Modular conveyor dishwasher

Abstract

A modular conveyor dishwasher (10) comprises a plurality of machine modules which are arranged along a dish-conveying direction. In each case two machine modules arranged adjacently in the dish-conveying direction are fastened releasably to one another, and so, by releasing the fastening, one or more further machine modules can be arranged and fastened between the two machine modules in question. The plurality of machine modules comprises: an inlet module (1) for receiving dishes to be cleaned; a washing module (2a, 2b) for cleaning the dishes in a washing process, wherein the washing module (2a, 2b) is arranged downstream of the inlet module (1), as seen in the dish-conveying direction; and a rinsing module (3) for rinsing the dishes, wherein the rinsing module (3) is arranged downstream of the washing module (2a, 2b), as seen in the dish-conveying direction.

Description

[0001] MODULAR TRANSPORTABLE DISHWASHER

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a modular transport dishwasher.

[0004] Conveyor dishwashers are primarily used in commercial kitchens and restaurants. Typically, the user's requirements are defined in a specifications profile, and a suitable dishwasher is then provided and installed accordingly. These dishwashers are configured, for example, to serve a specific number of restaurant seats. The volume of dishes to be washed is estimated based on this number of seats. The dishwashers are therefore designed and manufactured to meet certain fixed parameters, such as the number of restaurant seats.

[0005] Over time, however, the user's needs may change, or the machine may need to be expanded or modified to deliver optimal performance. This is not possible with conventional dishwashers, as these machines are fixed in design and manufacture, as described above. Conventionally, increasing dishwashing volumes are accommodated, for example, by installing different dishwasher models with their respective capacities. For instance, undercounter dishwashers are used for small volumes, hood-type dishwashers or small single-tank conveyor dishwashers for medium volumes, and multi-tank conveyor dishwashers for large volumes. However, if the dishwashing volume increases, for example, from medium to large, the user must either change the type of dishwasher over time or install a larger dishwasher in advance to handle the anticipated future volume of dishes.This results in higher costs, either through the purchase of multiple dishwashers or through the purchase of a single dishwasher based on a forecast; particularly in the latter case, it is uncertain at the time of investment whether the forecast will materialize. Furthermore, underutilized conveyor dishwashers do not operate efficiently because their fixed size requires significant space and resources such as water, energy, and chemicals. It is an object of the present invention to provide a conveyor dishwasher that improves efficiency and user-friendliness, taking into account the desired applications.

[0006] The above problem is solved by a modular transport dishwasher according to claim 1, a system according to claim 16, and a machine module according to claim 17. Claims 2 to 15 relate to particularly advantageous implementations of the modular transport dishwasher according to claim 1.

[0007] A modular conveyor dishwasher according to the present invention comprises a plurality of machine modules arranged along a dish transport direction. Two machine modules arranged adjacent to each other in the dish transport direction are detachably connected to one another, so that by loosening the connection, one or more further machine modules can be arranged and attached between the two existing machine modules. The plurality of machine modules comprises an infeed module for receiving dishes to be cleaned, a wash module or main wash module for cleaning the dishes in a wash cycle or main wash cycle, wherein the wash module is arranged downstream of the infeed module in the dish transport direction, and a rinse module for rinsing the dishes, wherein the rinse module is arranged downstream of the wash module in the dish transport direction.

[0008] The washing module can, in particular, include a washing zone that receives the dishes for cleaning during the washing process by treatment with a washing liquid. The rinsing module can include a rinsing zone in which the washed dishes are rinsed with a rinsing liquid, in particular water, to remove any remaining washing liquid. The dish transport direction is, in particular, a direction along which the dishes can be moved or transported through the conveyor dishwasher or through the plurality of machine modules, especially by means of a transport device of the conveyor dishwasher, as described below. For example, the user can place the dishes to be cleaned into the infeed module, and from there the dishes can be transported by means of the transport device along the dish transport direction into the washing module and then into the rinsing module.The dish transport direction can be, in particular, an X-direction. In this case, the washing module can be arranged relative to the infeed module in the positive X-direction. The washing module can be attached directly to the infeed module or via one or more additional machine modules that are attached between the infeed module and the washing module. Similarly, the rinsing module can be arranged relative to the washing module in the positive X-direction. The rinsing module can be attached directly to the washing module or via one or more additional machine modules that are attached between the washing module and the rinsing module. By attaching two adjacent machine modules to each other, a washing tunnel can be created that extends along the dish transport direction through at least some or all of the machine modules.The system extends to corresponding zones (such as the washing zone, rinsing zone and drying zone as described below) through which the dishes can be transported to be cleaned or dried.

