EP4072393A1

EP4072393A1 - Modular system for loading a conveyor dishwasher

Info

Publication number: EP4072393A1
Application number: EP20829817.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stefan Scheringer
Original assignee: Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2019-12-12
Filing date: 2020-12-11
Publication date: 2022-10-19
Also published as: CN114786557A; WO2021116363A1; US20230012018A1

Abstract

The invention proposes a modular system (120) for loading a conveying apparatus (118) of a conveyor dishwasher (114). The modular system (120) comprises: A. at least one detection module (146) for sensing status data relating to supplied washware (112); B. a plurality of interchangeable handling modules (168), wherein the handling modules (168) are each intended to perform an individual handling function for handling the washware (112) using at least one actuator (170); C. at least one feeding unit (164) for selectively feeding the supplied washware (112) to the handling modules (168); D. at least one control module (152), wherein the control module (152) has at least one registering unit (158), wherein the handling modules (168) and the individual handling function thereof can be registered, and deregistered, at the registering unit (158), wherein the control module (152) has at least one processor (156) and is programmed to evaluate the status data and to assess a respective situation of the supplied washware (112); and to detect which handling modules (168) are registered at the registering unit (158), whether the respective individual handling function of the handling modules (168) is usable in the respective washware situation, and to activate the feeding unit (164) such that washware (112) is fed to the handling modules (168) in accordance with the usability. The invention also proposes a cleaning system (110) which comprises the modular system (120), and further proposes a method for cleaning washware (112).

Description

Modular system for loading a conveyor dishwasher

Technical area

The invention relates to a modular system for loading a transport device of a conveyor dishwasher and a cleaning system for cleaning items to be cleaned, in order to summarize the modular system. The invention also relates to a method for cleaning items to be cleaned using the cleaning system. Systems 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 be used in particular in large kitchens in which items to be cleaned, such as tablets, dishes and cutlery, have to be cleaned in large quantities. In particular, the invention can be used in conveyor dishwashers such as, for example, belt conveyor dishwashers. However, other areas of application are also fundamentally conceivable.

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. Without restrictions on further possible configurations, the invention is described below with reference to items to be cleaned which are used for serving, preparing or storing food. The design of these cleaning devices depends largely on the various boundary conditions, such as the type of items to be cleaned, the dirt, the throughput or similar conditions. As an example, cleaning devices can be used which are described, for example, in DE 102004 056 052 A1 or in DE 10 2007 025 263 A1. The items to be cleaned can for example comprise a tray which is loaded with dishes, cutlery, leftover food and a serviette, for example. The crockery can include, for example, a plate, a soup bowl, a dessert bowl, a salad bowl, a cup and a drinking glass, or just a selection from these options. In addition, for example, particularly in hospitals or care facilities, warming vessels and an associated cover for the plate can be provided. These warming vessels are also known as cloches. This volume is also referred to as a place setting together with the tray. The occurrence and distribution of these parts can be very even, for example in a prison canteen. However, very variable compositions of the place settings can also occur, for example if company restaurants or university canteens offer a wide range of dishes. Variability in the time dimension can also occur, for example in the difference between breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The cutlery can usually comprise a knife, a fork, a soup spoon and a small spoon or just a selection of the cutlery items mentioned. Depending on the country-specific circumstances, variations in the place setting and also in the leftovers may be present or to be expected. The design of the leftovers can also be very different, for example from small remnants of sauce on the plate to leftovers from the actual food in all vessels to almost completely filled vessels. In addition, there are leftovers, for example, that are usually not consumed, such as bones, fish bones, seafood shells, fruit kernels, wooden skewers or similar objects.

In conventional large kitchens, the items to be cleaned are processed in various stages. In the following, the use of a transport dishwasher is described as an example. The loaded trays can first be transported from the dining area to the dishwasher, for example by means of trolleys or also by means of transport systems such as conveyor belts. The trays can then be separated, for example by hand or by machine. Then disruptive parts can be removed and drinking glasses cleared away. Drinking glasses can, for example, be emptied and placed in special glass baskets or directly on a conveyor belt of the dishwasher. Furthermore, the dishes can be oriented accordingly so that they can be optimally picked up by the conveyor belt of the dishwasher and correctly cleaned. Before entering the dishwasher, however, food residues must usually be removed from the dishes and disposed of in such a way that the working environment is not contaminated. Cutlery items are usually aligned and positioned in cutlery baskets or cutlery holders or on the conveyor belt of the dishwasher. Farther As a rule, leftovers and napkins must be cleared from the tray and disposed of in such a way that the work environment is not contaminated. The trays are then usually placed in the dishwasher, with these being individually aligned with the transport belt of the dishwasher so that they can be optimally picked up by the dishwasher and properly cleaned.

There are several options for cleaning the place setting. This means that all parts can be processed in a single dishwasher. In these cases, for example, the transport device of the dishwasher can be divided into several lanes, each of which is individually designed for a type of items to be cleaned. For example, a track for glasses, a track for trays and one or more further tracks for different types of dishes can be provided. The arrangement and design of the tracks can be tailored to the operational requirements. Such dishwashers with multiple Spu ren are often referred to as multi-lane dishwashers. As an alternative to using a single dishwasher, separate dishwashers can also be used. For example, a dishwasher can be provided for glasses, which are collected in baskets, for example, and / or a separate tray washer for trays. The tray dishwasher can, for example, be arranged back to back to the dishwasher.

From the process steps described above, individual or several process steps can be carried out automatically, as an alternative to manual implementation. For example, DE 1 956 050 A writes a pre-clearing device for loading dishwashers with food plates and food trays to be cleaned from large kitchens. US 2019/0127152 Al describes a transport and loading device. Furthermore, fully automatic systems are also known which can carry out the above-mentioned steps and / or parts of the above-mentioned steps. For example, reference should be made in this regard to DE 1 956 049 A, DE 2 443 651 A1 or also DE 3 413 480 A1. Devices with robots are also known. US 2019/0167065 A1, US 2019/0167068 A1 or also WO 2018/031489 A1 can be referred to. For example, magnetic cutlery or magnetic crockery can be used, which is magnetically separated from the rest of the crockery.

DE 102019 102 800 A1 discloses a system for loading a dishwasher, which is designed as a particularly commercial conveyor dishwasher. The system has a supply conveyor belt for supplying items to be washed to a loading area of the conveyor dishwasher. The system also has a sorting arrangement for sorting the items to be washed that are fed to the loading area of the conveyor dishwasher via the feed conveyor belt according to previously defined or definable wash ware groups. The sorting arrangement is assigned at least one loading arrangement for automatically loading the conveyor dishwasher with items to be washed from one of the previously defined or definable groups of items to be washed.

DE 10 2019 102 813 A1 discloses an unloading arrangement for unloading items of items to be washed, in particular items of items to be washed from place settings, arranged in particular on trays or tray-like objects. The unloading arrangement has a supply conveyor belt for supplying the items to be washed which are arranged in particular on trays or tray-like objects and are to be unloaded. The unloading arrangement also has a multiplicity of unloading stations arranged one behind the other - seen in the transport direction of the feed conveyor belt. For the successive unloading of the supply conveyor belt or for the successive unloading of the trays or tray-like objects, each unloading station is preferably assigned a predetermined or definable washware group and each unloading station is designed to unload items from the washware supplied via the supply conveyor belt, preferably exclusively parts of the washware assigned to it.

Despite the advantages achieved with the devices described, there are still numerous technical and organizational challenges. In particular, the planning of requirements for personnel and the adaptation of machines, automation and operating personnel to the actual situation still represents a technical, organizational and economic problem. In particular, on the one hand, overdimensioning or underdimensioning of the devices must be avoided and, on the other hand, the personnel requirements must be avoided however, be planned correctly and sufficiently for any situation.

With conventional devices for processing the individual process steps, numerous manual interventions are required in many cases. This can mean that the performance of the human operating personnel determines the limits for the processing capacity of the entire washing system. Depending on the amount of items to be washed per unit of time, one or more operators usually have to be deployed in front of the dishwasher. This deployment of personnel requires space and generates costs. Staff shortages can also play an important role here. In addition, the working conditions for the operating personnel in front of dishwashers are stressful in many cases, since increased temperatures and mostly also increased humidity can occur. Noise pollution, smells, monotony and drafts can also contribute to the pollution. On the other hand, the dishwasher and the connected transport systems usually set a cycle that must be adhered to by the operating personnel in order to ensure a trouble-free process. to ensure the process flow. Otherwise the cleaning process can come to a standstill, which can mean, for example, that no further trays can be placed.

Semi-automatic solutions can reduce running costs, since individual process steps can be handled by automatic devices and this saves operating personnel. Fully automated solutions can also reduce costs. In practice, however, the known partially automatic or fully automatic systems are extremely complex in many cases due to the large number of tasks that have to be carried out by these systems. On the other hand, these systems are usually inflexible, since in many cases they have to be specially tailored to the existing place setting. If there are changes in the place setting, the automatic or partially automated system usually has to be converted or retrofitted. Such changes are often only technically and economically possible to a small extent in existing systems. In planning and implementation, there is generally only the choice between the use of operating personnel, which on the one hand could be used flexibly and which, however, causes high costs and makes high demands in terms of space and ergonomics, and the use of partially automated or automated solutions, which, however, are inflexible.

Object of the invention

It would therefore be desirable to provide devices and methods for cleaning items to be cleaned which at least largely avoid the disadvantages of known devices and methods of the type mentioned. In particular, the devices and methods are intended to ensure, on the one hand, a high throughput when cleaning items to be cleaned and, on the other hand, high cost efficiency and high flexibility with regard to changing cleaning situations.

