EP1802227B1 - Method for conveying an item to be cleaned through a conveying dishwashing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for transporting items to be cleaned through a conveyor-type dishwasher and a conveyor-type dishwasher is provided. The conveyor-type dishwasher comprises a wash zone, a final-rinse zone and a drying zone. The items to be cleaned are cleaned in the wash zone, rinsed clear in the final-rinse zone and dried in the drying zone. Transportation devices are provided, which are used to transport the items being cleaned in the conveyor direction at a transportation speed which is optimum for the process steps being executed in the respective zones.

Description

The invention relates to a method for transporting items to be cleaned by a continuous dishwasher and a continuous dishwasher, in particular to a basket-transport dishwasher with continuous transport of the items to be washed.

State of the art

Out WO 00 53076 a continuous dishwasher is known which comprises a washing zone and a rinse zone, wherein to be cleaned items to be cleaned is conveyed through the dishwasher and sprayed within the washing zone with a cleaning solution. In the rinse zone following the wash zone, the cleaned dishes are rinsed. The dishwasher is driven so that it operates cyclically, wherein within a work cycle, a conveyor belt is operated at a normal speed and the washing zone cleaning solution is supplied, the rinse zone, however, fresh water. Within a pause cycle, the conveyor is stopped in the form of a conveyor belt and the supply of fresh water to the rinse zone interrupted.

From WO 00 53076 known dishwashing machine comprises a washing zone, a rinse zone and a conveyor belt for conveying laundry by the dishwasher and feeders for supplying cleaning solution to the washing zone and nozzles for spraying rinse water within the final rinse. Furthermore, a control device is provided for controlling the dishwasher, wherein the control device controls the transport device cyclically. By means of a timer of the control of the washing cycles is achieved that is conveyed while cleaning in the conveying direction on the conveyor belt at the same time cleaning solution of the washing zone 3 is supplied and fresh water is supplied to the rinse zone. During a pause cycle, the conveyor belt with the cleaning material picked up on it stands still, while the supply of fresh water to the final rinse zone remains interrupted.

According to this solution, the continuous dishwasher is apart from a arranged at the inlet and the outlet conveyor belt of a single conveyor belt traversed. All zones, be it the washing zone, the cleaning zone or a final rinse zone are passed through at the same speed. According to this solution, a cyclic, non-continuous transport of the cleaning goods to be cleaned in the continuous dishwasher is proposed, with rapid transport resulting in short exposure times, while long exposure times can be achieved when the transport device is stopped. For other machines on the market, the items to be washed are continuously transported through the machine. In these machines, the slowest in terms of transport speed dictates the speed for all zones of the machine.

US 2,131,615 A discloses a dishwashing machine having an electric motor with which a chain is driven. The electric motor is arranged within a housing. The electric motor is associated with a detail not shown in detail reducer. At the output shaft of the reducer another gear is arranged, which also engages in the chain. By means of the chain baskets are transported in the transport direction along basket guide machines through the dishwasher. At the end of the dishwasher water is sprayed through outlet nozzles. Two speeds can be realized with which the baskets receiving the items to be washed are transported through the washing zone, wherein the items to be washed can be transported at a higher speed through a rinsing zone.

US 3,221,754 A discloses a dishwasher comprising an endless chain driven by a drive and a further endless chain driven by a further drive. About the two endless chains are each driven this subordinate chains. Via diameters of track wheels, different transport speeds can be set. Thus, an intermittently driven conveyor chain runs faster than a continuously driven chain, so that the intermittently driven chain waits for the arrival of a crockery basket which is moved by the continuously driven chain.

Presentation of the invention

Starting from the outlined prior art, the invention has the object to provide a continuous dishwasher, in which the transport speeds through the individual zones of the continuous dishwasher is optimally adapted to the process steps taking place in the respective individual zones.

This is achieved by the features of claims 1 and 11 according to the invention.

