CN219720609U - Conveyor cleaning device for cleaning objects - Google Patents

Abstract

A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles is disclosed. The conveyor type cleaning device for cleaning articles includes: at least one housing; at least one cleaning chamber; at least one fluid application device, wherein the fluid application device comprises at least two fluid nozzles; at least one conveying system; at least one air nozzle configured to expose the articles in the cleaning chamber to pressurized air, wherein the air nozzle is disposed between the at least one first fluid nozzle and the at least one second fluid nozzle such that the articles are subsequently exposed to the cleaning fluid emitted by the first fluid nozzle, the pressurized air emitted by the air nozzle, and the cleaning fluid emitted by the second fluid nozzle as they are conveyed through the cleaning chamber in a conveying direction by the conveying system. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles achieves efficient and thorough removal of debris.

Description

Conveyor cleaning device for cleaning objects

Technical Field

The present utility model relates to a conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles. The conveyor cleaning device of the kind described can be used, for example, in catering facilities, such as, inter alia, office canteens, school canteens, institutional facilities, hospitals or care facilities. The conveyor cleaning device can be used in particular for cleaning items to be cleaned in the form of cleaning appliances for preparing, storing or serving foods and beverages directly or indirectly. For example, the items to be cleaned may be dishes and/or trays. In principle, other fields of use of the utility model are also possible, in particular with respect to the use of essentially any desired cleaning appliance and/or household appliance. Furthermore, use in cleaning care appliances, such as in cleaning and disinfecting devices, is also possible. Other fields of use are also possible.

Background

A number of different cleaning devices are known from the prior art for cleaning and/or sanitizing one or more items to be cleaned. The design of a cleaning machine is generally dependent on various boundary conditions, such as the type of article to be cleaned, dirt, throughput or the like. For example, cleaning devices such as described in US 10 293 790 B2, US 2009/0064445A1, US 2014/0102485 A1 or US 2802475A may be mentioned.

The present utility model relates to a conveyor cleaning device in the field of commercial washing technology, in particular in the field of commercial dishwashing, but without limiting the further possibilities or further fields of use. The conveyor cleaning device for cleaning may also be referred to hereinafter as a washer or a washer, such as a conveyor washer and/or a through-the-air washer.

Conveyor washers can generally include three basic components. Via the inlet, the item to be cleaned is inserted into the cleaning device. In the tunnel-like section, the articles are then cleaned in one or more cleaning zones (such as a pre-cleaning zone, a main cleaning zone, and a rinse zone). However, other arrangements are possible, such as an arrangement with only one cleaning zone or an arrangement with an additional main cleaning zone or rinsing zone. Further, conveyor washers typically also include at least one drying zone. Via the outlet, the cleaned articles leave the conveyor cleaning device and can be picked up by an operator. The waste on the washing appliance, such as loose food waste that has not been removed in advance, may fall off the dishes during the washing process and may even enter the reservoir of the dishwasher. In the case of a large amount of refuse accumulation, which may occur depending on the planning of the operation and/or the upstream working steps, the tank may be contaminated relatively rapidly and the screen or filter may become clogged or blocked. This may negatively affect the function of the conveyor type cleaning device, its operational reliability, resource consumption and also the cleaning result.

In some cleaning devices, a screen is used above the tank of the cleaning device that can hold the waste. However, when the sieves are full, they have to be manually removed from the cleaning device in order to empty them, which requires manual labor. If the screen is located above the tank of the first treatment zone, this zone must be opened and the screen must be manually removed and emptied. In any case, the operation must be interrupted to empty the screen.

While the known devices and methods achieve advantages, there are several technical challenges in the field of cleaning devices, particularly for dishwashing. These challenges generally relate to the efficient and thorough removal of the trash before the trash can contaminate the warewasher's storage tank. Heretofore, known devices and methods require an interruption in operation, and additional physical labor by the operator. Alternatively, the known device requires additional installation space for the pre-cleaning device. In many cases, the cutlery is pre-cleaned manually by the user to avoid excessive waste entering the machine.

Accordingly, there remains a general need for devices and methods for effectively and thoroughly removing waste in cleaning devices, particularly on a large scale, as required in commercial dishwashers.

Problems to be solved

It is therefore desirable to provide a conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles which at least to a large extent solves the above-mentioned technical challenges of the known devices. In particular, a conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles should be proposed which achieves an efficient and thorough removal of waste in the conveyor cleaning device while minimizing the manual effort, operational interruption, and equipment and space requirements of the operator.

Disclosure of Invention

This problem is solved by a method and apparatus for cleaning an article. Advantageous embodiments that can be implemented in a stand-alone manner or in any arbitrary combination are listed throughout the specification.

As used hereinafter, the terms "having," "including," or "containing," or any grammatical variants thereof, are used in a non-exclusive manner. Thus, these terms may refer to either the absence of a further feature in the entity described in this context or the presence of one or more further features in addition to the features introduced by the terms. As an example, the expressions "a has B", "a includes B" and "a contains B" may relate to both the case where no other element than B is present in a (i.e. the case where a consists of B only and exclusively) and the case where one or more further elements (such as elements C, C and D, or even further elements) are present in addition to B in entity a.

Further, it should be noted that the terms "at least one," "one or more," or similar referents indicating that a feature or element may appear one or more times are generally used only once when introducing the corresponding feature or element. In the following, the expression "at least one" or "one or more" will not be repeated in most cases when referring to the respective feature or element, although the respective feature or element may appear once or more than once.

Further, as used hereinafter, the terms "preferably," "more preferably," "particularly," "more particularly," "specifically," "more specifically," or similar terms are used in conjunction with optional features without limiting the possibilities of alternatives. Thus, the features described by these terms are optional features and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. As the skilled person will appreciate, the utility model may be implemented by using alternative features. Similarly, features described by "in embodiments of the utility model" or similar expressions are intended to be optional features without any limitation concerning alternative embodiments of the utility model, without any limitation concerning the scope of the utility model, and without any limitation concerning the possibility of combining features described in this way with other optional or non-optional features of the utility model.

In a first aspect of the utility model, a conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles is disclosed. The conveying type cleaning device comprises:

-at least one housing;

-at least one cleaning chamber fully or partially surrounded by the housing;

-at least one fluid application device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the articles in the cleaning chamber, wherein the fluid application device comprises at least two fluid nozzles for exposing the articles in the cleaning chamber to at least one cleaning fluid;

-at least one conveying system for conveying articles through the cleaning chamber in a conveying direction from at least one inlet to at least one outlet;

-at least one air nozzle configured for exposing the articles in the cleaning chamber to pressurized air, wherein the air nozzle is arranged between at least one first fluid nozzle and at least one second fluid nozzle such that the articles are subsequently exposed to the cleaning fluid emitted by the first fluid nozzle, the pressurized air emitted by the air nozzle, and the cleaning fluid emitted by the second fluid nozzle when transported through the cleaning chamber by the transport system in the transport direction.