General description of the invention

This object is addressed by a modular system for loading a transport device of a conveyor dishwasher, by a cleaning system, a method for cleaning items to be cleaned, with the features of the independent claims. Before partial 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 relate 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 comprises B "or" A includes B "can refer to the situation in which, apart from B, no further element is present in A ( ie to a situation in which A consists exclusively of B), as well as to 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 modifications of these terms, if they are used in connection with one or more elements or features and are intended to express that the element or feature is provided once or several times can be used, as a rule, only once, for example when the feature or element is introduced for the first time. If the feature or element is subsequently 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 once or several times.

Furthermore, the terms “preferably”, “in particular”, “for example” or similar terms are used below in connection with optional features, without this limiting alternative embodiments. Features which are introduced by these terms are optional features, and it is not intended that these features limit the scope of protection of the claims and in particular of the independent claims. Thus, as the person skilled in the art will recognize, the invention can also be carried out using other configurations. In a similar way, features which are introduced by “in an embodiment of the invention” or by “in an exemplary embodiment of the invention” are understood as optional features, without this being intended to limit alternative configurations or the scope of protection of the independent claims. Furthermore, all the possibilities of combining the features introduced in this way with other features, be it optional or non-optional features, should remain unaffected by these one guiding expressions. In a first aspect of the present invention, a modular system for loading a transport device of a conveyor dishwasher is proposed. The modular system includes:

A. at least one detection module for recording status data of delivered items to be cleaned;

B. a plurality of interchangeable handling modules, the handling modules are each set up to perform an individual handling function for handling the items to be cleaned using at least one actuator;

C. at least one feed unit for selective feeding of the cleaning items delivered to the handling modules; and

D. at least one control module.

The control module has at least one registration unit. The handling modules and their individual handling functions can be registered and de-registered on the registration unit. The control module has at least one processor and is set up in terms of program technology, o to evaluate the status data and to assess a respective situation of the items to be cleaned of the items to be cleaned; and o to recognize which handling modules are registered with the registration unit, whether the respective individual handling functions of the handling modules can be used in the respective cleaning item situation and to control the feed unit in such a way that cleaning items are supplied to the handling modules according to their usability.

The term “system” as used here is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to a unit composed of at least two components, the components being set up to functionally interact to achieve at least one for the purpose of the system. The components can be mechanically and / or electrically connected to one another, in particular reversibly.

The term “modular system”, as it is used here, is thus also a broad term to which its customary and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a system in the sense of the above definition, which consists of at least two system components Has the form of modules which are interchangeable, so that, for example, at least one first module can optionally be combined with at least one second module or with at least one third module. The term “module”, as used here, is thus also a broad term to which its customary and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to an exchangeable system component which can in particular perform at least one module function. To generate the modularity, for example, standardized interfaces can be provided on the modules, for example mechanical and / or electrical interfaces. The modular system can accordingly have at least one basic component which can be coupled with several exchangeable modules. As used herein, the term "interchangeable" is a broad term to be given its ordinary and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to a property of a system with several system components, in which at least one of the system components can be removed from the system and replaced by another system component, the system remaining functional and optionally at least a system function is changed, for example in accordance with a functionality of the exchanged system components.

The term “load”, as used here, is also a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a process in which at least one type of item, in particular in this case items to be cleaned, is introduced into a device or applied to a device. The loading can in particular take place completely or partially automatically.

The term “transport device”, as used here, is also a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific 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, in particular items to be cleaned, and / or to drive a movement of the other device or the other element. The Transportvor direction can in particular comprise at least one drive element, for example min- 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 transport belt; Trans port rollers, in particular driven transport rollers; a link chain; a latch transport system. The transport can, for example, take place continuously or also discontinuously or clocked, so that, for example, continuously operating transport dishwashers or also clocked dishwashers can be used. The transport direction can, for example, be a main direction of movement of the items to be cleaned within a cleaning chamber of the conveyor dishwasher. The transport direction can be fixed or can also change, for example locally or over time. For example, the transport direction can be directed from an inlet of the conveyor dishwasher to an outlet.

The term “dishwasher”, also generally referred to as “cleaning device” as used here, is a broad term to which its customary and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to a device which is set up to free items to be cleaned from adhering macroscopic or microscopic contaminants or at least partially to remove such contaminants. In addition, a disinfection effect can optionally be exercised. The dishwasher can in particular be designed as a special dishwasher.

Accordingly, the term “conveyor dishwasher”, as it is used here, is a broad term to which its customary and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any particular or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to a dishwasher in the sense of the above definition, which has at least one transport device. In particular, the conveyor dishwasher can have at least one cleaning chamber, for example at least one cleaning tunnel, in which the items to be cleaned are exposed to at least one cleaning fluid, in particular by means of at least one application device, as will be explained in more detail below. The transport device can be set up to transport the items to be cleaned through the cleaning chamber.

The term “items to be cleaned”, as used here, is a broad term to which its customary and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to any objects that can be cleaned by means of the cleaning device. An object can be cleaned, or several objects can be cleaned at the same time or sequentially. In particular, the items to be cleaned can be items that are used directly or indirectly for the preparation, storage or serving of food, for example crockery, cutlery, trays, bowls, glasses, cups, pots, pans or similar objects. Accordingly, the cleaning device can in particular be designed as a dishwasher, for example as a dishwasher for commercial use in large kitchens or kitchens for community catering. Other configurations of the cleaning device and / or the items to be cleaned are also possible in principle.

The term “anliefem”, as used here, is a broad term to which its customary and common meaning is to be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a process in which items to be cleaned are provided manually or automatically to the transport device and / or the conveyor dishwasher. The process can take place, for example, in that items to be cleaned are automatically delivered to the transport device and / or the conveyor dishwasher by means of a conveyor belt or another feed device. Alternatively, however, a manual delivery can also be made.

The term “detection module” as used here is a broad term to which its customary and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a module of the system, in the sense of the above definition, which is set up to record status data of the items to be cleaned. In particular, the detection module can have at least one sensor which is set up to detect the status data of the items to be cleaned. In particular, this can be at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of: an optical sensor, in particular a camera; a magnetic sensor; a mechanical sensor, in particular a button. The recognition module can have its own intelligence, for example in the form of at least one processor. Alternatively, however, the detection module can also only have sensory properties and be set up to pass on status data, for example, in particular to the control module described in more detail below. Thus, the identification module can in particular have at least one interface which can be wired or wireless. The term “status data”, as used here, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to any data that directly or indirectly describes the condition of the items to be cleaned. These status data can be raw data, for example, which are subsequently further processed and / or evaluated by the control module, as will be explained in more detail below. Alternatively, the status data can also have already been at least partially evaluated. The status data can generally have at least one item of information selected from the group consisting of: a type of items to be cleaned; a size of the items to be cleaned; an amount of the items to be cleaned; a composition of the items to be cleaned; a spatial position and / or orientation of the items to be cleaned; a degree of soiling of the items to be cleaned; Disruptive parts on or on the items to be cleaned. The status data can be recorded continuously or discontinuously, for example in status data packets. The status data can also be assigned to specific units of the items to be cleaned. For example, the items to be cleaned can be divided into units which each comprise at least one tray and one load on the tray. For example, the load can have crockery and / or cutlery, as well as possibly disruptive parts and impurities. In each case for a tray or a stack of trays with objects arranged on it, the status data can be recorded as a common unit, for example as a data packet. Alternatively, however, the status data can also initially be recorded continuously, which are then subdivided, for example in the identification module and / or in the control module, into packages corresponding to a tray or tray stack with objects arranged thereon.

The term “handling module” as used here is a broad term to which its customary and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a module, in particular an exchangeable unit, which is set up to carry out an individual handling function for handling the items to be cleaned using at least one actuator. This handling function can be individual for the respective handling module, so that, for example, other handling modules have different handling functions. Alternatively, however, several handling modules of the same type and with the same individual handling function can also be provided.

The term “handling function” as used here is a broad term to which its customary and common meaning should be ascribed to the person skilled in the art understands. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to a process in which the items to be cleaned are handled in one or more special ways. This handling can be selected, for example, from the group consisting of: a reorientation of the items to be cleaned; a placement of the items to be cleaned; sorting the items to be cleaned; an emptying of the items to be cleaned; receiving the items to be cleaned in at least one transport device such as a cleaning basket; removal of disruptive parts from the items to be cleaned. The handling module can, for example, in turn have its own intelligence, for example in that the handling module has at least one processor. Alternatively, however, the handling module can also be designed without its own intelligence. The handling module can have at least one drive for driving the at least one actuator. Furthermore, the handling module can have at least one module controller in order to control the operation of the actuator.

To carry out this individual handling function, for which the respective handling module is set up, the handling modules each have at least one actuator. The term “actuator”, as it is used here, is a broad term to which its customary and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to any device which is set up to act on at least one object in at least one way. This action can be selected, for example, from the group consisting of: a mechanical action, for example a reorientation or relocation; a magnetic effect. For example, the actuator can have at least one actuator selected from the group consisting of: a gripper; a slide; a brush; a permanent magnet; an electromagnet; a turner, for example a turning wheel.

The term “feed unit” as used here is a broad term to which its customary and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to any device which is set up to supply objects to another device in a targeted or controlled manner and / or to bring the other device closer to said objects a movement of the other Vorrich device take place. The feed device can have at least one transport device and / or have at least one manipulator which can act the said function of the supply be. In particular, this transport device can have at least one slide. Alternatively or additionally, however, other types of transport devices can also be provided, for example one or more conveyor belts, grippers, or similar devices.

