CLEANING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CLEANING ARTICLES TO BE CLEANED

Abstract

The invention proposes a cleaning device (110) for cleaning washware (130). The cleaning device (110) comprises at least one cleaning chamber (114) with at least one application device (148) for applying at least one cleaning liquid (150) to the washware (130) in the cleaning chamber (114). The cleaning device (110) furthermore comprises at least one transportation device (136) for transporting the washware (130) through the cleaning chamber (114) in a transportation direction (138). The cleaning device (110) furthermore has at least one outlet region (142), which is arranged downstream of the cleaning chamber (114) in the transportation direction (138), for removing the washware (130) from the transportation device (136). The cleaning device (110) furthermore has at least one sensor (168) for identifying at least one prespecified type of washware (130). The cleaning device (110) furthermore has at least one slide (170) and is designed to automatically push the washware (130) of the prespecified type from the transportation device (136) transversely to the transportation direction (138).

Claims

1. A cleaning device for cleaning washware, comprising at least one cleaning chamber with at least one application device for applying at least one cleaning liquid to the washware in the cleaning chamber, furthermore comprising at least one transportation device for transporting the washware through the cleaning chamber in a transportation direction, wherein the cleaning device has at least one outlet region, which is arranged downstream of the cleaning chamber in the transportation direction, for removing the washware from the transportation device, wherein the cleaning device furthermore has at least one sensor for identifying at least one prespecified type of washware, wherein the cleaning device furthermore has at least one slide and is designed to automatically push the washware of the prespecified type from the transportation device transversely to the transportation direction.

2. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, furthermore comprising at least one receiving device which is arranged next to the transportation device transversely to the transportation direction, wherein the cleaning device is designed to push the washware of the prespecified type onto the receiving device by means of the slide.

3. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the washware of the prespecified type can be stacked in the receiving device.

4. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cleaning device furthermore has at least one guide, wherein the guide is designed to feed the washware of the prespecified type to the receiving device with a prespecified orientation.

5. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the guide is designed to turn the washware of the prespecified type from a first orientation on the transportation device to a second orientation in the receiving device.

6. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transportation device has at least one device selected from the group consisting of: a conveyor belt; a transportation chain; a roller transportation device; a pawl drive.

7. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the washware of the prespecified type comprises trays.

8. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the transportation device is designed to receive the trays with a non-parallel orientation in relation to a plane of the transportation device.

9. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the transportation device has at least one of a conveyor belt and a link chain, wherein the transportation device has a plurality of receiving fingers, wherein the trays can be inserted into the receiving fingers at an angle of from 60° to 120° in relation to a plane of at least one of the conveyor belt and the link chain, wherein the trays can be inserted into the receiving fingers transversely to the transportation direction.

10. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cleaning device has at least one tray stacker, wherein the cleaning device has at least one first guide rail and at least one second guide rail, wherein the first and the second guide rail are designed to hold a tray upright for a first section as it is pushed out from the transportation device and then to tip it, so that the tray tips onto a stack of trays.

11. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, furthermore comprising at least one controller, wherein the controller is designed to identify the prespecified type of washware on the basis of data from the sensor and to actuate the slide in a corresponding manner.

12. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of: a camera; a light barrier; a button; a switch; an electromechanical switch; a mechanical-pneumatic switch; a tilting lever.

13. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, furthermore comprising at least one transfer device which is arranged at one end of the outlet region, wherein the transfer device is designed to automatically remove washware other than the washware of the prespecified type from the transportation device.

14. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cleaning device comprises at least one dishwasher.

15. A method for cleaning washware, comprising the following method steps: I. providing a cleaning device as claimed in claim 1; II. receiving the washware on the transportation device; III. transporting the washware through the cleaning chamber in the transportation direction; IV. applying at least one cleaning liquid to the washware in the cleaning chamber by means of the application device; V. identifying at least one prespecified type of washware using the at least one sensor; and VI. pushing the washware of the prespecified type out of the transportation device transversely to the transportation direction by means of the slide.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0080] Further details and features of the invention can be found in the following description of exemplary embodiments, in particular in conjunction with the dependent claims. In this case, the respective features can be implemented on their own or severally in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are schematically illustrated in the figures. The same reference numerals in the individual figures denote elements which are the same or have the same function or correspond to one another in terms of their functions.

[0081] Specifically:

[0082] FIG. 1 shows a sectional illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device; and

[0083] FIG. 2 shows a perspective partial illustration of an outlet region of the cleaning device according to FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0084] FIG. 1 shows a sectional illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 110 from the side. In this exemplary embodiment, the cleaning device 110 is a pass-through dishwasher 112. Reference can be made, for example, to DE 10 2004 046 758 A1, DE 10 2007 053 381 B3 or DE 10 2009 035 668 A1 for possible refinements of pass-through dishwashers of this kind which can be modified and/or added to according to the invention. However, other refinements are also possible in principle.

