TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a dishwasher in the form of an industrial dishwasher which is designed in the form of a box-type dishwasher, as claimed in the preamble of the independent claim 1.

[0002] Accordingly, the invention relates, in particular, to a dishwasher in the form of an industrial dishwasher which is designed in the form of a box-type dishwasher, configured in the form of a hood-type dishwasher, and has a treatment chamber with at least one wash system designed in the form of a recirculation system.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Box-type dishwashers are manually loadable and unloadable dishwashers. Box- type dishwashers (also denoted as "box-type warewashers" or as "batch dishwashers") may be hood-type dishwashers, also called hood-type warewashers or front loader warewashers. Front loaders may be undercounter machines, top counter machines or free standing front loaders.

[0004] A dishwasher configured as a box-type dishwasher generally comprises a treatment chamber for cleaning washware. Generally a wash tank is arranged below the treatment chamber, liquid being able to flow back from the treatment chamber into said wash tank by the force of gravity. Washing liquid, which is generally water, is located in the wash tank, detergent being able to be added thereto if required.

[0005] A dishwasher configured as a box-type dishwasher generally further comprises a wash system with a wash pump, a line system connected to the wash pump, and a plurality of spray nozzles configured in at least one wash arm. The washing liquid located in the wash tank may be conveyed from the wash pump via the line system to the wash nozzles and sprayed onto the washware to be cleaned through the wash nozzles in the treatment chamber. The sprayed washing liquid subsequently flows back into the wash tank.

[0006] Such a dishwasher configured as a box-type dishwasher is disclosed, for example, in the publication DE 10 2005 023 429 Al . [0007] The term "washware" used herein is to be understood, in particular, as crockery, glasses, cutlery, cooking utensils, baking utensils and serving trays.

[0008] Hood-type dishwashers are used primarily (but not exclusively) for relatively small sculleries, such as for example in relatively small canteens, in particular school canteens, or in the catering field. The use of such dishwashers is characterized by said dishwashers being able to be used in sculleries, in which generally only a limited floor space is available.

[0009] An industrial dishwasher configured as a box-type dishwasher, in particular hood- type dishwasher, differs from a household dishwasher, in particular, in that an industrial dishwasher has to be designed such that - depending on the selected treatment program - program running times of between one and five minutes may be implemented, whilst household dishwashers generally have running times of up to 2.5 hours or more. Due to the short program times required in industrial dishwashers, techniques used in household dishwashers are generally not able to be transferred easily to industrial dishwashers.

[0010] Industrial dishwashers which are configured as box-type dishwashers generally operate in two main process steps: a first step which includes washing with a washing liquid, and a second step which includes final rinsing with a heated fresh water and metered rinse aid.

[0011] In order to be able to carry out these process steps, an industrial dishwasher configured as a box-type dishwasher is generally provided with two independent liquid systems. The one liquid system is a washing water circuit which is responsible for washing the washware, wherein the washing is carried out with recirculated water from the wash tank of the dishwasher. The other liquid system is a fresh water system which is responsible for final rinsing. The final rinsing is carried out with fresh water, preferably with fresh water from a water heater (boiler). After spraying, the fresh water is also collected by the wash tank of the dishwasher.

[0012] The main object of the final rinsing is to remove wash liquor from the washware. Additionally, the final rinse water flowing into the wash tank during the final rinsing step serves for the regeneration of the washing water present in the wash tank. [0013] Before fresh water is sprayed as final rinse liquid as a result of the final rinsing, and is thus conducted into the wash tank of the dishwasher, a quantity of washing liquid which is equal to the quantity of fresh water is pumped out of the wash tank.

[0014] Generally, industrial dishwashers which are configured as box-type dishwashers are provided with a plurality of programs. These programs differ primarily by the program running times of the washing process having different lengths. The operator has the option of selecting a short washing program for lightly soiled washware or a correspondingly longer washing program for heavily soiled washware.

[0015] In industrial dishwashing, different approaches are used for loading washware into and unloading washware out of the treatment chamber in batches: in front loader machines, the washware is placed in a rack and the rack loaded with washware is placed into the treatment chamber of the dishwasher through a front door, and after cleaning removed again through the front door. However, in hood-type machines the racks loaded with washware are pushed manually into the treatment chamber from an entry side and after the completion of a washing program are manually removed from the treatment chamber from an exit side. Front loader machines and hood-type machines contain only a single treatment chamber for treating the washware.

