Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cutlery holder for sorting items of cutlery.

Background

Customer research has shown that approximately 4% of the workload in commercial kitchens involves items of cutlery. The greatest part of this workload is due to polishing, drying and sorting out the items of cutlery. A large amount of polishing and manual drying work may be regarded as resulting, predominantly, from the residual moisture on the cutlery, but also from salt and detergent residues. As far as sorting out is concerned, it is also frequently the case that the cutlery gets mixed up and is often not oriented uniformly, which makes the task of separating out the items of cutlery into the cutlery containers a more laborious one.

"Trays" and "cutlery baskets" should be mentioned as examples of cutlery holders which are known from the prior art, and may be considered to be disadvantageous in respect of drying and sorting the cutlery.

The so-called "trays" are basically in the form of a large-surface-area rack-like carrying device with a base part for horizontally carrying items of cutlery, the base part being enclosed by a surround which prevents the items of cutlery from sliding off from the base part. In the case of these "trays", the items of cutlery are arranged horizontally in arbitrary fashion on the base part. In other words, the items of cutlery are scattered randomly and in some cases one above the other on the base part.

In contrast, a cutlery holder known as a "cutlery basket" has four high side walls along the peripheries of a base part, in order to orient the items of cutlery essentially vertically. It is therefore the case that a "cutlery basket" has one or more deep cutlery racks in which in each case a multiplicity of items of cutlery can be accommodated vertically (i.e. in an upright state). The vertical (upright) orientation of the cutlery achieved by the "cutlery baskets" reduces the quantity of moisture adhering to the cutlery in comparison with the orientation of the cutlery which can be realized with the "tray". It is also the case that the number and type of points of contact between the items of cutlery is improved by the known "cutlery baskets", and this results in the adhering moisture being reduced further. It is considered to be a problem of the cutlery holders known from the prior art that, on account of the individual types of cutlery getting very mixed up, it is necessary for them to be sorted out manually, which inevitably results in more time being required. It is also the case, on the other hand, that the number and type of points of contact between the items of cutlery and the known holders or other items of cutlery are disadvantageous for the drying result, this necessitating additional manual polishing and drying steps.

On account of these problems, it is an object of the present invention to specify an improved cutlery holder which eliminates the aforementioned disadvantages. In specific terms, the cutlery holder according to the invention is intended to provide a possible way of holding cutlery which renders the steps of manual follow-up drying or polishing superfluous, or reduces the same to a minimum. It is a further object to specify a cutlery holder which considerably reduces the amount of time required for sorting out the items of cutlery.

Summary

This object is achieved according to the invention by a cutlery holder as claimed in independent claim 1.

Accordingly, the invention specifies a cutlery holder for accommodating cutlery during or after washing, in particular for commercial dishwashers, wherein the cutlery holder has at least one horizontally oriented carrier arrangement for orienting the items of cutlery vertically. The horizontally oriented carrier arrangement has at least one through-opening, which is dimensioned such that a first type of cutlery can pass through the carrier arrangement, whereas other types of cutlery remain hanging on the carrier arrangement.

The term "type of cutlery" should be understood here to be an individual kind of cutlery, for example knife, fork, spoon, coffee spoon, etc. The individual types of cutlery are distinguished, in particular, by the geometrical dimensions exhibited by the individual types of cutlery. For example, the first type of cutlery mentioned here may be in the form of knives, which usually have the smallest geometrical dimensions (e.g. the smallest width). A second type of cutlery may be in the form of, for example, forks, which, although having larger geometrical dimensions than the first type of cutlery (knives), are smaller than a third type of cutlery (e.g. spoons). In other words, the term "type of cutlery" is a collective term for any kind of cutlery which has the same or similar dimensions in a certain direction (e.g. same width, height, etc.).

The cutlery holder according to the invention has a great number of advantages. Thus, the horizontal carrier arrangement ensures a vertical orientation of the items of cutlery, which improves the ability of wash water to flow off. Furthermore, the number of points of contact between the items of cutlery and the number of points of contact between the items of cutlery and the cutlery holder are minimized. In specific terms, the horizontally oriented carrier arrangement means that the items of cutlery have preferably just a few points of contact, and this likewise optimizes the ability of water to flow off. It is also the case that reducing the number of points of contact gives an improved cleaning result, since occluded zones and capillaries are effectively reduced. Furthermore, the cutlery holder according to the invention allows the items of cutlery to be separated, which vastly simplifies the abovementioned sorting-out step. In particular, it is even conceivable for the items of cutlery to be sorted out in a completely automated manner by way of the at least one through-opening. It is thus possible for the first type of cutlery (e.g. knives) to be separated very straightforwardly from the remaining types of cutlery, and therefore separated out, with the aid of the allocated through-openings. The reason for this, in particular, is that the first type of cutlery is the only type of cutlery to be able to pass through the through- openings of the carrier arrangement, and can thus be removed from the carrier arrangement just with the aid of gravitational force.

Further developments of the cutlery holder according to the invention can be gathered from the dependent claims.

