Conveyor dishwashing machine, and method for operating a conveyor dishwashing machine

Abstract

A conveyor dishwashing machine (1) has at least one washing zone (7), and at least one final rinse zone (8) which is connected downstream (as viewed in the transport direction (T) of the wash items) of the at least one washing zone (7). The conveyor dishwashing machine (1) has a transport apparatus for transporting the wash items through the treatment zones (6, 7) of the conveyor dishwashing machine (1) so that the wash items are situated at least in regions in a washing plane (5) which runs horizontally. The washing plane (5) is configured as a main washing plane, and there is at least one additional washing plane (6) in at least one of the treatment zones (7, 8) of the conveyor dishwashing machine (1), in which additional washing plane (6) wash items can be treated.

Claims

1. A conveyor dishwashing machine, comprising: a chamber for receiving wares, the chamber having an inlet end, an outlet end and multiple treatment zones therein including a washing zone configured for spraying washing liquid onto first wash items to be treated, and a final rinse zone which is located downstream, as viewed in an item transport direction, of the washing zone, wherein the final rinse zone is configured for spraying final rinse liquid onto the first wash items to be treated, the conveyor dishwashing machine having a transport apparatus for transporting the first wash items through the treatment zones in the item transport direction such that the first wash items are situated, at least in regions, in a main washing plane, wherein at least one secondary washing plane is provided below at least one of the treatment zones, such that second wash items, which are located in the secondary washing plane, can be treated in the secondary washing plane, wherein the secondary washing plane is located at a height that is below a height of the main washing plane, wherein the first wash items to be treated in the main washing plane are fed into the chamber through an inlet opening in the inlet end and fed out of the chamber through an outlet opening in the outlet end; and wherein the second wash items to be treated in the secondary washing plane are loaded and unloaded through an opening that is separate from the inlet opening and the outlet opening; wherein a treatment region of the secondary washing plane is physically sealed from the main washing plane such that washing liquid and rinsing liquid falling from the main washing plane does not enter the treatment region of the secondary washing plane.

2. The conveyor dishwashing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wash system of the conveyor dishwashing machine is configured such that spraying of washing liquid onto the first wash items in the main washing plane can take place independently of spraying of washing liquid onto the second wash items in the secondary washing plane; and wherein a final rinse system of the conveyor dishwashing machine is configured such that spraying of final rinse liquid onto the first wash items in the main washing plane can take place independently of spraying of final rinse liquid onto the second wash items in the secondary washing plane.

3. The conveyor dishwashing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wash system of the conveyor dishwashing machine is configured such that spraying of washing liquid onto the first wash items in the main washing plane can take place independently of, or at the same time as, spraying of washing liquid onto the second wash items in the secondary washing plane; and wherein a final rinse system of the conveyor dishwashing machine is configured such that spraying of final rinse liquid onto the first wash items in the main washing plane can take place independently of, or at the same time as, spraying of final rinse liquid onto the second wash items in the secondary washing plane.

4. The conveyor dishwashing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the treatment region of the secondary washing plane is configured such that the second wash items to be treated in the secondary washing plane remain stationary during treatment.

5. A conveyor dishwashing machine, comprising: a chamber for receiving wares, the chamber having an inlet end, an outlet end and multiple treatment zones therein including a washing zone configured for spraying washing liquid onto wash items to be treated, and a final rinse zone which is located downstream, as viewed in an item transport direction, of the at least one washing zone, the final rinse zone configured for spraying final rinse liquid onto the wash items to be treated, the conveyor dishwashing machine having a transport apparatus for transporting the wash items through the treatment zones in the item transport direction such that the wash items are situated, at least in regions, in a main washing plane, wherein at least one secondary washing plane is provided, the secondary washing plane including a treatment region that is configured such that further wash items located in the secondary washing plane can be sprayed with washing liquid and can be sprayed with final rinse liquid, wherein the secondary washing plane is located at a height that is above or below a height of the main washing plane; wherein the treatment region of the secondary washing plane is physically sealed relative the main washing plane such that washing liquid and rinsing liquid from the main washing plane does not enter the treatment region of the secondary washing plane.