[0009] The conveyor dishwasher can further comprise a transport device for conveying or moving dishes along the transport direction through the conveyor dishwasher or through the plurality of machine modules. The transport device or the plurality of machine modules can comprise a plurality of transport modules, each for moving dishes along the transport direction into and / or out of a corresponding machine module. In particular, each transport module can be a component of a corresponding machine module. The transport module of a first machine module and the transport module of a second machine module, which is arranged downstream of the first machine module in the dish transport direction, can in particular be configured to convey the dishes from the first machine module into the second machine module.A transport module can, in particular, comprise a transport element and a motor for driving the transport element and can be configured to move one or more baskets for dishes along the dish transport direction or to move a transport belt or conveyor belt for dishes in a circular direction to transport the dishes along the dish transport direction. The transport element can, for example, include one or more drive rollers, a gearbox, and / or other mechanical components.

[0010] Two machine modules arranged adjacent to each other in the direction of dish transport are detachably fastened to one another, in particular by means of separable elements such as screws, nuts, or bolts, to allow for non-destructive removal and integration of the fastening and separation points. Furthermore, a seal may be present between each pair of adjacent machine modules, which is also non-destructively removable to separate the machine modules from one another. The seal may, for example, comprise two sealing elements, each attached to one of the two adjacent machine modules, as well as a connecting element, such as a frame element, for joining the two sealing elements. Additionally, an electrical and / or process-related connection between each pair of adjacent machine modules may be designed to be detachable. In particular, each machine module may be designed to be self-contained (electrically and / or process-related).The zone logic of different zones or modules can be modular, so that the zone logic of one machine module does not affect the zone logic of other machine modules. The detachable connection between any two adjacent machine modules can thus include a detachable mechanical connection, including a detachable seal, a detachable electrical connection, and / or a separable process connection. By detaching the connection between any two adjacent machine modules, one or more additional machine modules can be positioned and attached between them; conversely, these additional machine modules can be detached from the two adjacent machine modules to allow the two modules to be directly attached to each other.Between the inlet module and the flushing module, a further flushing module, a pre-rinse module, or a neutral module (as described in more detail below) can be arranged and attached. Between the flushing module and the post-rinse module, a further flushing module or a neutral module can be arranged and attached.

[0011] The conveyor dishwasher according to the invention has the advantage that the majority of machine modules can be easily separated from one another or attached to one another. If the user's needs change, in particular if the user's dishwashing volume changes or increases, a dishwasher size or configuration optimally adapted to the dishwashing volume and thus optimal dishwasher utilization can be achieved by appropriately selecting or expanding the machine modules. In this way, the dishwasher achieves optimal performance while simultaneously conserving resources. The modularity of the conveyor dishwasher makes it possible to implement a large number of expansion and enlargement modules or equipment options in a simple and cost-effective manner, thereby increasing flexibility.The basic structure of the conveyor dishwasher (especially the inlet module, wash module, and rinse module as described above) already incorporates all the necessary on-site preparations to accommodate future expansions and options without complex modifications. This allows for more predictable costs for the user, as the system can be expanded later as needed to meet evolving requirements. Furthermore, it enables efficient and cost-effective module replacement for maintenance, repairs, or upgrades. This enhances the efficiency and user-friendliness of the conveyor dishwasher.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of machine modules further comprises a drying module for drying the cleaned dishes, wherein the drying module is arranged downstream of the rinse module in the dish transport direction. The drying module can, in particular, include a drying zone that receives the cleaned dishes for drying, for example, by passing dry air over the dishes. The drying module can be detachably attached directly to the rinse module or via one or more further machine modules arranged between the drying module and the rinse module. In particular, a further drying module or one or more blow-off modules for blowing the dry air used in drying the dishes into the surrounding area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher can be arranged and detachably attached between the rinse module and the drying module.The drying module can also be configured to blow the dry air used during the drying of the dishes into the environment of the transport dishwasher.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of machine modules further comprises a pre-rinse module for pre-rinsing the dishes, wherein the pre-rinse module is arranged in the dish transport direction between the infeed module and the wash module. The pre-rinse module can include a pre-rinse zone that receives the dishes and pre-rinses them to loosen coarse soiling. The pre-rinse module can be detachably attached directly to the infeed module or via one or more further machine modules arranged between the infeed module and the pre-rinse module. The wash module can be detachably attached directly to the pre-rinse module or via one or more further machine modules arranged between the pre-rinse module and the wash module.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of machine modules further comprises one or more neutral modules for draining the dishes. The one or more neutral modules can each be arranged between the pre-rinse module and the wash module, or between the wash module and the rinse module, or between the rinse module and the drying module, and can be detachably attached as described above.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the conveyor dishwasher further comprises a heat pump module with a heat pump configured to receive air and / or steam from the wash module (or a wash zone of the wash module) or the rinse module (or a rinse zone of the rinse module) and / or air from the surrounding area of ​​the conveyor dishwasher. The heat pump module is arranged relative to the wash module or the rinse module in a vertical direction, particularly a Z-direction, perpendicular to the direction of dish transport and is detachably attached to the wash module or the rinse module. The heat pump module can also be an integral part of the wash module or the rinse module.The heat pump module enables efficient recovery of heat from the exhaust air of the dishwasher, which can be fed back into the washing processes (for example, to heat a washing liquid or rinse liquid to a desired temperature), making the dishwasher more energy-efficient and economical.

