UNLOADING SYSTEM FOR CONVEYOR WAREWASHERS

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an unloading system for conveyor warewashers for the automatic unloading of upended trays in a tray stacking station, and also to a conveyor warewasher comprising an unloading system of this type.

[0002] The invention also relates to a conveyor warewasher comprising at least one washing zone and at least one clear rinsing zone and also comprising a transport apparatus for transporting wash ware through the at least one washing zone and the at least one clear rinsing zone, wherein, in the end region of the conveyor warewasher on the outlet side, an unloading system is provided for the automatic removal and unloading of trays transported through the treatment zones of the conveyor warewasher.

[0003] The conveyor warewasher according to the invention is in particular a commercial conveyor warewasher and can be formed as a flight-type warewasher or as a rack-conveyor warewasher.

Background

[0004] Conveyor warewashers are used in the commercial field. In contrast to domestic warewashers, in which the wash ware to be cleaned remains stationary in the machine during the cleaning process, with conveyor warewashers the wash ware is transported through various treatment zones of the machine.

[0005] With conveyor warewashers, the wash ware, such as trays, crockery, pans, glassware, cutlery and other utensils to be cleaned, is conveyed through a number of treatment zones, such as a pre-washing zone or zones, a main washing zone or zones, a post-washing or pre-rinsing zone or zones, a clear rinsing zone or zones and a drying zone or zones. To transport wash ware in a direction of transport through the conveyor warewasher, a transport apparatus is used, which generally has compartments for receiving wash ware. With a flight-type warewasher, the compartments may be formed by support fingers on a conveyor belt of the transport apparatus. With rack-conveyor warewashers, dish racks, in which compartments may be formed for receiving the wash ware to be treated, are used as a transport apparatus. In this case, it is conceivable for the dish racks to be transported through the rack-conveyor warewasher by means of a conveying device.

[0006] The wash ware to be cleaned is normally presorted before being put into the conveyor belt. For example, a rack-conveyor warewasher is known from document US 6 530 996 B2, with which the wash ware to be treated is presorted in dish racks and is then fed to the respective treatment zones.

[0007] With regard to trays or tray-like objects, the presorting process is usually carried out in such a way that the set of crockery and cutlery is removed from a tray to be cleaned and the tray is then stacked in front of the transport apparatus or in the inlet region (dirty side) of the conveyor warewasher. Every now and then, the trays from this tray stack, once sorted, are put into the conveyor belt of the warewasher and are cleaned. This sorted approach has the advantage that trays cannot throw any spray shadows onto smaller wash ware items stacked behind the trays. Furthermore, as a result of this approach, the workflow of the stacking and unloading is highly simplified and more efficient compared to a mixing of the wash ware with the trays to be cleaned.

[0008] Whilst the trays from this tray stack are put in a sorted manner into the conveyor belt of the warewasher and are cleaned, it is not possible however to clean other wash ware, such as plates, bowls or other crockery, since the trays to be put into the conveyor belt normally have to be put into the conveyor belt transversely to the direction of transport and thus fill the entire available area of the conveyor belt. Compared to other wash ware types, a relatively long period of time is therefore required for the cleaning of trays.

[0009] Furthermore, the operating staff of the conveyor warewasher have to integrate each tray twice into their workflow at the machine inlet: firstly when removing the cutlery and crockery items from the tray to be cleaned and secondly when actually putting the tray into the conveyor belt of the conveyor warewasher.

[0010] Lastly, there are also further process steps to be carried out manually in the outlet region of the conveyor warewasher, since here the wash ware previously placed manually into the conveyor warewasher in the inlet region (dirty side) of the conveyor warewasher has to be removed again.

[0011] Based on this problem, the object of the invention is to develop a conveyor warewasher of the type described in the introduction, in such a way that it is possible to make the entire washing and rinsing process more efficient, whereby in particular the labor time of the ware-washing staff can be shortened and the resource consumption of the warewasher can be reduced.

[0012] US 3 522 872 discloses an unloading system for the conveyor warewashers according to the preamble of claim 1.

Summary

[0013] This object is achieved in accordance with the invention by the subject of independent patent claim 1.

[0014] In accordance with the invention, an unloading system for conveyor warewashers for the automatic unloading of upended trays in a tray stacking station, in which the unloaded trays are oriented horizontally, is therefore proposed. The unloading system has a sliding surface inclined in the direction of the tray stacking station and a guide, with which upended trays can be transferred in succession to the sliding surface, preferably in the outlet region of the conveyor warewasher, by a combined tilting and linear movement.

[0015] The unloading system according to the invention is suitable in particular for a conveyor warewasher, preferably a commercial conveyor warewasher, which has at least one washing zone and at least one clear rinsing zone as well as a transport apparatus in order to transport wash ware through the at least one washing zone and the at least one clear rinsing zone. Here, it is preferable if the transport apparatus has a first conveyor belt for receiving trays or tray-like wash ware in an upended state. The unloading system according to the invention is provided in the end region of the conveyor warewasher on the outlet side of the warewasher machine in order to automatically unload the trays, received by the first conveyor belt in an upended state, in a tray stacking station in which the unloaded trays are oriented horizontally.

[0016] Due to the provision of such an unloading system, the work of the operating staff is considerably lessened, in particular at the outlet of the conveyor warewasher, since the trays, which are generally transported with a high transport speed through the individual treatment zones of the conveyor warewasher and which consequently arrive at the outlet of the warewasher machine with a high throughput rate, are deposited automatically, that is to say without manual intervention, in a corresponding tray stacking station. For example, the tray stacking station may be a trolley, on which the unloaded trays are arranged one above the other, oriented horizontally.

[0017] The term "tray" used herein is to be understood to mean not only trays in the literal sense, but also tray-like wash ware, that is to say flat wash ware such as flat plates, etc., for example.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the previously described conveyor warewasher, with which an unloading system according to the present invention is used in the end region on the outlet side of the warewasher machine, the transport apparatus of the conveyor warewasher, in addition to the first conveyor belt, also has at least one second conveyor belt, running parallel thereto, for other wash ware, such as pans, cutlery or glassware. The first conveyor belt preferably has a width which is reduced compared to the second conveyor belt, such that a tray or a tray-like wash ware can only be received by the first conveyor belt if said tray or tray-like wash ware is provided in an upended state and is oriented parallel to the direction of transport.

[0019] The term "width of the conveyor belt" used herein is to be understood to mean the horizontal extension of the conveyor belt transversely, that is to say perpendicularly, to the direction of transport.

[0020] Since, with the last-mentioned preferred embodiment of the conveyor warewasher for trays or tray-like objects, a separate conveyor belt (first conveyor belt) is provided, in which trays or tray-like objects can be placed in an upended state and oriented parallel to the direction of transport, it is possible to clean the trays or tray-like objects simultaneously with other wash ware, without a risk of the trays or tray-like objects throwing a spray shadow during the cleaning process onto the wash ware to be cleaned simultaneously with the trays or the tray-like objects.

[0021] Furthermore, the orientation of the trays or tray-like objects parallel to the direction of travel of the first and second conveyor belt requires a minimal utilization of the total belt area. This minimal area utilization means that the second conveyor belt, which is provided for the other wash ware, remains usable, virtually without limitations. Both glassware racks and GN containers can be put onto the second conveyor belt next to a tray placed on the first conveyor belt.

[0022] The arrangement of two conveyor belts thus shortens the total washing and rinsing process in a commercial scullery area and therefore represents a shortening of the labor time of the ware-washing staff and also a reduction of the resource consumption of the conveyor warewasher.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the solution according to the invention, with the conveyor warewasher of the previously discussed type, the transport speed of the first conveyor belt is increased compared to the transport speed of the second conveyor belt. This increase in transport speed enables each tray to be put in place without delay at the moment at which all cutlery and crockery items are removed from the tray. It is therefore possible for the trays not to be deposited on a stack after removal of the crockery and cutlery items possibly present on the tray, but to be put directly into the first conveyor belt. In this embodiment, there is thus no second process step with the respective tray. Automatic tray unloading at the machine outlet is likewise preferable for this machine configuration, since the operating staff may possibly be overburdened at the machine outlet with the unloading of the conveyor warewasher due to the cleaning processes being carried out in parallel on both conveyor belts.

[0024] The concept of providing a separate conveyor belt for specific wash ware types can be extended as desired, and various combinations of individual conveyor belts are possible. In a preferred embodiment of the solution according to the invention, at least one further conveyor belt extending parallel to the first and second conveyor belt is therefore used, wherein this further conveyor belt is preferably provided for cutlery items. Here, it is preferable if the further conveyor belt provided for cutlery items runs directly beside the first conveyor belt and between the first and second conveyor belt. With this embodiment, it is no longer necessary for the operator of the conveyor warewasher to remove the set of cutlery from the respective tray at the machine inlet. Since, to feed the trays and to put said trays onto the first conveyor belt, the trays are positioned in an upended manner, the set of cutlery falls automatically (propelled by the force of gravity) from the upright tray into the cutlery lane (further conveyor belt) and also into a provided container after the washing and drying processes. The handling of the cutlery is thus omitted completely.