As used herein, the term "cleaning" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a particular or customized meaning. The term may particularly relate to, but is not limited to, a process for completely or partially removing large and/or small contaminants and/or impurities from one or more items to be cleaned. This cleaning process may include, in particular, wet cleaning using one or more cleaning fluids. Additionally, this cleaning may also include complete or partial disinfection, i.e. complete or partial removal of microbial contaminants from the articles to be cleaned.

Accordingly, the term "conveyor cleaning device" is also a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a particular or customized meaning. The term may particularly relate to, but is not limited to, any device configured for performing at least one cleaning process as defined above. Because the advantages of the present utility model may relate specifically to on-demand supply of a large number of consumables used in the cleaning fluid of a commercial dishwasher, the present utility model will be described specifically in the context of a commercial dishwasher. However, other conveyor type cleaning devices may be used. Further details and alternative embodiments of the conveyor cleaning device will be given below.

As an example, the conveyor cleaning device may comprise at least one control device, such as a machine central control unit, for controlling one or more functions of the conveyor cleaning device. In particular, one or more cleaning procedures may be controlled in the conveyor cleaning device by using at least one control device. The control means may be formed in a centralized manner or in a decentralized manner. As an example, the control device may be connected to one or more fluid application devices, such as to one or more valves and pumps, delivery systems, and air nozzles, such as to one or more valves, pumps, and fans, such as compressors. In particular for the purpose of controlling one or more functions of the conveyor cleaning device, the control device may use one or more sensors comprised by the conveyor cleaning device. In particular, the control device may comprise one or more of at least one processor, at least one memory device, at least one user interface and at least one data interface.

Further, as used in the context of cleaning, the term "article" (also referred to as "article to be cleaned" or "cleaning appliance") is also a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may relate in particular, but not exclusively, to essentially any object which can be cleaned by a conveyor cleaning device. Wherein a single article may be cleaned, or multiple articles may be cleaned simultaneously or sequentially, as will be described in further detail below.

In particular, and without limitation, further options, the items to be cleaned may include one or more items, such as cutlery, eating utensils, pans, cutlery, glasses, etc., that are directly or indirectly configured or intended for preparing, storing, or serving food or beverages. Further exemplary embodiments will be given below. Thus, as an example, the conveyor cleaning device may be embodied in particular as a dishwasher, more particularly a dishwasher configured for commercial use, such as a dishwasher having one or more reservoirs for storing and/or preparing the at least one cleaning fluid. Commercial dishwashing machines or dishwashing machines for industrial use are typically configured for use in catering facilities, such as cafeterias or restaurants, which are suitable for a large number of guests. In many cases, a dishwasher arrangement for commercial or industrial use has two or more cleaning fluid circuits, such as at least one cleaning circuit and at least one rinsing circuit for separately preparing rinsing fluid, for example with a boiler or a flow heater. As will be described in further detail below, the conveyor cleaning device may include a single cleaning chamber or multiple cleaning chambers. The conveyor cleaning device, in particular the dishwasher, may be configured as such a conveyor cleaning device or a conveyor dishwasher or a tunnel dishwasher: wherein the items to be cleaned are conveyed through one or more cleaning chambers by a conveyor. For possible embodiments of the conveyor cleaning device, in particular of the dishwashing machine, reference may be made to, for example, WO 2005/070276 A1 or WO 2015/091750 A1. The conveyor cleaning devices disclosed therein may also be used in the context of the present utility model after modification as disclosed in further detail herein. However, it should be noted that other designs are possible.

Additionally or alternatively, other items may be cleaned in the conveyor cleaning device. Thus, as an example, a conveyor cleaning device may be configured for cleaning appliances and/or devices for medical use and/or medical care. Again, reference may be made to, for example, WO 2015/091750 A1 and the conveyor cleaning devices disclosed therein. However, it should be noted that other conveyor cleaning devices and other items to be cleaned may also be possible. Exemplary embodiments will be given below.

As used herein, the term "clean room" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a particular or customized meaning. The term may particularly relate to, but is not limited to, a chamber that is completely or partially enclosed and is adapted and/or configured for performing a cleaning process therein. The clean room may in particular be surrounded by at least one housing, such as a housing comprising at least one of a metallic material and a plastic material. The housing may completely or partially surround the interior of the cleaning chamber, and the cleaning process may be performed completely or partially in the cleaning chamber. The conveyor cleaning device may have a single cleaning chamber or may include multiple cleaning chambers, which may be arranged in a sequential manner, as an example. As an example, the cleaning chamber may comprise at least one opening for loading and unloading the items to be cleaned.

For example, the opening may comprise a door or curtain disposed at the entrance of the cleaning chamber. Further, the cleaning chamber may be embodied in whole or in part as a tunnel cleaning chamber, in particular for a conveyor cleaning device, a conveyor dishwasher or a tunnel dishwasher. The tunnel-type cleaning chamber may in particular comprise at least one inlet opening, such as an inlet opening which is completely or partially closed by a flexible curtain, and at least one outlet opening, which may also be embodied with at least one flexible curtain. However, other options are also possible.

Thus, in general, the clean room can be designed to provide a controlled environment for the cleaning process. The controlled environment may at least largely prevent one or more of steam, moisture and cleaning fluid from exiting the interior of the cleaning chamber into the surroundings of the conveyor cleaning device, even where one or more openings may remain.

As described above, the conveyor cleaning device comprises at least one fluid application device for applying the at least one cleaning fluid to the articles in the cleaning chamber. As used herein, the term "cleaning fluid" (also referred to as "cleaning liquid") is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may particularly relate to, but is not limited to, any fluid, in particular a liquid, having a cleaning effect when impinging on an item to be cleaned. In particular, the cleaning fluid may comprise an aqueous liquid, such as water and/or water comprising one or more additives (e.g. one or more cleaning concentrates and/or detergents and/or rinse aids and/or disinfectants).

