cleaning basket in a stationary manner in the basket carrier when the cover device is closed and to apply the cleaning fluid to them in at least one cleaning program,in particular in at least one cleaning program with at least one washing step and at least one rinsing step, and wherein the cleaning device is further configured to, following the execution of the cleaning program, transfer the cleaning basket with the cleaned items to be cleaned from the basket carrier to the basket outlet by means of the drive device with the cover device open.

[0131] Embodiment 14. Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the drive device is designed to act on parts of the cleaning basket projecting from the basket feed into the basket carrier and thereby draw the cleaning basket into the basket carrier.

[0132] Embodiment 15. Cleaning device according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the drive device is configured to act on the cleaning basket during the transfer of the cleaning basket into the basket outlet until no part of the cleaning basket protrudes into the basket carrier any longer.

[0133] Embodiment 16. Cleaning device according to one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the basket feed has at least one feed table connected to the cleaning chamber for feeding cleaning baskets with items to be cleaned to the cleaning chamber.

[0134] Embodiment 17. Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the inlet table has at least one conveyor device designed separately from the drive device for conveying the cleaning baskets to the basket feed, in particular a conveyor device selected from the group consisting of a driven roller conveyor, a conveyor belt, a conveyor chain.

[0135] Embodiment 18. Cleaning device according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the inlet table has at least one basket sensor for detecting cleaning baskets.

[0136] Embodiment 19. Cleaning device according to one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the inlet table has at least one basket brake, wherein the basket brake is configured to brake a conveyance of at least one cleaning basket in a closed state and to release the conveyance in an open state.

[0137] Embodiment 20. Cleaning device according to one of the four preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device has a feed control, wherein the feed control is configured to control conveyance of the cleaning baskets towards the basket feed.

[0138] Embodiment 21. Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the feed control is part of a machine control, wherein the machine control is configured to control at least one cleaning program in the cleaning chamber and wherein the machine control is further configured to control the covering device.

[0139] Embodiment 22. Cleaning device according to one of the nine preceding embodiments, wherein the basket dispenser further comprises at least one discharge table connected to the cleaning chamber for removing cleaning baskets with cleaned items from the cleaning chamber.

[0140] Embodiment 23. Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the discharge table has at least one conveying device designed separately from the drive device for conveying the cleaning baskets away from the basket output, in particular a conveying device selected from the group consisting of a driven roller conveyor, a conveyor belt, a conveyor chain.

[0141] Embodiment 24. Cleaning device according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the discharge table has at least one basket sensor for detecting cleaning baskets.

[0142] Embodiment 25. Cleaning device according to one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the discharge table has at least one basket brake, wherein the basket brake is configured to brake a conveyance of at least one cleaning basket in a closed state and to release the conveyance in an open state.

[0143] Embodiment 26. Cleaning device according to one of the four preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device has a sequence control, wherein the sequence control is configured to control conveyance of the cleaning baskets away from the basket output.

[0144] Embodiment 27. Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the sequence control is part of a machine control system, wherein the machine control system is configured to control at least one cleaning program in the cleaning chamber, and wherein the machine control system is further configured to control the covering device. Embodiment 28. Cleaning device according to one of the six preceding embodiments, wherein the discharge table has at least one drying fan for drying items to be cleaned in at least one cleaning basket on the discharge table.

[0145] Embodiment 29. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the drive and the drive device each have at least one drive element, wherein the drive elements are configured to mechanically engage with one another when the basket carrier is inserted into the cleaning chamber, so that a movement of the drive causes a movement of the drive device of the basket carrier.

[0146] Embodiment 30. Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the drive elements engage with each other in a form-fitting manner.

[0147] Embodiment 31. Cleaning device according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the drive elements form a transmission, in particular a gear transmission.

[0148] Embodiment 32. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the basket carrier can be inserted into the cleaning chamber by means of a movement, wherein the movement comprises at least one pivoting movement.

[0149] Embodiment 33. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the basket carrier can be inserted into the cleaning chamber without tools and can be removed from the cleaning chamber without tools.

[0150] Embodiment 34. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the basket carrier has a frame, in particular a rectangular frame and in particular a square frame, wherein the frame can be inserted into a basket carrier receptacle in the cleaning chamber.

[0151] Embodiment 35. Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the frame has a guide rail for inserting the cleaning basket. Embodiment 36. Cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the drive device is configured to move the cleaning basket in the guide rail.

