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Title:
COMMERCIAL WASHER, WHICH IS IN THE FORM OF AN UNDER-COUNTER MACHINE, AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SUCH A WASHER
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2020/117515
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A commercial washer (1), in particular dishwasher or glass washer, which is in the form of an under-counter machine, has at least one treatment chamber (3) which is provided in a machine housing (2) and into and from which at least one dish rack (4) can be inserted and removed. The washer (1) furthermore has a mechanism for retracting or extending the at least one dish rack (4) into the and, respectively, out of the treatment chamber (3) as required. The mechanism has a lifting unit (5), with the aid of which a dish rack (4) which is received in the treatment chamber (3) can be transferred from the wash level (W) into a level (E) above the machine housing, and vice versa from a level (E) above the machine housing into the wash level (W). A corresponding method for operating such a washer (1) is also provided.

Inventors:
DISCH HARALD (US)
BOLDT ADRIAN (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2019/062947
Publication Date:
June 11, 2020
Filing Date:
November 25, 2019
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS (US)
International Classes:
A47L15/00; A47L15/42; A47L15/50; A61B90/70; A61G9/02
Domestic Patent References:
WO2015167853A12015-11-05
Foreign References:
DE202014010365U12015-05-27
JP2006262923A2006-10-05
FR2696088A31994-04-01
JP2000000201A2000-01-07
US3321261A1967-05-23
DE102017121978A12017-11-30
DE102005023429A12006-11-23
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
NIEBERDING, Michael, J. et al. (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
PATENT CLAIMS

1. A commercial washer (1), in particular dishwasher or glass washer, which is in the form of an under-counter machine and has at least one treatment chamber (3) which is provided in a machine housing (2) and into and from which at least one dish rack (4) can be inserted and removed, wherein the washer (1) has a mechanism for retracting or extending the at least one dish rack (4) into the and, respectively, out of the treatment chamber (3) as required, wherein the mechanism for retracting or extending the at least one dish rack (4) as required has a lifting unit (5), with the aid of which a dish rack (4) which is received in the treatment chamber (3) can be transferred from the wash level (W) into a level (E) above the machine housing, and vice versa from a level (E) above the machine housing into the wash level (W).

2. The washer (1) as claimed in claim 1,

wherein a worktop (6), counter or similar support is provided on the top side of the machine housing (2), and wherein the lifting unit (5) is formed to transfer a dish rack (4) from the wash level (W) into a level (E) which corresponds to the horizontal level in which the top side of the worktop (6), counter or similar support lies.

3. The washer (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2,

wherein the mechanism for retracting or extending the at least one dish rack (4) as required is assigned a control device, with the aid of which the extent of a height difference to be performed by the lifting unit (5), in particular a stroke to be performed by the lifting unit (5), can be set.

4. The washer (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3,

wherein the mechanism for retracting or extending the at least one dish rack (4) as required is integrated completely in the machine housing (2), and wherein the lifting unit (5) is formed to transfer the at least one dish rack (4) in a pure linear movement from the wash level (W) into the level (E) above the machine housing (2).

5. The washer (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4,

wherein the washer (1) has a loading and unloading opening (7), via which the at least one dish rack (4) can be retracted into the treatment chamber (3) and extended out of the treatment chamber (3), wherein the loading and unloading opening (7) can be closed as required by way of a pull-out door (8), wherein the pull-out door (8) has a rack holding frame (9) for receiving and holding at least one dish rack (4), and wherein the pull-out door (8) can be moved in a horizontal direction in relation to the machine housing (2) between a first position, in which the loading and unloading opening (7) is closed by the pull-out door (8) and a dish rack (4) possibly received by the rack holding frame (9) is positioned in the wash level (W) within the treatment chamber (3), and a second position, in which the loading and unloading opening (7) is open and a dish rack (4) possibly received by the rack holding frame (9) is preferably positioned in the wash level (W), but in particular completely outside the treatment chamber (3).

6. The washer (1) as claimed in claim 5,

wherein the pull-out door (8) is assigned a drive for moving, as required and preferably automatically, the pull-out door (8) from the first position to the second position, in particular if it has been detected preferably automatically and in particular optionally automatically that a program cycle in the treatment chamber (3) of the washer (1) has ended, and for moving, as required and preferably automatically, the pull-out door (8) from the second position into the first position, in particular if it is detected preferably automatically and in particular optionally automatically that a dish rack (4), in particular with a dish rack (4) to be treated, is received by the rack holding frame (9), and the rack holding frame (9) with the dish rack (4) is present in the wash level (W).