[0016] The embodiments described above each have the advantage that the various machine modules or options (in particular, the inlet module, pre-rinse module, wash module, post-rinse module, heat pump module, drying module, and neutral modules) can be easily separated from one another, and one or more additional machine modules can be inserted between the separated modules. If the user's needs change, especially if the user's dishwashing volume changes and / or the user desires higher performance, washing quality, and / or energy efficiency, a dishwasher optimally adapted to the user's needs can be assembled and installed with minimal effort by selecting or expanding the appropriate machine modules. Furthermore, this allows for efficient and cost-effective module replacement for maintenance, repairs, or replacement with new modules.This increases the flexibility, performance, efficiency and environmental friendliness of the dishwasher, while simultaneously reducing costs for the user.

[0017] In particular, within a machine module or zone module, the container (sealing surface), superstructure, and base frame can be precisely coordinated. This also applies to the other available machine modules and options: The options are designed to accommodate the machine's modularity and are incorporated into the construction. For retrofitting, provisions for a maximum connection configuration are already integrated into the basic unit (especially the inlet module, rinsing module, and post-rinse module). Retrofitting process modules or zones is also possible. This primarily concerns the pre-rinse zone, main rinsing zone, drying zone, discharge zone, and neutral zones. These modules or zones are particularly well-suited for electrical, process-related, and mechanical upgrades.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of machine modules comprises a plurality of module input connections. In particular, each machine module of the plurality of machine modules (or a subset of the plurality of machine modules) can comprise a respective module input connection. Furthermore, the conveyor dishwasher comprises a connection unit, in particular an electrical connection unit such as a cable, wiring, cable element, or cable harness, wherein the connection unit comprises a connection input connection for connecting to an (external) power supply unit and a plurality of connection output connections, each for connecting to a module input connection or detachably attaching to a module input connection of a machine module for electrically connecting the machine module to the power supply unit.

[0019] This has the advantage that the machine modules can each be electrically connected to or disconnected from the power supply unit separately via their respective module input connector and the corresponding connection output connector of the connection unit. For example, if one machine module is removed or replaced, the other machine modules can remain electrically connected to the power supply unit. This allows the machine modules to operate electrically independently. Furthermore, each machine module can be easily connected to the power supply unit by simply connecting or securing the respective connectors, thus increasing user-friendliness.

[0020] In particular, the power supply to the individual modules or zones can thus be adapted to the modular concept. For this purpose, power can be distributed from a central line or connection unit to the machine modules or zones, or tapped separately for the corresponding number of machine modules or zones. The zones can be individually connected to this line and disconnected. Within each zone, the power can be distributed to the respective loads. Any additional electrical connection (in the form of further machine modules or zones) can be added to or replaced by this central power supply.

[0021] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the plurality of module input ports comprises a plurality of module connectors. In particular, each module input port of the plurality of module input ports (or a subset of the plurality of module input ports) can comprise a corresponding module connector. Furthermore, the plurality of connection output ports comprises a plurality of connection connectors. In particular, each connection output port of the plurality of connection output ports (or a subset of the plurality of connection output ports) can comprise a corresponding connection connector. The plurality of connection connectors is each configured for connection to a corresponding module connector (of a corresponding module input port of a corresponding machine module).The respective connecting plug element and the corresponding module plug element can form a separable electrical plug connection.

[0022] This allows the connection output terminals to be easily and detachably attached to the respective module input terminals by simply plugging the corresponding connection plugs into the appropriate module plugs, thus connecting or disconnecting the respective machine modules from the power supply unit. This increases user-friendliness.

[0023] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the plurality of connecting plug elements comprises a first connecting plug element for plugging into a first module plug element of a first machine module and a second connecting plug element for plugging into a second module plug element of a second machine module. The first connecting plug element and the second connecting plug element are configured differently and / or the first module plug element and the second module plug element are configured differently such that the first connecting plug element cannot be plugged into the second module plug element and / or the second connecting plug element cannot be plugged into the first module plug element.

[0024] This allows for coding of the connectors, whereby each connector can only be connected to one or more corresponding module connectors of one or more corresponding machine modules. This prevents faulty electrical connections between the machine modules and thus damage to the conveyor dishwasher, thereby increasing safety.

[0025] In particular, the machine modules or zones can thus be connected to the central electrical distribution or connection line in a separable manner. Specifically, the separable electrical interface or the electrical power connection of the machine modules or zones can be implemented using cable harnesses with defined lengths and / or coded connectors, or coded plugs provided within the cable harness.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the number of connection output ports is greater than the number of machine modules of the transport dishwasher.

