JP2019112164A - Tableware separation and turnover method, tableware separation and turnover device, tableware washing system, tableware washing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide tableware separation and turnover method and device by which separation and turnover of front and rear faces of a tableware, which is positioned at an uppermost end of a tableware row in which plural tablewares are overlapped, can be sequentially and quickly performed with a compact configuration, and a tableware washing system and a tableware washing method.SOLUTION: A tableware separation and turnover device comprising: separation means 300 which reciprocationally rotates an arm unit 501, to which a grip chuck for gripping an outer peripheral edge of a tableware W is fixed, in a prescribed angular range between an inclined position and a substantially horizontal position; lifting means 400 which lifts a tableware positioned at an uppermost end to a separable position; and turnover means 700 having a rotary drum which forms a tableware storage space for storing a separated tableware, and is intermittently rotated in one direction. When the arm unit is rotated to the substantially horizontal position, the grip chuck grips an outer peripheral edge of a tableware positioned at the uppermost end of a tableware row and separates said tableware, and when the arm unit is rotated to the inclined position, the separated tableware is released and is transferred into the tableware storage space, the front face side of the tableware is inverted downward by intermittent rotation of the rotary drum, and is dropped from the tableware storage space by self-weight and is released.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a method of separating and inverting dishes, washing and separating apparatus for dishes, a dishwashing system, and a method of cleaning dishes.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a separation and inverting device for dishes which takes out a piece of dishes from a row of dishes in which a plurality of dishes are stacked and inverts the dishes from the top and bottom. The separating and inverting apparatus includes a handling mechanism for taking out one piece of dishes from the row of dishes and a reversing mechanism for inverting one piece of dishes received from the handling mechanism. The handling mechanism has a gripping portion, such as a suction disk connected to a negative pressure source, for gripping one dish. The grip portion is provided to be vertically movable and pivotable with respect to the support column. The reversing mechanism is formed of a radially extended plate member which is rotated intermittently, and receives and reverses the dishes removed from the holding portion (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP, 2009-120289, A

  In the tableware separation / inversion device as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the pivoting movement of the grip portion by the handling mechanism is performed in the horizontal plane, while the rotation of the inversion mechanism is performed in the vertical plane. For this reason, it is difficult for the reversing mechanism to smoothly and efficiently perform a series of operations for receiving the dishes removed from the gripping portion in a short time. In addition, since the swinging movement of the grip portion by the handling mechanism is performed in the horizontal plane and is orthogonal to the tableware transfer direction, the depth dimension of the device is enlarged particularly when a plurality of tableware transfer lanes are provided.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and the separation of the dishes located at the top end of the plurality of dishes stacked on top of each other and the inversion of the front and back can be sequentially performed at high speed in a compact configuration. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for separating and inverting dishes, a device for inverting and separating dishes, and a dishwashing system and a method for washing dishes, which are intended to improve the washing processing capability of dishes per unit time.

  The method for separating and inverting dishes according to the present invention comprises: from a row of dishes stacked with the front side of a plurality of dishes facing upward, grasping a single dish at the top end thereof, sequentially separating from the row of dishes and facing downward A separation and inversion method for tableware to be inverted, comprising: separating means for repeatedly reciprocatingly rotating an arm unit fixed to a gripping chuck for gripping opposing outer peripheral edges of the table in a predetermined angle range between an inclined position and a substantially horizontal position And raising and lowering means for raising the receiving frame to a position where the tableware at the uppermost end of the tableware row can be grasped and separated by the separating means, and a tableware storage space for storing the dishes discharged and separated by the separating means; Reverse means having a rotating drum which intermittently rotates in one direction in synchronization with reciprocation of the arm unit; and when the arm unit is rotated from an inclined position to a substantially horizontal position, the grip The chuck grips and separates the opposing outer peripheral edges of the dishes at the top end of the row of dishes, and when the arm unit pivots from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position, the grabbed and separated dishes are removed from the grip chuck The tableware stored in the tableware storage space of the rotating drum by being dropped by its own weight and transferred, and the tableware stored with the surface side facing upward in the tableware storage space is inverted downward with the tableware surface downward by intermittent rotation of the rotating drum. It is characterized in that it is dropped by gravity from inside the tableware storage space and discharged.

  Also, from the tableware row stacked with the front side of the plurality of dishes facing upward, the separation and inversion device for the tableware grasps one tableware at the top end, separates sequentially from the tableware row, and reverses the front side downward. An apparatus for separating and inverting dishes, wherein an arm unit fixed to a gripping chuck for gripping opposite outer peripheral edges of the dishes is repeatedly reciprocated in a predetermined angular range between an inclined position and a substantially horizontal position The tableware includes a separating means for gripping and separating one piece of tableware at the top end, and a drive source for raising and lowering a frame supporting the tableware at the bottom end of the table, and the tabletop at the top end of the table Lifting and lowering means for raising the row of dishes to a separable position by sequentially grasping them by the separating means, and a dish storage space for storing the dishes separated and released by the separating means, forming a rotating drum intermittently rotating in one direction The An arm unit comprising: a reversing means, and the separating means further comprising: a gripping chuck for gripping opposite outer peripheral edges of the tableware; and a guide rail for slidably moving the opposing outer peripheral edges of the tableware. And a link mechanism for reciprocating the arm unit in a predetermined angular range between the inclined position and the substantially horizontal position, and the gripping chuck rotates the arm unit from the inclined position to the substantially horizontal position. When the arm unit is separated from the table row by grasping the opposing outer peripheral edges of the tableware at the top end of the table row when the arm unit is pivoted from a substantially horizontal position to the inclined position, The tableware with its own weight dropped and transferred from the grip chuck into the tableware storage space of the rotating drum and transferred with the front side facing upward in the tableware storage space is intermittently rotated by the rotating drum. It is characterized in that the surface of the vessel is inverted downward to release by free-fall from the dishes containing space.

  In addition, the dishwashing system includes immersion water while conveying one freestanding dish row in which the surfaces of a plurality of dishes are stacked upward, located at the previous step of the above-described tableware separation / inverter and the aforementioned separation / inverter. Dispensing equipment for dishware to moisturize the soiling components adhering to the dishes by supplying water, and located in the post-process of the separation and inverting device, wash water from the nozzle on the front and back of each dish A washing device for spraying and removing dirt, wherein the dish ware immersion device, the separation / reversal device, and the washing device are arranged such that the conveying direction of the dishes is the same to constitute one washing lane It is a feature.

  Moreover, the method of washing dishes is to supply immersion water while transporting one freestanding dish row in which the surfaces of a plurality of dishes are stacked upward, to store water in the gaps between adjacent dishes, and adhere to the dishes. The tableware row is sequentially grasped the tableware on the top row of the tableware row while holding water in the gap between the adjacent tableware after the immersing step of applying moisture to the dirt components to be moistened and the immersing step. Separating and inverting the surface side of the tableware downward, and a cleaning process of washing the tableware by spraying washing water on the front and back surfaces of the tableware while transporting the tableware discharged from the separation and inverting process. And in the separating and inverting step, the immersion water stored on the surface side of the tableware to be separated is drained.

According to the separation and inversion method for dishes and the separation and inversion device for dishes according to the present invention, the separation of dishes located at the top end of a plurality of dishes stacked on top of each other and the reversal of front and back are sequentially performed at high speed in a compact configuration. Can be done with
In addition, according to the dishwashing system and the dishwashing method, it is possible to improve the washing treatment capacity of the dishes per unit time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The basic block diagram of the dish-washing system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram in the dishwashing system. The top view which shows the immersion apparatus of the tableware washing system. The perspective view of the carrying-in side (upstream side of the tableware row conveyance direction) of the tableware row of the same immersion device. The enlarged top view of the delivery side (downstream side of the tableware row conveyance direction) of the tableware row of the same immersion device. The side view which shows the state which supplies and immerses immersion water to the tableware row in the same immersion apparatus. The perspective view of the delivery side (downstream side of the tableware row conveyance direction) of the tableware row of the same immersion device. The partial top view which shows arrangement | positioning of the dishes row on the conveyance means of the same immersion apparatus. The side view which shows the conveyance state of the tableware row on the conveyance means of the same immersion apparatus. The perspective view of the isolation | separation discharge apparatus equipped with the back process of the same immersion apparatus, and the isolation | separation inversion apparatus containing this. (A) is a perspective view of the raising / lowering means of the same separating / discharging device, (b) is a perspective view of the separating means of the same separating / discharging device, (c) is a perspective view of the reversing means of the same separating / reversing device. (A) is a perspective view of the gripping chuck of the separating means as viewed from below, (b) is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of (a), (c) is a sectional view taken along the B-B line of (a), (d) ) Is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of (a). (A)-(e) is a front view which shows operation | movement of the holding chuck of the same separation discharge apparatus in time series. (A) is a side view showing the detection condition by the tableware sensor in a state where the dishes are in the receiving frame of the lifting means, and (b) is a detection condition by the tableware sensor and the receiving frame sensor in the case where the receiving frame of the lifting means is without dishes FIG. (A)-(c) is a side view which shows operation | movement of the raising / lowering means of the same separation discharge apparatus, a holding chuck, and inversion means in a time series. (A)-(c) is a side view which shows operation | movement of the inversion means of the same separation inversion apparatus in a time series. The perspective view which looked at arrangement | positioning of the various sensors in the isolation | separation discharge apparatus, the isolation | separation inversion apparatus from the front upper left. The perspective view which made the drawing element non-drawing in order to make it easy to understand arrangement | positioning of the various sensors in the isolation | separation discharge apparatus and the isolation | separation inversion apparatus. The perspective view which looked at arrangement | positioning of the various sensors in the isolation | separation discharge apparatus and the isolation | separation inversion apparatus from the front right upper side.

In the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention, from the tableware row stacked with the front side of the plurality of dishes facing upward, the single tableware at the top end is grasped and separated sequentially from the tableware row and the front side faces down. A separation and inversion method for tableware to be inverted, comprising: separating means for repeatedly reciprocatingly pivoting an arm unit fixed to a gripping chuck for gripping opposing outer peripheral edges of the table in a predetermined angle range between an inclined position and a substantially horizontal position And raising and lowering means for raising the receiving frame to a position where the tableware at the uppermost end of the tableware row can be grasped and separated by the separating means, and a tableware storage space for storing the dishes separated and released by the separating means. Reverse means having a rotating drum which intermittently rotates in one direction in synchronization with reciprocation of the arm unit; and when the arm unit is rotated from an inclined position to a substantially horizontal position, the grip The chuck grasps and separates the opposing outer peripheral edges of the dishes at the top end of the row of dishes, and when the arm unit pivots from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position, the grasped and separated dishes are removed from the grasping chuck The tableware stored in the tableware storage space of the rotating drum by being dropped by its own weight and transferred, and the tableware stored with the surface side facing upward in the tableware storage space is inverted downward with the tableware surface downward by intermittent rotation of the rotating drum. It is a method for separating and reversing dishes, characterized in that it is dropped by gravity from inside the dish storage space and discharged.
Thereby, separation of the dishes located at the top end of the plurality of dishes stacked on the table, and inversion of the front and back surfaces can be sequentially performed at high speed in a compact configuration.

The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that in the invention according to claim 1, the tableware is sequentially separated and inverted from the tableware at the top end of the tableware row stored in the space between the tableware adjacent to each other. The separation and inversion method is used.
As a result, the weight of the stored water is added to the weight of the dish itself, and the total weight is increased, so that a steady and stable weight drop can be made from the gripping chuck and released into the dish storage space of the rotating drum in a short time and transferred. Can be loaded. Furthermore, the buffer action of the water stored in the space between the adjacent dishes can absorb the excessive pressing force on the dishes by the gripping chuck and prevent the dishes from being deformed or broken.

The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1 or 2, water is poured on the surface side of the table at the top end of the table row to store the water, and the tableware in the stored water is separated and inverted. It is a method for separating and inverting dishes characterized by the following.
As a result, the weight of the tableware itself is added to the weight of the tableware in addition to the weight of the tableware itself, and the total weight is increased to allow a smooth and stable weight drop from the gripping chuck. Can be discharged and transferred in a short time.

The invention according to a fourth aspect is the invention according to the second or third aspect, wherein the arm unit is pivoted from the substantially horizontal position to a tilted position, and the surface side of the table is directed downward by intermittent rotation of the rotary drum. In the process of inverting, the water stored in the surface side of the tableware is drained, and the method for separating and inverting the tableware is provided.
As a result, when the arm unit is pivoted from a substantially horizontal position to a tilted position, and when the surface side of the tableware is turned downward, the stored water flows to drain the surface side of the tableware and thus becomes dirty. The removal of ingredients can be facilitated.

The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that, from a row of dishes stacked with the front side of the plurality of dishes facing upward, the single dish at the top end is grasped and separated sequentially from the row of dishes and the face side is inverted downward. An apparatus for separating and inverting dishes, wherein an arm unit fixed to a gripping chuck for gripping opposite outer peripheral edges of the dishes is repeatedly reciprocated in a predetermined angular range between an inclined position and a substantially horizontal position The tableware includes a separating means for gripping and separating one piece of tableware at the top end, and a drive source for raising and lowering a frame supporting the tableware at the bottom end of the table, and the tabletop at the top end of the table Lifting and lowering means for raising the row of dishes to a separable position by sequentially grasping them by the separating means, and a dish storage space for storing the dishes separated and released by the separating means, forming a rotating drum intermittently rotating in one direction Have An arm unit having reverse means, and the separation means further comprising: a grip chuck for gripping opposite outer peripheral edges of the tableware; and a guide rail for slidably moving the opposing outer peripheral edges of the tableware. And a link mechanism configured to reciprocate and rotate the arm unit in a predetermined angle range between the inclined position and the substantially horizontal position, and the gripping chuck rotates from the inclined position to the substantially horizontal position. When the opposing outer peripheral edge of the tableware at the top end of the table is grasped and separated from the table, when the arm unit is pivoted from the substantially horizontal position to the inclined position, the grasped table is separated from the table The tableware which has been dropped and transferred from its holding chuck into the tableware storage space of the rotating drum and transferred with the front side facing upward in the tableware storage space is tableware by intermittent rotation of the rotating drum. Is the separation reversing device tableware, characterized in that the surface is inverted downward to release by free-fall from the dishes containing space.
This enables the separation of the dishes located at the top end of the row of dishes in which the plurality of dishes are stacked in a compact configuration and the reverse of the front and back surfaces to be sequentially performed at high speed.