6. The conveyor dishwashing machine of claim 5, wherein the conveyor dishwashing machine is configured such that spraying of washing liquid onto the wash items in the main washing plane can take place independently of spraying of washing liquid onto the further wash items in the secondary washing plane; and wherein the conveyor dishwashing machine is configured such that spraying of final rinse liquid onto the wash items in the main washing plane can take place independently of spraying of final rinse liquid onto the further wash items in the secondary washing plane.

7. The conveyor dishwashing machine of claim 6, wherein the conveyor dishwashing machine includes a wash system with a first circulating pump that feeds washing liquid to first wash nozzles for spraying the wash items in the main washing plane and a second circulating pump that feeds washing liquid to second wash nozzles for spraying the further wash items in the secondary treatment plane; and wherein the conveyor dishwashing machine includes a final rinse system with a first rinse pump that feeds final rinse liquid to first rinse nozzles for spraying the wash items in the main washing plane and a second rinse pump that feeds final rinse liquid to second rinse nozzles for spraying the further wash items in the secondary treatment plane.

8. The conveyor dishwashing machine of claim 6, wherein the conveyor dishwashing machine includes a wash system with a circulating pump that feeds washing liquid to both first wash nozzles for spraying the wash items in the main washing plane and second wash nozzles for spraying the further wash items in the secondary treatment plane, and at least one valve for controlling whether washing liquid is delivered by the circulating pump to the second wash nozzles; and wherein the conveyor dishwashing machine includes a final rinse system with a rinse pump that feeds final rinse liquid to both first rinse nozzles for spraying the wash items in the main washing plane and second rinse nozzles for spraying the further wash items in the secondary treatment plane, and at least one valve for controlling whether washing liquid is delivered by the rinse pump to the second rinse nozzles.

9. The conveyor dishwashing machine as claimed in claim 5, wherein the conveyor dishwashing machine is configured such that spraying of washing liquid onto the wash items in the main washing plane can take place independently of, or at the same time as, spraying of washing liquid onto the further wash items in the secondary washing plane; and wherein the conveyor dishwashing machine is configured such that spraying of final rinse liquid onto the wash items in the main washing plane can take place independently of, or at the same time as, spraying of final rinse liquid onto the further wash items in the secondary washing plane.

10. The conveyor dishwashing machine of claim 9, wherein the conveyor dishwashing machine includes a wash system with a first circulating pump that feeds washing liquid to first wash nozzles for spraying the wash items in the main washing plane and a second circulating pump that feeds washing liquid to second wash nozzles for spraying the further wash items in the secondary treatment plane; and wherein the conveyor dishwashing machine includes a final rinse system with a first rinse pump that feeds final rinse liquid to first rinse nozzles for spraying the wash items in the main washing plane and a second rinse pump that feeds final rinse liquid to second rinse nozzles for spraying the further wash items in the secondary treatment plane.

11. The conveyor dishwashing machine of claim 9, wherein the conveyor dishwashing machine includes a wash system with a circulating pump that feeds washing liquid to both first wash nozzles for spraying the wash items in the main washing plane and second wash nozzles for spraying the further wash items in the secondary treatment plane, and at least one valve for controlling whether washing liquid is delivered by the circulating pump to the second wash nozzles; and wherein the conveyor dishwashing machine includes a final rinse system with a rinse pump that feeds final rinse liquid to both first rinse nozzles for spraying the wash items in the main washing plane and second rinse nozzles for spraying the further wash items in the secondary treatment plane, and at least one valve for controlling whether washing liquid is delivered by the rinse pump to the second rinse nozzles.