[0016] Almost without exception, industrial dishwashers, which are designed as box-type dishwashers and for loading washware into and unloading washware out of the treatment chamber in batches, are designed with entry and/or exit tables. On the entry side of the dishwasher, generally the dirty washware is manually pre-cleared and manually pre- washed. Moreover, here the dirty washware is loaded into special racks. The exit side serves for drying and unloading the racks.

[0017] In particular in dishwashers designed as hood-type machines, from an ergonomic perspective it is preferred if the wash plane is located at the same height as the entry and exit table. In this manner, the racks to be cleaned may be easily and ergonomically pushed from the entry table into the dishwasher and, after cleaning has been completed, pushed out of the dishwasher onto the exit table.

[0018] The term "wash plane" used herein is understood as the horizontal plane in which the rack is located. In the treatment chamber of a dishwasher, the wash plane is generally fixed by a guide system, in particular guide rails, which receives a rack which is pushed into the treatment chamber from an entry table provided on the entry side of the machine. In this manner, the racks to be cleaned may be pushed from the entry table into the hood- type dishwasher and, after cleaning has been completed, pushed out of the hood-type dishwasher onto the exit table.

[0019] This loading and unloading of the hood-type dishwasher takes place manually according to the current prior art, i.e. after carrying out pre-clearing on the entry side the operator pushes the rack to be cleaned manually from the entry table into the dishwasher and, after the cleaning cycle has been completed in the dishwasher, the operator pushes the cleaned rack from the machine onto the exit table of the exit side.

[0020] Since, in particular, hood-type dishwashers are designed to clean large quantities of washware in the shortest possible time, the operator of the dishwasher has to manually load and unload the dishwasher very frequently at maximum capacity. Thus in a typical hood-type dishwasher manufactured by the company Hobart, the duration of the preset standard program, which is generally used for washware, such as plates, bowls, cups, glasses, with a normal level of soiling is only 70 seconds, i.e. the theoretical capacity is up to 52 racks per hour. This means that at maximum capacity the operator of the dishwasher has to load and unload up to 52 times per hour. Moreover, this involves additional work for the operator since in this time, for example, he is not able to pre-clear any further dirty crockery on the entry side or, for example, he is not able to stow away any already cleaned washware on the exit side for further use.

[0021] Moreover, it is difficult for the operator to make full use of the maximum possible capacity of the dishwasher since he always has to pay attention to whether and/or when the washing program is finished so that immediately afterwards he can then remove the rack which has just been cleaned and load the machine again with the next rack to be cleaned.

SUMMARY

[0022] Due to the problem set forth above, accordingly the object of the invention is to develop a dishwasher of the type specified in the introduction, such that the capacity of the machine which is actually able to be implemented may be optimized and namely whilst simultaneously easing the burden on the personnel. [0023] This object is achieved, in particular, by a dishwasher in the form of an industrial dishwasher which is designed in the form of a box-type dishwasher, configured in the form of a hood-type dishwasher, and has a treatment chamber with at least one wash system designed in the form of a recirculation system. According to the invention, the dishwasher comprises a loading/unloading apparatus and/or the dishwasher is assigned a corresponding loading/unloading apparatus, wherein this loading/unloading apparatus is configured for preferably optionally automatically loading the treatment chamber of the dishwasher with washware, and/or for preferably optionally automatically unloading washware from the treatment chamber of the dishwasher.

[0024] The advantages which are able to be achieved by the solution according to the invention are obvious. In particular, with the dishwasher according to the invention it is no longer necessary (as was the case hitherto) to load and/or unload this dishwasher manually. Instead, the dishwasher is assigned a loading/unloading apparatus by which these operating steps which are generally carried out manually may be fulfilled.

[0025] For example, it is conceivable to provide the dishwasher and/or the entry and exit tables of the dishwasher with an automatic loading/unloading apparatus.

[0026] As a whole, therefore, by means of the solution according to the invention manual operating steps may be saved, i.e. the work for the machine operator may be reduced, since the operator no longer has to load and unload the dishwasher manually. Moreover, the solution according to the invention ensures an operation of the dishwasher which is as simple, ergonomic and user-friendly as possible, since both the cleaning process and the loading and unloading of the dishwasher takes place and/or may take place fully

automatically.

[0027] Apart from this, the maximum possible capacity of the machine may be better utilized, since the operator may concentrate fully and entirely on the tasks on the entry and exit side of the dishwasher, whilst the cleaning process in the dishwasher and the loading/unloading of the dishwasher may take place fully automatically.