[0152] Embodiment 37. Cleaning device according to one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the drive device is connected to the frame in such a way that an interior of the frame remains at least largely uncovered, in particular at least 90%, in particular at least 95% of a free area spanned by the frame.

[0153] Embodiment 38. Cleaning device according to one of the four preceding embodiments, wherein the frame is open downwards such that cleaning fluid from at least one nozzle element of the application device arranged below the frame can apply to the items to be cleaned through the frame.

[0154] Embodiment 39. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device is designed as a dishwasher and is configured to clean items to be cleaned, which are configured for at least one purpose selected from the group consisting of preparing food, preparing drinks, serving food, serving drinks, storing food, storing drinks.

[0155] Embodiment 40. A method for cleaning items to be cleaned, the method comprising the use of a cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, the method further comprising the following steps: i. Opening the cover device, wherein the cover device is brought into the open state; ii. Pulling at least one cleaning basket with items to be cleaned into the cleaning chamber by means of the drive device with the cover device open, and stationary reception of the cleaning basket in the cleaning chamber; iii. Closing the cover device, wherein the cover device is brought into the closed state; iv. Applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber; v. Opening the cover device, wherein the cover device is brought into the open state; and vi.The cleaning basket containing the cleaned items is ejected from the cleaning chamber using the drive device.

[0156] Short description of the characters

[0157] 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 corresponding to one another in terms of their functions.

[0158] In detail:

[0159] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention in a front view;

[0160] Figures 2a - 2b show a further embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention in a front view and a side view, respectively;

[0161] Figure 3 shows a detailed view of a basket carrier according to the invention in a side view;

[0162] Figures 4a - 4c show a movement of the basket carrier according to the invention for reversible insertion and removal in a side view;

[0163] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a basket carrier according to the invention;

[0164] Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention in a side view; and

[0165] Figure 7 shows a method according to the invention for cleaning items to be cleaned.

[0166] Description of the Embodiments Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a cleaning device 110 according to the invention. The cleaning device 110 is designed as a pass-through dishwasher 112, in particular as a pass-through dishwasher. In this embodiment, the cleaning device 110 is also designed as a hood-type dishwasher 116. The cleaning device 110 is shown in Figure 1 in a front view.

[0167] The cleaning device 110 can be configured as a dishwasher and be set up to clean items that are set up for at least one purpose selected from the group consisting of preparing food, preparing beverages, serving food, serving beverages, storing food, and storing beverages. The items to be cleaned shown in Figure 1 are plates. Alternatively, the items to be cleaned 124 can also be other dishes.

[0168] The cleaning device 110 can, for example, comprise a basin 120 and a hose spray 122 for pre-cleaning the items to be cleaned 124 in the area of ​​an inlet table 114. The items to be cleaned 124 can be introduced into a cleaning chamber 128 of the cleaning device 110, for example, by means of one or more cleaning baskets 126. In the cleaning chamber 128, the items to be cleaned 124 can be held stationary by means of at least one cleaning basket. The cleaning device 110 is designed as a programmable automatic device and is configured to apply at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned, which are held stationary in the cleaning chamber. In the cleaning chamber 128, the items to be cleaned 124 can be applied with one or more cleaning fluids, for example via one or more nozzle elements 186 (not shown in detail in Figure 1) that are provided on vanes of an application device 118.

[0169] The cleaning device 110 has a base 130, which, for example, has a frame 132. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiment of the cleaning device 110 comprises a covering device 134, which has at least one open state and at least one closed state. In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, the covering device 134 is designed as a hood 136. This hood 136 can be opened via an opening path and is shown in Figure 1 with solid lines in a closed position 135, which corresponds to the closed state, and with dashed lines in an open position 137, which corresponds to the open state.The direction of movement from the closed position 135 to the open position 137 defines an opening movement direction 139, and the opposite direction of movement from the open position 137 to the closed position 135 defines a closing movement direction 141. The cleaning device 110 can further comprise at least one actuating element 138 in the form of a handle 140. The handle 140 engages, for example, directly on the hood 136. The handle 140 enables the hood 136 to be opened and / or closed.

[0170] At least one machine control 165 can also be arranged in the base 130 of the cleaning device 110. However, a machine control 165 can also be arranged alternatively or additionally at other locations on the cleaning device 110, for example. The machine control 165 can be configured to control at least one cleaning program in the cleaning chamber and / or the machine control 165 can be configured to control the covering device 134. Furthermore, further elements can be arranged in the base 130, such as at least one treatment tank in which a rinsing liquid can be temperature-controlled, for example at least one boiler. These elements are not shown.