12. The conveyor dishwashing machine as claimed in claim 5, wherein the treatment region of the secondary washing plane is configured such that the further wash items to be treated in the secondary washing plane remain stationary during treatment.

13. The conveyor dishwashing machine as claimed in claim 5, wherein the treatment region of the secondary washing plane is physically separated from treatment regions of the main washing plane.

14. A conveyor dishwashing machine, comprising: a washing zone configured with main wash nozzles for spraying washing liquid onto wash items to be treated in the conveyor dishwashing machine, and a final rinse zone which is located downstream, as viewed in a transport direction of the wash items through the dishwashing machine, of the washing zone, wherein the final rinse zone is configured with main final rinse nozzles for spraying final rinse liquid onto the wash items to be treated in the conveyor dishwashing machine; wherein the conveyor dishwashing machine includes a transport apparatus for transporting the wash items through the washing zone and the final rinse zone in such a way that the wash items are situated, at least in regions, in a main washing plane which runs horizontally, wherein an additional washing plane is provided above or below the main washing plane, the additional washing plane including at least one treatment region that is configured (i) with additional wash nozzles, which are separate from the main wash nozzles, for spraying washing liquid onto additional wash items in the additional washing plane and (ii) with additional final rinse nozzles, which are separate from the main final rinse nozzles, for spraying final rinse liquid onto the additional wash items in the additional washing plane.

15. The conveyor dishwashing machine of claim 14, wherein the additional wash nozzles include wash nozzles above the treatment region of the additional washing plane and wash nozzles below the treatment region of the additional washing plane, wherein the additional final rinse nozzles include final rinse nozzles above the treatment region of the additional washing plane and final rinse nozzles below the treatment region of the additional washing plane.

16. The conveyor dishwashing machine of claim 14, wherein the treatment region of the additional washing plane is physically sealed relative the main washing plane such that washing liquid and rinsing liquid from the main washing plane does not enter the treatment region of the additional washing plane.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the following text, the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments which are shown in the drawings.

(2) In the drawings:

(3) FIG. 1A diagrammatically shows a first exemplary embodiment of the conveyor dishwashing machine according to the invention,

(4) FIG. 1B diagrammatically shows a second exemplary embodiment of the conveyor dishwashing machine according to the invention,

(5) FIG. 2 diagrammatically shows a hydraulic diagram of a third exemplary embodiment of the conveyor dishwashing machine according to the invention,

(6) FIG. 3 diagrammatically shows a hydraulic diagram of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the conveyor dishwashing machine according to the invention,

(7) FIG. 4 diagrammatically shows a hydraulic diagram of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the conveyor dishwashing machine according to the invention, and

(8) FIG. 5 diagrammatically shows a hydraulic diagram of a sixth exemplary embodiment of the conveyor dishwashing machine according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(9) FIG. 1A diagrammatically shows a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of the dishwashing machine 1 according to the invention. As shown, it is advantageous from an ergonomic aspect if the conveyor dishwashing machine 1 (in particular, if it is configured as a basket conveyor dishwashing machine) is equipped in each case with a table (feed table 3, outlet table 4) on its feed and outlet side. The wash baskets which are loaded with dirty wash items can therefore be pushed into the dishwashing machine 1 on the feed table 3. After the treatment of the wash items in the at least one treatment zone of the dishwashing machine 1, the wash basket with the wash items which are then cleaned is moved out of the machine onto the outlet table 4.

(10) The exposure time, that is to say the time during which cleaning or washing liquid wets the wash items within the at least one treatment zone of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1, is dependent, in particular, on the transport speed, at which the wash items are transported through the treatment zone, and the length of the treatment zone. For normally soiled wash items, such as plates, bowls, cups and/or glasses, it is a rule sufficient if the wash items to be treated are treated for from 50 to 100 seconds in the at least one washing zone of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1. A longer treatment of the wash items can be necessary, however, in particular if said wash items have a greater degree of soiling, or if dirt is burned into the wash items. Extension of the overall treatment time in the washing zone to up to 400 seconds is then frequently required. This is achieved as a rule by way of a corresponding reduction of the transport speed, at which the wash items are transported through the washing zone. The wash items to be cleaned are subjected to an intensive treatment by way of the extended exposure time, with the result that even wash items which are soiled to a relatively great extent can be cleaned effectively.