Following the method proposed according to the invention, transport devices provided in the inlet area and in the outlet area, as well as transport facilities, which are optionally associated with an existing pre-clearing and at least one washing zone, at least one pump rinsing zone or fresh water rinsing zone and at least one drying zone, are driven independently of one another via individual drives. The individual drives are controlled by means of a control device. By appropriate specifications of the control, for example, the transport means associated with the inlet region and the transport device associated with the inlet region, which is assigned to the first washing zone or the pre-evacuation, can be operated at a slower, first transport speed level, so that the material to be cleaned slowly into the Continuous dishwasher enters. On the other hand, can be achieved with a second, average transport speed level via appropriate control of arranged in a pump rinsing zone or a Frischwasserklarspülzone transport means that the items to be cleaned, which has passed the Vorabräumung or the washing zone, transported at a higher speed through the pump rinsing zone and the Frischwasserklarspülzone can be. In the aforementioned zones, be it a pump rinsing zone or a fresh water rinsing zone, shorter reaction times are possible.

By means of the control of the continuous-flow dishwasher, the transport device which is associated with the drying zone and the transport device which adjoins the drying zone in the outlet region are operated at a third transport speed level since the action times in the drying zone in which the cleaned and rinsed dishes are dried , may be shorter.

In the method proposed according to the invention, it is possible with appropriate design of the control to operate all transport devices with these respective individual drives in the form of electric motors. In addition, it is also possible to combine individual transport facilities to groups of transport facilities. Thus, for example, the transport device of the inlet region as well as the transport device of the pre-clearing or, if there is no pre-clearing, the transport zone associated with the first washing zone can be combined to form a group. Furthermore, as already indicated above, the transport device which is associated with the drying zone can be combined with the transport device to form a group which is assigned to the outlet region.

The control associated with the continuous-flow dishwasher is designed such that it imposes on the individual drives of the individual transport devices or the groups of transport devices at least two transport speed levels.

The transport speed levels, which can be realized by the control of the continuous dishwasher at the individual drives for the transport devices, preferably comprise a first, slow transport speed level, for example to extend the action time of the cleaning solution in the Vorabräumzone or in the at least one washing zone. Furthermore, a second, average transport speed level can be realized which, for example, drives the individual drive which drives the transport device associated with the pump rinsing zone or the fresh water rinsing zone. In this a shorter exposure time of the pump rinsing water or the fresh water to the cleaned items is possible; a circumstance that can be accommodated by the second transport speed level for the individual drives. In addition, the control of the continuous dishwasher allows a control of a single drive with a third transport speed levels, in which the highest flow rate of the cleaning material can be achieved by the continuous dishwasher. The third, highest transport speed level can be realized, for example, within the drying zone at the transport device provided there.

The aforementioned transport means can be designed as plastic conveyor belts, chains, belts or push rods with driving claws. The invention further relates to a continuous-flow dishwasher, on which at least one washing zone, at least one rinsing zone are realized. A Vorabräumzone, an inlet region, a drying zone and a drying zone downstream outlet area may be provided on the continuous dishwasher. The final rinse zone can be designed both as a pump rinse zone and as a fresh water rinse zone. The proposed continuous dishwasher has independently controllable transport devices, which are each assigned a separate single drive. In addition, it is also possible to combine individual transport devices of successively connected zones, such as inlet area and pre-clearing or inlet area and first washing zone, to form groups, so that optionally a single drive can be saved. This applies analogously to the outlet region of a continuous dishwasher whose transport device can advantageously be coupled to the transport device which is assigned to the drying zone of the continuous-flow dishwasher.

In addition to combining into groups of individual drives, it is also possible to couple individual transport devices by mechanical means with each other. Couplings in the form of belt drives and chain drives, for example, are suitable for this purpose. When using belt drives or chain drives, it is also possible to set different throughput speeds in relation to the transport speed levels by realizing a ratio or a reduction within a group of transport devices. Instead of belt drives or chain drives, it is also possible to use crank drives, by means of which belt rollers which are opposite one another in the conveying direction and which are assigned to the transport devices can be connected. Depending on the number of coupling points can be summarized 2 or more band-shaped transport devices, so that individual drives can be omitted.

