EP3860419A1

EP3860419A1 - Cleaning device and method for cleaning articles to be cleaned

Info

Publication number: EP3860419A1
Application number: EP19783290.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bruno Gaus
Original assignee: Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2018-10-05
Filing date: 2019-10-04
Publication date: 2021-08-11
Anticipated expiration: 2039-10-04
Also published as: DE102018217052A1; ES2937384T3; JP2022504277A; US11944253B2; CA3113891C; CN112804926A; FI3860419T3; EP3860419B1; CN112804926B; KR20210068083A; US20210338038A1; SG11202103268UA; AU2019352746A1; AU2019352746B2; CA3113891A1; WO2020070264A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device (110) for cleaning articles (130) to be cleaned. Said cleaning device (110) comprises at least one cleaning chamber (114) having at least one application device (148) for subjecting the articles (130) to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber (114) to at least one cleaning fluid (150). Said cleaning device (110) further comprises at least one transport device (136) for transporting the articles (130) to be cleaned through the cleaning chamber (114) in a transport direction (138). The cleaning device (110) further comprises at least one outlet region (142) arranged downstream of the cleaning chamber (114) in the transport direction (138) for removing the articles (130) to be cleaned from the transport device (136). The cleaning device (110) further has at least one sensor (168) for detecting at least one predefined type of articles (130) to be cleaned. The cleaning device (110) further comprises at least one slider (170) and is designed to displace the articles (130) to be cleaned of the predefined type automatically transversely to the transport direction (138) from the transport device (136).

Description

Cleaning device and method for cleaning items to be cleaned

Technical field

The invention relates to a cleaning device and a method for cleaning items to be cleaned. Cleaning devices and methods of the type mentioned can be used, for example, in the field of dishwashing technology, in particular in the field of commercial dishwashing technology. The invention can thus be used in particular in canteen kitchens in which items to be cleaned, for example trays, dishes and cutlery, have to be cleaned in large quantities. However, other areas of application are also conceivable in principle.

Technical background

A large number of cleaning devices, also known as cleaning devices, are known from the prior art, which can clean and / or disinfect items to be cleaned. The design of these cleaning devices depends largely on the various boundary conditions, such as, for example, the type of items to be cleaned, the contamination, the throughput or similar conditions. As an example, reference can be made to cleaning devices which are described, for example, in DE 10 2004 056 052 A1 or in DE 10 2007 025 263 A1.

In many cases, cleaning devices in canteen kitchens are combined with transport devices or transport systems for automatic delivery and / or removal of the items to be cleaned. For example, cleaning systems are provided in many communal catering facilities, such as canteens in schools, hospitals or other facilities in which a large number of people are catered for, in which trays with contaminated crockery and cutlery are placed on a conveyor belt. This turns the items to be cleaned into the actual tion device such as a dishwasher transported. There, the items to be cleaned are usually still sorted using personnel, waste is disposed of, and dishes, cutlery and trays are fed to the cleaning device in a suitable manner, for example a belt conveyor dishwasher, a basket conveyor dishwasher, a hood dishwasher or a pass-through dishwasher. Furthermore, after cleaning, for example at a so-called outlet of the cleaning device, the cleaned items to be cleaned are generally sorted manually and fed to corresponding transport devices or storage devices, such as, for example, a tray trolley or a plate trolley.

A technical and organizational challenge in many cases is that the contaminated cleaning items do not accumulate evenly. In particular due to group dynamics, timetables or other circumstances outside the sphere of influence of the canteen kitchen, load peaks often occur, but also times when there is little or no items to be cleaned. This represents a considerable challenge for the planning of the personnel requirements and also for the planning of the design of the cleaning device. For example, the design of the system and the personnel planning must generally be designed in such a way that the personnel can cope with the peak loads, but this is not the case Circumstances outside the peak loads lead to insufficient utilization of the staff. The personnel planning and the design of the cleaning device must therefore be oversized in many cases.

DE 10 2017 121 978 A1 describes a dishwasher in the form of a commercial utensil or dishwasher designed as a program automat, which is designed as a hood or pass-through dishwasher and has a treatment chamber with at least one washing system designed as a recirculation system. In order to achieve that the actually achievable utilization of the machine can be optimized, and at the same time relieving the load on the washing personnel, it is provided according to the invention that the dishwasher is assigned a loading / unloading device for preferably optionally automatically loading the treatment chamber with items to be washed and / or for preferably optionally automatic unloading of washware from the treatment chamber.

DE 4339111 A1 describes a dishwasher. In order to sustainably reduce water, energy and detergent consumption, the dishes in the individual baskets are washed in cycle operation, with the circuits of the washing device only in their the respective time interval within the washing program. A conveyor belt for the crockery baskets is controlled by means of appropriate switches in such a way that the crockery remains in the area of a washing zone during the washing process.

DE 10 2004 049 392 A 1 describes a method for transporting items to be cleaned through a continuous dishwasher and onto a continuous dishwasher. The continuous dishwasher includes a washing zone, a rinse zone and a drying zone. The items to be cleaned are cleaned in the washing zone, rinsed clear in the rinse zone and dried in the drying zone. Transport devices are provided with which the items to be cleaned are transported in the conveying direction at the optimum transport speed for the process steps taking place in the respective zones.

Despite the advantages achieved with these devices and methods, the technical and organizational challenge described above generally persists. In conventional cleaning systems, for example, the transport devices are often inflexible and are generally not able to adapt to the various boundary conditions, in particular to sudden load peaks, backlogs during loading or unloading, or even to changing requirements with regard to the type of soiling or the items to be cleaned. In the case of peak loads, therefore, as a rule, only the transport speed of the transport device can be adjusted, for example by slowing down the transport or completely stopping it. If, for example, a backlog of the cleaned items is formed at the outlet of the cleaning device, the entire cleaning system must generally be stopped. These measures usually affect the entire cleaning system. Therefore, the personnel planning for many cleaning systems must still be dimensioned in such a way that it can withstand a peak load in any case. This provision of a personnel and usually also mechanical overcapacity can lead to unnecessary additional costs when purchasing and operating the cleaning device.