[0027] This has the advantage that the connection unit can be additionally connected to one or more further module input connections of one or more additional machine modules. These additional modules can be arranged and attached between two adjacent machine modules by loosening the fastenings of two adjacent machine modules. This allows the connection of these additional machine modules to the power supply unit. Thus, the one or more additional machine modules can be easily mounted to the existing machine modules of the conveyor dishwasher and electrically connected to the power supply unit, expanding the conveyor dishwasher and / or adapting it to the user's needs without having to modify or replace the connection unit or the existing machine modules.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, at least two machine modules of the plurality of machine modules, e.g., two, three, four, more, or all machine modules, e.g., a washing module and a rinse module, and optionally a pre-rinse module and optionally a drying module, have identical or substantially identical dimensions in the dish transport direction and / or the vertical direction and / or a depth direction, wherein the depth direction is perpendicular to the dish transport direction and the vertical direction. The depth direction can, in particular, be a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction and the Z-direction.

[0029] This allows the machine modules to be easily exchanged and combined in various ways. For example, different combinations of machine modules can be mounted at predetermined assembly points, each with a predetermined dimension in the dish transport direction and / or the height and / or depth direction, and electrically connected via respective connection output terminals, each with a predetermined position relative to its respective assembly point. This increases flexibility and user-friendliness. Furthermore, it also simplifies and reduces the cost of manufacturing, storing, and transporting the different machine modules.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, at least two machine modules of the plurality of machine modules, e.g., two, three, four, more, or all machine modules, e.g., a wash module and a rinse module, and optionally a pre-rinse module and an optional drying module, have an identically or substantially identically designed housing section and an identical or substantially identical arrangement position of the respective module inlet connection relative to the respective housing section. The arrangement position can, in particular, be a position in the dish transport direction and / or the vertical direction and / or the depth direction relative to the respective housing section. For example, the respective housing section can be a boundary surface or a section of a boundary surface of the respective machine module. In particular, the respective boundary surfaces can be rear boundary surfaces (parallel to the dish transport direction and the vertical direction), which, for example,The boundary surfaces can run parallel to a wall against which the conveyor dishwasher is installed, or they can be upper or lower boundary surfaces (parallel to the dish transport direction and the depth direction), for example, parallel to a floor surface on which the conveyor dishwasher is installed. The respective module inlet connections can be located on these boundary surfaces and, in particular, can have identical distances to the respective housing edges that define these boundary surfaces. If, for example, the respective boundary surfaces extend in the dish transport direction from a first transport direction edge to a second transport direction edge, the module inlet connections of the respective machine modules can have identical distances to the first transport direction edge and / or the second transport direction edge.If the respective boundary surfaces extend, for example, in the vertical direction from a first vertical edge to a second vertical edge, the module input connections of the respective machine modules can be located at the same distance from the first and / or second vertical edge. Similarly, if the respective boundary surfaces extend, for example, in the horizontal direction from a first vertical edge to a second vertical edge, the module input connections of the respective machine modules can be located at the same distance from the first and / or second vertical edge.

[0031] This allows the machine modules to be exchanged and combined in various ways with minimal effort. For example, different combinations of machine modules can be mounted at predetermined assembly points, each with a predetermined dimension in the direction of dish transport and / or height and / or depth, and electrically connected via respective output connections, each with a predetermined position relative to its respective assembly point. This increases flexibility and user-friendliness. Furthermore, it simplifies and reduces the cost of manufacturing, storing, and transporting the different machine modules.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, one or more first machine modules (or all machine modules; e.g., inlet module and / or rinse module) of the plurality of machine modules each comprise a module output connection. One or more second machine modules (or all machine modules; e.g., rinse module and / or rinse module) of the plurality of machine modules, each arranged downstream of a corresponding first machine module in the dish transport direction and detachably attached to the corresponding first machine module, each comprise a module input connection for connecting to the module output connection of the corresponding first machine module for electrically connecting the respective second machine module to the corresponding first machine module.For example, the inlet module can include a module output connection, and the flushing module can include a module input connection for connecting to the module output connection of the inlet module for electrical connection between the flushing module and the inlet module. Alternatively or additionally, the flushing module can include a module output connection, and the rinse module can include a module input connection for connecting to the module output connection of the flushing module for electrical connection between the rinse module and the flushing module.

[0033] This has the advantage that machine modules that are attached to one another can also be electrically connected via their respective module output and input connections. Thus, even if only one machine module or a subset of the machine modules is directly connected to a power supply unit via a connection unit, the remaining machine modules can also be electrically connected to the power supply unit through the electrical connections between the machine modules themselves. Therefore, a connection unit with fewer output connections is sufficient to electrically connect all machine modules to a power supply unit. This saves costs and simplifies the installation of the conveyor dishwasher, especially the connection of the machine modules to a power supply unit.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, at least two machine modules (e.g., two, three, four or more, or all machine modules) of the plurality of machine modules comprise an identical or substantially identical downward connecting element, each configured for connection to an upward connecting element of a further machine module, such that the further machine module is arranged downstream of the respective machine module of the at least two machine modules in the dish transport direction. The transport dishwasher particularly preferably comprises the further machine module. The downward connecting element can be a mechanical downward connecting element for mechanical connection to a mechanical upward connecting element, in particular a downward fastening element for detachable attachment to an upward fastening element, e.g.,The downward connecting element may include a screw for detachable fastening to a nut or a nut for detachable fastening to a screw. Alternatively or additionally, the downward connecting element may include an electrical downward connecting element for electrical connection to an electrical upward connecting element, e.g., a plug for electrical connection to a socket or a socket for electrical connection to a plug. Alternatively or additionally, the downward connecting element may include a downward coding element for coding a matching upward coding element, so that a machine module with a downward coding element and another machine module with an upward coding element can only be connected to each other if the downward coding element and the upward coding element are compatible.