The solution proposed according to the invention makes it possible to realize a resource-saving operation of a continuous-flow dishwasher. Due to the adapted transport speed of the cleaning material, depending on the taking place in the respective zone of the continuous dishwasher process step, both energy with respect to the temperature of the water and the heating power to be applied, as well as to be used chemical agents that are buried the cleaning solution, can be dosed in an optimal manner, as well reduce water consumption to a minimum while satisfying the washing results. Due to the inventively proposed method for operating a continuous dishwasher and due to the design of the inventively proposed continuous dishwasher can be for the individual phases of cleaning terms Pre-clearing, cleaning in at least one washing zone, rinsing the cleaned cleaning material within a pump rinsing zone or a Frischwasserklarspülzone and with respect to the drying of the cleaning material in the drying zone process technically achieve optimally tuned contact times. Furthermore, it is ensured by the proposed solution according to the invention that a uniform on the process-matched transport speed without stop and go and a uniform optimum application of the cleaning material is achieved.

drawing

With reference to the drawing, the invention will be described below in more detail.

Figur 1

Eine Durchlaufspülmaschine mit den Zonen jeweils zugeordneten Trans- porteinrichtungen, die über voneinander unabhängige Einzelantriebe antreibbar sind,

Figur 2

eine Durchlaufgeschirrspülmaschine, mit jeder einzelnen Zone zugeord- neten Einzelantrieben, die über eine Steuerung separat ansteuerbar sind, und

Figur 3

eine Ausführungsvariante einer erfindungsgemäß vorgeschlagenen Durchlaufgeschirrspülmaschine, bei welcher aneinander grenzende Transporteinrichtungen mechanisch miteinander gekoppelt sind.

It shows:

FIG. 1

A continuous-flow dishwasher with the respective associated transport devices, which can be driven by individual drives which are independent of one another,

FIG. 2

a continuous dishwashing machine, with individual drives assigned to each individual zone, which can be controlled separately via a control, and

FIG. 3

an embodiment of a proposed inventions continuous flow dishwasher, in which adjacent transport devices are mechanically coupled together.

variants

The representation according to FIG. 1 is a first embodiment of a proposed inventions continuous flow dishwasher, which comprises independently transportable transport devices.

A continuous-flow dishwasher 1 transports items to be cleaned in the conveying direction 2. An inlet area 3 is provided, which comprises a first transport unit 19, for example can be designed as a circulating belt. The first transport device 19 is associated with a single drive 35, which in turn is connected to a controller 36 associated with the continuous-flow dishwasher 1. A pre-evacuation zone 4 adjoins the inlet region 3, in which a rough cleaning of the material to be cleaned 37 can take place. The Vorabräumzone 4 is not necessarily required, but represents an optional vorsehbares on a continuous dishwasher 1 element. In the illustration according to FIG. 1 the Vorabräumzone 4 is associated with a second also band-shaped transport device 20. The second transport device 20 is also driven by a single drive 35, which communicates with the controller 36 of the continuous dishwasher 1 in connection and is controlled by this. Within the Vorabräumzone 4 is a flushing system 9. The flushing system 9 is acted upon by a first circulation pump 16, the flushing liquor or cleaner solution from a first tank 14 promotes. Detergent solution or detergent solution dripping from the washware drops back through a drip tube into the first tank 14 and is collected by it.

The pre-evacuation zone 4 is followed by a washing zone 5. In the illustration according to FIG. 1 the second transport device 20 extends through both the Vorabräumzone 4 and through the washing zone 5. The washing zone 5 includes a further flushing system 9, which is acted upon by a second circulation pump 17, the cleaner solution from a second tank 15 promotes. The rinsing liquid dripping from the material to be cleaned 37 is passed through the drip tube 18 into the second tank 15 below the continuous-flow dishwasher 1.