[0171] Figure 2a shows a schematic front view of another exemplary embodiment of the cleaning device 110. The cleaning device 110 is designed as a pass-through dishwasher 112, in particular as a pass-through dishwasher. In addition, the cleaning device 110 is a hood-type dishwasher 116. Figure 2b shows a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment of the cleaning device 110. As can be seen from Figure 2b, the cover device 134 can form at least three walls of the cleaning chamber, in particular two side walls and an end wall. The cleaning device 110 also has at least one drive 142 arranged at least partially in the cleaning chamber. The cleaning device 110 comprises a basket carrier 150 which is configured to be reversibly inserted into the cleaning chamber.The basket carrier 150 is configured to mechanically couple to a drive 142 when the basket carrier 150 is inserted into the cleaning chamber 128.

[0172] The basket carrier 150 further comprises a drive device 146. The coupled drive device 146 can be driven by the drive 142 to retract a cleaning basket 126 containing items 124 to be cleaned into the cleaning chamber 128 when the cover device 146 is open, and to stationary-mount the retracted cleaning basket 126 in the cleaning chamber for applying the cleaning fluid to the items 124 in the cleaning basket 126. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning device 110 can be further configured to eject the cleaning basket containing the items to be cleaned from the cleaning chamber, particularly after cleaning has been completed and / or when the cover device is open.

[0173] The cleaning device 110 can further be configured, particularly when the cover device 136 is closed, to store the items to be cleaned held in the cleaning basket in a stationary manner in the basket support 150 and to apply the cleaning fluid to them in at least one cleaning program, particularly in at least one cleaning program with at least one washing step and at least one final rinsing step. Following the execution of the cleaning program, the cleaning device 110 can further be configured, with the cover device open, to transfer the cleaning basket with the cleaned items from the basket support 150 to the basket outlet 153 by means of the drive device 146.

[0174] The machine control 165 can be configured to control the drive 142. The cleaning device 110 can further comprise at least one basket sensor 166 arranged in the cleaning chamber, wherein the machine control 165 is configured to evaluate at least one signal from the basket sensor 166 in the cleaning chamber and to control the drive 142 accordingly. The cleaning device 110 can be configured to periodically move the cleaning items held stationary in the cleaning chamber back and forth around a central position by means of the drive device 146 while being subjected to the cleaning fluid, in particular with an amplitude of no more than 50 mm, in particular with an amplitude of no more than 30 mm, and particularly preferably with an amplitude of no more than 20 mm.

[0175] The cleaning device 110 can have at least one basket feed 152 and at least one basket output 153, in particular a basket output 153 opposite the basket feed 152 with respect to the cleaning chamber 128.

[0176] The basket feed 152 can have at least one inlet table 114 connected to the cleaning chamber for feeding cleaning baskets containing items to be cleaned to the cleaning chamber. The basket feed 152 can have at least one inlet table 114 connected to the cleaning chamber for feeding cleaning baskets containing items to be cleaned to the cleaning chamber. The inlet table 114 can have at least one conveyor device 160, designed separately from a drive device 146 of the basket carrier 150, for conveying the cleaning baskets to the basket feed 152, in particular a conveyor device 160 selected from the group consisting of a driven roller conveyor, as shown in Figure 2a, a conveyor belt, and a conveyor chain.

[0177] The infeed table 114 can have at least one basket sensor 168 for detecting cleaning baskets. The infeed table 114 can have at least one basket brake, wherein the basket brake is configured to brake the transport of at least one cleaning basket in a closed state and to release the transport in an open state. The cleaning device 110 can have a feed control 170, wherein the feed control 170 is configured to control the transport of the cleaning baskets toward the basket feed 152 and / or the basket carrier 150. According to Figure 2a, the machine control 165 and the feed control 170 relate to separate devices. Alternatively, the feed control 170 can be integrated into the machine control 165. The feed control 170 can be a component of the machine control 165, in particular by the functionalities of the machine control 165 and the feed control 170 operating in a coordinated manner.

[0178] The drive device 146 of the basket carrier 150 can, for example, be configured to act exclusively on parts of the cleaning basket that protrude into the cleaning chamber. The drive device 146 can be configured to act on parts of the cleaning basket that protrude from the basket feed 152 into the basket carrier 150, thereby retracting the cleaning basket into the basket carrier 150.