[0035] This allows the additional machine module to be connected downstream in the dish transport direction to any of the at least two existing machine modules. This further increases the flexibility of the arrangement, connection, and fastening of the machine modules.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, at least two machine modules (e.g., two, three, four or more, or all machine modules) of the plurality of machine modules comprise an identical or substantially identical upward connecting element, each configured for connection to a downward connecting element of a further machine module, such that the respective machine module of the at least two machine modules is arranged downstream of the further machine module in the dish transport direction. Particularly preferably, the dishwasher also includes the further machine module. The upward connecting element can be configured analogously to the downward connecting element described above and can comprise a mechanical upward connecting element, in particular an upward fastening element, an electrical upward connecting element, and / or an upward coding element.

[0037] This allows each of the at least two machine modules to be connected to the other machine module downstream in the dish transport direction. This further increases the flexibility of the arrangement, connection, and fastening of the machine modules.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, at least one machine module (or two, three, four or more or all machine modules) of the plurality of machine modules comprises: (each) an upward connecting element for connecting to a downward connecting element of a first further machine module, such that the at least one machine module is arranged downstream of the first further machine module in the dish transport direction; and (each) a downward connecting element for connecting to an upward connecting element of a second further machine module, such that the second further machine module is arranged downstream of the at least one machine module in the dish transport direction.The upward connecting element of the at least one machine module and the upward connecting element of the second further machine module are identical or substantially identical, and the downward connecting element of the at least one machine module and the downward connecting element of the first further machine module are identical or substantially identical. The at least one machine module can, in particular, be a pre-rinse module, a wash module, a rinse module, or a blow-off or drying module. The dishwasher preferably also includes the first further machine module and / or the second further machine module. The downward connecting element and the upward connecting element can each be configured as described above.

[0039] Thus, the first additional machine module can be connected to the at least one machine module (via the downward connection element of the first additional machine module and the upward connection element of the at least one machine module), and the at least one machine module can be connected to the second additional machine module (via the downward connection element of the at least one machine module and the upward connection element of the second additional machine module). Alternatively, however, the first additional machine module can also be connected directly to the second additional machine module (via the downward connection element of the first additional machine module and the upward connection element of the second additional machine module).Thus, the first and second additional machine modules can be connected to each other, and by disconnecting them, at least one additional machine module (or several machine modules, each identical or substantially identical to the at least one machine module described above) can be positioned and connected between the first and second additional machine modules. Furthermore, any number of machine modules, each configured like the at least one machine module described above, can be connected to each other in any sequence along the dish transport direction to increase capacity, intensify dish treatment, or adapt it to user needs. This increases the flexibility of arranging, connecting, and / or attaching the machine modules, thereby improving the efficiency of the dishwasher.Furthermore, the manufacturing of the machine modules and the assembly of the transport dishwasher are simplified, and their costs are reduced.

[0040] The present invention further relates to a system comprising a plurality of machine modules for a modular transport dishwasher, preferably as described above, wherein the plurality of machine modules can be arranged in at least one sequence or in several different sequences or in any sequence along a dish transport direction and each pair of machine modules arranged adjacent to each other in the dish transport direction can be detachably fastened to one another, in particular such that by loosening the fastening one or more further machine modules can be arranged and fastened between the respective two machine modules.The plurality of machine modules comprises: an infeed module for receiving dishes to be cleaned; a washing module for cleaning the dishes in a washing process, wherein the washing module is arranged downstream of the infeed module in the dish transport direction when the plurality of machine modules are arranged in at least one sequence; and a rinsing module for rinsing the dishes, wherein the rinsing module is arranged downstream of the washing module in the dish transport direction when the plurality of machine modules are arranged in at least one sequence.

[0041] The system, which comprises the majority of machine modules, can exhibit any feature analogous to that described above for the modular conveyor dishwasher, and the technical effects of the respective features of the system are analogous to those of the modular conveyor dishwasher.

[0042] In particular, the plurality of machine modules may include a drying module for drying the cleaned dishes, wherein the drying module is arranged downstream of the rinsing module in the dish transport direction, if the plurality of machine modules are arranged in at least one sequence.