7. The washer (1) as claimed in claim 5 or 6,

wherein the lifting unit (5) has a linear drive (10), in particular in the form of a threaded spindle drive, which is arranged on the pull-out door (8) or is integrated in the pull-out door (8) and is assigned to the rack holding frame (9) for transferring, as required, the rack holding frame (9), with a possibly received dish rack (4), from the wash level (W) into the level (E) above the machine housing (2).

8. The washer (1) as claimed in one of claims 5 to 7,

wherein the rack holding frame (9) is assigned a drive for preferably automatically and in particular optionally automatically transferring, in particular transferring in a translational manner, a dish rack (4) received by the rack holding frame (9) onto a top side of the machine housing (2) or onto a top side of a worktop (6) provided on the machine housing (2).

9. The washer (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8,

wherein a control device is provided for actuating the mechanism for retracting or extending the at least one dish rack (4) as required.

10. The washer (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9,

wherein a locking system is furthermore provided for locking the

mechanism and/or the dish rack (4) in an extended position of the dish rack (4).

11. The washer (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10,

wherein the mechanism for retracting and extending the at least one dish rack (4) as required is assigned a spring system for assisting the lifting unit (5).

12. A method for operating a washer (1), which is in the form of an under counter machine and has at least one treatment chamber (3) which is provided in a machine housing (2), wherein a dish rack (4) is inserted into the treatment chamber (3) and is removed after a treatment cycle has been performed, wherein to this end the dish rack (4) is automatically transferred with the aid of a lifting unit (5) from the wash level (W) into a level (E) above the machine housing (2).

Description:
COMMERCIAL WASHER, WHICH IS IN THE FORM OF AN UNDER-COUNTER MACHINE, AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SUCH A WASHER

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a commercial washer, in particular dishwasher or glass washer, which is in the form of an under-counter machine. The invention furthermore relates to a method for operating a washer of this type.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Washers of the type considered herein have at least one treatment chamber which is provided in a machine housing and into which and from which at least one dish rack having the corresponding items to be washed can be inserted and removed.

[0003] Commercial washers of this type configured as under-counter machines in the industrial sector of commercial washing are also referred to as "batch dishwasher" or "single-tank washer". These herein are washers which are capable of being manually loaded and unloaded. A batch dishwasher configured as an under-counter machine usually has a treatment chamber for cleaning items to be washed. A wash tank into which liquid by way of gravity can flow back from the treatment chamber is typically arranged below the treatment chamber. Washing liquid is situated in the wash tank, said washing liquid usually being water to which detergent optionally has been added or can be added.

[0004] A batch dishwasher configured as an under-counter machine furthermore usually has a washing system having a washing pump, a line system that is fluidically connected or connectable to the washing pump and has a multiplicity of spray nozzles configured by the at least one washer arm. The washing liquid situated in the wash tank can be conveyed by the washing pump to the washing nozzles by way of the line system and be sprayed through the washing nozzles in the treatment chamber onto the dishes to be cleaned. The sprayed washing liquid by way of gravity subsequently flows back into the wash tank.

[0005] Such a washer configured as a batch dishwasher is known, for example, from publication DE 10 2005 023 429 Al. [0006] The term "items to be washed" used herein is in particular to be understood as crockery, glasses, cutlery, cooking utensils, baking utensils, and serving trays, or else transport containers, baskets, preparation tools, as well as Class I medical products, in particular bedpans, and surgical instruments or components thereof, respectively.

[0007] A commercial washer configured as a batch dishwasher fundamentally differs from a domestic washer in particular in that a commercial washer must be conceived in such a manner that program cycle times between one and five minutes can be

implemented, depending on the selected cleaning program, while domestic washers typically have running times of up to 2.5 hours or more. By virtue of the short program duration required in the case of commercial washers, techniques usually used in the case of domestic washers cannot typically be readily applied to commercial washers.

[0008] Commercial washers which are configured as batch dishwashers and for loading and unloading the treatment chamber with items to be washed in batches are in particular front-loading machines. The items to be washed in the case of such front-loading machines are placed in a dish rack, and the rack loaded with items to be washed is placed into the treatment chamber of the washer through a front door, and upon cleaning is again retrieved through the front door.

[0009] This operating principle of loading and unloading the machine is associated with particular requirements in terms of the operating personnel in particular in the case of batch dishwashers which are configured as under-counter machines. A dish rack fully loaded with plates, for example, thus typically has a weight of approximately 10 kg.

[0010] On the other hand, commercial under-counter washers by virtue of the short running time of approx. 60 to 120 seconds enable that up to 40 dish racks can be washed per hour. In terms of the operating personnel, this means that at least in theory up to 40 dish racks having a weight of in each case up to 10 kg have to be lifted, unloaded, loaded, and again be placed into the treatment chamber of the washer.