[0179] The basket outlet 153 can further comprise at least one discharge table 162 connected to the cleaning chamber for removing cleaning baskets containing cleaned items from the cleaning chamber. The discharge table 162 can comprise at least one conveyor device 164, separate from the drive device 146, for transporting the cleaning baskets away from the basket outlet 153 and / or the basket carrier 150. The conveyor device 164 can, as shown, consist of a driven roller conveyor. Alternatively or additionally, the conveyor device 164 can consist of a conveyor belt or a conveyor chain.

[0180] The discharge table 162 can have at least one basket sensor 172 for detecting cleaning baskets. The discharge table 162 can have at least one basket brake, wherein the basket brake is configured to brake the transport of at least one cleaning basket in a closed state and to release the transport in an open state. The cleaning device 110 can have a sequence control 174, wherein the sequence control 174 is configured to control the transport of the cleaning baskets away from the basket output 153. According to Figure 2a, the machine control 165 and the sequence control 174 relate to separate devices. Alternatively, the sequence control 174 can be integrated into the machine control 165. The sequence control 174 can be a component of the machine control 165, in particular in that the functionalities of the machine control 165 and the sequence control 174 operate in a coordinated manner.The discharge table 162 may further comprise at least one drying fan 176 for drying items to be cleaned in at least one cleaning basket on the discharge table 162.

[0181] The drive device 146 of the basket carrier 150 can be configured to act on the cleaning basket during the transfer of the cleaning basket into the basket outlet 153 until no part of the cleaning basket protrudes into the basket carrier 150. The cleaning device 110 can also have a sieve element 144.

[0182] Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the basket carrier 150. As further illustrated, the drive device 146 can have at least one drive element 158, which is configured to couple to the cleaning basket in a manner selected from the group consisting of a non-positive and / or positive coupling. The drive device 146 can have at least one conveyor element 159, drivable by the drive 142, for conveying the cleaning basket, in particular a roller conveyor. Alternatively or additionally, the conveyor element 159 can be selected from the group consisting of: a roller conveyor; a conveyor belt; a conveyor belt; a conveyor chain; and an oscillating ratchet conveyor.

[0183] The drive 142 and the drive device 146 can each have at least one drive element 154, 156, wherein the drive elements 154, 156 are configured to mechanically engage with one another upon insertion of the basket carrier 150 into the cleaning chamber 128, such that a movement of the drive 142 causes a movement of the drive device 146 of the basket carrier 150. The drive elements 154, 156 can engage with one another in a form-fitting manner. The drive elements 154, 156 can form a transmission, in particular a gear transmission.

[0184] If the drive 142 is provided, for example, on a rear side 228 of the cleaning chamber 128, as shown by way of example in Figure 3, drive elements 156 of the drive device 146 located on the front side 230 can be driven via a transmission 224 of the rotary movement, for example by means of a shaft 226 extending from the rear side 228 to the front side 230. The front side 230 can form an inner wall of the cleaning chamber 128.

[0185] The basket carrier 150 can be inserted into the cleaning chamber by means of a movement, in particular a reversible one, wherein the movement comprises at least one pivoting movement 190, in particular about a pivot axis 178. The pivoting movement 190 is illustrated in Figure 3 by the arrow. The sequence of the pivoting movement 190 is illustrated in Figures 4a to 4c. In Figure 4a, the basket carrier 150 is illustrated in the inserted state. The basket carrier 150 is functional in that the drive device 146 is coupled to the drive 142. In Figure 4b, the basket carrier 150 is partially folded upwards about the pivot axis 178, and the drive device 146 is decoupled from the drive 142. In Figure 4c, the basket carrier 150 is completely folded upwards about the pivot axis 178, and the drive device 146 is still decoupled from the drive 142.The process is reversible, so that the drive device 146 can be reconnected to the drive 142, in particular by folding the basket carrier 150 around the pivot axis 178 in the opposite direction. The basket carrier 150 can be inserted into the cleaning chamber without tools and removed from the cleaning chamber without tools. The sieve element 144 can also be removed from the cleaning chamber, in particular without tools.