[0085] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the cleaning device 110 has by way of example a cleaning chamber 114 in the form of a cleaning tunnel 116. In particular, the cleaning tunnel 116 can be subdivided into a plurality of zones 120, also called cleaning zones, by separating curtains 118, wherein a pre-clearing zone 122, a dishwashing zone 124, a final rinse zone 126 and a drying zone 128 are provided by way of example in the illustrated exemplary embodiment. The final rinse zone 126 can for example once again be subdivided into a pump final rinse zone and a fresh water final rinse zone. A different configuration of the zones 120 is also possible.

[0086] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, washware 130, for example in the form of crockery 132 and trays 134, is conveyed through the cleaning tunnel 116 in a transportation direction 138 by means of at least one transportation device 136. For this purpose, the cleaning device 110 can be configured for example as a flight-type dishwasher or as a rack conveyor dishwasher. For example, at least one inlet region 140 at which the washware 130 is placed onto the transportation device 136 and at least one outlet region 142 at which the cleaned washware 130 can be removed can be provided. Accordingly, the transportation device 136 can comprise for example at least one belt and/or at least one link chain. Other refinements are also possible. The transportation device 136 can comprise for example at least one drive 144 which can be actuated by a controller 146 for example.

[0087] At least one cleaning liquid 150 can be applied to the washware 130 by means of at least one application device 148 in the zones 122, 124 and 126. To this end, a pre-clearing zone nozzle system 152 can be provided in the pre-clearing zone 122 for example, which pre-clearing zone nozzle system can be fed with cleaning liquid 150 from a pre-clearing tank 154 for example via a pump, not illustrated in FIG. 1, and a line system, not illustrated. A dishwashing zone nozzle system 156 can be provided in the dishwashing zone 124 for example, which dishwashing zone nozzle system can be fed with cleaning liquid 150 from a dishwashing tank 158 for example via a pump, likewise not illustrated, and a line system, likewise not illustrated. At least one rinse nozzle system 160 can be provided in the final rinse zone 126, which can be configured in a unipartite or else multipartite manner, for example, which rinse nozzle system can be fed with heated fresh water and/or with rinse fluid from a rinse tank 162.

[0088] After passing through the zones 122, 124 and 126, the washware 130 can then enter the drying zone 128 in which hot air can be applied to the washware 130 for example by means of a fan 164 in order to accelerate the drying of the washware 130.

[0089] The outlet region 142 is arranged downstream of the cleaning chamber 114 in the transportation direction 138, so that the cleaned washware 130 can be removed from the transportation device 136 in the outlet region 142. For example, the cleaned washware 130 can be separated according to type and can be fed manually or automatically to one or more storing devices 166.

[0090] In order to at least partially assist and preferably to at least partially automate the removal of the washware 130 and the sorting of said washware, the cleaning device 110 has at least one sensor 168 for identifying at least one prespecified type of washware 130. For example, this at least one prespecified type of washware 130 can comprise trays 134, so that trays 134 can be looked for in a targeted manner in the washware which reaches the outlet 142. For example, trays 134, as are symbolically shown in FIG. 1, can be transported upright through the cleaning chamber 114. However, a different refinement is also possible in principle. The sensor 168 can comprise a camera for example. Furthermore, an image identification system can also be present for example. The sensor 168 can be coupled to the controller 146 and/or can also be wholly or partially integrated into the controller 146, or the controller 146 can be wholly or partially integrated into the sensor 168. Different refinements are possible.

[0091] Furthermore, the cleaning device 110 whitewashes at least one slide 170 which is merely symbolically indicated in FIG. 1 and the functioning of which is explained further below with reference to FIG. 2. The slide 170 is movable for example in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in FIG. 1 and is designed to automatically push the washware 130 of the prespecified type from the transportation device 136 transversely to the transportation direction 138.

[0092] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective partial illustration of one example of the functioning of the slide 170 and also possible refinements of removal of the washware 130 from the outlet region 142. Said figure shows the outlet region 142 of the cleaning device 110, which outlet region is arranged downstream of the cleaning chamber 114 in the transportation direction. It can be seen in said figure that the transportation device 136 can have for example a plurality of fingers 172, also called transportation fingers, into which the washware 130 can be inserted. For example, plates can be transported upright, and trays 134 can also be transported for example upright through the cleaning chamber 114.

[0093] In this exemplary embodiment, reference is made by way of example to a refinement in which the sensor 168 is designed to automatically identify trays 134 as the specific type of washware 130. If, for example, the sensor 168 identifies a tray 134, the slide 170 can be automatically operated, for example by the controller 146. For example, the slide 170 can have a head 174, a push rod 176 and a drive 178 for linearly propelling the push rod 176 and therefore the head 174, which is connected to the push rod 176, in a pushing direction 180 transversely to the transportation direction 138. For example, the slide 170 can be arranged at a height at which only trays 134 are pushed out, whereas lower-height washware 130, such as crockery 132 for example, is not pushed out at the same time.