[0028] Based on the program times cited in the introduction to the description of a typical hood-type dishwasher manufactured by the company Hobart and based on the assumption that the manual loading and unloading of a typical hood-type dishwasher and the manual opening and closing of the hood required therefor in each case lasts approximately 5 seconds, as a result with a maximum capacity of 42 racks per hour, a total of 8.5 minutes may be saved. In this case, it is advantageous, in particular, if the hood of the dishwasher according to the invention is also automatically opened and/or closed.

[0029] According to advantageous embodiments of the dishwasher according to the invention, it is provided that, on its entry side, the dishwasher is assigned an entry region which, at least in certain regions, is formed preferably by an entry table, wherein the loading/unloading apparatus is designed to load the treatment chamber with washware, preferably optionally automatically, from the entry region. Alternatively or additionally, on its exit side, the dishwasher may be assigned an exit region which, at least in certain regions, is formed preferably by an exit table, wherein the loading/unloading apparatus is designed to unload washware from the treatment chamber, preferably optionally

automatically, onto the exit region.

[0030] In principle, in this connection it is advantageous if the treatment chamber is designed for a rack, in which at least some of the washware to be treated in the treatment chamber is, or can be accommodated, to be accommodated such that the lower region of the rack, over which the washware rests, is located in a previously defined or definable horizontal wash plane, which is preferably aligned with a table plane at least of an entry or exit table, which forms, at least in certain regions, an entry or exit region of the dishwasher.

[0031] According to embodiments of the present invention, the loading/unloading apparatus has at least one transporting arrangement for transporting washware from an entry region of the dishwasher into the treatment chamber and/or for transporting washware from the treatment chamber to an exit region of the dishwasher.

[0032] On the other hand, it is also conceivable if the dishwasher has an opening which can be closed via a door, in particular hood, movable relative to the treatment chamber and through which the treatment chamber can be loaded with washware and/or through which washware can be unloaded from the treatment chamber, wherein the dishwasher also has a kinematics unit which is assigned to the door, in particular hood, and via which the door can be moved preferably automatically, and even more preferably optionally automatically, relative to the treatment chamber. In this connection, it is provided if the kinematics unit, which is assigned to the door, in particular hood, has a drive which is coupled to a program-control device of the dishwasher preferably such that the door, in particular hood, is opened preferably automatically at the end, or following completion, of a wash or rinse cycle of the dishwasher, and/or such that the door, in particular hood, is closed preferably automatically at the beginning, or before the beginning, of a wash or rinse cycle.

[0033] According to advantageous embodiments of the dishwasher according to the invention, the loading/unloading apparatus has at least one drive which is coupled to a program-control device of the dishwasher, preferably such that washware is transported from the treatment chamber to an exit region of the dishwasher preferably automatically following completion, or at the end, of a wash or rinse cycle of the dishwasher, and/or such that washware is transported from an entry region of the dishwasher into the treatment chamber preferably automatically following completion, or at the end, of a wash or rinse cycle of the dishwasher.

[0034] In principle, it is conceivable if there is also a sensor system provided which is designed to sense the presence of washware, and/or the quantity of washware present, in the entry region of the dishwasher, and in particular in a previously defined or definable region of the entry region, and to activate the loading/unloading apparatus preferably automatically, and even more preferably optionally automatically, in dependence on the sensing result.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, there is a sensor system provided which is designed to sense the presence of washware and/or the quantity of washware present, in the exit region of the dishwasher and to activate the loading/unloading apparatus preferably automatically, and even more preferably optionally automatically, in dependence on the sensing result.

[0036] According to advantageous embodiments of the dishwasher according to the invention, this dishwasher has a control device which is designed to activate a drive of the loading/unloading apparatus preferably automatically once the door, in particular hood, has been transferred into its open position. In this case, it is conceivable if the control device is designed to activate the drive of the loading/unloading apparatus for a previously defined or definable period of time, wherein the period of time is selected such that the treatment chamber can be fully loaded and/or unloaded.

[0037] According to developments of the dishwasher according to the invention, the kinematics unit, which is assigned to the door, in particular hood, and the

loading/unloading apparatus each have a drive which can be activated via a control device preferably such that the drive of the kinematics unit, which is assigned to the door, in particular hood, is activated as required or automatically following completion, or at the end, of a wash or rinse cycle of the dishwasher, in order to transfer the door, in particular hood, into an open position, and that the drive of the loading/unloading apparatus is activated in order to unload washware from the treatment chamber and/or to load the treatment chamber with washware.