(11) In order to ensure that, despite an intensive treatment, the cleaning capacity of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1, that is to say the wash item units/wash item baskets which can be processed theoretically by the conveyor dishwashing machine 1 per unit time, is not influenced negatively, it is provided in accordance with the invention that the conveyor dishwashing machine 1 has at least two washing planes (main washing plane 5 and at least one further additional washing plane 6), it being possible for wash items to be treated simultaneously in said at least two washing planes 5, 6.

(12) In particular, it is provided in accordance with advantageous realizations of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1 according to the invention that said conveyor dishwashing machine 1 is configured in such a way that wash items can be treated in the main washing plane 5 and in the at least one additional washing plane 6 at the same time and in parallel, but with different treatment parameters. Said treatment parameters are, for example, an exposure time, a mechanical washing and/or rinsing action, a temperature and/or a chemical composition of a washing/rinsing liquid.

(13) In accordance with the exemplary embodiment (shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1A) of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1 according to the invention, it is provided that the main washing plane 5 lies in a horizontal plane, in which the table planes of the feed and outlet tables 3, 4 which are assigned to the conveyor dishwashing machine 1 also lie. Here, the additional washing plane 6 is arranged below the main washing plane 5, that is to say below the washing plane at table level.

(14) It can be achieved in this way that the overall height of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1 remains unchanged, despite the additional washing plane.

(15) As an alternative to the embodiment which is shown in FIG. 1A, it is also conceivable in accordance with the diagrammatic drawing in FIG. 1B, however, to arrange the second washing plane (that is to say, the additional washing plane 6) above the main washing plane 5.

(16) In the following text, different embodiments of the exemplary conveyor dishwashing machine 1 will be described with reference to the hydraulic diagrams in accordance with FIGS. 2 to 5.

(17) A common feature of said embodiments is that, as indicated in FIG. 1A, the at least one additional washing plane 6 is below the main washing plane 5 which lies at the table level of the feed and outlet tables 3, 4 which are assigned to the conveyor dishwashing machine 1. It goes without saying that this is not to be understood as a restriction. Rather, it is also conceivable to apply the aspects which are described in the following text with reference to the illustrations in FIGS. 2 to 5 to a conveyor dishwashing machine 1 in accordance with the illustration in FIG. 1B.

(18) The exemplary embodiments of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1 according to the invention in accordance with the hydraulic diagrams in FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 in each case have a transport apparatus (not shown) for transporting wash items (likewise not shown) in a transport direction T through the conveyor dishwashing machine 1. The conveyor dishwashing machine 1 has at least one washing zone 7, for example precisely one washing zone 7 as indicated in FIGS. 2 to 5.

(19) However, it is also conceivable for the conveyor dishwashing machine 1 to have additional washing zones, in particular at least one prewashing zone and a main washing zone.

(20) In accordance with the embodiments which are shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, a final rinse zone 8 is arranged downstream of the washing zone 7 as viewed in the transport direction T. It is also conceivable here that further cleaning zones are provided between the washing zone 7 and the final rinse zone 8, for example a postwashing zone or pump final rinse zone (prerinsing zone).

(21) In the case of the conveyor dishwashing machines 1 which are considered herein, the final rinse zone 8 can also be adjoined by a drying zone as viewed in the transport direction T of the wash items, although this is not absolutely necessary.

(22) It is fundamentally appropriate, however, to separate the respective zones of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1 (here, the washing zone 7 and fresh water final rinse zone 8) from one another via corresponding dividing curtains. In addition or as an alternative, it is also advantageous if the entry tunnel of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1 itself is separated from the inlet of the machine via a dividing curtain.