The term “selective”, as it is used here in particular in connection with the feed unit, is a broad term whose customary and common meaning is to be measured, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to the fact that certain types of objects, in particular items to be cleaned, are supplied to certain, assigned types of handling modules. There can therefore be an association between the types of items to be cleaned and the respective handling modules to which they are supplied. If there is no assignment, the feed unit can be set up so as not to effect a feed.

As used herein, the term “control module” is also a broad term to be given its usual and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a one-part or multi-part device which is set up to control and / or regulate an operation of the modular system in full or in part. In particular, the control module can be set up to change one or more operating parameters of the modular system, in particular to control and / or regulate them. The control module can in particular comprise at least one data processing device, for example at least one processor. The control module can in particular be set up in terms of programming, for example to carry out the functions described in more detail below. The control module can be implemented completely or partially by hardware or / also, alternatively or additionally, completely or partially by software. Furthermore, the control module can comprise at least one volatile and / or non-volatile data memory. Furthermore, the control module can comprise at least one interface, for example a man-machine interface for inputting commands and / or outputting information, and / or a wireless or wired interface for unidirectional or bidirectional exchange of data and / or commands. The control module can in particular be a central or decentralized machine control. The control module can be designed wholly or partially separately from a control of the conveyor dishwasher or can also be wholly or partially combined with this and / or integrated into it. As stated above, the control module has at least one registration unit, the handling modules and their individual handling functions being able to be registered and de-registered on the registration unit. The registration and / or deregistration can optionally be implemented automatically and / or manually. This function of the control module contributes to the modularity of the modular system. The term “registration unit”, as it is used here, is also a broad term to which its customary and common meaning is to be measured, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to at least one component of the control module that is in particular completely or partially configured as hardware and / or software, which registers when a handling module is coupled to the modular system or registered and / or when a handling module is the modular system is decoupled or logged off and which individual handling functions said handling modules have. Alternatively or additionally, the term can refer to at least one component of the control module that is completely or partially configured as hardware and / or software, which registers which handling modules with which individual handling functions are currently coupled and / or registered with the modular system . The term “register” as used here is accordingly also a broad term to which its customary and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to a coupling of a component to a system, the coupling adding at least one functionality of the component to the functionality of the system. In particular, the term can refer to a coupling through hardware and / or software. In particular, the term can also include a registration of the registered component in a register of the system. The registration unit can be set up to automatically register when a handling module is coupled to the modular system and / or registered and / or when a handling module is decoupled and / or logged off from the modular system and preferably also which individual handling functions has the respective handling module.

The control module has at least one processor. The term “processor”, as it is used here, is also a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to any logical circuit that is set up to carry out the basic operations of a computer or system perform, and / or, on a device which is set up to perform calculations or logical operations. In particular, the processor can be set up to implement basic instructions which control a computer or a computer system. For example, the processor can have at least one component selected from the group consisting of: an arithmetic logic unit (ALU); a floating-point unit (FPU) such as a math coprocessor or a numeric coprocessor; a plurality of registers, in particular registers, which are set up to supply operands to the ALU and to store results of operations; a memory, in particular a data memory, such as an LI and / or L2 cache data memory. In particular, the processor can have a single core or multiple cores. In particular, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU) or comprise such a central processing unit. Additionally or alternatively, the processor can be a microprocessor or comprise a microprocessor, so that, in particular, the components of the processor can be comprised in a single integrated circuit chip. Alternatively or additionally, however, the processor can also have one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and / or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (field-programmable gate arrays, FPGAs) or similar components include. The processor can in particular be set up, in particular by software programming, in order to carry out one or more evaluation operations.

The control module, in particular the processor, is, as stated above, set up in terms of program technology to evaluate the status data and to evaluate a particular situation of the items to be cleaned and to recognize which handling modules are registered with the registration unit, whether the respective individual handling function of the handling modules can be used in the respective situation of the items to be cleaned and to control the feed unit in such a way that items to be cleaned are fed to the handling modules according to their suitability for use.

The term “items to be cleaned”, as used here, is a broad term to which its customary and common meaning is to be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to at least one piece of information about which items to be cleaned, in which combination and constellation and in which state, are being delivered when. The evaluation of the situation of the items to be cleaned can thus relate in particular to a recognition of the situation of the items to be cleaned and a selection of corresponding control measures. The situation of the items to be cleaned can, for example, be recorded continuously, analogously to the status data described above, or also in sections, for example each for a tray or tray stack with the associated load. For example, the cleaning situation can include different categories, in particular with regard to one or more of the following possible criteria: the type of items to be cleaned; the type of soiling of the items to be cleaned; Leftovers; Beverage residues; Disruptive parts; Orientations of the items to be cleaned. Other criteria are also possible. For example, categories of cleaning situations can be automatically created or predefined, with each category being able to be assigned tasks, for example. For example, in the case of items to be cleaned which include disruptive parts, these tasks can include the removal of the disruptive parts and, for example, the transfer of the disruptive parts to a collecting container. Alternatively or additionally, in the case of dishes with leftover food or drink residues, the tasks can include emptying the dishes into at least one waste container or at least one disposal shaft. Again, alternatively or in addition, the tasks in the case of dishes can include an orientation of the dishes so that they are transferred to the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher, for example, in a correct orientation. Again, as an alternative or in addition, the tasks can include, for example, a transfer of trays in a certain orientation to the transport device. Furthermore, as an alternative or in addition, the tasks may include removing items of cutlery and transferring the items of cutlery in a certain orientation to a collecting container, for example a cutlery basket, or to the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher. Again, as an alternative or in addition, the tasks can include, for example, a collection of drinking glasses or cups in a glass basket and / or a transfer in a specific orientation to the transport device. Again, as an alternative or in addition, the categories can also relate, for example, to specific lanes of the transport device, so that, for example, certain types of items to be cleaned can be transferred to certain lanes in a targeted manner. As an alternative or in addition, numerous other categories of items to be cleaned and corresponding tasks to be performed are conceivable.

For the evaluation of the status data and the evaluation of the respective cleaning situation of the delivered items to be cleaned, the control module can in particular have at least one artificial intelligence, as explained in more detail below. In particular, at least one self-learning system can be used, for example an artificial neural network. A categorization of situations is a typical task for a neuro nal network, for example in that the neural network recognizes similarities in the status data, in particular in image data of the status data, and categorizes corresponding situations. However, other possibilities are also conceivable, for example in which a pattern recognition and a corresponding assignment to cleaning situations takes place.

The detection of which handling modules are currently registered with the registration unit can be done, for example, by evaluating at least one data memory, for example a register. The registration unit can be designed separately from the controller, but can also be fully or partially integrated into the controller. The detection of whether the respective individual handling function of the handling modules can be used in the respective cleaning item situation can also be done, for example, by categorization. For example, if the control module recognizes the presence of at least one specific category of items to be cleaned, it can be checked whether at least one handling module is registered whose respective individual handling function corresponds to the at least one task assigned to this category. For example, if a category, as stated above, is the removal of disruptive parts or waste, it can be checked, for example, whether at least one handling module is registered which has the individual handling function to separate out disruptive parts or waste. For example, if, as an alternative or in addition, a category, as stated above, is the segregation of cutlery, it can be checked whether at least one handling module is registered which has the segregation of cutlery, in particular magnetic cutlery, as an individual handling function. In general, as stated above, the identification of which handling modules are registered with the registration unit and whether the respective individual handling function of the handling modules can be used in the respective cleaning item situation can be made by a corresponding comparison of tasks and existing functionalities. Here, too, artificial intelligence can be used, or a conventional algorithm can be used.

In accordance with this detection, the control unit is set up to control the feed unit in such a way that items to be cleaned are fed to the handling modules according to the usability of the respective handling modules. The at least one feed unit can be designed entirely or partially separate from the handling modules, but can also be fully or partially integrated into the handling modules. For example, at least one of the handling modules can have at least one of its own have guide unit, by means of which the respective items to be cleaned are guided to the respective handling module and / or by means of which the respective handling module is brought closer to the respective items to be cleaned.

The control of the feed unit by means of the control module can for example take place wholly or partially in that commands and / or control signals are transmitted directly or indirectly from the control module to the respective handling module and / or to at least one control unit which controls the respective handling module, for example wise a current source and / or a voltage source. For the transfer of the commands and / or control signals, for example, at least one interface can be provided, for example a wired and / or a wireless interface. Alternatively or additionally, at least one BUS system can be provided.

Corresponding control of the feed unit makes it possible and / or selectively brings about a feed of items to be cleaned to the handling modules in accordance with the detected items to be cleaned, that is, an approach between items to be cleaned and the respective handling module. Through this selective approach, the control module can bring about that only in the case when it is recognized that a handling module can be used in the specific situation of the items to be cleaned, the respective items to be cleaned and the handling module are brought closer. For example, a corresponding slide and / or another type of actuator can be activated in order to guide the items to be cleaned to the appropriate handling module or vice versa.

As stated above, the individual handling functions can be designed very differently, depending on the intended use. In particular, the at least one individual handling function of the handling module can be selected from the group consisting of: removing disruptive parts from a tray; removing scraps of food and napkins from a tray; clearing drinking glasses from a tray; clearing cutlery from a tray; clearing other dishes from a tray; a provision of delivered trays to the transport device of the trans port dishwasher; a turning of a removed piece of crockery and transfer to the Transportvor direction of the conveyor dishwasher; a further transport of a removed piece of crockery and transfer to the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher. Other individual handling functions are also possible as an alternative or in addition.

