Patent Publication Number: US-2013247940-A1

Title: Loading apparatus for a conveyor dishwasher

Description:
The invention relates to a loading apparatus for a conveyor dishwasher, in particular commercial flight-type dishwasher. The invention also relates to a combination of a conveyor dishwasher with a loading apparatus and to a method of loading a conveyor dishwasher with the aid of a loading apparatus. 
     Conveyor dishwashers (warewashers) are used commercially. In contrast to domestic dishwashers, in which the washware which is to be cleaned remains stationary in the machine as it is cleaned, the washware in conveyor dishwashers is transported through various treatment zones of the machine. In the case of conveyor dishwashers, the washware, for example crockery, pots, glasses, cutlery and other articles which are to be cleaned, is conveyed through a number of treatment zones, for example pre-wash zone(s), main-wash zone(s), post-wash or pre-rinse zone(s), final-rinse zone(s) and drying zone(s). 
     For transporting washware in a transporting direction through the conveyor dishwasher, use is made of a transporting apparatus which usually has compartments for receiving washware. In a flight-type dishwasher, the compartments may be formed by supporting fingers on a transporting belt of the transporting apparatus. All the articles and items of washware which are to be cleaned in the dishwasher are conveyed through the respective zones of the dishwasher by means of this transporting belt. 
     It is usually the case that the items of washware, prior to being introduced into the transporting belt, are pre-sorted and stacked according to type. For loading into the transporting belt, the stack of plates, bowls or trays is destacked again from time to time and manually introduced according to type into transporting-belt compartments. This sorting by type has advantages for the operator both in the loading region and in the unloading region of the conveyor dishwasher. 
     The advantages in the loading region are attained in particular as a result of an ergonomic procedure, and of a reduction in twisting of the body and movements of the body owing to the same movements being repeated a number of times. The advantages in the unloading region, in contrast, reside in the fact that more than one item of washware can be removed in a single movement, this making it possible to have an ergonomic procedure, and to reduce twisting of the body and movements of the body owing to the same movements being repeated a number of times. 
     The object of the invention is to allow as far as possible automatic destacking of the items of washware into the flight-type dishwasher, it nevertheless being possible to maintain the advantages of manual stack formation. The intention is also to provide a corresponding method of loading such a conveyor dishwasher. 
     In respect of the apparatus, this object is achieved by a loading apparatus for a flight-type dishwasher according to Patent Claim  1 . 
     Accordingly, the invention proposes a loading apparatus for a flight-type dishwasher wherein the loading apparatus has at least one stacking magazine by means of which washware which is to be cleaned, in particular plates, bowls or trays or similar stackable items of washware, is received in a stackwise manner. The at least one stacking magazine has a separating arrangement by means of which the items of washware received in the stacking magazine are discharged one by one. A conveying arrangement, to which the items of washware are discharged one by one by the separating arrangement, is provided here and, by means of the conveying arrangement, the items of washware discharged one by one by the separating arrangement are fed to a transporting belt of the flight-type dishwasher. 
     The separating arrangement has at least one thread which can be rotated relative to the washware received in the stacking magazine. Peripheral regions of individual items of washware can be received between the thread turns of the at least one thread such that, upon rotation of the thread relative to the washware received in the stacking magazine, the items of washware are moved in the vertical direction, wherein a respectively lowermost item of washware is discharged out of the stacking magazine. 
     Provision of the separating arrangement means that individual items of washware can be automatically destacked from the stack of washware received in the stacking magazine and discharged to the conveying arrangement, which, in turn, is designed to feed the destacked (separated) items of washware to the transporting belt of the conveyor dishwasher, so that they can be introduced there, likewise automatically, into transporting-belt compartments. 
     The advantages which can be achieved by the solution according to the invention are obvious: the stacking magazine of the loading apparatus according to the invention makes it possible for the washware which is to be cleaned to continue to be pre-sorted manually (or else also, optionally, in an automated manner) and to be stacked according to type. On the other hand, the separating arrangement then performs the task of destacking the items of washware, and this cuts back on a first manual operating step. Finally, the conveying arrangement serves for the automated introduction of the previously destacked and separated items of washware into a transporting belt of the conveyor dishwasher, for example into compartments of the transporting belt of the dishwasher. This does away with two elementary operating steps which were previously carried out manually, and consequently the loading apparatus according to the invention cuts back on operating time or operating staff. 