[0038] According to embodiments of the dishwasher according to the invention, the loading/unloading apparatus has a loading system for preferably optionally automatically loading the treatment chamber with washware and also has an unloading system, configured preferably separately from the loading system, for preferably optionally automatically unloading washware from the treatment chamber. The loading system and the unloading system may be configured separately from one another preferably such that they can be actuated independently of one another by means of a control device or manually.

[0039] The invention is not limited to dishwashers in which the treatment chamber only comprises one treatment zone with one wash plane. Instead the invention also relates to such dishwashers in which the treatment chamber has a first treatment zone with a first wash plane and at least one further second treatment zone with a second wash plane, wherein items of washware can be treated independently of one another and, at least intermittently, at the same time in the first and in the at least one second treatment zone.

[0040] In such embodiments it is advantageous if the loading/unloading apparatus is designed to load items of washware into the at least two treatment zones independently of one another and/or to unload items of washware from the at least two treatment zones independently of one another. [0041] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the invention is described in more detail hereinafter with reference to exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] In the drawings:

[0043] FIGS. 1 A to 1H show a program sequence/a functional diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 2 shows schematically a box-type dishwasher designed as a hood-type dishwasher according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0045] FIG. 3 is a schematic and isometric view of a program operated hood dishwasher according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0046] FIG. 3 a shows a detail of FIG. 3 ;

[0047] FIG. 4 schematically shows a plan view of the treatment chamber of the hood dishwasher according to FIG. 3;

[0048] FIG. 5 schematically shows a side view of the hood dishwasher according to FIG. 3; and

[0049] FIG. 6 schematically shows a front view of the hood dishwasher according to FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The invention relates to industrial dishwashers 1, in particular dishwashers in the form of a box-type dishwasher. In particular, the present invention relates to box-type dishwashers designed as hood-type dishwashers.

[0051] An industrial dishwasher 1 designed as a box-type dishwasher generally comprises a program-control device (also denoted herein as "control device") for controlling at least one cleaning program and a treatment chamber 5 in a machine housing which is closable by at least one door 7 and/or at least one hood 6 for receiving washware 9 to be cleaned, such as for example crockery, cutlery, pots, pans, trays and glasses. [0052] As may be derived, in particular, from the drawings in fig. 1 A, it is advantageous ergonomically if a box-type dishwasher, designed as a hood-type dishwasher 1, is provided in each case on its entry side and exit side with a table (entry table 2, exit table 3). The racks 8 loaded with dirty washware 9, therefore, may be pushed into the dishwasher 1 on the entry table 2. After treatment of the washware 9 in the treatment chamber 5 of the dishwasher 1 the rack 8 is moved with the now cleaned washware 9 from the machine 1 onto the exit table 3.

[0053] The action time, i.e. the time during which the cleaning liquid or washing liquid wets the washware 9 inside the treatment chamber 5, depends, in particular, on the duration of the washing phase fixed by the treatment program. For normally soiled washware 9 such as plates, bowls, cups and/or glasses, a cleaning cycle consisting of a washing phase and a subsequent final rinsing phase generally requires between 50 to 100 seconds. However, a longer treatment of the washware 9 may be necessary, in particular, if this washware has a greater degree of soiling or if dirt is burnt onto the washware 9. Frequently an extension of the total treatment time of up to 400 seconds is required. Due to the extended action time, the washware 9 to be cleaned is subjected to an intensive treatment so that more heavily soiled washware 9 may also be effectively cleaned.

[0054] As is described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the exemplary program sequence according to figs. 1 A to 1H, the dishwasher 1 according to the invention is assigned a loading/unloading apparatus 4, 4' for preferably optionally automatically loading the treatment chamber 5 of the dishwasher 1 with washware 9 and/or for preferably optionally automatically unloading washware 9 from the treatment chamber 5.

[0055] Specifically, on its entry side, the dishwasher 1 according to the exemplary embodiment is assigned an entry region 2' which, at least in certain regions, is formed preferably by an entry table 2. Moreover, on its exit side, the dishwasher 1 is assigned an exit region 3' which, at least in certain regions, is preferably formed by an exit table 3.

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention, the loading/unloading apparatus 4, 4' comprises at least one transporting arrangement for transporting washware 9 as required from the entry region 2' of the dishwasher 1 into the treatment chamber 5 and/or for transporting washware 9 as required from the treatment chamber 5 to the exit region 3' of the dishwasher 1.