In the invention according to claim 6, according to the invention according to claim 5, the gripping chuck has a movable claw having an inclined surface in which the distance between the upper surface, the lower surface, and the opposing surfaces spreads downward, and the upper surface of the movable claw. And a storage body slidably storing the lower surface, and a pair of spring members urging the movable claws toward the opposing outer peripheral edge of the table as a pair, and the movable claws are arm units When pivoted to a substantially horizontal position, the inclined surface contacts the upper side of the outer peripheral edge of the table at the top end of the table, retracts against the biasing force of the spring member, and further inclines with the upper surface When the tip, which is the intersection of surfaces, reaches below the outer edge of the dish, the biasing force of the spring member gets under the outer edge of the dish and grips the opposite outer edge of the dish at the uppermost end反 転 装 反 転 特 徴 特 徴 特 徴 特 徴 特 徴 特 徴 特 徴 食 器 分離 分離 分離 分離 分離 分離 分離 分離It is obtained by the.
Thereby, it is possible to reliably grasp and sequentially separate one dish at the top end from the dish row stacked with the front sides of the plurality of dishes facing upward.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the rotary drive shaft of the rotary drum is rotated back and forth in a predetermined angle range between an inclined position and a substantially horizontal position. A tableware separation and inversion device characterized in that it is used as a fulcrum.
As a result, the rotary drum and the arm unit can be integrated to make the configuration compact. Furthermore, each operation of rotation of the rotary drum and rotation of the arm unit can be stabilized.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the invention according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, the arm unit holds the first rotation fulcrum substantially at the middle portion thereof and holds the chuck at one end side. The link mechanism has one end connected to the second pivot point of the arm unit and the third pivot point on the other end. A second connection member having one end connected to the third pivot point and the other end fixed to the rotation shaft of a motor serving as a drive source, The third pivot point for pivoting the first connection member and the second connection member by rotation of the second connection member is rotated through the top dead center and the bottom dead center, The arm unit has a range of a substantially horizontal position and a predetermined inclined position corresponding to the displacement between the top dead center and the bottom dead center of the third rotation fulcrum. It is obtained by the dishes separator reversing device, characterized in that in reciprocating rotation.
As a result, the arm unit having the gripping chuck is pivoted from a position inclined at a predetermined angle to a substantially horizontal position, and from the substantially horizontal position to a position inclined to a predetermined angle by a reciprocating operation as one cycle. One cycle can be performed in a short time. Therefore, the dishes can be separated and released at high speed. Furthermore, the rotational state of the arm unit can be adjusted by drive control such as the rotational speed of the motor and the rotation and stop, and it is possible to reliably hold, separate, and release the dishes with the holding chuck.

In the invention according to claim 9, in the invention according to any one of claims 5 to 8, the rotary drum is divided into a plurality of side walls and a plurality of partition walls provided radially from the center side. A tableware storage space is formed, and the tableware storage space receives individual dishes discharged from the gripping chuck with the front side facing upward, and intermittently rotates around the rotary drive shaft of the rotating drum to the front side of the dishes A tableware separation and inversion device is characterized in that the tableware is inverted downward, and the inverted tableware is dropped from the tableware storage space by its own weight and discharged.
Thus, a plurality of dishes discharged from the holding chuck can be present in the plurality of dishes storage spaces of the rotary drum and can be efficiently reversed sequentially.

In the invention according to claim 10, in the invention according to any one of claims 5 to 9, the arm unit is reciprocally pivoted through the link mechanism, and the rotary drum is the reciprocal pivoting of the arm unit. It is set as a separation and inversion device for dishes characterized in that it is intermittently rotated in synchronization.
As a result, the discharge and transfer operation of the dishes from the grip chuck to the tableware storage space of the rotating drum and the operation of reversing and discharging the surface side of the tableware downward by the rotating drum can be performed simultaneously in parallel. . The separation of dishes and the inversion of the front and back can be performed sequentially at high speed.

The invention according to claim 11 is the separation and reversal of dishes according to the invention according to claim 10, wherein the drive source for reciprocatingly rotating the arm unit and the drive source for rotating the rotating drum are the same. It is an apparatus.
Thus, the configuration can be simplified and the size can be reduced, and the reciprocation of the arm unit and the rotational driving of the rotary drum can be synchronized.

In the invention according to claim 12, in the invention according to claim 10 or 11, in the process in which the arm unit reaches the inclined position from the substantially horizontal position, the tableware grabbed by the arm unit is dropped even if the weight falls The rotation of the arm unit from the substantially horizontal position to the inclined position and the rotation of the tableware storage space of the rotating drum are synchronized so that the tableware can be stored in the storage space. It is a separation and inversion device for dishes.
Thus, the release and transfer of the dishes from the holding chuck to the tableware storage space of the rotary drum can be reliably performed in a short time.

In the invention according to claim 13, in the invention according to any one of claims 5 to 12, when the arm unit is pivoted to the inclined position, one of the tableware storage spaces of the rotary drum is a grip of the arm unit. A tableware separation and invert device is characterized in that it is located on the opposite side facing the chuck, and the tableware from the tableware storage space with its front side facing downward is dropped by its own weight and discharged.
Thus, the discharge of dishes from the grip chuck to the tableware storage space of the rotary drum, the transfer operation, and the discharge of tableware from the tableware storage space of the rotary drum downward at the same time are carried out. It can be done efficiently.

The invention according to a fourteenth aspect is the invention according to any one of the fifth to thirteenth aspects, wherein when the arm unit reaches the inclined position from the substantially horizontal position, the arm unit is inclined for a predetermined time. The provision of the stand-by time for stopping the rotation of the rotary drum for the predetermined time as well as the stop is used as the tableware separation and inversion device.
As a result, it is possible to more reliably separate the dishes from the gripping chucks, release them, transfer them into the dish storage space, and release them from the inside of the dish storage space.

According to the invention as set forth in claim 15, in the invention as set forth in any one of claims 5 to 14, the presence or absence of the dish is at a position where the dish is dropped from the inside of the dish storage space downward with its weight down. A tableware sensor for detecting the tableware, and when the tableware sensor detects that there is no tableware, the arm unit is pivoted from the inclined position to a substantially horizontal position.
As a result, the tableware is prevented from staying in a position where the tableware is dropped with its own weight downward from the tableware storage space and discharged, and the tableware is discharged from the grip chuck to the tableware storage space of the rotating drum. It is possible to reliably carry out the transfer operation and the operation of inverting and discharging the surface side of the tableware downward by the rotating drum.

The invention according to claim 16 is the apparatus for separating and inverting dishes according to any one of claims 5 to 15, and the apparatus according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the surfaces of a plurality of dishes are stacked upward. An apparatus for immersing tableware which supplies immersion water while conveying two freestanding tableware trays to moisturize dirt components adhering to the tableware, and an after-process of the separating and inverting apparatus. And the washing device for spraying the washing water from the nozzle on the front and back surfaces of the dishes to remove the dirt, and the dipping device for the dishes, the separation and inverting device, and the washing device are arranged such that the conveying direction of the dishes is the same. Thus, a dish washing system is characterized in that one washing lane is constituted.
This allows the series of components to be effectively combined, and the top end of the stack of dishes stacked on top of the stack of dishes, while providing sufficient time to moisturize the soil on the dishes. It is possible to improve the washing processing capacity of the dishes per unit time by sequentially performing the separation operation, the discharging operation, and the reverse operation of the front and back surfaces at high speed sequentially.

The invention according to claim 17 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 16, a plurality of washing lanes constituted by the immersing apparatus, the separating and inverting apparatus, and the washing apparatus are arranged in a plurality of rows in the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the dishes. And a dishwashing system characterized by
As a result, even if a plurality of washing lanes are provided side by side, the compactness and space saving of installation can be achieved, the number of washing processing of dishes per unit time including different kinds of dishes increases, and washing of more dishes can be performed. To be possible.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, immersion water is supplied while conveying one freestanding dish row in which the surfaces of a plurality of dishes are stacked upward, and water is stored in the gap between adjacent dish units and adheres to the dish After the immersing step of adding moisture to the dirt components to be moistened, and after the immersing step, the tableware at the top row of the tableware row is sequentially grasped in a state where water is stored in the gap between the tableware adjacent to each other Washing is performed by discharging washing water from the nozzle to the front and back of the dish while transporting the dish discharged from the separation and inverting step of separating from the row and inverting the front side of the dish downward, and washing the dish A method for washing dishes, comprising the steps of: draining immersion water stored on the surface side of the dishes to be separated in the separation / reversal step.
This allows the series of steps to be combined effectively, while ensuring sufficient time to moisturize the stains on the dishes and to position them at the top end of the stack of dishes. It is possible to improve the washing processing capacity of the dishes per unit time by sequentially performing the separation, the release, and the reversal of the front and back of the dishes at a high speed.
Furthermore, by draining the water stored on the surface side of the separated dishes in the separation / reversal step, the stored water can flow on the surface side of the dishes to promote the removal of the dirt component.

(Embodiment of dishwashing system)
Hereinafter, a dishwashing apparatus, a dishwashing system including the dishwashing apparatus, and a dishwashing method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 19. explain.

  First, the basic configuration of a dishwashing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The dishwashing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is broadly divided into the following component systems in order.

An immersion device 200 for supplying immersion water while conveying the tableware row WR stacked with the surfaces of the plurality of dishes W facing upward, and performing an immersion process of wetting soil components attached to the plurality of dishes W by the immersion water.
Elevating means 400 for raising the dish row WR immersed in immersion water for a predetermined time by the immersion device 200, and separating means 500 for separating and releasing individual dishes W sequentially from the dish row WR in conjunction with the elevation means 400 A separation and release apparatus 300 for carrying out the separation and release process,
A separation and inversion apparatus 600 for performing a separation and inversion process including inversion means 700 for inverting the front and back of the separated and discharged dishware W in addition to the separation and discharge apparatus 300,
A washing device 800 for carrying out a washing step of washing the individual dishes W discharged from the separation / inversion device 600 by spraying washing water on the front and back surfaces while conveying them;
A tableware arranging device 900 for carrying out a tableware arranging step of stacking a predetermined number of individual dishes W cleaned by the cleaning device 800 and pushing out the predetermined number of stacked dishes W to be taken out;
Each of the above-described devices and a control device 1000 that controls the whole are provided.

  The elevating device 400 constituting the immersing device 200, the separating and discharging device 300, the separating device 500, the reversing device 700, the reversing device 700 constituting the separating and reversing device 600 in addition to the separating and discharging device 300 Each in the transport direction from the carry-in side (upstream side of the dish transport direction, input side) to the discharge side (downstream side of the dish transport direction, take-out side) of the dishware W (including the dish row WR) including the object to be cleaned It arrange | positions substantially linear along along and comprises one washing lane SR.

  In addition, as a range of the dishwashing system 100, the dishwashing apparatus 900 is not necessarily required by a worker moving the dishware W after being washed out of the washing apparatus 800 to a separately installed workbench and arranging it. The tableware arranging device 900 is preferably provided in order to automate the work of stacking a predetermined number of individual dishes W cleaned by the cleaning device 800 and pushing out the predetermined number of stacked dishes.

  Next, each element system which comprises the basic system of the dish-washing system 100 is demonstrated one by one.

  The respective elements constituting the dishwashing system 100 are disposed substantially linearly along the transport direction from the carry-in side to the carry-out side of the dish W to constitute one washing lane SR. In the present embodiment, an example in which a plurality of washing lanes SR1 to SR4 are juxtaposed in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the dishes W (in the immersion device 200, the dish row WR in the immersion apparatus 200) will be mainly described. The immersion device 200 is positioned as an immersion lane within the range of the cleaning lane SR.

  The basic configuration of the immersion apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3 to 10 and 19.

  The immersing apparatus 200 transports the tableware row WR stacked with the front sides of the plurality of tableware W facing upward as a pre-process of the cleaning apparatus 800 performing the cleaning process by injecting the cleaning water to the front and back surfaces of the tableware W It is an apparatus which implements an immersion process which supplies immersion water and wets the dirt component adhering to a plurality of dishes W by this immersion water. The immersion apparatus 200 mainly includes a conveying means 201 and an immersion water supply means 220.

  The conveying means 201 has an endless chain conveyor 203 equipped with a convex member 204 which is engaged with the side surface of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR at a predetermined pitch in the conveying direction of the tableware row WR. The conveyor 203 is suspended by two sprockets 208. The drive shaft 209 of one sprocket 208 is rotated by a motor (drive source) 207 (see FIG. 9) via a sprocket, a chain or the like (not shown).

  Furthermore, the transport means 201 supports the bottom of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR on both sides of the chain conveyor 203 and supports the weight of the tableware row WR with a pair of support rails 205 and the lowermost end of the tableware row WR. A pair of guide rails 206 are provided to regulate the side position of the tableware W, and the chain conveyor 203 is configured to rotate between the support rails 205. In addition, in order to reduce the sliding resistance of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the support rail 205 and the guide rail 206, at least a contact surface with the tableware W uses a resin (sliding material) having good slidability.

  As described above, the transport means 201 is provided side by side for each of the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4. The chain conveyors 203 of the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 are respectively suspended by two sprockets 208, and one of the sprockets 208 is a common rotation shaft and the drive shaft 209 is synchronized by the motor (drive source) 207. Rotate (see FIG. 9).