It is thus provided, in a first realization of the cutlery holder according to the invention, that the carrier arrangement has a first horizontally oriented carrier element with at least one first opening and a second horizontally oriented carrier element with at least one second opening. Accordingly, the carrier arrangement is designed in two parts, and this simplifies any possible cleaning and maintenance work which may be required. Furthermore, the step of separating the individual types of cutlery can be automated in different ways by a two- part design of the carrier arrangement. These first and second openings of the first and second carrier elements, respectively, can have either the same or different opening diameters. In particular the opening diameters of the first and second openings are adapted to the conventional dimensions of the various items of cutlery, as will be explained in more detail at a later stage in the text, with reference to those specific embodiments of the cutlery holder according to the invention which are illustrated in the figures. It is particularly advantageously possible, in the case of the two-part design of the carrier arrangement, for the second carrier element to be oriented in relation to the first carrier element such that the at least one through-opening of the carrier arrangement is formed by overlapping of the at least one first and second openings. In other words, the carrier arrangement is not, for example, a component with through-openings with a rigid opening diameter; rather, the different overlapping states of the first and second openings can form through-openings with different opening diameters. Consequently, the opening diameters of the through-openings can be adapted very straightforwardly to the individual types of cutlery which are used in the respective kitchen, without it being necessary to change the opening diameters of the first and second openings of the first and second carrier elements.

It should be noted here that the first and second horizontally oriented carrier elements of the cutlery holder according to the invention can preferably be moved in relation to one another such that the dimensions of the through-opening of the carrier arrangement can be changed as required. As already mentioned, the dimensions of the through-openings of the carrier arrangement are formed, in particular, by the overlapping of the first and second openings of the carrier elements. According to this variant, however, it is possible for the overlapping of the first and second openings to be changed at any desired point in time such that the dimensioning of the through-opening is either reduced or increased. Accordingly, the step of sorting out the individual items of cutlery can take place even more straightforwardly, since the opening diameter of the through-opening can be increased at any desired point in time, for example, such that not just a first type of cutlery, but also a second or third type of cutlery, can pass through the carrier arrangement. Consequently, changing the carrier elements in relation to one another also makes it possible for the second, third or further types of cutlery to be sorted out with the aid of gravitational force.

According to a further aspect of the cutlery holder according to the invention, the first horizontally oriented carrier element is designed as a latticework element, wherein the first openings have an essentially rectangular opening cross section. According to this configuration, the first horizontally oriented carrier element is designed as an arrangement of elongate struts which run perpendicularly to one another and cross over at regular intervals. Designing the first horizontally oriented carrier element as a latticework element with essentially rectangular first openings serves to reduce further the points of contact between the items of cutlery and the first horizontally oriented carrier element. It should be noted here that the first openings preferably have an essentially rectangular opening cross section which is designed such that a first type of cutlery (e.g. knives), although capable of passing lengthwise all the way through the first horizontally oriented carrier element, can, at the same time, butt against the struts of the latticework element with the broadest location of the blade, albeit not over the entire surface area. In other words, the rectangular opening cross sections according to this variant have a diagonal which is only slightly larger than the broadest location of the blade of the knife. It is thus possible for the knife to be guided just diagonally through the first openings, in which case, rather than butting against a strut over the entire surface area, it butts against the latticework element merely at two points of contact (at the ends of the diagonals).

In respect of the second horizontally oriented carrier element, it should be mentioned that the latter may be designed, according to a first embodiment, such that it can be moved in the vertical direction in relation to the first horizontally oriented carrier element, in order to change the dimensions of the through-opening. For example it is possible for the second horizontally oriented carrier element to be raised vertically upward away from the first carrier element. This can achieve, in particular, further separation of the different types of cutlery. It is conceivable here, for example, for the dimensions of the through-opening to be changed, by virtue of the second carrier element being raised in the vertical direction, such that a second type of cutlery can pass through the carrier arrangement, whereas all the other types of cutlery also continue to be carried by the carrier arrangement (the second carrier element). This allows for the sorting-out step to be automated further.

The second horizontally oriented carrier element, furthermore, may likewise be designed as a latticework element, wherein the second openings preferably have an essentially rectangular opening cross section. As already mentioned in conjunction with the first carrier element designed as a latticework element, this also has the advantage that the points of contact between the items of cutlery and the carrier elements are reduced to a minimum, which vastly improves the drying result.

As an alternative to this, however, it is also conceivable for the second horizontally oriented carrier element to be designed as a perforated plate, wherein the second openings, accordingly, have an essentially round opening cross section. A perforated-plate design has the advantage that the perforated plate is subject to a lower level of wear and, in addition, allows improved guidance of the items of cutlery without the latter getting stuck. According to a further realization of the cutlery holder according to the invention, the second openings of the second horizontally oriented carrier element are dimensioned such that the first and a second type of cutlery can pass through the second carrier element, whereas other types of cutlery remain hanging on the second carrier element. In conjunction with the abovementioned movement of the first and second horizontally oriented carrier elements in relation to one another, it is thus possible for the dimensions of the through-opening to be increased maximally to the extent where a first and a second type of cutlery can pass through the carrier arrangement. Third and further types of cutlery, in contrast, are always carried by the second carrier element and can be separated, for example, by being sorted out manually.

In order for it also to be possible for third and further types of cutlery to be sorted out automatically, it may further be provided that the carrier arrangement has a third horizontally oriented carrier element, which is designed as a latticework element and has a multiplicity of essentially rectangular, third openings. Accordingly, the carrier arrangement may be, in particular, a latticework element which is formed by overlapping of the three carrier elements designed as latticework elements. It is preferred here if the second and third carrier elements are oriented in relation to the first carrier element such that the at least one through-opening of the carrier arrangement is formed by overlapping of the at least one first, second and third openings. It is thus possible for the dimensions of the through-opening to be changed over an even wider range, as a result of which a greater number of items of cutlery can be separated automatically.

For example it is also possible, for this purpose, for the second and third carrier elements to be designed such that they can be moved in the vertical direction in relation to the first horizontally oriented carrier element. Accordingly, raising the third horizontally oriented carrier element can increase the through-opening such that first and second types of cutlery can pass through the carrier arrangement. Raising the second carrier element can increase the diameter of the through-opening yet further, and therefore it is also possible for a third type of cutlery to pass through the carrier arrangement.