[0057] The at least one transporting arrangement of the loading/unloading apparatus 4, 4' is configured, in particular, for preferably optionally automatically loading the treatment chamber 5 with washware 9 from the entry region 2' and/or for preferably optionally automatically unloading washware 9 from the treatment chamber 5 into the exit region 3'. In this case, it is advantageous if the treatment chamber 5 of the dishwasher 1 is designed for a rack 8, in which at least some of the washware to be treated in the treatment chamber 5 is, or can be accommodated, to be accommodated such that the lower region of the rack, over which the rack 8 rests, is located in a previously defined or definable horizontal wash plane, which is preferably aligned with a table plane of the entry or exit table 2, 3, which forms the entry or exit region 2', 3' of the dishwasher 1.

[0058] Moreover, it may be derived from the drawings that the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher according to the invention 1 comprises an opening which can be closed by a door, in particular hood 6, movable relative to the treatment chamber 5 of the dishwasher 1 and through which the treatment chamber 5 of the dishwasher 1 can be loaded with washware 9 and/or through which washware 9 can be unloaded from the treatment chamber 5.

[0059] The door, in particular hood 6, comprises a correspondingly assigned kinematics unit via which the door (hood 6) can be moved relative to the treatment chamber 5. In this connection it is conceivable that the kinematics unit assigned to the door (hood 6) is configured to move the door (hood 6) automatically and preferably optionally

automatically relative to the treatment chamber 5.

[0060] It is conceivable in this connection if the kinematics unit assigned to the door (hood 6) has a drive which is coupled to a program-control device of the dishwasher 1 preferably such that the door 7 (in particular hood 6) is opened preferably automatically at the end, or following completion, of a wash or rinse cycle of the dishwasher 1.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if the drive of the kinematics unit is activated or is activatable via the program-control device, such that the door (hood 6) is preferably automatically closed at the beginning, or before the beginning, of a wash or rinse cycle.

[0062] Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention it is provided that the loading/unloading apparatus 4, 4' comprises at least one drive which is preferably coupled to a program-control device of the dishwasher 1 such that washware 9 is transported from the treatment chamber 5 to the exit region 3' of the dishwasher 1 preferably automatically following completion, or at the end, of a wash or rinse cycle of the dishwasher 1 and/or washware 9 is transported from the entry region 2' into the treatment chamber 5 preferably automatically following completion, or at the end, of a wash or rinse cycle of the dishwasher 1.

[0063] In this connection, according to embodiments of the invention there is a sensor system provided which is designed to sense the presence of washware 9, and/or the quantity of washware 9 present, in the entry region 2' of the dishwasher 1 and, in particular, in a previously defined or definable region of the entry region 2' and to activate the loading/unloading apparatus 4, 4' preferably automatically, and even more preferably optionally automatically, in dependence on the sensing result.

[0064] Similarly, additionally or alternatively thereto, it is conceivable that there is a sensor system provided which is designed to sense the presence of washware 9, and/or the quantity of washware 9 present, in the exit region 3' of the dishwasher 1 and to activate the loading/unloading apparatus 4, 4' preferably automatically, and even more preferably optionally automatically, in dependence on the sensing result.

[0065] Returning to the drawings, it may be identified that in fig. 1 A the initial state of an exemplary embodiment of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention is shown

schematically. In this initial state the racks to be washed are located in the entry region 2' of the machine. Moreover, the door (hood 6) of the dishwasher 1 is opened and the machine is located in the so-called standby state.

[0066] By a suitable sensor system in this case it is detected that a rack 8 to be washed is present in the entry region 2' of the dishwasher 1. From here automatically a transporting arrangement of the loading/unloading apparatus 4, 4' is activated and the rack 8 to be washed is transported into the treatment chamber 5 of the open dishwasher 1 (fig. IB). [0067] After the rack 8 to be cleaned has been transported via the transporting arrangement of the loading/unloading apparatus 4, 4' from the entry region 2' of the dishwasher 1 into the treatment chamber 5, the automatic loading is completed. To this end it is conceivable to provide a corresponding sensor system, by which a defined end position of the rack 8 in the treatment chamber 5 of the dishwasher 1 is detected.

[0068] Subsequently, the door (hood 6) of the dishwasher 1 may be closed. Preferably this takes place automatically via a drive assigned to the door (hood 6) (fig. 1C).