The chain conveyor 203 provided for each of the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 has a convex member 204 provided at a predetermined pitch for locking to the side surface of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR along the conveying direction of the tableware W. However, by pressing the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR in the transport direction, the bottom (bottom) of the tableware W slides on the pair of support rails 205 while the tableware row WR is standing by itself. The side surface position of the tableware W at the lower end is moved by sliding while being regulated by the pair of guide rails 206 and transported.
As a result, the tableware row WR can be held at a predetermined position at the transport direction and at a position in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction, and the standover posture of the tableware row WR can be stabilized and transported.

  Taking a school meal as an example, the tableware W to be cleaned has a recess on the surface side, and there are types of chopsticks, dishes and the like that deposit food on this surface side, and these are round shaped according to their use. It is common to use a plurality of dishes of different types such as square, etc., and different sizes such as outer diameter, height (depth of recess), etc. For example, there may be a case where a bowl is used for rice, miso soup or the like, a shallower dish is used for side dishes such as side dishes, and two bowls and two plates are placed on a tray for lunch. Moreover, these dishes W are put together in a bowl for every one class, and are conveyed.

  In the present embodiment, the transport means 201 is disposed substantially linearly along the transport direction from the loading side to the unloading side of the tableware row WR and provided with the washing lane SR, and this washing lane SR is arranged in multiple rows (SR1 to SR4). In the example, for example, a round bowl tableware row WR is carried into the cleaning lanes SR1 and SR2, and a round plate bowl row WR is carried into the cleaning lanes SR3 and SR4 to carry out the immersion step. .

  The dishes W carried into the washing lanes SR1 to SR4 have substantially the same shape for each washing lane, and the size of the outer diameter of the outer peripheral edge of the opening of the recess formed in the dishes W A plurality of tableware rows WR are stacked with the surface upwards for each tableware W having substantially the same shape and size. Therefore, the heights of the tableware rows WR of the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 may be different even if the number of the tableware W to be stacked is the same.

  In each washing lane SR1 to SR4, the number of dishes to be stacked W is, for example, 20 so as to form a dish row WR. This allows the tableware row WR to stand on the support rails 205 independently without requiring a guide rod or the like to maintain the vertical posture and to be locked to the side of the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR of the chain conveyor 203 It is set as a condition that a stable attitude in the longitudinal direction can be maintained when intermittently transported by the projecting member 204. In addition, stacking is performed based on the total weight and size (especially height) of the tableware row WR, and the workability, stability, and the like of the operator at the time of movement, transportation, and the like are also considered. In addition, the number of objects of the tableware W to be stacked is an example, and is not limited to this.

  In each washing lane SR1 to SR4, the number of dishes W stacked for each dish row WR may be different, but making the number the same as the number of dishes processed by the dish washing system 100 per unit time Is preferred in that it can maximize the cleaning efficiency.

  In particular, in school meals, it is preferable that a washing line such as trays, chopsticks and spoons used at the time of eating be provided in the dishwashing system 100.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the pitch D between dishes rows (the distance between the central axes of the dishes rows WR) in the transport direction in one washing lane SR is in the diameter (outer diameter) direction of stacked dishes W next to each other. Between the outer peripheries of the tableware row WR, considering that the outer peripheries do not come in contact with each other even if the center lines of the tableware row WR when the outer periphery portions do not contact each other and stack up slightly shift The table pitch D is set so as to be separated by, for example, 10 to 20 mm.

  For example, when the diameter of the tableware W is 200 mm and the outer peripheries of the tableware row WR are separated by, for example, 20 mm, the tableboard pitch D is 220 mm. The dimensions such as the diameter of the dish W, the pitch D between the dish rows, the distance between the outer peripheral portions of the dish row WR, and the like are an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

  Further, in the case where the tableware row WR in which the dishes W having different diameters (outer diameters) are stacked on the plurality of cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 is placed on the support rail 205 and transported, the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 in the plurality of rows Of the tableware rows WR in which the largest diameter (outside diameter) tableware W is stacked is orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware rows WR in the other cleaning lanes SR in line with the central axis of the tableware row pitch D The central axes of the directions are substantially the same, and the pitch D between the dishes rows of all the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 is substantially the same.

  The pitch D between the dish rows of all the washing lanes SR1 to SR4 of the dish row WR in which the dishes W having different diameters (outer diameters) are stacked is substantially the same, and the central axis in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the dish row WR is The position in the transport direction in which the convex member 204 locks the side surface of the tableware W is adjusted so as to be substantially the same.

  Each sprocket 208 is fixed to a common drive shaft 209, and the drive shaft 209 is rotated by a motor (drive source) 207 (see FIG. 9). As a result, the chain conveyors 203 of the washing lanes SR1 to SR4 in a plurality of rows rotate synchronously, and the dishes row WR in the washing lanes SR1 to SR4 in a plurality of rows synchronize intermittently with the table row pitch D as one pitch. Be done.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the arm sensor 211 is provided to control the stop position of the chain conveyor 203 which is intermittently transported, and of the arm 210 fixed to the drive shaft 209 of the sprocket 208 which rotates the chain conveyor 203. It detects the position. Each time the arm 210 rotates, for example, 180 degrees (half rotation), the chain conveyor 203 is rotated by a predetermined table pitch D (one pitch). The arm sensor 211 may use a proximity sensor that detects magnetically. When the arm 210 rotates and overlaps the arm sensor 211, the motor (drive source) 207 is stopped by a detection signal of the arm sensor 211. The arm 210 and the arm sensor 211 constitute an intermittent conveyance control means. Note that the arm sensor 211 is not limited to one that detects magnetically, and an optical sensor or the like may be used.

  The stop time (immersion tact time) at each stop position of the chain conveyor 203 is, for example, approximately 30 seconds, and the time for conveying by the pitch D between dishes rows (one pitch) is a very short time (for example, 1 second).

  Furthermore, if 14 dishes rows WR are placed on one washing lane SR in the transport direction on the transport means 201, and 20 dishes W are stacked, for example, on the transport means 201 in the immersion device 200. There are a total of 280 dishes W at the maximum, which are intermittently transported in sequence. Furthermore, when the washing lanes SR1 to SR4 in four rows are juxtaposed, a maximum of 1,120 total dishes 120 are present on the transport means 201 in each of the four rows, and are intermittently transported in order. Each tableware W is immersed by being supplied with immersion water by the immersion water supply means 220 described later with the total number of the tableware W as a maximum.

  When one dish row WR is placed, for example, 14 rows of dish rows WR in the conveying direction on the conveying means 201 in the immersion device 200, one dish row WR is stopped 14 times in the immersion device 200. Intermittent conveyance which repeats conveyance will be carried out, and all the dishware row WR carried in sequentially will repeat the same operation | movement.

Therefore, assuming that the stopping time at the stopping position is, for example, 30 seconds, one dish row WR is a value obtained by multiplying the number of times of stopping by 14 times and 30 seconds of the stopping time in the immersing apparatus 200, that is, over at least 7 minutes. It will receive the supply of immersion water. The soiling components adhering to the dish W are wetted over the immersion time of 7 minutes.
Note that the number of tableware rows WR placed on the transport means 201, the stop time of intermittent transport, the transport time and the like are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

The above-mentioned immersion time can be arbitrarily adjusted and set depending on the number of tableware rows WR placed in the transport direction on the transport means 201 (corresponding to the number of stops) and the stop time at the time of intermittent transport. For example, if the stop time is the same, the immersion time will be longer if the number of tableware rows WR is increased, and the immersion time will be shorter if the number of tableware rows WR is reduced.
When the number of tableware rows WR is the same, the immersion time will be longer if the stop time is made longer, and the immersion time will be shorter if the stop time is made shorter.

  That is, depending on the number of stops or stop time of the tableware row WR by the intermittent transfer of the transfer means 201, it is possible to set the immersion time for giving moisture to the soiling component adhering to the tableware W to wet it. In order to fully wet the various soiling components adhering to the dishware W, it is known that the immersion time of at least 7 minutes is necessary as a result of various tests, but adhering to the dishware W The immersion time can be optimally set based on various types of stain components, the amount of stains attached, and the like.

  A U-shaped set frame 212 is disposed on the carry-in side (upstream side in the transport direction) of the transport means 201 to support the bottom portion of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the table row WR. The bottom supporting surface of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the WR and the top surfaces of the pair of support rails 205 have substantially the same height, and the U-shaped opening side of the set frame 212 is positioned on the pair of support rails 205 side .

  The set frame 212 forms a surface supporting the bottom of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR and a surface guiding the side surface of the tableware W, and the position of the tableware row WR placed on the set frame 212 It is possible to regulate and stabilize the independent posture, and to facilitate mounting of the stacked tableware row WR on the set frame 212 of the worker.

  The chain conveyor 203 rotates the U-shaped opening of the set frame 212 with a curvature according to the diameter of the sprocket 208 at the U-shaped opening of the set frame 212. When the tableware row WR is placed on the set frame 212, the convex member 204 of the chain conveyor 203 is in a state of being locked to the side surface of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the placed tableware row WR. By the rotation of the chain conveyor 203, the convex member 204 is engaged with the side surface of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR placed on the set frame 212 and pushed, and intermittently transported by the tableware row pitch D Then, they are drawn onto the pair of support rails 205 and transferred. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the need for the worker to push the tableware row WR onto the pair of support rails 205.

  A U-shaped receiving frame (receiving table) 403 is disposed on the unloading side (downstream side in the conveying direction) of the conveying means 201 to support the bottom of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR. The bottom supporting surface of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR and the upper surfaces of the pair of support rails 205 have substantially the same height, and the U-shaped opening side of the receiving frame 403 is positioned on the pair of support rails 205 side Let The tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR placed on the pair of support rails 205 by intermittent conveyance of the tableware row pitch D by the convex members 204 of the chain conveyor 203 from above the pair of support rails 205 Press to transfer and place. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the need for the worker to push the tableware row WR onto the receiving frame 403.

  The receiving frame 403 forms a surface supporting the bottom of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR and a surface guiding the side surface of the tableware W, and regulates the position of the tableware row WR placed on the receiving frame 403 And stabilize their independent stance.

  The chain conveyor 203 rotates the U-shaped opening of the receiving frame 403 to the U-shaped opening of the receiving frame 403 with a curvature corresponding to the diameter of the sprocket 208. When the convex member 204 of the chain conveyor 203 transfers and mounts the dish row WR on the receiving frame 403 by intermittent conveyance of the dish pitch D for the dish D, the convex member 204 of the chain conveyor 203 is the dish at the lowest end. In the state of being locked to the side surface, the convex member 204 is separated from the side surface of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the table row WR by the elevation of the receiving frame 403 and the locking is released.

  In the present embodiment, the receiving frame 403 is provided to the lifting means 400 which constitutes the separation and release apparatus 300 which is the next process of the immersion apparatus 200, but the tableware row WR having the same basic configuration as the receiving frame 403 is received. A separate member (not shown) that can be placed is installed on the discharge side of the immersion apparatus 200 without being associated with the lifting means 400, and the tableware row WR transferred and placed on this separately installed receiving frame (receiving stand) The configuration may be such that the worker takes out the food, separates the individual dishes W, and carries them into the washing apparatus.

  Further, the receiving frame 403 is slid away from the support rail 205 so that the convex member 204 is separated from the side surface of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the table row WR so as to be released and locked. It is also possible for the worker to take out the tableware row WR transferred and placed on the receiving table), separate the tableware W into individual tableware W, and carry it into the cleaning device 800.

  In each cleaning lane SR1 to SR4, the distance between the pair of support rails 205 and the distance between the pair of guide rails 206 are changed according to the shape, size, etc. of the tableware W, and the setting frame 212 and the receiving frame (receiver) 403 are also Change according to this.

  After placing the tableware row WR on the set frame 212 of each cleaning lane SR1 to SR4, the operator operates the tableware row input switch 230 installed on the carry-in side of the immersion device 200. By this operation, the motor 207 of the transfer means 201 is driven, and the chain conveyor 203 is rotated to transfer one pitch of the inter-dish row pitch D. After placing the next tableware row WR on the set frame 212, the operation of the tableware row input switch 230 is sequentially repeated.

  Further, for example, when the tableware row WR carried into the immersion apparatus 200 for one day (one lot) is final, after the final tableware row WR is placed on the setting frame 212, the final tableware row input switch Operate 231. By this operation, the motor 207 of the transfer means 201 is driven, and the chain conveyor 203 is rotated to transfer one pitch of the inter-dish row pitch D. After operating the final table row input switch 231, after the intermittent transfer in which the final table row WR stops 14 times on the transfer means 201 is further repeated, the 15th transfer for one pitch of the inter-table row pitch D is performed. Control is performed to continue intermittent driving of the motor 207 of the transport unit 201 until the transfer is completed by pressing the receiving frame 403 by stopping.

  If it is necessary to carry the tableware row WR into the immersing apparatus 200 even after a predetermined time after operating the final tableware row input switch 231, the final tableware row release switch 232 is operated to set the setting frame 212 on the set frame 212. The tableware row WR is placed on the table, and then the tableware row input switch 230 is operated again so that the above-described operation can be repeated. The tableware row input switch 230, the last tableware row input switch 231, and the last tableware row release switch 232 are shown in FIG. In addition, the detailed driving | operation operation regarding these is mentioned later.

Next, the immersion water supply means 220 will be described using FIG. 13, FIG. 14, and FIG.
The immersion water supply means 220 includes a plurality of nozzle tubes 221 disposed horizontally above the tableware row WR in the transport direction of the tableware row WR, and a plurality of nozzles 222 that spray immersion water downward to the nozzle tube 221. The nozzle tube 221 has a tube length direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the tableware row WR so that immersion water can be jetted across the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 in the plurality of cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4. And a plurality are arranged in the conveyance direction of the tableware row WR.

  The nozzle tube 223 further includes a plurality of nozzle pipes 223 disposed to the side of the tableware row WR in the transport direction of the tableware row WR, and a plurality of nozzles 224 for injecting the immersion water to the nozzle pipe 223 to the side. In order to jet the immersion water for each of the dishes rows WR1 to WR4 in the washing lanes SR1 to SR4 in a plurality of rows, the pipe length direction is the same direction (longitudinal direction) as the dishes row WR and a plurality of It is arranged.