As an alternative to the abovementioned embodiments, it is also possible for the second horizontally oriented carrier element to be designed such that it can be moved in the horizontal direction in relation to the first horizontally oriented carrier element. Accordingly, an alternative variant is specified for the purpose of changing the dimensions of the through-opening. Therefore, it is not necessary for the horizontally oriented carrier elements to be spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction in order for the individual types of cutlery to be separated from one another. It is thus possible, in certain circumstances, to save space within the dishwasher.

It is preferred here in particular for the first and the second horizontally oriented carrier elements to be designed as perforated plates, wherein the first and second openings have an essentially rectangular cross section. Designing the carrier elements as perforated plates with openings of rectangular cross section has the advantage that adaptation to the dimensions of the individual types of cutlery can be realized very straightforwardly.

In the case of the horizontally movable variant of the carrier elements, it is preferably provided that the first and second openings of the first and second carrier elements are dimensioned such that all the types of cutlery used can pass through the first and second openings of the carrier elements. It is thus possible for all the types of cutlery to be separated with the aid of just two carrier elements. For example it is possible for the carrier elements to exhibit a first orientation, in which the first and second openings cover over one another such that the through-opening is dimensioned to allow merely a first type of cutlery to pass through. In a second orientation, in contrast, the first and second openings can define a through-opening which also allows second types of cutlery to pass through. Finally, a congruent orientation of the first and second openings can define a through- opening through which all the types of cutlery used can pass. It is thus possible to achieve the situation where the aforementioned carrier arrangement frees different types of cutlery sequentially.

According to a further aspect, the cutlery holder according to the invention has a base part for carrying the items of cutlery, in particular the first type of cutlery. Accordingly, the base part can be utilized in order to prevent the first type of cutlery from sliding right through the carrier arrangement. This is expedient, in particular, when the cutlery holder is designed for carrying the items of cutlery during the wash operation.

It is particularly advantageous here if the carrier arrangement is spaced apart from the base part by a distance which is selected such that the first type of cutlery is in contact with the carrier arrangement and the base part, wherein the other types of cutlery are in contact in each case only with the carrier arrangement. This distance further improves the drying of the cutlery in the cutlery holder. Thus, despite the distance, the first type of cutlery is indeed in contact with the base part and the carrier arrangement, but all the other (wider) types of cutlery hang freely on the carrier arrangement and are therefore not in contact with the base part. This further reduces the points of contact. For example, the first type of cutlery may be in the form of knives, which have small enough dimensions to be able to pass through the at least one through-opening and thus be carried, at least in part, by the base part. In contrast, the further types of cutlery, for example forks and spoons, remain hanging on the carrier arrangement, as a result of which the end of the handle thereof does not come into contact with the base part.

The distance is selected preferably precisely such that the first type of cutlery (e.g. knives) has the handle end in contact with the base part, whereas the widest part of the blade is in contact with the carrier arrangement. This prevents the first type of cutlery from sliding out of the carrier arrangement and, as is usually the case with the tray, ending up located horizontally on the base part.

It may additionally be provided, in the case of the cutlery holder according to the invention, that the base part can be transferred from a first position, in which the base part carries the first type of cutlery, into a second position, in which the base part guides the first type of cutlery away in the direction of a sorting container. For this purpose, the base part may be oriented horizontally, for example, in its first position, as a result of which the first type of cutlery is prevented from falling out of the carrier arrangement. In the second position, it is conceivable, for example, for the base part to be pivoted into an oblique/downwardly sloping position, in which the first type of cutlery slides through the through-opening of the carrier arrangement and is guided along the base part into a sorting container. Accordingly, this means that the first type of cutlery is automatically sorted out particularly straightforwardly without any movement of the first and second carrier elements in relation to one another.

According to a first realization, the cutlery holder according to the invention is part of a sorting station. The cutlery holder as part of a sorting station can be used, in particular, in order to separate the cutlery quickly and straightforwardly into individual sorting containers once it has been washed in a commercial dishwasher. In other words, the sorting station is designed to be separate from the dishwasher and has the washed items of cutlery fed to it, either manually or automatically, once they have left the dishwasher.

As an alternative, the cutlery holder according to the invention may also be designed for use in a commercial dishwasher, wherein the dishwasher, at an exit region, has a multiplicity of different sorting containers and is designed to sort individual types of cutlery automatically into individual sorting containers with the aid of the carrier arrangement belonging to the cutlery holder. In the case of the dishwasher according to the invention, this therefore means that manual sorting out is not necessary, and this further minimizes the workload.

Brief Description of Drawings

Embodiments of the cutlery holder according to the invention will be explained in more detail hereinbelow with reference to the drawings, in which: figure 1 shows a schematic view of part of a commercial dishwasher with a cutlery holder according to the invention; figures 2a-c show schematic illustrations of first, second and third types of cutlery; figure 3 shows a schematic view, in perspective, of a carrier arrangement according to a first embodiment of the cutlery holder according to the invention; figure 4 shows a schematic view, in perspective, of that embodiment of the cutlery holder which is illustrated in figure 3, during the sorting-out step; figure 5 shows a plan view of a sub-region of a horizontal carrier arrangement according to a second embodiment of the cutlery holder according to the invention; figure 6a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the cutlery holder according to the invention, which is illustrated in figure 5; figure 6b shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the second embodiment according to figure 5, during the sorting-out step; figure 7a shows a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a carrier arrangement according to a third embodiment of the cutlery holder according to the invention; figures 7b and c show a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the third embodiment according to figure 6a, during the sorting-out step; figure 8 shows a plan view of a carrier arrangement according to a fourth embodiment of the cutlery holder according to the invention; figure 9a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment according to figure 8; figure 9b shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment according to figure 8, during the sorting-out step; figure 10 shows a schematic illustration of the sorting-out step being performed by virtue of the base part being pivoted; figure 1 la shows an exploded illustration, in perspective, of a sorting device having a third embodiment of a cutlery holder according to the invention, said third embodiment being illustrated in figure 7a; figure 1 lb shows a perspective illustration of a frame structure of the sorting device according to figure 1 1a; figure 12a shows a perspective illustration of a cutlery basket for charging the cutlery holder according to the invention; and figure 12b shows a perspective illustration of a floor panel of the cutlery basket illustrated in figure 12a.