[0025] Furthermore, special lanes for individual wash ware types, such as plates and/or bowls, may also be provided, since automatic unloading systems are already known for all of these wash ware types from partial and full automatic machine technology. Due to the increased degree of automation as a result of these special lanes in conjunction with automated unloading, labor time can be saved both on the clean side and dirty side of the conveyor warewasher. The rinsing process thus proceeds more efficiently and the overall time for said process is shortened, and therefore resources can also be saved in addition to labor time.

[0026] With regard to the unloading system according to the invention, which is preferably used in the end region of the conveyor warewasher on the outlet side of the warewasher machine in order to unload there in a tray stacking station upended trays, which have been transported previously through the individual treatment zones of the conveyor warewasher, the guide of the unloading system is preferably associated with a conveyor belt of the conveyor warewasher, on which the trays or the tray-like objects can be transported through the conveyor warewasher in an upended state. The guide is offset laterally, at least in some regions, in relation to the conveyor belt and extends above the conveyor belt and is inclined in the outlet region of the conveyor warewasher, at least in some regions, with respect to the horizontal in the direction of the conveyor belt plane. The term "conveyor belt plane" used herein is to be understood to mean the horizontal plane in which the conveyor belt extends, onto which the wash ware to be cleaned in the conveyor warewasher is put in order to be transported through the individual treatment zones of the conveyor warewasher. Since the guide is offset laterally, at least in some regions, in relation to the conveyor belt and extends above the conveyor belt, this guide is not only used to guide the upended wash ware through the individual treatment zones of the conveyor warewasher, but simultaneously also to support the upended wash ware. Since, in the outlet region of the conveyor warewasher, this guide is inclined, at least in some regions, with respect to the horizontal in the direction of the conveyor belt plane, the support point defined by the guide moves in this region in the direction of the conveyor belt plane, as a result of which a tilting movement of the upended trays is caused.

[0027] In a possible implementation of the unloading system according to the invention, the end of the guide, which is inclined in the outlet region of the conveyor warewasher, at least in some regions, with respect to the horizontal in the direction of the conveyor belt plane, lies before the actual end of the conveyor belt, as viewed in the direction of transport of the conveyor belt. It is thus ensured in a manner that can be implemented easily, but is still effective, that the upended trays can be transferred to the sliding surface in the outlet region of the conveyor warewasher by a combined tilting and linear movement.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] The invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings on the basis of various embodiments by way of example. In this instance, like or functionally like parts are provided with like reference signs.

[0029] In the drawings:

figure 1

shows a schematic longitudinal view of a conveyor warewasher, with which an unloading system according to the invention can be used in the end region of the conveyor warewasher on the outlet side of the warewasher machine in order to automatically unload in succession upended trays or tray-like objects;

figure 2a

shows a plan view of a partial region of a first exemplary embodiment of a transport apparatus, which can be used with a conveyor warewasher according to figure 1;

figure 2b

shows a cross-sectional view of the transport apparatus according to figure 2a;

figure 3a

shows a plan view of a partial region of a second exemplary embodiment of a transport apparatus, which can be used with a conveyor warewasher according to figure 1;

figure 3b

shows a cross-sectional view of the transport apparatus according to figure 3a;

figure 4a

shows a plan view of a partial region of a third exemplary embodiment of a transport apparatus, which can be used with a conveyor warewasher according to figure 1;

figure 4b

shows a cross-sectional view of the transport apparatus according to figure 4a;

figure 5

shows a perspective view of the outlet region of the conveyor warewasher according to figure 1 with a first exemplary embodiment of the unloading system according to the invention;

figure 6

shows a side view of the outlet region of the conveyor warewasher according to figure 5;

figure 7

shows a front view, against the direction of transport, of the outlet region of the conveyor warewasher according to figure 5;

figure 8

shows a plan view of the outlet region of the conveyor warewasher according to figure 5;

figure 9

shows a perspective view of the outlet region of the conveyor warewasher according to figure 1 with a second exemplary embodiment of the unloading system according to the invention;

figure 10

shows a side view of the outlet region of the conveyor warewasher according to figure 9;

figure 11

shows a front view, against the direction of transport, of the outlet region of the conveyor warewasher according to figure 9; and

figure 12

shows a plan view of the outlet region of the conveyor warewasher according to figure 9.

Detailed Description

[0030] Figure 1 shows a schematic longitudinal view of an exemplary embodiment of a conveyor warewasher 1, with which a transport apparatus 2 is used for transporting wash ware (not illustrated in figure 1) in a direction of transport T through the conveyor warewasher 1. The conveyor warewasher 1 shown in figure 1 is suitable in particular for providing an unloading system according to the present invention in the outlet region of the conveyor warewasher 1 in order to automatically unload in a tray stacking station the wash ware transported through the conveyor warewasher 1 with the aid of the transport apparatus 2. Exemplary embodiments of suitable unloading systems will be described hereinafter with reference to the illustrations in figures 5 to 12.

[0031] With the conveyor warewasher 1 illustrated in figure 1, it is conceivable, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter with reference to the illustrations in figures 2 to 4, for the transport apparatus 2 to be designed for simultaneous treatment (cleaning and drying) of a plurality of wash ware types arranged in succession in order to thus make the entire washing and rinsing process more efficient, whereby in particular the labor time of the ware-washing staff can be shortened and the resource consumption of the warewasher can be reduced.

[0032] As can be deduced from the illustration in figure 1, the conveyor warewasher 1 according to the exemplary embodiment comprises at least one washing zone, for example as illustrated in figure 1, a pre-washing zone 10 and two main washing zones 11.1, 11.2, which are arranged after the pre-washing zone 10, as viewed in the direction of transport T.

[0033] As viewed in the direction of transport T, a post-washing zone 12 is arranged after the at least one washing zone 10, 11.1, 11.2, and at least one clear rinsing zone, for example merely a single clear rinsing zone 13 as illustrated, is arranged after the post-washing zone 12. The clear rinsing zone 13 is adjoined in the direction of transport T of the wash ware by a drying zone 14 in the case of the conveyor warewasher 1 illustrated in figure 1.

[0034] The respective zones 10, 11.1, 11.2, 12, 13, 14 of the conveyor warewasher 1 can be separated from one another by separating curtains 5. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 1, the inlet tunnel 3 of the conveyor warewasher 1 is also itself separated from the inlet 4 by a separating curtain 5. Due to the provision of the separating curtains 5, washing liquid and final rinse liquid are prevented from overspraying, and vapors are prevented from exiting from the conveyor warewasher 1.

[0035] The aforementioned treatment zones 10, 11.1, 11.2, 12, 13 of the conveyor warewasher 1 are associated with rinse nozzles 30a, 30b, 31.1a, 31.1b, 31.2a, 31.2b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 33c. These rinse nozzles 30a, 30b, 31.1a, 31.1b, 31.2a, 31.2b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 33c are used to spray liquid onto the wash ware to be treated when said wash ware is transported through the respective treatment zones 10, 11.1, 11.2, 12, 13 by the transport apparatus 2. The individual rinse systems of the treatment zones 10, 11.1, 11.2, 12, 13 ensure that the wash ware to be treated is rinsed down both from the upper side and from the underside.

[0036] With the conveyor warewasher 1 illustrated schematically in figure 1, the final rinsing zone 13 comprises not only downwardly directed upper final rinse nozzles 33a and upwardly directed lower final rinse nozzles 33b however, but also transversely directed lateral final rinse nozzles 33c on each side of the transport apparatus 2. The use of lateral final rinse nozzles 33c enables selective spraying of the wash ware surfaces (crockery surfaces) with final rinse liquid, even in shadow zones.

[0037] Even with a fully loaded transport system, for example with plate-to-plate loading of the crockery carrier, the use of lateral final rinse nozzles 33c in the clear rinsing zone 13 has a significant advantage in terms of the final rinse result (effective rinsing-off of detergent residues on crockery surfaces, even in shadow zones) compared to systems in which only upper and lower clear rinsing zones 33a, 33b are provided in the clear rinsing zone 13, with no transversely directed lateral final rinse nozzles 33c.

[0038] The post-washing or pre-rinsing zone 12, main washing zones 11.1, 11.2 and pre-washing zone 10 are also associated with tanks (post-washing tank 22, main washing tanks 21.1, 21.2, pre-washing tank 20) for receiving sprayed liquid and/or for providing liquid for the rinse nozzles 30a, 30b, 31.1a, 31.1b, 31.2a, 31.2b, 32a, 32b of the respective treatment zones 10, 11.1, 11.2, 12.