[0043] Furthermore, the plurality of machine modules can include a pre-rinse module for pre-rinsing the dishes, wherein the pre-rinse module is arranged in the dish transport direction between the inlet module and the washing module, if the plurality of machine modules are arranged in at least one sequence.

[0044] Furthermore, the majority of machine modules can include one or more neutral modules. During the time the items are washed in the neutral module, the rinse solution flows away from them. This improves the subsequent process step, as less disruptive rinse solution remains on the items. The one or more neutral modules are arranged between the pre-rinse module and the rinse module, or between the rinse module and the post-rinse module, or between the post-rinse module and the drying module, provided the majority of machine modules are arranged in at least one sequence.

[0045] Furthermore, the system can include a heat pump module with a heat pump, wherein the heat pump module can be arranged relative to the washing module or the rinsing module in a vertical direction perpendicular to the direction of dish transport and can be detachably attached to the washing module or the rinsing module, so that air and / or vapors from the washing module or the rinsing module and / or air from an ambient area of ​​the plurality of machine modules can be supplied to the heat pump, if the plurality of machine modules are arranged in at least one sequence.Furthermore, the plurality of machine modules can include a plurality of module input connections, and the system can include a connection unit with a connection input connection for connecting to a power supply unit and with a plurality of connection output connections, each for detachable attachment to a module input connection of a machine module for electrically connecting the machine module to the power supply unit.

[0046] Furthermore, the majority of module input connectors can comprise a majority of module plug elements, and the majority of connection output connectors can comprise a majority of connection plug elements, each for plugging into a corresponding module plug element.

[0047] Furthermore, the plurality of connecting plug elements can comprise a first connecting plug element for plugging into a first module plug element of a first machine module and a second connecting plug element for plugging into a second module plug element of a second machine module; wherein the first connecting plug element and the second connecting plug element are designed differently and / or the first module plug element and the second module plug element are designed differently, such that the first connecting plug element cannot be plugged into the second module plug element and / or the second connecting plug element cannot be plugged into the first module plug element.

[0048] Furthermore, the number of connection output ports can be greater than the number of machine modules in the system.

[0049] Furthermore, at least two machine modules of the majority of machine modules can have identical dimensions in the dish transport direction and / or a height direction perpendicular to the dish transport direction and / or a depth direction perpendicular to the dish transport direction and / or the height direction, if the majority of machine modules are arranged in at least one sequence along the dish transport direction.

[0050] Furthermore, at least two machine modules of the majority of machine modules can have an identically designed housing section and an identical arrangement position of the respective module input connection relative to the respective housing section.

[0051] Furthermore, one or more first machine modules of the plurality of machine modules can each include a module output connection, and one or more second machine modules of the plurality of machine modules, each arranged downstream of a corresponding first machine module in the dish transport direction, if the plurality of machine modules are arranged in at least one sequence, can each include a module input connection for connecting to the module output connection of the corresponding first machine module for electrically connecting the respective second machine module to the corresponding first machine module.

[0052] Furthermore, at least two machine modules of the plurality of machine modules can each include an identically designed downward connecting element for connecting to an upward connecting element of another machine module, so that the further machine module is arranged downstream of the respective machine module of the at least two machine modules in the dish transport direction.

[0053] Furthermore, at least two machine modules of the plurality of machine modules can each include an identically designed upward connecting element for connecting to a downward connecting element of another machine module, so that the respective machine module of the at least two machine modules is arranged downstream of the other machine module in the dish transport direction.

[0054] Furthermore, at least one machine module of the plurality of machine modules can comprise: an upward connecting element for detachable connection with a downward connecting element of a first further machine module, such that the at least one machine module is arranged downstream of the first further machine module in the dish transport direction; and a downward connecting element for connection with an upward connecting element of a second further machine module, such that the second further machine module is arranged downstream of the at least one machine module in the dish transport direction; wherein the upward connecting element of the at least one machine module and the upward connecting element of the second further machine module are identical; and wherein the downward connecting element of the at least one machine module and the downward connecting element of the first further machine module are identical.

[0055] The present invention further relates to a machine module for a conveyor dishwasher (10), preferably as described above, wherein the machine module comprises: an upward connecting element for connecting to a downward connecting element of a first further machine module, such that the machine module is arranged downstream of the first further machine module in a dish transport direction; and a downward connecting element for connecting to an upward connecting element of a second further machine module, such that the second further machine module is arranged downstream of the machine module in the dish transport direction; wherein the upward connecting element of the machine module and the upward connecting element of the second further machine module are identical;and wherein the downward connecting element of the machine module and the downward connecting element of the first further machine module are identically designed. The machine module can, in particular, be a pre-rinse module, a rinse module, a post-rinse module, or a blow-out or drying module. The downward connecting element and the upward connecting element can each be designed as described above.

[0056] This has the advantage that any number of machine modules according to the invention can be connected or attached to one another in any sequence along the dish transport direction in order to increase the capacity of a conveyor dishwasher, to intensify the dish treatment, or to adapt it to the user's needs. This increases the flexibility of the arrangement and connection or attachment of the machine modules and improves the efficiency of the dishwasher. Furthermore, the manufacturing of the machine modules and the assembly of the conveyor dishwasher are simplified, and their costs are reduced.