[0011] For the operating personnel, the continuous lifting and lowering of the dish racks is a physical stress which is not to be underestimated and which is associated with serious disadvantages specifically for older people or people with physical disabilities. The operating personnel in the loading and unloading procedure of the washer has to bend very far down. For this reason, inter alia, the dish rack is not fully loaded in order for the overall weight to be lifted and thus the physical stress to be reduced. However, the overall machine capacity is not utilized in this way. This results in more cleaning cycles being required. Moreover, additional time is required since process step such as, for instance, the opening of the washer door or the depositing of the dish racks onto a corresponding storage surface, have to be carried out more frequently, this having an overall negative effect on the overall efficiency of the washing process.

SUMMARY

[0012] By virtue of this set of problems, the invention is thus based on the object of specifying a commercial washer of the type mentioned at the outset, that is to say a commercial washer, in particular dishwasher or glass washer, which is configured as an under-counter machine and in which an increase in terms of the overall efficiency of the washing process is possible, wherein it is in particular ensured that the theoretically available machine capacity can actually be achieved in reality.

[0013] Furthermore, a corresponding method for operating such a washer is to be specified.

[0014] In terms of the washer, the object on which the invention is based is achieved by the subject matter of coordinate patent claim 1, wherein advantageous refinements of the washer according to the invention are stated in the dependent claims 2 to 11.

[0015] In terms of the method, the object on which the invention is based is achieved by the subject matter of coordinate patent claim 12.

[0016] Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to a commercial washer which is in the form of an under-counter machine and has at least one treatment chamber which is provided in a machine housing. The washer according to the invention is in particular a commercial dishwasher or glass washer.

[0017] At least one dish rack can be inserted into and removed from the at least one treatment chamber of the washer according to the invention, wherein it is in particular provided according to the invention that the washer has a mechanism for retracting or extending the at least one dish rack into the and, respectively, out of the treatment chamber as required, wherein said mechanism for retracting or extending the at least one dish rack as required has a lifting unit, with the aid of which a dish rack which is received in the treatment chamber can be transferred from the wash level into a level above the machine housing, and vice versa from a level above the machine housing into the wash level.

[0018] The advantages achievable by way of the solution according to the invention are obvious. On account of the washer having a mechanism by way of which the dish rack can be inserted into or removed from the treatment chamber, respectively, the usually required manual lifting and lowering of the dish racks when loading or unloading, respectively, the washer is dispensed with. The physical stress of the operating personnel required for loading and unloading the dish racks is thus significantly reduced in this way. Moreover however, the overall procedure of loading and unloading the washer can also be optimized in particular in comparison to the manual operating principle, this ultimately having a positive effect on the overall efficiency.

[0019] However, the solution according to the invention does not only require a mechanism for retracting and extending the at least one dish rack as required, but a lifting unit associated with this mechanism, with the aid of which a dish rack received in the treatment chamber can be transferred from the wash level into a level above the machine housing, and vice versa from a level above the machine housing into the wash level.

[0020] In other words, the lifting unit is configured for transferring the dish rack, preferably in a translational movement, into a level above the machine housing such that it is no longer necessary for the operating personnel to manually lift the dish rack so as to lift said this rack, for example, to the height of a counter or a worktop above the machine housing of the washer preferably configured as an under-counter machine.

[0021] A fully automated washer in the case of which not only the treatment of the items to be washed in the treatment chamber is carried out automatically and as efficiently as possible, but also the entire loading and unloading procedure can overall be automated to the highest degree can be provided in this way.

[0022] For example, it is thus conceivable for a worktop to be provided on the top side of the machine housing of the washer according to the invention, wherein the lifting unit is formed to transfer a dish rack received in the treatment chamber from the wash level into a level which corresponds to the horizontal level in which the top side of the worktop lies.

[0023] According to advantageous implementations of the washer according to the invention it is in particular provided herein that the mechanism for retracting or extending the at least one dish rack as required is assigned a corresponding control device, with the aid of which the extent of a height difference to be performed by the lifting unit, in particular the extent of a stroke to be performed by the lifting unit, can be set individually. In this way, the washer according to the invention can be adapted to the individual requirements in the washing kitchen, or in the counter region, respectively, in a manner which is particularly easy to implement but nevertheless effective.

[0024] According to embodiments of the washer according to the invention it is provided that the mechanism for retracting or extending the at least one dish rack as required is integrated completely in the machine housing. It can be achieved in this way that the setting-up area required for the washer according to the invention remains unchanged in comparison to conventional washers. In other words, no additional space requirement in the setting-up space of the washer is required on account of the automation achievable in terms of the loading and unloading procedure.