[0186] As shown by way of example in Figure 5, the basket carrier 150 can have a frame 180, in particular a rectangular frame 180 and in particular a square frame 180, wherein the frame 180 can be inserted into a basket carrier receptacle 182 in the cleaning chamber. The frame 180 can have a guide rail 184 for inserting the cleaning basket. The drive device 146 can be configured to move the cleaning basket 126 in the guide rail 184. The drive device 146 can be connected to the frame 180 in such a way that an interior of the frame 180 remains at least largely uncovered, in particular to at least 90%, in particular to at least 95% of a free area spanned by the frame 180.The frame 180 can be open downwards such that cleaning fluid from at least one nozzle element 186 of the application device 118 arranged below the frame 180 can act upon the items to be cleaned 124 through the frame 180. Furthermore, at least one transmission element 232 for transmitting a rotary movement from one side of the basket carrier 150 to another side, in particular another opposite side, of the basket carrier 150 can be provided in the basket carrier 150. The sides can form the frame 180. For example, the rotary movement can be transmitted from a roller conveyor 234 to a roller conveyor 236 arranged on an opposite side.For example, the basket carrier 150 may comprise two or more parallel roller conveyors 234, 236, which may be coupled to one another, for example via at least one transmission element 232, so that the roller conveyors 234, 236 can be driven simultaneously.

[0187] Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of the cleaning device 110 according to the invention with a hood 136. The loading and unloading of the cleaning chamber 128 of the cleaning device 110 with cleaning baskets can be automated via the basket feed 152 with the conveyor device 160 and / or the basket discharge 153 with the conveyor device 164.

[0188] The conveying device 160 of the basket feed 152 can be divided into two independently driven sections 192, 194, which can in particular be controlled separately. The section 194 in the conveying direction 222 immediately upstream of the cleaning chamber can have at least and / or substantially the length of a cleaning basket. Likewise, the conveying device 164 of the basket output 153 can have at least and / or substantially the length of a cleaning basket. The lengths can be selected independently of one another. A drying fan 176 is provided on the conveying device 164 of the basket output 153, by way of example. Alternatively, any desired drying element can be provided. A cleaning basket 126 is shown by way of example in the cleaning chamber 128 and in the section 194. Additional locations for cleaning baskets 126 on the section 192 and on the conveying device 164 are indicated by the cleaning baskets 126 shown in dashed lines.

[0189] The section 192 of the conveyor device 160 of the basket feed 152 can have a basket sensor 196 that is configured to detect cleaning baskets 126 introduced into the section 192. Alternatively or additionally, the section 192 of the conveyor device 160 of the basket feed 152 can also have a basket sensor 198 that is configured to detect at least one cleaning basket in the section 192 at the transition to the section 194. Alternatively or additionally, the section 194 of the conveyor device 160 of the basket feed 152 can also have a basket sensor 200 that is configured to detect at least one cleaning basket located in the section 194. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning chamber 128 can have a basket sensor 202 that is configured to detect at least one cleaning basket located in the cleaning chamber 128.Alternatively or additionally, the conveying device 164 of the basket output 153 may have a basket sensor 204 configured to detect at least one cleaning basket located in the section 194 at the transition to the cleaning chamber 128. Alternatively or additionally, the conveying device 164 of the basket output 153 may have a basket sensor 206 configured to detect at least one cleaning basket located in the section 194 at the end as viewed in the conveying direction 222.

[0190] For automated loading, a cleaning basket can be manually inserted into section 192 of conveyor device 160 of basket feed 152. Basket sensor 196 can detect the resulting occupancy. This detection can enable conveyance of section 192 of conveyor device 160, allowing the cleaning basket to be conveyed until basket sensor 198 detects the cleaning basket and further conveyance is blocked. If basket sensor 198 already detects another cleaning basket, section 192 of conveyor device 160 can be blocked, preventing the inserted cleaning basket from being conveyed.

[0191] If the basket sensor 200 does not detect a cleaning basket, conveyance can be enabled on sections 192, 194, allowing the cleaning baskets located on sections 192, 194 to be conveyed. Section 194 is blocked again as soon as the basket sensor 200 detects a cleaning basket. Section 192 is blocked again as soon as the basket sensor 198 detects a cleaning basket.

[0192] If the basket sensor 200 detects a cleaning basket and the basket sensor 202 detects no cleaning basket, the hood 136 can be automatically moved to the open position 137. The conveyor element 159 of the basket support 150 and the section 194 can then convey the cleaning basket into the cleaning chamber until the basket sensor 202 detects the cleaning basket. If the basket sensor 202 detects the cleaning basket and the basket sensor 204 detects no cleaning basket, the hood 136 can be moved to the closed position and / or the washing program can be started.