[0039] As already indicated, final rinse liquid, which is composed of fresh water with added rinse aid, is sprayed in the conveyor warewasher 1 illustrated in figure 1 onto the wash ware (not illustrated) via the final rinse nozzles 33a, 33b, 33c arranged above and below the transport apparatus 2 and arranged laterally. Some of the sprayed final rinse liquid is transported from treatment zone to treatment zone, against the direction of transport T of the wash ware, via a cascade system. The rest of the final rinse liquid sprayed in the clear rinsing zone 13 is conveyed directly into the pre-washing tank 20 associated with the pre-washing zone 10 via a valve V1 and a bypass line 6.

[0040] In the cascade system the final rinse liquid sprayed by the final rinse nozzles 33a, 33b, 33c flows by means of the force of gravity from the clear rinsing zone 13 into the post-washing tank 22 associated with the post-washing zone 12. The final rinse liquid collected by the post-washing tank 22 and sprayed in the clear rinsing zone 13 is then conveyed with the aid of a post-washing pump 36 to the rinse nozzles in the post-washing zone 12 (upper and lower post-washing nozzles 32a, 32b).

[0041] Washing liquid is rinsed from the wash ware in the post-washing zone 12. The liquid (post-washing liquid) accumulating in this case flows by means of the force of gravity into the main washing tank 21.1 associated with the first main washing zone 11.1. A drainage element 7, for example a drainage floor or a baffle plate, is preferably provided for this purpose and guides the post-washing liquid sprayed by the post-washing nozzles 32a, 32b into the main washing tank 21.1. In accordance with another embodiment (not illustrated) of the conveyor warewasher 1, the drainage element 7 can be omitted if the main washing tank 21.1 extends below the post-washing nozzles 32a, 32b of the post-washing zone 12.

[0042] The liquid received by the main washing tank 21.1 of the first main washing zone 11.1 is usually provided with a detergent and is sprayed onto the wash ware with the aid of a first main washing pump 35.1 via the rinse nozzles of the first main washing zone 11.1 (upper and lower main washing nozzles 31.1a, 31.1b). The washing liquid sprayed by the main washing nozzles 31.1a, 31.1b then flows back into the main washing tank 21.1 by means of the force of gravity.

[0043] The main washing tank 21.1 is in fluid connection via an overflow line 9.1 with the main washing tank 21.2 associated with the second main washing zone 11.2. Via this overflow line 9.1, the washing liquid sprayed in the first main washing zone 11.1 reaches the main washing tank 21.2 of the second main washing zone 11.2 when a sufficient amount of washing liquid is received in the main washing tank 21.1 of the first main washing zone 11.1.

[0044] The liquid received by the main washing tank 21.2 of the second main washing zone 11.2 is sprayed onto the wash ware with the aid of a second main washing pump 35.2 via the rinse nozzles of the second main washing zone 11.2 (upper and lower main washing nozzles 31.2a, 31.2b). The washing liquid sprayed by means of the main washing nozzles 31.2a, 31.2b then flows by means of the force of gravity back into the main washing tank 21.2 of the second main washing zone 11.2. The main washing tank 21.2 of the second main washing zone 11.2 is in fluid connection via an overflow line 9.2 with the pre-washing tank 20 associated with the pre-washing zone 10. Via this overflow line 9.2, the washing liquid sprayed in the second main washing zone 11.2 reaches the pre-washing tank 20 when a sufficient amount of washing liquid is received in the main washing tank 21.2 of the second main washing zone 11.2.

[0045] The liquid received in the pre-washing tank 20 of the pre-washing zone 10 is then sprayed onto the wash ware with the aid of a pre-washing pump 34 via the rinse nozzles of the pre-washing zone 10 (upper and lower pre-washing nozzles 30a, 30b) in order to remove coarse contaminations from the wash ware. The washing liquid sprayed by means of the pre-washing nozzles 30a, 30b then flows back into the pre-washing tank 20 by means of the force of gravity.

[0046] The pre-washing tank 20 is provided with an overflow line 8, which is used, when a specific liquid level in the pre-washing tank 20 is exceeded, to feed the excess volume of liquid to a wastewater network.

[0047] As already indicated, the liquid sprayed in the main washing zones 11.1, 11.2 and in the pre-washing zone 10 preferably contains detergent, which for example is added in a metered manner to the liquid received in the main washing tank 21.1 of the first main washing zone 11.1 with the aid of a detergent metering apparatus (not shown in the drawings).

[0048] As already mentioned, the clear rinsing zone 13 is adjoined in the direction of transport T by the drying zone 14. In the drying zone 14, the wash ware is dried using dry and heated air in order to blow off or dry moisture located on the wash ware. In order to keep the moisture content of the air in a range favorable for the drying process, it is conceivable for example to feed room air from outside to the drying zone 14 via an opening, for example through the discharge opening for the wash ware.

[0049] The warm and moist air in the drying zone 14 is then removed from the drying zone 14 via a further opening, for example with the aid of a fan 15. Here, it is advantageous if the exhaust air flow from the drying zone 14 passes a device 16 for heat recovery, in which a condenser may be provided for example. The device 16 for heat recovery is used to recover at least some of the heat energy contained in the exhaust air. This recovered heat energy can be used for example to heat the liquid to be sprayed in the clear rinsing zone 13.

[0050] If, before a first start of the conveyor warewasher 1, the tanks (pre-washing tank 20, main washing tanks 21.1, 21.2, post-washing tank 22) associated with the treatment zones 10, 11.1, 11.2, 12 are empty or are only filled insufficiently, they must first be filled via a fresh water line 18 and/or by the spraying of final rinse liquid in the clear rinsing zone 13. The fresh water line 18 is connectable to a fresh water supply network via a controllable valve V3. The volume of washing liquid available in the main washing zones 11.1, 11.2 and in the pre-washing zone 10 can be monitored respectively with the aid of a level sensor provided in the main washing tank 21.1, 21.2 of the first and/or second main washing zone 11.1, 11.2 or with the aid of a level sensor provided in the pre-washing tank 20, and signaled to a control apparatus 40.

[0051] As illustrated in figure 1, the clear rinsing zone 13 may be associated with a fresh water container 23 for the intermediate storage of at least some of the fresh water provided for the final rinsing process. The fresh water container 23 is provided on the one hand with a fresh water connection, which can be connected to a fresh water supply network via a controllable fresh water feed valve V2. On the other hand, the fresh water container 23 is connected to the intake side of a final rinse pump 37.

[0052] The delivery side of the final rinse pump 37 is connected to the upstream end region 47 of a main line system 44, via which fresh water from the fresh water container 23 is conveyed to the final rinse nozzles 33a, 33b, 33c upon actuation of the final rinse pump 37. More specifically, the main line system 44 connects the delivery side of the final rinse pump 37 to a water heater 17 (boiler). Here, the main line system 44 is designed in such a way that the liquid fed from the final rinse pump 37 to the final rinse nozzles 33a, 33b, 33c first passes the device 16 for heat recovery, before it reaches the water heater 17. It is thus possible to use at least some of the thermal energy of the exhaust air conducted away from the drying zone 14 to heat the liquid fed via the main line system 44 to the rinse nozzles 33a, 33b, 33c.

[0053] Different embodiments of transport apparatuses 2 for transporting wash ware through the conveyor warewasher 1 illustrated schematically in figure 1 will be described hereinafter with reference to the illustrations in figures 2a to 4b.

[0054] More specifically, a region of a first exemplary embodiment of a transport apparatus 2 is shown schematically in figures 2a and 2b and is suitable for use in a conveyor warewasher 1 according to the illustration in figure 1. In this case, a plan view of the region of the transport apparatus 2 on the outlet side of the warewasher machine is shown in figure 2a, whereas the corresponding cross-sectional view is illustrated in figure 2b.

[0055] Accordingly, the transport apparatus 2 illustrated in figures 2a and 2b has a first conveyor belt 50 for trays or tray-like wash ware 100 as well as a second conveyor belt 51, extending parallel to the first conveyor belt 50, for other wash ware, in particular plates 101, bowls 102 and/or cutlery 103. Compared to the second conveyor belt 51, the first conveyor belt 50 is relatively narrow, such that a tray or tray-like wash ware 100 can only be received by the first conveyor belt 50 in an upended state and oriented parallel to the direction of transport T. The orientation of the wash ware 100 to be received by the first conveyor belt 50 parallel to the direction of travel of the first conveyor belt 50 results in a minimal utilization of the total belt area. In other words, the first conveyor belt 50 has a reduced width, such that only a minimal area of the total belt area is occupied by the first conveyor belt 50, which allows trays or tray-like wash ware 100 to be put onto said conveyor belt precisely when said wash ware 100 is provided in an upended state and is oriented parallel to the direction of transport T.