As also stated above, the status data can in particular include image data of the items to be cleaned. For example, the detection module can comprise at least one camera which continuously or discontinuously records images of the items to be cleaned at one or more locations. Accordingly, the recognition module can have at least one image acquisition, for example. Alternatively or additionally, however, as stated above, the image acquisition can also be arranged, for example, in the control module. Again, as an alternative or in addition to image data, other data can also be acquired by the recognition module.

As stated above, the processor of the control module can in particular have at least one image evaluation software. Accordingly, the processor can be set up to recognize and evaluate the situation of the items to be cleaned by means of the image evaluation software. As already stated, at least one artificial intelligence can also be used. In particular, the artificial intelligence can be trained on different items to be cleaned, for example in order to recognize the categories described above and / or other categories. Accordingly, the processor in particular can have at least one artificial intelligence, in particular at least one artificial neural network, in order to evaluate the situation of the items to be cleaned.

The control module can in particular be set up to recognize when the respective situation of the items to be cleaned requires at least one handling for which no handling module with a suitable individual handling function is registered with the registration unit. For example, in the current cleaning situation, one or more handling steps may be required for which no handling module is currently registered with the registration unit. If, for example, disruptive parts are recognized for which no handling is intended, this can be such a case, for example when a purse, key or banknotes are recognized on the tray. Accordingly, the control module can be set up in particular to report these cleaning items to the human operating personnel when one or more handling steps are required for which no handling module is registered, for example by means of an optical or acoustic warning tone, and / or this cleaning item is a workplace for to feed human operating personnel so that the human operating personnel can carry out the appropriate handling.

The at least one individual handling function of the handling modules can in particular provide at least one selected type of items to be cleaned at least one associated track of the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher to grasp. As stated above, the conveyor dishwasher can be set up, for example, in such a way that the conveyor device is virtually or actually divided into tracks which each extend parallel to a direction of transport of the conveyor device. These tracks can actually be provided in that, for example, certain subdivisions or different designs are made on a belt of the transport device, for example in that transport fingers are configured and / or arranged differently in the tracks. For example, tracks for cutlery, glasses, plates and trays can be provided. Other configurations are also possible. A loading device can also differ accordingly in terms of the tracks. For example, different types and / or orientations of nozzles can be provided in order to act differently on different types of items to be cleaned, for example from different directions, with different pressures or with different cleaning fluids. At least one of the individual functions of the at least two handling modules can in particular consist in the fact that types of items to be cleaned are detected, for example by the detection module, and then, in particular by the handling modules, are supplied according to the associated tracks, for example in a prescribed orientation .

Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the individual handling functions of the at least two handling modules can include a spatial orientation or reorientation of at least one selected type of items to be cleaned, in particular turning the items to be cleaned or at least one type of items to be cleaned. For example, at least one handling module can be provided which turns plates and / or feeds them to the transport device in at least one prescribed orientation.

At least one of the handling modules can also completely or partially have feed functions. In this way, the functionality of the feed unit can also be completely or partially taken over by at least one of the handling modules. For example, at least one of the handling modules can be designed entirely or partially as a robot or have a robot. For example, it can be a robot that handles glasses and / or other items of crockery. These can, for example, optionally without the need for at least one further feed unit for this handling module, can be removed directly from the transport device, for example the conveyor belt. As an alternative, however, at least one feed unit, which is formed separately from the handling modules and which feeds at least one of the handling modules selectively cleaning items, can be provided in the modular system. It can for that Handling modules, separate feed units can be provided, for example at least one first feed unit selectively feeds at least one first handling module and at least one second feed unit selectively feeds at least one second handling module. As an alternative or in addition, however, at least one feed unit can also be provided which selectively feeds items to be cleaned at least two handling modules.

The modular system can in particular comprise at least one interface. The exchangeable handling modules can in particular be reversibly dockable to the interface. This interface can ensure at least one mechanical holding function, for example. Furthermore, this interface can also have at least one interface for the unidirectional or bidirectional exchange of data and / or control commands between the handling modules and the control module or vice versa, and also optionally for the unidirectional or bidirectional exchange of data and / or control commands between the control module and the detection module or vice versa. Again, as an alternative or in addition, at least one interface for supplying the at least one handling module with energy can also be provided

As stated above, the modular system can in particular be set up to handle items to be cleaned which comprise trays. The items to be cleaned can thus in particular include trays and crockery items received on the tray. For example, at least one transport system for the delivery of dirty cleaning can be provided, which includes trays as cleaning items and additional cleaning items arranged on the trays. For example, a tray or a stack of trays and other items to be cleaned and possibly dirt and disruptive parts can be viewed as a unit of items to be cleaned, which can be separated by means of the modular system and fed to the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher.

The plurality of exchangeable handling modules can in particular comprise at least one handling module which is set up to carry out an individual handling function in the form of removing disruptive parts from a tray.

Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of exchangeable handling modules can comprise at least one handling module which is set up to carry out an individual handling function in the form of removing leftovers and serviettes from a tray. The individual handling function can continue in particular Include at least one disposal of leftovers and serviettes in at least one disposal device, for example a device to shred, homogenize and temporarily store the leftovers and / or serviettes and / or a transfer device for dispensing into a pipe system for leftovers in a garbage container and / or a disposal shaft.

Again, as an alternative or in addition, the plurality of exchangeable handling modules can comprise at least one handling module which is set up to carry out an individual handling function in the form of clearing drinking glasses from a tray. The individual handling function can in particular further comprise at least one provision of the drinking glasses to the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher, wherein this provision can in particular be selected from the group consisting of: placing the drinking glasses in glass washing racks; placing the drinking glasses on at least one glass track of the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher. The individual handling function can in particular further include emptying the drinking glasses, for example into at least one disposal container and / or at least one disposal shaft, and / or emptying into at least one tank of the conveyor dishwasher, for example a tank with the lowest degree of purity in a cascade system of tanks .

The plurality of interchangeable handling modules can, again as an alternative or in addition to the options and / or other options already mentioned, comprise at least one handling module which is set up to perform an individual handling function in the form of clearing cutlery items from a tray. The individual handling function can in particular further comprise at least one provision of the cutlery items to the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher, selected from the group consisting of: placing the cutlery items in cutlery items washing baskets; placing the cutlery on at least one cutlery track of the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher. As stated above, at least one magnet, for example at least one electromagnet and / or at least one permanent magnet, can be used as a manipulator.

Again, as an alternative or in addition to the aforementioned options or other options, the plurality of interchangeable handling modules can comprise at least one handling module which is set up to perform an individual handling function in the form of clearing away at least one type of crockery, except cutlery and drinking glasses, from one Include tray. For example, crockery parts can be selected from the group consisting of plates, cups, food bowls, and bowls or other types of crockery items that are not cutlery or drinking glasses are cleared away and preferably fed directly or indirectly to the transport device. In particular, the individual handling function can furthermore comprise at least a provision of the dishes to the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher, selected from the group consisting of: placing the dishes in dish washing racks; placing the crockery on at least one dish of the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher.

As stated above, the feed unit can generally be set up for the selective feeding of the items to be cleaned to the handling modules, in order to bring the handling modules closer to the items to be cleaned and / or vice versa. In particular, the feed unit can comprise at least one device selected from the group consisting of: a slide for selectively pushing components of the items to be cleaned to the respective handling modules; a gripper; a brush; a magnet; a slide; a switch; a squeegee.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a cleaning system for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed. The term “cleaning system”, as it is used here, is a broad term to which its customary and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to a system in the sense of the definition above, which is used for cleaning items to be cleaned. Correspondingly, the term “cleaning”, as used here, is a broad term to which its customary and common meaning is to be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any particular or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to a process in which the items to be cleaned are freed from adhering macroscopic or microscopic impurities or such impurities are at least partially removed. In addition, a disinfection effect can optionally be exercised.

The cleaning system comprises: a. at least one modular system according to the present invention, for example according to one or more of the configurations described above and / or according to one or more of the configurations described in more detail below; b. at least one conveyor dishwasher, the conveyor dishwasher at least one cleaning chamber and at least one transport device for transporting has port of items to be cleaned from an inlet of the conveyor dishwasher through the Rei nigungskammer through to an outlet of the conveyor dishwasher, where the conveyor dishwasher is set up to act on the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber with at least one cleaning fluid; and c. at least one transport system for the delivery of soiled items to be cleaned.

The term “cleaning chamber” as used here is a broad term to which its customary and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any 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 in full or in part. 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 also 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, which opening can also be referred to as an inlet. 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 to close off the cleaning chamber are also possible, for example in what are known as hood dishwashers. Again, as an alternative, 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 conveyor dishwashers or conveyor dishwashers, for example as a tunnel with an inlet opening and an outlet opening, also referred to as an outlet. Other configurations are also possible in principle. Accordingly, the terms “inlet” and “outlet” can refer to areas of the transport dishwasher and / or the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher in which the items to be cleaned enter the cleaning chamber or exit the cleaning chamber. In these areas, for example, the transport device can protrude beyond the cleaning chamber and be freely accessible.

The conveyor dishwasher is set up to apply at least one cleaning fluid to the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber. For this purpose, the conveyor dishwasher can in particular have at least one application device, in particular within the cleaning chamber. The term “Aufufschlagungsvorrich tion”, as used here, is a broad term to which its customary and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to any device, by means of which the cleaning fluid can be applied to the items to be cleaned within the cleaning chamber. The application device can in particular 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 fluid to the nozzle system. For example, a nozzle system and a piping system can be provided for the application of cleaning fluid from a tank, as well as at least one corresponding pump. Alternatively or additionally, for example, at least one nozzle system can also 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 through 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 received in the cleaning chamber in a stationary manner and successively in one or more cleaning steps of the cleaning program in different ways with cleaning liquid is applied. Alternatively, the items to be cleaned can also be transported successively through several cleaning zones in which a different type of application of 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 final rinse or final rinse zone, which can be subdivided again into a pump clear rinse zone and a downstream fresh water rinse zone. Furthermore, at least one drying step can be provided which, for example, can take place after the application of the cleaning liquid in one chamber when the items to be cleaned are stationary, or which can take place, for example, in a drying zone downstream of the liquid cleaning zones in the case of the transport dishwasher.