For reasons of clarity, the same or like components are provided with the same designations in the following detailed description of the figures.

Detailed Description

The illustration according to figure 1 shows a sub-region of a commercial dishwasher 1 with a cutlery holder 2 according to the invention. It should be noted that this is merely an exemplary schematic diagram, to give a better understanding of the invention. The commercial dishwasher 1 may be configured as a box-type dishwasher or as a conveyor dishwasher with one or more wash zones, final rinse zones and/or drying zones, through which items of cutlery 5, 6, 7 and/or items of crockery 8 are conveyed. As shown, it is possible - in the case of a conveyor dishwasher - for the items of crockery and cutlery 5, 6, 7, 8 to be moved through the dishwasher in the arrow direction by a conveying mechanism. It is possible here, for example, to provide that the cutlery holder 2 runs through the dishwasher parallel alongside a crockery conveying belt 4.

The cutlery holder 2 has, in particular, at least one horizontally oriented carrier arrangement 20, 30, 40, 50 for orienting the items of cutlery 5, 6, 7 vertically. As can be seen, the horizontally oriented carrier arrangement 20, 30, 40, 50 has at least one through- opening 21, 31, 41, 51, which is dimensioned such that a first type of cutlery 5 can pass through the carrier arrangement, whereas other types of cutlery 6, 7 remain hanging on the carrier arrangement. Accordingly, the first type of cutlery 5 (e.g. knives) can be separated very straightforwardly from the other types of cutlery 6, 7 (e.g. forks, spoons, etc.).

As can be gathered from figures 2a to 2c, the different types of cutlery 5, 6, 7 have different geometrical dimensions, which, according to the invention, serve to separate the items of cutlery from one another. The first type of cutlery 5 illustrated here is in the form of a knife which, at the widest location of the blade, has a width al, which in this case is smaller than a width a2 of a fork which is illustrated, by way of example, as a second type of cutlery 6 (figure 2b). The spoon which is designated in figure 2c, by way of example, as a third type of cutlery 7 also has, on its bowl, a width a3, which is larger than the width a2, al of the second and first types of cutlery, respectively. It is also the case that the different types of cutlery often have different lengths LI, L2, L3. It is usually the case here that the knife illustrated by way of example as the first type of cutlery 5 has a greater length L 1 than the second and third types of cutlery 6, 7 which are illustrated in the form of a fork and spoon, respectively.

As already indicated, the carrier arrangement 20, 30, 40, 50 has at least one, preferably more than one, through-opening 21, 31, 41, 51, these being dimensioned such that a first type of cutlery 5 can pass through the carrier arrangement, whereas other types of cutlery 6, 7 remain hanging on the carrier arrangement 20. In specific terms, for this purpose, the through-openings 21, 31, 41, 51 have, in the first instance, an opening diameter x (figure 1) which is only slightly larger than the width al of the first type of cutlery. At the same time, the opening diameter x of the through-openings 21, 31, 41, 51 is, in the first instance, smaller than the width a2, a3 of the second and third types of cutlery 6, 7, respectively. This means that just the first type of cutlery 5 can pass through the carrier arrangement 20, 30, 40, 50, and this allows straightforward separation of the individual items of cutlery 5, 6, 7. It should also be mentioned here that the cutlery holder 2 which is illustrated in figure 1, and is designed here as part of a commercial dishwasher, may have a base part 3, which serves, at least in part, for carrying the items of cutlery. As will be described in more detail at a later stage in the text, at least one first type of cutlery 5 (for example knives) is carried by the base part 3 throughout. Therefore, according to this variant, all that is necessary for separating the first type of cutlery 5 from the other types of cutlery 6, 7 is for the base part 3 and the carrier arrangement 20, 30, 40, 50 to be moved away from one another (for example by virtue of the base part 3 being pivoted or of the carrier arrangement 20, 30, 40, 50 being raised), as a result of which the first type of cutlery falls down onto the base part 3 on account of gravitational force.

The carrier arrangement 20, 30, 40, 50 here is spaced apart from the base part 3 preferably by a distance z which is selected such that the first type of cutlery 5, in the form of knives, is in contact with the carrier arrangement 20 and the base part 3, wherein the other types of cutlery 6, 7 (spoons, forks, etc.) are in contact only with the carrier arrangement 20. In other words, the carrier arrangement 20 is spaced apart from the base part 3 at a distance z which is smaller than the length LI of the first type of cutlery 5. In addition, the distance is defined such that the length of the handles L2, L3 of the second and third types of cutlery 6, 7 is shorter than the distance z, as a result of which these types of cutlery hang freely on the carrier arrangement 20, 30, 40, 50 and are not in contact with the base part 3. This optimizes the drying properties of the individual items of cutlery 5, 6, 7.

