[0001] The invention relates to a loading apparatus for a conveyor dishwasher, in particular
commercial flight-type dishwasher. The invention also relates to a combination of
a conveyor dishwasher with a loading apparatus and to a method of loading a conveyor
dishwasher with the aid of a loading apparatus.
[0002] Conveyor dishwashers (warewashers) are used commercially. In contrast to domestic
dishwashers, in which the washware which is to be cleaned remains stationary in the
machine as it is cleaned, the washware in conveyor dishwashers is transported through
various treatment zones of the machine. In the case of conveyor dishwashers, the washware,
for example crockery, pots, glasses, cutlery and other articles which are to be cleaned,
is conveyed through a number of treatment zones, for example pre-wash zone(s), main-wash
zone(s), post-wash or pre-rinse zone(s), final-rinse zone(s) and drying zone(s).
[0003] For transporting washware in a transporting direction through the conveyor dishwasher,
use is made of a transporting apparatus which usually has compartments for receiving
washware. In a flight-type dishwasher, the compartments may be formed by supporting
fingers on a transporting belt of the transporting apparatus. All the articles and
items of washware which are to be cleaned in the dishwasher are conveyed through the
respective zones of the dishwasher by means of this transporting belt.
[0004] It is usually the case that the items of washware, prior to being introduced into
the transporting belt, are pre-sorted and stacked according to type. For loading into
the transporting belt, the stack of plates, bowls or trays is destacked again from
time to time and manually introduced according to type into transporting-belt compartments.
This sorting by type has advantages for the operator both in the loading region and
in the unloading region of the conveyor dishwasher.
[0005] The advantages in the loading region are attained in particular as a result of an
ergonomic procedure, and of a reduction in twisting of the body and movements of the
body owing to the same movements being repeated a number of times. The advantages
in the unloading region, in contrast, reside in the fact that more than one item of
washware can be removed in a single movement, this making it possible to have an ergonomic
procedure, and to reduce twisting of the body and movements of the body owing to the
same movements being repeated a number of times. Further, an apparatus for supplying
tableware to a conveyor dishwasher comprising a separating arrangement by means of
which the items of washware received in a stacking magazine are discharged one by
one is described in the prior art, for instance in document
JP H07 111964 A with some details of the separating arrangement also disclosed in
JP H03 16825 Y2.
[0006] The object of the invention is to allow as far as possible automatic destacking of
the items of washware into the flight-type dishwasher, it nevertheless being possible
to maintain the advantages of manual stack formation. The intention is also to provide
a corresponding method of loading such a conveyor dishwasher.
[0007] In respect of the apparatus, this object is achieved by a loading apparatus for a
flight-type dishwasher according to Patent Claim 1.
[0008] Accordingly, the invention proposes a loading apparatus for a flight-type dishwasher
wherein the loading apparatus has at least one stacking magazine by means of which
washware which is to be cleaned, in particular plates, bowls or trays or similar stackable
items of washware, is received in a stackwise manner. The at least one stacking magazine
has a separating arrangement by means of which the items of washware received in the
stacking magazine are discharged one by one. A conveying arrangement, to which the
items of washware are discharged one by one by the separating arrangement, is provided
here and, by means of the conveying arrangement, the items of washware discharged
one by one by the separating arrangement are fed to a transporting belt of the flight-type
dishwasher.
[0009] The separating arrangement has at least one thread which can be rotated relative
to the washware received in the stacking magazine. Peripheral regions of individual
items of washware can be received between the thread turns of the at least one thread
such that, upon rotation of the thread relative to the washware received in the stacking
magazine, the items of washware are moved in the vertical direction, wherein a respectively
lowermost item of washware is discharged out of the stacking magazine.
[0010] Provision of the separating arrangement means that individual items of washware can
be automatically destacked from the stack of washware received in the stacking magazine
and discharged to the conveying arrangement, which, in turn, is designed to feed the
destacked (separated) items of washware to the transporting belt of the conveyor dishwasher,
so that they can be introduced there, likewise automatically, into transporting-belt
compartments.
[0011] The advantages which can be achieved by the solution according to the invention are
obvious: the stacking magazine of the loading apparatus according to the invention
makes it possible for the washware which is to be cleaned to continue to be pre-sorted
manually (or else also, optionally, in an automated manner) and to be stacked according
to type. On the other hand, the separating arrangement then performs the task of destacking
the items of washware, and this cuts back on a first manual operating step. Finally,
the conveying arrangement serves for the automated introduction of the previously
destacked and separated items of washware into a transporting belt of the conveyor
dishwasher, for example into compartments of the transporting belt of the dishwasher.
This does away with two elementary operating steps which were previously carried out
manually, and consequently the loading apparatus according to the invention cuts back
on operating time or operating staff.
[0012] In the case of the solution according to the invention, stacking is realized as follows.
Either, as has been the case until now, stacks of washware, i.e. items of washware
stacked according to type, are formed on preliminary clearing or preparation benches
of the conveyor dishwasher and are then carried to the loading apparatus and introduced
into the at least one stacking magazine provided for this purpose. As an alternative
to this, however, it is also possible for a stacking to take place directly at the
loading apparatus in the at least one stacking magazine provided for this purpose.
It is possible here for plates, bowls, trays or other stackable crockery to be introduced
into the stacking magazine. It is conceivable here for a plurality of stacking magazines
to be provided one beside the other in the loading apparatus. The first alternative
of the loading apparatus according to the invention provides that the at least one
thread of the separating arrangement is configured as an internal thread of a drum
which can be rotated relative to the washware received in the stacking magazine and
in which the washware can be stacked. In the case of this embodiment, it should preferably
be possible for the entire peripheral region of the items of washware to be received
by the thread turns of the internal thread. Since the items of washware rest on helices
of the internal thread over their peripheral region, it is also possible for the items
of washware to be stacked particularly straightforwardly and in the correct manner.
In addition, uniform and skew-free guidance of the washware is ensured. The drum here
constitutes a particularly straightforward design solution for destacking individual
items of washware. The second alternative of the loading apparatus according to the
invention provides that the at at least one thread of the separating arrangement is
configured as the external thread of at least two, and preferably three, parallel
conveying belts which can be rotated relative to the washware received in the stacking
magazine and between which the washware which is to be cleaned can be stacked. It
should be possible here for preferably individual peripheral regions of the items
of washware to be received by regions of the thread turns of the respective conveying
belts. The separating arrangement thus no longer needs a corresponding drum with internal
thread, which simplifies the construction of the magazine and reduces the weight thereof.
This construction nevertheless allows similarly automated destacking of the items
of washware. The provision of a plurality of conveying belts, in addition, has the
advantage that the separating arrangement can be set in a relatively flexible manner
to the size, and in particular the diameter, of the items of washware which are stacked
in the stacking magazine and are to be separated from the stack of washware with the
aid of the conveying belts, to be precise by the conveying belts being arranged correspondingly
closer together or further apart from one another. Preferred developments of the loading
apparatus according to the invention are indicated in patent claims 2 to 6.