[0056] This makes it possible for the second conveyor belt 51 to still have a sufficient width to remain usable practically without limitations for the transport of other wash ware, in particular plates 101, bowls 102 and/or cutlery 103, through the individual treatment zones of the conveyor warewasher 1. For example, glassware racks or GN containers can thus still also be put onto the second conveyor belt 51 beside the tray or tray-like wash ware 100 received on the first conveyor belt 50.

[0057] Merely by way of example, a tray 100 as well as two plates 101 are arranged beside one another in the embodiment illustrated in figures 2a and 2b, wherein the tray 100 is placed onto the first conveyor belt 50 of the transport apparatus 2 and the plates 101 are placed on the second conveyor belt 51 of the transport apparatus 2. In this embodiment, the plates 101 are held on the second conveyor belt 51 with the aid of compartments, wherein these compartments are formed by support fingers 63 provided on the second conveyor belt 51.

[0058] As already indicated, the second conveyor belt 51 (in spite of the provision of a first conveyor belt 50 extending parallel to the second conveyor belt 51) has a sufficient width to also receive conventional glassware racks, etc. This is achieved without the need for the conveyor warewasher 1 to have a transport apparatus 2 that is wider on the whole.

[0059] The solution according to the invention thus makes it possible to simultaneously clean both trays or tray-like wash ware 100 and other wash ware, in particular plates 101, bowls 102 and/or cutlery 103. Cleaning processes taking place in parallel can therefore be implemented over both conveyor belts 50, 51, which ultimately shortens the overall washing and rinsing process in a commercial scullery area. This in turn shortens the labor time of the ware-washing staff and leads to a reduction of the resource consumption of the conveyor warewasher 1.

[0060] As can be deduced in particular from the illustration in figure 2b, in the exemplary embodiment of the transport apparatus 2 the first conveyor belt 50 is designed to receive trays or tray-like wash ware 100, wherein said wash ware is supported on the first conveyor belt area via a rim or edge region 100'. To securely hold the tray-like wash ware 100 received on the first conveyor belt 50 and positioned in an upended manner, it is in particular advantageous if a guide associated with the first conveyor belt 50 is provided. This guide is preferably used not only to hold the wash ware 100 on the first conveyor belt 50, but also to guide the wash ware 100 received on the first conveyor belt 50 when said wash ware is transported through the respective treatment zones of the conveyor warewasher 1.

[0061] In the embodiment of the transport apparatus 2 illustrated in figures 2a and 2b, a guide of this type is implemented in the form of a lower guide groove on the one hand and in the form of an upper guide rail on the other hand. It can be deduced in particular from the illustration in figure 2b that a guide groove 60 formed in the first conveyor belt 50 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the first conveyor belt 50 is designed to guide and hold the tray-like wash ware 100 received on the first conveyor belt 50. This guide groove 60 is used to receive a rim or edge region 100' of a tray or tray-like wash ware 100 put onto the first conveyor belt 50.

[0062] In addition to the (lower) guide groove 60, an upper guide element 61 arranged opposite the first conveyor belt 50 is used in the embodiment illustrated in figures 2a and 2b and is formed here as a guide rail. As indicated in figure 2b, this guide element 61 is designed to receive a region 100" of a tray or tray-like wash ware 100 put onto the first conveyor belt 50 and to guide the wash ware 100 during transport through the individual treatment zones of the conveyor warewasher 1. It can be seen that, as a result of the provision of the lower guide groove 60 and of the upper guide element 61, the wash ware 100 put in an upended manner onto the first conveyor belt is securely held on the first conveyor belt 50.

[0063] As can be deduced from the illustration in figure 2b, the upper guide element 61 is preferably designed to receive a region 100" of the tray or tray-like wash ware 100 put onto the first conveyor belt 50, said region being arranged opposite the rim or edge region 100' via which the tray or the tray-like wash ware 100 is supported on the first conveyor belt 50.

[0064] So that trays or tray-like wash ware having different dimensions can be received on the first conveyor belt 50, it is advantageous if the upper guide element 61 is adjustable in the vertical direction. The upper guide element 61 can thus be adapted to the height of an upended tray or tray-like wash ware 100 to be received by the first conveyor belt 50, in a manner that can be easily implemented. The first conveyor belt 50 is therefore suitable for receiving trays 100 that are supported on the first conveyor belt 50 via their longitudinal side edge, and also for receiving trays 100 that are supported on the first conveyor belt 50 via their transverse side edge. The first conveyor belt 50 can thus be used in a versatile manner for different applications.

[0065] It can be deduced in particular from the illustration in figure 2b that, with the exemplary embodiment of the transport apparatus 2 shown schematically therein, a belt guide 62 associated with the first conveyor belt 50 is provided. A belt guide 62 of this type is in particular advantageous if, as with the embodiment illustrated in figures 2a and 2b, the first conveyor belt 50 is formed as an endless drive belt. As a result of the provision of a belt guide 62 of this type, it can be ensured in a manner that is easily implemented, yet still effective, that the first conveyor belt 50 always extends parallel to the second conveyor belt 51. In addition, it has proven to be advantageous if the first conveyor belt 50 is formed as a flat belt, V-belt, toothed belt or round belt in order to provide an additional guide of the first conveyor belt 50.

[0066] As is indicated in figure 2b, the belt guide 62 associated with the first conveyor belt 50 may be fastened for example to belt rod shafts 55 of the second conveyor belt 51, whereby a compact design of the transport apparatus 2 is achieved. Of course, other embodiments for fastening of the belt guide 62 may also be considered.

[0067] As already mentioned, with the embodiment illustrated in figures 2a and 2b, a guide groove 60 formed in the first conveyor belt 50 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the first conveyor belt 50 is provided, in which a rim or edge region 100' of a tray or tray-like wash ware 100 put onto the first conveyor belt 50 can be received in order to guide the wash ware 100 put onto the first conveyor belt 50 in an upended manner during transport through the respective treatment zones of the conveyor warewasher 1. Instead of a guide groove 60 of this type, it is also conceivable however if the belt guide 62 is used in order to guide not only the first conveyor belt 50, but also the wash ware 100 put onto the first conveyor belt 50 during transport through the respective treatment zones of the conveyor warewasher 1. If, as illustrated in figure 2b, the belt guide 62 is formed as a vertically oriented guide surface, said vertically oriented guide surface can simultaneously also be used as a stop surface for a rim or edge region 100' of a tray or tray-like wash ware 100 received on the first conveyor belt 50 and positioned in an upended manner. Although not illustrated in the drawings, it is therefore conceivable for the rim or edge region 100' of the tray or tray-like wash ware 100 received on the first conveyor belt 50 and positioned in an upended manner to be supported at the vertically oriented guide surface of the belt guide 62, which enables guidance of the wash ware 100 received on the first conveyor belt 50 through the respective treatment zones of the conveyor warewasher 1.

[0068] In one possible variant, the upper guide element 61 is formed as a guide rail. This guide rail preferably extends in such a way that at the outlet of the conveyor warewasher 1, that is to say after the at least one clear rinsing zone 13 as viewed in the direction of transport T, a tray or tray-like wash ware 100 received on the first conveyor belt 50 is transferred from its upended state into its horizontally oriented normal state and is then unloaded. In this embodiment, the tray or tray-like wash ware 100 originally received on the first conveyor belt 50 is automatically unloaded at the machine outlet, which enables a further reduction of the operating staff at the machine outlet.

[0069] In principle, it is preferable if the first conveyor belt 50, which is provided for the transport of trays or tray-like wash ware 100, has an increased transport speed compared to the second conveyor belt 51, which is provided for other wash ware. The increase in transport speed enables the trays or the tray-like wash ware 100 to be put in place without delay at the moment at which all cutlery and crockery items are removed from the tray. The trays 100 therefore are not deposited in a stack once the crockery and cutlery items have been removed, but are put directly into the first conveyor belt 50. A second process step with the respective tray 100 is thus omitted.

[0070] In a preferred variant of the last-mentioned embodiment, a common drive apparatus, via which the first and second conveyor belts 50, 51 are driven jointly, is provided for the first and second conveyor belt 50, 51. As a result of the provision of a common drive apparatus, the overall design of the conveyor warewasher is simplified.

[0071] In order to implement different transport speeds with a common drive apparatus for the first and second conveyor belt 50, 51, it is conceivable for the first conveyor belt 50 to be connected to the common drive apparatus via a first drive shaft associated with the first conveyor belt 50 and via a first gear apparatus associated with the first conveyor belt 50, whereas the second conveyor belt 51 is connected to the common drive apparatus via a second drive shaft associated with the second conveyor belt 51 and via a second gear apparatus associated with the second conveyor belt 51. The respective transmission ratio of the first and second gear apparatus is preferably selected in such a way that the transport speed at which a wash ware 100 received by the first conveyor belt 50 is transported through the respective treatment zones of the conveyor warewasher 1 is greater than the transport speed at which a wash ware 101, 102, 103 received by the second conveyor belt 51 is transported through the respective treatment zones of the conveyor warewasher 1.