Object of the invention

It would therefore be desirable to provide a cleaning device and a method for cleaning items to be cleaned, in particular items to be cleaned in canteen kitchens, which at least largely avoid the disadvantages of known devices and methods of the type mentioned. In particular, the cleaning device and the method should provide more flexible personnel planning with regard to the operating personnel and Enable more flexible design of the apparatus and preferably reduce the use of operating personnel.

Disclosure of the invention

This object is addressed by a cleaning device and a method for cleaning items to be cleaned, with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments, which can be implemented individually or in any combination, are presented in the dependent claims.

In the following, the terms “have”, “have”, “comprise” or “include” or any grammatical deviations therefrom are used in a non-exclusive manner. Accordingly, these terms can refer both to situations in which, apart from the features introduced by these terms, no further features are present, or to situations in which one or more further features are present. For example, the expression "A has B", "A has B '," A includes B "or" A includes B "both refer to the situation in which, apart from B, there is no further element in A. (ie a situation in which A consists exclusively of B), as well as the situation in which, in addition to B, one or more further elements are present in A, for example element C, elements C and D or even further elements .

Furthermore, it is pointed out that the terms “at least one” and “one or more” as well as grammatical variations of these terms, if they are used in connection with one or more elements or features and are intended to express the element or feature can be provided one or more times, usually only used once, for example when first introducing the feature or element. When the feature or element is mentioned again, the corresponding term “at least one” or “one or more” is generally no longer used, without restricting the possibility that the feature or element can be provided one or more times.

Furthermore, the terms “preferably”, “in particular”, “for example” or similar terms are used in the following in conjunction with optional features, without this restricting alternative embodiments. For example, features introduced by these terms are optional features, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims, and particularly the independent claims, by those features. The person skilled in the art can thus recognize the invention will also be carried out using other configurations. In a similar manner, features which are introduced by “in an embodiment of the invention” or by “in an embodiment of the invention” are understood as optional features, without this being intended to restrict alternative configurations or the scope of protection of the independent claims. Furthermore, these introductory expressions are intended to leave all possibilities of combining the features introduced hereby with other features, whether optional or non-optional, unchanged.

In a first aspect, a cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed. The term “cleaning device”, as used here, is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning should be accorded, as one skilled in the art understands. The term is not limited to a specific or appropriate meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a device which is set up in order to free items to be cleaned from adhering macro-scopic or also microscopic impurities or to at least partially eliminate such impurities. In addition, a disinfectant effect can optionally be exerted. The cleaning device can, as will be explained in more detail below, in particular be designed as a dishwasher, in particular as a dishwasher. The dishwasher can be configured, for example, as a single-chamber dishwasher, in particular as a commercial single-chamber dishwasher with a multi-circuit dishwasher system, or also as a conveyor dishwasher, in particular as a belt conveyor dishwasher and / or as a rack conveyor dishwasher. Examples are detailed below.

The term “items to be cleaned” as used here is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning is to be attributed, as those skilled in the art understand. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to any objects which can be cleaned by means of the cleaning device. An object can be cleaned, or several objects can be cleaned simultaneously or sequentially. In particular, the items to be cleaned can be objects which are used directly or indirectly for the preparation, storage or presentation of dishes, for example dishes, cutlery, trays, bowls, glasses, pots, pans or similar objects. Accordingly, the cleaning device can be configured in particular as a dishwasher, for example as a dishwasher for commercial use in commercial kitchens or kitchens Community catering. Other configurations of the items to be cleaned are also possible in principle.

The cleaning device comprises at least one cleaning chamber with at least one loading device for loading the cleaning material in the cleaning chamber with at least one cleaning liquid. The term “cleaning chamber”, as used here, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be accorded, as the person skilled in the art understands. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a completely or partially closed chamber within which the cleaning process can be carried out completely or partially. The cleaning chamber can in particular have at least one housing which completely or partially encloses the cleaning chamber. A single cleaning chamber can be provided, or in principle several cleaning chambers can be provided, for example sequentially. The cleaning chamber can for example have at least one opening for loading the cleaning chamber with the items to be cleaned. For example, this can be an opening with a flap arranged on a front side of the cleaning chamber and / or an upper side of the cleaning chamber. Alternatively, hoods for closing the cleaning chamber are also possible, for example in the context of so-called hood dishwashers. Again, alternatively, the cleaning chamber can also be designed, for example, in whole or in part as a tunnel, for example in the context of so-called continuous dishwashers or transport dishwashers, for example as a tunnel with an inlet opening and an outlet opening. Other configurations are also possible in principle.

The term "loading device" as used herein is another term to which its ordinary and common meaning should be accorded, as one skilled in the art understands. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to any device in principle, by means of which the items to be cleaned can be supplied with the cleaning liquid within the cleaning chamber. The application device can in particular, as will be explained in more detail below, comprise at least one nozzle system. Furthermore, the application device can comprise at least one pump and at least one line system for providing cleaning liquid to the nozzle system. In this case, for example, a nozzle system and a line system for the application of cleaning liquid from a tank can be seen, and at least one corresponding pump. Alternatively or in addition also, for example, at least one nozzle system can be acted upon directly from a supply line without a pump being required for this. One or more cleaning zones can be provided in the cleaning device, through which the items to be cleaned, for example, pass sequentially. For example, a single cleaning zone can be provided, the cleaning device being set up to carry out a cleaning program by means of the loading device, in which the items to be cleaned are accommodated in the cleaning chamber and one after the other in one or more cleaning steps of the cleaning program in different ways with cleaning liquid. Alternatively, the items to be cleaned can also be transported one after the other through several cleaning zones, in which a different type of exposure to cleaning liquid takes place, for example one or more cleaning zones selected from the group consisting of: a pre-clearing zone; a washing zone; a rinse or rinse zone, which can be subdivided into a pump rinse zone and a downstream fresh water rinse zone. Furthermore, at least one drying step can be provided, which can be downstream, for example, in one chamber when the items to be cleaned are stationary after exposure to the cleaning liquid, or which can be carried out, for example, in a drying zone downstream of the liquid cleaning zones in the case of the conveyor dishwasher.