     In the case of the solution according to the invention, stacking is realized as follows. Either, as has been the case until now, stacks of washware, i.e. items of washware stacked according to type, are formed on preliminary clearing or preparation benches of the conveyor dishwasher and are then carried to the loading apparatus and introduced into the at least one stacking magazine provided for this purpose. As an alternative to this, however, it is also possible for a stacking to take place directly at the loading apparatus in the at least one stacking magazine provided for this purpose. It is possible here for plates, bowls, trays or other stackable crockery to be introduced into the stacking magazine. It is conceivable here for a plurality of stacking magazines to be provided one beside the other in the loading apparatus. 
     Preferred developments of the loading apparatus according to the invention are indicated in Patent Claims  2  to  10 . 
     Accordingly, an advantageous embodiment of the loading apparatus according to the invention provides that the at least one thread of the separating arrangement is configured as an internal thread of a drum which can be rotated relative to the washware received in the stacking magazine and in which the washware can be stacked. In the case of this embodiment, it should preferably be possible for the entire peripheral region of the items of washware to be received by the thread turns of the internal thread. Since the items of washware rest on helices of the internal thread over their peripheral region, it is also possible for the items of washware to be stacked particularly straightforwardly and in the correct manner. In addition, uniform and skew-free guidance of the washware is ensured. The drum here constitutes a particularly straightforward design solution for destacking individual items of washware. 
     As an alternative to the provision of a drum with internal thread, it is conceivable for the separating arrangement to have at least two, and preferably three, parallel conveying belts which can be rotated relative to the washware received in the stacking magazine and between which the washware which is to be cleaned can be stacked. It should be possible here for preferably individual peripheral regions of the items of washware to be received by regions of the thread turns of the respective conveying belts. The separating arrangement thus no longer needs a corresponding drum with internal thread, which simplifies the construction of the magazine and reduces the weight thereof. This construction nevertheless allows similarly automated destacking of the items of washware. The provision of a plurality of conveying belts, in addition, has the advantage that the separating arrangement can be set in a relatively flexible manner to the size, and in particular the diameter, of the items of washware which are stacked in the stacking magazine and are to be separated from the stack of washware with the aid of the conveying belts, to be precise by the conveying belts being arranged correspondingly closer together or further apart from one another. 
     It is advantageous, in principle, if a drive arrangement is also provided for driving the at least one thread of the separating arrangement, as well as a control arrangement for activating the drive arrangement. In order to allow fully automated destacking of the individual items of washware and fully automated introduction of the destacked items of washware into a transporting belt of a flight-type dishwasher, it is advantageous in this context, in particular, if the control arrangement is designed to activate the drive arrangement in dependence on the transporting speed of the transporting belt of the flight-type dishwasher and to set the rotary speed of the at least one thread of the separating arrangement in dependence on the transporting speed of the transporting belt. 
     In a particularly preferred realization of the last-mentioned embodiment of the loading apparatus according to the invention, it is provided that the control arrangement is designed to set the rotary speed of the at least one thread of the separating arrangement such that the number of items of washware discharged out of the stacking magazine per unit of time is identical to the number of items of washware which are fed to the transporting belt of the flight-type dishwasher, and can be received by the transporting belt, per unit of time and this can effectively prevent the situations where, on the one hand, the transporting belt of the flight-type dishwasher is fed too many items of washware per unit of time, which would result in a build-up or overloading on the transporting belt in the loading zone of the conveyor dishwasher, and, on the other hand, the transporting belt of the flight-type dishwasher is fed too few items of washware per unit of time, which would result in insufficient loading of the transporting belt in the loading zone of the conveyor dishwasher. The speed here at which the items of washware discharged by the separating arrangement are fed to the transporting belt of the conveyor dishwasher with the aid of the conveying arrangement should preferably be considered to be constant. 
     According to a particular aspect of the last-mentioned embodiment of the solution according to the invention, the rotary speed of the at least one thread of the separating arrangement can be set not just in dependence on the transporting speed of the transporting belt, but also in dependence on the type of washware. This takes account of the fact that comparatively large items of washware, for example plates or trays, usually take up more space on the transporting belt of the conveyor dishwasher than smaller items of washware, for example saucers or bowls. 