The term “cleaning fluid” as used here is a broad term to which its customary and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a liquid which, when it hits the items to be cleaned, can develop 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 cleaning concentrates and / or rinse aids and / or disinfectants. The cleaning device can be set up to supply a single cleaning liquid or to use a combination of several cleaning fluids. 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 in succession. Alternatively, as explained above, the items to be cleaned can also be transported sequentially through several cleaning zones in which, for example, different types of cleaning fluid and / or cleaning fluids of different degrees of purity are applied. Different degrees of purity can be generated, for example, by a cascade overflow between different tanks of the cleaning device, a degree of purity preferably increasing in the direction of transport.

The term “transport system” as it is used here is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be assigned, as understood by the person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, relate in particular to any system that is set up to deliver soiled items to be cleaned. This can be a continuous or a discontinuous system. In particular, it can be an automatic system in which cleaning items are automatically delivered. In particular, the transport system can have at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a transport belt; Transport rollers, in particular driven transport rollers; a link chain.

In a further aspect, a method for cleaning items to be cleaned is proposed. The method comprises the steps specified in more detail 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 process steps mentioned can be carried out at the same time or overlapping in time. Furthermore, one or more of the process steps mentioned can be carried out simply or repeatedly. In addition to the steps mentioned, the method can comprise further method steps which are not mentioned.

The method comprises the following steps: i. Providing at least one cleaning system according to the invention, for example in accordance with one or more of the configurations described above and / or in accordance with one or more of the configurations described in more detail below; ii. Delivery of items to be cleaned by means of the transport system; iii. Acquisition of status data of the delivered items to be cleaned by means of the detection module; iv. Evaluation of the status data and evaluation of the respective situation of the items to be cleaned by means of the control module; v. Recognizing the handling modules registered with the registration unit and the respective individual handling function of the handling modules and evaluating the usability in the respective cleaning item situation; and vi. Activation of the feed unit by the control unit in such a way that items to be cleaned are fed to the handling modules according to their applicability.

For possible details, definitions and options with regard to the proposed method, reference can be made to the description of the modular system and the cleaning system above.

The proposed modular system, the proposed cleaning system and the proposed method have numerous advantages over known devices and methods of the type mentioned. In particular, the modularity ensures a high degree of flexibility. In this way, the system can be quickly adapted to changes in requirements. In this way, fundamental oversizing can be avoided without an increased risk of a later new investment in a larger system, and at the same time personnel costs can be efficiently reduced. The modular system also reacts flexibly to changing items to be cleaned and recognizes the current possibilities of the modular system and their applicability to the current situation.

Overall, it is therefore possible to reduce the number of personnel for processing the place setting in front of a conveyor dishwasher. In particular, a disadvantage of conventional systems can also be overcome, which consists in the fact that a situation between the dining area and the inlet of the dishwasher would have to be recorded in its entirety, which can result in a high level of complexity in conventional machines. The proposed modular system can be used to analyze the processing steps that occur and, as a result, break them down into the smallest possible and therefore less complex sub-tasks. On the one hand, this procedure can result in a holistic view of the system for processing the used place settings. On the other hand, breaking down the processing into the simplest possible sub-tasks generally enables good scalability of the type and number of processing points and processing tools that have to be used in the real task. In addition, with the proposed invention and in particular the division into partial tasks according to the capabilities of the existing handling modules, it is possible to identify potential bottlenecks and disturbance variables in the processing of the items to be cleaned. If operating personnel is still used, the number of pieces to be processed manually by the operating personnel can be increased by, for example, partial tasks can be relieved of the operating personnel. Handling modules can be provided for processing the less complex Teilauf tasks. Furthermore, the modular system can be used to identify, for example, whether and which subtasks cannot be completed or whether and which subtasks cannot be broken down further so that they cannot be processed with handling modules.

Depending on the respective requirements, an assortment of processing points and processing tools can now be put together individually in the form of the appropriate handling modules. This modular system can be arranged, for example, at the inlet of the conveyor dishwasher. For example, depending on the requirements, handling modules can be used that include individual or multiple automatic modules. Alternatively or additionally, one or more handling modules can be used which include robots, especially where the subtasks are too complex for the simple automatic module and yet so simple that they can be carried out by the robot with high operational reliability and sufficient speed. Other possibilities are also conceivable.

Furthermore, in addition to the modular system, at least one manual workstation for operating personnel can be provided on the conveyor dishwasher. This can be done in particular where at least one of the subtasks to be performed is too complex to be processed with handling modules. This can be the case, for example, when simple automatic modules cannot be used because the sub-task is too complex, and when, on the other hand, no robots can or should be used, for example due to processing time, capacity, operational reliability or installation space.

Due to the modularity and the division of the work to be done into sub-tasks, according to the individual handling function of the existing handling modules, a subdivision can be made, in particular the entire processing area between the dining room and the conveyor dishwasher. This subdivision can be set up and operated individually and at the same time also variably, due to the modularity of the proposed system. Furthermore, with the modular system it is also possible for the operator to adapt the configuration of the modular system to the respective requirements. For example, it is conceivable that the configuration and composition of the modular system is changed in the course of a working day, for example by exchanging handling modules. In particular, it is possible to change the number, type and arrangement of the processing points over the course of the day depending on the requirements, in particular depending on the type and / or scope of the items to be cleaned, for example the cover set. In particular, an adjustment can be made such that usually a place setting for breakfast or dinner differs significantly from a corresponding place setting at lunchtime, for example in terms of content, composition and scope.

The modular system can also include single or multiple components, for example as handling modules, which are already known for similar purposes, for example from the prior art mentioned above. For example, slides or wipers can be used as handling modules. As an alternative or in addition, one or more handling modules can also be used, which include cutlery removal magnets, as required.

As stated above, the recognition module can, for example, have at least one device for image acquisition. The recognition module itself and / or the control module can also include at least one image evaluation of the image processing. For example, the image acquisition can be arranged on the transport system for the delivery of soiled items to be cleaned, which can be part of the proposed cleaning system. For example, the image acquisition can be arranged on a feed belt from the storage room. The image acquisition and image processing can, for example, also detect disruptive parts on trays and then issue a corresponding warning and / or guide the respective items to be cleaned, for example the tray with the interfering part, to a special handling module which either carries the interfering part itself or the entire items to be cleaned ejects the sturgeon part, for example a tray with the sturgeon part.

The exchangeable handling modules can be designed as universal building blocks, in particular in that they have a universal interface which, for example, can be designed analogously for all exchangeable handling modules. The exchangeable handling modules can thus be designed as universal interface modules. The modular system and in particular the feed unit can be set up in such a way that the corresponding items to be cleaned are fed to the respective handling modules, for example, in a defined position, for example in the usual position of use. As stated above, the respective handling module can then carry out its at least one individual handling function for handling the items to be cleaned, in particular the dishes, using at least one actuator. For example, this individual handling function can include at least one of the above-mentioned functions, in particular at least one function selected from the group consisting of: turning the items to be cleaned; Emptying and / or clearing away the items to be cleaned, in particular removing food residues; Provision of the items to be cleaned to be picked up by the transport device, in particular the transport belt, of the conveyor dishwasher. In particular, the items to be cleaned, for example the respective piece of crockery, can be output from the handling module in the correct position and / or correct position and optionally with the appropriate timing and at the correct time and transferred directly or indirectly to the transport device.

These individual handling functions can also include the treatment of leftover food or other contaminants in the items to be cleaned. For example, subsequent manual steps to remove contaminants and food residues can be at least partially omitted. For example, at least one individual handling function of at least one handling module can consist of removing impurities and / or food residues. For example, leftover food can be disposed of automatically when required or continuously, for example by the respective handling module taking it directly into a disposal container or disposal shaft and / or by the respective handling module generating a pumpable mass of the food leftovers and, if necessary, temporarily storing it until it is handed over to a connected senes disposal system. A simple solution for receiving the leftovers can be a disposal container such as a garbage can, for example. More complex solutions are also possible, such as connecting the respective handling module to a central waste disposal facility or the like.

The handling modules can, for example, be adapted to different types of items to be cleaned. For example, these can be individually adapted to plates, cups, bowls, trays or cutlery. In this way, in particular, the scope of work of the operating personnel can also be reduced, so that the operating personnel can process a larger number of items to be cleaned, in particular crockery, in the same period of time. The modular system can also be set up to communicate unidirectionally or bidirectionally with the conveyor dishwasher. In particular, for example, as explained above, the control module can communicate with the conveyor dishwasher and / or even be fully or partially integrated into the conveyor dishwasher, for example in a central machine control of the conveyor dishwasher. Alternatively or additionally, the handling modules can also communicate with the conveyor dishwasher, for example.

Such communication between the modular system and the conveyor dishwasher can be used, for example, for the modular system to transmit information about the status data of the items to be cleaned and / or the situation of the items to be cleaned to the conveyor dishwasher. For example, the modular system can be set up to transmit the number of pieces of processed dishes to the conveyor dishwasher, for example to a control of the conveyor dishwasher. For example, the modular system, for example at least one of the handling modules and / or the control module, can transmit to the dishwasher when no items to be cleaned are delivered because, for example, place settings are not fully stocked. The conveyor dishwasher can adapt its operating parameters in accordance with this information, for example to save resources, for example by briefly interrupting the application of cleaning fluid.