[0069] After closing the dishwasher 1 the cleaning cycle starts, said cleaning cycle preferably also taking place automatically. It is conceivable in this connection that via corresponding sensors it is detected that the door (hood 6) of the dishwasher 1 is completely closed and a rack 8 to be cleaned is received in the treatment chamber 5 of the dishwasher 1 (fig. ID).

[0070] Whilst the cleaning cycle runs (is active), a further rack 8 is prepared by an operator, not shown in the drawings, (pre-clearing, etc.) as indicated in fig. IE.

[0071] After the cleaning cycle has been completed, preferably the door (hood 6) of the dishwasher is opened automatically (fig. IF).

[0072] Preferably, via a suitable sensor system it is detected if the door (hood 6) is completely open. Then the transporting arrangement(s) of the loading/unloading apparatus 4, 4' is(are) activated, which preferably takes place automatically again. As a result, the rack 8 which was previously washed in the treatment chamber 5 of the transport dishwasher is automatically unloaded in the exit region 3' of the dishwasher 1, whilst the further rack 8 which was already prepared during the cleaning cycle is automatically transported into the treatment chamber 5 of the dishwasher 1 (fig. 1G).

[0073] After completing the automatic loading/unloading of the dishwasher 1 the door (hood 6) of the machine is preferably automatically closed (fig. 1H) and the cleaning process starts again, in a manner similar to fig. ID.

[0074] As shown, for example, in fig. 2, a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a (rack-type 8) dishwasher 1 designed as a hood-type dishwasher 1, which in particular is characterized in that a further treatment zone 5b is configured in addition to the conventionally provided (main) treatment zone 5a, said further treatment zone being arranged below this treatment zone 5a. The upper main treatment zone 5a which is also denoted as the "first treatment zone" is configured in order to receive a rack 8 which optionally may be loaded with the washware 9 to be treated.

[0075] To this end, the bottom surface of the first treatment zone 5a and/or main treatment zone has a dimension adapted to the bottom surface of a rack and, in particular, a bottom surface of 600 mm x 500 mm, 500 mm x 500 mm or 400 mm x 400 mm.

[0076] Moreover, the main treatment zone 5a is configured such that the rack 8 may be transported from an entry table 2 directly into the treatment zone 5a of the hood dishwasher 1. In other words, the wash plane of the main treatment zone 5a is aligned in the horizontal direction with the table height of the entry table 2.

[0077] In a preferred manner, an exit table 3 is also provided, wherein the table height of the exit table 3 is also aligned horizontally with the wash plane of the main treatment zone 5a, so that after treatment in the main treatment zone 5a the rack 8 may be transported directly to the exit table 3.

[0078] As already indicated, a further treatment zone 5b is designed below the main treatment zone 5a. This further treatment zone 5b which in this case is also denoted as the "second treatment zone" or "auxiliary treatment zone" serves, in particular, for cleaning washware 9 which requires a longer action time in comparison with the washware 9 to be cleaned in the first treatment zone 5a.

[0079] In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 2, the second treatment zone 5b is also designed to receive a rack 8, wherein the washware 9 to be treated in the further treatment zone 5b is received in the rack 8.

[0080] Specifically, the dimensions and cleaning capacity of the main treatment zone 5a (first treatment zone) and the dimensions and cleaning capacity of the auxiliary treatment zone 5b (second treatment zone) are preferably adapted to the type of washware to be cleaned and which generally accumulates in sculleries (such as for example crockery, cutlery, glasses and pots), the quantity of washware 9 to be cleaned and which generally accumulates per time unit, depending on the type of washware, and/or the degree of soiling of the washware present per time unit, such that even at peak times during operation of the dishwasher 1 all of the washware 9 which accumulates may be cleaned as far as possible without delay.

[0081] As shown, in the exemplary embodiment of the invention shown schematically in fig. 2 it is provided that washware 9 may be loaded into and unloaded from the two treatment zones 5a, 5b independently of one another. Specifically, washware 9 may be loaded into and unloaded from the first treatment zone 5a via an opening which is closable by a hood 6 which is displaceable in the vertical direction. The displacement path of the hood 6 is, for example, at least 300 mm, preferably at least 400 mm, whilst the first treatment zone has an effective height of at least 400 mm for cleaning washware 9.

[0082] On the other hand, the second treatment zone 5b has an effective height for cleaning washware 9 of, for example, at least 120 mm, and preferably of at least 150 mm, so that cutlery received in the cutlery baskets may also be cleaned in this treatment zone 5b.