     It is possible, in principle, for the washware to be stacked in the at least one stacking magazine with the user side upwards or downwards, without there being any risk of the magazine being blocked. While the degree of automation is high, it is thus nevertheless possible for the magazine to be handled in a flexible manner. 
     In respect of the conveying arrangement, it is conceivable for the latter to have, for example, a chute or a conveying belt by means of which the items of washware discharged one by one by the separating arrangement are fed to a transporting belt of the flight-type dishwasher. A chute here constitutes a particularly straightforward, advantageous and also efficient and, as it were, maintenance-free option by means of which the separated items of washware discharged from the stacking magazine are fed to a commercial conveyor dishwasher. A conveying belt, in contrast, makes it possible to bridge somewhat greater distances, as a result of which the stacking magazine of the loading apparatus may also be arranged further away from a loading zone or the entrance of the conveyor dishwasher. 
     For the purpose of moving the loading apparatus in three dimensions, the apparatus is preferably equipped with a chassis, which has, for example, steerable wheels or rollers. This makes it possible for the items of washware which are to be cleaned to be stacked manually, or optionally in an automated manner, in the at least one stacking magazine of the loading apparatus at any desired location of the kitchen, wherein the loading apparatus is then displaced to the entrance tunnel of the conveyor dishwasher and coupled there to the corresponding loading zone. Despite a high degree of automation, the advantages of manual stacking are thus maintained. 
     The object cited in the introduction is also achieved by a combination of a flight-type dishwasher and a loading apparatus of the type described above. As is indicated in Patent Claim  11 , the flight-type dishwasher here, preferably at the dishwasher entrance, has a loading zone in which the at least one loading apparatus of the type mentioned above can be coupled to the flight-type dishwasher. Coupling of the at least one loading apparatus to the flight-type dishwasher takes place such that, with the aid of the conveying arrangement, the items of washware discharged one by one by the separating arrangement can be fed to a transporting belt of the flight-type dishwasher. 
     The destacking rate of the stacking magazine—and the supply rate for a conveying belt used, if appropriate, as a conveying arrangement—are set, preferably in dependence on the transporting-belt speed of the dishwasher, such that the transporting belt is charged continuously with separated items of washware. As already indicated, it is possible, depending on the three-dimensional sorting and loading sequence, for the loading apparatus to be fixed to the dishwasher or to be mobile and able to be coupled to the conveyor dishwasher in a loading region of the same. Despite a high degree of automation, the advantages of manual stacking are thus maintained. 
     Preferred developments of the combination according to the invention are indicated in Patent Claims  12  to  15 . 
     Accordingly, an advantageous embodiment provides that the transporting belt of the conveyor dishwasher is of endless configuration and is provided with fingers, wherein the at least one loading apparatus is designed such that the operations of feeding the separated items of washware to the transporting belt and of introducing the separated items of washware into the transporting belt take place in a region of a transporting-belt deflection. In the case of this solution, the separated items of washware can slide in continuously between the fingers of the transporting belt, in the region of the transporting-belt deflection, without any further mechanical transfer aid or manual intervention being necessary. 
     As an alternative to the last-mentioned embodiment, the at least one loading apparatus is designed such that the operations of feeding the separated items of washware to the transporting belt and of loading the transporting belt take place in a region above a transporting-belt deflection. This realization is recommended, in particular, when the transporting belt of the conveyor dishwasher is of endless configuration, but is not equipped with any fingers. In the case of such embodiments of the transporting belt, the act of loading the transporting belt in a region above a transporting-belt deflection likewise makes it possible for the items of washware to be deposited straightforwardly and continuously on the transporting belt without an additional mechanical transfer aid or manual intervention. 
     If the flight-type dishwasher can be coupled simultaneously to a plurality of loading apparatuses arranged one beside the other, the dishwasher can be fed more washware overall, and this increases the efficiency of the dishwasher. 
     If individual stacking magazines can be assigned to individual tracks of the transporting belt, the respectively different types of washware stacked therein can be subjected to respectively suitable, track-bound cleaning processes. It is thus possible for different types of washware, for example plates, bowls, etc., to be fed simultaneously in an automated manner to the flight-type dishwasher and treated in a single, common cleaning cycle. 
     In respect of the method, the object which was mentioned in the introduction, and on which the invention is based, is achieved by the subject matter of independent Patent Claim  16 . 