[0025] In this context it is particularly expedient if the lifting unit is formed to transfer the at least one dish rack in a pure translational linear movement from the wash level into the level above the machine housing. Such a pure linear movement in the vertical direction, as opposed to a pivoting movement, or a superimposed linear/pivoting movement, respectively, has the advantage that a collision with other items is effectively prevented when moving the dish rack. This has substantial advantages, in particular with a view to the operational reliability of the washer.

[0026] The washer according to the invention has in particular a loading and unloading opening, via which the at least one dish rack can be retracted into the treatment chamber and extended out of the treatment chamber. The loading and unloading opening of the washer can be closed as required by way of a pull-out-door.

[0027] According to embodiments of the solution according to the invention herein it is provided that the door for closing the loading and unloading opening of the washer as required is configured as a pull-out door which in a pure horizontal translatory movement can preferably be displaced, in particular moved, relative to the machine frame and the treatment chamber of the washer.

[0028] The pull-out door according to embodiments of the washer according to the invention can have a dish rack holding frame for receiving and correspondingly holding at least one dish rack. The pull-out door can in particular be moved in a horizontal direction in relation to the machine housing between a first position and the second position. The loading and unloading opening of the washer in the first position of the pull-out door is correspondingly closed by the pull-out door, and a dish rack possibly received by the rack holding frame is positioned in the wash level within the treatment chamber so that a corresponding program cycle can be carried out in order for the items to be washed received by the dish rack to be able to be correspondingly treated in the treatment chamber. The loading and unloading opening of the washer in the second position of the pull-out door is open and a dish rack possibly received by the rack holding frame is positioned completely outside the treatment chamber and nevertheless is preferably present in the wash level.

[0029] In this context, it is conceivable, for example, for the pull-out door to be assigned a corresponding drive, in particular an electromotive drive, for moving, as required, and preferably automatically or optionally automatically, respectively, the pullout door from the first position to the second position and vice versa as required (wherein however a pneumatic or hydraulic drive is also conceivable in principle).

[0030] In this context it is in particular conceivable for a control device of the washer to actuate the drive optionally assigned to the pull-out door in such a manner that the pullout door is preferably automatically moved from the first position to the second position, in particular if it has been automatically detected that a program cycle in the treatment chamber has ended. Alternatively or additionally thereto, it is conceivable for the control device to preferably automatically actuate the drive assigned to the pull-out door in such a manner that the pull-out door is moved from the second position to the first position, in particular if it has been preferably automatically detected that a dish rack, in particular having items to be washed that are yet to be treated, is received by the rack holding frame of the pull-out door, and the rack holding frame with the dish rack received is present in the wash level. [0031] According to advantageous implementations of the solution according to the invention it is provided that the lifting unit of the mechanism for retracting or extending the at least one dish rack as required has a linear drive, in particular in the form of a threaded spindle drive, which is arranged on the pull-out door or is integrated in the pullout door and is assigned to the rack holding frame for transferring, as required, the rack holding frame, with a possibly received dish rack, from the wash level into the level above the machine frame. A linear drive of this type which is advantageously embodied as a threaded spindle drive, in a manner that is particularly easy to implement but is nevertheless reproducible, enables the dish rack to be transferred into a previously determined level above the machine housing. Of course, other solutions in terms of the drive assigned to the lifting unit are to be considered.

[0032] In order for the degree of automation to be further increased, it is provided according to embodiments of the solution according to the invention that the rack holding frame is assigned a drive for preferably automatically and in particular optionally automatically transferring, in particular transferring in a translational manner, a dish rack received by the rack holding frame onto a top side of the machine housing of the washer, or on to a top side of a worktop provided on the machine housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the solution according to the invention will be described in more detail hereunder by means of the appended drawings in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 schematically and in an isometric view shows a usual installed

position of a commercial under-counter washer;

[0035] FIG. 2a schematically and in an isometric view shows an exemplary

embodiment of the washer according to the invention in a state in which a dish rack has been transferred into a level above the machine housing of the washer;

[0036] FIG. 2b schematically and in a lateral view shows the exemplary embodiment of the washer according to FIG. 2a;

[0037] FIG. 3 schematically and in a lateral view shows the exemplary embodiment of the washer according to the invention according to FIG. 2a in a state in which the dish rack with the pull-out door opened is positioned in the wash level;

[0038] FIG. 4 schematically and in a lateral view shows a further exemplary

embodiment of the washer according to the invention in a state in which the pull-out door of the washer is opened and a dish rack is positioned in the wash level;