(23) The provision of dividing curtains of this type prevents overspraying of washing liquid and final rinse liquid and the discharge of vapors from the conveyor dishwashing machine 1.

(24) Said treatment zones of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1 are assigned spray nozzles. Said spray nozzles serve to spray liquid onto the wash items when they are transported by the transport apparatus through the respective treatment zones. The individual spray systems of the treatment zone ensure that the wash items to be treated are sprayed both from the upper side and from the lower side.

(25) Although not shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, it is advantageous in this context if the fresh water final rinse zone 8 has not only downwardly directed upper spray nozzles and upwardly directed lower spray nozzles, but rather also transversely directed lateral spray nozzles on each side of the transport apparatus. The use of lateral spray nozzles of this type makes targeted spraying of the wash item surfaces (crockery surfaces) with final rinse liquid possible, even in obscured zones. This provides a clear advantage with regard to the final rinse result (effective rinsing of cleaning agent residues on wash item surfaces, even in obscured zones) in comparison with systems, in the case of which only upper and lower spray nozzles and no transversely directed lateral spray nozzles are provided in the final rinse zone 8.

(26) As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, it is provided in the case of the exemplary embodiments of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1 according to the invention that the washing zone 7 (here, the single washing zone 7) is assigned a tank (washing tank 9) which serves to receive sprayed liquid and/or to provide liquid for the washing nozzles of the washing zone 7.

(27) In the case of the conveyor dishwashing machines 1 which are shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 2 to 5, final rinse liquid which is composed of fresh water with final rinse agent which is metered in is sprayed onto the wash items (not shown in the drawings) via the spray nozzles of the final rinse zone 8 which are arranged laterally, and above and below the transport apparatus. At least part of the sprayed liquid runs counter to the transport direction T of the wash items from the final rinse zone 8 to the (here, single) washing zone 7.

(28) If a plurality of washing zones are provided, it is appropriate to provide a cascade system, via which part of the final rinse liquid which is sprayed in the final rinse zone 8 is transported from treatment zone to treatment zone counter to the transport direction T of the wash items.

(29) The liquid which is received by the washing tank 9 of the washing zone 7 is usually provided with a cleaning agent and is sprayed onto the wash items via the spray nozzles of the main washing zone 5 with the aid of a washing pump. The washing liquid which is sprayed by way of the washing nozzles flows back into the washing tank 9 as a result of gravity.

(30) As has already been indicated, the liquid which is sprayed in the washing zone 7 preferably contains cleaning agent which is metered, for example, into the liquid which is received in the washing tank 9 of the washing zone 7, with the aid of a cleaning agent metering apparatus (not shown in the drawings).

(31) The washing tank 9 is provided with an overflow line which serves to discharge the excess quantity of liquid if a liquid level is exceeded in the washing tank 9. In this context, it is conceivable to use the excess quantity of liquid for manual preliminary clearing on the inlet side of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1 and/or to feed said excess quantity of liquid to a heat generation device, in order to recover thermal energy of the waste water.

(32) Furthermore, the washing tank 9 is provided with an outflow line which opens at a lower end region of the washing tank 9 and can be closed via a valve.

(33) If the washing tank 9 is empty or is filled only insufficiently before a first start of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1, said washing tank 9 has to first of all be filled via either a fresh water line and/or by way of final rinse liquid being sprayed in the final rinse zone 8.

(34) It is fundamentally conceivable that, as viewed in the transport direction T of the wash items, the final rinse zone 8 is adjoined by a drying zone, in which the wash items are dried by way of dry and heated air, in order to blow off or dry off the moisture which is situated on the wash items. In the case of the exemplary embodiments in accordance with FIGS. 2 to 5, however, a drying zone of this type is not provided; rather, the finally rinsed wash items dry on the outlet table 4 outside the conveyor dishwashing machine 1.