[0013] It is advantageous, in principle, if a drive arrangement is also provided for driving
the at least one thread of the separating arrangement, as well as a control arrangement
for activating the drive arrangement. In order to allow fully automated destacking
of the individual items of washware and fully automated introduction of the destacked
items of washware into a transporting belt of a flight-type dishwasher, it is advantageous
in this context, in particular, if the control arrangement is designed to activate
the drive arrangement in dependence on the transporting speed of the transporting
belt of the flight-type dishwasher and to set the rotary speed of the at least one
thread of the separating arrangement in dependence on the transporting speed of the
transporting belt.
[0014] In a particularly preferred realization of the last-mentioned embodiment of the loading
apparatus according to the invention, it is provided that the control arrangement
is designed to set the rotary speed of the at least one thread of the separating arrangement
such that the number of items of washware discharged out of the stacking magazine
per unit of time is identical to the number of items of washware which are fed to
the transporting belt of the flight-type dishwasher, and can be received by the transporting
belt, per unit of time and this can effectively prevent the situations where, on the
one hand, the transporting belt of the flight-type dishwasher is fed too many items
of washware per unit of time, which would result in a build-up or overloading on the
transporting belt in the loading zone of the conveyor dishwasher, and, on the other
hand, the transporting belt of the flight-type dishwasher is fed too few items of
washware per unit of time, which would result in insufficient loading of the transporting
belt in the loading zone of the conveyor dishwasher. The speed here at which the items
of washware discharged by the separating arrangement are fed to the transporting belt
of the conveyor dishwasher with the aid of the conveying arrangement should preferably
be considered to be constant.
[0015] According to a particular aspect of the last-mentioned embodiment of the solution
according to the invention, the rotary speed of the at least one thread of the separating
arrangement can be set not just in dependence on the transporting speed of the transporting
belt, but also in dependence on the type of washware. This takes account of the fact
that comparatively large items of washware, for example plates or trays, usually take
up more space on the transporting belt of the conveyor dishwasher than smaller items
of washware, for example saucers or bowls.
[0016] It is possible, in principle, for the washware to be stacked in the at least one
stacking magazine with the user side upwards or downwards, without there being any
risk of the magazine being blocked. While the degree of automation is high, it is
thus nevertheless possible for the magazine to be handled in a flexible manner.
[0017] In respect of the conveying arrangement, it is conceivable for the latter to have,
for example, a chute or a conveying belt by means of which the items of washware discharged
one by one by the separating arrangement are fed to a transporting belt of the flight-type
dishwasher. A chute here constitutes a particularly straightforward, advantageous
and also efficient and, as it were, maintenance-free option by means of which the
separated items of washware discharged from the stacking magazine are fed to a commercial
conveyor dishwasher. A conveying belt, in contrast, makes it possible to bridge somewhat
greater distances, as a result of which the stacking magazine of the loading apparatus
may also be arranged further away from a loading zone or the entrance of the conveyor
dishwasher.
[0018] For the purpose of moving the loading apparatus in three dimensions, the apparatus
is preferably equipped with a chassis, which has, for example, steerable wheels or
rollers. This makes it possible for the items of washware which are to be cleaned
to be stacked manually, or optionally in an automated manner, in the at least one
stacking magazine of the loading apparatus at any desired location of the kitchen,
wherein the loading apparatus is then displaced to the entrance tunnel of the conveyor
dishwasher and coupled there to the corresponding loading zone. Despite a high degree
of automation, the advantages of manual stacking are thus maintained.
[0019] The object cited in the introduction is also achieved by a combination of a flight-type
dishwasher and a loading apparatus of the type described above. As is indicated in
patent claim 7, the flight-type dishwasher here, preferably at the dishwasher entrance,
has a loading zone in which the at least one loading apparatus of the type mentioned
above can be coupled to the flight-type dishwasher. Coupling of the at least one loading
apparatus to the flight-type dishwasher takes place such that, with the aid of the
conveying arrangement, the items of washware discharged one by one by the separating
arrangement can be fed to a transporting belt of the flight-type dishwasher.
[0020] The destacking rate of the stacking magazine - and the supply rate for a conveying
belt used, if appropriate, as a conveying arrangement - are set, preferably in dependence
on the transporting-belt speed of the dishwasher, such that the transporting belt
is charged continuously with separated items of washware. As already indicated, it
is possible, depending on the three-dimensional sorting and loading sequence, for
the loading apparatus to be fixed to the dishwasher or to be mobile and able to be
coupled to the conveyor dishwasher in a loading region of the same. Despite a high
degree of automation, the advantages of manual stacking are thus maintained.
[0021] Preferred developments of the combination according to the invention are indicated
in patent claims 8 to 11. Accordingly, an advantageous embodiment provides that the
transporting belt of the conveyor dishwasher is of endless configuration and is provided
with fingers, wherein the at least one loading apparatus is designed such that the
operations of feeding the separated items of washware to the transporting belt and
of introducing the separated items of washware into the transporting belt take place
in a region of a transporting-belt deflection. In the case of this solution, the separated
items of washware can slide in continuously between the fingers of the transporting
belt, in the region of the transporting-belt deflection, without any further mechanical
transfer aid or manual intervention being necessary.
[0022] As an alternative to the last-mentioned embodiment, the at least one loading apparatus
is designed such that the operations of feeding the separated items of washware to
the transporting belt and of loading the transporting belt take place in a region
above a transporting-belt deflection. This realization is recommended, in particular,
when the transporting belt of the conveyor dishwasher is of endless configuration,
but is not equipped with any fingers. In the case of such embodiments of the transporting
belt, the act of loading the transporting belt in a region above a transporting-belt
deflection likewise makes it possible for the items of washware to be deposited straightforwardly
and continuously on the transporting belt without an additional mechanical transfer
aid or manual intervention.
[0023] If the flight-type dishwasher can be coupled simultaneously to a plurality of loading
apparatuses arranged one beside the other, the dishwasher can be fed more washware
overall, and this increases the efficiency of the dishwasher.
[0024] If individual stacking magazines can be assigned to individual tracks of the transporting
belt, the respectively different types of washware stacked therein can be subjected
to respectively suitable, track-bound cleaning processes. It is thus possible for
different types of washware, for example plates, bowls, etc., to be fed simultaneously
in an automated manner to the flight-type dishwasher and treated in a single, common
cleaning cycle.
[0025] In respect of the method, the object which was mentioned in the introduction, and
on which the invention is based, is achieved by the subject matter of independent
patent claim 12. This claim proposes a method of loading a commercial flight-type
dishwasher, wherein the method has the following method steps:
- providing a loading apparatus of the type discussed above;
- stacking washware in the at least one stacking magazine of the loading apparatus;
- coupling the loading apparatus to a loading zone of the flight-type dishwasher such
that the conveying arrangement of the loading apparatus communicates with a transporting
belt of the flight-type dishwasher; and
- rotating the at least one thread of the stacking magazine in dependence on a transporting-belt
speed of the flight-type dishwasher such that separated items of washware discharged
out of the stacking magazine are continuously supplied to the transporting belt and
received by the same.
[0026] In a preferred development of the method according to the invention, it is provided,
prior to the loading apparatus being coupled to the loading zone of the flight-type
dishwasher, the loading apparatus is displaced to a loading zone of the flight-type
dishwasher.