The term “cleaning fluid” as used here is a broad term that should be given its usual and common meaning, as the expert understands it. The term is not limited to a special or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a liquid which, when struck on the items to be cleaned, can have a cleaning effect. In particular, the cleaning liquid can comprise an aqueous liquid, for example water and / or water with one or more additives, for example with one or more detergent concentrates and / or rinse aids and / or disinfectants. The cleaning device can be set up to use a single cleaning liquid or to use a combination of several cleaning liquids. If several cleaning liquids are provided, the different cleaning liquids can be applied to the items to be cleaned simultaneously or sequentially. For example, the items to be cleaned can remain stationary within the cleaning chamber and the various cleaning liquids and / or cleaning fluids can be applied to them one after the other. Alternatively, as explained above, the items to be cleaned can also be transported sequentially through several cleaning zones, in which, for example, exposure to different types of cleaning liquid and / or different cleaning liquids. different degrees of purity. Different degrees of purity can be generated, for example, by a cascade overflow between different tanks of the cleaning device, with a degree of purity preferably increasing in the direction of transport. As an alternative or in addition, pumped systems which regulate the liquid balance and the degree of purity between the individual tanks of the cleaning device are known and can be used within the scope of the invention.

The cleaning device further comprises at least one transport device for transporting the items to be cleaned through the cleaning chamber in a transport direction. The term “transport device”, as used here, is a broad term that should be given its usual and common meaning, as the expert understands it. The term is not limited to a special or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a device which is set up to transport at least one other device or at least one other element and / or to drive a movement of the other device or the other element. The transport device can in particular comprise at least one drive element, for example at least one drive element running in a circuit through the cleaning chamber. In particular, the transport device, for example the drive element, can comprise at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a drive chain; a drive belt; a conveyor belt. The transport device can also be set up to transport items to be cleaned indirectly, for example in baskets. In this case, the baskets can be placed on slide rails, for example, and transported, for example, by means of a reversing pawl transport system. Other types of devices for indirect transport, for example by means of baskets, are also conceivable and usable. The transport can be carried out continuously or discontinuously or clocked, for example, so that, for example, continuously operating transport dishwashers or clocked dishwashers such as pass-through dishwashers can be used. The transport direction can, for example, be a main direction of movement of the items to be cleaned within the cleaning chamber. The transport direction can be predefined or can also change, for example locally or in time. For example, the direction of transport can be directed from an inlet of the cleaning chamber to an outlet.

The cleaning device also has at least one outlet area downstream of the cleaning chamber in the transport direction for removing the cleaning material from the transport device. The term “run-out area” as used here is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning is attached should be as the expert understands them. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to an area, for example a spatial section, of the cleaning device, in which the cleaned items to be cleaned are accessible to operating personnel and / or an automatic dispenser and manually and / or automatically by the cleaning device is removable. For example, the outlet area can have an accessible area of the transport device, for example an area downstream of the cleaning chamber and in particular the cleaning tunnel, in which, in particular, the items to be cleaned can be transported in the cleaning chamber after cleaning. For example, this can be an uncovered area in which the transport device, for example the conveyor belt, projects. The term “downstream” or “downstream” can generally refer to the fact that the items to be cleaned first pass through the cleaning chamber and then are transported in the direction of transport to the outlet area.

The cleaning device also has at least one sensor for detecting at least one predetermined type of the items to be cleaned. The term “sensor” as used here is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning is to be attached, as the person skilled in the art understands. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a device which is set up to record at least one property of another device, a substance or an environment, for example at least one physical, chemical or biological property. As will be explained in more detail below, the sensor can in particular comprise at least one optical sensor, for example at least one camera. In particular, the sensor can have at least one camera with at least one image recognition system, for example at least one data processing device with a program-technical device for recognition. For example, the sensor can have at least one self-learning system in order to recognize the at least one predefined type of items to be cleaned. Alternatively or additionally, however, other types of sensors can also be used, for example mechanical sensors. The term “detection” can in particular be understood to mean that the sensor is set up to distinguish at least one type of items to be cleaned from other objects or other types of items to be cleaned. For example, the sensor can be set up to distinguish tablets from other types of items to be cleaned. In particular, the sensor can be set up in terms of program technology in order to generate at least one piece of information, for example at least one signal and / or at least one digital piece of information which che includes whether or not the at least one specified type of washware was recognized. For example, tablet detection can be targeted. The sensor can also be wholly or partially combined with a control of the cleaning device. For example, the sensor can comprise at least one sensor element, for example at least one camera and / or at least one camera chip, and also for example a controller of the cleaning device or a part thereof, for example at least one data processing device, in particular at least one processor of the controller. The controller can be set up, for example, to take on the task of image recognition, by means of which the at least one type of items to be cleaned is recognized in the individual image or in a sequence of images which can be delivered by the camera.

The cleaning device also has at least one slide. The cleaning device is set up to automatically push the items to be cleaned of the specified type transversely to the transport direction from the transport device. The term "slide" as used here is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning is to be attached, as the person skilled in the art understands. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can refer, without limitation, in particular to a device or an element that is set up to move another device or another element. In particular, the slide can be designed entirely or partially as an actuator, that is to say as an element which acts mechanically on another element, for example in a location and / or position-changing manner. In particular, the slide can have at least one actuator, selected from the group consisting of: a mechanical actuator, an electromechanical actuator; a hydraulic or pneumatic slide valve; one on at least one rail-mounted displaceable element; a pestle. For example, the slide can have a base, which is arranged on a first side of the transport device and / or is arranged above the transport device, a movable actuator element extending from the base, which is set up to clean the items to be cleaned, from the base Type automatically from the trans port device, for example the conveyor belt, to push to a second side of the trans port device, which is opposite the first side.