[0072] Alternatively, it is of course also possible however to provide an associated drive apparatus for each conveyor belt 50, 51 in order to drive the corresponding conveyor belt 50, 51 in such a way that a wash ware received by the respective conveyor belt 50, 51 is transported through the respective treatment zones of the conveyor warewasher 1 at a transport speed that is set or can be set individually for the respective conveyor belt 50, 51.
A further embodiment of the solution according to the invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the illustrations in figures 3a and 3b. More specifically, these figures schematically show the region, on the outlet side of the warewasher machine, of a second exemplary embodiment of a transport apparatus 2, which is suitable for use in a conveyor warewasher 1 according to the illustration in figure 1.

[0073] The embodiment of the transport apparatus 2 illustrated in figures 3a and 3b differs from the embodiment described previously with reference to the illustrations in figures 2a and 2b in that, in addition to the first and second conveyor belt 50, 51, a further conveyor belt 52 is provided. This further conveyor belt 52 extends in the embodiment illustrated in figures 3a and 3b parallel to the first and the second conveyor belt 50, 51 and is used to receive cutlery or cutlery-like wash ware 103. Here, the further conveyor belt 52 preferably extends directly beside the first conveyor belt 50 and between the first and second conveyor belt 50, 51.

[0074] Similarly to the first conveyor belt 50, the further conveyor belt 52 also has a reduced width compared to the total belt area, and in particular compared to the width of the second conveyor belt 51, so as to ensure a minimal utilization of the total belt area. In other words, in spite of the provision of the first conveyor belt 50 and of the further conveyor belt 52, the second conveyor belt 51 is still suitable for receiving glassware racks for example or two wash ware items arranged side-by-side, such as a plate 101 and a bowl 102.

[0075] Nevertheless, it is preferable if the cutlery 103 received by the further conveyor belt 52 falls into a container provided at the machine outlet after passing through the conveyor warewasher 1, which enables a further reduction of the operating staff at the machine outlet. In particular, this embodiment makes it possible both at the machine inlet (dirty side of the conveyor warewasher 1) and at the machine outlet (clean side of the conveyor warewasher 1) to dispense completely with any handling of the cutlery.

[0076] The concept of the plurality of conveyor belts extending in parallel can be expanded practically arbitrarily in this sense, and various combinations of conveyor belts provided especially for specific wash ware types are possible. As a supplement to the previously described solutions, with which up to three conveyor belts 50, 51, 52 extending in parallel are provided, it is conceivable in particular to provide specific transport lanes for plates 101 and bowls 102, since automatic unloading systems for these wash ware types are already known from partial and fully automatic machine technology.

[0077] In view of a conveyor warewasher 1 operating as efficiently as possible, it is therefore advantageous if, in addition to the first conveyor belt 50, which is formed specifically for receiving trays or tray-like wash ware 100, and additionally to the further conveyor belt 52, which is formed specifically for receiving cutlery 103, further conveyor belts or conveyor belt lanes formed with respect to a specific wash ware type are provided.

[0078] In this regard, reference is made to the embodiment illustrated in figures 4a and 4b. The transport apparatus 2 illustrated in part in these figures corresponds substantially to the embodiment described previously with reference to the illustrations in figures 3a and 3b, wherein however the second conveyor belt 51 has now been divided into a transport lane for the wash ware type "plates" and a further transport lane for the wash ware type "bowls". In other words, in the embodiment illustrated in figures 4a and 4b, the second conveyor belt 51 is divided into two conveyor belts 51a, 51b extending in parallel. Although not illustrated in the drawings, an automatic stacking or unloading device is provided for each conveyor belt 51a, 51b at the machine inlet (dirty side of the conveyor warewasher 1) and/or at the machine outlet (clean side of the conveyor warewasher 1) in order to stack or unload plates 101 on the conveyor belt 51a and in order to stack or unload bowls 102 on the conveyor belt 51b.

[0079] As a result of this division of the second conveyor belt 51 into specific lanes and as a result of an automated stacking or unloading, the degree of automation of the conveyor warewasher 1 is increased, such that labor time both on the clean side and on the dirty side of the conveyor warewasher 1 can be saved. The rinsing process thus proceeds more efficiently and is shortened on the whole, such that resources can also be saved in addition to labor time.

[0080] It is conceivable for a common drive apparatus to be provided for the second conveyor belt 51 and the at least one further conveyor belt 52, or for the conveyor belt 51 divided into two conveyor belts 51a, 51b and the at least one further conveyor belt 52, the corresponding conveyor belts 51, 51a, 51b, 52 being driven jointly via said common drive apparatus. The transport speed of each conveyor belt 50, 51, 51a, 51b, 52 can preferably be set individually.

[0081] It can be deduced from the illustration in figure 4b that the respective upper sides of the conveyor belts 50, 51a, 51b and 52 of the transport apparatus 2 lie in a common horizontal plane. This allows wash ware to also be received over a plurality of conveyor belts 50, 51a, 51b and 52, that is to say by a plurality of conveyor belts 50, 51a, 51b and 52 at the same time.

[0082] Exemplary embodiments of the unloading system 70 according to the invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the illustrations in figures 5 to 12.

[0083] As already mentioned, the unloading system 70 is suitable in particular for conveyor warewashers 1 of the previously described type in order to unload upended trays 100 in a tray stacking station 80 in the outlet region of the conveyor warewasher 1. In the exemplary embodiments of the unloading system 70 according to the invention illustrated in figures 5 to 12, the tray stacking station 80 is formed in the manner of a trolley, which is designed to receive, in a stacked state, the trays 100 cleaned in the conveyor warewasher 1. Of course, other embodiments may also be considered as a tray stacking station 80.

[0084] In the first exemplary embodiment of the unloading system 70 according to the invention illustrated in figures 5 to 8, the tray stacking station 80 formed in the manner of a trolley is arranged to the side of the conveyor warewasher 1 in the outlet region. Alternatively and as is illustrated in figures 9 to 12, the unloading system 70 may however also be formed in such a way that the trays 100 are unloaded in a tray stacking station 80 provided at the front end of the conveyor warewasher 1.

[0085] As already mentioned, the unloading system 70 according to the invention is particularly suitable with conveyor warewashers 1, of which the transport apparatus 2 comprises a separate (first) conveyor belt 50, which is designed to receive trays or tray-like objects 100 in an upended state and to transport these through the individual treatment zones of the conveyor warewasher 1. In addition to this first conveyor belt 50 for upended trays or upended tray-like objects 100, the transport apparatus 2 of the conveyor warewasher 1 preferably comprises at least one further (second) conveyor belt 51, extending parallel to the first conveyor belt 50, for other wash ware. As can be deduced in particular from the illustrations in figures 8 and 12, here the first conveyor belt 50 has a reduced width compared to the second conveyor belt 51, such that a tray or tray-like wash ware 100 can then only be received from the first conveyor belt 50 when said tray or tray-like wash ware is provided in an upended state and is oriented parallel to the direction of transport T.

[0086] It can be inferred from the perspective illustrations in figures 5 and 9 that the tray 100 received by the first conveyor belt 50 is supported via its lower edge or its lower rim by the conveyor belt 50. At the same time, a guide 72 is provided in the outlet region of the conveyor warewasher 1 and guides the upended tray 100 as said tray is transported in the direction of transport T. In particular, the guide 72 extends in a laterally offset manner, at least in some regions, in relation to the first conveyor belt 50 and above the first conveyor belt 50 such that the guide 72 not only performs a guiding function, but also a supporting function, since the guide 72 accordingly supports the tray 100 put in an upended manner onto the first conveyor belt 50.

[0087] Although it cannot be deduced explicitly from the drawings, it is conceivable and preferable if the guide 72 is provided not only in the outlet region of the conveyor warewasher 1, but extends through the entire treatment zones of the conveyor warewasher 1 in order to accordingly support and guide the upended wash ware 100 during transport thereof through the individual treatment zones of the conveyor warewasher 1.

[0088] As can be deduced in particular from the illustrations in figures 5, 6, 9 and 10, the guide 72 is inclined in the outlet region of the conveyor warewasher 1, at least in some regions, with respect to the horizontal in the direction of the conveyor belt plane. More specifically, the guide 72 no longer runs in this region in a horizontal plane extending parallel to the conveyor belt plane, but at an incline with respect to the conveyor belt plane. As a result, a tray 100, which is transported with the aid of the first conveyor belt 50 in the direction of transport T along the guide 72, is tilted in the inclined region of the guide 72, whereas the tray 100 is simultaneously moved further in the direction of transport T by the first conveyor belt 50. The tilting movement is produced since the support provided by the guide 72 is shifted further in the direction of the conveyor belt in the inclined region of the guide 72. As a result, the upended tray 100 is tilted after a foreseeable sequence of events in the direction of its horizontally oriented state.