Figure 3 shows a schematic view, in perspective, of a carrier arrangement of a first embodiment of the cutlery holder according to the invention. The carrier arrangement 20 here has a first horizontally oriented carrier element 22 with at least one first opening 221 and a second horizontally oriented carrier element 23 with at least one second opening 231. It is preferred here to provide not just one first and second openings 221, 231, but in each case a multiplicity of openings 221, 231, in order for it to be possible to accommodate as many items of cutlery as possible in the cutlery holder. The first and second horizontally oriented carrier elements 22, 23 may be designed as independent latticework elements. As will be explained in more detail with reference to figures 4 to 8, other carrier-element designs are, of course, also conceivable.

It can also be seen from the first embodiment illustrated in figure 3 that the second carrier element 23 is oriented in relation to the first carrier element 22 such that the at least one through-opening 21 (in this case eight through-openings) of the carrier arrangement 20 is formed by overlapping of the at least one first and second openings 221, 231. In specific terms, the overlapping shown in figure 3 gives rise to a plurality of through-openings 21 which each preferably have an opening diameter x, as is indicated in figure 1 , dimensioned such that only the first type of cutlery 5 (knives) can pass through the carrier arrangement 20, whereas other types of cutlery 6, 7 remain hanging on the carrier arrangement.

In respect of the figure shown in figure 4, it should be mentioned that the first and the second horizontally oriented carrier elements 22, 23 can be moved in relation to one another such that the dimensions of the through-opening of the carrier arrangement 20 can be changed as required. In particular it is possible in the case of the embodiment illustrated in figure 4, for the purpose of changing the dimensions of the through-opening 21, for the second horizontally oriented carrier element 23 to be designed such that it can be moved in the vertical direction in relation to the first horizontally oriented carrier element 22. Therefore, the through-opening 21 is increased by virtue of the second carrier element 23 being raised. In specific terms, in the situation illustrated in figure 4, the through-openings 21 are no longer formed by overlapping of the first and second openings 221, 231 ; rather, the through-openings 21 of the carrier arrangement 20, in this case, are defined by those openings which have the smallest opening diameter. In the case of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figure 4, these are the first openings 221 which thus define, at the same time, the through-openings 21.

In the case of the first cutlery-holder embodiment illustrated in figure 4, the second openings 231 of the second horizontally oriented carrier element 23 are dimensioned such that the first and a second type of cutlery 5, 6 can pass through the second carrier element 23, whereas other types of cutlery 7 (e.g. spoons) remain hanging on the second carrier element 23. In other words, the remaining types of cutlery 7 (e.g. spoons) are moved away horizontally from the first carrier element 22 by way of the second horizontally oriented carrier element. The second type of cutlery 6 (e.g. forks), however, has a smaller width a2, which allows the second type of cutlery to slide through the second opening 231 of the second carrier element 23.

It should be noted that the first openings 221, which define the through-openings 21 once the second carrier element 23 has been raised, may have an opening diameter which either allows the first and second types of cutlery 5, 6 to pass through or else allows only the first type of cutlery 5 to pass through. In the latter case, the second type of cutlery, when separated from the third type of cutlery 7, remains hanging on the first carrier element 22, whereas the first type of cutlery 5 can continue to pass through the same. Should the first openings 221 of the first carrier element 22 be large enough for also the second type of cutlery 6 to be able to pass through the first carrier element 22, then it is also the case, once the second carrier element 23 has been raised, that the second type of cutlery 6 slides down, through the first carrier element 22 onto the base part 3 and, consequently, can likewise be sorted out with the aid of gravitational force.

It can also be seen from figures 3 and 4 that the first and second horizontally orientated carrier elements 22, 23 may be designed as latticework elements, wherein the first and second openings 221, 231 have an essentially rectangular opening cross section. For this purpose, the latticework elements have a multiplicity of struts which run perpendicularly to one another and define the aforementioned rectangular opening cross sections. Designing the carrier elements 22, 23 as latticework elements makes it possible to minimize the points of contact between the items of cutlery 5, 6, 7 and the carrier elements 22, 23. Ideally, this creates even just individual points of contact. The latticework arrangement also allows effective separation of the items of cutlery 5, 6, 7, this preventing points of contact between the individual items of cutlery 5, 6, 7.

According to a second embodiment of the cutlery holder 2 according to the invention, the carrier arrangement 30 illustrated in figure 5 likewise has first and second carrier elements 32, 33, although the second horizontally oriented carrier element 33, rather than being designed as a latticework element, is designed as a perforated plate, and the second openings 331 have an essentially round opening cross section. Designing the second horizontally oriented carrier element 33 as a perforated plate with round opening cross sections has the advantage that the situation where the items of cutlery catch on the second openings 331 can be better prevented.

That variant of the horizontally oriented carrier arrangement 30 which is illustrated in figure 5 is very similar to the design shown in figures 3 and 4. It is also the case with the carrier arrangement 30 according to figure 5 that the second carrier element 33 is oriented in relation to the first carrier element 32 such that the at least one through-opening 31 of the carrier arrangement 30 is formed by overlapping of the at least one first and second openings 321, 331. As illustrated, the second round opening 331 of the second carrier element 33 is subdivided into four individual segments by the overlapping with the first horizontally oriented carrier element 32, which is designed as a latticework element. Each of these individual segments thus defines a through-opening 31 which is dimensioned such that a first type of cutlery 5 can pass through the carrier arrangement 30, whereas other types of cutlery 6, 7 remain hanging on the carrier arrangement 30. In specific terms, the sub-segment through-openings 31 thus have an opening cross section x which is a little larger than the width al of the first type of cutlery 5, but, at the same time, is smaller than the width a2, a3 of the second and third types of cutlery 6, 7.