[0039] FIG. 5 schematically shows a front view of the mechanism implemented in the case of the washer according to FIG. 4 for retracting a dish rack into, or extending a dish rack out of, respectively, the treatment chamber of the washer, as required;

[0040] FIGS. 6a to 6e schematically show in each case in a lateral view an exemplary embodiment of the unloading procedure that can be

implemented by way of the washer according to the invention;

[0041] FIGS. 7a to 7e schematically show in each case in a lateral view an exemplary embodiment of a loading procedure that can be implemented by way of the washer according to the invention;

[0042] FIGS. 8a to 8e schematically show in each case in a lateral view a further

exemplary embodiment of an unloading procedure that can be implemented by way of the washer according to the invention; and

[0043] FIGS. 9a to 9e schematically show in each case in a lateral view a further

exemplary embodiment of a loading procedure that can be implemented by way of the washer according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Commercial under-counter washers are typically set up directly on the floor, as is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1. Under-counter washers such as, for example, dishwashers or glass washers, are usually installed in gaps provided therefore below a counter or worktop. [0045] In the case of commercial dishwashing, the dish racks are typically completely retrieved and loaded and unloaded outside the washer. A plurality of dish racks are typically used such that a plurality of dish racks are loaded and unloaded outside the washer at the level of the counter or the worktop, respectively, while the washer simultaneously cleans dish rack situated in the machine. On account of this operating sequence, additional storage areas on the counter, or the worktop, respectively, are required for loading and unloading the dish racks.

[0046] On the other hand, commercial washers, in particular commercial under-counter washers, are conceived for cleaning large quantities of items to be washed in an ideally short time. The duration of an under-counter washer of the present applicant in a short program thus is approximately 90 seconds. The theoretical capacity is thus up to 40 racks per hour. However, this also means that the operator in the case of a fully utilized washer has to load and unload up to 40 times per hour.

[0047] A dish rack fully loaded with plates has a weight of approximately 10 kg. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the washing level is situated below the counter or the worktop. In terms of the operating personnel this means that up to 40 dish racks per hour at a weight of in each case up to 10 kg have to be lifted from the washer and be placed in the latter again.

[0048] For the operating personnel, the continuous lifting and lowering of the dish racks is a physical stress which is not to be underestimated and which is associated with serious disadvantages specifically for older people or people with physical disabilities. The operating personnel in the loading and unloading procedure of the washer has to bend very far down. For this reason, the dish rack in practice is very often not fully loaded in order for the overall weight to be lifted and thus the physical stress to be reduced.

However, the overall machine capacity is not utilized in this way. This results in more cleaning cycles being required. Moreover, additional time is required since process step such as, for instance, the opening of the washer door or the depositing of the dish racks onto the storage surface, have to be carried out more frequently. This also has an overall negative effect on the overall efficiency of the process. [0049] In terms of the objective of solving the afore-mentioned problems, a washer 1 which is no longer to be manually loaded and unloaded, as is commonplace to date, but has an automatic loading and unloading device for dish racks 4 is proposed according to the invention.

[0050] An exemplary embodiment of the washer 1 according to the invention is schematically shown in an isometric view in FIG. 2a. Per Fig. 1, the washer 1 typically includes a control device 15, with an associated user interface, to enable selection and initiation of program cycles of the washer. The control device is likewise configured (e.g., programmed or designed) to implement operation of the drive/drive system as described herein.

[0051] In detail, an exemplary embodiment of the washer 1 according to the invention in FIG. 2a is shown in a state in which a dish rack 4 has been transferred into a level E above a machine housing 2 of the washer 1.

[0052] The washer 1 which is embodied in particular as a dishwasher or glass washer, has a treatment chamber 3 which is provided in a machine housing 2 and into which at least one dish rack 4 can be inserted and retrieved therefrom. The already mentioned automatic loading and unloading device of the washer 1 according to the invention has a mechanism for retracting or extending the at least one dish rack into the and, respectively, out of the treatment chamber 3 of the washer 1 as required. The mechanism for retracting or extending the at least one dish rack 4 as required has in particular a lifting unit 5 with the aid of which a dish rack 4 received in the treatment chamber 3 can be transferred from the wash level W into a level E above the machine housing 2, and vice versa from a level E above the machine housing into the wash level W.

[0053] In this context, reference is also made to the lateral view according to FIG. 2b and FIG. 3. In detail, FIG. 2b schematically shows the exemplary embodiment of the washer 1 according to FIG. 2a in a lateral view, thus in a state in which the dish rack 4 has been transferred into a level E above the machine housing 2 of the washer 1.