     This claim proposes a method of loading a commercial flight-type dishwasher, wherein the method has the following method steps:
         providing a loading apparatus of the type discussed above;   stacking washware in the at least one stacking magazine of the loading apparatus;   coupling the loading apparatus to a loading zone of the flight-type dishwasher such that the conveying arrangement of the loading apparatus communicates with a transporting belt of the flight-type dishwasher; and   rotating the at least one thread of the stacking magazine in dependence on a transporting-belt speed of the flight-type dishwasher such that separated items of washware discharged out of the stacking magazine are continuously supplied to the transporting belt and received by the same.       

     In a preferred development of the method according to the invention, it is provided, prior to the loading apparatus being coupled to the loading zone of the flight-type dishwasher, the loading apparatus is displaced to a loading zone of the flight-type dishwasher. 
     The invention will be described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings, using various embodiments as examples. Identical, or functionally identical, parts are given identical designations here. 
    
    
     
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  shows a schematic longitudinal view of a conveyor dishwasher which can be coupled to a loading apparatus according to the invention in order for the conveyor dishwasher to be loaded in an automated manner with washware which is to be cleaned; 
         FIG. 2  shows a sectional lateral view of a loading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention, the apparatus being coupled to a flight-type dishwasher; 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view, as seen obliquely from above, of a further embodiment of a loading apparatus according to the invention; and 
         FIG. 4  shows a plan view of two loading apparatuses of the first embodiment of the invention, these apparatuses being arranged one beside the other on a flight-type dishwasher. 
     
    
    
       FIG. 1  shows a conveyor dishwasher  1  with a transporting apparatus  2  for transporting washware (not illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) in a transporting direction T through the conveyor dishwasher  1 . The conveyor dishwasher  1  has at least one wash zone, for example as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a pre-wash zone  10  and two main-wash zones  11 . 1 ,  11 . 2 , which are arranged downstream of the pre-wash zone  10 , as seen in the transporting direction T. 
     As seen in the transporting direction T, a post-wash zone  12  is arranged downstream of the at least one wash zone  10 ,  11 . 1 ,  11 . 2 , and at least one final-rinse zone, for example, as illustrated, just a single final-rinse zone  13 , is arranged downstream of the post-wash zone  12 . In the case of the conveyor dishwasher  1  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the final-rinse zone  13  is followed, in the transporting direction T of the washware, by a drying zone  14 . 
     The respective zones  10 ,  11 . 1 ,  11 . 2 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14  of the conveyor dishwasher  1  may be separated from one another via petitions  5 . In the case of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , it is also the case that the entrance tunnel  3  of the conveyor dishwasher  1  itself is separated from the entrance  4  via a petition  5 . The provision of the petitions  5  prevents wash liquid and final-rinse liquid from splashing and water vapour from escaping from the conveyor dishwasher  1 . 
     The aforementioned treatment zones  10 ,  11 . 1 ,  11 . 2 ,  12 ,  13  of the conveyor dishwasher  1  are assigned spray nozzles  30   a ,  30   b ,  31 . 1   a ,  31 . 1   b ,  31 . 2   a ,  31 . 2   b ,  32   a ,  32   b ,  33   a ,  33   b ,  33   c . These spray nozzles  30   a ,  30   b ,  31 . 1   a ,  31 . 1   b ,  31 . 2   a ,  31 . 2   b ,  32   a ,  32   b ,  33   a ,  33   b ,  33   c  serve for spraying liquid onto the washware which is to be treated as this washware is being transported through the respective treatment zones  10 ,  11 . 1 ,  11 . 2 ,  12 ,  13  by the transporting apparatus  2 . The individual spray systems of the treatment zones  10 ,  11 . 1 ,  11 . 2 ,  12 ,  13  ensure that the washware which is to be treated is sprayed both from the upper side and from the underside. 
     In the case of the conveyor dishwasher  1  illustrated schematically in  FIG. 1 , however, the final-rinse zone  13 , in addition to having downwardly directed upper final-rinse nozzles  33   a  and upwardly directed lower final-rinse nozzles  33   b , also has transversely directed lateral final-rinse nozzles  33   c  on each side of the transporting apparatus  2 . The use of lateral final-rinse nozzles  33   c  makes it possible for the washware surfaces (crockery surfaces) to be sprayed specifically with final-rinse liquid even in occluded zones. It is precisely when the transporting system is fully loaded, for example with the crockery rack loaded with plates located one against the other, that the use of lateral final-rinse nozzles  33   c  in the final-rinse zone  13  has a clear advantage as far as the final-rinse effect is concerned (effective rinsing off of residues of detergents on crockery surfaces even in occluded zones) over systems in which only upper and lower final-rinse zones  33   a ,  33   b , and no transversely directed lateral final-rinse nozzles  33   c , are provided in the final-rinse zone  13 . 