The term “automatic”, as used here, is also a broad term that should be given its usual and common meaning, as the expert understands it. The term is not limited to a special or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a process that takes place without human intervention. So the cleaning device in particular be set up in such a way, for example by means of a corresponding program-technical device for controlling the cleaning device and / or the sensor itself, that as soon as a piece of cleaning material of at least one predetermined type is recognized, for example a tray, without further intervention by a human user, for example, solely on the basis of a corresponding control, an action of the slide is triggered, by means of which the slide automatically pushes the at least one piece of the cleaning goods of the specified type recognized by the sensor transversely to the transport direction from the transport device.

In general, the slide can be set up to automatically push the items to be cleaned of the specified type transversely to the transport direction from the transport device. The expression "transverse" can in particular include a pushing direction of the slide at an angle of 90 ° to the transport direction. Deviations of 90 ° are also possible in principle, preferably deviations of not more than 20 °, in particular not more than 10 ° or even not more than 5 °.

The cleaning device can furthermore have at least one receiving device arranged transversely to the transport direction next to the transport device. The term “transverse to the transport direction next to the transport device” can be understood in this context in particular to mean that the receiving device is arranged next to the transport device, so that the cleaning device can transport the cleaning product past the receiving device. The transport device can in particular be configured linearly at least in sections, so that a linear transport can take place past the receiving device. By moving Be transverse to the transport direction, for example at an angle of 90 ° to the transport direction, preferably with deviations of not more than 20 °, in particular not more than 10 ° or even no more than 5 °, can be cleaned from the transport direction to be moved to or in the receiving device.

The term “pick-up device” as used here is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning is to be attributed, as the expert understands it. The term is not limited to a special or adapted meaning. Without limitation, the term can refer in particular to a device which can accommodate one or more other elements. For example, the receiving device can comprise a memory in which a plurality of elements of the same type can be reversibly received. In particular, the receiving device, as will be explained in more detail below, can have at least one receiving device for trays and / or at least one receiving device for a specific type of device. dishes, for example plates, and / or have at least one receiving device for cutlery. The receiving device can, for example, have at least one stacker for stacking the items to be cleaned, for example at least one tray stacker. As will be explained in more detail below, the cleaning device can furthermore have at least one guide, for example a guide with at least one guide element, the guide being set up to feed the items to be cleaned of the specified type in at least one specified orientation of the receiving device, for example for the purpose of stacking in a uniform orientation for all ge started pieces of the cleaning items of the specified type. The guide can in particular be completely or partially separate from the at least one receiving device.

The cleaning device can in particular be set up to push the cleaning items of the specified type onto the receiving device by means of the slide. If, for example, the presence of at least one piece of the at least one predetermined type of items to be cleaned is detected by the sensor, alone or in support of at least one optional control, for example within a detection range of the sensor, the slide can be controlled in this way, for example by the control that the one recognized piece of the specified type or also several recognized pieces of the specified type are pushed onto the receiving device by the slide.

The receiving device can in particular be set up in such a way that the cleaning material of the specified type, for example a plurality of pieces of cleaning material of the specified type, can be stacked in the receiving device. As mentioned above, the receiving device can accordingly have, for example, at least one tray stacker and / or at least one stacker for dishes and / or cutlery. Other types of stacking devices are also possible.

The cleaning device, for example the receiving device and / or another part of the cleaning device, can furthermore have at least one guide which can be designed to feed the items to be cleaned of the specified type in a predetermined orientation of the receiving device. For example, the guide can include at least one guide rod and / or at least one guide rail. During the pushing process before the items to be cleaned reach their final position in the receiving device, the guide can change an orientation of the items to be cleaned, for example by a correspondingly shaped curve of the guide. In general, the guide can be set up, for example, in order to given type from a first orientation on the transport device to a second orientation in the receiving device, the first and the second orientation preferably being different. For example, flat items to be cleaned can be picked up standing upright in the cleaning device on the transport device and can be converted into a lying orientation in the receiving device by the guide. In this way, space-saving orientations can be selected both in the cleaning device and in the receiving device. The at least one guide can be wholly or partly part of a dishwasher of the cleaning device, can be wholly or partly part of the receiving device or can also be wholly or partly another part of the cleaning device, for example as a separate component. For example, a standard component can be used as the receiving device, for example a tray stacker, wherein the at least one guide can be designed, for example, completely or partially separately from the receiving device.

The transport device can in particular have at least one device selected from the group consisting of: a conveyor belt; a transport chain; a roller transport device, a ratchet drive. In particular, the cleaning device can accordingly be designed, for example, as a conveyor dishwasher, for example as a belt conveyor dishwasher or as a rack conveyor dishwasher. However, other configurations are also possible in principle. In particular, as will be explained in more detail below, the conveyor belt can have a plurality of fingers or transport fingers, in which the items to be cleaned or part of the items to be cleaned can be properly inserted, in order in this way to provide a space-saving arrangement on the transport device effect. For example, trays can be gladly taken upright in the fin, for example with a long edge, which assigns the Transportvor direction. When pushed out, the tray can slide, for example, on the long edge over the transport device, for example the conveyor belt.

The cleaning device can in particular be designed in such a way that only cleaning goods of the specified type are pushed through the slide transversely to the transport direction by the transport device, whereas, for example, other types of cleaning goods remain on the transport device. For example, only trays can be pushed from the transport device, whereas, for example, dishes and / or cutlery remain on the transport device.

In general, the items to be cleaned of the specified type can in particular include trays. The transport device can in general be set up in particular in order to Take trays in a non-parallel orientation to a plane of the transport device. As explained above, this can be done, for example, by the trays standing upright on the transport device, for example the conveyor belt, for example with an orientation to a plane of the transport device of 90 ° or a deviation of 90 ° of not more than 30 °, in particular of no more than 20 °. The transport device can in particular have a conveyor belt and / or a chain chain. The transport device can in particular have a plurality of receptacle dimensions, wherein the trays can be inserted into the receptacle fingers at an angle of 60 ° to 120 ° to a plane of the transport belt and / or the link chain. In particular, the trays can be inserted into the receptacle transversely to the transport direction, for example in that a long edge of the trays has an angle of 90 ° ± 20 ° to the transport direction.