The washing zone 5 is followed by a final rinse zone 6. A rinse aid system 10 is located in the rinse-off zone 6. The rinse-aid zone 6 is associated with a third transport means 21 which is likewise driven by an independent individual drive 35, which in turn communicates with the controller 36 of the continuous-flow dishwasher 1 and is controlled by it. The rinse aid system 10 of the final rinse zone 6 can - as in FIG. 1 indicated - optionally be supplied via a pump 11 with fresh water. The pump 11 is preceded by a valve 12. The fresh water supplied via the valve 12 to the pump 11 for the rinse aid can be brought to a higher temperature in a water heater or boiler (not shown).

Instead of a fresh water rinse, as in FIG. 1 In connection with the final rinse zone 6, the rinse-off zone 6 can also be designed as a pump rinsing zone in which the cleaned items to be cleaned 37 can be rinsed with cleaning solution diluted strongly with fresh water before it reaches the drying zone 7. The already mentioned drying zone 7 adjoins the rinse-off zone 6, which may be in the form of a fresh water rinse or as a pump rinse. The drying zone 7 is associated with a fourth transport device 22, which is also driven by means of a single drive 35, the controller 36 is in communication. The drying zone 7 is also associated with a drying fan 24.

The drying zone 7 of the continuous-flow dishwasher 1 is adjoined by an outlet region 8, which comprises a further, fifth transport device 23. This is also associated with a single drive 35, which may for example be designed as an electric motor and is connected to the controller 36 of the continuous dishwasher 1 in conjunction and is controlled by this.

By the method proposed according to the invention and the correspondingly designed continuous-flow dishwasher, it is possible, with continuous transport of the cleaning product 37 through the continuous dishwasher 1 in their individual zones 4, 5, 6 and 7, depending on the process steps running there to always achieve optimum transport speed. About the FIG. 1 removable control 36 of the continuous dishwasher 1, the individual drives 35, which are assigned in this embodiment variant of each of the transport devices 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 individually and independently pretend. In the controller 36 of the continuous dishwasher 1 is implemented to control the individual drives 35 with at least two mutually different transport speed levels.

By the controller 36 of the continuous dishwasher 1, it is possible, in addition to the transport devices 20, 21 and 22 of the Vorabräumzone 4 of the washing zone 5 and the rinse zone 6 and the drying zone 7 are respectively assigned, and the first transport device 19 of the inlet region 3 and the fifth Transport device 23 of the outlet region 8 individually and independently to control.

Thus, for example, the first transport device 19 of the inlet region 3 and the second transport device 20, which in the variant according to FIG FIG. 1 the Vorabräumzone 4 and the washing zone 5 is assigned to drive at a first transport speed level, with appropriate control of the individual drives 35 via the controller 36, which can slow feed rates of the cleaning material 37 can be achieved by the continuous dishwasher 1. This is of particular interest for Vorabräumzone 4, in which a rough cleaning of the cleaning material 37, carried by the rinsing system 9 and for the washing zone 5, in which a cleaning of the cleaning material 37 takes place, which is why longer exposure times are desirable here. Longer exposure times can be achieved by a drive of the second transport device 20 extending through the Vorabräumzone 4 and the washing zone 5 extends, can be achieved when the individual drive 35 is driven at a first, slow transport speed level.

In contrast, it is desirable with regard to the fresh water consumption and the process temperature in the rinse zone 6 - be it a pump rinsing zone, be it a freshwater rinsing zone - to achieve somewhat shorter reaction times in order to wipe off the rinse liquor or dirt particles still adhering to the cleaning product. For this reason, the third transport device 21, which is associated with the rinse zone 6, with appropriate control via the controller 36 via the single drive 35 are operated at a second average transport speed level. In this way, the amount of fresh water leaving the rinse aid system 10 can be optimally reduced and reduced to the actual minimum required consumption.