     The post-wash or pre-rinse zone  12 , main-wash zones  11 . 1 ,  11 . 2  and pre-wash zone  10  are also assigned tanks (post-wash tank  22 , main-wash tanks  21 . 1 ,  21 . 2 , pre-wash tank  20 ) for receiving sprayed liquid and/or for providing liquid for the spray nozzles  30   a ,  30   b ,  31 . 1   a ,  31 . 1   b ,  31 . 2   a ,  31 . 2   b ,  32   a ,  32   b , of the relevant treatment zones  10 ,  11 . 1 ,  11 . 2 ,  12 . 
     As already indicated, in the case of the conveyor dishwasher  1  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , final-rinse liquid, which is made of fresh water with rinse aid metered in, is sprayed onto the washware (not illustrated) via the final-rinse nozzles arranged laterally and above and beneath the transporting apparatus  2 . Some of the sprayed final-rinse liquid is transported from treatment zone to treatment zone via a cascade system, counter to the transporting direction T of the washware. The rest of the final-rinse liquid sprayed in the final-rinse zone  13  is passed directly, via a valve V 1  and a bypass line  6 , into the pre-wash tank  20 , which is assigned to the pre-wash zone  10 . 
     In the case of the cascade system, the final-rinse liquid sprayed by the final-rinse nozzles  33   a ,  33   b ,  33   c  flows under gravitational force from the final-rinse zone  13  into the post-wash tank  22 , which is assigned to the post-wash zone  12 . The final-rinse liquid which is sprayed in the final-rinse zone  13  and intercepted by the post-wash tank  22  is then delivered, with the aid of a post-wash pump  36 , to the spray nozzles of the post-wash zone  12  (upper and lower post-wash nozzles  32   a ,  32   b ). 
     In a post-wash zone  12 , wash liquid is rinsed off from the washware. The liquid (post-wash liquid) which accumulates here flows under gravitational force into the main-wash tank  21 . 1 , which is assigned to the first main-wash zone  11 . 1 . A drainage element  7 , for example a drainage floor or a directing plate, is preferably provided for this purpose, the post-wash liquid sprayed by the post-wash nozzles  32   a ,  32   b  being directed thereby into the main-wash tank  21 . 1 . According to another embodiment of the conveyor dishwasher  1 , this embodiment not being illustrated, it is possible to dispense with the drainage element  7  when the main-wash tank  21 . 1  extends beneath the post-wash nozzles  32   a ,  32   b  of the post-wash zone  12 . 
     The liquid received by the main-wash tank  21 . 1  of the first main-wash zone  11 . 1  is usually provided with a detergent and sprayed onto the washware, with the aid of a first main-wash pump  35 . 1 , via the spray nozzles of the first main-wash zone  11 . 1  (upper and lower main-wash nozzles  31 . 1   a ,  31 . 1   b ). The wash liquid sprayed by the main-wash nozzles  31 . 1   a ,  31 . 1   b  then flows back under gravitational force into the main-wash tank  21 . 1 . 
     The main-wash tank  21 . 1  is in fluid connection, via an overflow line  9 . 1 , with the main-wash tank  21 . 2 , which is assigned to the second main-wash zone  11 . 2 . Via this overflow line  9 . 1 , the wash liquid sprayed in the first main-wash zone  11 . 1  passes into the main-wash tank  21 . 2  of the second main-wash zone  11 . 2  if a sufficient quantity of wash liquid has been received in the main-wash tank  21 . 1  of the first main-wash zone  11 . 1 . 
     The liquid received by the main-wash tank  21 . 2  of the second main-wash zone  11 . 2  is sprayed onto the washware, with the aid of a second main-wash pump  35 . 2 , via the spray nozzles of the second main-wash zone  11 . 2  (upper and lower main-wash nozzles  31 . 2   a ,  31 . 2   b ). The wash liquid sprayed by the main-wash nozzle  31 . 2   a ,  31 . 2   b  then flows back under gravitational force into the main-wash tank  21 . 2  of the second main-wash zone  11 . 2 . 