[0027] The invention will be described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings, using
various embodiments as examples. Identical, or functionally identical, parts are given
identical designations here.
[0028] In the drawings:
- Figure 1
- shows a schematic longitudinal view of a conveyor dishwasher which can be coupled
to a loading apparatus according to the invention in order for the conveyor dishwasher
to be loaded in an automated manner with washware which is to be cleaned;
- Figure 2
- shows a sectional lateral view of a loading apparatus according to a first embodiment
of the invention, the apparatus being coupled to a flight-type dishwasher;
- Figure 3
- shows a perspective view, as seen obliquely from above, of a further embodiment of
a loading apparatus according to the invention; and
- Figure 4
- shows a plan view of two loading apparatuses of the first embodiment of the invention,
these apparatuses being arranged one beside the other on a flight-type dishwasher.
[0029] Figure 1 shows a conveyor dishwasher 1 with a transporting apparatus 2 for transporting
washware (not illustrated in Figure 1) in a transporting direction T through the conveyor
dishwasher 1. The conveyor dishwasher 1 has at least one wash zone, for example as
illustrated in Figure 1, a pre-wash zone 10 and two main-wash zones 11.1, 11.2, which
are arranged downstream of the pre-wash zone 10, as seen in the transporting direction
T.
[0030] As seen in the transporting direction T, a post-wash zone 12 is arranged downstream
of the at least one wash zone 10, 11.1, 11.2, and at least one final-rinse zone, for
example, as illustrated, just a single final-rinse zone 13, is arranged downstream
of the post-wash zone 12. In the case of the conveyor dishwasher 1 illustrated in
Figure 1, the final-rinse zone 13 is followed, in the transporting direction T of
the washware, by a drying zone 14.
[0031] The respective zones 10, 11.1, 11.2, 12, 13, 14 of the conveyor dishwasher 1 may
be separated from one another via petitions 5. In the case of the embodiment illustrated
in Figure 1, it is also the case that the entrance tunnel 3 of the conveyor dishwasher
1 itself is separated from the entrance 4 via a petition 5. The provision of the petitions
5 prevents wash liquid and final-rinse liquid from splashing and water vapour from
escaping from the conveyor dishwasher 1.
[0032] The aforementioned treatment zones 10, 11.1, 11.2, 12, 13 of the conveyor dishwasher
1 are assigned spray nozzles 30a, 30b, 31.1a, 31.1b, 31.2a, 31.2b, 32a, 32b, 33a,
33b, 33c. These spray nozzles 30a, 30b, 31.1a, 31.1b, 31.2a, 31.2b, 32a, 32b, 33a,
33b, 33c serve for spraying liquid onto the washware which is to be treated as this
washware is being transported through the respective treatment zones 10, 11.1, 11.2,
12, 13 by the transporting apparatus 2. The individual spray systems of the treatment
zones 10, 11.1, 11.2, 12, 13 ensure that the washware which is to be treated is sprayed
both from the upper side and from the underside.
[0033] In the case of the conveyor dishwasher 1 illustrated schematically in Figure 1, however,
the final-rinse zone 13, in addition to having downwardly directed upper final-rinse
nozzles 33a and upwardly directed lower final-rinse nozzles 33b, also has transversely
directed lateral final-rinse nozzles 33c on each side of the transporting apparatus
2. The use of lateral final-rinse nozzles 33c makes it possible for the washware surfaces
(crockery surfaces) to be sprayed specifically with final-rinse liquid even in occluded
zones. It is precisely when the transporting system is fully loaded, for example with
the crockery rack loaded with plates located one against the other, that the use of
lateral final-rinse nozzles 33c in the final-rinse zone 13 has a clear advantage as
far as the final-rinse effect is concerned (effective rinsing off of residues of detergents
on crockery surfaces even in occluded zones) over systems in which only upper and
lower final-rinse zones 33a, 33b, and no transversely directed lateral final-rinse
nozzles 33c, are provided in the final-rinse zone 13.
[0034] The post-wash or pre-rinse zone 12, main-wash zones 11.1, 11.2 and pre-wash zone
10 are also assigned tanks (post-wash tank 22, main-wash tanks 21.1, 21.2, pre-wash
tank 20) for receiving sprayed liquid and/or for providing liquid for the spray nozzles
30a, 30b, 31.1a, 31.1b, 31.2a, 31.2b, 32a, 32b, of the relevant treatment zones 10,
11.1, 11.2, 12.
[0035] As already indicated, in the case of the conveyor dishwasher 1 illustrated in Figure
1, final-rinse liquid, which is made of fresh water with rinse aid metered in, is
sprayed onto the washware (not illustrated) via the final-rinse nozzles arranged laterally
and above and beneath the transporting apparatus 2. Some of the sprayed final-rinse
liquid is transported from treatment zone to treatment zone via a cascade system,
counter to the transporting direction T of the washware. The rest of the final-rinse
liquid sprayed in the final-rinse zone 13 is passed directly, via a valve V1 and a
bypass line 6, into the pre-wash tank 20, which is assigned to the pre-wash zone 10.
[0036] In the case of the cascade system, the final-rinse liquid sprayed by the final-rinse
nozzles 33a, 33b, 33c flows under gravitational force from the final-rinse zone 13
into the post-wash tank 22, which is assigned to the post-wash zone 12. The final-rinse
liquid which is sprayed in the final-rinse zone 13 and intercepted by the post-wash
tank 22 is then delivered, with the aid of a post-wash pump 36, to the spray nozzles
of the post-wash zone 12 (upper and lower post-wash nozzles 32a, 32b).
[0037] In a post-wash zone 12, wash liquid is rinsed off from the washware. The liquid (post-wash
liquid) which accumulates here flows under gravitational force into the main-wash
tank 21.1, which is assigned to the first main-wash zone 11.1. A drainage element
7, for example a drainage floor or a directing plate, is preferably provided for this
purpose, the post-wash liquid sprayed by the post-wash nozzles 32a, 32b being directed
thereby into the main-wash tank 21.1. According to another embodiment of the conveyor
dishwasher 1, this embodiment not being illustrated, it is possible to dispense with
the drainage element 7 when the main-wash tank 21.1 extends beneath the post-wash
nozzles 32a, 32b of the post-wash zone 12.
[0038] The liquid received by the main-wash tank 21.1 of the first main-wash zone 11.1 is
usually provided with a detergent and sprayed onto the washware, with the aid of a
first main-wash pump 35.1, via the spray nozzles of the first main-wash zone 11.1
(upper and lower main-wash nozzles 31.1a, 31.1b). The wash liquid sprayed by the main-wash
nozzles 31.1a, 31.1b then flows back under gravitational force into the main-wash
tank 21.1.
[0039] The main-wash tank 21.1 is in fluid connection, via an overflow line 9.1, with the
main-wash tank 21.2, which is assigned to the second main-wash zone 11.2. Via this
overflow line 9.1, the wash liquid sprayed in the first main-wash zone 11.1 passes
into the main-wash tank 21.2 of the second main-wash zone 11.2 if a sufficient quantity
of wash liquid has been received in the main-wash tank 21.1 of the first main-wash
zone 11.1.