The handling modules can, for example, be designed universally in such a way that they can be docked directly or indirectly to the conveyor dishwasher, for example to the inlet of the conveyor dishwasher, or connected in some other way. In particular, this interface can also include a mechanical interface. In particular, the handling modules can be designed in such a way that they can, for example, be docked at any point at the inlet of the conveyor dishwasher. Ducking can, in particular, be carried out without tools. Furthermore, the handling modules can be designed in such a way that they can be moved from one point to another position, preferably also without tools, including a corresponding supply of energy and / or control signals.

Furthermore, several handling modules, which can be equipped, for example, for different items to be cleaned, in particular for different dishes, can be arranged next to one another at the inlet of the conveyor dishwasher. In particular, an individual handling module can each have the width that the respective item of items to be cleaned, in particular items of crockery, on the transport device, for example the conveyor belt of the dishwasher is required, at least essentially. As a result, the capacity of the conveyor dishwasher is optimized or at least not significantly reduced compared to the situation without the modular system.

The number and arrangement of the handling modules can in particular be determined by the amount of items to be cleaned per unit of time, by the requirements of the conveyor dishwasher, in particular its width, type and distribution of the above-described tracks of the transport device, by the type of items to be cleaned and ge possibly by distributing the amount of items to be cleaned over different types of items to be cleaned. Combinations of the factors mentioned are also possible.

The situation in front of the handling modules and / or the loading of the handling modules can be designed very individually and / or can be designed with only minor restrictions. In particular, three variants, individually or in combination with one another or also in combination with other variants, are conceivable.

In a first variant, for example, there is a feed belt for the delivery of the items to be cleaned, on which the items to be cleaned are transported in the form of place settings from the dining room to the scullery. The feed belt is passed, for example, transversely in front of the inlet of the trans port dishwasher. For example, several different handling modules are arranged between the feed belt and the inlet of the conveyor dishwasher. In addition, human operating personnel can optionally be provided, who, for example, remove some crockery items by hand. Cutlery can be removed from a handling module with a magnet, for example, and the tray can be fed to the conveyor dishwasher, for example, from a simple handling module in the form of an automation module.

In a second variant, for example, there is again a feed belt on which the place settings are transported from the dining room to the scullery. The feed belt is, for example, moved across in front of the inlet of the conveyor dishwasher. For example, several different handling modules are arranged between the feed belt and the infeed of the conveyor dishwasher. A handling module with a robot can, for example, remove the drinking glass from the tray, whereas human operating personnel can, for example, remove the remaining dishes by hand. The Be steck and the tray are fed to the dishwasher by one or more other handling modules, for example one or more simple automation modules. In a third variant, the task situation at the dining room is changed compared to the usual existing designs in such a way that the guest already gives up the components of the place setting individually. These individual parts are then transported separately to the handling modules and processed there, as already described. This variant is particularly conceivable in cost-sensitive facilities.

Depending on the development of communal catering or robot technology, an existing cleaning system can also be upgraded, retrofitted or changed in any other way with the modular system. Accordingly, the system as a whole can be adapted to the changing or changing needs of the operator.

In general, this results in a high degree of flexibility for the operator in terms of the design and staffing of the scullery. The proposed design also offers increased flexibility for future changes compared to conventional solutions, in particular semi-automatic or fully automatic systems.

For the manufacturer of the cleaning system, the proposed solution with the various interchangeable handling modules offers the possibility of developing and producing several handling modules of the same type, instead of always new individual special systems. As a result, the overall economy can be increased, and development costs and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

By dividing the processes, it is possible, in particular, to continue to reduce the personnel expenditure in the scullery and also to reduce the burden on the operating personnel. By breaking down the processes into individual steps, the scope of work of the operating personnel is usually reduced, so that more items of items to be cleaned, for example more dishes, can be processed in the same period of time. In addition, by breaking down the processing steps into small subtasks, it is possible to use robots when loading a conveyor dishwasher in communal catering. The design of the handling modules with robotics can be adapted to the respective state of the art, so that, for example, robot modules can be assigned those tasks which can already be processed by robots today. As the scope of their usability increases, robot modules can then be given a larger field of tasks, and further handling modules with robotics can be used without the need for a complete conversion of the system. In summary, without restricting further possible configurations, the following embodiments are proposed:

Embodiment 1: Modular system for loading a transport device of a conveyor dishwasher, comprising:

A. at least one detection module for recording status data of items to be cleaned;

B. a plurality of exchangeable handling modules, wherein the handling modules are each set up to carry out an individual handling function for handling the items to be cleaned using at least one actuator;

C. at least one feed unit for the selective feeding of the delivered cleaning items to the handling modules;

D. at least one control module, the control module having at least one registration unit, where the handling modules and their individual handling functions can be registered and deregistered on the registration unit, the control module having at least one processor and being set up in terms of programming, o to evaluate the status data and to evaluate a respective cleaning item situation of the delivered cleaning items; and o to recognize which handling modules are registered with the registration unit, whether the respective individual handling function of the handling modules can be used in the respective cleaning item situation and to control the feed unit in such a way that cleaning items are fed to the handling modules according to their usability.

Embodiment 2: The modular system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the individual handling function is selected from the group consisting of: removing disruptive parts from a tray; removing scraps of food and napkins from a tray; clearing drinking glasses from a tray; clearing cutlery from a tray; clearing other dishes from a tray; providing trays supplied to the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher; a turning of a removed piece of crockery and transfer to the trans port device of the conveyor dishwasher; a further transport of a removed piece of crockery and transfer to the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher.

Embodiment 3: Modular system according to one of the preceding embodiments, the status data including image data of the items to be cleaned.

Embodiment 4: Modular system according to the preceding embodiment, the recognition module having at least one image acquisition.

Embodiment 5: Modular system according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the processor has at least one image evaluation software and is set up to recognize and evaluate the situation of the items to be cleaned by means of the image evaluation software.

Embodiment 6: Modular system according to one of the preceding embodiments, the processor having at least one artificial intelligence, in particular at least one artificial neural network, in order to evaluate the situation of the items to be cleaned.

Embodiment 7: Modular system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the control module is further configured to recognize when the respective cleaning goods situation requires handling for which no handling module with a suitable individual handling function is registered with the registration unit.

Embodiment 8: Modular system according to the previous embodiment, wherein the control module is also set up to indicate the missing handling function to human operating personnel by means of a warning, in particular an optical and / or acoustic warning.

Embodiment 9: Modular system according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the control module is also set up to accordingly supply the cleaning items to a workstation for human operating personnel.

Embodiment 10: Modular system according to one of the preceding embodiments, the individual handling function comprising providing at least one selected type of items to be cleaned to at least one assigned lane of the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher. Embodiment 11: Modular system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the individual handling function comprises spatial orientation of at least one selected type of items to be cleaned, in particular turning.

Embodiment 12: Modular system according to one of the preceding Ausführungsfor men, the modular system comprising at least one interface, the exchangeable handling modules being reversibly dockable to the interface.

Embodiment 13: Modular system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the modular system is set up to handle items to be cleaned, which comprises trays.

Embodiment 14: Modular system according to the preceding embodiment, the items to be cleaned comprising trays and crockery items received on the tray.

Embodiment 15: Modular system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the plurality of exchangeable handling modules comprises at least one handling module which is set up to carry out an individual handling function in the form of removing disruptive parts from a tray.

Embodiment 16: Modular system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the plurality of exchangeable handling modules comprises at least one handling module which is designed to carry out an individual handling function in the form of removing leftovers and serviettes from a tray.

Embodiment 17: Modular system according to the preceding embodiment, the individual handling function further comprising at least one disposal of the leftover food and serviettes in at least one disposal device.

Embodiment 18: Modular system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the plurality of exchangeable handling modules comprises at least one handling module which is set up to carry out an individual handling function in the form of clearing drinking glasses from a tray. Embodiment 19: Modular system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the individual handling function further comprises at least one provision of the drinking glasses to the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher, selected from the Group consisting of: placing the drinking glasses in glass washing racks; a put on the drinking glasses on at least one glass track of the transport device of the trans port dishwasher.

Embodiment 20: Modular system according to one of the two preceding embodiments, the individual handling function further comprising emptying the drinking glasses.

Embodiment 21: Modular system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the plurality of exchangeable handling modules comprises at least one handling module which is set up to carry out an individual handling function in the form of clearing cutlery items from a tray.

Embodiment 22: Modular system according to the preceding embodiment, the individual handling function further comprising at least one provision of the items of cutlery to the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher, selected from the group consisting of: placing the items of cutlery in cutlery items washing baskets; egg nem placing of the cutlery on at least one cutlery lane of the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher.

Embodiment 23: Modular system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the plurality of interchangeable handling modules comprises at least one handling module which is set up to perform an individual handling function in the form of clearing at least one type of crockery apart from cutlery and drinking glasses from a tray.

Embodiment 24: Modular system according to the preceding embodiment, the individual handling function further comprising at least one provision of the dishes to the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher, selected from the group consisting of: placing the dishes in dish washing racks; placing the crockery on at least one dish of the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher.