A schematic cross-sectional view of the second carrier-arrangement embodiment illustrated in figure 5 is illustrated in figures 6a and 6b. Here too, the second horizontally oriented carrier element 33 is preferably designed such that it can be moved in the vertical direction in relation to the first horizontally oriented carrier element 32, in order to change the dimensions of the through-opening 31. Although the first carrier element 32 in the illustrations according to figures 5 to 6b is designed as a latticework element, it should nevertheless be noted that said carrier element may, of course, be designed in a manner similar to the second carrier element 33, as a perforated plate. By virtue of the second horizontally oriented carrier element 33 being raised, the opening cross section of the through-openings 21 is defined, in turn, by the opening cross section of the first openings 321 of the first carrier element 32. This therefore gives rise - as already explained in respect of figures 3 and 4 - to an increase in the opening cross section of the through- openings 31.

It is likewise possible, in the second embodiment according to figures 5 to 6b, for the second openings 331 of the second horizontally oriented carrier element 33 to be dimensioned such that the first and a second type of cutlery can pass through the second carrier element, whereas other types of cutlery remain hanging on the second carrier element 33. For this purpose, the second, round openings 331 have a diameter y which is a little larger than the largest width a2 of the second type of cutlery 6 (e.g. forks), but is smaller than the width a3 of the third type of cutlery 7. It is quite conceivable for the first openings 321 of the first carrier element 32 here to have an opening cross section which corresponds to the diameter y of the second openings 331. It would thus be possible, once the second carrier element 33 has been raised, for the second type of cutlery 6 to pass through not just the second, but also the first carrier element, and thus to pass through the entire carrier arrangement 30.

A further design of the carrier arrangement of a cutlery holder according to the invention can be gathered from figures 7a to 7c. Accordingly, the carrier arrangement 40 of the cutlery holder, in turn, has first and second horizontally oriented carrier elements 42 and 43. In contrast to the previously illustrated variants, however, the carrier arrangement 40 illustrated also has a third horizontally oriented carrier element 44, which is designed as a latticework element and has a multiplicity of essentially rectangular, third openings 441. In a manner similar to the carrier arrangements 20 and 30 illustrated in figures 3 to 6b, the second and third carrier elements 43, 44 of the carrier arrangement 40 are oriented in relation to the first carrier element 42 such that the at least one through-opening (not illustrated) is formed by overlapping of the at least one first, second and third openings. It can be seen, in particular, from figure 7a that the three carrier elements 42, 43, 44 are layered one above the other so as to form through-openings with an opening cross section which allows a first type of cutlery 5 (e.g. knives, see arrow) to pass through the carrier arrangement 40, whereas the other types of cutlery 6, 7 (e.g. spoons or forks) remain hanging on the carrier arrangement 40. For this purpose, the three carrier elements 42, 43, 44 may preferably be designed in each case as latticework elements with struts 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b running perpendicularly to one another.

In order to increase the opening cross section of the through-openings of the carrier arrangement 40, it is possible, as shown in figure 7b, in the first instance for the third carrier element 44 to be moved in the vertical direction in relation to the first and second carrier elements 42, 43. Accordingly, at the point in time shown in figure 7b, the through- openings of the carrier arrangement 40 are defined merely by overlapping of the first and second carrier elements 42, 43. As illustrated schematically, these through-openings formed by the overlapping of the first and second carrier elements 42, 43 may have dimensions which allow the first and second types of cutlery 5, 6 to pass through the carrier arrangement 40, although the opening diameter is still smaller than the width a3 of the third type of cutlery 7 (e.g. spoons).

In order also to allow the third and possibly further types of cutlery 7 to pass through, it is also possible in a further step - as illustrated in figure 7c - for the second horizontally oriented carrier element 43 to be moved in the vertical direction in relation to the first horizontally oriented carrier element 42. Once the second carrier element 43 has been raised in relation to the first carrier element 42, the opening cross section of the through- openings is consequently defined just by the first openings 421 of the first carrier element 42. These first openings 421 should be large enough for all types of cutlery to be able to pass through the corresponding carrier element 42, and thus through the carrier arrangement 40. This allows very straightforward automatic sorting out of items of cutlery 5, 6, 7 using the cutlery holder 2 according to the invention.

A fourth alternative embodiment of the carrier arrangement is shown in figures 8 to 9b. It is also the case that the carrier arrangement 50 illustrated in said figures has a first horizontally oriented carrier element 52 with at least one first opening 521 and a second horizontally oriented carrier element 53 with at least one second opening 531. Once again, the second carrier element 53 is oriented in relation to the first carrier element 52 such that the at least one through-opening 51 of the carrier arrangement 50 is formed by overlapping of the at least one first and second openings 521, 531. The first and the second horizontally oriented carrier elements 52, 53 can be moved in relation to one another such that the dimensions of the through-opening 51 of the carrier arrangement 50 can be changed as required.

In specific terms, and in contrast to the variants according to figures 2 to 7, for the purpose of changing the dimensions of the through-opening 51 , the second horizontally oriented carrier element 52 is designed such that it can be moved in the horizontal direction in relation to the first horizontally oriented carrier element 52. In other words, the opening diameter of the through-opening 51 can be changed by virtue of the first and second carrier elements 52, 53 being displaced in relation to one another. This can be seen, in particular, from the illustrations according to figures 9a and 9b.

Whereas a through-opening 51 with the opening diameter x is formed in that position of the carrier elements 52 and 53 in relation to one another which is shown in figure 9a, the opening diameter of the through-opening 51 can be widened to a diameter y' by virtue of the first and second carrier elements 52, 53 being displaced horizontally in relation to one another.