[0054] By contrast, FIG. 3 shows the washer 1 according to FIG. 2a in a state in which the dish rack 4 with the pull-out door 8 opened is positioned in the wash level W. [0055] Accordingly, it can be seen that the exemplary embodiment of the washer 1 according to the invention is equipped with a pull-out door 8/drawer. The mechanism for retracting or extending the at least one dish rack 4 as required herein is integrated in said pull-out door 8.

[0056] The mechanism is composed of a stationary external door as well as a vertically movable internal door. A dish rack frame, or rack holding frame 9, respectively, which receives the dish rack 4 is mounted so as to be movable vertically in relation to the internal door.

[0057] When opening the pull-out door 8, the dish rack 4 by way of the dish rack frame, or the rack holding frame 9, is simultaneously pulled out of the treatment chamber 3 of the washer 1 (cf. FIG. 3). The opening of the door, or the pulling out of the draw, respectively, can be performed manually by the operator or automatically, for example automatically after a program cycle in the treatment chamber 3 of the washer 1 has ended.

[0058] As soon as the pull-out door 8 is completely open, the dish rack frame, or the rack holding frame 9, respectively, is lifted fully automatically. This ideally takes place by way of an electromotive drive system, but may also take place by way of pneumatic or hydraulic systems. The dish rack 4 when lifted performs a (pure) linear upward movement.

[0059] When the dish rack 4 is in the upper position (cf. FIG. 2b) the operator can clear the items to be washed from the dish rack 4.

[0060] Alternatively, there is the possibility for sliding the dish rack 4 either manually or in an automated manner out of the dish rack frame, or the rack holding frame 9, respectively, onto the counter/worktop 6, or the surface of the machine housing 2 of the washer 1. To this end, the lifting height of the mechanism for retracting and extending the at least one dish rack 4 as required is capable of being set in a correspondingly variable manner and can be adapted to the counter height of the customer. [0061] The loading procedure of the washer 1 takes place in a reverse sequence. In other words, the dish rack 4 is slid manually or in automated manner from the counter 6 onto the dish rack frame, or the rack holding frame 9, respectively. Alternatively, the operator can manually stack a dish rack 4 which is already situated on the dish rack frame, or the rack holding frame 9.

[0062] The dish rack 4 once loaded is automatically lowered to the lower position (cf. FIG. 3). The dish rack 4 here too performs a (pure) linear downward movement.

[0063] In the last step, the pull-out door 8, or the drawer, respectively, is closed manually or automatically.

[0064] In the case of the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 2 and 3 the combination of the external door and the internal door conjointly with the dish rack frame, or the rack holding frame 9, respectively, and the correspondingly assigned drive system 10 serves as the lifting unit 5 with the aid of which a dish rack 4 received in the treatment chamber 3 can ultimately be transferred from the wash level W into a level E above the machine housing 2, and vice versa from a level E above the machine housing 2 into the wash level W. On account of the dish rack 4 herein being transported by way of a pure linear upward or downward movement, respectively, it is possible for the dish rack 4 to be actually transferred into a level E above the machine housing 2.

[0065] In particular, the lifting unit 5 can be set in a variable manner in order for the vertical lift to be carried out by the lifting unit 5 to be adapted to the individual applications. For example, when a worktop 6 or the like is provided on the top side of the machine housing 2 of the washer 1 according to the invention, as is indicated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the lifting unit 5 can transfer a dish rack 4 from the wash level W into a level E which corresponds to the horizontal level in which the top side of the worktop 6 lies.

[0066] An exemplary embodiment of the lifting unit 5 used in the case of the washer 1 according to the invention, or of the mechanism used in the case of the washer 1 according to the invention, respectively, for automatically loading and unloading a dish rack 4 will be described in more detail hereunder with reference to the illustrations in FIGS. 4 and 5. [0067] As can be derived in particular from the front view according to FIG. 5, the mechanism for retracting or extending the at least one dish rack 4 as required is integrated completely in the machine housing 2.

[0068] The dish rack 4 can be retracted or extended, respectively, in a pure

translational movement by way of the loading and unloading opening of the washer 1.

Said loading and unloading opening can be closed as required by way of the pull-out door 8/drawer.

[0069] The pull-out door 8 has a rack holding frame 9 by way of which at least one dish rack 4 is received and held. The pull-out door 8 herein can be moved in a horizontal direction relative to the machine housing 2, between a first position in which the loading and unloading opening 7 is closed by the pull-out door 8 and a dish rack 4 that is possibly received by the rack holding frame 9 is positioned in the wash level W within the treatment chamber 3, and a second position in which the loading and unloading opening 7 is opened, as is indicated in FIG. 4, and a dish rack 4 that is possibly received by the rack holding frame 9 is preferably positioned in the wash level W but is in particular positioned completely outside the treatment chamber 3.