The shortest exposure time in comparison with other processes running in the continuous dishwasher 1 is required in the drying zone 7, to which the fourth transport device 22 is assigned. By means of a corresponding activation of the individual drive 35 by means of the control 36 of the continuous-flow dishwasher 1, a third, relatively high transport speed level can be achieved on the individual drive 35 in the drying zone 7. In this way, the cleaned and clearly rinsed cleaning material 37 in the drying zone 7 can be dried effectively, since the shorter, achievable exposure times of the warm air exiting via the drying fan 24 are sufficient for evaporating or evaporating water droplets adhering to the material to be cleaned, and excessive heating of the drying zone 7 from the drying zone 7 emerging, the outlet area 8 reaching cleaning material 37 to avoid.

Advantageously, it is possible by the inventive concept proposed to control the first transport means 19 and the second transport means 20 via the individual drive 35 with an identical, first transport speed level. This is also suitable, for example, in the outlet region 8 of the continuous dishwasher 1 in which both the fourth transport device 22 associated with the drying zone 7 and the fifth transport device 23 associated with the outlet region 8 are operable with an identical, in this case higher, third transport speed level.

FIG. 2 is a further embodiment of a suitable for carrying out the proposed method according to the invention continuous flow dishwasher.

Unlike in FIG. 1 illustrated embodiment of an inventively proposed continuous dishwasher 1 are in the in FIG. 2 illustrated continuous flow dishwasher 1 in both the Vorabräumzone 4 and in the washing zone 5 each have a separate transport device 20 and 25 respectively. Thus, the transport speeds of the cleaning material 37, which passes the Vorabräumzone 4 and the washing zone 5 are decoupled from each other. It can thus be adjusted by appropriate control of the individual drive 35 by the controller 36 in the pre-evacuation zone 4 and the washing zone 5 different transport speeds for the cleaning material 37. For example, a longer exposure time may be required in the pre-evacuation zone 4, so that the individual drive 35 associated with the second transport device 20 can be acted upon by the controller 36 with a first transport speed level. In contrast, the individual drive 35 for the sixth transport device 25 in the washing zone 5 in the embodiment according to FIG. 2 be operated with a second average transport speed level, since coarse impurities were already removed in the Vorabräumzone 4 from the material to be washed 37, so a shorter exposure time of the rinse or cleaner solution in the washing zone 5 may be desirable, not least in terms of energy conservation and conservation of environmental resources such Example water consumption etc.

Except for the above-outlined difference, ie the equipment of the washing zone 5 with its own, separate sixth transport means 25 is in accordance with the illustration FIG. 2 reproduced embodiment of the continuous dishwasher 1 identical to the in FIG. 1 illustrated embodiment.

The representation according to FIG. 3 is a further embodiment of an embodiment according to the invention designed continuous flow dishwasher, in which individual transport devices are coupled together.

The representation according to FIG. 3 is a continuous dishwasher 1 can be removed, through which in the conveying direction 2 cleaning material 37 is promoted. The continuous-flow dishwasher 1 comprises the pre-evacuation zone 4, the washing zone 5, the rinsing zone 6 and the drying zone 7. The pre-evacuation zone 4 is preceded by the inlet region 3, while the drying zone 7 is arranged downstream of the outlet region 8. The inlet region 3 comprises the first transport device 19, which in turn has an independently controllable drive 35, which can be controlled via the controller 36. The Vorabräumzone 4 and the washing zone 5 are traversed by the second conveyor 20. The rinse-off zone 6 comprises the third transport device 21, while the fourth transport device 22 is received in the drying zone. The fourth transport device 22, the fifth belt-shaped transport device 23 is connected downstream. The fourth transport device 22 and the fifth transport device 23 each have an individual drive 35 which can be embodied as an electric motor. The two individual drives 35 for the Fourth transport device 22 and the fifth transport device 23 are controlled by the controller 36 of the continuous dishwasher 1.