The conveyor cleaning device may be configured to use a single cleaning fluid or a combination of different cleaning fluids. In the case of a conveyor cleaning device using different cleaning fluids, these may be applied to the items to be cleaned simultaneously or sequentially. For example, different cleaning fluids may be applied to the articles at different locations of the conveyor cleaning device. For example, at least one first cleaning fluid may be applied to the article to be cleaned at a first location, followed by at least one second cleaning fluid at a second location. Further cleaning fluids (such as a third cleaning fluid, a fourth cleaning fluid or even more cleaning fluids) may be applied at further locations, such as in further cleaning chambers of the conveyor cleaning device. As an example, the cleaning fluid may include at least one first cleaning fluid for cleaning purposes and at least one second cleaning fluid for rinsing purposes.

As used in the context of "applying a cleaning fluid" (also referred to as "application of a cleaning fluid"), the term "application" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may particularly relate to, but is not limited to, any action of bringing the cleaning fluid into contact with the object to be cleaned, in particular the surface of the object to be cleaned. Applying the cleaning fluid to the article may include directly applying the cleaning fluid, such as by spraying, sprinkling, dripping, emitting a stream or any combination thereof, and/or any other direct application of the cleaning fluid. In particular, the cleaning fluid may be applied directly to the article to be cleaned such that the cleaning fluid contacts the article with non-zero momentum.

The application of the cleaning fluid may be performed in a single application mode, wherein the cleaning fluid may be applied to the item to be cleaned once. Alternatively or additionally, the application of the cleaning fluid may include a cyclical application pattern in which the cleaning fluid may be applied to the article multiple times. Such circulation patterns and devices for circulating cleaning fluid are known, for example, from conventional dishwashing machines and other cleaning devices. The cyclical application mode may involve the use of a circulation pump configured to collect cleaning fluid that has been applied to the article and to reapply this cleaning fluid to the article to be cleaned. Combinations of single application modes and cyclical application modes (particularly combinations that are variable in order and repetition) may also be possible. For example, in a first washing step, a cleaning fluid may be applied to the articles using a cyclic application pattern, while in a second rinsing step, a cleaning fluid, including in particular a rinsing fluid, may be applied to the articles using a single application pattern.

As used herein, the term "fluid application device" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a particular or customized meaning. The term may particularly relate to, but is not limited to, a device configured for applying a cleaning fluid to an article received in the cleaning chamber. The fluid application device may in particular comprise at least one fluid nozzle system having at least two fluid nozzles. Further, the fluid application device may comprise at least one pump and/or at least one pipe system for providing the cleaning fluid to the fluid nozzle system. As an example, the fluid nozzle system and the tubing system may be configured to apply cleaning fluid from the at least one fluid container to the article using the at least one pump. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning fluid may be provided directly to the fluid nozzle system through at least one supply line, in particular without the use of a pump.

The conveyor cleaning device may be configured as a conveyor cleaning device that conveys the articles to be cleaned through the cleaning chamber. As an example, the cleaning chamber may comprise one or more cleaning compartments, wherein the articles may sequentially traverse the cleaning compartments.

As an example, the articles to be cleaned may be sequentially transported through one or more cleaning compartments of the cleaning chamber, wherein different cleaning fluids may be applied to the articles in different cleaning compartments using the fluid application device. For example, the cleaning compartment of the cleaning chamber may be selected from the group consisting of: a pre-wash compartment; a washing compartment; a rinse compartment, wherein the rinse compartment may be divided into one pump rinse compartment and a subsequent fresh water rinse compartment.

Further, at least one drying step may be provided, wherein the drying step may be performed, for example, in a drying compartment downstream of the cleaning compartment of the cleaning chamber.

As used herein, the term "delivery system" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a particular or customized meaning. The term may particularly relate to, but is not limited to, a device configured for transporting at least one other device or at least one other element, in particular an item to be cleaned, and/or for driving movement of the other device or other element. The delivery system may be a continuous or discontinuous or timed delivery system. In particular, it may be an automated system for automatically delivering items. The transport system may comprise at least one drive element, for example at least one drive element circulating through the cleaning chamber. In particular, the conveying system (e.g. the driving element) may comprise at least one element selected from the group consisting of: conveyor rollers, in particular driven conveyor rollers; a endless chain; a belt conveyor; pawl conveying system. The transport system may be configured to transport the articles from the inlet of the conveyor cleaning device through the cleaning chamber to the outlet of the conveyor cleaning device.

As used herein, the term "air nozzle" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a particular or customized meaning. The term may particularly relate to, but is not limited to, a device configured for exposing an article in a cleaning chamber to pressurized air. The conveyor further includes at least one air nozzle, for example as part of an air nozzle system, configured to expose the articles in the cleaning chamber to pressurized air. The air nozzle system specifically includes the at least one air nozzle. Further, the air nozzle system may comprise at least one fan and/or one pump and/or compressor and/or at least one duct system, for example comprising one or more valves, connectors and ducts, for providing pressurized air to the air nozzles. As an example, the air nozzle, in particular the air nozzle of the air nozzle system, and the pipe system may be configured for applying pressurized air from at least one pump and/or compressor to the item to be cleaned, i.e. the cleaning appliance.

As used herein, the term "pressurized air" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may particularly relate to, but is not limited to, any gas mixture having a pressure above atmospheric pressure, i.e. a pressure above 1 bar, i.e. a gas mixture present in the earth's atmosphere. In particular, the pressurized air may have a pressure of more than 1.5 bar, in particular more than 2 bar, and particularly preferably more than 3 bar. In particular, the pressurized air may be or may comprise compressed air.

In particular, the air nozzle may comprise at least one air knife. As used herein, the term "air knife" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may particularly relate to, but is not limited to, at least a portion of an air nozzle capable of focusing pressurized air into a blade-like form such that the pressurized air is capable of performing a cutting motion. In particular, the at least one air knife may have at least one of: a plurality of air openings arranged in a linear or non-linear array and an air slot for providing a curtain of pressurized air.

The air knife may be oriented in particular transversely to the conveying direction. Thus, the air knife may for example be arranged at an angle to the conveying direction of the conveying system. As an example, the air openings of the air knives or the arrangement of the air slots of the air knives may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction, for example not deviating more than 30 ° from the perpendicular orientation.

The air nozzle and at least one of the first and second fluid nozzles may be specifically arranged such that the cleaning fluid emitted by the at least one of the first and second fluid nozzles is accelerated by the pressurized air.

As an example, the conveyor cleaning device may be configured to turn on and off pressurized air from the air nozzle, for example by a control device, such as by using a control device comprised by the conveyor cleaning device. In particular, the air nozzle and at least one of the first and second fluid nozzles may be arranged such that when pressurized air from the air nozzle is turned on, cleaning fluid emitted by the at least one of the first and second fluid nozzles may be accelerated by the pressurized air. In particular, the conveyor cleaning device may be configured to turn on and off the pressurized air, i.e. the air flow, by controlling at least one valve, e.g. a valve of the air nozzle system, by means of a control device, e.g. the conveyor cleaning device.

