Cleaning apparatus including conveying device and control means

Abstract

A cleaning apparatus for cleaning articles to be cleaned includes at least one cleaning chamber; at least one conveying device configured to convey the articles to be cleaned in a conveying direction through the cleaning chamber, the at least one conveying device comprising a plurality of tracks arranged side by side; at least one nozzle system configured to act upon the articles to be cleaned with at least one cleaning fluid; at least one sensor configured to detect a loading of the conveying device with articles to be cleaned; and at least one control means programmed to select at least one operating mode of the cleaning apparatus corresponding to the loading of the conveying device detected by the sensor, and to propose the selected operating mode to a user of the cleaning apparatus by providing a visual indicator on one or several tracks of the conveying device.

Claims

1. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning articles to be cleaned comprising: at least one cleaning chamber; at least one conveying device configured to convey the articles to be cleaned in a conveying direction through the cleaning chamber, the at least one conveying device comprising a plurality of tracks arranged side by side; at least one nozzle system configured to act upon the articles to be cleaned with at least one cleaning fluid; at least one sensor configured to detect a loading of the conveying device with articles to be cleaned; at least one control means programmed to select at least one operating mode of the cleaning apparatus corresponding to the loading of the conveying device detected by the sensor, and to propose the selected operating mode to a user of the cleaning apparatus by providing a visual indicator on one or several tracks of the conveying device.

2. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the selected operating mode comprises at least one operating parameter selected from future occupancy of the conveying device with items to be cleaned; conveying speed of the conveying device; a cleaning program; activation of one or several nozzles of the nozzle system; or deactivation of one or several nozzles of the nozzle system.

3. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the future occupancy of the conveying device with items to be cleaned comprises utilization of the one or several predefined tracks of the conveying device.

4. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control means is further programmed to await confirmation of the proposed selected operating mode by the user and to not implement the proposed operating mode until receipt of confirmation by the user.

5. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one control element which is operable by the user, wherein the control means is further programmed to await confirmation of the proposed selected operating mode by the user via the control element and to not implement the proposed operating mode until receipt of confirmation by the user.

6. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one illuminating device, wherein the illuminating device is configured to select one or several tracks of the conveying device from an overall number of the plurality of tracks and to selectively illuminate the one or several tracks to provide the visual indicator thereon and to mark the one or several tracks for occupancy with articles to be cleaned.

7. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprises an electric sensor; a capacitive sensor; an inductive sensor; an electro mechanical sensor; a mechanical sensor; an infrared sensor; an ultrasound sensor; an optical sensor; or an imaging sensor.

8. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nozzle system comprises at least one switchable nozzle system, wherein the switchable nozzle system comprises at least two nozzle units which are arranged at different positions transversely with respect to the conveying direction, and wherein the nozzle units are switchable independently of one another in order to act upon the articles to be cleaned with cleaning fluid at different positions independently of one another.

9. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the selected operating mode includes at least one switching state of the switchable nozzle system.

10. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the switchable nozzle system comprises at last one rinse nozzle system configured to act upon the articles to be cleaned with at least one rinse fluid, wherein the rinse nozzle system comprises at least two rinse nozzle units which are arranged at different positions transversely to the conveying direction, and wherein the rinse nozzle units are switchable independently of one another in order to act upon the articles to be cleaned with the rinse fluid at different positions independently of one another.

11. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the rinse fluid comprises fresh water.

12. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further comprising an associated switching element connected upstream of each nozzle unit, wherein the associated switching element is switchable to connect, via the associated switching element, the acting upon the articles to be cleaned via the nozzle unit.

13. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control means is further programmed to: switch the nozzle units, deduce an expected future loading from a current loading of the conveying device with articles to be cleaned, propose to the user via a display device, on a basis of an expected future loading, occupancy of one or of several selected tracks of the conveying device with articles to be cleaned, leaving the remaining conveying device free; and connect the nozzle units corresponding to the one or several selected tracks such that the one or several selected tracks are acted upon with cleaning fluid.

14. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the control means is further programmed to detect, via the sensor, non-selected tracks which have been incorrectly occupied with articles to be cleaned and to switch the nozzle units such that the non-selected tracks which have been incorrectly occupied with articles to be cleaned are acted upon with cleaning fluid in a short term.