From the illustration according to FIG. 3 It can be seen that the first transport device 19 and the second transport device 20 for the pre-evacuation zone 4 and the washing zone 5 are coupled together by a coupling 30. The coupling 30 can be made, for example, by a traction mechanism 33 in the form of a belt drive or a chain drive. For this purpose, the pulleys on which the preferably belt-shaped transport devices 19 and 20 circulate, respectively pulleys or sprockets 31, 32 assigned to which a rotating traction means 33 in the form of a belt or a chain rotates. According to the selected diameter of the pulleys or the sprockets 31, 32 can be assigned between the first conveyor 19 of a single drive 35 and the second conveyor 20 for Vorabräumzone 4 and the washing zone 5, a translation or a reduction with respect to the reach the first transport device 19 via the control of the individual drive 35 set transport speed.

By way of example, the variant of a continuous-flow dishwasher as shown in FIG FIG. 3 a coupling 30 is also provided between the fourth transport device 22, the drying zone 7 and the fifth transport device 39 of the outlet region 8. The coupling 30 between the fourth transport device 22 and the fifth transport device 39 is realized in a crank drive 34. In this case, the fifth transport device is designed as a push rod 39, in the driving clutches 40 transport baskets 38 with the cleaning material 37. Corresponding to the articulation points or lever lengths provided on the crank mechanism 34, a reduction or a ratio with respect to the fourth to the transport device 22 coupled to the push rod 39 with driving pawls 40 in the outlet region can also be via the coupling 30 in the form of a crank mechanism 34 8 of the continuous dishwasher 1 reach. In the illustration according to FIG. 3 is the one push rod 39 associated with individual drive 35 omitted. In the embodiment according to FIG. 3 the continuous-flow dishwasher 1 only has three individual drives 35 for the first transport device 19, the third transport device 21 in the drying zone 7 and the fourth transport device 22. The individual drives 35 are all controlled via the controller 36, whereas the transport speed level at the second transport device 20 and the transport speed level at the fifth conveyor 23 or on a push rod 39 with driving cleats 50 according to the translation and reduction ratios on the coupling 30 sets. Instead of the illustrated traction mechanism drives 33 and the crank mechanism 34, friction wheel drives or the like could also be used.

Sensors and toggle switches or toggle levers can be actuated directly by the item to be cleaned 37 or the basket 38 receiving the item to be cleaned 37 and trigger corresponding functions, such as switching on the drying fan 24 or switching on the fresh water supply for the final rinse system 10 or a switching on operation for the circulating pumps 16 and 17 for the rinsing systems 9 in the Vorabräumzone 4 or in the washing zone. 5

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Pass-through dishwasher

2

Conveying direction

3

intake area

4

precleaning

5

wash zone

6

rinse zone

7

drying zone

8th

discharge area

9

flushing system

10

rinse system

11

Pump for rinsing

12

Valve

13

bypass

14

first tank

15

second tank

16

first circulating pump

17

second circulation pump

18

Abtropfrohr

19

first transport device

20

second transport device

21

third transport device

22

fourth transport device

23

fifth transport device

24

drying fan

25

sixth transport device

30

coupling

31

first wheel / first wheel

32

second wheel / second disc

33

Traction drive (belt / chains)

34

crankshaft

35

individual drive

36

machine control

37

cleaned

38

transport basket

39

pushrod

40

lorry jack

Claims (18)