[0089] In the embodiment of the unloading system 70 according to the invention illustrated in figures 5 to 8, the end of the guide 72 is arranged before the end of the conveyor belt, as viewed in the direction of transport T of the first conveyor belt 50. As a result, the trays 100 transported with the aid of the first conveyor belt 50 are already provided in a horizontally oriented state before the end of the conveyor belt.

[0090] In the embodiment illustrated in figures 5 to 8, a sliding surface 71 is also used. This sliding surface 71 is arranged offset laterally in relation to the first conveyor belt 50, as can be deduced in particular from the illustration in figure 5, and is inclined away from the first conveyor belt 50. The trays 100 previously transferred with the aid of the inclined region of the guide 72 into their horizontally oriented state are thus fed via the sliding surface 72 to the tray stacking station 80 provided to the side of the first conveyor belt 50.

[0091] Alternatively, and as can be deduced for example from the illustration in figure 9, it is also conceivable however for the sliding surface 71 to be arranged after the end of the first conveyor belt 50 on the outlet side of the warewasher machine, as viewed in the direction of transport T of the first conveyor belt 50. In this embodiment, the tray stacking station 80 can be arranged after the end of the conveyor belt 50 on the outlet side of the warewasher machine. As a result, the unloading system 70 according to the second exemplary embodiment may preferably be used with conveyor warewashers 1 with wall installation.

[0092] It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments illustrated previously with reference to the drawings, but is also provided from an overview of all individual features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An unloading system (70) for the conveyor warewashers (1) for the automatic unloading of upended trays (100) in a tray stacking station (80), in which the unloaded trays (100) are oriented horizontally, wherein the unloading system (70) has a sliding surface (71) inclined in the direction of the tray stacking station (80) and a guide (72), with which upended trays (100) can be transferred in succession to the sliding surface (71), preferably in the outlet region of the conveyor warewasher (1), wherein the guide (72) is configured to be associated with a conveyor belt (50) of the conveyor warewasher (1), on which trays (100) can be transported through the conveyor warewasher (1) in an upended state,
characterized in that
the trays (100) are oriented parallel to the direction of transport (T) in the conveyor warewasher (1) and are transferred by the guide (72) by a combined tilting and linear movement to the sliding surface (71),
the guide (72) being offset laterally, at least in some regions, in relation to the conveyor belt (50) and extending above the conveyor belt (50) and being inclined in the outlet region of the conveyor warewasher (1), at least in some regions, with respect to the horizontal in the direction of the conveyor belt plane.

2. The unloading system (70) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the end of the guide (72) lies in front of the end of the conveyor belt, as viewed in the direction of transport (T) of the conveyor belt (50).

3. The unloading system (70) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the region
of the guide (72) inclined with respect to the horizontal in the direction of the conveyor belt plane extends in the direction of transport (T) of the conveyor belt (50) until the guide (72) intersects the conveyor belt plane, or
wherein the region of the guide (72) inclined with respect to the horizontal in the direction of the conveyor belt plane ends before the guide (72) intersects the conveyor belt plane.

4. The unloading system (70) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sliding surface (71) lies behind the end of the guide (72) on the outlet side of warewasher machine, at least in some regions, as viewed in the direction of transport (T) of the conveyor belt (50), and/or
wherein the sliding surface (71) is offset laterally in relation to the conveyor belt (50) and is inclined away from the conveyor belt (50), and/or wherein the sliding surface (71) is arranged behind the end of the conveyor belt (50) on the outlet side of the warewasher machine, as viewed in the direction of transport (T) of the conveyor belt (50).

5. A conveyor warewasher (1), in particular a commercial conveyor warewasher, comprising at least one washing zone (10, 11.1, 11.2, 12) and at least one clear rinsing zone (13), and comprising a transport apparatus (2) for transporting wash ware (100, 101, 102, 103) through the at least one washing zone (10, 11.1, 11.2, 12) and the at least one clear rinsing zone (13), wherein the transport apparatus (2) has a first conveyor belt (50) for receiving trays or tray-like wash ware (100) in an upended state, and wherein, in the end region of the conveyor warewasher (1) on the outlet side of the warewasher machine, an unloading system (70) as claimed in one of the preceding claims is provided for the automatic unloading of the trays (100), received by the first conveyor belt (50) in an upended state, in a tray stacking station (80) in which the unloaded trays (100) are oriented horizontally.

6. The conveyor warewasher (1) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the transport apparatus (2), in addition to the first conveyor belt (50), also has at least one second conveyor belt (51), running parallel thereto, for other wash ware (101, 102, 103), and wherein the first conveyor belt (50) has a width which is reduced compared to the second conveyor belt (51), such that a tray or a tray-like wash ware (100) can only be received by the first conveyor belt (50) if it is provided in an upended state and oriented parallel to the direction of transport (T).

7. The conveyor warewasher (1) as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the tray or tray-like wash ware (100) to be received by the first conveyor belt (50) has peripheral rim or a peripheral edge, and wherein the first conveyor belt (50) is formed so as to receive the tray or tray-like wash ware (100) supported on the first conveyor belt (50) via a rim or edge region (100').

8. The conveyor warewasher (1) as claimed in one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the guide (72) of the unloading system (70) is associated with the first conveyor belt (50) and is formed so as to guide the tray (100) received by the first conveyor belt (50) during transport through the at least one washing zone (10, 11.1, 11.2, 12) and the at least one clear rinsing zone (13) of the conveyor warewasher (1).

9. The conveyor warewasher (1) as claimed in claim 8, wherein a guide groove (60) formed in the first conveyor belt (50) and running in the longitudinal direction of the first conveyor belt (50) is provided to receive a rim or edge region (100') of a tray or tray-like wash ware (100) placed on the first conveyor belt (50).

10. The conveyor warewasher (1) as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the guide (72) is offset laterally in relation to the first conveyor belt (50) and is arranged above the first conveyor belt (50) and is formed so as to support a region (100") of a tray or tray-like wash ware (100) placed on the first conveyor belt (50), this region (100") being arranged opposite the rim or edge region (100'), via which the tray or tray-like wash ware (100) is supported on the first conveyor belt (50).

11. The conveyor warewasher (1) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the guide (72) is formed as a guide rail.

12. The conveyor warewasher (1) as claimed in one of claims 5 to 11, wherein at least one further conveyor belt (52) extending parallel to the first and second conveyor belt (50, 51) is also provided, in particular a further conveyor belt (52) for cutlery (103), said further conveyor belt preferably running directly beside the first conveyor belt (50) and between the first and second conveyor belt (50, 51).

13. The conveyor warewasher (1) as claimed in claim 12, wherein a common drive apparatus is provided for the second and the at least one further conveyor belt (51, 52), the second and the at least one further conveyor belt (51, 52) being driven jointly by said common drive apparatus, or wherein a dedicated drive apparatus is provided for each conveyor belt (50, 51, 52) for driving the corresponding conveyor belt (50, 51, 52) in such a way that a wash ware (100, 101, 102, 103) received by the respective conveyor belt (50, 51, 52) is transported through the at least one washing zone (10, 11.1, 11.2, 12) and the at least one clear rinsing zone (13) at a transport speed which is set or can be set individually for the respective conveyor belt (50, 51, 52).

14. The conveyor warewasher (1) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the transport speed at which a wash ware (100) received by the first conveyor belt (50) is transported through the at least one washing zone (10, 11.1, 11.2, 12) and the at least one clear rinsing zone (13) is higher than the transport speed at which a wash ware (101, 102, 103) received by the second conveyor belt (51) is transported through the at least one washing zone (10, 11.1, 11.2, 12) and the at least one clear rinsing zone (13).

15. The conveyor warewasher (1) as claimed in one of claims 5 to 14, wherein the respective upper sides of the conveyor belts (50, 51, 52) of the transport apparatus (2) lie in a common horizontal conveyor belt plane in such a way that wash ware (100, 101, 102, 103) can be received simultaneously by a plurality of conveyor belts (50, 51, 52), and
wherein the second conveyor belt (51) is divided into a plurality of conveyor belts (51a, 51b) running parallel to one another which can each be associated with a specific type of wash ware.