[0094] The cleaning device 110 can furthermore have at least one receiving device 182 for receiving the prespecified type of washware 130. As illustrated in FIG. 2, this receiving device 182 can be arranged for example next to the transportation device 136 in the outlet region 142. In particular, the receiving device 142 can contain, as shown in FIG. 2, a tray stacker 184, in particular a tray stacking trolley 186. In particular, the tray stacker 184 can have, as shown in FIG. 2, at least one spring-mounted support area 188 on which the washware 130 of the prespecified type can be stacked. Owing to the spring mounting of the support area 188, the same height for transferring the washware onto the tray stacker can always be provided, irrespective of the number of trays stacked.

[0095] The receiving device 182 can optionally be configured in such a way that the orientation of the washware 130 is changed by the slide 170 as the prespecified type of washware 130 is pushed out from the transportation device 136. For example, the receiving device 182 can have at least one first guide rail 190 and at least one second guide rail 192 between which the washware 130 of the prespecified type can be guided. For example, the first guide rail 190 can support a rear side of the tray 134, and the second guide rail 192 can support a front bottom edge of the tray 134. For example, the second guide rail 192 can be configured, as shown in FIG. 2, as a bracket. The first guide rail 190 can have for example a bent portion 194 at which the rear-side supporting of the tray 134 by the first guide rail 190 changes as the tray 134 is pushed onto the receiving device 182 in the pushing direction 180, so that the tray 134 can tip and can tip either directly onto the support area 188 or onto a stack of trays already located on the support area 188. This tipping process can optionally be assisted by way of for example the second guide rail 192 being configured in a movable manner For example, the second guide rail 192 can have a hinge 196 along which the second guide rail 192 can be pivoted in a tipping direction 198 in order to assist tipping of the tray 134. In general, the first guide rail 190 and the second guide rail 192 can be designed to hold a tray 134 upright for a first section 200 as it is pushed out from the transportation device 136 and then to tip said tray, so that the tray 134 tips onto a stack of trays. The first section 200 can extend for example from an outermost end of the first guide rail 190 to the bent portion 194. Instead of trays 134, other types of washware 130 can also be prespecified and pushed out in a similar manner to the trays 134 illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0096] The prespecified type of washware 130 which is to be pushed from the transportation device 136 by the slide 170 can be stored for example in the controller 146. For example, the type of washware can be prespecified by a user and can also be variable. As an alternative, the type of washware can also be permanently prespecified, for example by way of only trays 134 being pushed from the transportation device 136 by the slide 170. Instead of a single slide 170, a plurality of slides 170 can also be provided.

[0097] After the washware 130 of the prespecified type is pushed out transversely to the transportation direction 138, for example other washware 130 can remain on the transportation device 136, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 2. This washware can be pushed for example from the transportation device 136 onto a storage device 202 and/or transportation devices 204 or manually removed from the transportation device 136. As an alternative or in addition, at least one transfer device 206 can also be provided, as indicated in FIG. 2. The said transfer device can have for example at least one positioning device 208 in order to position for example at least one gripping means and/or at least one suction means 210. For example, types of washware 130 other than the at least one prespecified type can be automatically or at least semi-automatically removed from the transportation device 136 and/or from the storage device 202 wholly or partially by the transfer device 206.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0098] 110 Cleaning device [0099] 112 Pass-through dishwasher [0100] 114 Cleaning chamber [0101] 116 Cleaning tunnel [0102] 118 Separating curtain [0103] 120 Zone [0104] 122 Pre-clearing zone [0105] 124 Dishwashing zone [0106] 126 Final rinse zone [0107] 128 Drying zone [0108] 130 Washware [0109] 132 Crockery [0110] 134 Tray [0111] 136 Transportation device [0112] 138 Transportation direction [0113] 140 Inlet region [0114] 142 Outlet region [0115] 144 Drive [0116] 146 Controller [0117] 148 Application device [0118] 150 Cleaning liquid [0119] 152 Pre-clearing zone nozzle system 152 [0120] 154 Pre-clearing tank [0121] 156 Dishwashing zone nozzle system [0122] 158 Dishwashing tank [0123] 160 Rinse nozzle system [0124] 162 Rinse tank [0125] 164 Fan [0126] 166 Storing device [0127] 168 Sensor [0128] 170 Slide [0129] 172 Finger [0130] 174 Head [0131] 176 Push rod [0132] 178 Drive [0133] 180 Pushing direction [0134] 182 Receiving device [0135] 184 Tray stacker [0136] 186 Tray stacking trolley [0137] 188 Support area [0138] 190 First guide rail [0139] 192 Second guide rails [0140] 194 Bent portion [0141] 196 Hinge [0142] 198 Tipping direction [0143] 200 First section [0144] 202 Storage device [0145] 204 Transportation device [0146] 206 Transfer device [0147] 208 Positioning device [0148] 210 Suction means