1. Method for transporting items to be cleaned through a conveyor-type dishwasher (1) having at least one wash zone (5), a final-rinse zone (6) and a drying zone (7), with the items to be cleaned being cleaned in the wash zone (5) and rinsed clear in the final-rinse zone (6), characterized in that transportation devices (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25) are provided, which are used to transport the items (37) being cleaned in the conveyor direction (2) at a transportation speed which is optimum for the process steps being executed in the respective zones (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), with the transportation devices (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25) or groups of transportation devices (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25) each being driven by individual drives (35), and at least the individual drives (35) which are associated with the wash zone (5), the final-rinse zone (6), the drying zone (7) being actuated by means of a controller (36) which is used to specify at least two transportation speed levels for the individual drives (35).
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the individual drives (35) which are associated with an inlet region (3), a preclearing zone (4) and an outlet region (8) are additionally actuated by means of a controller (36) which is used to specify at least two transportation speed levels for the individual drives (35).
3. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first transportation device (19) which is associated with the inlet region (3) is coupled to the second transportation device (20) of the subsequent preclearing zone (4) or the subsequent wash zone (5).
4. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the fifth transportation device (23) which is associated with the outlet region (8) is coupled to the fourth transportation device (22) which is associated with the drying zone (7).
5. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the individual drives (35) are set by means of the controller (36) to a first, slow transportation speed level, or to a second, medium transportation speed level, or to a third, high speed level.
6. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the transportation devices (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25) are operated at increasing transportation speeds, as seen in the conveyor direction (2) of the items (37) being cleaned.
7. Method according to Claim 6, characterized in that the transportation devices (20, 25) which are associated with the preclearing zone (4) and the wash zone (5) are operated at the first, relatively slow transportation speed level.
8. Method according to Claim 6, characterized in that the transportation device (21) which is associated with the final-rinse zone (6) is operated at a second, medium transportation speed level.
9. Method according to Claim 6, characterized in that the transportation device (22) which is associated with the drying zone (7) is operated at a third, relatively high transportation speed level.
10. Conveyor-type dishwasher for carrying out the method according to one or more of Claims 1 to 9, having an inlet region (3), at least one wash zone (4, 5), at least one final-rinse zone (6) and a drying zone (7) and also an outlet region (8), characterized in that, as seen in the conveyor direction (2) of the items (37) being cleaned, a plurality of transportation devices (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25) are provided, which each have associated individual drives (35) which are operated by means of a controller (36) at transportation speeds which are matched to the processes being executed in the process zones (4, 5, 6, 7), in order to achieve optimum residence times, it being possible for a controller (36) to actuate the individual drives (35) individually and independently of one another.
11. Conveyor-type dishwasher according to Claim 10, characterized in that a first transportation device (15) with an individual drive (35) is associated with the inlet region (3), a second transportation device (20) with an individual drive (35) is associated with the preclearing zone (4) and the wash zone (5), a third transportation device (21) with an individual drive (35) is associated with the final-rinse zone (6), a fourth transportation device (22) with an individual drive (35) is associated with the drying zone (7), and a fifth transportation device (23) with an individual drive (35) is associated with the outlet region (8).
12. Conveyor-type dishwasher according to Claim 11, characterized in that the individual drive (35) of the first transportation device (19) and the individual drive (35) of the second transportation device (20) of the preclearing zone (4) and the wash zone (5) are driven by means of the controller (36) at a first, slow transportation speed level, in order to increase the residence time.
13. Conveyor-type dishwasher according to Claim 11, characterized in that the third transportation device (21) of the final-rinse zone (6) is driven via the individual drive (35) by means of the controller (36) at a second, medium transportation speed level.
14. Conveyor-type dishwasher according to Claim 11, characterized in that the fourth transportation device (22) of the drying zone (7) is operated by means of the individual drive (35) and the controller (36) at a third, relatively high transportation speed level.
15. Conveyor-type dishwasher according to Claim 10, characterized in that the individual drives (35) of the transportation devices (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25) can be combined to form functional groups with reference to the transportation speeds to be set for the items (37) being cleaned.
16. Conveyor-type dishwasher according to Claim 10, characterized in that the transportation devices (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25) of the conveyor-type dishwasher (1) can be mechanically connected to one another by couplings (30).
17. Conveyor-type dishwasher according to Claim 10, characterized in that the coupling (30) is in the form of a traction mechanism (33) with a revolving traction means by means of which transportation devices (19, 20; 20, 21; 22, 23) can be connected to one another, and the transportation speeds are stepped down or stepped up between the transportation devices (19, 20; 20, 21; 22, 23) which are coupled to one another by means of the traction mechanism (33).
18. Conveyor-type dishwasher according to Claim 10, characterized in that the coupling (30) of transportation devices (19, 20; 20, 21; 22, 23) which are positioned one behind the other in the conveyor direction (2) of the items (37) being cleaned is designed as a crank mechanism (34).

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