15. A method for cleaning articles to be cleaned with the cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, the method comprising: conveying the articles to be cleaned via the at least one conveying device through at least one cleaning chamber of the cleaning apparatus; acting upon the articles to be cleaned via the at least one nozzle system with the at least one cleaning fluid; detecting a loading of the conveying device with articles to be cleaned via the at least one sensor; selecting at least one operating mode of the cleaning apparatus corresponding to the loading of the conveying device with the articles to be cleaned; and proposing the selected operating mode to a user of the cleaning apparatus by providing a visual indicator on one or several tracks of the conveying device.

16. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cleaning apparatus comprises a conveyor dishwashing machine.

17. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a division of the at least one conveying device into plurality of tracks arranged side by side is a virtual division.

18. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a division of the at least one conveying device into plurality of tracks arranged side by side is variable.

19. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a display device configured to communicate the proposed selected operating mode to the user.

20. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning articles to be cleaned comprising: at least one cleaning chamber; at least one conveyor configured to convey the articles to be cleaned in a conveying direction through the cleaning chamber, the at least one conveyor comprising a plurality of tracks arranged side by side; at least one sensor configured to detect a loading of the conveyor with the articles to be cleaned; at least one controller programmed to select at least one operating mode of the cleaning apparatus corresponding to the loading of the conveyor detected by the sensor, and to propose a selected operating mode to a user of the cleaning apparatus by providing a visual indicator on one or several tracks of the conveyor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) Further optional details and features of the invention are explained below with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments. The optional features can be realized herein in an isolated manner as well as in any possible combination, as the expert will immediately know. The invention is not restricted by the preferred exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. Identical reference signs in the figures designate identical elements or elements which are comparable regarding their function.

(2) The figures are as follows:

(3) FIG. 1: shows a sectional representation of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning apparatus in a section plane parallel to a conveying direction;

(4) FIG. 2: shows a sectional representation of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 in a section plane perpendicular to the conveying direction;

(5) FIG. 3: shows a sectional representation of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning apparatus alternative to FIG. 2 in a section plane perpendicular to the conveying direction; and

(6) FIG. 4: shows a view of an inlet opening of the cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

(7) FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning apparatus 110 according to the invention for cleaning articles to be cleaned 112. The articles to be cleaned 112, which are shown symbolically in FIG. 1, are shown as an example in the form, for example, of glasses 114 and/or plates 116. As an alternative to this or in addition to it, further articles 112 to be cleaned can be inserted or used.

(8) The articles to be cleaned 112 are conveyed in the exemplary embodiment shown by means of a conveying device 118 in a conveying direction 120 through a cleaning chamber 122 of the cleaning apparatus 110. The cleaning chamber 122 can be developed, for example, as a cleaning tunnel 124 and can, for example, comprise a housing.

(9) The cleaning apparatus 110 can be developed therefore in this or also in other exemplary embodiments in general in particular as a conveyor dishwashing machine 126. The articles to be cleaned 112, for example the crockery, are conveyed by means of the conveying device 118 into the interior of the cleaning chamber 122 to an inlet opening 128. The inlet opening 128 can be closed, for example by a partition curtain 130 which can be opened by the articles to be cleaned 112. In the interior of the cleaning chamber 122, the articles to be cleaned 112 run through a plurality of cleaning zones 132 which will be explained in more detail below. Said cleaning zones, in turn, can be separated from one another by partition curtains 130. Finally, the articles to be cleaned 112, for example once again at a partition curtain 134, leave the cleaning chamber 122 and enter, for example, into a drying zone 136. The articles to be cleaned 112 are dried there, for example by means of a blower 138, before the articles to be cleaned 112 are conveyed by the conveying device 118 into an outlet 140 in which they can be removed out of the cleaning apparatus 110.

(10) The conveying device 118 can be or include, for example, a belt conveying device and/or a basket conveying device. For example, at least one conveyor belt can be included. The articles to be cleaned 112 can be placed directly onto the conveying device 118, as shown as an example in FIG. 1 with the example of the plates 116 such that the conveyor dishwashing machine 126 can be developed, for example, as a conveyor belt dishwashing machine. As an alternative to this or in addition to it, the articles to be cleaned 112 can also be placed onto the conveying device 118, for example, by means of one or several conveying baskets 142, as shown as an example in the exemplary embodiment shown with the example of the glasses 114. Accordingly, the cleaning apparatus 110 can be developed, for example, as a rack conveyor dishwashing machine. An inlet 144, at which the articles to be cleaned 112 can be placed directly or indirectly, for example by means of the conveying baskets 142 onto the conveying device 118, can be provided, for example, in each case.