  Although the nozzle pipe 223 is provided in addition to the nozzle pipe 221, the immersion water is jetted in a conical shape from the nozzle 222 of the nozzle pipe 221 to form immersion water that directly reaches the side surface of the dish row WR, The nozzle pipe 223 may be omitted and only the nozzle pipe 221 may be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a tank 225 for storing a predetermined amount of immersion water is disposed at a lower position of the conveying means 201, and a pump 228 for supplying the immersion water in the tank 225 to the nozzle pipes 221, 223 via the supply path. Equipped with The immersion water jetted from the plurality of nozzles 222 of the nozzle pipe 221 and the plurality of nozzles 224 of the nozzle pipe 223 falls into the tank 225 and is collected and circulated.

  In addition, in the position below the rotating drum unit 701 of the lifting and lowering means 400, the separating means 500, and the reversing means 700 of the separation and discharge device 300 provided as a post-process of the immersion device 200 described later Water reservoirs 226, 227 for receiving the used immersion water are arranged. The immersion water received by the water receptacles 226 and 227 sequentially falls to the tank 225 and is recovered and circulated.

  Although not shown, the tank 225 is provided with a path for supplying immersion water (for example, fresh water) and water level detection means for maintaining the water level of the immersion water in the tank 225 at a predetermined level. In addition, heating means for raising the temperature of immersion water in tank 225 to a predetermined temperature, for example, 40 to 50 ° C., detergent supply means for supplying detergent, and filters for removing dirt components on the suction side of pump 228 are provided. .

  It is possible to improve the wetting effect of the dirt component adhering to the tableware W by raising the temperature of the immersion water and supplying the detergent, and to make the removal of the dirt component in the cleaning device 800 more reliable. In addition, the filter can spray more cleaned immersion water from the nozzle to further improve the wetting effect of the dirt component.

  Although not shown, an outer shell member (cover) covering the transport means 201 and the immersion water supply means 220 is provided as a tunnel to form the immersion chamber, preventing the immersion water from being scattered outside and releasing the immersion water. It is possible to suppress temperature reduction and to improve the wetting effect of the dirt component adhering to the dish W with the immersion chamber in a high humidity state, and to make the removal of the dirt component in the cleaning apparatus 800 more reliable. .

  In addition, one tank 225 and one pump 228 are provided over a plurality of cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4, and the nozzle pipe 221 is immersed over the dishes rows WR1 to WR4 in the plurality of cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4. In order to jet water, a plurality of pipe length directions are orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware row WR, and a plurality of tubes are arranged in the transport direction of the tableware row WR. As a result, even if the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 in a plurality of rows are configured, it is possible to achieve commonality of components, simplification, and unification of control systems.

  Next, the driving operation of the immersion apparatus 200 will be described. Description will be made on the basis of a configuration in which washing lanes are arranged in four rows based on the embodiment.

(Immersion water filling step)
First, immersion water (for example, fresh water) is supplied into the tank 225 until it reaches a predetermined water level. At this time, after supplying immersion water into the tank 225 as necessary, a detergent is supplied to the immersion water, and the temperature of the immersion water is set to a predetermined temperature, for example, 40 to 50 ° C. by heating means such as high temperature steam supply. Temperature rise to

(Immersion water injection step)
Next, the pump 228 is driven to supply the immersion water in the tank 225 to the nozzle pipes 221 and 223 through the supply path, and injection from the nozzle 222 and the nozzle 224 is started. The nozzle 222 and the immersion water jetted from the nozzle 224 fall into the tank 225 to be stored and circulated and used.

(Dishware row set frame placement step)
After this, a predetermined number (for example, 20) of the washing lanes SR1 to SR4 are stacked in advance and placed on the set frame 212 having the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 stacked and supported independently on the carry-in side of the transport means 201. .

(Tableware row loading start step)
After the placement of the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 to be carried into the immersing apparatus 200 first on the set frame 212 is completed, the operator performs an operation of pressing the tableware array input switch 230 (see FIG. 9). In response to the signal, the motor 207 of the transport unit 201 starts driving. The sprocket 208 is rotated by the drive of the motor 207, and each chain conveyor 203 is rotated. At this time, the convex member 204 provided on the chain conveyor 203 abuts on the side surface of the tableware W located at the lowermost stage of the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 and pushes and transfers the set frame 212 onto the support rail 205.

(Intermittent transfer start step)
When the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 are transferred from the set frame 212 by pressing on the support rails 205, one end side of the arm 210 rotates when the arm 210 rotating with the drive shaft 209 rotates approximately 180 degrees. In proximity to the arm sensor 211, the arm sensor 211 detects this and is controlled to stop the driving of the motor 207. At this time, the chain conveyor 203 is rotated by the pitch D between the tableware rows and is controlled to stop on the support rail 205 for, for example, approximately 30 seconds. In addition, the transfer time for the pitch D between the tableware rows (rotation time of the chain conveyor 203) is set to, for example, approximately 1 second.

  When the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 are transferred by being pushed onto the support rails 205 from the set frame 212, the nozzles 222 start receiving the supply of immersion water jetted from the nozzles 224.

(Dishware row continuous loading step / dipping step)
Thereafter, the tableware row WR1 to WR4 to be carried in second is placed on the setting frame 212 again, and after the placement is completed, the operator performs a pressing operation on the tableware row input switch 230, and this operation signal Driving of the motor 207 of the transport means 201 is started. The above-described chain conveyors 203 rotate and the convex members 204 provided on the chain conveyors 203 abut the side surfaces of the tableware W located at the lowermost stage of the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 and push them from the set frame 212 onto the support rails 205. Move to transfer. Thereafter, this work and operation are sequentially repeated.

(Stop time priority step)
In a state in which the second dish row WR1 to WR4 is placed and pushed onto the support rail 205 from the set frame 212 and transferred, the placement of the second dish row WR1 to WR4 on the set frame 212 is completed Even if the operator presses the tableware row input switch 230, the driving of the motor 207 does not start unless the first tableware row WR1 to WR4 has not passed the stop time of 30 seconds on the support rail 205. Control is performed to start driving of the motor 207 after a lapse of a stop time of 30 seconds (stop priority control). The above-described chain conveyors 203 rotate and the convex members 204 provided on the chain conveyors 203 abut the side surfaces of the tableware W located at the lowermost stage of the second tableware row WR1 to WR4 and support rails 205 from above the set frame 212 Push on top to transfer. At this time, by the detection of the arm sensor 211, the chain conveyor 203 is rotated by the pitch D between tableware rows and stopped on the support rail 205 for approximately 30 seconds.

  Further, when the placement of the second tableware row WR1 to WR4 on the set frame 212 is completed and the operator presses the tableware row input switch 230, the first tableware row WR1 to WR4 is the support rail 205. If the stop time of 30 seconds has passed to the top, driving of the motor 207 is started immediately. The above-described chain conveyors 203 rotate and the convex members 204 provided on the chain conveyors 203 abut the side surfaces of the tableware W located at the lowermost stage of the second tableware row WR1 to WR4 and support rails 205 from above the set frame 212 Push on top to transfer. At this time, by the detection of the arm sensor 211, the chain conveyor 203 is rotated by the pitch D between tableware rows and stopped on the support rail 205 for approximately 30 seconds.

  When the second tableware row WR1 to WR4 is transferred from the set frame 212 onto the support rail 205 after being transferred after the first tableware row WR1 to WR4 which has already received the injection of immersion water, the nozzle At 222, the supply of immersion water jetted from the nozzle 224 is started.

  The same operations as described above are repeated for the third and subsequent dish rows WR1 to WR4 to be carried in, and the loading (loading) of the dish rows WR1 to WR4 into the immersing apparatus 200 is sequentially repeated.

(Final tableware insertion step)
For example, when the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 to be carried in to the immersing apparatus 200 for one day (one lot) are finalized, loading of the tableware columns WR1 to WR4 into the immersing apparatus 200 is repeated sequentially. After the WR 4 is placed on the set frame 212, the final dish row input switch 231 (see FIG. 9) is operated. By this operation, the motor 207 of the transfer means 201 is driven, and the chain conveyor 203 is rotated to transfer one pitch of the inter-dish row pitch D.

  At this time, even if the final tableware row input switch 231 is operated, the first tableware row WR1 to WR4 before the final tableware row WR1 to WR4 is the same as carrying in the first and second and subsequent tableware rows WR1 to WR4. If it does not stop on the support rail 205 for 30 seconds, control is performed to start the drive of the motor 207 after a 30-second stop time elapses without starting the drive of the motor 207.

  In addition, if the last tableware row WR1 to WR4 of the tableware row WR1 to WR4 has passed the stop time of 30 seconds on the support rail 205, the driving of the immediate motor 207 is started. The above-described chain conveyors 203 rotate and the convex members 204 provided on the chain conveyors 203 abut the side surfaces of the tableware W located at the lowermost stage of the second tableware row WR1 to WR4 and support rails 205 from above the set frame 212 Push on top to transfer.

  The tableware rows WR1 to WR4 are sequentially conveyed intermittently by the pitch D between the tableware rows and receive supply of immersion water jetted over approximately 7 minutes in total while stopping at the stop position 14 times. Therefore, in each of the 14 rows of tableware rows WR1 to WR4 will be present in the immersion device 200 receiving the supply of the immersion water.

  The first tableware rows WR1 to WR4 are intermittently transported 14 times while receiving immersion water in the immersion device 200, and then transferred onto the receiving frame 403 by the next intermittent transportation (15th time). After that, the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 sequentially input are similarly subjected to intermittent conveyance 14 times, and then transferred onto the receiving frame 403 by the next intermittent conveyance.

  As described above, in intermittent conveyance, if the number of stops is 14 and the stop time is 30 seconds, each dish row WR receives the supply of the immersion water sprayed over at least about 7 minutes to wet the dirt component It will be.

  In the washing lane SR of any of the washing lanes SR1 to SR4, when the final dish row WR ends loading earlier than the other washing lanes SR, the washing lane to which the last final dish row WR is loaded The final dish row input switch 231 is operated based on SR.

  In addition, even after a predetermined time after the final tableware row input switch 231 is operated, when it is necessary to carry the tableware row WR into the immersing apparatus 200, the final tableware row release switch 232 (see FIG. 9) is operated. After placing the tableware row WR on the setting frame 212, the above-described operation can be repeated by operating the tableware row input switch 230 next.

  Furthermore, depending on the conditions of the tableware W to be subjected to the immersion step, for example, it is possible to select and use any number of washing lanes SR, for example, with the use of four (plural) washing lanes SR1 to SR4 as a maximum. Also at this time, the operation operation and control of loading, intermittent conveyance, and unloading of the tableware row WR similar to those described above are performed. Although the embodiment has been described as an example provided with four cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4, the present invention is not limited to this.

  After the last tableware row WR1 to WR4 carried into the immersing apparatus 200 is intermittently conveyed 14 times and transferred onto the receiving frame 403 by the next intermittent conveyance (15th time), the driving of the chain conveyor 203 and the pump 228 is stopped. .

  In addition, the control method of intermittent conveyance of the dishes row WR1-WR4 by the chain conveyor 203 in relationship with the isolation | separation discharge apparatus 300 which is a process after the immersion process by the immersion apparatus 200 and the separation inversion apparatus 600 is mentioned later.

  Next, the conveyance state by the conveyance means 201 of the dish row WR will be described. The bottom of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 carried into the immersion apparatus 200 is placed on the pair of support rails 205, and both side surfaces of the tableware W at the lowermost end are a pair of The position in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction is regulated by the guide rail 206, and the convex member 204 mounted on the chain conveyor 203 abuts the side surface (upstream side in the transport direction) of the lowermost end of the tableware W in the transport direction. The entire tableware row WR which is self-supporting by the convex member 204 is transported as the pivot 203 is rotated. At this time, the bottom of the tableware W at the lowest end of the entire weight of the tableware row WR slides on the pair of support rails 205, and the both sides of the tableware W at the lowermost end along the pair of guide rails 206. Slide.

  Thereby, the tableware row WR follows the pair of support rails 205 and the pair of guide rails 206 without using, for example, guide rods supporting three or more places of the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W for maintaining the self-standing posture. It is possible to transport while maintaining a stable self-standing posture.

  In addition, the immersion water jetted to the tableware row WR wets the sliding surfaces of the pair of support rails 205 and the pair of guide rails 206 and becomes slippery, thereby reducing the sliding resistance with the tableware W and achieving a more stable self-standing posture. It can be transported as it is maintained. The sliding surface of the pair of support rails 205 and the pair of guide rails 206 with at least the tableware W is made of a resin or the like having a good slidability, so that the sliding resistance with the tableware W is further reduced and stabilized. It can be transported while maintaining the self-standing posture.

  Next, the state in which the immersion water jetted to the tableware row WR in the immersion device 200 is supplied and the stain attached to the tableware W is wetted will be described using FIG.

  The immersion water sprayed downward from the nozzle 222 of the nozzle pipe 221 from above the top dish W of the dish row WR is first stored in the surface side (recess) of the top dish W, and this water is stored The immersion water overflows along the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W and flows down as flowing water, and is accumulated from the vertical interval of the outer peripheral edge of the adjacent tableware W located below and flows into the gap between the adjacent tableware W, Water is sequentially stored in these gaps.

  At this time, if the amount of immersion water jetted downward from the nozzle 222 is further increased, water is first stored on the surface side (recessed portion) of the top end dish W and then overflows from the outer peripheral edge and drops flux To reach the dish W at the lower end of the dish row WR along each outer periphery in a short time. From the falling flux of the immersion water, it is stacked from the space between the outer peripheral edges of the adjacent dishes W located below and flows into the gap between the adjacent dishes W and is stored in a shorter time.

  A part of the immersion water stored in the gap between the adjacent dishes W is always replaced by the inflow stored in the gap between the adjacent dishes W and the continuously sprayed immersion water. This promotes the wetting of the dirt component and also has an action of peeling off part of the dirt to be removed, and also produces a pre-washing action, whereby the washing effect and washing efficiency of the entire dish washing system 100 can be further enhanced.