The cleaning device, in particular the receiving device, can in particular have at least one tray stacker. This tray stacker can, for example, be configured mo bil, for example as a mobile tray stacking trolley. In particular, the tray stacker can have a spring-loaded platform for loading. The cleaning device can in particular have at least one first guide rail and at least one second guide rail, the first and second guide rails being set up in order to hold a tray upright for a first distance while it is being pushed out of the conveyor belt and then to tilt it, so that the Tilting tray onto a stack of tabs. The at least one first guide rail and the at least one second guide rail can, in particular, be formed completely or partially separately from the receiving device. Alternatively or additionally, however, these can also be wholly or partly integrated in the receiving device, for example in the tray stacker.

As stated above, the cleaning device can generally furthermore have at least one controller. The term "control" as used here is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning should be accorded, as one skilled in the art understands. The term is not limited to a special or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a one-part or multi-part device of the cleaning device which is set up to control and / or regulate operation of the cleaning device completely or partially. In particular, the controller can be set up to change, in particular to control and / or regulate one or more operating parameters of the cleaning system, for example at least one temperature, at least one pressure, at least one heating output, at least one transport speed or a combination of two or several of the above operating parameters. The Control can in particular comprise at least one data processing device, for example at least one processor. The control can in particular be technically set up, for example to control at least one cleaning program of the cleaning device and optionally to control or carry out the proposed method in one or more of the configurations mentioned below. The control can be set up completely or partially by hardware or / alternatively or additionally, completely or partially by software. Furthermore, the controller can comprise at least one volatile and / or non-volatile data memory. Furthermore, the controller can comprise at least one interface, for example a human-machine interface for entering commands and / or for outputting information, and / or a wireless or wired interface for the unidirectional or bidirectional exchange of data and / or commands between the cleaning device and at least one other device. The controller can in particular comprise at least one computer and / or at least one processor. The control can in particular be a central or decentralized machine control of the cleaning device. The control can in particular be set up in terms of programming to control operation of the transport device and / or the slide. The controller can also be connected to the at least one sensor and, for example, process one or more sensor signals in the program. Furthermore, as explained above, the control can also be completely or partially identical to other elements and / or can be completely or partially integrated into other elements. For example, the at least one sensor can also be fully or partially integrated into the control, for example by integrating image recognition of the sensor into the control.

As explained above, the control can in particular be set up in terms of program technology in order to control an operation of the cleaning device. The controller can in particular be set up to automatically control the slide upon detection of items to be cleaned of the at least one given type and to automatically push this items to be cleaned transversely to the direction of transport from the transport device, for example onto the receiving device.

The controller can in particular be set up to recognize the specified type of items to be cleaned on the basis of data from the sensor and to control the slide accordingly. For example, as explained above, the control can have at least one image recognition, which recognizes whether items of cleaning of the at least one specified type are present, for example in a detection area of the sensor. If this is the case, the control can, for example, control the slide in such a way that it Known cleaning material is pushed from the transport device onto the stacking device.

As explained above, the sensor can use various sensor principles. The sensor can in particular comprise at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of: a camera; a light barrier; a button; a switch, in particular an electromechanical switch; a mechanical-pneumatic switch; a rocker arm. Other sensors can also be included, for example one or more proximity sensors or similar devices.

As stated above, by means of the slide, the items to be cleaned of the at least one predetermined type are pushed transversely to the transport direction by the transport device, for example onto the receiving device. The remaining items to be cleaned can be treated further. For example, one or more further slides can be provided for this. Alternatively or additionally, one or more gripping devices can be provided in order to remove the items to be cleaned from the transport device. Again, alternatively or additionally, one or more transfer devices can be provided at one end of the outlet area, for example at an end of the outlet area which is furthest away from the cleaning chamber. The at least one transfer device can, for example, be set up to automatically remove cleaning items other than the cleaning items of the specified type from the trans port device. For example, the transfer device can have at least one device selected from the group consisting of a gripper, a suction device, a slide, a conveyor belt, a conveyor chain, a plate conveyor belt, a belt conveyor device.

Further possible configurations relate to the type of cleaning device and its possible use. The cleaning device can in particular comprise at least one dishwasher. The dishwasher can in particular be selected from the group consisting of: a basket transport machine, a belt transport machine, a hood dishwasher, a pass-through dishwasher.

As stated above, the cleaning chamber can in particular at least partially be designed as a cleaning tunnel. In particular, the cleaning device can have at least two cleaning zones in the cleaning tunnel. The transport device can in particular be set up to transport the items to be cleaned sequentially through the cleaning zones. The cleaning zones can in particular comprise at least two zones, selected from the group consisting of: a pre-clearing zone, one Washing zone, a pump rinse zone, a fresh water rinse zone; a drying zone.

In a further aspect, a method for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed. The method comprises the steps detailed below. These steps can be performed in the order listed. However, a different order is also possible in principle. Furthermore, two or more of the above-mentioned procedural steps can be carried out overlapping in time or simultaneously. Furthermore, one or more of the method steps mentioned can be carried out simply or repeatedly. In addition to the steps mentioned, the method can include further method steps which are not mentioned.

The process includes the following steps:

I. Providing a cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims;

II. Picking up the items to be cleaned on the transport device;

III. Transport of the items to be cleaned in the transport direction through the cleaning chamber;

IV. Loading of the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber by means of the loading device with at least one cleaning liquid;

V. Detect at least one predetermined type of the items to be cleaned with the at least one sensor; and

VI. Pushing out the cleaning goods of the specified type transversely to the direction of transport from the transport device by means of the slide.

The method comprises the use of the proposed cleaning device in one or more of the configurations shown. Accordingly, reference can be made to the description of the cleaning device for possible definitions and options.