Embodiment 25: Modular system according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the feed unit comprises at least one device selected from the group consisting of: a slide for selectively pushing components of the items to be cleaned to the respective handling modules; a gripper; a brush; a magnet; a slide; a switch; a squeegee. Embodiment 26: cleaning system for cleaning items to be cleaned, comprising: a. at least one modular system according to one of the preceding execution forms; b. at least one conveyor dishwasher, the conveyor dishwasher having at least one cleaning chamber and at least one transport device for transporting items to be cleaned from an inlet of the conveyor dishwasher through the cleaning chamber to an outlet of the conveyor dishwasher, the conveyor dishwasher being set up to carry the items to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber to apply at least one cleaning fluid; and c. at least one transport system for the delivery of dirty cleaning goods.

Embodiment 27: The cleaning system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the transport device is selected from the group consisting of: a transport belt; Transport rollers, in particular driven transport rollers; a link chain.

Embodiment 28: cleaning system according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the transport system comprises at least one device selected from the group consisting of: a transport belt; Transport rollers, in particular being driven transport rollers; a link chain.

Embodiment 29: A method for cleaning items to be cleaned, comprising: i. Providing at least one cleaning system according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a cleaning system; ii. Delivery of items to be cleaned by means of the transport system; iii. Acquisition of status data of the delivered items to be cleaned by means of the detection module; iv. Evaluation of the status data and assessment of the respective items to be cleaned by means of the control module; v. Recognizing the handling modules registered with the registration unit and the respective individual handling function of the handling modules and evaluating the usability in the respective cleaning item situation; and vi. Activation of the feed unit by the control unit in such a way that items to be cleaned are fed to the handling modules according to their applicability. Brief description of the figures

Further details and features emerge from the following description of exemplary embodiments, in particular in conjunction 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. The same reference numbers in the individual figures designate elements that are the same or functionally the same or correspond to one another with regard to their functions.

Show in detail:

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning system and a modular system in a top view;

FIG. 2 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a cleaning system and a modular system in a sectional illustration from the side; and

FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method for cleaning items to be cleaned.

Description of the exemplary embodiments

FIG. 1 shows a top view of a schematic arrangement of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning system 110 for cleaning items to be cleaned 112. In this exemplary embodiment, the cleaning system 110 comprises, by way of example, a conveyor dishwasher 114 with a cleaning chamber 116 and a transport device 118 for transporting the items to be cleaned 112 through the cleaning chamber 116. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the cleaning system 110 also includes a modular system 120 for loading the transport device 118 of the conveyor dishwasher 114 with items 112 to be cleaned. The cleaning system 110 also includes a transport system 122 for delivering soiled items 112 to be cleaned.

The conveyor dishwasher 114 comprises a loading device 124 shown schematically in FIG. 1. By means of the loading device 124, the items to be cleaned 112, which by means of the transport device 118 through the cleaning chamber 116, for example a cleaning zone, is transported, are acted upon with at least one cleaning fluid. For example, several cleaning zones can be arranged within the cleaning chamber 116 of the conveyor dishwasher 114, by means of which cleaning fluid can be applied one after the other, for example at least one pre-clearing zone, at least one washing zone and at least one final rinse zone and optionally also at least one drying zone. With regard to possible configurations of the conveyor dishwasher 114, reference can in principle be made to the above prior art. The items to be cleaned 112 can, for example, be transported from an inlet 126 of the conveyor dishwasher 114 through the cleaning chamber 116 to an outlet 128, which is only indicated in FIG. 1. The transport device 118 can, as indicated in FIG. 1, be subdivided into several tracks 130, which can be real or virtual. In a real embodiment, for example, different types of receptacles can be provided on the transport device 118, for example different chain links and / or different compartments. The tracks 130 can accordingly accommodate different types of items 112 to be cleaned, for example. These different types of items to be cleaned can, for example, be provided within the cleaning chamber 116 with different types of application by the application device 124, for example by a different arrangement and / or orientation of nozzles.

The transport system 122 can be configured, for example, as a belt transport system. The items to be cleaned 112 can, for example, each be divided into units that can be defined in particular by a tray 132 and its contents. For example, cutlery 134, drinking glasses 136, dishes 138 of different types, and disruptive parts 140 and / or waste 142 can be provided on each tray 132. The transport system 122 can, for example, have at least one transport belt, by means of which the items to be cleaned 112 can be transported to a transfer point 144. The transport can, for example, begin in a dining room and end in a scullery, so that the transfer point 144 can be arranged, for example, in the scullery.

The modular system 120 comprises at least one detection module 146 for recording status data of the items to be cleaned 112. For example, the at least one detection module 146 can have at least one camera 148 for recording image data. For example, the detection module 146 can be arranged at one or more detection points of the transport system 122, which do not necessarily have to be identical to the transfer point 144, and which can be arranged, for example, upstream with respect to a transport direction 150 of the transport system 122 to the transfer point 144. The identification module 146 can be coupled unidirectionally or bidirectionally to at least one control module 152 of the modular system 120. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one identification module can also be fully or partially integrated into this control module 152. This control module 152 can, for example, also, which is not shown in FIG. 1, be coupled unidirectionally or bidirectionally to a controller 154 of the conveyor dishwasher 114, and / or can also be fully or partially integrated into this controller 154.

The control module 152 includes at least one processor 156. Furthermore, the control module 152 has at least one registration unit 158. This registration unit 158 can be designed entirely or partially as software and / or entirely or partially as hardware. Furthermore, the registration unit 158 can also be fully or partially integrated into the processor 156. The control module 152 can furthermore have at least one interface 160 for connection to the at least one recognition module 146, at least one interface 162 for connection to at least one feed unit 164, which is described in more detail below, and also at least one interface 166 for the reversible coupling of a plurality of handling modules 168 exhibit.

The modular system 120 furthermore comprises, as mentioned above, a plurality of exchangeable handling modules 168. These exchangeable handling modules 168 are each set up to carry out an individual handling function for handling the items to be cleaned 112 using at least one actuator 170 in each case. Examples of possible actuators are mentioned above and will be described in more detail below. In particular, it can be actuators 170 which have a magnetic function, which have a mechanical function or which, for example, have a disposal function. By means of the actuators 170, in particular, certain types of items to be cleaned 112 can be transferred to the transport device 118, in particular in a predetermined orientation. After this transfer, the items to be cleaned 112 can then be transported through the cleaning chamber 116 in a transport direction 172 by means of the transport device 118. The individual handling function of the handling modules 168 can relate, for example, to certain types of items 112 to be cleaned and / or to certain actions to be performed, such as emptying food residues from items 112 to be cleaned and / or disposing of waste.

The handling modules 168 can be reversibly coupled to the modular system 120 and can also be uncoupled from it again. The modular system 120 can thus be set up individually for the respective purpose and flexibly redesigned. So can the have at least one interface 166, for example at least one mechanical interface, which can be arranged, for example, on a housing 174 of the modular system 120 and / or which can also be arranged wholly or partially on a housing 176 of the transport dishwasher 114. A mechanical and / or electrical or electronic coupling can take place here. These functions of the interface can also be designed separately so that, for example, a mechanical coupling to the conveyor dishwasher 114 can take place, whereas a coupling for the unidirectional or bidirectional exchange of data and / or control commands and / or an electrical supply via the at least one Interface 166 can take place on the housing 174. Furthermore, the latter interface 166 in particular can be wired or completely or partially wireless, for example as part of a coupling to an Internet of Things (IoT). Various configurations are conceivable and are generally known to those skilled in the art. The respectively coupled handling modules 168 can be registered in the registration unit 158 and can also be registered again in the event of a decoupling. For example, the registration unit can comprise at least one directory or one register in which the currently registered handling modules 168 are recorded. Furthermore, the respective individual handling functions of the registered handling modules 168 are also recorded in the registration unit.

The modular system 120 furthermore has the at least one feed unit 164. This feed unit 164 is set up to feed items 112 to be cleaned to the handling modules 168 in accordance with their usability. Basically, this supply takes place in such a way that the respective items to be cleaned 112 and the respective handling module 168 are brought closer to one another, so that, for example, the items to be cleaned 112 and / or the respective handling module 168 can be moved. For example, the feed unit 164 can have at least one slide which selectively feeds certain items to be cleaned 112 to an associated handling module 168.

The processor 156 of the control module 152 is programmed in such a way that status data supplied by the detection module 146 are evaluated and a respective cleaning item situation of the supplied cleaning items 112, for example each for a tray 132 and its contents, is evaluated and assessed. In addition, the processor 156 is set up in terms of programming to recognize which handling modules 168 are currently registered with the registration unit 158, for example by querying the directory or register of the registration unit 158. The processor 156 is also set up to identify whether the respective individual handling functions of these registered handling modules 168 can be used in the respective cleaning goods situation. Correspondingly, the processor 156 is set up to the Control feed unit 164 in such a way that when it is recognized that it can be used, items 112 to be cleaned are fed to the respective handling modules 168. If, for example, it is recognized that a handling module 168 is registered for handling cutlery 134, then cutlery 134 can be fed to this handling module 168 in a targeted manner. For example, this cutlery 134 can be fed to the handling module 168 with at least one magnetic actuator. The handling module 168 can, for example, store the cutlery 134 on a certain cutlery track of the tracks of a transport device 118 and / or collect it in one or more cutlery baskets or cutlery holders. If, for example, it is recognized that a handling module 168 is registered for handling plates or other types of crockery 138, crockery items can be fed to this handling module 168 in a targeted manner. For example, these crockery items can be grasped by a gripper or suction device, freed from food residues and placed on the transport device 118 in a correct orientation. Analogous processes can also take place for other types of items 112 to be cleaned, for example.