(35) As has already been indicated, the exemplary embodiments in accordance with FIGS. 2 to 5 are distinguished by the fact that at least the washing zone 7 has two washing planes 5, 6 in the case of said conveyor dishwashing machines 1. The two washing planes 5, 6 are configured in such a way that wash items can be treated in them at the same time and in parallel, to be precise optionally also with different treatment parameters, such as for instance with a different exposure time, a different mechanical washing action, temperature and different chemical composition of the washing liquid.

(36) In this way, it is possible that the wash items are subjected to an intensive treatment in one of the washing planes 5, 6, whereas a standard treatment of the wash items takes place in the other washing plane 6, 5, with the result that the cleaning capacity of the dishwashing machine 1 can be increased considerably in every case.

(37) Although the exemplary embodiments of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1 according to the invention which are shown in the drawings are configured in each case with precisely two washing planes 5, 6, this is not to be considered restrictive. Rather, it goes without saying that it is also conceivable that the washing zone 7 and/or the final rinse zone 8 of the dishwashing machine 1 according to the invention are/is divided into more than two washing planes.

(38) In the case of the conveyor dishwashing machines 1 which are shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 2 to 5, a further washing plane 6 is provided in addition to the usually provided main washing plane 5, which further washing plane 6 is arranged below the main washing plane 5 here.

(39) The upper main washing plane 5 is configured such that a wash basket can be pushed/pulled from a feed table 3 (not shown in FIGS. 3 to 5) directly into the washing zone 7 of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1 with the aid of a transport apparatus or manually. In other words, the main washing plane 5 is oriented in the horizontal direction at the table level of the feed table 3.

(40) Furthermore, an outlet table 4 is provided in a preferable way, the table level of the outlet table 4 likewise being aligned horizontally with the main washing plane 5, with the result that, after the treatment in the treatment zones of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1, the wash basket can be transported directly onto the outlet table 4.

(41) As has already been indicated, a further washing plane (additional washing plane 6) is provided below the main washing plane 5. Said additional washing plane is designed to receive at least one wash basket, the wash items which are to be treated in the additional washing plane 6 being received in the wash basket.

(42) The conveyor dishwashing machine 1 with the at least two washing planes is preferably configured such that wash items can be fed to both the main washing plane 5 and the at least one additional washing plane 6 via a common opening, and/or wash items can be removed from the main washing plane 5 and the at least one additional washing plane 6 via a common opening. In this context, it is appropriate if the common opening is oriented with regard to the main washing plane 5, it being possible for the wash items or the wash basket to be transferred as required from the main washing plane 5 into the additional washing plane 6 with the aid of a loading/unloading device.

(43) As an alternative to this, however, it is also conceivable if the main washing plane 5 is assigned an opening, via which wash items can be fed to and/or removed from the main washing plane 5, and the at least one additional washing plane 6 being assigned an opening which is separate from the opening of the main washing plane 5, with the result that the main washing plane 5 and the at least one additional washing plane 6 can be loaded and/or unloaded independently of one another. In this case, a corresponding loading and/or unloading apparatus for transferring wash items or wash baskets from the main washing plane 5 to the at least one additional washing plane 6 might possibly be dispensed with.

(44) In the case of the embodiments which are shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, it is provided that the additional washing plane 6 is provided only in the region of the washing zone 7. It goes without saying, however, that this is not to be considered restrictive.

(45) In other words, in the region of the final rinse zone 8 (fresh water final rinse zone 8), the wash items to be treated or the wash item baskets to be treated are fundamentally treated in one and the same washing plane which coincides with the main washing plane 5. Therefore, in the case of the embodiments which are shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, only a single final rinse system is also provided, consisting of the spray nozzles, a fresh water heater, for example in the shape of a boiler, and possibly a final rinse pump.