(11) FIG. 1 shows a sectional representation of the cleaning apparatus 110 in a section plane parallel to the conveying direction 120. The arrangement of several cleaning zones 132 is shown there as an example. Thus, said cleaning zones include, for example, a wash zone 146, which, in turn, can once again comprise, for example, a pre-wash zone 148 and a main wash zone 150. The pre-wash zone 148 can also be designated for example, as the advance wash zone. The wash zone 146 can include, for example, two tanks, one pre-wash zone tank 152 and one main wash zone tank 154. In this case, the pre-wash zone tank 152 is preferably connected upstream of the main wash zone tank 154 in the conveying direction 120.

(12) Furthermore, the cleaning zones 132, downstream of the wash zone 146, include a final rinse zone 156. Said final rinse zone 156 can once again include, for example, in turn, a pumped final wash zone 158 and fresh water final rinse zone 160 which is connected downstream of said pumped final rinse zone 158 in the conveying direction 120. The final rinse zone 156 additionally includes a final rinse tank 162, which can also be designated as a final rinse zone tank or as a pumped final rinse zone tank. Consequently, shown as an example in the conveying direction 120 in the exemplary embodiment, are provided the following cleaning zones 132: a pre-wash zone 148, a main wash zone 150, a pumped final rinse zone 158 and a fresh water final rinse zone 160. Another type of arrangement of the cleaning zones 132 is also possible in principle. Furthermore, the following tanks are provided as an example: a prewash zone tank 152, a main wash zone tank 154 and a final rinse tank 162. Another type of arrangement of the tanks is also possible in principle. For example, the purity of a cleaning fluid in the tanks 152, 154 and 162 can increase in the conveying direction 120. This can be realized, for example, as a result of an overflow being provided from the final rinse tank 162 into the main wash zone tank 154 and/or an overflow from the main wash zone tank 154 into the pre-wash zone tank 152.

(13) The cleaning apparatus 110 in the exemplary embodiment shown additionally comprises a plurality of cleaning systems 164 which can be developed in each case as nozzle systems. Said cleaning systems 164 or nozzle systems can include, for example, a pre-wash zone nozzle system 166 which can also be developed as a pre-wash zone spray nozzle system and which can include, for example above and below the articles to be cleaned 112, in each case at least one spray arm. The pre-wash zone nozzle system 166 can be supplied with cleaning fluid from the pre-wash zone tank 152, for example, by means of a pre-wash zone pump 168.

(14) Furthermore, the cleaning system 164 can comprise at least one main wash zone nozzle system 170 which can be developed, for example, as a main wash zone spray nozzle system and which, once again, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, can comprise at least one spray arm above the articles to be cleaned 112 and at least one spray arm below the articles to be cleaned 112. The main wash zone nozzle system 170 can be supplied, for example, with cleaning fluid from the main wash zone tank 154 by means of a main wash zone pump 172.

(15) Several cleaning systems 164 can also be provided inside the final rinse zone 156. Thus, a pumped final rinse zone nozzle system 174, which can comprise, for example, once again, a spray arm above the articles to be cleaned 112 and a spray arm below the articles to be cleaned 112, is provided in the exemplary embodiment shown. Said pumped final rinse zone nozzle system 174, which can be developed once again, for example, as a pumped final rinse zone spray nozzle system, can be supplied, for example, by means of at least one pumped final rinse zone pump 176 with cleaning fluid in the form of final rinse fluid from the final rinse tank 162. Connected downstream of the pumped final rinse zone nozzle system 174 in the conveying direction 120 is additionally provided with a cleaning system 164 in the form of a fresh water final rinse zone nozzle system 178 which, for example, can be developed, once again, as a freshwater final rinse zone spray nozzle system. The latter can be supplied with fresh water, for example, by means of a fresh water inlet 180 from a freshwater connection 182. In this case, one or several preparation devices 184 can be provided for adjusting at least one property of the fresh water. In the exemplary embodiment shown, two tempering devices are provided as an example to heat the fresh water. Thus, for example, a first preparation device 184 can be provided in the form of a heat recovery device 186, for example with a suction blower 188 for sucking-in hot air from the cleaning chamber 122 and a heat exchanger 190 for transferring the recovered heat from the exhaust air to the fresh water.