The air nozzle may be mounted in particular in at least one of an adjustable manner and a pivotable manner. Thus, as an example, the air nozzle may be mountable and/or fixable to, for example, a ceiling of the cleaning chamber in such a way that the position of the air nozzle is variable at least over a predetermined range of movement and furthermore that the rotation of the air nozzle is variable at least over a predetermined angular range.

As an example, the angle between the injection direction and the transport direction of the pressurized air of the air nozzle may be adjustable. Additionally or alternatively, the angle between the air knife and the conveying direction may be adjustable.

Further, the jetting direction of at least one of the first fluid nozzle and the second fluid nozzle may be adjustable. Thus, as an example, the position and/or the rotation angle of at least the ejection portions of the first fluid nozzle and the second fluid nozzle may be adjustable, thereby also providing the possibility to adjust the at least one ejection direction.

The conveyor cleaning device may further comprise at least one suction device for sucking in air and providing pressurized air to the air nozzle. In particular, the suction means may comprise at least one suction opening located inside the cleaning chamber. As an example, the suction opening may be located upstream of the air nozzle with respect to the conveying direction. Additionally or alternatively, the suction means may comprise at least one suction opening located outside the cleaning chamber. In particular, the suction opening located outside the cleaning chamber may be located on the inlet side of the cleaning chamber, for example at the at least one inlet of the cleaning chamber.

The suction means may in particular comprise at least one fan. As an example, the fan may be acoustically separated from the housing of the conveyor cleaning apparatus. In particular, the fan may be connected to the air nozzle by at least one duct made at least partly of plastic material. The plastic material may for example comprise rubber.

Further, the suction device may in particular comprise at least one of a fluid catcher and a filter for at least partly removing fluid from the suction air. Thus, as an example, the pressurized air supplied from the suction device to the air nozzle may have a lower humidity level than the ambient air, in particular than the ambient air inside the cleaning chamber, i.e. inside the tunnel of the conveyor cleaning device.

The conveyor cleaning device may in particular comprise a plurality of cleaning zones through which the articles subsequently pass, each cleaning zone comprising at least one fluid nozzle. As an example, these cleaning zones may comprise fluid reservoirs fluidly connected in a cascade in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the conveyor cleaning device. The cleaning zone may in particular comprise at least one pre-cleaning zone and at least one main cleaning zone arranged in sequence in the transport direction. As an example, the first fluid nozzle may be disposed in the pre-clean zone. Additionally or alternatively, the air nozzles may be located, for example, disposed in the pre-cleaning zone. Further, the cleaning zone may comprise at least one rinsing zone downstream of the main washing zone in the transport direction.

The conveyor cleaning device may further comprise at least one debris removal device for collecting debris removed from the articles by the pressurized air. In particular, the waste removal device may be at least partially disposed below the conveyor system. The waste removal device may comprise at least one collection surface for collecting waste. The collecting surface may in particular be arranged below the conveying system. As an example, the collection surface may be or may comprise a screen, such as a screening surface. The collecting surface may thus have openings, wherein these openings may be small enough to at least partially prevent the passage of refuse. However, the opening may be large enough to allow liquids, such as liquid waste and/or cleaning fluids, to pass through.

The waste removal device may comprise at least one disposal device, wherein the waste removal device may be further configured for transporting waste from the collection surface into the disposal device. In particular, the waste removal device may be configured for transporting waste from the collection surface into the disposal device in a manner selected from the group consisting of: continuous conveyance, periodic conveyance, conveyance triggered by control of a conveyor cleaning device.

As an example, the debris removal device may include at least one slider configured to convey debris from the collection surface to the disposal device. The slider may be configured to move repeatedly, in particular periodically, across the collection surface. In particular, the slider may be configured to contact the collecting surface when moving towards the handling device and to be lifted off the collecting surface when moving away from the handling device, e.g. lifted off by a rail or the like. As an example, the slider may be configured to move substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor cleaning device.

The first fluid nozzle and the second fluid nozzle may each include a nozzle arm having a plurality of openings for emitting cleaning fluid.

In particular, the fluid application device may comprise at least one reservoir for storing the at least one cleaning fluid. Further, the fluid application device may comprise at least one pump for supplying cleaning fluid to the first fluid nozzle and the second fluid nozzle. In particular, and as described above, the cleaning fluid may comprise an aqueous cleaning fluid, for example an aqueous liquid, such as water and/or water comprising one or more additives.

The conveyor cleaning device may in particular be selected from the group consisting of a conveyor cleaning device and a rack conveyor cleaning device. In particular, the conveyor cleaning device may be a conveyor dishwasher.

The device according to the utility model provides a number of advantages over known methods and devices of a similar kind. In particular, the conveyor cleaning device includes an air nozzle that can direct a substantial portion of food waste and other debris to a predetermined location and keep the debris away from the tank of the conveyor cleaning device by removing the debris from the items before the debris can enter the tank. During operation of the conveyor cleaning device, no additional work is required by the operator and no interruption of the operation is required to remove food waste or other debris.

In particular, the device according to the utility model can prevent the accumulation of waste in the washing zone, for example by being able to pre-clean the cutlery in such a way that the washing zone is not loaded with too much waste. This may in particular allow cleaner wash water, thereby avoiding high water consumption and high detergent consumption. Furthermore, this may allow for better cleaning results and optimized use of resources.

To summarize and without excluding further possible embodiments, the following embodiments are conceivable:

example 1: a conveyor cleaning device for cleaning items, comprising:

-at least one housing;

-at least one cleaning chamber fully or partially surrounded by the housing;

-at least one fluid application device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the articles in the cleaning chamber, wherein the fluid application device comprises at least two fluid nozzles for exposing the articles in the cleaning chamber to at least one cleaning fluid;

-at least one conveying system for conveying articles through the cleaning chamber in a conveying direction from at least one inlet to at least one outlet;

-at least one air nozzle configured for exposing the articles in the cleaning chamber to pressurized air, wherein the air nozzle is arranged between at least one first fluid nozzle and at least one second fluid nozzle such that the articles are subsequently exposed to the cleaning fluid emitted by the first fluid nozzle, the pressurized air emitted by the air nozzle, and the cleaning fluid emitted by the second fluid nozzle when transported through the cleaning chamber by the transport system in the transport direction.