[0070] In order for this movement of the pull-out door 8 to be facilitated, a

corresponding support roller 11 or the like support can be provided on the pull-out door 8.

[0071] The pull-out door 8 can be assigned a drive, in particular an electromotive drive, so as to preferably automatically move the pull-out door 8 from the first position to the second position. This takes place in particular when it has been preferably automatically and in particular selectively automatically detected that a program cycle in the treatment chamber 3 of the washer 1 has ended.

[0072] The drive optionally assigned to the pull-out door 8 furthermore serves for preferably automatically moving the pull-out door 8 from the second position to the first position as required, in particular when it is preferably automatically and in particular selectively automatically detected that a dish rack 4 in particular having a dish rack 4 to be treated is received by the rack holding frame 9, and the rack holding frame 9 having the correspondingly received dish rack 4 is present in the wash level W. [0073] The mechanism for automatically loading and unloading the washer 1 according to the invention is assigned a further drive, in particular a linear drive 10, by way of which the lifting unit 5 is operated. In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, said linear drive 10 is embodied in the form of a threaded spindle drive.

[0074] Said linear drive 10 (for example a threaded spindle drive) assigned to the lifting unit 5 is arranged on the pull-out door 8 or is integrated in the pull-out door 8, and is operatively connected to the rack holding frame 9 so as to transfer as required the rack holding frame 9 having a possibly received dish rack 4 from the wash level W (cf. FIG. 4) into the level E above the machine housing 2.

[0075] The rack holding frame 9 can be assigned a further drive so as to preferably automatically transfer a dish rack 4 onto the table level, or counter level, respectively, when the dish rack 4 with the aid of the lifting unit 5 has been lifted into the level E above the machine housing 2.

[0076] On the other hand however, it is also conceivable for the pull-out door 8 in this state, thus when the rack holding frame 9 having the received dish rack 4 is lifted above the table level, or the counter level, respectively, to be moved again in the direction of the treatment chamber 3.

[0077] An exemplary embodiment of an unloading procedure that can be implemented by way of the washer 1 according to the invention will be schematically described hereunder with reference to the illustrations in FIGS. 6a to 6e.

[0078] The washer 1 shown in FIGS. 6a to 6e is a washer 1 which configured as an under-counter machine and which has a treatment chamber 3 (not visible in the lateral view according to FIG. 6) provided in a machine housing 2. In order for items to be washed to be received in the treatment chamber 3, a door 8 for being able to close a loading and unloading opening 7 is provided. The washer 1 is configured for loading and unloading the dish rack 4 in batches in a region for items to be washed in the treatment chamber 3. [0079] The treatment chamber 3 has a volume between 60 liters and 280 liters, for example.

[0080] The term "washing" comprises in particular at least one of the processes of "prewashing", "washing", "post-washing", "final rinsing", etc.

[0081] The region for items to be washed is a region in the treatment chamber 3 in which the items to be washed are positioned for cleaning. The items to be washed herein are preferably arranged in a dish rack 4. The treatment chamber 3 can include one or a plurality of rack receptacles, or rack holding frames 9, respectively, for example a single rack receptacle/a single rack holding frame 9, as illustrated, one dish rack 4 being in each case capable of being positioned or being positioned thereon. Alternatively thereto, a plurality of, in particular two, rack receptacles/rack holding frames 3 arranged on top of one another can also be arranged, for example.

[0082] A multiplicity of spray nozzles for spraying washing liquid, for example cleaning liquid or final rinsing liquid, onto the items to be washed are arranged in the treatment chamber 3. Separate spray nozzles for spraying cleaning liquid and final rinsing liquid can in each case be provided. The spray nozzles can be formed in particular on rotatable spray pipes on stationary spray pipes and/or in a treatment chamber wall.

[0083] The loading and unloading opening 7 in the embodiments illustrated is formed in a front-side treatment chamber wall. A treatment chamber base has a passage opening into a tank or into a reservoir which is provided for receiving washing liquid. The passage opening in the treatment chamber base is preferably covered by a tank screen.

[0084] The washer 1 is preferably provided for at least partially recycling the washing liquid in the tank for a further washing program, that is to say for a new batch of items to be washed. The washer 1 can in particular be configured for regenerating washing liquid.