(16) In addition, a preparation device 184 in the form of an instantaneous water heater 192 and/or a fresh water boiler can be provided, for example in order to heat the fresh water finally to an operating temperature, for example a temperature of between 80 C. and 100 C., for example a temperature of between 85 C. and 95 C. A different development is also possible.

(17) The cleaning device 110 additionally includes a control means 194, for example a control means 194 with a data processing device. The control means 194 can be set up, for example, to control an operation of the cleaning apparatus 110, for example by different sensors being interrogated and/or pumps 168, 172, 176 being actuated and/or by the conveying device 118 being actuated. Different developments are possible and are known in principle to the expert.

(18) The cleaning apparatus 110 can be developed in particular in such a manner that one or several of the abovementioned nozzle systems 164 are developed so as to be switchable. For this purpose, the switchably developed nozzle systems 164 can include in each case, for example, two or several nozzle units which can be switchable individually and selectively, for example switched by means of the control means 194. Said preferred development of the present invention is explained below as an example by way of the example of the fresh water final rinse zone nozzle system 178. As an alternative to this or in addition to it, however, other nozzle systems 164 can also be developed so as to be switchable.

(19) As stated above, the cleaning apparatus 110 comprises the fresh water final rinse zone nozzle system 178, by means of which the articles to be cleaned 112 can be acted upon with cleaning fluid in the form of fresh water, where applicable with the admixing of one or several auxiliary materials or additives, for example with the admixing of a final rinse agent. FIGS. 2 and 3, in a sectional representation perpendicular to the conveying direction 120 through the fresh water final rinse zone 160, show two different developments of the fresh water final rinse zone 160. Thus, it can be seen in each exemplary embodiment that the fresh water rinse zone nozzle system includes a plurality of final rinse nozzle units 196. Each of said final rinse nozzle units can include one or several final rinse nozzles 198 which can output, for example, in each case one or several spray jets 200 onto the articles to be cleaned 112 (not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) on the conveying device 118. The final rinse nozzle units 196, in this case, are arranged in both exemplary embodiments at different positions in a direction running transversely with respect to the conveying direction 120, for example perpendicular to the conveying direction 120. For example, one direction in space is marked in FIGS. 2 and 3 perpendicular to the conveying direction 120 and parallel to a surface of the conveying device 118 by way of a reference x. As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the final rinse nozzle units 196 are arranged offset to one another in said direction x transversely with respect to the conveying direction 120. As a result, this produces, for the articles to be cleaned on the conveying device 118, a plurality of impingement regions 202, which are located side by side, i.e. offset transversely with respect to the conveying direction in the direction of space x, which are indicated symbolically in FIGS. 2 and 3 and which in each case can be acted upon with final rinse fluid by one or several final rinse nozzle units 196, which are associated with said impingement regions 202. For example, for each impingement region 202, one associated final rinse nozzle unit 196 can be provided above said impingement region 202 and one associated final rinse nozzle unit 196 can be provided below the respective impingement region 202. For example, this can be realized by means of an upper spray arm 204 and a lower spray arm 206. Other developments are also possible.

(20) In both exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 2 and 3, it is provided in this case as an option that the final rinse nozzle units 196 are switchable in each case independently from the other final rinse nozzle units 196, for example between an engaged state and a disengaged state. To this end, the fresh water final rinse zone nozzle system 178 can comprise, for example, a plurality of switching elements 208 which can be developed, for example, as valves 210. By means of said switching elements 208, in particular the valves 210, the final rinse nozzle units 196 can be switched independently of one another such that, for example controlled by the control means 194, the impingement regions 202 are able to be acted or not acted upon with final rinse fluid independently of one another by means of correspondingly switching the switching elements 208.

(21) In this case, the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 2 and 3 differ in that in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2 each final rinse nozzle unit 196 includes precisely one final rinse nozzle 198 which is switchable by means of a corresponding switching element 208. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3, in contrast, several final rinse nozzles 198 are each combined to form groups which in each case form a switchable final rinse nozzle unit 196 which is switchable in each case by means of a switching element 208, for example a valve 210. Accordingly, in the case of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3, each final rinse nozzle unit 196 includes a plurality of final rinse nozzles 198 arranged side by side in the direction x.