Example 2: the conveyor cleaning device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the air nozzle comprises at least one air knife having at least one of: a plurality of air openings arranged in a linear or non-linear array, and an air slot for providing a curtain of pressurized air.

Example 3: the conveyor cleaning device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the air knife is oriented transversely to the conveying direction.

Example 4: the conveyor cleaning device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the air opening of the air knife or the arrangement of the air slots of the air knife is oriented substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction, with a deviation from the perpendicular orientation of not more than 30 °.

Example 5: the conveyor-type cleaning device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the air nozzle and at least one of the first fluid nozzle and the second fluid nozzle are arranged such that cleaning fluid emitted by at least one of the first fluid nozzle and the second fluid nozzle is accelerated by the pressurized air.

Example 6: the conveyor cleaning device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the conveyor cleaning device is configured to turn on and off pressurized air from the air nozzle, wherein the air nozzle and at least one of the first fluid nozzle and the second fluid nozzle are arranged such that when pressurized air from the air nozzle is turned on, cleaning fluid emitted by at least one of the first fluid nozzle and the second fluid nozzle is accelerated by the pressurized air.

Example 7: the conveyor cleaning device of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the air nozzle is at least one of adjustably and pivotably mounted.

Example 8: the conveyor-type cleaning device according to the previous embodiment, wherein an angle between the jetting direction of the pressurized air of the air nozzle and the conveying direction is adjustable.

Example 9: the conveyor cleaning device according to any one of the two previous embodiments, wherein the air nozzle comprises at least one air knife, wherein the angle between the air knife and the conveying direction is adjustable.

Example 10: the conveyor cleaning device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the spray direction of at least one of the first fluid nozzle and the second fluid nozzle is adjustable.

Example 11: the conveyor cleaning device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the conveyor cleaning device comprises at least one suction device for sucking air and providing the pressurized air to the air nozzle.

Example 12: the conveyor cleaning device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the suction device comprises at least one suction opening located inside the cleaning chamber.

Example 13: the conveyor cleaning device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the suction opening is located upstream of the air nozzle with respect to the conveying direction.

Example 14: the conveyor cleaning device according to any one of the three previous embodiments, wherein the suction device comprises at least one suction opening located outside the cleaning chamber.

Example 15: the conveyor cleaning device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the suction opening located outside the cleaning chamber is located on the inlet side of the cleaning chamber.

Example 16: the conveyor cleaning device according to any one of the five previous embodiments, wherein the suction device comprises at least one fan.

Example 17: the conveyor cleaning device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the fan is acoustically separated from the housing of the conveyor cleaning device.

Example 18: the conveyor cleaning device according to either of the two previous embodiments, wherein the fan is connected to the air nozzle by at least one duct made at least partly of plastic material.

Example 19: the conveyor cleaning device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the plastic material comprises rubber.

Example 20: the conveyor cleaning device according to any one of the nine previous embodiments, wherein the suction device comprises at least one of a fluid catcher and a filter for at least partially removing fluid from the intake air.

Example 21: the conveyor cleaning device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the conveyor cleaning device comprises a plurality of cleaning zones through which articles subsequently pass, each cleaning zone comprising at least one fluid nozzle.

Example 22: the conveyor cleaning device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the cleaning zones comprise fluid reservoirs fluidly connected in cascade in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the conveyor cleaning device.

Example 23: the conveyor cleaning device according to any one of the two previous embodiments, wherein the cleaning zones comprise at least one pre-cleaning zone and at least one main washing zone arranged in sequence along the conveying direction.

Example 24: the conveyor cleaning device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the first fluid nozzle is arranged in the pre-cleaning zone.

Example 25: the conveyor cleaning device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the air nozzle is located in the pre-cleaning zone.

Example 26: the conveyor cleaning device according to any one of the preceding three embodiments, wherein the cleaning zones further comprise at least one rinsing zone downstream of the main washing zone in the conveying direction.

Example 27: the conveyor cleaning device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the conveyor cleaning device further comprises at least one debris removal device for collecting debris removed from the articles by the pressurized air.

Example 28: the conveyor cleaning device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the debris removal device is at least partially arranged below the conveyor system.

Example 29: the conveyor cleaning device according to any one of the two previous embodiments, wherein the debris removal device comprises at least one collection surface for collecting the debris.

Example 30: the conveyor cleaning device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the collecting surface is arranged below the conveyor system.

Example 31: the conveyor cleaning device according to any one of the two previous embodiments, wherein the debris removal device comprises at least one disposal device, wherein the debris removal device is further configured to convey the debris from the collection surface into the disposal device.

Example 32: the conveyor cleaning device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the debris removal device is configured to convey the debris from the collection surface into the disposal device in a manner selected from the group consisting of: continuous conveyance, periodic conveyance, conveyance triggered by control of the conveyor cleaning device.

Example 33: the conveyor cleaning device according to any one of the two previous embodiments, wherein the debris removal device comprises at least one slider configured to convey debris from the collection surface into the disposal device.

Example 34: the conveyor cleaning device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the slider is configured to repeatedly, in particular periodically, move across the collecting surface.

Example 35: the conveyor cleaning device according to any one of the two previous embodiments, wherein the slider is configured to contact the collection surface when moving towards the disposal device and to be lifted off the collection surface when moving away from the disposal device.

Example 36: the conveyor cleaning device according to any one of the first three embodiments, wherein the slider is configured to move substantially perpendicular to a conveying direction of the conveyor cleaning device.

Example 37: the conveyor cleaning device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first fluid nozzle and the second fluid nozzle each comprise a nozzle arm having a plurality of openings for emitting cleaning fluid.

Example 38: the conveyor cleaning device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the fluid application device comprises at least one reservoir for storing the at least one cleaning fluid and at least one pump for supplying the cleaning fluid to the first fluid nozzle and the second fluid nozzle.

Example 39: the conveyor cleaning device of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning fluid comprises an aqueous cleaning fluid.

Example 40: the conveyor cleaning device of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the conveyor cleaning device is selected from the group consisting of a long conveyor cleaning device and a rack conveyor cleaning device.

Example 41: the conveyor cleaning device of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the conveyor cleaning device is a conveyor dishwasher.