[0057] These and other features and advantages of the invention will become clear with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show particularly advantageous embodiments. They show:

[0058] Fig. 1 shows a plurality of machine modules according to the present invention;

[0059] Fig. 2A shows a first embodiment of a modular transport dishwasher according to the present invention; and

[0060] Fig. 2ß shows a second embodiment of a modular transport dishwasher according to the present invention.

[0061] Fig. 1 shows a plurality of machine modules according to the present invention. The plurality of machine modules comprises an inlet module i, two wash modules 2a and 2b, a rinse module 3, a pre-wash module 4, three neutral modules 5a, 5b and 5c, a heat pump module 6 and a drying module 7. Fig. 2A shows a first embodiment of a modular conveyor dishwasher 10 according to the present invention, which comprises the three machine modules from the first row in Fig. 1 (“basic machine”), i.e. the pre-wash module 1, a wash module 2a and the rinse module 3. The three machine modules are arranged along a dish transport direction, the X-direction. Two machine modules arranged adjacent to each other in the dish transport direction (i.e.The inlet module and the wash module, as well as the wash module and the rinse module, are detachably attached to one another, so that by loosening the attachment, one or more further machine modules can be arranged and attached between the two machine modules. In particular, one or more or all modules from the second row in Fig. 1 (“selection”) can be arranged and attached between two machine modules of the conveyor dishwasher 10 from Fig. 2A. Fig. 2B shows in particular a second embodiment of a modular conveyor dishwasher 10 according to the present invention, which includes all machine modules from the first row in Fig. 1 (“basic machine”) and all machine modules from the second row in Fig. 2A.1 (“selection”) comprises, in the following order along the dish transport direction: inlet module 1, pre-rinse module 4, neutral module 5a, wash module 2a, wash module 2b, neutral module 5b, rinse module 3, neutral module 5c, and drying module 7. Furthermore, the conveyor dishwasher 10 from Fig. 2B includes a heat pump module 6, which is arranged relative to the rinse module 3 in a vertical direction of the conveyor dishwasher 10, the Z-direction, which is perpendicular to the X-direction, and is detachably attached to the rinse module 3. The Y-direction, which is perpendicular to both the X-direction and the Z-direction, is in this case a depth direction of the conveyor dishwasher 10.

[0062] Figures 1, 2A, and 2B also show that the pre-rinse module 4, the two wash modules 2a and 2b, the rinse module 3, and the drying module 7 each have identical dimensions in the dish transport direction. Likewise, the three neutral modules 5a, 5b, and 5c have identical dimensions in the dish transport direction. In this embodiment, the dimensions of the three neutral modules 5a, 5b, and 5c in the dish transport direction are smaller than the dimensions of the pre-rinse module 4, the two wash modules 2a and 2b, the rinse module 3, and the drying module 7 in the dish transport direction. Furthermore, the inlet module 1, the pre-rinse module 4, the three neutral modules 5a, 5b, and 5c, the two wash modules 2a and 2b, and the drying module 7 each have identical dimensions in the vertical direction.

[0063] List of reference symbols

[0064] 1 Inlet module

[0065] 2a, 2b Flushing module

[0066] 3 Rinse module Pre-rinse module a, 5b, 5c Neutral module Heat pump module Drying module 0 Conveyor dishwasher

Claims

Claims 1. Modular conveyor dishwasher (10) comprising a plurality of machine modules arranged along a dish transport direction; wherein the plurality of machine modules comprises: an infeed module (1) for receiving dishes to be cleaned; a wash module (2a, 2b) for cleaning the dishes in a wash cycle, wherein the wash module (2a, 2b) is arranged downstream of the infeed module (1) in the dish transport direction; and a rinse module (3) for rinsing the dishes, wherein the rinse module (3) is arranged downstream of the wash module (2a, 2b) in the dish transport direction; wherein two machine modules arranged adjacent to each other in the dish transport direction are detachably attached to one another, so that by loosening the attachment one or more further machine modules can be arranged and attached between the two machine modules.

2. Transport dishwasher (10) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of machine modules further comprises a drying module (7) for drying the cleaned dishes, wherein the drying module (7) is arranged downstream of the rinsing module (3) in the dish transport direction.

3. Conveyor dishwasher (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of machine modules further comprises a pre-rinse module (4) for pre-rinsing the dishes, wherein the pre-rinse module (4) is arranged in the dish transport direction between the inlet module (1) and the wash module (2a, 2b).

4. Transport dishwasher (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of machine modules further comprise one or more neutral modules (5a, 5b, 5c) for draining the dishes, wherein the one or more neutral modules (5a, 5b, 5c) are arranged and detachably fastened between the pre-rinse module (4) and the wash module (2a, 2b) or between the wash module (2a, 2b) and the post-rinse module (3) or between the post-rinse module (3) and the drying module (7).