Ansprüche

1. Entladesystem (70) für Förderbandspülmaschinen (1) zum automatischen Entladen aufrechter Tabletts (100) in eine Tablettstapelstation (80), in der die entladenen Tabletts (100) horizontal ausgerichtet sind, wobei das Entladesystem (70) eine Gleitoberfläche (71) aufweist, die in Richtung der Tablettstapelstation (80) und einer Führung (72) geneigt ist, wobei die aufrechten Tabletts (100) in Abfolge zu der Gleitoberfläche (71) übertragen werden können, vorzugsweise im Ausgabebereich der Förderbandspülmaschine (1), wobei die Führung (72) konfiguriert ist, um mit einem Förderband (50) der Förderbandspülmaschine (1) assoziiert zu werden, auf dem Tabletts (100) durch die Förderbandspülmaschine (1) in einem aufrechten Zustand transportiert werden,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die Tabletts (100) parallel zur Transportrichtung (T) in der Förderbandspülmaschine (1) ausgerichtet sind und von der Führung (72) durch eine kombinierte Hub- und Linearbewegung auf die Gleitoberfläche (71) übertragen werden, wobei die Führung (72) lateral versetzt ist, zumindest in einigen Bereichen in Bezug auf das Förderband (50), und sich oberhalb des Förderbands (50) erstreckt und in den Ausgabebereich der Förderbandspülmaschine (1) erstreckt, zumindest in einigen Bereichen in Bezug auf die Horizontale in Richtung der Förderbandebene.

2. Entladesystem (70) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Ende der Führung (72) gegenüber dem Ende des Förderbands liegt, wenn aus der Transportrichtung (T) des Förderbands (50) gesehen.

3. Entladesystem (70) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei sich der Bereich der Führung (72), der in Bezug auf die Horizontale in Richtung der Förderbandebene geneigt ist, in Transportrichtung (T) des Förderbandes (50) erstreckt, bis die Führung (72) die Förderbandebene überschneidet, oder
wobei der Bereich der Führung (72) in Bezug auf die Horizontale in Richtung der Förderbandebene endet, bevor die Führung (72) die Förderbandebene überschneidet.

4. Entladesystem (70) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei die Gleitoberfläche (71) hinter dem Ende der Führung (72) auf der Ausgabeseite der Spülmaschine liegt, zumindest in einigen Bereichen, wenn in Transportrichtung (T) des Förderbands (50) gesehen, und/oder
wobei die Gleitoberfläche (71) seitlich in Bezug auf das Förderband (50) versetzt ist und weg vom Förderband (50) geneigt ist, und/oder wobei die Gleitoberfläche (71) hinter dem Ende des Förderbandes (50) auf der Ausgabeseite der Spülmaschine angeordnet ist, aus der Transportrichtung (T) des Förderbands (50) gesehen.

5. Förderbandspülmaschine (1), insbesondere gewerbliche Förderbandspülmaschine, umfassend mindestens eine Waschzone (10, 11.1, 11.2, 12) und mindestens eine Klarspülzone (13) und umfassend eine Transportvorrichtung (2) zum Transportieren von Geschirr (100, 101, 102, 103) durch die mindestens eine Waschzone (10, 11.1, 11.2, 12) und die mindestens eine Klarspülzone (13), wobei die Transportvorrichtung (2) ein erstes Förderband (50) zum Aufnehmen von Tabletts oder tablettartigem Geschirr (100) in aufrechtem Zustand aufweist und wobei im Endbereich der Förderbandspülmaschine (1) auf der Ausgabeseite der Geschirrspülmaschine ein Entladesystem (70) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche zum automatischen Entladen der Tabletts (100) bereitgestellt ist, die durch das erste Förderband (50) in aufrechtem Zustand in einer Tablettstapelstation (80) aufgenommen werden, in der die entladenen Tabletts (100) horizontal ausgerichtet sind.

6. Förderbandspülmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Transportvorrichtung (2) zusätzlich zum ersten Förderband (50) auch mindestens ein zweites Förderband (51), das parallel dazu verläuft, für anderes Geschirr (101, 102, 103) aufweist und wobei das erste Förderband (50) eine Breite aufweist, die im Vergleich zum zweiten Förderband (51) reduziert ist, sodass ein Tablett oder ein tablettartiges Geschirr (100) nur von dem ersten Förderband (50) aufgenommen werden kann, wenn es in einem aufrechten Zustand und parallel zur Transportrichtung (T) ausgerichtet bereitgestellt wird.

7. Förderbandspülmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 5 oder 6, wobei das Tablett oder das tablettartige Geschirr (100), das vom ersten Förderband (50) aufgenommen werden soll, eine Umfangseinfassung oder einen Umfangsrand aufweist, und wobei das erste Förderband (50) derart ausgebildet ist, dass es das Tablett oder tablettartige Geschirr (100) aufnimmt, das vom ersten Förderband (50) über einen Einfassungs- oder Randbereich (100') getragen wird.

8. Förderbandspülmaschine (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 7, wobei die Führung (72) des Entladesystems (70) dem ersten Förderband (50) zugeordnet ist und so ausgebildet ist, dass es das Tablett (100), das vom ersten Förderband (50) während des Transports durch die mindestens eine Waschzone (10, 11.1, 11.2, 12) und die mindestens eine Klarspülzone (13) der Förderbandspülmaschine (1) aufgenommen wird, führt.

9. Förderbandspülmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 8, wobei eine Führungsnut (60), die in dem ersten Förderband (50) ausgebildet ist und in Längsrichtung des ersten Förderbands (50) verläuft, bereitgestellt ist, um einen Einfassungs- oder Randbereich (100') eines Tabletts oder tablettartigen Geschirrs (100) aufzunehmen, das auf dem ersten Förderband (50) angeordnet ist.

10. Förderbandspülmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 8 oder 9, wobei die Führung (72) lateral in Bezug auf das erste Förderband (50) versetzt ist und oberhalb des ersten Förderbands (50) angeordnet ist und derart ausgebildet ist, dass es einen Bereich (100") eines Tabletts oder tablettartigen Geschirrs (100), das auf dem ersten Förderband (50) angeordnet ist, trägt, wobei dieser Bereich (100") gegenüber des Einfassungs- und Randbereichs (100') angeordnet ist, durch den das Tablett oder tablettartige Geschirr (100) auf dem ersten Förderband (50) getragen wird.

11. Förderbandspülmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 10, wobei die Führung (72) als Führungsschiene ausgebildet ist.

12. Förderbandspülmaschine (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 11, wobei mindestens ein weiteres Förderband (52), das sich parallel zum ersten und zweiten Förderband (50, 51) erstreckt, auch bereitgestellt wird, insbesondere ein weiteres Förderband (52) für Besteck (103), wobei das weitere Förderband vorzugsweise direkt neben dem ersten Förderband (50) und zwischen dem ersten und zweiten Förderband (50, 51) verläuft.

13. Förderbandspülmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 12, wobei eine herkömmliche Antriebsvorrichtung für das zweite und das mindestens eine weitere Förderband (51, 52) bereitgestellt ist, wobei das zweite und das mindestens eine weitere Förderband (51, 52) gemeinsam durch die gemeinsame Antriebsvorrichtung angetrieben werden, oder wobei eine eigene Antriebsvorrichtung für jedes Förderband (50, 51, 52) zum Antreiben des zugehörigen Förderbands (50, 51, 52) derart bereitgestellt wird, dass Geschirr (100, 101, 102, 103), das durch das zugehörige Förderband (50, 51, 52) aufgenommen wird, durch die mindestens eine Waschzone (10, 11.1, 11.2, 12) und die mindestens eine Klarspülzone (13) mit einer Transportgeschwindigkeit transportiert wird, die jeweils einzeln für das zugehörige Förderband (50, 51, 52) eingestellt wird oder werden kann.

14. Förderbandspülmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 13, wobei die Transportgeschwindigkeit, bei der ein Geschirr (100), das durch das erste Förderband (50) aufgenommen wird, durch die mindestens eine Waschzone (10, 11.1, 11.2, 12) und die mindestens eine Klarspülzone (13) transportiert wird, höher als die Transportgeschwindigkeit ist, bei der das Geschirr (101, 102, 103), das durch das zweite Förderband (51) aufgenommen wird, durch die mindestens eine Waschzone (10, 11.1, 11.2, 12) und die mindestens eine Klarspülzone (13) transportiert wird.

15. Förderbandspülmaschine (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 14, wobei die jeweiligen oberen Seiten der Förderbänder (50, 51, 52) der Transportvorrichtung (2) derart auf einer gemeinsamen horizontalen Förderbandebene liegen, dass Geschirr (100, 101, 102, 103) gleichzeitig durch eine Mehrzahl von Förderbändern (50, 51, 52) aufgenommen werden kann, und wobei das zweite Förderband (51) in eine Mehrzahl von Förderbändern (51a, 51b) aufgeteilt ist, die parallel zueinander verlaufen und die mit einem spezifischen Typ von Geschirr assoziiert sein können.