     The main-wash tank  21 . 2  of the second main-wash zone  11 . 2  is in fluid connection, via an overflow line  9 . 2 , with the pre-wash tank  20 , which is assigned to the pre-wash zone  10 . Via this overflow line  9 . 2 , the wash liquid sprayed in the second main-wash zone  11 . 2  passes into the pre-wash tank  20  if a sufficient quantity of wash liquid has been received in the main-wash tank  21 . 2  of the second main-wash zone  11 . 2 . 
     The liquid received in the pre-wash tank  20  of the pre-wash zone  10  is then sprayed onto the washware, with the aid of a pre-wash pump  34 , via the spray nozzles of the pre-wash zone (upper and lower pre-wash nozzles  30   a ,  30   b ), in order for coarse soiling to be removed from the washware. The wash liquid sprayed by the pre-wash nozzles  30   a ,  30   b  then flows back under gravitational force into the pre-wash tank  20 . 
     The pre-wash tank  20  is provided with an overflow line  8  which, in the event of a certain liquid level in the pre-wash tank  20  being exceeded, serves to feed the excess quantity of liquid to a waste-water system. 
     As already indicated, the liquid sprayed in the main-wash zones  11 . 1 ,  11 . 2  and in the pre-wash zone  10  preferably contains detergent which is metered, with the aid of a detergent-metering means (not shown in the drawings) for example into the liquid received in the main-wash tank  21 . 1  of the first main-wash zone  11 . 1 . 
     As already mentioned, the final-rinse zone  13  is followed, in the transporting direction T, by the drying zone  14 . In the drying zone  14 , the washware is dried using dry and heated air in order for the moisture located on the washware to be blown or dried off. In order for the moisture content in the air to be kept in a range which is advantageous for drying purposes, it is conceivable for example to feed ambient air to the drying zone  14  from the outside via an opening, for example through the exit opening for washware. 
     The warm and moist air in the drying zone  14  is then drawn out of the drying zone  14  via a further opening for example with the aid of a fan  15 . It is advantageous if the exhaust-air stream from the drying zone  14  passes a heat-recovery arrangement  16 , in which for example a condenser may be provided. The heat-recovery arrangement  16  serves to recover at least some of the heat energy contained in the exhaust air. This recovered heat energy can be used, for example, for heating the liquid which is to be sprayed in the final-rinse zone  13 . 
     If, prior to the conveyor dishwasher  1  starting up for the first time, the tanks assigned to the treatment zones  10 ,  11 . 1 ,  11 . 2 ,  12  (pre-wash tank  20 , main-wash tanks  21 . 1 ,  21 . 2 , post-wash tank  22 ) are empty or filled only to an insufficient extent, they have to be filled in the first instance via a fresh-water line  18  and/or by virtue of final-rinse liquid being sprayed in the final-rinse zone  13 . The fresh-water line  18  can be connected to a fresh-water supply network via an activateable valve V 3 . The quantity of wash liquid available in the main-wash zones  11 . 1 ,  11 . 2  and in the pre-wash zone  10  can be monitored in each case with the aid of a level sensor provided in the main-wash tank  21 . 1 ,  21 . 2  of the first and/or second main-wash zone  11 . 1 ,  11 . 2 , and/or with the aid of a level sensor provided in the pre-wash tank  20 , and communicated to a control means  40 . 
     It is possible for the final-rinse zone  13 —as illustrated in FIG.  1 —to be assigned to a fresh-water tank  23  for the interim storage of at least some of the fresh water provided for final rinsing. On the one hand, the fresh-water tank  23  is provided with a fresh-water connection, which can be connected to a fresh-water supply network via an activateable fresh-water feed valve V 2 . On the other hand, the fresh-water tank  23  is connected to the suction side of a final-rinse pump  37 . 