The first and second horizontally oriented carrier elements of the carrier arrangement 50 according to the fourth embodiment are preferably designed as perforated plates, wherein the first and second openings 521, 531 have an essentially rectangular cross section. As illustrated, the first and second openings 521, 531 preferably have a diamond-shaped cross section. Of course, it is also conceivable, as an alternative, to design the first and second openings 521, 531 with any other cross section, as long as this cross section is suitable for the through-openings 51 to be formed by overlapping of the first and second openings 521, 532.

In order to ensure that all the items of cutlery 5, 6, 7 are automatically sorted out, completely, it is provided that the first and second openings 521, 531 of the first and second carrier elements 52, 53 are dimensioned such that all the types of cutlery 5, 6, 7 used can pass through the first and second openings of the carrier elements. For this purpose, the first and second openings have an opening diameter y' which is larger than the width a3 of the largest type of cutlery. Accordingly, with the first and second openings 521, 531 of the first and second carrier elements 52, 53 arranged in alignment, it is possible for the through-openings 51 to be large enough for even the largest type of cutlery 7 to be able to pass through the carrier arrangement 50, whereas, with the carrier elements 52, 53 oriented as illustrated in figure 9a, said largest type of cutlery 7 remains hanging on the carrier arrangement 50. In other words, displacement of the carrier elements 52, 53 allows types of cutlery of different widths to be freed successively in relation to one another, particularly straightforward sorting out being made possible as a result.

In respect of the illustration according to figure 10, it should be mentioned that the base part 3 of the cutlery holder 2 can be transferred preferably from a first position (illustrated by dashed lines), in which the base part carries the first type of cutlery 5, into a second position (solid lines), in which the base part 3 guides the first type of cutlery 5 away in the direction of a sorting container. For example it is possible for the base part 3 to be pivoted from a first horizontal position, for carrying the first type of cutlery 5, into an oblique position, in which the first type of cutlery 5 can be guided, via a sorting arrangement 9, into sorting containers (not illustrated). In other words, as the base part 3 pivots, the first type of cutlery 5 slides out of the through-openings 21, 31, 41, 51 of the carrier arrangement 20, 30, 40 or 50 in the direction of the associated sorting container.

Of course, it is also possible for the base part to be used for guiding the other types of cutlery 6, 7 away in the direction of a sorting container, as soon as the through-opening 21, 31, 41, 51 of the carrier arrangement 20, 30, 40 or 50 has increased to the extent where said other types of cutlery 6, 7 can pass through the carrier arrangement 20, 30, 40, 50. As an alternative to this, it is also conceivable for the base part to be designed to slope downward slightly throughout and the individual types of cutlery to be freed by virtue of the entire carrier arrangement 20, 30, 40 or 50 being raised.

An alternative possible application of the cutlery holder according to the invention is illustrated in figure 1 1a. In specific terms, figure 11a illustrates an exploded view of a sorting station 100. The sorting station 100 can be used to separate the cutlery, once washed in a commercial dishwasher, quickly and straightforwardly into individual sorting containers 92, 93, 94. In the case illustrated, the sorting station 100, for this purpose, has a cutlery holder according to the third embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in figures 7a to 7c.

In specific terms, the first, second and third carrier elements 42, 43, 44, which are designed as latticework elements, are fitted on a movable retaining structure 70. The first, second and third carrier elements 42, 43, 44 are fitted via bores located in the corner regions of the carrier elements 42, 43, 44. By way of example, one of the bores of the third carrier element 44 is designated "442". The carrier elements 42, 43, 44 are fitted, via the bores 442 just mentioned, on guide elements 71 of the retaining structure 70 (figure l ib) such that they can be guided in the vertical direction.

An oblique base part 80, which serves for centering the items of cutlery, is fitted beneath the cutlery holder according to the third embodiment of the invention. For this purpose, the oblique base part 80 has two oblique deflecting plates 81, 82, which deflect the falling items of cutlery in the direction of the relevant sorting container 92, 93 or 94. As can be gathered, in particular, from figure l ib, the oblique base part 80 may be connected to the retaining device 70 via fastening rails 73.

The function of the sorting station illustrated in figure 1 1a will be explained in more detail hereinbelow. In a starting position, the first, second and third carrier elements 42, 43, 44 are arranged one above the other such that the at least one through-opening (41, figure 7a) of the carrier arrangement 40 is formed by overlapping of the at least one first, second and third openings 421, 431, 441. In other words, the first, second and third carrier elements, as illustrated in figure 7a, are in full-surface contact with one another and are fitted on the retaining device 70 such that they can be displaced vertically via the guide elements 71.

The cutlery washed by the dishwasher can be moved from the dishwasher to the sorting station 100 by a cutlery basket 60, which will be explained in more detail with reference to figures 12a and 12b. The cutlery basket 60 has a multiplicity of individual compartments 62, in which the items of cutlery 5, 6, 7 are arranged randomly. In order to sort the items of cutlery located in the cutlery basket 60, the latter is first of all set down on the retaining device 70. Thereafter, a displaceable floor 63 of the cutlery basket 60 is pulled out of the cutlery basket 60 with the aid of the handle 631, as a result of which the items of cutlery located in the cutlery basket 60 fall down in the direction of the cutlery holder according to the invention on account of gravitational force. The falling items of cutlery, as illustrated schematically by figure 7a, are intercepted in the first instance by the carrier arrangement 40 of the cutlery holder according to the invention. It should also be mentioned here that the third carrier element 44, for this purpose, preferably has oblique deflecting devices 444, by means of which the cutlery (for example spoons 7) falling downward from the cutlery basket 60 are deflected in the vertical direction into the openings 441, 431, 421 of the carrier elements 42, 43, 44. It should also be noted that the through-openings 41 formed by the first, second and third carrier elements 42, 43, 44 are dimensioned, in particular, such that a first type of cutlery 5 can pass through the carrier arrangement 40, whereas other types of cutlery 6, 7 remain hanging on the carrier arrangement. As a result, the first type of cutlery 5, directly following unloading of the sorting station 100, passes straight through the carrier arrangement made up of the first, second and third carrier elements 42, 43, 44 and is directed, via the oblique base part 80, into a first sorting container 92. The other types of cutlery 6 and 7, in contrast, remain hanging on the carrier elements 42, 43, 44 and are thus already separated from the first type of cutlery 5.