(22) The characteristic of the optional development of the independent switchability of the final rinse nozzle units 196 arranged side by side consists in that the impingement with cleaning fluid 112 is able to be adapted corresponding to an occupancy of the conveying device 118. For example, the final rinse nozzle units 196 can be switched according to requirement, depending on an occupancy of the conveying device 118 at the site of the fresh water final rinse zone nozzle system 178. As shown in FIG. 1, one or several sensors 212 for the articles to be cleaned are provided in order to detect the loading. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the sensor 212 for the articles to be cleaned is provided at the inlet opening 128. As an alternative to this or in addition to it, said at least one sensor 212 for the articles to be cleaned can, however, also be arranged at other points inside or outside the cleaning apparatus 110, for example inside the cleaning chamber 122. For example, the sensor 212 for the articles to be cleaned can include a visual sensor, for example a camera system. An occupancy of the conveying device 118, for example a belt occupancy, can be recorded in this way. As, in principle, the conveying speed of the conveying device 118 is known, for example by means of a corresponding actuation and/or on account of corresponding signals in the control means 194, and also the spacing between the sensor 212 for the articles to be cleaned and the fresh water final rinse zone nozzle system 178 is known, it can be accordingly known at any moment in time which belt occupancy is present in the impingement regions 202 in the region of the fresh water final rinse zone nozzle system 178, even when the sensor 212 for the articles to be cleaned is arranged at a spacing from the fresh water final rinse zone 160 in the conveying direction 120. Accordingly, the control means 194 can be set up to engage just those final rinse nozzle units 196 which act upon an impingement region 202 with final rinse fluid, in which articles 112 to be cleaned are actually present. The remaining final rinse nozzle units 196 can be disengaged or remain disengaged by correspondingly switching the switching elements 208 such that no unnecessary spraying out of final rinse fluid is effected in said impingement regions 202. In this way, enormous quantities of final rinse fluid, in particular fresh water, can be saved, independently of the development chosen in each case, for example according to FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, as a result of disengaging, where required, the final rinse nozzle units 196.

(23) In this respect the cleaning apparatus 110 can correspond, for example, to the cleaning apparatus disclosed in DE 10 2012 211 442 A1. However, other developments are also possible in principle.

(24) Within the framework of the present invention, however, is it additionally proposed that the control means 194 detects a loading of the conveying device 118 with articles to be cleaned 112 by means of the sensor 212 for the articles to be cleaned and is set up to select at least one operating mode of the cleaning apparatus 110 corresponding to the detected loading and to propose the selected operating mode to a user of the cleaning apparatus 110. The operating mode, for example, can be a cleaning program, a conveying speed of the conveying device 118 or also, as stated below as an example, simply a partial occupancy of the conveying device 118 with articles to be cleaned.

(25) Thus, the control means 194 can detect, for example, that on account of the current utilization of the cleaning apparatus 110, that is to say on account of the current occupancy of the cleaning apparatus 118 with articles to be cleaned 112, ordered occupancy of the conveying device 118 would be more sensible than a present random occupancy. Accordingly, the selected operating mode can, for example, consist in that simply part of the conveying device 118 is occupied with articles to be cleaned 112, for example a certain track 214. This is shown as an example in FIG. 4 which shows the region of the inlet 144 of the cleaning apparatus 110, in a top view onto the inlet opening 128.

(26) It can be seen there that the sensor 212 for the articles to be cleaned detects the articles to be cleaned 112 on the conveying device 118. For example, the sensor 212 for the articles to be cleaned can record a number of articles to be cleaned 112 per unit time and/or per unit area, or also an overall number of articles to be cleaned 112. The control means 194 can detect, for example, that in the case of said occurrence of articles to be cleaned 112, occupancy of simply a certain track 214 would be more favorable such that, for example, simply the nozzle units with which said track 214 is associated have to be engaged, whereas other nozzle units are able to be disengaged. For example, these can be the final rinse nozzle units 196 and/or other nozzle units.

(27) In place of implementing the selected operating mode directly and automatically without any activation by the user, the control means 194 initially proposes the selected operating mode to the user. For this purpose, the cleaning apparatus 110 includes a display device 216, which can include, for example, at least one display 218 or another type of display. For example, at least one display can be provided in the region of the inlet 144 such that the operating personnel can see the display in said region and the proposal shown thereon.