[0193] If the washing program is completed and the basket sensor 206 does not detect a cleaning basket, the hood can be moved to the open position 137 and / or the conveyor element 159 of the basket carrier 150 and the conveyor device 164 can be released so that the cleaning basket is removed from the cleaning chamber. The conveyor element 159 of the basket carrier 150 can start moving ahead of the conveyor device 164 so that baskets already on the conveyor device 164 move closer together. As soon as the basket sensor 204 no longer detects the cleaning basket, the conveyor element 159 of the basket carrier 150 and the conveyor device 164 can be blocked. As soon as the basket sensor 202 no longer detects the cleaning basket, the cleaning chamber can be reloaded. If no cleaning process is started within a predetermined time, the hood is moved to the closed position and the cleaning device 110 is put into standby mode.

[0194] Figure 7 schematically shows a method for cleaning items to be cleaned 208, wherein the method 208 comprises the use of a cleaning device 110, wherein the method 208 further comprises the following steps: i. in a step 210, opening the cover device, wherein the cover device is brought into the open state; ii. in a step 212, pulling at least one cleaning basket with items to be cleaned into the cleaning chamber with the cover device open by means of the drive device 146 and stationary reception of the cleaning basket in the cleaning chamber; iii. in a step 214, closing the cover device, wherein the cover device is brought into the closed state; iv. in a step 216, applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber; v. in a step 218, opening the cover device, wherein the cover device is brought into the open state; and vi.in a step 220, the cleaning basket with the cleaned items is ejected from the cleaning chamber by means of the drive device 146.

[0195] List of reference symbols

[0196] Cleaning device pass-through dishwasher inlet table

[0197] Hood-type dishwasher

[0198] Basin loading device

[0199] hose shower

[0200] Cleaning items

[0201] Cleaning basket

[0202] cleaning chamber

[0203] base

[0204] frame

[0205] Cover device closed position

[0206] Hood open position

[0207] Actuating element

[0208] Opening direction of handle

[0209] Closing movement direction

[0210] drive

[0211] Sieve element

[0212] Drive device

[0213] basket carrier

[0214] Basket feed

[0215] Basket output drive element

[0216] drive element

[0217] drive element

[0218] Conveying element

[0219] Conveyor device discharge table

[0220] Conveyor device Machine control Basket sensor Basket sensor

[0221] Feed control

[0222] basket sensor

[0223] Process control

[0224] Drying fan

[0225] Swivel axis

[0226] Frame

[0227] Basket carrier holder

[0228] guide rail

[0229] nozzle element

[0230] Pivoting movement

[0231] Section

[0232] Section

[0233] basket sensor

[0234] basket sensor

[0235] basket sensor

[0236] basket sensor

[0237] basket sensor

[0238] basket sensor

[0239] Process for cleaning items

[0240] Opening the cover device

[0241] Pulling in at least one cleaning basket

[0242] Closing the cover device

[0243] Exposure to the cleaning item

[0244] Opening the cover device

[0245] Dispensing the cleaning basket

[0246] Conveying direction

[0247] transmission

[0248] Wave

[0249] back

[0250] front

[0251] transmission element

[0252] roller conveyor

[0253] roller conveyor

Claims

Claims 1. A cleaning device (110) for cleaning items to be cleaned (124), comprising a cleaning chamber (128) in which the items to be cleaned (124) can be accommodated in a stationary manner by means of at least one cleaning basket (126), further comprising at least one application device (118), wherein the cleaning device (110) is designed as a programmable automatic device and is configured to apply at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned (124) accommodated in a stationary manner in the cleaning chamber (128), further comprising at least one covering device (134) for covering the cleaning chamber (128), wherein the covering device (134) has at least one open state and at least one closed state, further comprising at least one basket carrier (150), wherein the basket carrier (150) is configured to be reversibly introduced into the cleaning chamber (128), wherein the basket carrier (150) has at least one drive device (146),wherein the cleaning device (110) has at least one drive (142) arranged at least partially in the cleaning chamber (128), wherein the basket carrier (150) is configured to mechanically couple to the drive (142) when the basket carrier (150) is inserted into the cleaning chamber (128), and wherein the cleaning device (110) is configured such that the coupled drive device (146) can be driven by means of the drive in order to draw a cleaning basket (126) with items to be cleaned (124) into the cleaning chamber (128) with the cover device (134) open, and to hold the drawn-in cleaning basket (126) in a stationary manner in the cleaning chamber (128) for the purpose of applying the cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned (124) in the cleaning basket (126).

2. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one machine control (150), wherein the machine control (150) is configured to control at least one cleaning program in the cleaning chamber (128) and wherein the machine control (150) is further configured to control the covering device (134).

3. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) is configured to periodically move the cleaning material (124) held stationary in the cleaning chamber (128) back and forth around a central position by means of the drive device (146) during the application of the cleaning fluid, in particular with an amplitude of not more than 50 mm, in particular with an amplitude of not more than 30 mm and particularly preferably with an amplitude of not more than 20 mm.

4. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering device (134) forms at least three walls of the cleaning chamber (128), in particular two side walls and one end wall.

5. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) is further configured such that the coupled drive device (146) can be driven by means of the drive in order to dispense the cleaning basket (126) with the items to be cleaned (124) from the cleaning chamber (128) after cleaning has been completed with the cover device (134) open.

6. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive device (146) has at least one drive element which is configured to couple to the cleaning basket (126) in a manner selected from the group consisting of a force-fitting and a form-fitting coupling.

7. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive device (146) has at least one conveyor element (159) drivable by the drive (142) for conveying the cleaning basket (126), selected from the group consisting of: a roller conveyor; a conveyor belt; a conveyor belt; a conveyor chain; an oscillating ratchet transport.

8. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive device (146) is designed to act exclusively on parts of the cleaning basket (126) projecting into the cleaning chamber (128).

9. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) is designed as a pass-through dishwasher (112), in particular as a pass-through dishwasher, wherein the cleaning device (110) has at least one basket feed (152) and at least one basket output (153), in particular a basket output (153) opposite the basket feed (152) with respect to the cleaning chamber (128), wherein the cleaning device (110) is configured to draw a cleaning basket (126) from the basket feed (152) into the basket carrier (150) by means of the drive device (146) of the basket carrier (150) when the cover device (134) is open, wherein the cleaning device (110) is further configuredto store the items to be cleaned (124) held in the cleaning basket (126) in a stationary manner in the basket carrier (150) with the cover device (134) closed and to apply the cleaning fluid to them in at least one cleaning program, in particular in at least one cleaning program with at least one washing step and at least one rinsing step, and wherein the cleaning device (110) is further configured to transfer the cleaning basket (126) with the cleaned items to be cleaned (124) from the basket carrier (150) to the basket dispenser (153) by means of the drive device (146) following the execution of the cleaning program with the cover device (134) open.

10. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive (142) and the drive device (146) each have at least one drive element, wherein the drive elements are configured to mechanically engage with one another when the basket carrier (150) is inserted into the cleaning chamber (128), so that a movement of the drive causes a movement of the drive device (146) of the basket carrier (150).

11. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the basket carrier (150) can be inserted into the cleaning chamber (128) by means of a movement, wherein the movement comprises at least one pivoting movement (190).

12. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the basket carrier (150) can be inserted into the cleaning chamber (128) without tools and can be removed from the cleaning chamber (128) without tools.

13. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the basket carrier (150) has a frame (180), in particular a rectangular frame (180) and in particular a square frame (180), wherein the frame (180) can be inserted into a basket carrier (150) receptacle in the cleaning chamber (128).

14. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) is designed as a dishwasher and is set up to clean items to be cleaned (124) which are set up for at least one purpose selected from the group consisting of preparing food, preparing drinks, serving food, serving drinks, storing food, storing drinks.

15. A method for cleaning items to be cleaned (208), wherein the method (208) comprises the use of a cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (208) further comprises the following steps: i. Opening the cover device (210), wherein the cover device (134) is brought into the open state; ii. Pulling at least one cleaning basket (212) with items to be cleaned (124) into the cleaning chamber (128) by means of the drive device (146) with the cover device (134) open, and stationary reception of the cleaning basket (126) in the cleaning chamber (128); iii. Closing the cover device (214), wherein the cover device (134) is brought into the closed state; iv. Applying at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned (216) in the cleaning chamber (128); v. Opening the cover device (218), wherein the cover device (134) is brought into the open state; and vi.Discharge of the cleaning basket (220) with the cleaned items (124) from the cleaning chamber (128) by means of the drive device (146).

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