  By injecting the immersion water downward and wide angle from the nozzle 222 of the nozzle tube 221, a part of the immersion water directly reaches the entire outer periphery of the tableware W from the side of the tableware row WR and is adjacent to each other While the water storage to each crevice between the matching dishes W becomes quicker, the removal of the dirt on the outer peripheral edge is also promoted.

  Furthermore, in the case of a configuration in which immersion water is sprayed from the nozzle 224 of the nozzle tube 223 in the vertical direction from the horizontal direction to each tableware W of the tableware row WR, the immersion water is also directly from the side of the tableware row WR It reaches the entire outer periphery of the tableware W, and the water storage in the gap between the tableware W adjacent to each other becomes faster, and the removal of the dirt on the outer periphery is also promoted. The nozzle tubes 223 in the vertical direction may be provided as necessary in order to simplify the configuration.

  Immersion water jetted from the nozzle 222 of the nozzle pipe 221 or from the nozzle 224 of the nozzle pipe 223 to the dish row WR flows down to the conveying means 201, then falls into the tank 225, is stored water, is pumped again by the pump 228 and circulated use. As a result, the amount of immersion water stored in the tank 225 can be minimized to save water. In addition, the capacity control of the pump 228 can optimally adjust the supply amount of immersion water supplied to the tableware row WR.

  As described above, the immersion device 200 according to the present embodiment stacks a plurality of dishes W (for example, 20 pieces) to form a dish row WR, and transfers the plurality of dishes rows WR (for example, 14 rows) into one washing lane SR. It is placed in the transport direction on the means 201, and while being transported by the transport means 201, the soiling component adhering to the dish W is moistened by the immersion water stored between adjacent dishes W of the dish row WR.

  Thus, by utilizing the space in the vertical direction to stack a plurality of dishes W to form a dish row WR and placing the plurality of dish rows WR close to each other in the transport direction on the transport means 201, The tableware W can be stored at high density in this space with a minimum of the required space in the vertical direction, the transport direction of the tableware row WR, and the direction orthogonal to the transport direction. As a result, the entire immersion apparatus 200 can be configured compactly, and space saving can be achieved at the time of installation.

  Further, if the configuration of the immersion device 200 provided with a plurality of cleaning lanes SR, the necessary space in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware row WR between the adjacent cleaning lanes SR is also minimized, Tableware W can be stored at high density. As a result, it is possible to simultaneously immerse a large number of dishes W, and the entire immersion apparatus 200 can be configured to be compact, and space saving can be achieved at the time of installation.

Conventionally, an immersion method is mainly used in which the individual dishes W or the dish row WR is placed in a dish bowl etc. and immersed in immersion water stored in an immersion tank for a predetermined time. On the other hand, in the immersion apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, the plurality of dishes W are stacked in the open air (space, outside the water) released on the conveying means 201 instead of being submerged in immersion water. The immersion water is jetted while conveying it, and the soiling water adhering to the dishes W is moistened by the immersion water stored between the adjacent dishes W of each dish row WR.
This stabilizes the immersing action of the individual dishes W, simplifies the work of loading and unloading the tableware row WR into the immersing apparatus 200, improves workability and safety, and minimizes the immersing necessary for the immersion. It becomes water and can save water.

  As described above, the immersion apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment is compact and achieves space saving of installation while securing a sufficient time for giving moisture to the stain attached to the dish W and moistening it, It enables immersion of tableware W.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and FIGS. 9 to 19, the lifting and lowering means 400 for lifting the dish row WR immersed in the immersion water for a predetermined time by the dipping device 200, and the dish row WR in conjunction with the lifting and lowering means 400. The configuration of the separation and release apparatus 300 for carrying out the separation and release process including separation means 500 for separating and releasing individual dishes W sequentially will be described. Furthermore, the configuration of the separation and inversion apparatus 600 in which the inversion means 700 is added to the separation and release apparatus 300 will be described.

  Elevating and lowering means 400 for raising the tableware row WR constituting the separating and releasing apparatus 300 is a motor 402 as a driving source fixed to the fixing member 401, and a vertical elevating screw rotating integrally with the rotation shaft of the motor 402 It has a bar 404. Further, a receiving frame (receiving base) 403 on which the lowermost dish W of the tableware row WR is placed, and a female screw body 403a integrated with the receiving frame 403 are screwed with the elevating screw bar 404 to move the elevating screw bar. The receiving frame 403 is moved up and down through the female screw body 403 a by the rotation of 404. With the rise of the receiving frame 403, the entire tableware row WR is raised.

  A stepping motor has built in the motor 402 the ease of setting the predetermined position in the vertical direction of the receiving frame 403 and a brake mechanism (not shown) for preventing the rotation of the screw rod for raising and lowering 404 when not driven (not energized). It is preferable to use

  In addition, in order to prevent the receiving frame (base) 403 from rotating about the elevating screw bar 404 as a central axis, the two slide shafts (guide bars) are disposed parallel to the elevating screw bar 404 on the half circumference side of the tableware W ) 405). It is preferable that at least the outer peripheral surface of the slide shaft 405 be resin in order to prevent the outer peripheral surface of the slide shaft 405 from sliding with the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W and formation of metal marks on the tableware W.

  Furthermore, when the tableware row WR is placed on the receiving frame 403, and the outer peripheral surface of each tableware W slides along the outer periphery surface of the slide shaft 405, the outer periphery surface of the slide shaft 405 In addition, it has the function of stabilizing the self-supporting posture.

  As described above, the receiving frame 403 is positioned on the discharge side (downstream side in the transport direction) of the transport means 201, and is U-shaped in a top view to support the bottom of the dishes W at the lowermost end of the dish row WR. The bottom surface of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the WR and the top surfaces of the pair of support rails 205 have substantially the same height, and the U-shaped opening side of the receiving frame 403 is positioned on the side of the pair of support rails 205. The convex member 204 of the chain conveyor 203 is engaged with the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR placed on the pair of support rails 205 by intermittent conveyance of the tableware row pitch D, and the pair of support rails 205 , And is transferred onto the receiving frame 403 and placed.

  The receiving frame 403 forms a surface supporting the bottom of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR and a surface guiding the side surface of the tableware W, and restricts the position of the tableware row WR mounted on the receiving frame 403 , Stabilize its independent posture.

  The chain conveyor 203 rotates the U-shaped opening of the receiving frame 403 with a curvature corresponding to the diameter of the sprocket 208. After being transferred and mounted on the receiving frame 403 by intermittent conveyance for the pitch D between the tableware rows, the side surface of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR is a convex of the chain conveyor 203 when the receiving frame 403 ascends. The tableware WR is released upward and away from the member 204 and released, and the tableware row WR rests on the receiving frame 403.

  In addition, when the receiving frame 403 ascends, the two slide shafts 405 for supporting the outer peripheral edge on the semi-peripheral side of the tableware W in order to maintain the independent posture of the tableware row WR when raising the entire tableware row WR. A tableware row guide 406 (see FIG. 15 (a)) is provided on the facing semi-peripheral side, and thereby aligned with the two slide shafts 405 to maintain a free standing posture when the tableware row WR on the receiving frame 403 rises. In addition, it is possible to suppress the deviation of the central axis of the tableware row WR.

  Further, in the lifting means 400, a pair of convex members 204 of the chain conveyor 203 is used for the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR placed on the pair of support rails 205 by intermittent transfer for the tableware row pitch D. A receiving frame sensor (descent position detecting means) 407 is provided which detects that the transfer rail is in the transfer and mounting position by pressing the support rail 205 from above onto the receiving frame 403 (FIG. 10, FIG. 14, FIG. 17, FIG. 18, see FIG. 19). When the receiving frame sensor 407 approaches a sensor sensing member 403 b integrated with the receiving frame 403 using, for example, a magnetic proximity sensor, the switch is turned on, and the table row WR is supported by a pair of convex members 204 of the chain conveyor 203. Control is performed by detecting whether or not the position where the transfer and mounting may be performed by pressing the rail 205 onto the receiving frame 403 is performed.

  Further, the tableware row WR placed on the receiving frame 403 is raised, and separation of the lowermost dish W of the tableware row WR (the last tableware W to be separated) from the receiving frame 403 is completed by the separating means 500 described later. After the tableware sensor (gripping position detection means) 410 for detecting the presence or absence of the remaining tableware W on the receiving frame 403 detects that there is no remaining tableware W on the receiving frame 403, the receiving frame 403 is elevated by a predetermined distance from this position and stopped. When the receiving frame sensor (upper limit position detecting means) 408 comes close to the sensor sensing member 403 b integrated with the receiving frame 403 at this stop position, the switch is turned on to raise the motor 402. Control to rotate in the direction opposite to the direction rotation, so that the receiving frame 403 is pushed from above the pair of support rails 205 onto the receiving frame 403 to be transferred and placed. Lowering to location (see Figure 14).

The tableware sensor 410 includes, for example, a pair of light emitting elements and a light receiving element. When the tableware W is present, the light to the light receiving element is blocked, and when the tableware W is absent, the light reaches the light receiving element. It is an optical sensor that detects the presence or absence.
Note that the receiving frame sensor 407, the receiving frame sensor 408, and the tableware sensor 410 are provided for each of the lifting means 400 installed independently of the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4.

  Further, when the receiving frame 403 is at the lowered position where the convex member 204 of the chain conveyor 203 may push and transfer onto the receiving frame 403 from above the pair of support rails 205, the tableware row WR on the receiving frame 403 A tableware sensor 409 is provided which comprises a pair of light emitting elements for detecting the presence or absence of the light emitting element and a light receiving element. The tableware sensor 409 detects the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR, and detects the presence or absence of the tableware W on all the receiving frames 403 of the lifting means 400 installed individually in the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4. .

  When the tableware sensor 409 detects that there is no tableware W on all the receiving frames 403 of the lifting and lowering means 400 individually installed in the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4, the subsequent tableware row WR conveyed by the conveying means 201 is chained A detection signal is sent to the control device 1000 that the convex members 204 of the conveyor 203 may push on the pair of support rails 205 onto each receiving frame 403 to transfer and place. When the tableware sensor 409 detects the presence of the tableware W, the rotational operation of the chain conveyor 203 may be made to stand by and the rotational operation of the chain conveyor 203 may be started after the absence of the tableware W is detected. And sends a detection signal to the controller 1000.

  Further, the tableware sensor 409 detects the absence of the tableware W on all the receiving frames 403 of the lifting and lowering means 400 individually installed in the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4, and transfers and places the tableware row WR on the receiving frame 403 When it is detected, it is detected that the tableware row WR is present on the receiving frame 403, and a detection signal indicating that each receiving frame 403 may be raised is sent to the control device 1000.

  Next, the configuration of the separating means 500 for separating and discharging the individual dishes W sequentially from the top of the dish row WR in conjunction with the elevating means 400 will be described using FIGS. 1, 2 and 10 to 19.

The arm unit 501 is configured by connecting one side of the arms 502 and 503 provided on both sides by the connecting arm 504, and the arm bearings 505 are attached to substantially the middle portions of the arms 502 and 503, respectively.
The fulcrum shaft 506 passes through each arm bearing 505, and the arm unit 501 rotates with the fulcrum shaft 506 supported by the bearing 507 as a rotation fulcrum.

  A fixing member 508 is integrated with the connecting arm 504, and a fixing member 509a is integrated with the fixing member 508. Further, a fixing member 509 b is connected to and fixed to the storage main body 511 at the fixing member 508.

A pair of storage bodies 511 having a predetermined length is fixed to the fixed member 509a, and the movable claws 512 are stored slidably in the recesses on the opposite sides of the storage bodies 511 opposed to each other.
An upper surface 512a and a lower surface 512b of the movable claw 512 are formed, and a sloped surface 512c inclined downward is formed between the upper surface 512a and the lower surface 512b, and the upper surface 512a and the lower surface 512b slide in the recess of the storage main body 511 Do. In addition, although mentioned later, the vertex part of the upper surface 512a and the inclined surface 512c is penetrated under the outer periphery which the dishes W mutually oppose, and is gripped and isolate | separated.

  The central position in the sliding direction (longitudinal direction) of the movable claw 512 is substantially the same as the central axis of the tableware W at the top end of the tableware row WR.

  The spring member (biasing means) 513 is accommodated in the recess of the accommodation main body 511, and the movable claws 512 are urged in the opposite direction (inward direction). Although not shown, when the movable claws 512 are urged in the opposite direction (inward direction) by the spring member 513, the stopper for restricting the movement distance of the movable claws 512 due to the sliding and retaining them in the recess of the storage main body 511 The storage unit 511 is provided with a unit.

  An upper guide rail (guide rail) 514 is provided on the lower surface of the fixed member 509a opposed to the upper surface 512a of the movable claw 512, and the upper guide rail 514 is positioned to the length of the fixed member 509b. Further, a lower guide rail (guide rail) 515 is provided on the fixing member 509b so as to face the upper guide rail 514. The opposing outer peripheral edges of the tableware W are supported by the distance between the upper guide rail 514 and the upper surface 512 a of the movable claw 512 and the distance between the upper guide rail 514 and the lower guide rail 515 provided on the fixed member 509 b It has become.

  Each of the grip chucks 510a to 510d is configured by the pair of storage main bodies 511, the movable claws 512, and the spring member 513, and as shown in FIG. 11B, each grip chuck is along the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4. An arm unit 501 is provided side by side with 510 a to 510 d to form a gripping chuck unit 510. FIG. 12 is described as an example in which the arm unit 501 is provided with one gripping chuck unit 510a.

  The grip chucks 510a to 510d provided for each of the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 can slide in the recesses on the opposite sides of the storage main bodies 511 facing each other according to the shape of the tableware W, the diameter of the outer peripheral edge, etc. The distance between the movable claws 512 and the shape thereof are changed.