It is optionally possible, in a second step, for the third carrier element 44 to be raised vertically (cf. figure 7b), as a result of which the dimensions of the through-opening 41 are increased such that it is also possible for a second type of cutlery 6 (e.g. forks) to be passed through the carrier arrangement 40, whereas the third type of cutlery remains adhering to the carrier arrangement. For this purpose, the third carrier element has at least one lateral handle 443, which allows the operator to displace the third carrier element 44 vertically upward along the guide elements 71. The second type of cutlery 6 (e.g. forks) now passing through the carrier arrangement 40 is, in turn, deflected, via the oblique base part 80, into a second sorting container 93.

Finally, it is also possible, in an optional third step, for the second carrier element 43 to be raised up in the vertical direction from the first carrier element 42 with the aid of handles 433 (cf. figure 7c). As has already been explained to an adequate extent in respect of the third embodiment according to figures 7a to 7c, it is then also possible for the third or further types of cutlery 7 to pass through the carrier arrangement 40, whereupon said types of cutlery are deflected, by the oblique base part 80 into a third or further sorting container 94.

It should be pointed out that it is, of course, also possible for the sorting station 100 to be provided with the other embodiments of the cutlery holder according to the invention, as illustrated in figures 3 to 6b and 8 to 9b. It should also be noted that it is not necessary for all of the abovementioned sorting steps to be performed when use is made of the sorting station 100. Rather, it is, for example, also conceivable just to raise the third carrier element 43 and to remove the remaining third or further types of cutlery 7 (e.g. spoons) from the cutlery holder according to the invention manually, for example by virtue of removing the spoons from above. The cutlery basket 60, which has already been mentioned above, will be explained in more detail in relation to figures 12a and 12b. The cutlery basket 60 can be used, for example, in a commercial dishwasher designed as a box-type dishwasher or conveyor dishwasher, to accommodate the dirty cutlery. Following the wash operation, the carrying handles 61 can be used to remove the cutlery basket 60 from the dishwasher and carry it to the sorting station 100.

The cutlery basket 60 has a multiplicity of individual cutlery compartments 62, into which in each case one or more items of cutlery can be introduced. These individual cutlery compartments 62 are dimensioned, in particular, such that all of the items of cutlery accommodated by the cutlery basket 60 can pass through the cutlery compartments 62 in the vertical direction as soon as the displaceable floor 63 has been pulled out of the cutlery basket.

The displaceable floor 63 is illustrated in detailed form in figure 12b. The floor 63 has a multiplicity of openings 633, which are aligned with the cutlery compartments 62 and prevent water from accumulating in the compartments 62 during the wash operation. Along its side regions, the floor 63 has guide elements 632, by means of which the floor 63 is fitted in a displaceable manner on guide rails 65 of the cutlery basket (figure 12a). In particular it is possible for the floor 62 to be pulled out of the cutlery basket 60 in the horizontal direction (see arrow) with the aid of the handle 631. In order to prevent accidental release of the floor 62 from the cutlery basket 60, it is also possible to provide a securing element 64, which is fitted in a pivotable manner on the cutlery basket 60.

Of course, the cutlery basket 60 is preferably adapted to the dimensions of the cutlery holder according to the invention, this preventing the situation where items of cutlery fall down alongside the sorting station 100.

The invention, rather than being restricted to the specific embodiments illustrated in the figures, can be gathered from a combination of the features disclosed herein. In particular, it should be noted that the carrier elements of the carrier arrangements 20, 30, 40 or 50, rather than being restricted to the cross sections or opening diameters illustrated in the embodiments, may be designed in any way which allows a suitable through-opening to be formed. It should also be mentioned that - although often just one first or second or third opening is illustrated in the drawings - the carrier elements preferably have a multiplicity of said first, second or third openings, so as to form a multiplicity of through-openings. List of Designations Dishwasher

Cutlery holder

Base part

Conveying belt

, 6, 7 Type of cutlery

Crockery

Sorting arrangement0.30.40.50 Carrier arrangement

1.31.41.51 Through-opening

2.32.42.52 First carrier element

3.33.43.53 Second carrier element

2a,32b,42a,42b,

3a,43b,44a,44b Struts

0 Cutlery basket

1 Carrying handles

2 Cutlery compartment3 Displaceable floor4 Securing element5 Guide rail

0 Retaining device

1 Guide element

3 Oblique fastening rail0 Oblique base part1,82 Deflecting plate

0 Sorting carriage

2,93,94 Sorting container

21,321,421,521 First opening

31,331,431,531 Second opening

41 Third opening

42 Through-bore

43 Oblique deflecting rail33 Handle

31 Handle

32 Guide element

33 Opening al Width of the first type of cutlery a2 Width of the second type of cutlery a3 Width of the third type of cutlery

LI Length of the first type of cutlery

L2 Handle length of the second type of cutlery

L3 Handle length of the third type of cutlery

X First opening diameter

y Second opening diameter

Third opening diameter

z Distance