[0085] The exemplary embodiments of the washer 1 according to the invention illustrated in the drawings are in particular distinguished in that said embodiments have a mechanism for retracting or extending a dish rack 4 into the, and, respectively, out of the treatment chamber 3 of the washer 1 as required. [0086] In detail, a special door in the form of a pull-out door 8 is used to this end, said pull-out door 8 being in particular not embodied as a flap-type door that is pivotable about a horizontal axis. Rather, the door is embodied as part of a pull-out (in a manner similar to the door of a so-called apothecary's cabinet). In this way, the pull-out door 8 for opening the machine is horizontally displaced, wherein the rack holding frame 9 is connected to the pull-out door 8 and is thus likewise pulled out of the treatment chamber 3.

[0087] As soon as the pull-out door 8 has been completely extended, the dish rack 4, with the aid of a linear drive 10 of a lifting unit 5, for example with the aid of a manual and in particular electromotive drive, can be lifted in a linear movement and be transferred from the wash level W of the treatment chamber 3 of the washer 1 into a level E above the top side of the machine housing 2 of the washer 1.

[0088] In detail, FIG. 6a schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of the washer 1 according to the invention in the initial state thereof in which the machine 1 is closed.

As soon as the cleaning cycle has ended the pull-out door 8 (drawer door) can be opened manually or automatically as is shown in FIG. 6b. The dish rack 4, simultaneously with the manual or automatic opening of the pull-out door 8, is conveyed out of the treatment chamber 3 of the washer 1.

[0089] Automatic lifting of the dish rack 4 as is shown in FIG. 6c takes place in the next step. In the lifted state of the dish rack 4, said dish rack 4 is then unloaded onto the storage surface above the machine housing 2 of the washer 1.

[0090] Alternatively thereto, manual clearing out of the items to be washed is also conceivable in the upper position of the dish rack 4, as is indicated in FIG. 6e. In other words, it is not mandatory for the dish rack 4 to be transferred onto the storage surface on the counter/ worktop 6.

[0091] An exemplary embodiment of a loading procedure that can be implemented by way of the washer 1 according to the invention is schematically shown in FIGS. 7a to 7e. [0092] As is indicated in FIG. 7a, the dish rack 4 can be displaced from a storage surface onto the rack holding frame 9. Alternatively thereto, however, it is also conceivable for the dish rack 4 to be already situated on the rack holding frame 9 in the upper position, and for the items to be washed to be inserted into the dish rack 4 there (cf. FIG. 7b). Automatic lowering of the dish rack 4 to the lower position, that is to say into the wash level W is subsequently performed, as is shown in FIG. 7c.

[0093] The pull-out door 8 then closes manually or automatically, wherein the dish rack 4, simultaneously with the manual or automatic closing, respectively, of the pull-out door 8, is conveyed into the treatment chamber 3 of the washer 1 (cf. FIG. 7d).

[0094] The final state of the loading procedure is shown in FIG. 7e. The cleaning process is preferably automatically started after the closing of the pull-out door 8.

[0095] A further exemplary embodiment of an unloading procedure that can be implemented by way of the washer 1 according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 8a to 8e. This further exemplary embodiment up to and including FIG. 8c corresponds to the unloading procedure according to FIGS. 6a to 6c.

[0096] However, in the case of the alternative unloading procedure it is then provided that the dish rack 4 in the upper position is conveyed to the top side of the

counter/worktop with the aid of the pull-out door 8. In detail, and is shown in FIG. 8d, it is provided according to this alternative unloading procedure that the pull-out door 8 in the state in which the dish rack 4 having the rack holding frame 9 is situated above the surface of the counter or the worktop 6, respectively, is at least partially closed, the dish rack 4 consequently being positioned onto the storage surface on the counter/worktop 6.

[0097] The dish rack 4 in this position can be manually emptied, as is indicated in FIG. 8e.

[0098] A further exemplary embodiment of a loading procedure is shown in FIGS. 9a to 9e. This loading procedure takes place in the reversed sequence of the alternative unloading procedure according to FIGS. 8a to 8e. [0099] In a refinement of the washer 1 according to the invention, which for reasons of clarity is not illustrated in the drawings, the lifting unit 5 is assigned a spring system for supporting the lifting movement of the dish rack 4. This spring system can be a hydraulic or pneumatic spring system, or else a mechanical spring system.

[00100] It is furthermore advantageous for a locking mechanism to be provided in particular for reasons of safety, so as to fix either the mechanism for the automatic loading or unloading of a dish rack 4, or the dish rack 4 in the upper position. To this end, various embodiments can be considered.

[00101] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings but rather results from a joint consideration of all of the features disclosed herein.

List of reference sians

1 Washer

2 Machine housing

3 Treatment chamber

4 Dish rack

5 Lifting unit

6 Worktop

7 Loading and unloading opening

8 Pull-out door

9 Rack holding frame

10 Linear drive

11 Support roller

15 Control device

W Wash level

E Level above the machine housing