Next, the configuration of the arm pivoting mechanism 520 for reciprocating and pivoting the arm unit 501 having the gripping chuck unit 510 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11B.
A chain 527 is suspended between a sprocket 523 provided on a motor rotation shaft 522 rotated by a motor (drive source) 521 and a sprocket 526 provided on a rotation shaft 524 supported by a bearing 525, and the rotation shaft 524 is rotated. One end side of a rotating lever 528 (second connecting member) having a predetermined length is fixed to both end portions of the rotating shaft 524, and the other end side of the rotating lever 528 rotates around the rotating shaft 524 as a central axis. As the motor 521, it is preferable to use a stepping motor having a built-in brake means.

  The other end of the rotation lever 528 is rotatably connected to one end of a connection lever 530 (first connection member) of a predetermined length by a joint 529 (third rotation fulcrum). Further, the other end of the connection lever 530 (first connection member) is pivotable by one end of the arms 502 and 503 (the opposite side of the grip chuck unit 510) and the joint 531 (second pivot). Is linked to Furthermore, the other end side having the gripping chuck unit 510 of the arms 502 and 503 pivots as a free end around the fulcrum shaft 506 (rotational fulcrum shaft, first pivoting fulcrum) supported by the arm bearing 505.

  Arms 502 and 503, fulcrum shaft 506 (rotation fulcrum shaft, first rotation fulcrum), connection lever 530 (first connection member), joint 531 (second rotation fulcrum), rotation lever 528 (second The link mechanism 532 is constituted by each of the connecting member 515 and the joint 529 (third pivot point). The link mechanism 532 reciprocates the arm unit 501 having the gripping chuck unit 510 within a predetermined angular range (for example, approximately 45 degrees) from the substantially horizontal position to the inclined position. The operation will be described later.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 17, the separating means 500 is supported by and fixed to the fixed frame 533, and is provided with pushing members 540 corresponding to the respective gripping chucks 510a to 510d. The pushing member 540 has a function of promoting drop and discharge of the tableware W gripped by the gripping chucks 510a to 510d.

  The motor 521, the link mechanism 532, the bearings 507, 525, etc. are fixed to the fixed frame 541, as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 and 18, when the arm unit 501 is rotated from the substantially horizontal position to a position inclined from the substantially horizontal position by the holding chuck unit 510, whether the held tableware W remains at the position of the holding chuck unit 510 A tableware sensor 550 including a pair of light emitting elements and light receiving elements for detecting presence / absence is provided. The tableware sensor 550 is installed on each of the grip chucks 510a to 510d in the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4.

  When the tableware sensor 550 grasps at a position where the arm unit 501 is inclined and detects that there is no tableware W at the position of the chuck unit 510, a control signal indicating that the arm unit 501 may be rotated to a substantially horizontal position Send to 1000 In addition, when the tableware sensor 550 detects that the tableware W is present at the position of the grasping chuck unit 510, the controller controls the detection signal to stand by with the pivoting of the arm unit 501 to a substantially horizontal position stopped. Send to 1000

  As shown in FIG. 15, a water injection pipe 570 for injecting water is provided on the surface side of the tableware W located at the top end of the tableware row WR placed on the receiving frame 403 of each lifting means 400. One end of the water injection pipe 570 is opened toward the surface side of the tableware W located at the uppermost end, and the other end is in communication with a water supply source (not shown). The water supply source is in communication with the discharge path of a pump 813 of the cleaning device 800 described later, and is configured to supply a part of the cleaning water (finishing cleaning water).

  In addition, as water injected on the surface side of the dishware W, the water injection pipe 570 may be made to communicate with the discharge path of the pump 228 of the immersion device 200, and part of the immersion water may be supplied. The water supply pipe 570 may be connected to supply fresh water.

  Next, the configuration of the reversing means 700 provided in the separation and reversing device 600 will be described using FIGS. 11, 15, 16 and 17. FIG.

  The rotary drum unit 701 is configured by connecting and integrating the respective rotary drums 701a to 701d installed in each of the separation means 500 provided in the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4. Each of the rotary drums 701a to 701d has a side wall 702 and a plurality of partition walls 703 provided radially from the center side, and a plurality of tableware storage spaces 704 partitioned by these are formed. The tableware storage space 704 receives the individual tableware W separated and discharged from the separating means 500, and the surface side of the tableware W is inverted downward by the rotation of the rotary drums 701a to 701d, and the tableware W after the inversion is stored in the tableware storage space 704. Drop from own weight and release. Further, four tableware storage spaces 704 are formed at positions equally divided in the circumferential direction of the rotary drums 701a to 701d.

  The tableware storage space 704 has a distance between two side walls 702 and a distance between a plurality of partition walls 703 provided radially from the center side according to the diameter and height (depth) of the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W to be stored. Set each to the optimum dimensions. Further, the dimension in the circumferential direction of the tableware storage space 704 is set such that substantially the entire tableware W enters the tableware storage space 704.

Next, the drum drive unit 705 for rotating the rotary drum unit 701 will be described.
The chain 708 is suspended on a sprocket 706 fixed to the motor rotation shaft 522 of the motor 521 included in the arm rotation mechanism 520 and a sprocket 707 fixed to the fulcrum shaft 506, and rotation of the motor 521 causes a rotating drum unit 701 as shown in FIG. Rotate in the direction of the arrow (clockwise).

  The rotation of the arm unit 501 and the rotation of the rotary drum unit 701 drive the motor 521 of the arm rotation mechanism 520 as the same drive source.

  Further, the central portion of the rotary drum unit 701 is fixed to a fulcrum shaft 506 serving as a rotation fulcrum (first rotation fulcrum) of the arm unit 501, and the rotary drum unit 701 rotates integrally with the fulcrum shaft 506. Further, the reciprocal rotation of the arm unit 501 and the intermittent rotation (for example, approximately every 45 degrees) of the rotary drum unit 701 are synchronously driven by the rotation of the motor 521 which is the same drive source.

  Although the rotation of the arm unit 501 and the rotation of the rotating drum unit 701 are driven using the motor 521 of the arm rotating mechanism 520 as the same drive source, the driving source for the rotation of the arm unit 501 and the rotating drum unit 701 The drive source of may be driven as a separate drive source. Even in that case, the rotation of the arm unit 501 and the rotation of the rotating drum unit 701 are synchronized.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the front side of the tableware W is inverted downward by the rotation of the rotary drums 701 a to 701 d, and the tableware dropping guide is at a position where the tableware W after the inversion is dropped from the tableware storage space 704 and discharged. 710 is provided. The tableware dropping guide 710 enables the discharged tableware W to be transferred from the tableware storage space 704 onto the conveyor 802 of the cleaning device 800, which is the next process, in a stable posture.

  Further, a tableware sensor 720 including a pair of light emitting elements and light receiving elements for detecting the presence or absence of the tableware W discharged onto the tableware dropping guide 710 is provided. The tableware sensor 720 detects the presence or absence of the tableware W over the entire tableware drop guide 710 provided in the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4.

  When the tableware sensor 720 detects that there is no tableware W on the tableware drop guide 710, the arm unit 501 rotates from the inclined position to a substantially horizontal position, and the rotation of the rotating drum unit 701 driven synchronously with the arm unit 501. And sends a detection signal to the control device 1000. Further, when the tableware sensor 720 detects that the tableware W is present on the tableware dropping guide 710, the arm unit 501 is rotated from the inclined position to a substantially horizontal position, and is synchronously driven with the arm unit 501. A detection signal for not starting the rotation of the rotary drum unit 701 is sent to the control device 1000.

  Next, the operation of the separation and release apparatus 300 and the separation and inversion apparatus 600 operating in conjunction with this will be described. First, an initial (standby) state when the separation discharge operation of the tableware W and the separation and inversion operation are started will be described.

  The position of the receiving frame 403 of the lifting and lowering means 400 constituting the separating and releasing apparatus 300 is the lower side of the bottom end of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR with the upper surface of the pair of support rails 205 substantially the same height. It should be in the state of The stopped state (standby state) at the lower position is a position at which transfer and mounting of the tableware row WR on which the receiving frame 403 is mounted on the pair of support rails 205 of the immersion device 200 is possible.

  At this time, the receiving frame sensor sensing member 403b provided on each receiving frame 403 located in all the washing lanes SR1 to SR4 is close to the receiving frame sensor 407, and each receiving frame sensor 407 has the receiving frame 403 at the lower position. Is detected. Furthermore, the tableware sensor 409 detects that there is no tableware W on the receiving frame 403. With these, the tableware row WR placed on the pair of support rails 205 is on standby in a state that enables transfer and placement on the receiving frame 403 of the tableware WR.

Next, a basic standby state of the arm unit 501 constituting the separation and release apparatus 300 and the rotary drum unit 701 constituting the separation and inversion apparatus 600 in addition to the separation and release apparatus 300 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 15C and 16C, the arm unit 501 having the gripping chuck unit 510 stands by at a position inclined by a predetermined angle (for example, approximately 45 degrees).
At this time, the joint 529 between the rotary lever 528 and the connecting lever 530 that constitute the link mechanism 532 fixed to the rotary shaft 524 is at the bottom dead center (lowermost point), and one end of the connecting lever 530 and the arms 502 and 503 The joint 531 is at the bottom dead center (lowest point) pushed down.

  As a result, the arms 502 and 503 are gripped about the fulcrum shaft 506 (rotational fulcrum shaft, first rotational fulcrum) and the other end of the arm unit 501 having the chuck unit 510 is pushed up, and the entire arm unit 501 is inclined. It is in the waiting state at the position.

  Further, at this time, the rotating drum unit 701 of the reversing means 700 is in a standby state at an inclined position where the tableware storage space 704 enabling reception of the tableware W dropped and discharged from the holding chuck unit 510 is in the same direction as the holding chuck unit 510. It has become.

The tableware sensor 550 also detects that there is no tableware W in each of the gripping chucks 510a to 510d. Further, the tableware sensor 720 which detects whether or not the tableware W discharged onto the tableware fall guide 710 remains detects that the tableware W does not exist over the whole of the tableware fall guide 710 which is included in the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4. (See FIG. 15 (c), FIG. 19).
When the tableware sensor 550 and the tableware sensor 720 detect that the tableware W is not present, the next operation, the rotation of the arm unit 501 from the inclined position to the substantially horizontal position (the holding position of the tableware W) Control to make it possible.

  Next, a state in which the arm unit 501 having the gripping chuck unit 510 and the rotating drum unit 701 change from a position inclined by a predetermined angle in the standby state to a substantially horizontal position will be described.

  The motor 521 is driven, the rotation lever 528 fixed to the rotation shaft 524 via the chain 527 is rotated, and the joint 529 of the rotation lever 528 and the connection lever 530 changes to the top dead center (highest point). The joint 531 of one end of the arm 502 and the arm 502 changes to the pushed top dead center (highest point).

  As a result, the arms 502 and 503 grip around the fulcrum shaft 506 (rotation fulcrum shaft, first rotation fulcrum) and the other end of the arm unit 501 having the chuck unit 510 is pushed down, and the entire arm unit 501 is inclined. It changes to a position rotated approximately 45 degrees from the position to a substantially horizontal position.

  At this time, the first tableware storage space 704 located at the standby position of the rotating drum unit 701 of the reversing means 700 rotates approximately 45 degrees in the direction of the thick arrow shown in FIG. A state 704 is in the same direction as the arm unit 501.

Next, an operation of sequentially separating, releasing, and inverting the tableware W at the top end of the tableware row WR will be described.
Here, the description will be made assuming that the tableware row WR (first tableware row) carried in first in the immersing apparatus 200 has a predetermined immersion time elapsed.

(Transfer of tableware row on receiving frame, placement check step)
The tableware row WR is transferred from the immersing apparatus 200 onto the receiving frame 403 of the lifting means 400, and the sensor sensing member 403b is close to the receiving frame sensor 407 at the pre-loading stage, and each receiving frame sensor 407 is below the receiving frame 403 It detects that it is in position. Furthermore, the tableware sensor 409 detects that the tableware W is not present on the receiving frame 403. With these, the tableware row WR placed on the pair of support rails 205 is on standby in a state that enables transfer and placement on the receiving frame 403 of the tableware WR.

(Tableware transfer, placement step)
The chain conveyor 203 of the immersing apparatus 200 is intermittently transported by the pitch D between the dishes rows on the receiving frame 403 at the lower position enabling the transfer and placement of the dishes row WR placed on the pair of support rails 205 Then, the tableware row WR (first tableware row) placed on the pair of support rails 205 is transferred and placed.

(Crockery row rise, gripping position stop step)
When transfer and placement of the tableware row WR is completed on all the receiving frames 403 of the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4, the tableware sensor 409 detects that the tableware W is present on the receiving frame 403. The detection signal drives the motor 402 of the lifting means 400 to raise the receiving frame 403 together with the tableware row WR. When the tableware sensor 410 detects the tableware W located at the top end of the tableware row WR in the process of raising, driving of the motor 402 is stopped, and the position in the height direction of the tableware W at the top end of the tableware row WR (gripping position) Hold.

(Pivot step to arm unit horizontal position)
Furthermore, when the tableware sensor 410 detects the tableware W located at the uppermost end of the tableware row WR, the motor 521 is driven to stand by at a position where the arm unit 501 having the gripping chuck unit 510 inclines a predetermined angle (for example, approximately 45 degrees) The arm unit 501 is pivoted to a substantially horizontal position from the above state.

  A process of separating the tableware W located at the uppermost end of the tableware row WR when the whole arm unit 501 is rotated to the substantially horizontal position and reaches the substantially horizontal position will be described with reference to FIG.

In the state of FIGS. 13A and 13B, the inclined surfaces 512c of the pair of movable claws 512 included in the holding chuck unit 510 contact and press the opposing outer peripheral edges of the tableware W positioned at the uppermost end. start.
Further pressing causes the movable claws 512 to move backward (in a direction away from each other from the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W) against the biasing force of the spring member 513 which is biasing means.