Revendications

1. Système de déchargement (70) pour lave-vaisselle à transporteur (1) pour le déchargement automatique de plateaux (100) redressés dans un poste d'empilement de plateaux (80), où les plateaux (100) déchargés sont orientés horizontalement, le système de déchargement (70) comprenant une surface glissante (71) inclinée dans la direction du poste d'empilement de plateaux (80), et un guide (72), de sorte que les plateaux (100) redressés puissent être transférés successivement vers la surface glissante (71), de préférence dans la région de sortie du lave-vaisselle à transporteur (1), le guide (72) étant conçu pour être associé à une bande transporteuse (50) du lave-vaisselle à transporteur (1), sur laquelle des plateaux (100) peuvent être transportés à travers le lave-vaisselle à transporteur (1) dans une position redressée,
caractérisé en ce que :

les plateaux (100) sont orientés parallèlement à la direction de transport (T) dans le lave-vaisselle à transporteur (1) et sont transférés par le guide (72) par un mouvement combiné linéaire et basculant vers la surface glissante (71),

le guide (72) étant décalé latéralement, au moins dans certaines régions, par rapport à la bande transporteuse (50), et s'étendant au-dessus de la bande transporteuse (50) et étant incliné dans la région de sortie du lave-vaisselle à transporteur (1), au moins dans certaines régions, par rapport à l'horizontale dans la direction du plan de la bande transporteuse.

2. Système de déchargement (70) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'extrémité du guide (72) repose en face de l'extrémité de la bande transporteuse, vue suivant la direction de transport (T) de la bande transporteuse (50).

3. Système de déchargement (70) selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel la région du guide (72) inclinée par rapport à l'horizontale dans la direction du plan de la bande transporteuse s'étend dans la direction de transport (T) de la bande transporteuse (50) jusqu'à ce que le guide (72) coupe le plan de la bande transporteuse, ou
dans lequel la région du guide (72) inclinée par rapport à l'horizontale dans la direction du plan de la bande transporteuse se termine avant que le guide (72) ne coupe le plan de la bande transporteuse.

4. Système de déchargement (70) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel la surface glissante (71) repose derrière l'extrémité du guide (72) du côté de sortie de la machine à laver la vaisselle, au moins dans certaines régions, vue suivant la direction de transport (T) de la bande transporteuse (50), et/ou
dans lequel la surface glissante (71) est décalée latéralement par rapport à la bande transporteuse (50) et est inclinée à l'opposé de la bande transporteuse (50), et/ou dans lequel la surface glissante (71) est disposée derrière l'extrémité de la bande transporteuse (50) du côté de sortie de la machine à laver la vaisselle, vue suivant la direction de transport (T) de la bande transporteuse (50).

5. Lave-vaisselle à transporteur (1), en particulier lave-vaisselle à transporteur commercial, comprenant au moins une zone de lavage (10, 11.1, 11.2, 12) et au moins une zone de rinçage (13), et comprenant un appareil de transport (2) permettant de transporter des articles de vaisselle (100, 101, 102, 103) dans l'au moins une zone de lavage (10, 11.1, 11.2, 12) et l'au moins une zone de rinçage (13), l'appareil de transport (2) comprenant une première bande transporteuse (50) permettant de recevoir des plateaux ou des articles de vaisselle similaires à des plateaux (100) dans une position redressée, et un système de déchargement (70) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes étant situé dans la région d'extrémité du lave-vaisselle à transporteur (1) du côté de sortie de la machine à laver la vaisselle, pour le déchargement automatique des plateaux (100), reçus par la première bande transporteuse (50) dans une position redressée, dans un poste d'empilement de plateaux (80) où les plateaux (100) déchargés sont orientés horizontalement.

6. Lave-vaisselle à transporteur (1) selon la revendication 5, dans lequel l'appareil de transport (2), en plus de la première bande transporteuse (50), comprend également au moins une seconde bande transporteuse (51), fonctionnant parallèlement à la première, pour d'autres articles de vaisselle (101, 102, 103), la première bande transporteuse (50) ayant une largeur réduite par comparaison avec la seconde bande transporteuse (51), de sorte qu'un plateau ou un article de vaisselle similaire à un plateau (100) puisse être reçu uniquement par la première bande transporteuse (50) s'il est apporté dans une position redressée et orienté parallèlement à la direction de transport (T).

7. Lave-vaisselle à transporteur (1) selon la revendication 5 ou 6, dans lequel le plateau ou l'article de vaisselle similaire à un plateau (100) devant être reçu par la première bande transporteuse (50) a un pourtour périphérique ou une bordure périphérique, et dans lequel la première bande transporteuse (50) est formée de manière à recevoir le plateau ou l'article de vaisselle similaire à un plateau (100) supporté sur la première bande transporteuse (50) par l'intermédiaire d'une région de pourtour ou de bordure (100').

8. Lave-vaisselle à transporteur (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 7, dans lequel le guide (72) du système de déchargement (70) est associé à la première bande transporteuse (50) et est formé de manière à guider le plateau (100) reçu par la première bande transporteuse (50) pendant le transport dans l'au moins une zone de lavage (10, 11.1, 11.2, 12) et l'au moins une zone de rinçage (13) du lave-vaisselle à transporteur (1).

9. Lave-vaisselle à transporteur (1) selon la revendication 8, dans lequel une rainure de guidage (60) formée dans la première bande transporteuse (50) et s'étendant dans la direction longitudinale de la première bande transporteuse (50) est ménagée pour recevoir une région de pourtour ou de bordure (100') d'un plateau ou d'un article de vaisselle similaire à un plateau (100) placé sur la première bande transporteuse (50).

10. Lave-vaisselle à transporteur (1) selon la revendication 8 ou 9, dans lequel le guide (72) est décalé latéralement par rapport à la première bande transporteuse (50) et est disposé au-dessus de la première bande transporteuse (50) et est formé de manière à supporter une région (100") d'un plateau ou d'un article de vaisselle similaire à un plateau (100) placé sur la première bande transporteuse (50), ladite région (100") étant disposée à l'opposé de la région de pourtour ou de bordure (100'), par l'intermédiaire de laquelle le plateau ou l'article de vaisselle similaire à un plateau (100) est supporté sur la première bande transporteuse (50).

11. Lave-vaisselle à transporteur (1) selon la revendication 10, dans lequel le guide (72) est formé comme un rail de guidage.

12. Lave-vaisselle à transporteur (1) selon l'une des revendications 5 à 11, comprenant au moins une autre bande transporteuse (52) s'étendant parallèlement à la première et la seconde bande transporteuse (50, 51), en particulier une autre bande transporteuse (52) destinée aux couverts (103), ladite autre bande transporteuse fonctionnant de préférence directement à côté de la première bande transporteuse (50) et entre la première et la seconde bande transporteuse (50, 51).

13. Lave-vaisselle à transporteur (1) selon la revendication 12, comprenant un appareil d'entraînement commun pour la seconde et l'au moins une autre bande transporteuse (51, 52), la seconde et l'au moins une autre bande transporteuse (51, 52) étant entraînées conjointement par ledit appareil d'entraînement commun, ou comprenant un appareil d'entraînement réservé à chaque bande transporteuse (50, 51, 52) pour entraîner la bande transporteuse correspondante (50, 51, 52) de sorte qu'un article de vaisselle (100, 101, 102, 103) reçu par la bande transporteuse respective (50, 51, 52) soit transporté dans l'au moins une zone de lavage (10, 11.1, 11.2, 12) et l'au moins une zone de rinçage (13) à une vitesse de transport qui est réglée ou peut être réglée individuellement pour la bande transporteuse respective (50, 51, 52).

14. Lave-vaisselle à transporteur (1) selon la revendication 13, dans lequel la vitesse de transport à laquelle un article de vaisselle (100) reçu par la première bande transporteuse (50) est transporté dans l'au moins une zone de lavage (10, 11.1, 11.2, 12) et l'au moins une zone de rinçage (13) est supérieure à la vitesse de transport à laquelle un article de vaisselle (101, 102, 103) reçu par la seconde bande transporteuse (51) est transporté dans l'au moins une zone de lavage (10, 11.1, 11.2, 12) et l'au moins une zone de rinçage (13).

15. Lave-vaisselle à transporteur (1) selon l'une des revendications 5 à 14, dans lequel les côtés supérieurs respectifs des bandes transporteuses (50, 51, 52) de l'appareil de transport (2) reposent dans un plan de bande transporteuse horizontal commun de sorte qu'un article de vaisselle (100, 101, 102, 103) puisse être reçu simultanément par une pluralité de bandes transporteuses (50, 51, 52), et
dans lequel la seconde bande transporteuse (51) est divisée en une pluralité de bandes transporteuses (51a, 51b) fonctionnant parallèlement les unes aux autres et pouvant être associées à un type spécifique d'article de vaisselle.

Drawing