Drawings

Further optional features and embodiments will be disclosed in more detail in the detailed description that follows. Wherein the respective optional features may be implemented in a stand-alone manner as well as in any arbitrary feasible combination, as will be appreciated by the skilled person. The scope of the utility model is not limited by the preferred embodiments. Embodiments are schematically depicted in the drawings. Wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally equivalent elements throughout the separate views.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows in a schematic view an embodiment of a conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles;

FIG. 2 shows in schematic view details of an embodiment of a conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles; and

fig. 3 shows in a schematic view a part of an embodiment of a conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows in a schematic view an exemplary embodiment of a conveyor cleaning device 110 for cleaning articles 116 according to the present utility model. The conveyor cleaning device 110 includes at least one housing 112 and at least one cleaning chamber 118 completely or partially surrounded by the housing 112. Further, the conveyor cleaning device 110 includes at least one fluid application device 140 including at least two fluid nozzles 142 for exposing the articles 116 in the cleaning chamber 118 to at least one cleaning fluid 144. In addition, the conveyor cleaning device 110 includes at least one air nozzle 146 disposed between at least one first fluid nozzle 148 and at least one second fluid nozzle 150. The conveyor cleaning device 110 further includes at least one conveyor system 114 for conveying the articles 116 through the at least one cleaning chamber 118 of the conveyor cleaning device 110. Accordingly, the articles 116, as conveyed by the conveyor system 114 in the conveying direction 122 through the cleaning chamber 118, are subsequently exposed to the cleaning fluid 144 emitted by the first fluid nozzle 148, the pressurized air emitted by the air nozzle 146, and the cleaning fluid 144 emitted by the second fluid nozzle 150.

As an example, the conveyor cleaning device 110 may be or may include at least one conveyor dishwasher, and the conveyor system 114 may be configured to convey dishes. For example, the conveyor cleaning device 110 may be configured as a rack conveyor cleaning device, and may be arranged to convey the cleaning article 116 in the conveying rack 120, or as a long-conveyor cleaning device in which the cleaning article 116 is conveyed directly on a conveyor belt.

By using the conveying system 114, the articles 116 are conveyed in a conveying direction 122, for example from an inlet 124 of the cleaning device 110 to an outlet 126 of the cleaning device 110. The cleaning chamber 118 may be subdivided into one or more zones in which articles may be treated with one or more cleaning fluids, wherein, for example, a pre-cleaning zone 128, a cleaning zone 130 (also referred to as a main cleaning zone), and a rinsing zone 132 may be provided. As an example, both first fluid nozzle 148 and air nozzle 146 may be disposed in pre-cleaning zone 128. Second fluid nozzle 150 may also be disposed within pre-cleaning zone 128. However, alternatively, and as exemplarily shown in fig. 1, the second fluid nozzle 150 may be arranged in the washing zone 130 after the pre-cleaning zone. Different numbers and/or combinations of zones may also be possible. Downstream of these zones 128, 130, 132, at least one drying zone 134 may be further provided in which the articles 116 may be dried, for example by using a drying fan 136.

The zones 128, 130, 132 may generally be referred to as cleaning zones 138, wherein each cleaning zone 138 may include at least one fluid nozzle 142. Further, the cleaning zone 138 may include a fluid reservoir 156. These fluid reservoirs 156 may be fluidly connected in a cascade, for example, in a direction opposite the conveying direction 122 of the conveyor cleaning device 110.

The conveyor cleaning apparatus 110 may further include at least one trash removal device 152 for collecting trash 158 removed from the articles by the pressurized air from the at least one air nozzle 146. The waste removal device 152 may in particular be at least partially disposed below the conveyor system 114 and may comprise at least one collection surface 164 for collecting the waste 158. Thus, the collection surface may be disposed below the conveyor system 114. As an example, the collection surface 164 may be or may include a screen and thus may have openings 166. The opening 166 may be small enough to at least partially prevent the passage of waste 158. However, the opening 166 may be large enough to allow liquids, such as liquid waste and/or cleaning fluid 144, to pass through. Further, the waste removal device 152 may comprise at least one disposal device 168, wherein the waste removal device 152 may in particular be further configured for transporting the waste 158 from the collection surface 164 into the disposal device 168. To transfer the waste from the collection surface 164 into the processing device 168, the waste removal device 152 may, for example, include at least one slider 170.

The slider 170 may be specifically configured to repeatedly, e.g., periodically, move across the collection surface. In particular, the slider 170 may contact the collection surface 164 when moving towards the treatment device 168 and may be lifted off the collection surface 164 when moving away from the treatment device 168. The slider may in particular be configured to move substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction 122 of the conveyor cleaning device 110. Alternatively, however, as exemplarily shown in fig. 1, the slider may be moved parallel to the conveying direction 122 of the conveyor cleaning device 110.

The fluid nozzle 142 of the conveyor cleaning device 110 may be fed from at least one fluid reservoir 156 via at least one fluid pump 154. For example, in addition to the fluid pump 154 feeding the fluid nozzles 142 from the fluid reservoir 156, the rinse zone 132 may also comprise a fresh water rinse section 160 following it in the conveying direction 122. The fresh water rinse section 160 may include a fresh water nozzle 162 fed with fresh water from a fresh water connection point 174 on the building side via a fresh water feed line 172. The fresh water feed line 172 may comprise a temperature control means, for example in the form of a heating means 176, by means of which the supplied fresh water may be heated to a temperature of, for example, 80 ℃ to 100 ℃, preferably to a temperature of at least 85 ℃. The fresh water feed line 172 may optionally be guided via at least one heat recovery device 178, in which the waste heat of the cleaning device 110 can be used to heat the supplied fresh water.

The articles 116 may be continuously or discontinuously guided through these cleaning zones 138 by using the conveyor system 114 before the articles 116 are dried in the drying zone 134. The cleaning zones 138 may each terminate with a separating curtain 180.

The cleaning device 110 may preferably use several types of cleaning fluids 144 in the form of cleaning and/or rinsing fluids, which are preferably all aqueous cleaning fluids. For example, fresh water final rinse section 160 may preferably use fresh water as a rinse fluid, optionally with the addition of a rinse aid. In the fresh water rinse section 160, the rinse fluid may be contacted with the articles 116 only once. On the other hand, in pre-cleaning zone 128 and wash zone 130, cleaning fluid from the at least one reservoir 156 may be applied to articles 116 in a circulating pattern. For example, in the cleaning tank 156, a cleaning agent, such as a cleaning agent solution, may be added to the cleaning liquid.