If, during the evaluation of the situation of the items to be cleaned by the control module 152 and a corresponding comparison with the registered handling modules 168, it is recognized that individual handling functions or handling steps are required for which no handling module 168 is registered, the control module 152 can react in various ways. For example, a warning can be issued to human operating personnel, for example an acoustic and / or visual warning by means of at least one warning device of the cleaning system 110 and / or the modular system 120. Alternatively or additionally, the corresponding items to be cleaned 112 can also be diverted, for example to a special manual work station and / or to a waiting position. Human operating personnel can then carry out the relevant work steps there. For example, corresponding trays 132 with the load for which steps that cannot be carried out by registered handling modules 168 are required, for example simply further transported by means of the transport system 122 until human operating personnel can take care of the corresponding tasks.

In FIG. 2, an example of the cleaning system 110 with the modular system 120 is shown in a schematic sectional view from the side. Only a single handling module 168 is shown here by way of example. Otherwise, reference can be made in large parts to the description of FIG. Here, as an example, the handling module 168 is designed as a tray turner 178. As an alternative or in addition, a turntable can also be provided, for example. The tray turner shown here can For example, have a feed ramp 180, as well as a turning wheel 182. After the trays 132 have been cleared by previous handling modules 168 and / or by human operating personnel, for example, a slide 184 of the feed unit 164 can push the empty tray 132 onto the feed ramp 180, via which the Tray 132 is then inserted into the reversing wheel 182. There this is first freed of waste by rotating it by means of the turning wheel 182, which can be discharged into a disposal shaft 186, for example. By further rotation, the tray 132 can then, for example, be inserted into corresponding compartments of the transport device 118, which are formed by the fingers 188, for example on a track 130 or tray track provided for this purpose. As an alternative or in addition to the handling module 168 shown in FIG. 2, other types of handling modules 168 can be used, for example with other individual handling functions.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic process sequence of an exemplary embodiment of a process for cleaning items 112 to be cleaned. In a step 190, the method includes providing a cleaning system 110, for example as shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the method includes a step in which items 112 to be cleaned are delivered by means of the transport system 122. The method further includes a step 194 in which status data of the items to be cleaned 112 are recorded by means of the detection module 146. Furthermore, the method includes a step 196 in which the status data are evaluated and the respective items to be cleaned situation of the items to be cleaned 112 are assessed by means of the control module 152. As stated above, this can be done, for example, for a tray 132 with additional items 112 to be cleaned. The method also includes a step 198 in which, in particular by the control module 152, the handling modules 168 registered with the registration unit 158 as well as their respective individual handling functions are recognized and in which the usability of the registered handling modules 168 for the respective cleaning item situation is assessed. Furthermore, in a step 200, the feed unit 164 is controlled by the control module 152 in such a way that the handling modules 168 are fed cleaning items 112 according to their usability. The method, as shown in FIG. 3, can then be repeated in full or in part, for example by performing the method steps from step 192 again. Alternatively, however, process steps can already run in parallel, so that, for example, steps 192 and 194 are carried out again with the next tray 132 while previous trays 132 are still being processed. For further possible configurations of the method, reference can be made to the above description of the cleaning system 110 and of the modular system 120. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS Cleaning system Items to be cleaned Transport dishwasher Cleaning chamber Transport device Modular system Transport system Acting device Inlet Outlet track Tray Cutlery Drinking glass Crockery Disruptive part Waste transfer point Detection module Camera transport direction control module control processor registration unit interface interface feed unit interface handling module actuator transport direction housing housing tray turner feed ramp Reversible wheel

Slider

Disposal shaft

finger

Providing a cleaning system

Delivery of the items to be cleaned

Acquisition of status data

Evaluation of the status data

Recognition of the registered handling modules

Controlling the feed unit

Claims

Expectations

1. A modular system (120) for loading a transport device (118) of a transport dishwasher (114), comprising:

A. at least one detection module (146) for recording status data of delivered items to be cleaned (112);

B. a plurality of exchangeable handling modules (168), wherein the handling modules (168) are each set up to carry out an individual handling function for handling the items to be cleaned (112) using at least one actuator (170);

C. at least one feed unit (164) for selectively feeding the supplied items to be cleaned (112) to the handling modules (168);

D. at least one control module (152), the control module (152) having at least one registration unit (158), the handling modules (168) and their individual handling functions being able to be registered and de-registered on the registration unit (158), the control module (152 ) has at least one processor (156) and is set up in terms of program technology, o to evaluate the status data and to evaluate a respective cleaning item situation of the supplied cleaning items (112); and o to identify which handling modules (168) are registered with the registration unit (158), whether the respective individual handling functions of the handling modules (168) can be used in the respective cleaning item situation and to control the feed unit (164) in such a way that the handling modules (168) are supplied with items to be cleaned (112) according to their suitability for use.

2. Modular system (120) according to the preceding claim, wherein the individual

The handling function is selected from the group consisting of: removing debris (140) from a tray (132); removing scraps of food and napkins from a tray (132); clearing drinking glasses (136) from a tray (132); clearing items of cutlery (134) from a tray (132); clearing other dishes (138) from a tray (132); providing trays (132) supplied to the transport device (118) of the conveyor dishwasher (114); a turning of a removed piece of crockery and transfer to the trans port device of the conveyor dishwasher; a further transport of a removed piece of crockery and transfer to the transport device of the conveyor dishwasher.

3. Modular system (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the status data includes image data of the delivered items to be cleaned (112), the processor (156) having at least one image evaluation software and is set up to recognize and to recognize the situation of the items to be cleaned by means of the image evaluation software evaluate.

4. The modular system (120) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (156) has at least one artificial intelligence to evaluate the cleaning situation.

5. Modular system (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the STEU ermodul (152) is further set up to recognize when the respective cleaning goods situation requires handling, for which no handling module (168) with a suitable individual handling function to the Registration unit (158) is registered.

6. Modular system (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the individual handling function comprises providing at least one selected type of items to be cleaned (112) on at least one associated track of the transport device (118) of the conveyor dishwasher (114).

7. Modular system (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular system (120) comprises at least one interface (166), wherein the exchangeable handling modules (168) can be reversibly docked to the interface (166).

8. Modular system (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of interchangeable handling modules (168) comprises at least one handling module (168) which is set up to provide an individual handling function in the form of removing disruptive parts (140) to be carried out from a tray (132).

9. Modular system (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of interchangeable handling modules (168) comprises at least one handling module (168) which is set up to provide an individual handling function in the form of removing leftovers and serviettes from execute a tray (132), wherein the individual handling function further comprises at least one disposal of leftovers and serviettes in at least one disposal device.

10. Modular system (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of interchangeable handling modules (168) comprises at least one handling module (168) which is set up to provide an individual handling function in the form of clearing away drinking glasses (136) from a tray (132), the individual handling function further comprising at least one provision of the drinking glasses (136) to the transport device (118) of the transport dishwasher (114), selected from the group consisting of: placing the drinking glasses in glasses Rinsing racks; placing the drinking glasses on at least one glass track of the transport device (118) of the conveyor dishwasher (114).

11. Modular system (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of interchangeable handling modules (168) comprises at least one handling module (168) which is set up to provide an individual handling function in the form of clearing away cutlery items (134) to be carried out from a tray (132), the individual handling function further comprising at least one provision of the cutlery items (134) to the transport device (118) of the conveyor dishwasher (114), selected from the group consisting of: an arrangement of the cutlery items (134) in cutlery washing baskets; a placement of the cutlery parts (134) on at least one cutlery lane of the transport device (118) of the trans port dishwasher (114).

12. Modular system (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of interchangeable handling modules (168) comprises at least one handling module (168) which is set up to perform an individual handling function in the form of clearing away at least one type of crockery (138) includes cutlery (134) and drinking glasses (136) from a tray (132), where the individual handling function further includes at least one provision of the dishes (138) to the transport device (118) of the conveyor dishwasher (114) from the group consisting of: a placement of the Ge dish parts (138) in dish washing racks; placing the crockery on at least one dish of the transport device (118) of the conveyor dishwasher (114).

13. Modular system (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed unit (164) comprises at least one device selected from the group consisting of: a slide (184) for selectively pushing components of the items to be cleaned (112) to the respective handling modules (168); a gripper; a brush; a magnet; a slide; a switch; a squeegee.

14. Cleaning system (110) for cleaning items to be cleaned (112), comprising: a. at least one modular system (120) according to one of the preceding claims; b. At least one conveyor dishwasher (114), the conveyor dishwasher (114) having at least one cleaning chamber (116) and at least one transport device (118) for transporting items to be cleaned (112) from an inlet (126) of the conveyor dishwasher (114) through the cleaning chamber (116) ) through to an outlet (128) of the conveyor dishwasher (114), wherein the conveyor dishwasher (114) is set up to act on the cleaning goods (112) in the cleaning chamber (116) with at least one cleaning fluid; and c. at least one transport system (122) for the delivery of contaminated cleaning items (112).

15. A method for cleaning items to be cleaned (112), comprising: i. Providing at least one cleaning system (110) according to one of the preceding claims relating to a cleaning system (110); ii. Delivery of items to be cleaned (112) by means of the transport system (122); iii. Acquisition of status data of the delivered items to be cleaned (112) by means of the detection module (146); iv. Evaluation of the status data and evaluation of the respective cleaning items situation of the delivered cleaning items (112) by means of the control module (152); v. Recognizing the handling modules (168) registered with the registration unit (158) and the respective individual handling function of the handling modules (168) and evaluating the usability in the respective cleaning item situation; and vi. Activation of the feed unit (164) by the control unit in such a way that items (112) to be cleaned are fed to the handling modules (168) according to their suitability for use.