[0040] The liquid received by the main-wash tank 21.2 of the second main-wash zone 11.2
is sprayed onto the washware, with the aid of a second main-wash pump 35.2, via the
spray nozzles of the second main-wash zone 11.2 (upper and lower main-wash nozzles
31.2a, 31.2b). The wash liquid sprayed by the main-wash nozzle 31.2a, 31.2b then flows
back under gravitational force into the main-wash tank 21.2 of the second main-wash
zone 11.2.
[0041] The main-wash tank 21.2 of the second main-wash zone 11.2 is in fluid connection,
via an overflow line 9.2, with the pre-wash tank 20, which is assigned to the pre-wash
zone 10. Via this overflow line 9.2, the wash liquid sprayed in the second main-wash
zone 11.2 passes into the pre-wash tank 20 if a sufficient quantity of wash liquid
has been received in the main-wash tank 21.2 of the second main-wash zone 11.2.
[0042] The liquid received in the pre-wash tank 20 of the pre-wash zone 10 is then sprayed
onto the washware, with the aid of a pre-wash pump 34, via the spray nozzles of the
pre-wash zone 10 (upper and lower pre-wash nozzles 30a, 30b), in order for coarse
soiling to be removed from the washware. The wash liquid sprayed by the pre-wash nozzles
30a, 30b then flows back under gravitational force into the pre-wash tank 20.
[0043] The pre-wash tank 20 is provided with an overflow line 8 which, in the event of a
certain liquid level in the pre-wash tank 20 being exceeded, serves to feed the excess
quantity of liquid to a waste-water system.
[0044] As already indicated, the liquid sprayed in the main-wash zones 11.1, 11.2 and in
the pre-wash zone 10 preferably contains detergent which is metered, with the aid
of a detergent-metering means (not shown in the drawings) for example into the liquid
received in the main-wash tank 21.1 of the first main-wash zone 11.1.
[0045] As already mentioned, the final-rinse zone 13 is followed, in the transporting direction
T, by the drying zone 14. In the drying zone 14, the washware is dried using dry and
heated air in order for the moisture located on the washware to be blown or dried
off. In order for the moisture content in the air to be kept in a range which is advantageous
for drying purposes, it is conceivable for example to feed ambient air to the drying
zone 14 from the outside via an opening, for example through the exit opening for
washware.
[0046] The warm and moist air in the drying zone 14 is then drawn out of the drying zone
14 via a further opening for example with the aid of a fan 15. It is advantageous
if the exhaust-air stream from the drying zone 14 passes a heat-recovery arrangement
16, in which for example a condenser may be provided. The heat-recovery arrangement
16 serves to recover at least some of the heat energy contained in the exhaust air.
This recovered heat energy can be used, for example, for heating the liquid which
is to be sprayed in the final-rinse zone 13.
[0047] If, prior to the conveyor dishwasher 1 starting up for the first time, the tanks
assigned to the treatment zones 10, 11.1, 11.2, 12 (pre-wash tank 20, main-wash tanks
21.1, 21.2, post-wash tank 22) are empty or filled only to an insufficient extent,
they have to be filled in the first instance via a fresh-water line 18 and/or by virtue
of final-rinse liquid being sprayed in the final-rinse zone 13. The fresh-water line
18 can be connected to a fresh-water supply network via an activateable valve V3.
The quantity of wash liquid available in the main-wash zones 11.1, 11.2 and in the
pre-wash zone 10 can be monitored in each case with the aid of a level sensor provided
in the main-wash tank 21.1, 21.2 of the first and/or second main-wash zone 11.1, 11.2,
and/or with the aid of a level sensor provided in the pre-wash tank 20, and communicated
to a control means 40.
[0048] It is possible for the final-rinse zone 13 - as illustrated in Figure 1 - to be assigned
to a fresh-water tank 23 for the interim storage of at least some of the fresh water
provided for final rinsing. On the one hand, the fresh-water tank 23 is provided with
a fresh-water connection, which can be connected to a fresh-water supply network via
an activateable fresh-water feed valve V2. On the other hand, the fresh-water tank
23 is connected to the suction side of a final-rinse pump 37.
[0049] The pressure side of the final-rinse pump 37 is connected to the upstream end region
47 of a main-line system 44 via which, upon actuation of the final-rinse pump 37,
fresh water is delivered out of the fresh-water tank 23 to the final-rinse nozzles
33a, 33b, 33c. In specific terms, the main-line system 44 connects the pressure side
of the final-rinse pump 37 to a boiler 17. The main-line system 44 is configured here
such that the liquid fed to the final-rinse nozzles 33a, 33b, 33c by the final-rinse
pump 37 passes the heat-recovery arrangement 16 in the first instance, prior to reaching
the boiler 17. This makes it possible for at least some of the thermal energy of the
exhaust air channelled away from the drying zone 14 to be utilized for heating the
liquid fed to the spray nozzles 33a, 33b, 33c via the main-line system 44.
[0050] Figure 2 shows a sectional lateral view of a loading apparatus 50 according to a
first embodiment of the invention. The loading apparatus 50 serves the automated destacking
of washware 100 which is to be cleaned and for feeding the destacked and separated
items of washware 101 to a loading zone 61 of a conveyor dishwasher 1. The loading
zone 61 is that region of the conveyor dishwasher 1 in which the items of washware
101 which are to be cleaned are transferred to the transporting apparatus 2 of the
conveyor dishwasher 1. This region is usually located at the entrance 4 or upstream
of the entrance 4.
[0051] In the case of the exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in Figure 2, use is
made of a conveyor dishwasher 1 which, for transporting individual items of washware
101' through the respective treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher 1, have a transporting
apparatus 2 which has compartments for receiving the individual items of washware
101'. In specific terms, in the case of the embodiments illustrated in Figure 2, the
compartments are formed by supporting fingers 63 on a transporting belt 62 of the
transporting apparatus 2. All the articles and items of washware 101' which are to
be cleaned in the dishwasher are conveyed through the respective treatment zones of
the conveyor dishwasher 1 by means of this transporting belt 62.
[0052] As illustrated in Figure 2, the loading apparatus 50 has a stacking magazine 51 which
receives the washware 100 which is to be cleaned, in this case plates, in a stacked
manner. In order that the items of washware 101 received in the stacking magazine
51 can be destacked automatically in the downward direction, the stacking magazine
51 is provided with a separating arrangement by means of which the items of washware
101 received in the stacking magazine 51 are discharged separately, i.e. one by one.
In specific terms, the separating arrangement has a thread which can be rotated relative
to the washware 100 received in the stacking magazine 51 and between the thread turns
of which peripheral regions of individual items of washware 101 can be received such
that, upon rotation of the thread, the items of washware 101 are moved in the vertical
direction and a respectively lowermost item of washware 101' is discharged out of
the stacking magazine 51.
[0053] In the case of that embodiment of the loading apparatus 50 which is illustrated in
Figure 2, the thread of the separating arrangement is configured as an internal thread
52 of a drum 53 which can be rotated relative to the washware 100 received in the
stacking magazine 51. The washware 100 which is to be cleaned is stacked in this drum
53, wherein - as shown in Figure 2 - the entire peripheral region of the items of
washware 101 is received by the thread turns of the internal thread 52.