In general, the cleaning device described and the proposed method have numerous advantages over known devices and methods of the type mentioned. In particular, the technical challenges described above of known systems and processes are addressed. As stated, by automatically pushing out one or more specific types of items to be cleaned transversely to the direction of transport, certain pieces of this items to be cleaned can be collected after cleaning and stacked, for example. This option is particularly advantageous for the treatment of trays, since trays save space on the one hand transported upright through the cleaning chamber and can be cleaned there efficiently and, on the other hand, can be automatically stacked after cleaning. The design of the slide can also be combined with other devices which automatically remove cleaned items from the transport device, for example from the outlet area. For example, removal can be carried out by means of one or more grippers or suction devices, and / or removal can take place at one end of the transport device, for example at the end of a belt, for example by the remaining items to be cleaned such as cutlery automatically falling into a transport box. For example, trays can be removed from the outlet area using the slider described, crockery using at least one gripper and / or at least one sucker, and cutlery can, for example, be automatically dropped into cutlery boxes or, for example, magnetically removed. Other options are also conceivable. Furthermore, semi-automatic removal devices are also conceivable, in which the at least one slide described is combined with human labor force, in which case, for example, a reduced number of personnel is possible. Overall, automation or semi-automation can generally achieve greater flexibility with regard to the design of the cleaning device and also with regard to the planning of the operating personnel.

In summary, the following embodiments are proposed without restricting further possible configurations:

Embodiment 1: cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned, comprising at least one cleaning chamber with at least one application device for applying to the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber with at least one cleaning liquid, further comprising at least one transport device for transporting the items to be cleaned through the cleaning chamber in a transport direction, the cleaning device has at least one outlet area downstream of the cleaning chamber in the transport direction for removing the cleaning material from the transport device, the cleaning device further comprising at least one sensor for detecting at least one predetermined type of the cleaning material, the cleaning device further comprising at least one slide and being set up to automatically push the items to be cleaned of the specified type transversely to the transport direction from the transport device.

Embodiment 2: cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, further comprising at least one receiving device arranged transversely to the transport direction next to the transport device, the cleaning device being set up is to push the cleaning items of the specified type onto the receiving device by means of the slide.

Embodiment 3: cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, the items to be cleaned of the specified type being stackable in the pick-up device.

Embodiment 4: cleaning device according to one of the two preceding embodiments, the cleaning device further comprising at least one guide, the guide being designed to feed the items to be cleaned of the specified type in a specified orientation to the receiving device.

Embodiment 5: cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, the guide being set up to rotate the items to be cleaned of the predetermined type from a first orientation on the transport device to a second orientation in the receiving device.

Embodiment 6: cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, the transport device having at least one device selected from the group consisting of: a conveyor belt; a transport chain; a roller transport device; a ratchet drive.

Embodiment 7: cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, the items to be cleaned of the specified type comprising trays.

Embodiment 8: cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the transport device is set up to receive the trays in a non-parallel orientation to a plane of the transport device.

Embodiment 9: cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, the transport device having a transport belt and / or a link chain, the transport device having a plurality of receiving fingers, the trays being at an angle of 60 ° to 120 ° to a plane of the transport belt and / or the link chain can be inserted into the receiving fingers.

Embodiment 10: cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, the trays being insertable into the receiving fingers transversely to the transport direction. Embodiment 11: Cleaning device according to one of the four preceding embodiments, the cleaning device having at least one tray stacker, in particular a mobile tray stacking trolley, in particular with a spring-loaded platform for loading.

Embodiment 12: cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning device has at least one first guide rail and at least one second guide rail, the first and second guide rails being set up to hold a tray upright for a first distance while being pushed out of the transport device and then tipping over so that the tray tilts onto a stack of trays.

Embodiment 13: cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising at least one controller, the controller being set up to recognize the predetermined type of items to be cleaned on the basis of data from the sensor and to control the slide accordingly.

Embodiment 14: Form the cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, the sensor comprising at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of: a camera; a light barrier; a button; a switch, in particular an electromechanical switch; a mechanical-pneumatic switch; a rocker arm.

Embodiment 15: Form cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising at least one transfer device arranged at one end of the outlet area, the transfer device being set up to automatically remove items to be cleaned other than the items to be cleaned of the specified type from the transport device.

Embodiment 16: cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, the transfer device having at least one device selected from the group consisting of a gripper, a suction device, and a slide.

Embodiment 17: Form cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning device comprises at least one dishwasher.

Embodiment 18: cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, the dishwasher being selected from the group consisting of: a basket transfer port machine, a conveyor belt machine, a hood dishwasher, a pass-through dishwasher.

Embodiment 19: Forming the cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments, the cleaning chamber being at least partially designed as a cleaning tunnel.

Embodiment 20: cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cleaning device in the cleaning tunnel has at least two cleaning zones, the transport device being set up to transport the items to be cleaned sequentially through the cleaning zones.

Embodiment 21: cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, the cleaning zones comprising at least two zones selected from the group consisting of: a pre-clearing zone, a washing zone, a pump rinse zone, a fresh water rinse zone; a drying zone.

Process for cleaning items to be cleaned, comprising the following process steps:

I. Providing a cleaning device according to one of the preceding embodiments;

II. Picking up the items to be cleaned on the transport device;

Brief description of the figures

Further details and features result from the following description of exemplary embodiments, in particular in connection with the subclaims. Here, the respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. Same reference number far in the individual figures designate the same or functionally identical or visually corresponding functions corresponding elements.

Show in detail:

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a cleaning device in a Schnittdar position; and

FIG. 2 shows a partial perspective view of an outlet area of the cleaning device according to FIG. 1.

Description of the embodiments

In Figure 1, an embodiment of a cleaning device 110 is shown in a sectional view from the side. In this exemplary embodiment, the cleaning device 110 is a continuous dishwasher 112. For possible configurations of such continuous dishwashers which can be modified and / or supplemented according to the invention, for example, DE 10 2004 046 758 A1, DE 10 2007 053 381 B3 or DE 10 2009 035 668 Al. However, other configurations are also possible in principle.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the cleaning device 110 has a cleaning chamber 114 in the form of a cleaning tunnel 116. The cleaning tunnel 116 can in particular be divided into several zones 120, also referred to as cleaning zones, by separating curtains 118, an example of a pre-clearing zone 122, a rinsing zone 124, a rinsing zone 126 and a drying zone 128 being provided in the illustrated embodiment. The rinse aid zone 126 can, for example, be subdivided into a pump rinse aid zone and a fresh water rinse aid zone. Another configuration of the zones 120 is also possible.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, items to be cleaned 130, for example in the form of dishes 132 and trays 134, are conveyed through the cleaning tunnel 116 in at least one transport device 136 in a transport direction 138. For this purpose, the cleaning device 110 can be configured, for example, as a belt transport machine or as a basket transport machine. For example, at least one inlet area 140 can be provided, at which the items to be cleaned 130 are fed onto the transport device 136, and at least one outlet area 142, at which the cleaned Clean items 130 can be removed. The transport device 136 can accordingly comprise, for example, at least one belt and / or at least one link chain. Other configurations are also possible. The transport device 136 can comprise, for example, at least one drive 144, which can be controlled, for example, by a controller 146.