The cleaning device 110 may further include at least one control device 182. The control device 182 may be, for example, a machine central control unit, however, the control device may also be formed in a decentralized manner. For example, one or more cleaning procedures may be controlled in the conveyor cleaning device 110 by using at least one control device 182. The control device 182 may be connected in particular to at least one feed valve 184, which may control the fresh water feed. The control device 182 may also be connected, for example, in whole or in part, to the pumps 154 for controlling the pumps 164. Furthermore, the control device 182 may be connected to the conveying system 114, for example, for controlling the conveying system 114. In addition to or in lieu of the options described above, the control device 182 may be connected to the trash removal device 152. Thus, as an example, the control device 182 may control the operation of the trash removal device 152, for example, by controlling the operational speed of the slider 170 and/or controlling the start and/or stop of the slider 170.

The control device 182 may be formed, for example, in whole or in part, as an adjustment device and/or may include at least one adjustment device. The control device 182 may include at least one processor 186 and at least one memory device 188. The control device 182 may further comprise at least one user interface 190 and/or at least one data interface 192, for example for wireless or wired exchange of data and/or control commands.

The control device 182 may be connected to one or more optional sensors of the conveyor cleaning device 110. Thus, as an example, the conveyor cleaning device 110 may include one or more sensors for detecting debris 158, in particular debris accumulation, on the items 116, and the control device 182 may be configured to automatically initiate operation of the air nozzle 146 upon detection of debris 158. Additionally or alternatively, the control 182 may cease operation of the air nozzle 146 when no or only a small amount of debris 158 is detected. Additionally or alternatively, the air nozzle 146 may be configured for continuous operation, and as an example, the control device 182 may be configured to adjust the mode of operation for the detected type and/or amount of waste, for example by adjusting the air pressure.

Fig. 2 shows in a schematic view details of an embodiment of a conveyor cleaning device 110 for cleaning articles. The air nozzles 146 are disposed between at least one first fluid nozzle 148 and at least one second fluid nozzle 150. As exemplarily shown in FIG. 2, the first fluid nozzle 148, the air nozzle 146, and the second fluid nozzle 150 may all be disposed within the same cleaning zone 138 of the cleaning chamber 118, such as within the pre-cleaning zone 128. Specifically, the air nozzle 146 and at least one of the first fluid nozzle 148 and the second fluid nozzle 150 may be arranged such that the cleaning fluid 144 emitted by the at least one of the first fluid nozzle 148 and the second fluid nozzle 150 is accelerated by the pressurized air.

The conveyor cleaning device 110 may include at least one suction device 194 for drawing in air and providing pressurized air to the air nozzle 146. As an example, the suction device 194 may include at least one suction opening 196 located inside the clean room 118. The suction opening may be located upstream of the air nozzle 146, in particular with respect to the conveying direction 122. Additionally or alternatively, and not shown in the figures, the suction device 194 may comprise at least one suction opening 196 located outside the cleaning chamber 118, wherein such suction opening may be in particular located on the inlet side of the cleaning chamber 118, e.g. on the side facing the inlet 124.

Further, the suction device 194 may include at least one fan 198, such as a compressor. The fan 198 may be specifically acoustically separated from the housing 112 of the conveyor cleaning apparatus 110, for example by being arranged in a separate installation space 200. Further, the fan may be connected to the air nozzle 146 by at least one conduit 202. Further, the suction device may include at least one of a fluid catcher 204 and a filter 206 for at least partially removing fluid from the intake air. In this figure, the movement of air is illustrated schematically by arrows, for example from the suction opening 196 through the fluid trap 204 and/or the filter 206 to the fan 198 and through the air nozzle 146, for example in the form of pressurized air.

Fig. 3 shows in perspective view a part of an embodiment of a conveyor cleaning device 110 for cleaning articles 116, in particular a part of a conveyor system 114 and an air nozzle 146. The air nozzle 146 may include at least one air knife having, for example, an air slot 208 for providing a curtain of pressurized air 210. In particular, the air nozzles 146, for example air knives, may be oriented transversely to the conveying direction 122. As an example, the air nozzle 146 may be mounted in at least one of an adjustable manner and a pivotable manner (e.g., within the adjustment range 212). Specifically, the angle between the injection direction of the pressurized air of the air nozzle 146 and the conveying direction 122 may be adjustable, for example, by changing the angle of the air nozzle 146, i.e. by adjusting the angle fixing device 113. Further, the angle between the air nozzle 146, e.g., air knife, and the conveying direction 122 may be adjustable, e.g., by changing the position of the holder 214 of the air nozzle 146 (i.e., on the ceiling of the clean room 118). As an example, the air nozzles 146 may be mounted in at least two areas on the ceiling of the clean room 118, such as by a holder 214 on one end of the air nozzles 146 and an integrated air duct holder 216 on the other side of the air nozzles 146, wherein the integrated air duct holder 216 may be part of a duct 202 connecting the air nozzles 146 to the fan 198. In particular, the air chute holder 216 may further include a rotatable support and sealing device to allow the angle between the air injection direction of the air nozzle 146 and the conveying direction 122 to be adjustable. Also, air movement is illustrated schematically with arrows.

List of reference numerals

110. Conveying type cleaning device

112. Shell body

114. Conveying system

116. Article to be cleaned

118. Clean room

120. Support frame

122. Direction of conveyance

124. An inlet

126. An outlet

128. Pre-clean zone

130. Cleaning zone

132. Rinsing zone

134. Drying zone

136. Drying fan

138. Cleaning zone

140. Fluid applying device

142. Fluid nozzle

144. Cleaning fluid

146. Air nozzle

148. First fluid nozzle

150. Second fluid nozzle

152. Garbage removing device

154. Pump with a pump body

156. Fluid storage tank

158. Garbage can

160. Fresh water rinsing section

162. Fresh water nozzle

164. Collecting surface

166. An opening

168. Treatment device

170. Sliding block

172. Fresh water feed line

174. Fresh water connection point

176. Heating device

178. Heat recovery device

180. Separating curtain

182. Control device

184. Feed valve

186. Processor and method for controlling the same

188. Memory device

190. User interface

192. Data interface

194. Suction device

196. Suction opening

198. Fan with fan body

200. Installation space

202. Pipeline

204. Fluid catcher

206. Filter device

208. Air tank

210. Pressurized air curtain

212. Adjustment range

213. Angle fixing device

214. Holder for holding articles

216. Integrated air duct holder

218. Rotatable support and seal

Claims (41)

1. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles, characterized in that the conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles comprises:

-at least one housing (112);

-at least one cleaning chamber (118) completely or partially surrounded by the housing (112);

-at least one fluid application device (140) for applying at least one cleaning fluid (144) to the articles (116) in the cleaning chamber (118), wherein the fluid application device (140) comprises at least two fluid nozzles (142) for exposing the articles (116) in the cleaning chamber (118) to at least one cleaning fluid (144);

-at least one conveying system (114) for conveying the articles (116) through the cleaning chamber (118) in a conveying direction (122) from at least one inlet (124) to at least one outlet (126);

-at least one air nozzle (146) configured for exposing the articles (116) in the cleaning chamber (118) to pressurized air, wherein the air nozzle (146) is arranged between at least one first fluid nozzle (148) and at least one second fluid nozzle (150) such that these articles (116) are subsequently exposed to the cleaning fluid (144) emitted by the first fluid nozzle (148), the pressurized air emitted by the air nozzle (146), and the cleaning fluid (144) emitted by the second fluid nozzle (150) when transported through the cleaning chamber (118) by the transport system (114) in the transport direction (122).