     The pressure side of the final-rinse pump  37  is connected to the upstream end region  47  of a main-line system  44  via which, upon actuation of the final-rinse pump  37 , fresh water is delivered out of the fresh-water tank  23  to the final-rinse nozzles  33   a ,  33   b ,  33   c . In specific terms, the main-line system  44  connects the pressure side of the final-rinse pump  37  to a boiler  17 . The main-line system  44  is configured here such that the liquid fed to the final-rinse nozzles  33   a ,  33   b ,  33   c  by the final-rinse pump  37  passes the heat-recovery arrangement  16  in the first instance, prior to reaching the boiler  17 . This makes it possible for at least some of the thermal energy of the exhaust air channelled away from the drying zone  14  to be utilized for heating the liquid fed to the spray nozzles  33   a ,  33   b ,  33   c  via the main-line system  44 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a sectional lateral view of a loading apparatus  50  according to a first embodiment of the invention. The loading apparatus  50  serves the automated destacking of washware  100  which is to be cleaned and for feeding the destacked and separated items of washware  101  to a loading zone  61  of a conveyor dishwasher  1 . The loading zone  61  is that region of the conveyor dishwasher  1  in which the items of washware  101  which are to be cleaned are transferred to the transporting apparatus  2  of the conveyor dishwasher  1 . This region is usually located at the entrance  4  or upstream of the entrance  4 . 
     In the case of the exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in  FIG. 2 , use is made of a conveyor dishwasher  1  which, for transporting individual items of washware  101 ′ through the respective treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher  1 , have a transporting apparatus  2  which has compartments for receiving the individual items of washware  101 ′. In specific terms, in the case of the embodiments illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the compartments are formed by supporting fingers  63  on a transporting belt  62  of the transporting apparatus  2 . All the articles and items of washware  101 ′ which are to be cleaned in the dishwasher are conveyed through the respective treatment zones of the conveyor dishwasher  1  by means of this transporting belt  62 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the loading apparatus  50  has a stacking magazine  51  which receives the washware  100  which is to be cleaned, in this case plates, in a stacked manner. In order that the items of washware  101  received in the stacking magazine  51  can be destacked automatically in the downward direction, the stacking magazine  51  is provided with a separating arrangement by means of which the items of washware  101  received in the stacking magazine  51  are discharged separately, i.e. one by one. In specific terms, the separating arrangement has a thread which can be rotated relative to the washware  100  received in the stacking magazine  51  and between the thread turns of which peripheral regions of individual items of washware  101  can be received such that, upon rotation of the thread, the items of washware  101  are moved in the vertical direction and a respectively lowermost item of washware  101 ′ is discharged out of the stacking magazine  51 . 
     In the case of that embodiment of the loading apparatus  50  which is illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the thread of the separating arrangement is configured as an internal thread  52  of a drum  53  which can be rotated relative to the washware  100  received in the stacking magazine  51 . The washware  100  which is to be cleaned is stacked in this drum  53 , wherein—as shown in FIG.  2 —the entire peripheral region of the items of washware  101  is received by the thread turns of the internal thread  52 . 
     By virtue of the rotary movement of the drum  53 , the stack of plates (washware  100 ) is conveyed downwards and individual items of washware  101  are destacked therefrom. The items of washware  101 ′ which arrive at the bottom, and are destacked, are set down on a conveying arrangement  55 . The conveying arrangement  55  is designed as a chute in the case of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 . From the conveying arrangement  55 , designed as a chute, the items of washware  101 ′ are fed to the transporting belt  62  of the conveyor dishwasher  1  and are introduced there into the corresponding compartments of the transporting belt  62 , these compartments being formed by the fingers  63 . Designing the conveying arrangement  55  as a chute constitutes a particularly straightforward and cost-effective variant for feeding separated items of washware  101 ′ to the transporting belt  62 . In the case of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the loading apparatus  50  is fixed to the conveyor dishwasher  1  in the loading zone  61 . Depending on the three-dimensional sorting and loading sequence, it is also possible, however, for the loading apparatus  50  to be mobile, this allowing greater flexibility. 
       FIG. 3  shows a perspective view, as seen obliquely from above, of a further embodiment of the loading apparatus  50 ′ according to the invention. It is also the case with this embodiment of the loading apparatus  50 ′ that the washware  100  stacked according to type, in this case likewise a stack of plates, is destacked automatically in a downward direction. Like the loading apparatus  50  according to  FIG. 2  as well, the loading apparatus  50 ′ according to  FIG. 3  has a stacking magazine  51 ′, which receives the washware  100  which is to be cleaned (in this case: plates) in a stacked manner. The separating arrangement is also provided in order that the items of washware  101 ′ received in the stacking magazine  51 ′ can be destacked automatically in the downward direction. 