5. Transport dishwasher (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a heat pump module (6) with a heat pump, which is configured as follows: is designed so that air and / or vapors from the washing module (2a, 2b) or the rinsing module (3) and / or air from an ambient area of ​​the transport dishwasher (10) can be supplied to it; wherein the heat pump module (6) is arranged relative to the washing module (2a, 2b) or the rinsing module (3) in a vertical direction perpendicular to the direction of dish transport and is detachably attached to the washing module (2a, 2b) or the rinsing module (3).

6. Conveyor dishwasher (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of machine modules is a plurality of module- including input connections; and wherein the transport dishwasher (10) comprises a connection unit with a connection input connection for connecting to a power supply unit and with a plurality of connection output connections, each for detachable attachment to a module input connection of a machine module for electrically connecting the machine module to the power supply unit.

7. Transport dishwasher (10) according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of module input connections comprise a plurality of module plug-in elements; and wherein the plurality of connection output connections comprise a plurality of connection plug-in elements, each for plugging into a corresponding module plug-in element.

8. Transport dishwasher (10) according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of connecting plug elements comprise a first connecting plug element for plugging onto a first module plug element of a first machine module and a second connecting plug element for plugging onto a second module plug element of a second machine module; and wherein the first connecting plug element and the second connecting plug element are configured differently and / or the first module plug element and the second module plug element are configured differently such that the first connecting plug element cannot be plugged onto the second module plug element and / or the second connecting plug element cannot be plugged onto the first module plug element.

9. Transport dishwasher (10) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the number of connection outlet ports is greater than the number of Machine modules of the transport dishwasher.

10. Conveyor dishwasher (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two machine modules of the plurality of machine modules have identical dimensions in the dish transport direction and / or a height direction perpendicular to the dish transport direction and / or a depth direction perpendicular to the dish transport direction and / or the height direction.

11. Transport dishwasher (io) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two machine modules of the plurality of machine modules have an identically designed housing section and an identical arrangement position of the respective module input connection relative to the respective housing section.

12. Conveyor dishwasher (io) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein one or more first machine modules of the plurality of Each machine module comprises a module output connection, and one or more second machine modules of the plurality of machine modules, each arranged downstream of a corresponding first machine module in the dish transport direction and detachably attached to the corresponding first machine module, each comprise a module input connection for connecting to the module output connection of the corresponding first machine module for electrically connecting the respective second machine module to the corresponding first machine module.

13. Conveyor dishwasher (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two machine modules of the plurality of machine modules comprise an identically designed downward connecting element for connecting to an upward connecting element of a further machine module, such that the further machine module is arranged downstream of the respective machine module of the at least two machine modules in the dish transport direction.

14. Conveyor dishwasher (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two machine modules of the plurality of machine modules comprise an identically designed upward connecting element for connecting to a downward connecting element of a further machine module, such that the respective machine module of the at least two machine modules is arranged downstream of the further machine module in the dish transport direction. 15- Conveyor dishwasher (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one machine module of the plurality of machine modules comprises: an upward connecting element for connecting to a downward connecting element of a first further machine module, such that the at least one machine module is arranged downstream of the first further machine module in the dish transport direction; and a downward connecting element for connecting to an upward connecting element of a second further machine module, such that the second further machine module is arranged downstream of the at least one machine module in the dish transport direction; wherein the upward connecting element of the at least one machine module and the upward connecting element of the second further machine module are identical;and wherein the downward connecting element of the at least one machine module and the downward connecting element of the first further machine module are identical.

16. System comprising a plurality of machine modules for a modular conveyor dishwasher (io), preferably according to one of claims 1 to 14; wherein the plurality of machine modules can be arranged in at least one sequence along a dish transport direction and each pair of machine modules arranged adjacent to one another in the dish transport direction can be detachably fastened to one another; wherein the plurality of machine modules comprises: an infeed module (1) for receiving dishes to be cleaned; a washing module (2a, 2b) for cleaning the dishes in a washing cycle, wherein the washing module is located downstream of the dish transport direction. inlet module is arranged when the majority of machine modules are arranged in at least one sequence; and a rinse module (3) for rinsing the dishes, wherein the rinse module (3) is arranged downstream of the washing module (2a, 2b) in the dish transport direction, if the majority of machine modules are arranged in at least one sequence.

17. Machine module for a transport dishwasher (10), preferably according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the machine module comprises: an upward connecting element for connecting to a downward connecting element of a first further machine module, such that the machine module is arranged downstream of the first further machine module in a dish transport direction; and a downward connecting element for connecting to an upward connecting element of a second further machine module, such that the second further machine module is arranged downstream of the machine module in the dish transport direction; wherein the upward connecting element of the machine module and the upward connecting element of the second further machine module are identical; and wherein the downward connecting element of the machine module and the downward connecting element of the first further machine module are identical.

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