(Top-most tableware grabbing step)
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13C, when the arm unit 501 rotates and reaches a substantially horizontal position and the top of the upper surface 512a of the movable claw 512 and the top of the inclined surface 512c cross the lower surface of the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W. The movable claw 512 is pressed inward (in a direction approaching the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W) by the biasing force of the spring member 513, and the top of the movable claw 512 and the top of the inclined surface 512c are positioned at the top It enters between the peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W immediately below, supports and holds the lower surface of the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W located at the uppermost end.

(Pivot step to arm unit tilt position)
As shown in FIG. 13D by rotating the arm unit 501 to the inclined position after the arm unit 501 is rotated and grips the tableware W (first tableware W) positioned at the uppermost end in the substantially horizontal position. Thus, the tableware W located at the top end is separated from the tableware row WR.

  At this time, since the tableware W is wet with the immersion water, the sliding resistance between the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W and, in particular, the inclined surface 512c of the movable claw 512 decreases, and a smoother gripping and separating operation can be performed. .

  In addition, immersion water is stored between the dishes W in the table row WR, and the dishes W located on the upper side of the adjacent dishes W receive some buoyancy, and the inclined surfaces 512c of the pair of movable claws 512 are at the uppermost end. When abuts against the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W located and presses it, the buffer action of the stored immersion water absorbs the excessive pressing force on the tableware W at the time of pressing and prevents deformation and breakage of the tableware W Have an effect.

  Next, a process in which the arm unit 501 is pivoted to change to the inclined position and the tableware W being gripped and separated is discharged will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Dishwashing release step from grip chuck)
FIGS. 15 (b) and 16 (a) show a process in which the arm unit 501 gradually rotates from the substantially horizontal position and the inclination angle of the arm unit 501 increases, and the tableware W gripped by the gripping chucks 510a to 510d. Begins to fall under his own weight. When the inclination angle further increases, as shown in FIG. 16B, the tableware W is added to the force of falling by gravity, and the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W gripped by the gripping chucks 510a to 510d abuts on the pushing member 540 While sliding, it is pushed out to the tableware storage space 704 side of each of the rotary drums 701a to 701d.

(Release to the tableware storage space, storage step)
As shown in FIGS. 15 (c) and 16 (c), when the arm unit 501 changes to a predetermined inclination angle, the grabbing tableware W rotates in conjunction with the inclination of the arm unit 501. It is dropped and discharged into the tableware storage space 704 of each of 701 a to 701 d. At this time, the tableware sensor 550 is in a state where it detects that there is a tableware W in the grip chucks 510a to 510d, and detects that there is no tableware W by dropping.

In synchronization with the rotation of the arm unit 501 from the inclined position to the substantially horizontal position, the rotary drum unit 701 rotates 45 degrees clockwise in the thick arrow direction shown in FIG.
Further, in synchronization with the rotation of the arm unit 501 from the substantially horizontal position to the inclined position, the rotary drum unit 701 rotates 45 degrees right in the thick arrow direction shown in FIG.
That is, when one cycle operation of rotating the arm unit 501 from the inclined position to the substantially horizontal position and from the substantially horizontal position to the inclined position is performed, in synchronization with this, the rotating drum unit 701 moves in the direction indicated by the thick arrow in FIG. It will rotate 90 degrees to the right.

  In particular, in synchronization with the rotation of the arm unit 501 from the substantially horizontal position to the inclined position, the rotary drum unit 701 is rotated 45 degrees clockwise in the thick arrow direction shown in FIG. The tableware W to be stored can be received by the tableware storage space 704 of the rotary drum unit 701 regardless of the timing at which the arm unit 501 is pivoted from the substantially horizontal position to the inclined position. Depending on the type of tableware, dirt adhering to the tableware, etc., the sliding state at the gripping chucks 510a to 510d changes, and the tableware W to be discharged is reliably rotated drum unit even if the tableware W is released at different timings. It can be received in the tableware storage space 704 of 701.

  Since the rotary drums 701a to 701d rotate in synchronization with the tilt of the arm unit 501, the rotary drum 701a rotates even if part of the tableware W gripped in the process of the arm unit 501 reaching a predetermined tilt position starts to fall by its own weight 70 d to 700 d can be stored in each of the tableware storage spaces 704, and the discharge of the tableware W gripped by the grip chucks 510a to 510d into the tableware storage space 704 is stabilized and the grip chucks 510a It is possible to perform the discharge and transfer to the tableware storage space 704 from .about.510 d in a very short time.

  In the process of the tableware W gripped by the chucks 510a to 510d falling by gravity due to the inclination of the arm unit 501, the opposing outer peripheral edges of the tableware W are the upper surface 512a of the movable claw 512 and the upper guide rail 514, and the fixing member 509b. The tableware W can be guided and slide along the lower guide rail 515 and the upper guide rail 514, so that the tableware W can be stably dropped by its own weight.

Further, at this time, the weight of the stored immersion water is added to the weight of the tableware W itself, and the total weight is increased to increase the falling force by gravity, and the opposing outer peripheral edge of the tableware W is the upper surface 512a of the movable claw 512 The sliding resistance is reduced due to the tableware W being wet with the immersion water when it falls by gravity while being guided by the upper guide rails 514 and the lower guide rails 515 and the upper guide rails 514 provided on the fixing member 509b and sliding. .
As a result, it is possible to make the dishware W fall more smoothly and stably, and the falling speed can be increased to shorten the release time.

  Further, as described above, the water injection pipe 570 for injecting water is provided on the surface side of the tableware W located at the uppermost end of the tableware row WR placed on the receiving frame 403 of each lifting means 400. In addition to the immersion water stored in the immersion device 200, water is poured on the surface side of the tableware W located at the uppermost end sequentially separated from this, and the recess on the surface side of the tableware W is always full of water and the outer peripheral edge It overflows from the water and flows down to the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W located below.

  Since the surface side of the tableware W located at the uppermost end which always separates sequentially becomes full of water by this, the weight of the stored immersion water and the water injected from the water injection pipe 570 is added to the weight of the tableware W itself, The total weight is further increased, the potential energy is increased, and the falling force is increased. Therefore, it is possible to cause smooth and stable dropping of the tableware W by its own weight, and the dropping speed can be increased to shorten the release time. Further, even in the case where the relatively lightweight tableware W is used, the total weight can be increased, and the smooth and stable tableware W can be dropped by itself.

  Further, since the concave portion on the surface side of the tableware W positioned at the uppermost end is always full of water, it overflows from the outer peripheral edge and becomes a state of flowing water down to the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W positioned downward, It is possible to promote the flow and replacement of the immersion water stored in the gaps between the adjacent dishes W of the tableware row WR to further exert the effect of the immersion action to the dirt component.

  Furthermore, since the concave portion on the surface side of the tableware W located at the uppermost end is always full of water and continuously supplied from the water injection pipe 570 for fluidization, it is possible to remove a part of the dirt component on the surface side it can. From the water injection pipe 570, it communicates with the discharge path of the pump 813 of the cleaning device 800 to be described later to supply a part of the finish cleaning water containing no dirt component, thereby more exerting the cleaning effect on the surface side of the tableware W be able to.

  When the arm unit 501 is pivoted from the substantially horizontal position to the inclined position, the tableware W is inclined in accordance with the inclination of the arm unit 501. The inclined tableware W slides on the gripping chuck unit 510 and falls by its own weight, and when the tableware W is discharged from the gripping chuck unit 510 and falls into the tableware storage space 704 of the rotating drum 701, the surface of the tableware W The immersion water stored on the side is at least partially drained from the lower surface side of the inclined tableware W. And by the flow of the immersion water accompanying this drainage, it is possible to produce an action of removing a part of the dirt. This drainage drains and falls to the tank 225 through the water receptacles 226 and 227.

  Moreover, in addition to the immersion water stored in the immersion device 200 on the surface side of the tableware W located at the uppermost end to be sequentially separated, water is poured from the water injection pipe 570 and stored, and the recess on the surface side of the tableware W is always full When separated by the gripping chuck unit 510 and the arm unit 501 is pivoted from the substantially horizontal position to the inclined position, the amount of drainage discharged from the surface side which is the lower side of the inclined tableware W increases. Thereby, the removal of dirt components can be further promoted by the flow associated with the drainage.

  The tableware W may be resin-molded resin tableware, fired porcelain tableware or the like, but the tableware washing system 100 of the present embodiment has a predetermined weight, and the front side and the back side of the tableware W It is preferable to use porcelain dishes (including reinforced porcelain dishes) in which the side is smooth and slippery and the surface of the dishes W is not scraped when it is slid.

  Next, the state of separating and discharging the second tableware W located next to the first of the tableware row WR will be described.

(Crockery row rise, grabbing position stop step)
When the tableware W (first) positioned at the top end of the tableware row WR is grasped and pushed out from the chucks 510a to 510d to the tableware storage space 704 side of each of the rotary drums 701a to 701d, the tableware sensor 550 moves from the light emitting element to the light receiving element The light is conducted to detect that the tableware W is not present in the grip chucks 510a to 510d, and the detection signal is used to drive the motor 402 of the elevating means 400 to raise the receiving frame 403. With the rise of the receiving frame 403, the tableware sensor 410 detects the presence of the second tableware W, stops the driving of the motor 402, and holds the second tableware W in the gripping position.

(Pivot step to arm unit horizontal position)
After that, the motor 521 is driven to rotate the arm unit 501 to a substantially horizontal position again from a state where the arm unit 501 having the gripping chuck unit 510 stands by at a position inclined at a predetermined angle.

  Grasping the second tableware W when the arm unit 501 has reached a substantially horizontal position, separated release state (uppermost tableware grasping step, tableware discharging step from the grasping chuck unit 510, discharging to the tableware storage space, storing step ) Is performed in the same manner as the separated and discharged state of the tableware W located at the uppermost end (first) of the tableware row WR described above. For example, when 20 dishes W are stacked in the dish row WR, the separation operation of the 20 dishes W is sequentially repeated.

  Even after the last tableware W of the tableware row WR is grasped and the chuck unit 510 grasps and rotates the arm unit 501 to the inclined position and drops it into the tableware storage space 704, the arm unit 501 is inclined from the inclined position An operation of repeating one cycle of rotating from the substantially horizontal position to the substantially horizontal position to the substantially horizontal position continuously for two cycles is performed. When the two-cycle arm unit 501 is reciprocated, the rotating drum unit 701 is also rotated approximately 180 degrees in synchronization. During the rotation of the rotary drum unit 701, an operation of inverting and discharging the two dishes W already stored in the dish storage space 704 of the rotary drum unit 701 from the inside of the dish storage space 704 is performed.

  When the tableware sensor 550 grips the arm unit 501 in the inclined position and detects that the tableware W is present in the chucks 510a to 510d, the arm unit 501 is made to stand by at the inclined position, and the chuck 510a After removing the factor that the tableware W does not fall in the portion 510 d and the tableware sensor 550 detects that the tableware W is absent, the arm unit 501 is pivoted from the inclined position to a substantially horizontal position.

Next, the process of reversing the front and back surfaces of the tableware W will be described with reference to FIGS.
The tableware W gripped, separated and released by the gripping chucks 510a to 510d is sequentially discharged and transferred into the tableware storage space 704 of each of the rotating drums 701a to 701d that rotates intermittently in synchronization with the rotation of the arm unit 501. It will be published. The tableware W discharged and transferred into the respective tableware storage space 704 is sequentially inverted downward of the surface side of the tableware W by the rotation of the rotary drums 701a to 701d, and the tableware W after the inversion is self-weighted from the tableware storage space 704 Drop and release. When the arm unit 501 is in the inclined position, the position opposite to the inclined position (180 degrees) is the discharge position to the rotary drums 701a to 701d (see FIG. 15C).

  The tableware slide guide 710 having a position for discharging the tableware W after being flipped is slid and transferred onto the conveyor 802 of the cleaning device 800 of the next process which is already in the driven state. The tableware W is sprayed with washing water from above and below to the front and back surfaces thereof to start washing. At this time, the transport speed of the tableware W on the conveyor 802 is set faster than the speed of the tableware W falling by gravity on the tabletop falling guide 710. While this prevents the tableware W from staying on the tableware dropping guide 710, a predetermined distance is provided between the tableware W adjacent to each other on the conveyor 802 to prevent overlapping of the tableware W and enable reliable cleaning. . The basic configuration operation of the cleaning apparatus 800 will be described later.

  Moreover, although the dishware sensor 720 comprised from a pair of light emitting element and light receiving element which detects the presence or absence of the dishware W discharged | emitted on each dishware fall guide 710 is provided, this tableware sensor 720 wash | cleans After detecting the absence of the dish W over the entire dish falling guide 710 provided in the lanes SR1 to SR4, the arm unit 501 is pivoted from the inclined position to the substantially horizontal position.

  If the tableware sensor 720 detects that the tableware W is present on the tableware dropping guide 710, the arm unit 501 is made to stand by at the inclined position. Then, after removing the factor of staying in the dish drop guide 710 and detecting that there is no dish W, the arm unit 501 is rotated from the inclined position to the substantially horizontal position.

(Tableware row sequential intermittent transfer step)
After completing the separation and release operation of all the dishes W in one tableware row WR, the tableware row WR which is intermittently transported next is transferred to the receiving frame 403 of the lifting means 400, and the same separation and release operation is performed in the final tableware row Repeat until WR.

  The arm unit 501 having the gripping chuck unit 510 is rotated from a position (standby position, ejection position) inclined at a predetermined angle to a substantially horizontal position (gripping position), and is rotated to a position inclined at a predetermined angle from the substantially horizontal position The reciprocating operation until returning is one cycle, and the operation time of this one cycle is, for example, approximately 1.5 seconds via the link mechanism 532 according to the setting of the rotational speed of the motor 521. This makes it possible to separate and discharge one piece of tableware W located at the top end of the tableware row WR at a high speed as short as 1.5 seconds, for example, 20 pieces of tableware W stacked in the tableware row WR In the case of one dish row WR, the operation of separation release of all the dishes W ends in a time of 30 seconds. Note that one cycle time of the reciprocating operation of the arm unit 501 is not limited to about 1.5 seconds.