In zones 122, 124 and 126, the items to be cleaned 130 can be supplied with at least one cleaning liquid 150 by means of at least one application device 148. For example, a pre-clearing zone nozzle system 152 can be provided for this purpose in the pre-clearing zone 122, which can be fed with cleaning fluid 150 from a pre-clearing tank 154, for example via a pump and a line system (not shown). In the rinsing zone 124, for example, a rinsing zone nozzle system 156 can be provided, which can be supplied with cleaning fluid 150 from a rinsing tank 158, for example via a pump (also not shown) and a line system (also not shown). In the final rinse zone 126, which can be configured in one part or also in multiple parts, for example at least one rinse nozzle system 160 can be provided, which can be fed with heated fresh water and / or with rinse fluid from a rinse tank 162.

After passing through zones 122, 124 and 126, the items to be cleaned 130 can then enter the drying zone 128, in which the items to be cleaned 130 can be supplied with hot air, for example via a blower 164, in order to accelerate the drying of the items to be cleaned 130.

The outlet area 142 is downstream of the cleaning chamber 114 in the transport direction 138, so that the cleaned items 130 in the outlet area 142 can be removed from the transport device 136. For example, the cleaned items to be cleaned 130 can be separated into types and can be fed manually or automatically to one or more storage devices 166.

In order to at least partially support and preferably at least partially automate the removal of the washware 130 and its sorting, the cleaning device 110 has at least one sensor 168 for detecting at least one type of the washware 130 given in advance. For example, this can comprise at least one predefined type of items to be cleaned 130 trays 134, so that trays 134 are searched specifically in the items to be cleaned reaching outlet 142. For example, as shown symbolically in FIG. 1, trays 134 can be held upright by the cleaning supply chamber 114 are transported. However, another configuration is also possible in principle. For example, sensor 168 may include a camera. An image recognition system can also be present, for example. The sensor 168 can be coupled to the controller 146 and / or can also be wholly or partially integrated in the controller 146, or the controller 146 can be wholly or partially integrated in the sensor 168. Different configurations are possible.

Furthermore, the cleaning device 110 has at least one slide 170, which is only symbolically indicated in FIG. 1 and whose function is explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2. The slide 170 is movable, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in FIG. 1 and is designed to automatically push the cleaning material 130 of the specified type transversely to the transport direction 138 from the transport device 136.

An example of the function of the slider 170 as well as possible configurations of removal of the items to be cleaned 130 from the outlet area 142 is shown in FIG. 2 in a perspective partial view. Shown here is the outlet area 142 of the cleaning device 110, which the cleaning chamber 114 is stored in the transport direction. It can be seen here that the transport device 136 can have, for example, a plurality of fingers 172, also referred to as transport fingers, in which the items to be cleaned 130 can be inserted. For example, plates can be transported upright, and trays 134 can also be transported upright through the cleaning chamber 114, for example.

By way of example, in this exemplary embodiment reference is made to an embodiment in which the sensor 168 is set up to automatically recognize trays 134 as a certain type of items to be cleaned 130. If the sensor 168 detects a tray 134, for example, the slider 170 can be actuated automatically, for example by the controller 146. For example, the slider 170 can have a head 174, a push rod 176 and a drive 178 for linear advancement of the push rod 176 and thus with it of the push rod 176 connected head 174 in a push direction 180 transverse to the transport direction 138. For example, the slide 170 can be arranged at a height such that only trays 134 are pushed out, whereas lower items to be cleaned 130 such as dishes 132 are not pushed out.

The cleaning device 110 can furthermore have at least one holding device 182 for holding the specified type of the cleaning material 130. This recording As shown in FIG. 2, device 182 can be arranged, for example, next to transport device 136 in outlet area 142. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, the receiving device 142 can contain a tray stacker 184, in particular a tray stacking trolley 186. The tray stacker 184 can, in particular, as shown in FIG. 2, have at least one spring-bearing support surface 188 on which the items to be cleaned 130 of the specified type can be stacked. The spring-loaded storage of the support surface 188 can always result in the same height for the transfer of the cleaning goods to the tray stacker, regardless of the stacked number of tablets.

The receiving device 182 can optionally be configured in such a way that the orientation of the cleaning material 130 is changed by the slide 170 while the predetermined type of cleaning material 130 is being pushed out by the transport device 136. For example, the receiving device 182 can have at least one first guide rail 190 and at least one second guide rail 192, between which the cleaning material 130 of the specified type can be guided. For example, the first guide rail 190 may support a back of the trays 134 and the second guide rail 192 may support a front lower edge of the trays 134. The second guide rail 192 can, for example, as shown in Figure 2, be designed as an angle. The first guide rail 190 may have, for example, a bend 194, on which, while the tray 134 is pushed in the pushing direction 180 onto the receiving device 182, the rear support of the tray 134 by the first guide rail 190 changes, so that the tray 134 can tip and can either tip directly onto the support surface 188 or onto a tray stack already on the support surface 188. This tilting process can optionally be supported in that, for example, the second guide rail 192 is designed to be movable. For example, the second guide rail 192 can have a hinge 196, along which the second guide rail 192 can be pivoted in a tilting direction 198 in order to support a tilting of the tray 134. In general, the first guide rail 190 and the second guide rail 192 can be configured to hold a tray 134 upright for a first distance 200 during the pushing out of the transport device 136 and then to tilt it so that the tray 134 tilts onto a stack of trays. The first route 200 may extend, for example, from an extreme end of the first guide rail 190 to the bend 194. Instead of trays 134, other types of items to be cleaned 130 can also be predetermined and can be pushed out similar to the trays 134 shown in FIG. 2. The predefined type of items to be cleaned 130 to be pushed by the slide 170 by the transport device 136 can be stored in the controller 146, for example. For example, the type of items to be cleaned can be specified by a user and can also be variable. Alternatively, the type of items to be cleaned can also be predefined, for example by merely pushing trays 134 through the slide 170 from the transport device 136. Instead of a single slider 170, a plurality of sliders 170 can also be provided.