[0054] By virtue of the rotary movement of the drum 53, the stack of plates (washware 100)
is conveyed downwards and individual items of washware 101 are destacked therefrom.
The items of washware 101' which arrive at the bottom, and are destacked, are set
down on a conveying arrangement 55. The conveying arrangement 55 is designed as a
chute in the case of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2. From the conveying arrangement
55, designed as a chute, the items of washware 101' are fed to the transporting belt
62 of the conveyor dishwasher 1 and are introduced there into the corresponding compartments
of the transporting belt 62, these compartments being formed by the fingers 63. Designing
the conveying arrangement 55 as a chute constitutes a particularly straightforward
and cost-effective variant for feeding separated items of washware 101' to the transporting
belt 62. In the case of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the loading
apparatus 50 is fixed to the conveyor dishwasher 1 in the loading zone 61. Depending
on the three-dimensional sorting and loading sequence, it is also possible, however,
for the loading apparatus 50 to be mobile, this allowing greater flexibility.
[0055] Figure 3 shows a perspective view, as seen obliquely from above, of a further embodiment
of the loading apparatus 50' according to the invention. It is also the case with
this embodiment of the loading apparatus 50' that the washware 100 stacked according
to type, in this case likewise a stack of plates, is destacked automatically in a
downward direction. Like the loading apparatus 50 according to Figure 2 as well, the
loading apparatus 50' according to Figure 3 has a stacking magazine 51', which receives
the washware 100 which is to be cleaned (in this case: plates) in a stacked manner.
The separating arrangement is also provided in order that the items of washware 101'
received in the stacking magazine 51' can be destacked automatically in the downward
direction.
[0056] In the case of the embodiment according to Figure 3, the separating arrangement has
three parallel conveying belts 52', 52", 52''' which can be rotated relative to the
washware 100 received in the stacking magazine 51'. The washware 100 is stacked between
these conveying belts 52', 52", 52''', wherein individual peripheral regions of the
items of washware 101, i.e. portions of the peripheral regions of the items of washware
101, are received by regions of the thread turns of the respective conveying belts
52', 52", 52'''.
[0057] The loading apparatus 50' illustrated in Figure 3 functions as follows: in the first
instance, the items of washware 101' which are to be cleaned (in this case: plates)
are introduced into the centre of the three rotatable conveying belts 52', 52", 52'''.
A uniform, coordinated rotary movement of the conveying belt 52', 52", 52''' transports
each item of washware 101 in the downward direction. The respectively separated items
of washware 101' are then introduced via a conveying arrangement 55, in this case
a conveying belt, into the compartments of the transporting belt 62 of the conveying
dishwasher 1, these compartments being formed by fingers 63.
[0058] In comparison with the loading apparatus 50 according to the embodiment illustrated
in Figure 2 (drum solution), the loading apparatus 50' according to the embodiment
illustrated in Figure 3 is distinguished by being lower in weight, and provision of
the conveying arrangement 55, configured as a conveying belt, also allows it to serve
a conveyor dishwasher 1 which is at a greater distance away.
[0059] Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of two loading apparatuses 50 of the first embodiment
of the invention, wherein the two loading apparatuses are arranged one beside the
other in a loading zone 62 of a flight-type dishwasher 1. Both loading apparatuses
50 may be of mobile configuration, and they can therefore be stacked with washware
at a remote location and be displaced into the loading zone 61 for the first time
for destacking purposes.
[0060] The washware 100 of each loading apparatus 50 may comprise respectively different
types of washware, e.g. plates and bowls. In the case shown in Figure 4, however,
two stacks of plates are destacked in parallel and fed to the transporting belt 62
of a flight-type dishwasher 1. Two transporting-belt tracks located one beside the
other are charged here, and this considerably increases the loading speed of the conveyor
dishwasher 1.
[0061] The individual transporting-belt tracks may be subject to different cleaning parameters,
and it is therefore also possible for items of washware of different types to be loaded
on each track in one loading operation.
[0062] The items of washware 101, rather than necessarily having to be introduced into a
transporting belt 62 with fingers 63, may also be positioned on a transporting belt
62 without fingers 63 in a region above the transporting-belt deflection.
[0063] Although not illustrated explicitly in the drawings, it is conceivable for the respective
loading apparatus 50, 50' to be assigned a drive arrangement for driving the rotatable
drum 53 or the rotatable conveying belt 52', 52", 52'''. This drive arrangement can
preferably be activated via the control arrangement 40 indicated in Figure 1. The
control arrangement 40 here is preferably designed to activate the drive arrangement
in dependence on the transporting speed of the transporting belt 62 of the conveyor
dishwasher 1 and to set the rotary speed of the rotatable drum 53, or of the rotatable
conveying belt 52', 52", 52''', in dependence on the transporting speed of the transporting
belt 62.
[0064] It is conceivable here for the control arrangement 40 to be designed to set the rotary
speed of the rotatable drum 53, or of the rotatable conveying belt 52', 52", 52''',
such that the number of items of washware 101' discharged out of the stacking magazine
51, or 51', per unit of time is identical to the number of items of washware which
are fed to the transporting belt 62 of the conveyor dishwasher 1, and can be received
by the transporting belt 62, per unit of time.
[0065] Furthermore, it is conceivable for the control arrangement 40 to be designed to set
the rotary speed of the rotatable drum 53, or of the rotatable conveying belt 52',
52", 52''', in dependence on the type of washware and, in particular, the size of
the washware 100 received in the stacking magazine 51 or 51'.
[0066] It should be noted that, rather than being restricted to the exemplary embodiments
illustrated above with reference to the drawings, the invention is made up of a combination
of all the individual features disclosed herein.
[0067] It should also be noted that the loading apparatus 50, 50' according to the invention
is preferably designed such that the washware 100 which is to be cleaned can be stacked
in the corresponding stacking magazine 51, 51' with the user side upwards or with
the user side downwards.
1. Loading apparatus (50; 50') for a conveyor dishwasher (1), in particular flight-type
dishwasher, wherein the loading apparatus (50; 50') has the following:
- at least one stacking magazine (51; 51') by means of which washware (100) which
is to be cleaned, in particular plates, bowls or trays, is received in a stackwise
manner, wherein the at least one stacking magazine (51; 51') has a separating arrangement
by means of which the items of washware (101) received in the stacking magazine (51;
51') are discharged one by one; and
- a conveying arrangement (55; 55') by means of which the items of washware (101')
discharged one by one by the separating arrangement are fed to a transporting belt
(62) of the conveyor dishwasher (1), wherein the separating arrangement moves the
items of washware (101) in the vertical direction and in each case one item of washware
(101) is discharged out of the stacking magazine (11, 11'), characterised in that the separating arrangement has at least one thread which is rotatable relative to
the washware (100) received in the stacking magazine (51; 51') and between the thread
turns of which peripheral regions of individual items of washware (101) are receivable
such that, upon rotation of the thread, a respectively lowermost item of washware
(101) is discharged out of the stacking magazine (11, 11'); and
wherein the at least one thread is configured as an internal thread (52) of a drum
(53) which can be rotated relative to the washware (100) received in the stacking
magazine (51) and in which the items of washware (101) can be stacked, wherein the
peripheral region of the items of washware (101) can be received by the thread turns
of the internal thread (52); or wherein the at least one thread is designed as the
external thread of at least two, and preferably three, parallel conveying belts (52',
52", 52'") which can be rotated relative to the washware (100) received in the stacking
magazine (51') and between which the washware (100) can be stacked, wherein individual
peripheral regions of the items of washware (101) can be received by regions of the
thread turns of the respective conveying belts (52', 52", 52"').