2. The conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 1, wherein the air nozzle (146) comprises at least one air knife having at least one of: a plurality of air openings arranged in a linear or non-linear arrangement, and an air slot for providing a curtain of pressurized air (210).

3. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 2, wherein the air knife is oriented transversely to the conveying direction (122).

4. A conveyor-type cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 3, wherein the air openings of the air knives or the arrangement of air slots of the air knives are oriented substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction (122) with a deviation from the perpendicular orientation of no more than 30 °.

5. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air nozzle (146) and at least one of the first fluid nozzle (148) and the second fluid nozzle (150) are arranged such that cleaning fluid (144) emitted by at least one of the first fluid nozzle (148) and the second fluid nozzle (150) is accelerated by the pressurized air.

6. The conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 5, wherein the conveyor cleaning device (110) is configured to turn on and off pressurized air from the air nozzle (146), wherein the air nozzle (146) and at least one of the first fluid nozzle (148) and the second fluid nozzle (150) are arranged such that when pressurized air from the air nozzle (146) is turned on, cleaning fluid (144) emitted by at least one of the first fluid nozzle (148) and the second fluid nozzle (150) is accelerated by the pressurized air.

7. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air nozzle (146) is mounted in at least one of an adjustable manner and a pivotable manner.

8. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 7, wherein the angle between the jet direction of the pressurized air of the air nozzle and the conveying direction (122) is adjustable.

9. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 7, wherein the air nozzle comprises at least one air knife, wherein the angle between the air knife and the conveying direction (122) is adjustable.

10. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the spray directions of the first fluid nozzle and the second fluid nozzle is adjustable.

11. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conveyor cleaning device (110) comprises at least one suction device (194) for sucking air and providing pressurized air to the air nozzle (146).

12. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 11, wherein said suction means (194) comprises at least one suction opening (196) inside said cleaning chamber (118).

13. The conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 12, wherein the suction opening (196) is located upstream of the air nozzle (146) with respect to the conveying direction (122).

14. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 11, wherein said suction means (194) comprises at least one suction opening (196) located outside said cleaning chamber (118).

15. A conveyor-type cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 14, wherein the suction opening (196) located outside the cleaning chamber (118) is located on the inlet side of the cleaning chamber (118).

16. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 11, wherein said suction means (194) comprises at least one fan (198).

17. The conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 16, wherein the fan (198) is acoustically separated from the housing (112) of the conveyor cleaning device (110).

18. A conveyor-type cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 16, wherein said fan (198) is connected to said air nozzle (146) by at least one duct (202) made at least partly of plastic material.

19. A conveyor-type cleaning device for cleaning articles as in claim 18 wherein the plastic material comprises rubber.

20. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 11, wherein said suction means (194) comprises at least one of a fluid catcher (204) and a filter (206) for at least partially removing fluid from the suction air.

21. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conveyor cleaning device (110) comprises a plurality of cleaning zones (138) through which the articles (116) subsequently pass, each cleaning zone (138) comprising at least one fluid nozzle (142).

22. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 21, wherein the cleaning zones (138) comprise fluid reservoirs (156) fluidically connected in cascade in a direction opposite to the conveying direction (122) of the conveyor cleaning device (110).

23. A conveyor-type cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 21, wherein the cleaning zones (138) comprise at least one pre-cleaning zone (128) and at least one main washing zone (130) arranged in sequence along the conveying direction (122).

24. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 23, wherein said first fluid nozzle (148) is disposed within said pre-cleaning zone (128).

25. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 24, wherein said air nozzle (146) is located within said pre-cleaning zone (128).

26. A conveyor-type cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 23, wherein the cleaning zones (138) further comprise at least one rinsing zone (132) downstream of the main washing zone (130) in the conveying direction (122).

27. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conveyor cleaning device (110) further comprises at least one waste removal device (152) for collecting waste (158) removed from the articles (116) by pressurized air.

28. A conveyor-type cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 27, wherein the waste removal device (152) is at least partially arranged below the conveyor system (114).

29. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 27, wherein said debris removal device (152) comprises at least one collection surface (164) for collecting said debris (158).

30. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 29, wherein said collecting surface (164) is arranged below said conveying system (114).

31. The conveyor-type cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 29, wherein the debris removal device (152) comprises at least one disposal device (168), wherein the debris removal device (152) is further configured to transport the debris (158) from the collection surface (164) into the disposal device (168).

32. The conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 31, wherein the debris removal device (152) is configured for transporting the debris (158) from the collection surface (164) into the disposal device (168) in a manner selected from the group consisting of: continuous conveyance, periodic conveyance, and conveyance triggered by control (182) of the conveyor cleaning device (110).

33. The conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 31, wherein the debris removal device (152) comprises at least one slider (170) configured for conveying the debris (158) from the collection surface (164) into the disposal device (168).

34. The conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 33, wherein the slider (170) is configured to repeatedly move across the collection surface (164).

35. The conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 33, wherein the slider (170) is configured to contact the collecting surface (164) when moving towards the disposal device (168) and to be lifted off the collecting surface (164) when moving away from the disposal device (168).

36. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 33, wherein the slider (170) is configured to move substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction (122) of the conveyor cleaning device (110).

37. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first fluid nozzle (148) and the second fluid nozzle (150) each comprise a nozzle arm having a plurality of openings for emitting the cleaning fluid (144).

38. The conveyor-type cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid application device (140) comprises at least one reservoir (156) for storing the at least one cleaning fluid (144) and at least one pump (154) for supplying the cleaning fluid (144) to the first fluid nozzle (148) and the second fluid nozzle (150).

39. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning fluid (144) comprises an aqueous cleaning fluid.

40. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conveyor cleaning device (110) is selected from the group consisting of a conveyor-on-conveyor cleaning device and a rack conveyor cleaning device.

41. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning articles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conveyor cleaning device (110) is a conveyor dishwasher.