(28) The cleaning apparatus 110 can include, for example, in particular at least one control element 220 which is actuatable by the user. Said control element 220 is also preferably arranged completely or in part in the region of the inlet 144 such that it can be operated there by the user. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the control element 220 can include, for example, a membrane key or a virtual control element on the display 218 of the display device 216. For example, the display 218 can include a touch screen, on which the control element 220 is arranged.

(29) By means of the control element 220, the user can confirm the proposal of the control means 194 with regard to at least one selected operating mode which is shown and proposed by means of the display device 216. As an alternative to this, the user can also select, for example, between several proposed selected operating modes. Once again as an alternative to this, the user is also able, for example, to reject the proposal.

(30) The cleaning device 110 can be developed in such a manner that the control means 194 only implements the selected operating mode once the user has confirmed said proposal. In this way, the user maintains control and dominance over the cleaning process.

(31) The display device 216 can additionally include further devices in addition to or as an alternative to the display 218. Thus, the display device 216 can include, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, an illuminating device 222 which is set up to illuminate selectively one or several tracks 214 of the conveying device 118. The illuminating is marked symbolically in figure four by way of the reference numeral 224. Thus, for example, the track 214 selected within the framework of the proposal can be illuminated, whereas other portions of the conveying device 118 remain non-illuminated. Said illumination of the selected track 214 can already be effected within the framework of the proposal of the selected operating mode and/or cannot be implemented until the user confirms the proposed selected operating mode by means of the control element 220.

(32) As a result of illuminating the selected track 214, an energetically more favorable operating mode which can be adapted to requirements can be implemented. Thus, as explained above, one or several of the nozzle systems 164 can be adapted to the selected operating mode. If, for example, the selected operating mode contains that just one or several selected tracks 214 are occupied with articles to be cleaned 112, just those nozzle units or the nozzle unit which is/are associated with said at least one selected track 214 can be activated for example, whereas other nozzle units are disengaged. As an example, as stated above, these can be the corresponding final rinse nozzle units 196. As an alternative to this or in addition to it, however, others of the nozzle systems 164 are also correspondingly switchable. The above-described techniques can be used for this purpose.

(33) As a result of illuminating 224 the track 214 of the conveying device 118, the user, after confirming the proposal and after starting to implement the proposed operating mode, can then always recognize the track to be occupied of the conveying device 118, for example of the conveyor belt, and occupy it correspondingly with articles to be cleaned 112, whereas other portions of the conveying device 118 can remain free. Nevertheless, a safety function can be provided. Thus, the control means 194 can be set up, for example, to detect an incorrect occupancy by means of the sensor 212 for the articles to be cleaned and then, when detecting an incorrect occupancy, to implement one or several corresponding measures. For example, nozzle units can be activated in the short-term in the event of incorrect occupancy, in order to ensure that even articles to be cleaned 112 that are incorrectly arranged at occupied positions of the conveying device that are not scheduled to be occupied can also be acted upon with cleaning fluid and cleaned in a normal manner. As an alternative to this or in addition to it, the control means 194 can be set up to output a warning to the user, for example by means of the display device 216. Thus, for example, a corresponding warning can be output on the display 218, and/or by means of the illuminating device 222 corresponding light signals can be output, for example in the form of a flashing light or in the form of a red warning light. Once again as an alternative to this or in addition to it, the control means, however, can be set up to stop the conveying by the conveying device 118 in the short-term in order to give the user the opportunity to correct the incorrect occupancy. Once again as an alternative to this or in addition to it, the control means 194 can also be set up to create a new proposal with regard to an adapted operating mode and to propose by means of the display device 216, for example by increasing a track width of the track 214, in order to emphasize, for example, an increased requirement. The named possibilities can be implemented independently of the type of the cleaning apparatus 110, that is to say, for example, also in exemplary embodiments other than the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4.

(34) In place of the illumination 224 or in addition to said illumination, other forms of the display can also be provided. For example, as stated above, a traffic light system can be provided or a system with lighting arrows or crosses, analogous to a traffic control means in road traffic.

(35) The above-described possible operating mode of an occupancy of one or several selected tracks 214 of the conveying device 118, however, provides a possibility of an operating mode by means of which the operation of the cleaning apparatus 110 can be adapted to the actual requirement. As an alternative to this or in addition to it, other possibilities are conceivable. For example, a conveying speed of the conveying device 118 can be adapted to requirements. Said proposal can also be confirmed, for example, by the user by means of the control element 220.