2. Loading apparatus (50; 50') according to claim 1,
wherein a drive arrangement is also provided for driving the at least one thread of
the separating arrangement, as is a control arrangement (40) for activating the drive
arrangement, wherein the control arrangement (40) is designed to activate the drive
arrangement in dependence on the transporting speeds of the transporting belt (62)
of the conveyor dishwasher (1) and to set the rotary speed of the at least one thread
of the separating arrangement in dependence on the transporting speed of the transporting
belt (62).
3. Loading apparatus (50; 50') according to claim 2,
wherein the control arrangement (40) is designed to set the rotary speed of the at
least one thread of the separating arrangement such that the number of items of washware
(101) discharged out of the stacking magazine (51, 51') per unit of time is identical
to the number of items of washware (101') which are fed to the transporting belt (62)
of the conveyor dishwasher (1), and can be received by the transporting belt (62)
per unit of time; and/or
wherein the control arrangement (40) is designed to set the rotary speed of the at
least one thread of the separating arrangement in dependence on the type of washware
and, in particular, on the size of washware (100) received in the at least one stacking
magazine (51; 51').
4. Loading apparatus (50; 50') according to one of claims 1 to 3,
wherein the loading apparatus (50; 50') is designed such that the items of washware
(101) which are to be cleaned can be stacked in the at least one stacking magazine
(51; 51') with the user side upwards or with the user side downwards.
5. Loading apparatus (50) according to one of claims 1 to 4,
wherein the conveying arrangement (55; 55') has a chute or a conveying belt by means
of which the items of washware (101') discharged one by one by the separating arrangement
are fed to the transporting belt (62) of the conveyor dishwasher (1).
6. Loading apparatus (50; 50') according to one of claims 1 to 5,
wherein the loading apparatus (50; 50') has a chassis for moving in three dimensions.
7. Combination of an in particular commercial conveyor dishwasher (1) and at least one
loading apparatus (50; 50') according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the conveyor
dishwasher (1), preferably at the dishwasher entrance, has a loading zone (61) in
which the at least one loading apparatus (50; 50') is coupable to the conveyor dishwasher
(1) such that, with the aid of the conveying arrangement (55, 55') of the at least
one loading apparatus (50; 50'), the items of washware (101') discharged one by one
by the separating arrangement can be fed to a transporting belt (62) of the conveyor
dishwasher (1).
8. Combination according to claim 7,
wherein the transporting belt (62) is of endless configuration and is provided with
fingers (63), and wherein the at least one loading apparatus (50; 50') is designed
such that the operations of feeding the separated items of washware (101') to the
transporting belt (62) and of introducing the separated items of washware (101') into
the transporting belt (62) take place in a region of a transporting-belt deflection.
9. Combination according to claim 8,
wherein the transporting belt (62) is of endless configuration, and wherein the at
least one loading apparatus (50; 50') is designed such that the operations of feeding
the separated items of washware (101') to the transporting belt (62) and of loading
the transporting belt (62) take place in a region above a transporting-belt deflection.
10. Combination according to one of claims 7 to 9,
wherein the conveyor dishwasher (1) can be coupled simultaneously to a plurality of
loading apparatuses (50; 50') arranged one beside the other.
11. Combination according to claim 10,
wherein individual stacking magazines (51; 51') can be assigned to individual tracks
of the transporting belt (62).
12. Method of loading a commercial conveyor dishwasher (1) with washware (100), wherein
the method has the following method steps:
- providing a loading apparatus (50; 50') according to one of Claims 1 to 6;
- stacking washware (100) in the at least one stacking magazine (51; 51') of the loading
apparatus (50; 50');
- coupling the loading apparatus (50; 50') to a loading zone (61) of the conveyor
dishwasher (1) such that the conveying arrangement (55; 55') of the loading apparatus
(50; 50') communicates with a transporting belt (62) of the conveyor dishwasher (1);
and
- rotating the at least one thread of the stacking magazine (51; 51') in dependence
on a transporting speed of the conveyor dishwasher (1) such that separated items of
washware (101') discharged out of the stacking magazine (51; 51') are continuously
supplied to the transporting belt (62) of the conveyor dishwasher (1) and received
by the same.
13. Method according to claim 12,
wherein, prior to the loading apparatus (50; 50') being coupled to the loading zone
(61) of the conveyor dishwasher (1), the loading apparatus (50; 50') is displaced
to the loading zone (61) of the conveyor dishwasher (1).
1. Beladevorrichtung (50; 50') für eine Transportspülmaschine (1), insbesondere Bandtransportspülmaschine,
wobei die Beladevorrichtung (50; 50') Folgendes aufweist:
- mindestens ein Stapelmagazin (51; 51') zum stapelweisen Aufnehmen von zu reinigendem
Spülgut (100), insbesondere Tellern, Schalen oder Tabletts, wobei das mindestens eine
Stapelmagazin (51; 51') eine Vereinzelungseinrichtung aufweist zum stückweisen Abgeben
der in dem Stapelmagazin (51; 51') aufgenommenen Spülgutteile (101); und
- eine Fördereinrichtung (55; 55') zum Zuführen der von der Vereinzelungseinrichtung
stückweise abgegebenen Spülgutteile (101') zu einem Transportband (62) der Transportspülmaschine
(1), wobei die Vereinzelungseinrichtung die Spülgutteile (101) in vertikaler Richtung
bewegt und jeweils ein Spülgutteil (101) aus dem Stapelmagazin (11, 11') abgegeben
wird,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Vereinzelungseinrichtung mindestens ein relativ zu dem in dem Stapelmagazin (51;
51') aufgenommenen Spülgut (100) drehbares Gewinde aufweist, zwischen dessen Gewindegängen
Randbereiche einzelner Spülgutteile (101) derart aufnehmbar sind, dass beim Drehen
des Gewindes ein jeweils unterstes Spülgutteil (101) aus dem Stapelmagazin (11, 11')
abgegeben wird; und
wobei das mindestens eine Gewinde als ein Innengewinde (52) einer relativ zu dem in
dem Stapelmagazin (51) aufgenommenen Spülgut (100) drehbaren Trommel (53) ausgeführt
ist, in welche die Spülgutteile (101) stapelbar sind, wobei der Randbereich der Spülgutteile
(101) von den Gewindegängen des Innengewindes (52) aufnehmbar ist; oder
wobei das mindestens eine Gewinde als das Außengewinde von mindestens zwei und vorzugsweise
drei parallel zueinander verlaufenden und relativ zu dem in dem Stapelmagazin (51')
aufgenommenen Spülgut (100) drehbaren Förderbändern (52', 52'', 52''') ausgebildet
ist, zwischen denen das Spülgut (100) stapelbar ist, wobei einzelne Randbereiche der
Spülgutteile (101) von Bereichen der Gewindegänge der jeweiligen Förderschnecken (52',
52'', 52''') aufnehmbar sind.