(46) In contrast, in the case of the embodiments which are shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, it is provided to provide a different washing plane and, in particular, washing planes arranged above and/or below in the region of the washing zone 7. Here, as indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, it is conceivable that the two washing planes (main washing plane 5 and additional washing plane 6) are assigned a common washing system, to be precise, insofar as a common washing pump is provided for supplying the washing nozzles of the main washing zone 7 and the additional washing zone 7. Here, the suction side of the common washing pump opens into the common washing tank 9, whereas, on the pressure side of the (common) washing pump, the washing liquid line systems are connected to the corresponding washing arms which have the corresponding nozzles which spray the washing liquid into the main washing plane 5 and additional washing plane 6.

(47) In this context, it is conceivable if a common washing arm is provided between the main washing plane 5 and the additional washing plane 6, which common washing arm has nozzles (washing nozzles) which are oriented both upward in the direction of the main washing plane and downward in the direction of the additional washing plane 6.

(48) In the case of said exemplary embodiments, it is conceivable, in particular, to provide a higher number of washing nozzles which spray washing liquid into the additional washing plane 6, in comparison with a number of washing nozzles which spray washing liquid in the direction of the main washing plane 5.

(49) It is also conceivable to equip the upper washing arm of the main washing plane 5 with a higher number or a lower number of washing nozzles in comparison with the washing nozzles of the lower washing arm which has the washing nozzles which spray washing liquid into the additional washing plane 6.

(50) As an alternative to this, it is fundamentally also conceivable, however, to assign each washing plane a dedicated washing system with a dedicated washing pump which can be actuated independently of one another and dedicated washing arms, in order for it to be possible for the treatment parameters to be changed individually in the washing planes.

(51) In contrast, FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1, in which the additional washing plane 6 below the main washing plane 5 has the functional principle of a programmable machine.

(52) In commercial dishwashing, the term “programmable machine” is to be understood to mean a dishwashing machine 1, in the case of which the wash items to be treated (for example, placed in at least one wash basket) remain in a stationary manner during the entire treatment, that is to say, in particular, during the washing phase and final rinse phase.

(53) In other words, in the case of the embodiment which is shown in FIG. 4, the wash items which are to be treated in the additional washing plane 6 or the wash baskets which are to be treated in the additional washing plane 6 are not transported through the washing zone 7 and final rinse zone 8 by the transport apparatus of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1; rather, the wash basket which is inserted into the additional washing plane 6 or the corresponding wash items is/are cleaned and rinsed completely in a stationary manner in said additional washing plane 6.

(54) It is conceivable here if the additional washing plane 6 can be loaded and/or unloaded with the wash items to be treated via a separate opening.

(55) Here, the additional washing plane 6 should preferably be of hermetically sealed configuration with respect to the main washing plane 5 which is provided above the additional washing plane 6, in order to prevent it being possible for the washing liquid which is sprayed in the main washing plane 5 to pass into the region of the additional washing plane 6 and, in particular, into the region of the wash items which are received there.

(56) The additional washing plane 6 and the main washing plane 5 of the embodiment which is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4 share a common washing pump if the washing phase is carried out in the additional washing plane 6. For this purpose, two washing liquid line systems are connected on the pressure side of the common washing pump, namely a first washing liquid line system which leads to the washing nozzles which are assigned to the main washing plane 5, and a second washing liquid line system which leads to washing arms or washing nozzles which are assigned to the additional washing plane 6. The second washing liquid line system can optionally be connected or disconnected in flow terms to the pressure side of the common washing pump via a valve (not shown in FIG. 4) or a device of the like.

(57) In addition, the additional washing plane 6 is assigned a final rinse system which is configured separately from the final rinse zone 8. Said final rinse system has final rinse nozzles and a final rinse line system, via which final rinse liquid can be fed to the final rinse nozzles of the additional washing plane 6 as required, that is to say during a final rinse phase in the additional washing plane 6. In this context, it is conceivable if the final rinse liquid system which is assigned to the additional washing plane 6 is connected or can be connected as required in flow terms to the final rinse system which is assigned to the final rinse zone 8 of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1. In this context, it would be conceivable, in particular, if the final rinse liquid line system which is assigned to the additional washing plane 6 can be connected in flow terms to the final rinse liquid line system of the washing zone 7 of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1 via a corresponding valve device (not shown in FIG. 4).