(36) In place of an acknowledgment, developed as before, of the proposal of the control means 194 with regard to a selected operating mode, the user, for example once again by means of the control element 220, can also be put in a position to reject the proposal. This can be sensible, for example, whenever the user recognizes that in the near future more articles to be cleaned 112 will arrive, as the user knows, for example, an operating schedule or as the user, for example, sees dirty glasses 114 or plates 116 which are currently present but have not yet been brought into the cleaning apparatus 110, for example on a trolley.

(37) The control means 194, in said exemplary embodiment or also in other exemplary embodiments, can be set up in different ways to submit the proposal of the selected operating mode. Thus, for example, a plurality of operating modes can be filed, for example a plurality of operating modes which, in each case, include one or several selected tracks 214 and associated switched nozzle units. Said operating modes can be filed, for example, in a data storage unit of the control means 194, for example as a table. Each of said filed operating modes can have associated therewith, for example, an emergence of articles to be cleaned 112. If the control means 194 detects by means of the sensor 212 for the articles to be cleaned that a certain emergence is currently present, the operating mode associated with said emergence is selected from the plurality of operating modes and is proposed.

(38) As an alternative to or in addition to the implementation of an operating mode, shown in FIG. 4 as an example, by selecting at least one track 214 which is to be occupied with articles to be cleaned 112, it is also possible to include other operating parameters in the operating mode. Thus, for example, an operating mode can also include adaptation of the conveying speed of the conveying device 118 to the current emergence of articles to be cleaned 112. If, for example, it is ascertained that only a small emergence is present, it is possible to select an operating mode where a slower conveying speed is present. A flow of cleaning fluid into the nozzle system 164 can also be adapted correspondingly. Here too, the selection can also be made, for example, once again as a result of a plurality of operating modes being filed, in which, in each case, a certain emergence of articles to be cleaned 112 has associated therewith a conveying speed. Corresponding to the emergence currently recognized by means of the sensor 212 for the articles to be cleaned, the selection of a corresponding operating mode can then follow, which is then proposed to the user. In principle, in this case and in the case of the selection of one or several tracks 214, other possibilities are, however, also realizable, for example calculating optimum operating parameters.

(39) The control means 194 can be set up in the described exemplary embodiment or also in other exemplary embodiments to check the operating mode currently implemented, for example continuously or at pre-determined or pre-determinable intervals. The checking can be effected, for example, by means of the sensor 212 for articles to be cleaned giving consideration to the current emergence of articles to be cleaned 112. Accordingly, for example, when the necessity for a new adaptation is recognized, a new proposal for an adapted operating mode is submitted. The proposed method can therefore, for example, be carried out iteratively in order always to implement an operating mode which is adapted to requirements. The adapted operating mode, for example, once again, can also only be implemented once the user has confirmed it by means of the control element 220. It is therefore always ensured within the framework of the present invention that the user maintains dominance over the cleaning process, it being possible nevertheless to ensure the cleaning action.

LIST OF REFERENCES

(40) 110 Cleaning apparatus 112 Articles to be cleaned 114 Glasses 116 Plates 118 Conveying device 120 Conveying direction 122 Cleaning chamber 124 Cleaning tunnel 126 conveyor dishwashing machine 128 Inlet opening 130 Partition curtain 132 Cleaning zones 134 Partition curtain 136 Drying zone 138 Blower 140 Outlet 142 Conveying basket 144 Inlet 146 Wash zone 148 Pre-wash zone 150 Main wash zone 152 Pre-wash zone tank 154 Main wash zone tank 156 Final rinse zone 158 Pumped final rinse zone 160 Fresh water final rinse zone 162 Final rinse tank 164 Cleaning system, nozzle system 166 Pre-wash zone nozzle system 168 Pre-wash zone pump 170 Main wash zone nozzle system 172 Main wash zone pump 174 Pumped final rinse zone nozzle system 176 Pumped final rinse zone pump 178 Fresh water final rinse zone nozzle system 180 Fresh water inlet 182 Fresh water connection 184 Preparation device 186 Heat recovery device 188 Suction blower 190 Heat exchanger 192 Instantaneous water heater 194 Control means 196 Final rinse nozzle unit 198 Final rinse nozzles 200 Spray jet 202 Impingement region 204 Upper spray arm 206 Lower spray arm 208 Switching element 210 Valve 212 Sensor for articles to be cleaned 214 Track 216 Display device 218 Display 220 Control element 222 Illuminating device 224 Illumination