2. Beladevorrichtung (50; 50') nach Anspruch 1, wobei ferner eine Antriebseinrichtung
zum Antreiben des mindestens einen Gewindes der Vereinzelungseinrichtung und eine
Steuereinrichtung (40) zum Aktivieren der Antriebseinrichtung vorgesehen sind, wobei
die Steuereinrichtung (40) ausgelegt ist, in Abhängigkeit von der Transportgeschwindigkeit
des Transportbandes (62) der Transportspülmaschine (1) die Antriebseinrichtung zu
aktivieren und die Rotationsgeschwindigkeit des mindestens einen Gewindes der Vereinzelungseinrichtung
in Abhängigkeit von der Transportgeschwindigkeit des Transportbandes (62) einzustellen.
3. Beladevorrichtung (50; 50') nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Steuereinrichtung (40) ausgelegt
ist, die Rotationsgeschwindigkeit des mindestens einen Gewindes der Vereinzelungseinrichtung
derart einzustellen, dass die Anzahl der pro Zeiteinheit aus dem Stapelmagazin (51,
51') abgegebenen Spülgutteile (101) identisch ist mit der Anzahl der pro Zeiteinheit
dem Transportband (62) der Transportspülmaschine (1) zugeführten und von dem Transportband
(62) aufnehmbaren Spülgutteile (101'), und/oder
wobei die Steuereinrichtung (40) ausgelegt ist, die Rotationsgeschwindigkeit des mindestens
einen Gewindes der Vereinzelungseinrichtung in Abhängigkeit von der Spülgutart und
insbesondere der Größe des in dem mindestens einen Stapelmagazin (51; 51') aufgenommenen
Spülguts (100) einzustellen.
4. Beladevorrichtung (50; 50') nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei die Beladevorrichtung
(50; 50') derart ausgebildet ist, dass die zu reinigenden Spülgutteile (101) mit der
Benutzerseite nach oben oder mit der Benutzerseite nach unten in das mindestens eine
Stapelmagazin (51; 51') einstapelbar sind.
5. Beladevorrichtung (50) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei die Fördereinrichtung
(55; 55') eine Rutsche oder ein Förderband aufweist zum Zuführen der von der Vereinzelungseinrichtung
stückweise abgegebenen Spülgutteile (101') zu dem Transportband (62) der Transportspülmaschine
(1).
6. Beladevorrichtung (50; 50') nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, wobei die Beladevorrichtung
(50; 50') ein Fahrwerk zur räumlichen Bewegung aufweist.
7. Kombination aus einer insbesondere gewerblichen Transportspülmaschine (1) und mindestens
einer Beladevorrichtung (50; 50') nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, wobei die Transportspülmaschine
(1) vorzugsweise beim Maschineneinlauf eine Beladezone (61) aufweist, in welcher die
mindestens eine Beladevorrichtung (50; 50') mit der Transportspülmaschine (1) koppelbar
ist derart, dass mit Hilfe der Fördereinrichtung (55; 55') der mindestens einen Beladevorrichtung
(50; 50') die von der Vereinzelungseinrichtung stückweise abgegebenen Spülgutteile
(101') einem Transportband (62) der Transportspülmaschine (1) zuführbar sind.
8. Kombination nach Anspruch 7, wobei das Transportband (62) endlos ausgeführt und mit
Fingern (63) versehen ist, und wobei die mindestens eine Beladevorrichtung (50; 50')
derart ausgebildet ist, dass ein Zuführen der vereinzelten Spülgutteile (101') zu
dem Transportband (62) und ein Einsetzen der vereinzelten Spülgutteile (101') in das
Transportband (62) in einem Bereich einer Transportbandumlenkung erfolgt.
9. Kombination nach Anspruch 8, wobei das Transportband (62) endlos ausgeführt ist, und
wobei die mindestens eine Beladevorrichtung (50; 50') derart ausgebildet ist, dass
ein Zuführen der vereinzelten Spülgutteile (101') zu dem Transportband (62) und das
Bestücken des Transportbandes (62) in einem Bereich oberhalb einer Transportbandumlenkung
erfolgt.
10. Kombination nach einem der Ansprüch 7 bis 9, wobei die Transportspülmaschine (1) gleichzeitig
mit mehreren, nebeneinander angeordneten Beladevorrichtungen (50; 50') koppelbar ist.
11. Kombination nach Anspruch 10, wobei einzelne Stapelmagazine (51; 51') individuellen
Spuren des Transportbandes (62) zuordenbar sind.
12. Verfahren zum Beladen einer gewerblichen Transportspülmaschine (1) mit Spülgut (100),
wobei das Verfahren die folgenden Verfahrensschritte aufweist:
- Bereitstellen einer Beladevorrichtung (50; 50') nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6;
- Einstapeln von Spülgut (100) in das mindestens eine Stapelmagazin (51; 51') der
Beladevorrichtung (50; 50');
- Koppeln der Beladevorrichtung (50; 50') mit einer Beladezone (61) der Transportspülmaschine
(1) derart, dass die Fördereinrichtung (55; 55') der Beladevorrichtung (50; 50') mit
einem Transportband (62) der Transportspülmaschine (1) kommuniziert; und
- Drehen des mindestens einen Gewindes des Stapelmagazins (51; 51') abhängig von einer
Transportgeschwindigkeit der Transportspülmaschine (1) derart, dass dem Transportband
(62) der Transportspülmaschine (1) kontinuierlich aus dem Stapelmagazin (51; 51')
abgegebene, vereinzelte Spülgutteile (101') zugestellt und von diesem aufgenommen
werden.
13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, wobei vor dem Koppeln der Beladevorrichtung (50; 50')
mit der Beladezone (61) der Transportspülmaschine (1) die Beladevorrichtung (50; 50')
an die Beladezone (61) der Transportspülmaschine (1) verfahren wird.