[0083] Additionally, the second treatment zone 5b has a separate closable opening, via which washware 9 may be loaded into and unloaded from this treatment zone.

[0084] In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 2, in particular it is provided that the second treatment zone 5b comprises a dedicated opening which is closable via a door 7 which is pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis, via which washware 9 may be loaded into and unloaded from the second treatment zone 5b.

[0085] In this case, it is advantageous, in particular, if the door 7 which is pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis is configured such that in its open state it is aligned horizontally with the wash plane of the further treatment zone 5b. In this manner, in its open state the door 7 serves at the same time as a loading and unloading aid for pushing the washware 9 and/or the rack 8 in and/or out.

[0086] Whilst not shown in fig. 2, it is advantageous if the dishwasher 1, which is shown schematically here, is provided with a corresponding loading/unloading apparatus 4, 4' for preferably optionally automatically loading the treatment chamber 5 with washware 9 and/or for preferably optionally automatically unloading washware 9 from the treatment chamber 5.

[0087] The loading/unloading apparatus 4, 4' is intended to be configured such that washware 9 may be loaded into the treatment zones 5a, 5b of the treatment chamber 5 preferably optionally automatically and independently of one another and/or washware 9 may be unloaded from the treatment zones 5a, 5b of the treatment chamber 5 preferably optionally automatically and independently of one another.

[0088] Briefly summarized, the solution according to the invention is characterized, in particular, by the following points:

[0089] The hood-type dishwasher 1 (single tank dishwasher, box-type dishwasher) is provided with an automatic loading and/or unloading apparatus for the automatic loading of racks in the machine and/or for the automatic unloading of racks from the machine. In this case it is conceivable if the automatic loading and/or unloading apparatus is not a direct component of the dishwasher 1 but, for example, is integrated in the entry and/or exit tables, or as a separate unit may complement an existing combined hood-type dishwasher 1 and table.

[0090] Preferably, the automatic loading/unloading apparatus 4, 4' may be combined with an optionally already available automatic hood lift for automatically opening and closing the door (hood 6), in order to implement thereby a fully automatic loading and unloading of the dishwasher 1 without additional manual operating steps. In this manner, for the first time a continuous (fully automatic) operating sequence may be implemented by an industrial dishwasher.

[0091] According to embodiments of the invention, the loading apparatus and the unloading apparatus are separate units which are driven independently of one another, for example with two independent drives. Alternatively or additionally it is conceivable to use and/or install the automatic loading and the automatic unloading individually and independently of one another if, for example for organizational reasons, automation is able to be implemented only on one side (entry or exit side). [0092] In principle, however, it is also conceivable if the automatic loading/unloading apparatus 4, 4' is driven by a common drive.

[0093] According to embodiments of the present invention, it is provided that the automatic loading/unloading apparatus 4, 4' is not continuously in operation but only activated automatically when a wash cycle is completed, and the washed rack 8 may be unloaded and optionally the next rack 8 to be washed may be loaded.

[0094] Alternatively or additionally, however, it is also conceivable that the automatic loading/unloading apparatus 4, 4' is not continuously in operation but is automatically activated if no rack 8 is located in the dishwasher 1 and a rack 8 to be washed is pushed and/or placed on the entry table 2 at a defined position.

[0095] In principle, it is provided in particular to activate and/or deactivate the automatic loading/unloading apparatus 4, 4' in a manner which is controlled by sensor, i.e. when a rack 8 is in a defined end position. In this connection, however, an optionally automatic loading/unloading of the dishwasher 1 should be possible. In other words, as an alternative to the automatically controlled activation, it is advantageous if the loading/unloading apparatus 4, 4' is also able to be activated manually, for example by means of a separate switch.

[0096] In a development of the invention, it is provided in particular that the automatic loading/unloading apparatus 4, 4' is not only used for loading/unloading the actual dishwasher 1 but also functional units arranged upstream or downstream thereof, such as for example a pre-clearing unit on the entry side and a drying or polishing unit on the exit side, may be loaded/unloaded thereby.

[0097] According to further embodiments of the invention, it is provided that the dishwasher 1 is provided with at least two wash planes i.e. not only a main wash plane but also a second additional wash plane, wherein both wash planes may be loaded and unloaded by the automatic loading/unloading apparatus 4, 4'. In this case, it is

advantageous if the loading/unloading of the two wash planes may take place both dependent on one another and independent of one another. [0098] For the automatic loading/unloading according to embodiments of the dishwasher 1 according to the invention it is provided that the loading/unloading apparatus 4, 4' comprises a transporting arrangement, for example in the form of a driven roller conveyor, a conveyor belt, a thrust-action drive by means of drive elements or the like, wherein this transporting arrangement makes it possible for the rack 8 to move in a translatory manner from the entry table 2 into the machine and from the machine onto the exit table 3.