     In the case of the embodiment according to  FIG. 3 , the separating arrangement has three parallel conveying belts  52 ′,  52 ″,  52 ′″ which can be rotated relative to the washware  100  received in the stacking magazine  51 ′. The washware  100  is stacked between these conveying belts  52 ′,  52 ″,  52 ′″, wherein individual peripheral regions of the items of washware  101 , i.e. portions of the peripheral regions of the items of washware  101 , are received by regions of the thread turns of the respective conveying belts  52 ′,  52 ″,  52 ′″. 
     The loading apparatus  50 ′ illustrated in  FIG. 3  functions as follows: in the first instance, the items of washware  101 ′ which are to be cleaned (in this case: plates) are introduced into the centre of the three rotatable conveying belts  52 ′,  52 ″,  52 ′″. A uniform, coordinated rotary movement of the conveying belt  52 ′,  52 ″,  52 ′″ transports each item of washware  101  in the downward direction. The respectively separated items of washware  101 ′ are then introduced via a conveying arrangement  55 , in this case a conveying belt, into the compartments of the transporting belt  62  of the conveying dishwasher  1 , these compartments being formed by fingers  63 . 
     In comparison with the loading apparatus  50  according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2  (drum solution), the loading apparatus  50 ′ according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3  is distinguished by being lower in weight, and provision of the conveying arrangement  55 , configured as a conveying belt, also allows it to serve a conveyor dishwasher  1  which is at a greater distance away. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a plan view of two loading apparatuses  50  of the first embodiment of the invention, wherein the two loading apparatuses are arranged one beside the other in a loading zone  62  of a flight-type dishwasher  1 . Both loading apparatuses  50  may be of mobile configuration, and they can therefore be stacked with washware at a remote location and be displaced into the loading zone  61  for the first time for destacking purposes. 
     The washware  100  of each loading apparatus  50  may comprise respectively different types of washware, e.g. plates and bowls. In the case shown in  FIG. 4 , however, two stacks of plates are destacked in parallel and fed to the transporting belt  62  of a flight-type dishwasher  1 . Two transporting-belt tracks located one beside the other are charged here, and this considerably increases the loading speed of the conveyor dishwasher  1 . 
     The individual transporting-belt tracks may be subject to different cleaning parameters, and it is therefore also possible for items of washware of different types to be loaded on each track in one loading operation. 
     The items of washware  101 , rather than necessarily having to be introduced into a transporting belt  62  with fingers  63 , may also be positioned on a transporting belt  62  without fingers  63  in a region above the transporting-belt deflection. 
     Although not illustrated explicitly in the drawings, it is conceivable for the respective loading apparatus  50 ,  50 ′ to be assigned a drive arrangement for driving the rotatable drum  53  or the rotatable conveying belt  52 ′,  52 ″,  52 ′″. This drive arrangement can preferably be activated via the control arrangement  40  indicated in  FIG. 1 . The control arrangement  40  here is preferably designed to activate the drive arrangement in dependence on the transporting speed of the transporting belt  62  of the conveyor dishwasher  1  and to set the rotary speed of the rotatable drum  53 , or of the rotatable conveying belt  52 ′,  52 ″,  52 ′″, in dependence on the transporting speed of the transporting belt  62 . 
     It is conceivable here for the control arrangement  40  to be designed to set the rotary speed of the rotatable drum  53 , or of the rotatable conveying belt  52 ′,  52 ″,  52 ′″, such that the number of items of washware  101 ′ discharged out of the stacking magazine  51 , or  51 ′, per unit of time is identical to the number of items of washware which are fed to the transporting belt  62  of the conveyor dishwasher  1 , and can be received by the transporting belt  62 , per unit of time. 
     Furthermore, it is conceivable for the control arrangement  40  to be designed to set the rotary speed of the rotatable drum  53 , or of the rotatable conveying belt  52 ′,  52 ″,  52 ′″, in dependence on the type of washware and, in particular, the size of the washware  100  received in the stacking magazine  51  or  51 ′. 
     It should be noted that, rather than being restricted to the exemplary embodiments illustrated above with reference to the drawings, the invention is made up of a combination of all the individual features disclosed herein. 
     It should also be noted that the loading apparatus  50 ,  50 ′ according to the invention is preferably designed such that the washware  100  which is to be cleaned can be stacked in the corresponding stacking magazine  51 ,  51 ′ with the user side upwards or with the user side downwards.