1. Appareil de chargement (50 ; 50') pour un lave-vaisselle à convoyeur (1), en particulier
un lave-vaisselle à bande transporteuse sans panier, l'appareil de chargement (50
; 50') comprenant :
au moins un magasin d'empilage (51 ; 51') au moyen duquel la vaisselle (100) qui doit
être lavée, en particulier les assiettes, les bols ou les plateaux, est reçue de manière
empilée, l'au moins un magasin d'empilage (51 ; 51') ayant un dispositif de séparation
au moyen duquel les éléments de vaisselle (101) reçus dans le magasin d'empilage (51
; 51') sont déchargés un par un ; et
un dispositif de convoyage (55 ; 55') au moyen duquel les éléments de vaisselle (101')
déchargés un par un par le dispositif de séparation sont apportés jusqu'à une bande
transporteuse (62) du lave-vaisselle à convoyeur (1),
le dispositif de séparation déplaçant les éléments de vaisselle (101) dans la direction
verticale et, dans chaque cas, un élément de vaisselle (101) est déchargé du magasin
d'empilage (11, 11'),
l'appareil de chargement étant caractérisé en ce que :
le dispositif de séparation comporte au moins un filet rotatif par rapport à la vaisselle
(100) reçue dans le magasin d'empilage (51 ; 51'), et entre les tours de filet duquel
des régions périphériques d'élément individuel de vaisselle (101) peuvent être reçus
de sorte que, lors de la rotation du filet, un élément de vaisselle (101) respectivement
le plus bas soit déchargé du magasin d'empilage (11, 11') ; et
l'au moins un filet étant conçu comme un filet interne (52) d'un tambour (53) qui
peut être mis en rotation par rapport à la vaisselle (100) reçue dans le magasin d'empilage
(51) et dans lequel les éléments de vaisselle (101) peuvent être empilés, la région
périphérique des éléments de vaisselle (100) pouvant être reçue par les tours de filet
du filet interne (52) ; ou l'au moins un filet étant conçu comme le filet externe
d'au moins deux, et de préférence trois, bandes convoyeuses parallèles (52', 52'',
52''') qui peuvent être mises en rotation par rapport à la vaisselle (100) reçue dans
le magasin d'empilage (51') et entre lesquelles la vaisselle (100) peut être empilée,
des régions périphériques individuelles des éléments de vaisselle (101) pouvant être
reçus par des régions des tours de filet des bandes convoyeuses (52', 52'', 52''')
respectives.
2. Appareil de chargement (50 ; 50') selon la revendication 1,
dans lequel un dispositif d'entraînement est également fourni pour entraîner l'au
moins un filet du dispositif de séparation, tout comme un dispositif de contrôle (40)
pour activer le dispositif d'entraînement, le dispositif de contrôle (40) étant conçu
pour activer le dispositif d'entraînement en fonction des vitesses de transport de
la bande transporteuse (62) du lave-vaisselle à convoyeur (1), et pour régler la vitesse
de rotation de l'au moins un filet du dispositif de séparation en fonction de la vitesse
de transport de la bande transporteuse (62).
3. Appareil de chargement (50 ; 50') selon la revendication 2,
dans lequel le dispositif de contrôle (40) est conçu pour régler la vitesse de rotation
de l'au moins un filet du dispositif de séparation, de sorte que le nombre d'éléments
de vaisselle (101) déchargés du magasin d'empilage (51, 51') par unité de temps soit
identique au nombre d'éléments de vaisselle (101') apportés jusqu'à la bande transporteuse
(62) du lave-vaisselle à convoyeur (1), et puisse être reçu par la bande transporteuse
(62) par unité de temps ; et/ou
dans lequel le dispositif de contrôle (40) est conçu pour régler la vitesse de rotation
de l'au moins un filet du dispositif de séparation en fonction du type de vaisselle
et, en particulier, de la taille de la vaisselle (100) reçue dans l'au moins un magasin
d'empilage (51 ; 51').
4. Appareil de chargement (50 ; 50') selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3,
dans lequel l'appareil de chargement (50 ; 50') est conçu de sorte que les éléments
de vaisselle (101) qui doivent être lavés puissent être empilés dans l'au moins un
magasin d'empilage (51 ; 51') avec le côté utilisateur vers le haut ou le côté utilisateur
vers le bas.
5. Appareil de chargement (50) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4,
dans lequel le dispositif de convoyage (55 ; 55') comporte une goulotte ou une bande
convoyeuse au moyen de laquelle les éléments de vaisselle (101') déchargés un par
un par le dispositif de séparation sont apportés jusqu'à la bande transporteuse (62)
du lave-vaisselle à convoyeur (1).
6. Appareil de chargement (50 ; 50') selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5,
dans lequel l'appareil de chargement (50 ; 50') comporte un châssis de déplacement
en trois dimensions.
7. Combinaison d'un lave-vaisselle à convoyeur commercial particulier (1) et d'au moins
un appareil de chargement (50 ; 50') selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6, dans laquelle
le lave-vaisselle à convoyeur (1), de préférence au niveau de l'entrée de lave-vaisselle,
comporte une zone de chargement (61) où l'au moins un appareil de chargement (50 ;
50') peut être accouplé au lave-vaisselle à convoyeur (1) de sorte que, avec l'aide
du dispositif de convoyage (55, 55') de l'au moins un appareil de chargement (50 ;
50'), les éléments de vaisselle (101') déchargés un par un par le dispositif de séparation
puissent être apportés jusqu'à une bande transporteuse (62) du lave-vaisselle à convoyeur
(1).
8. Combinaison selon la revendication 7,
dans laquelle la bande transporteuse (62) est de configuration sans fin et est munie
de doigts (63), et dans laquelle l'au moins un appareil de chargement (50 ; 50') est
conçu de sorte que les opérations d'apport des éléments de vaisselle (101') séparés
sur la bande transporteuse (62) et d'introduction des éléments de vaisselle (101')
séparés sur la bande transporteuse (62) se déroulent dans une région d'une déviation
de bande transporteuse.
9. Combinaison selon la revendication 8,
dans laquelle la bande transporteuse (62) est de configuration sans fin, et dans laquelle
l'au moins un appareil de chargement (50 ; 50') est conçu de sorte que les opérations
d'apport des éléments de vaisselle (101') séparés sur la bande transporteuse (62)
et de chargement de la bande transporteuse (62) se déroulent dans une région au-dessus
d'une déviation de bande transporteuse.
10. Combinaison selon l'une des revendications 7 à 9,
dans laquelle le lave-vaisselle à convoyeur (1) peut être accouplé simultanément à
une pluralité d'appareils de chargement (50 ; 50') disposés les uns sous les autres.
11. Combinaison selon la revendication 10,
dans laquelle des magasins d'empilage individuels (51 ; 51') peuvent être affectés
à des chenilles individuelles de la bande transporteuse (62).
12. Procédé de chargement d'un lave-vaisselle à convoyeur commercial (1) avec de la vaisselle
(100), le procédé comprenant les étapes de procédé suivantes consistant à :
fournir un appareil de chargement (50 ; 50') selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6
;
empiler de la vaisselle (100) dans l'au moins un magasin d'empilage (51 ; 51') de
l'appareil de chargement (50 ; 50') ;
accoupler l'appareil de chargement (50 ; 50') à une zone de chargement (61) du lave-vaisselle
à convoyeur (1), de sorte que le dispositif de convoyage (55 ; 55') de l'appareil
de chargement (50 ; 50') communique avec une bande transporteuse (62) du lave-vaisselle
à convoyeur (1) ; et
faire tourner l'au moins un filet du magasin d'empilage (51 ; 51') en fonction d'une
vitesse de transport du lave-vaisselle à convoyeur (1) de sorte que des éléments de
vaisselle (101') séparés déchargés du magasin d'empilage (51 ; 51') soient fournis
en continu à la bande transporteuse (62) du lave-vaisselle à convoyeur (1) et reçus
par celle-ci.
13. Procédé selon la revendication 12,
dans lequel, avant que l'appareil de chargement (50 ; 50') ne soit accouplé à la zone
de chargement (61) du lave-vaisselle à convoyeur (1), l'appareil de chargement (50
; 50') est déplacé vers la zone de chargement (61) du lave-vaisselle à convoyeur (1).