[0099] Hereinafter, with reference to the illustrations in FIGS. 3 to 6, a hood dishwasher 1, which is program operated, according to a further embodiment of the invention is described.

[0100] The hood dishwasher 1 according to this further embodiment corresponds in structural and functional terms substantially to the previously described embodiments of the hood dishwasher according to the invention, so reference is made to the previous description in order to avoid repetition of description that overlaps with the previous embodiments.

[0101] However, in the further embodiment of the hood dishwasher 1 according to the invention as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the loading/unloading device 4 shown in more detail.

[0102] In detail, in this further embodiment, the loading/unloading device 4 is designed as a basket transport system, which is completely integrated in the dishwasher 1, and in particular in the treatment chamber 5 of the dishwasher 1. In other words, in a state when the hood type dishwasher is closed (not shown in the drawings), the loading/unloading device 4, designed as a basket transporting system, is housed inside the treatment chamber 5 of the dishwasher 1, and particularly not externally thereof. Thus, the loading/unloading device is enclosed by the hood 6 and other housing structure of the dishwasher when the hood 6 is moved to its down position to close the dishwasher.

[0103] The loading/unloading device 4 designed as a basket transport system is in particular designed in such a way that a rinsing basket can be loaded, for example, from a feed table, not shown, into the treatment chamber 5 with this basket transport system, and a second rinse basket from the treatment chamber, simultaneously with the movement of a transport mechanism of the basket transport system 5, can be discharged, for example, on a not shown in the drawings outlet table. [0104] For this purpose, the transport system of the loading/unloading device 4 designed as a basket transport system has a multiplicity of fingers 8 designed as grippers which project into the treatment chamber 5 of the dishwasher 1 at least in regions. These fingers 8 serve to form a releasable engagement with a dish rack to be transported into the treatment chamber 5 or with a dish rack to be transported out of the treatment chamber 5.

[0105] The fingers 8 are arranged on a support 9, wherein this support 9 is associated with a linear drive to, if necessary, move the support 9 with the fingers 8 in a horizontal linear movement relative to the treatment chamber 5 of the dishwasher 1 (e.g., movement of the support 9 and fingers 8 left to right and right to left in the view of Fig. 6).

[0106] Furthermore, it is provided that the fingers 8 are movable in a direction perpendicular to the above described linear movement of the carrier 9 relative to the treatment chamber 5, to move in a direction of or toward the treatment chamber 5 (e.g., a direction out of the page in the view of Fig. 6) into a state of engagement with a

corresponding dish rack. In this way, for example, the fingers 8 can engage a rack to assure movement of the dish rack out of the treatment chamber as the carrier is moving, for example, left to right in the view of Fig. 6 in order to unload a dish rack. The fingers can also be moved to a retracted or partially retracted state (e.g., by movement in a direction into the page in the view of Fig. 6) when, for example, the carrier is being moved in an opposite (horizontal) direction relative to the treatment chamber 5 (e.g., right to left in the view of Fig. 6) in order to move the carrier 9 into position to receive another dish rack for loading. Once the carrier 9 completes its movement to a dish rack load position, the fingers 8 can again be extended away from the carrier 9 to engage the dish rack to be loaded. So it is conceivable, for example, that a drive may be assigned to the fingers 8 to move the fingers in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the carrier 9 and relative to the treatment chamber 5 to move the fingers relative to the carrier 9. The fingers 8 may all be controlled by a shared drive, but it is also conceivable that each finger 8 may have its own drive in order to facilitate individual control of the fingers 8.

[0107] Alternatively, it is also conceivable, that the carrier 9 itself, together with the fingers 8, could be movable in a horizontal plane in the direction of the treatment chamber 5 and in the opposite direction (e.g., both carrier 9 and fingers 8 also movable together in a direction into the page or a direction out of the page in the view of Fig. 6), to engage with or release an engagement with a dish rack.

[0108] In this context, it is conceivable, if the drive for moving the carrier 9 and/or the fingers 8 is also formed, if necessary, to move the hood 6 of the dishwasher 1 in the vertical direction relative to the treatment chamber 5.