(58) FIG. 5 shows one development of the embodiment which is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4. The additional washing plane 6 also operates here in accordance with the functional principle of a programmable machine, that is to say wash items which are received in the additional washing plane 6 remain in a stationary manner during their treatment.

(59) In the case of the embodiment which is shown in FIG. 5, in contrast to the embodiment which is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4, the additional washing plane 6 is assigned a separate washing system, that is to say a dedicated washing pump, the pressure side of which is connected exclusively only to the washing nozzles of the additional washing plane 6, whereas the other washing pump serves exclusively to feed washing liquid to the spray nozzles which are assigned to the main washing plane 5.

(60) In the case of the embodiment which is shown in FIG. 5, it is also provided to assign a separate final rinse system to the additional washing plane 6. Said separate final rinse liquid system has a separate final rinse pump or a separate water heater (boiler), with the result that the wash items which are received in the additional washing plane 6 can be finally rinsed there independently of the final rinse operation in the final rinse zone 8 of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1.

(61) It goes without saying that combinations of the abovementioned embodiments are also conceivable, in particular a washing and final rinse pump with a common middle washing arm and/or a common washing pump with separate washing arms and/or separate washing pumps and separate washing arms.

(62) The liquid which is sprayed in the final rinse zone 8 of the conveyor dishwashing machine 1 and the final rinse liquid which is sprayed during the final rinse phase in the additional washing plane 6 can be fresh water or fresh water which is mixed with final rinse agent. In contrast, the washing liquid contains cleaning agent which is preferably metered automatically into the liquid which is contained in the washing tank 9 by a cleaning agent metering apparatus.

(63) A control device controls the washing pumps and final rinse pump/pumps and the cleaning agent solution pump in a manner which is dependent on cleaning programs which are selected in each case on the control device by an operator. At least one cleaning program is provided, and a plurality of optionally selectable cleaning programs are preferably provided.

(64) It can be seen from the hydraulic diagrams which are shown in the drawings that the at least one final rinse pump is connected by way of its suction side to an outlet of a boiler. Furthermore, the boiler has an inlet which is connected to a fresh water feed line, via which either fresh water or fresh water with final rinse agent metered into it is fed to the boiler. In the boiler, the liquid which is fed in via the inlet (pure fresh water or fresh water with final rinse agent metered into it) is heated according to the specification of a process sequence. Via the final rinse pump which is connected by way of its suction side to the boiler outlet, the final rinse liquid which is heated in the boiler can be fed to the corresponding final rinse nozzles, for example, during a fresh water final rinse phase of the additional washing plane 6 or continuously in the final rinse zone 8. It goes without saying that it is also conceivable that pure fresh water is fed to the boiler via the inlet via the fresh water feed line, into which pure fresh water a final rinse agent is metered after heating in the boiler.

(65) In summary, it can be seen accordingly that the solution according to the invention provides at least one additional washing plane, to be precise, in particular, for wash items, for example, such as cutlery or GN containers, which wash items are as a rule relatively heavily soiled and therefore require a longer or special treatment. In this way, the washing performance can be improved by way of extension, for example, of the program duration of the additional washing zone 7, to be precise as is necessary for the wash item type which is to be treated in the washing zone 7, in order to ensure a perfect washing result. In addition to this, the capacity of the main washing plane 5 is not influenced negatively and is not reduced, despite the use, for example, of an intensive program in the additional washing plane 6.

(66) The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments which are shown by way of example in the drawings, but rather results from a synopsis of all features and aspects which are disclosed herein.