After the cleaning goods 130 of the specified type have been pushed out transversely to the transport direction 138, for example other cleaning goods 130 can remain on the transport device 136, as shown by way of example in FIG. 2. This can, for example, be pushed by the transport device 136 onto a storage device 202 and / or transport devices 204 can be pushed or can be removed manually from the transport device 136. Alternatively or additionally, at least one transfer device 206 can also be provided, as indicated in FIG. 2. This can have at least one positioning device 208, for example, in order to position, for example, at least one gripper and / or at least one suction device 210. For example, other types of items to be cleaned 130 than the at least one predetermined type can be removed completely or partially with the transfer device 206 automatically or at least semi-automatically from the transport device 136 and / or from the storage device 202.

Reference list cleaning device

Pass-through dishwasher

Cleaning chamber

Cleaning tunnel

Curtain

Zone

Pre-clearing zone

Rinsing zone

Rinse aid zone

Drying zone

Items to be cleaned

dishes

tray

Transport device

Direction of transport

Infeed area

Outlet area

drive

control

Loading device

Cleaning fluid

Pre-clearing zone nozzle system 152 V clearing tank

Rinsing zone nozzle system

Rinse tank

Rinse nozzle system

Rinse tank

fan

Storage device

sensor

Slider

finger

head

Push rod

drive

Thrust direction Cradle

Tray stacker

T stacking trolley

Contact surface

First guide rail

Second guide rails

Bend

hinge

Tilt direction

First route

Storage device

Transport device

Transfer device

Positioning device

Mammal

Claims

Expectations

1. Cleaning device (110) for cleaning items to be cleaned (130), comprising at least one cleaning chamber (114) with at least one device (148) for applying items to be cleaned (130) in the cleaning chamber (114) with at least one cleaning liquid (150) ), further comprising at least one transport device (136) for transporting the items to be cleaned (130) through the cleaning chamber (114) in a transport direction (138), the cleaning device (110) at least one of the cleaning chamber (114) in the transport direction (138 ) Downstream outlet area (142) for removing the items to be cleaned (130) from the transport device (136), the cleaning device (110) further comprising at least one sensor (168) for detecting at least one predetermined type of items to be cleaned (130), the Cleaning device (110) further comprises at least one slide (170) and is set up to move the items to be cleaned (1 30) of the specified type to be pushed automatically transversely to the transport direction (138) by the transport device (136).

2. Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, further comprising at least one transversely to the transport direction (138) next to the transport device (136) arranged receiving device (182), wherein the cleaning device (110) is arranged to by means of the slide ( 170) to push the items to be cleaned (130) of the specified type onto the receiving device (182).

3. Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cleaning material (130) of the specified type in the receiving device (182) is stackable.

4. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) further comprises at least one guide (190, 192), wherein the guide (190, 192) is set up to the items to be cleaned (130) of the predetermined type in a predetermined orientation of the receiving device (182).

5. Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the guide (190, 192) is set up to clean the items to be cleaned (130) of the predetermined type from a first orientation on the transport device (136) to a second orientation in the receiving device (182) to rotate.

6. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport device (136) has at least one device selected from the group consisting of: a conveyor belt; a transport chain; a roller transport device; a ratchet drive.

7. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the items to be cleaned (130) of the predetermined type comprises trays (134).

8. Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the trans port device (136) is set up to receive the trays (134) in a non-parallel orientation to a plane of the transport device (136).

9. Cleaning device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the trans port device (136) has a conveyor belt and / or a link chain, wherein the transport device (136) has a plurality of receiving fingers (172), the trays (134) in one Angles of 60 ° to 120 ° to a plane of the conveyor belt and / or the link chain can be inserted into the receiving fingers (172), the trays being insertable into the receiving fingers (172) transversely to the direction of transport (138).

10. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) has at least one tray stacker (184), wherein the cleaning device (110) has at least a first guide rail (190) and at least a second guide rail (192) , wherein the first and second guide rails (190, 192) are arranged to hold a tray (134) during the extension from the transport device (136) for a first distance (200) and then to tilt it so that the tray (134) tilts onto a stack of trays.

11. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one controller (146), the controller (146) being set up in order to recognize the specified type of items to be cleaned (130) on the basis of data from the sensor (168) and to actuate the slide (170) accordingly.

12. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (168) comprises at least one sensor (168) selected from the group consisting of: a camera; a light barrier; a button; a switch; an electromechanical switch; a mechanical-pneumatic switch; a rocker arm.

13. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one transfer device (206) arranged at one end of the outlet region (142), the transfer device (206) being set up to deliver different items to be cleaned (130) than the items to be cleaned (130) ) of the specified type can be automatically removed from the transport device (136).

14. Cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) comprises at least one dishwasher.

15. Process for cleaning items to be cleaned (130), comprising the following process steps:

I. Providing a cleaning device (110) according to one of the preceding claims;

II. Picking up the cleaning items (130) on the transport device (136);

III. Transporting the items to be cleaned (130) in the transport direction (138) through the cleaning chamber (114);

IV. Loading of the items to be cleaned (130) in the cleaning chamber (114) by means of the loading device (148) with at least one cleaning liquid (150);

V. Detecting at least one predetermined type of the items to be cleaned (130) with the at least one sensor (168); and

VI. Pushing out the cleaning material (130) of the specified type transversely to the transport direction (138) from the transport device (136) by means of the slide (170).