  The dishes W separated and discharged at high speed at the inclined position of the arm unit 501 in one cycle are 1.5 seconds apart in the dish storage space 704 of the rotating drum unit 701 which rotates in synchronization with the reciprocating rotation of the arm unit 501. It is stored by. Furthermore, from the tableware storage space 704 located on the opposite side of the inclined position of the arm unit 501, the tableware W whose front and back sides are reversed and the front side is downward is transferred onto the conveyor 802 of the cleaning device 800. That is, in the continuous separated state, the rotation of the arm unit 501 and the rotation of the rotating drum unit 701 are driven in synchronization with each other, and thus the tableware W at the top end of the tableware row WR is grasped and separated It will be transferred onto the 802 at intervals of 1.5 seconds.

  The one cycle operation time of the arm unit 501 can be set by the rotational speed of the motor 521, but the motor 521 continues to rotate at all times, and if the rotational speed is constant, the link mechanism 532 rotates the arm unit 501. Instantaneous reversal occurs at a position inclined at a predetermined angle and at a substantially horizontal position (gripping position).

(Step to wait for inclined position of arm unit)
The arm unit 501 is inclined by performing control to temporarily stop the rotation of the motor 521 when the arm unit 501 reaches the inclined position without instantaneously reversing the inclined position of the arm unit 501 from the substantially horizontal position. The time spent in position, i.e. waiting time, can be controlled.
The waiting time is set to, for example, about 0.05 seconds, based on the separation of the tableware W in the holding chuck unit 510, the release time, the storage time in the tableware storage space 704, and the like. By providing this waiting time, separation and release from the gripping chuck unit 510, release to the rotating drum unit 701, and storage can be performed with certainty.

(Step to wait approximately horizontal position of arm unit)
Also, the arm unit 501 having the gripping chuck unit 510 is instantaneously reversed from the substantially horizontal position to the inclined position, and the motor 521 is rotated at the position where the arm unit 501 is rotated to a position slightly inclined from the substantially horizontal position. Control to stop temporarily. The standby time for this temporary stop is, for example, approximately 0.1 second, and is set as a time for performing the gripping of the tableware W with the gripping chuck unit 510 more reliably. After the waiting time has elapsed, the motor 521 is rotated to rotate the arm unit 501 from the substantially horizontal position to the inclined position.

As described above, the inclined surfaces 512c of the pair of movable claws 512 included in the gripping chuck unit 510 abut against and press the opposing outer peripheral edge of the tableware W positioned at the uppermost end, and the movable claws 512 are biased by further pressure It moves backward (in a direction away from each other from the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W) against the biasing force of the spring member 513 which is a means.
Furthermore, when the arm unit 501 is rotated and reaches a substantially horizontal position, and the apexes of the upper surface 512a of the movable claw 512 and the inclined surface 512c exceed the lower surface of the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W, the movable claw 512 is attached to the spring member 513. The outer edge of the tableware W is pressed to the inside (the direction approaching the outer edge of the tableware W) by the force, and the top of the movable claw 512 is at the top end with the top of the inclined surface 512c , And supports and holds the lower surface of the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W located at the uppermost end (see FIGS. 13A to 13C).

After the pair of movable claws 512 included in the gripping chuck unit 510 retracts against the biasing force of the spring member 513 (directions away from the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W), the movable claw 512 is pressed by the biasing force of the spring member 513 It takes some time to return to the inside (in the direction approaching the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W).
The waiting time by the temporary stop of the rotation of the motor 521 at the position where the arm unit 501 is pivoted to the position direction slightly inclined from the substantially horizontal position is the return time by the biasing force of the spring member 513 After securing the tableware W securely by this, the tableware W once grasped by the impact (reaction force) when the arm unit 501 starts rotating from the substantially horizontal position to a position inclined by a predetermined angle It can be grasped surely without dropping it.

Furthermore, when the rotation of the motor 521 is temporarily stopped at a position where the arm unit 501 is pivoted to a position slightly inclined to the substantially horizontal position, the tableware W located at the top end of the tableware row WR is the second lower part. It is in the state slightly raised from the dishware W in the
In this state, the inclined surface 512c of the movable claw 512 and the tops of the upper surface 512a and the inclined surface 512c are separated from the outer peripheral edge of the second tableware W below the tableware W located at the uppermost end of the tableware row WR The movable claw 512 is pressed by the biasing force of the spring member 513 and returns completely inward (in the direction approaching the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W), whereby the tableware W located at the uppermost end can be grasped more reliably.

  The operating time of one cycle in which the arm unit 501 reciprocates including, for example, the waiting time which is the time for the arm unit 501 to stay at the substantially horizontal position, the time for which the arm unit 501 stays at the inclined position. It is said that.

  Further, by control of the rotational speed of the motor 521, the rotational speed from an inclined position (standby position, discharge position) of the arm unit 501 having the gripping chuck unit 510 to a substantially horizontal position (gripping position) It is also possible to individually control each of the rotational speeds from the horizontal position to the position inclined by a predetermined angle.

  While the operation time of one cycle in which the arm unit 501 reciprocates is set to, for example, approximately 1.5 seconds, substantially horizontal from the position at which the arm unit 501 is inclined at a predetermined angle with no tableware W held by the holding chuck unit 510 The rotation time from the substantially horizontal position of the arm unit 501 to a position inclined at a predetermined angle with the holding chuck unit 510 set to a position at a predetermined angle is set longer than the turning time to the position.

  As a result, while the operation time of one cycle in which the arm unit 501 reciprocates is maintained at, for example, 1.5 seconds, the tableware W held by the holding chuck unit 510 by the rotation of the arm unit 501 to the inclined position. It is possible to take longer time for discharge due to self weight drop and longer time for storing the rotary drum unit 701 in the tableware storage space 704, and storage of the tableware W in the tableware storage space 704 can be made more reliable.

  Further, the tableware row WR placed on the receiving frame 403 is raised, and separation of the bottom tableware W to be separated from the lowermost end of the tableware row WR from the receiving frame 130 is completed by the separating means 500. After the tableware sensor 410 (grasping position detection means) for detecting the presence or absence of W detects that there is no remaining tableware W on the receiving frame 403, the receiving frame 403 is raised from this position by a predetermined distance and stopped. At this stop position, when the receiving frame sensor 408 (upper limit position detecting means) approaches the sensor sensing member 403 b integrated with the receiving frame 403, the receiving frame sensor 408 outputs a detection signal to raise the rotation of the motor 402 by raising the receiving frame 403. Control to rotate in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the screw rod for lifting and lowering 404 when pressing it, the receiving frame 403 is pushed from above the pair of support rails 205 onto the receiving frame 403 and transferred and placed Lower to the bottom (see FIG. 14).

  After separation of the last tableware W to be separated at the uppermost end of the tableware row WR (uppermost tableware W) is completed, the receiving frame 403 is lowered from the pair of support rails 205 to the lowered position where it is transferred and placed. The time until is, for example, approximately 2 seconds. The lowering of the receiving frame 403 is started almost simultaneously with the start of rotation of the arm unit 501 from the substantially horizontal position to the inclined position.

Next, after the receiving frame 403 is lowered to the lowered position, the receiving frame sensor 407 detects this and the tableware sensor 409 detects that there is no tableware W on the receiving frame 403, and a chain conveyor 203 which is the conveying means 201 of the immersion device 200. Are rotated by one pitch (a pitch D between tableware rows), and the next tableware row WR is transferred from the pair of support rails 205 and placed on the receiving frame 403.
The time for rotating the chain conveyor 203 by one pitch (a pitch D between tableware rows) is approximately one second.

  Furthermore, after the next tableware row WR is transferred and placed on the receiving frame 403 in the lowered position, the tableware sensor 409 detects that the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR is present, and drives the motor 402. The time until the tableware sensor 410 detects the tableware W at the uppermost end by lifting the receiving frame 403 and stopping the rising of the receiving frame 403 (time to raise to the gripping position) is, for example, approximately 1 second.

As a result, after all the dishes W in one dish row WR are separated, it takes time to start separating the top dish W in the next dish row WR until the receiving frame 403 is lowered to the lowered position. Time (approximately 2 seconds), time for placing and placing the next tableware row WR on the receiving frame 403 lowered from the pair of support rails 205 (approximately 1 second), time for raising the receiving frame 403 to the gripping position again It will be about 4 seconds which totaled each (about 1 second).
Therefore, after the entire tableware W of one tableware row WR is separated, separation of the tableware W is continuously performed with the minimum required time until separation of the topmost tableware W of the next tableware row WR being started, Ejection and inversion operations can be performed.

  By reciprocating (one cycle) the arm unit 501 in a very short time of, for example, approximately 1.5 seconds, the dishes W stacked in one dish row WR are separated and discharged at high speed, and further, reversal is performed. And the time required for separation of the topmost dish W of the next dish row WR to be started after separation of all the dishware W of one dish row WR is also minimized, so the immersion device 200 The tableware W can be separated, discharged, and inverted sequentially and continuously from the tableware row WR which has passed a predetermined immersion time.

  The tableware W separated and discharged sequentially at high speed continuously and the inverted tableware W are transferred to the conveyor 802 of the cleaning apparatus 800, which is the next process, and mounted and sprayed to the front and back of the cleaning water. It will be washed. After reciprocation (one cycle) of the arm unit 501 is completed for about 1.5 seconds, after the entire tableware W of one tableware row WR is separated, separation of the tableware W at the top end of the next tableware row WR is started When the required time until the time is approximately 4 seconds, the number of washing processing of the dishes W per hour in one washing lane SR is approximately 2118, and a large number of dishes W can be washed. Furthermore, in the case of four rows of washing lanes SR1 to SR4, the number of washing treatments of the quadruple dishware W is the number of washing treatments of the dishware W per hour. The configuration and operation of the cleaning device 800 will be described later.

  As described above, even after the last tableware W of the tableware row WR is grasped and chucked by the chucks 510a to 510d, the arm unit 501 is rotated to the inclined position and dropped into the tableware storage space 704 by itself. An operation is performed in which two cycles of one cycle of rotating the position 501 from the inclined position to the substantially horizontal position and from one position to the inclined position are continuously repeated. The operation time in which this arm unit 501 repeats two cycles continuously is approximately 3 seconds, and the lowering operation to the lowering position of the receiving frame 403 after separating the last tableware W of the tableware row WR within this operation time is performed Take control.

  In the case where the number of dishes W stacked in the plurality of washing lanes SR1 to SR4 is the same number (for example, 20) and is sequentially separated and released from the dish row WR, the dish rows WR of the washing lanes SR1 to SR4 The time for which the entire number of dishes W are separated and released is the same, and further, the time until the separation of the topmost dish W of the next dish row WR is started is also the same.

  However, when the number of dishes to be stacked is small (for example, 18) in the washing lane of any of a plurality of washing lanes SR1 to SR4, for example, the washing lane of SR1, the entire row of dishes W is The separation time is shorter than the separation time of the total number of dishes W from the 20 dishes rows of the other wash lanes SR, and the receiving frame 403 of the wash lanes of SR1 precedes the pair of support rails 205 from above. It is lowered to the lowered position where it is transferred and mounted, and it waits until the receiving frame 403 of the washing lanes of the other washing lines SR2 to SR4 is lowered to the lowered position.

  After all the receiving frames 403 of the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 are lowered to the lowered position, the next tableware row WR is transferred and mounted on the receiving frame 403 lowered from above the pair of support rails 205 of the immersion device 200. It is controlled to start separation of the tableware W at the upper end.

  As a result, in the washing lane SR1 in which the number of tableware W to be stacked is small, the cleaning lane SR1 reduces the number of processed and discharged dishes by an amount corresponding to the time for receiving the receiving frame 403 (two dishes W). It will be. Therefore, although the number of dishes W stacked for each dish row WR may be different in each washing lane SR1 to SR4, the number of dishes processed per unit time as the dish washing system 100 may be the same number. Is preferred in that it can maximize the cleaning efficiency.

  In the warewashing system 100 that constitutes the wash lane SR with the immersing apparatus 200, the separation and discharge apparatus 300, the separating and inverting apparatus 600, and the cleaning apparatus 800, the surface of the tableware W by supplying immersion water to the tableware row WR in the immersing apparatus 200 Sufficient moistening action of the soil component by the side water storage, and flowing down of stored immersion water, partial soiling removal action by replacement of immersion water, stored in tableware W in separation and discharge device 300 and separation and inversion device 600 It is precleaned by the flow of immersion water and the action of removing dirt from drainage. By this, the stain | pollution | contamination which remained by washing | cleaning by injection of the wash water to front and back of the dishes W in the washing | cleaning apparatus 800 are reliably removable.

  Further, in the separation and discharge apparatus 300 for the dishes W from the tableware row WR, and the separation and release method based on the separation and discharge apparatus 300, the central axis of the tableware row WR and the gripping chucks including the lifting means 400 and the separation means 500. The central axis of the dish W when grasped and discharged by the arm unit 510 having 510a to 510d is configured substantially straight along the conveying direction of the dish W, and grasps the dish W at the top end of the dish row WR The tableware W can be separated upward from the tableware row WR, and immediately after this separation, the tableware W can be dropped by its own weight.

  Thereby, separation and discharge of stacked dishes W can be performed at high speed. Furthermore, the transporting direction of the tableware W along the cleaning lane SR in plan view and the required space (necessary distance) in the direction orthogonal to the transporting direction are minimized, and the installation floor area of the separating and discharging apparatus 300 for the tableware W is small. Can be made compact. Furthermore, even when the separation and release apparatus 300 is provided in a plurality of rows in the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the tableware W, the size can be reduced.

  Further, in the separation and inversion device 600 for the dishes W from the tableware row WR, and the separation and inversion method based on the separation and inversion device 600, the center of the tableware row WR including the lifting means 400, the separation means 500, and the inversion means 700. The central axis line of the tableware W when held and released by the arm unit 501 having the axis and the gripping chucks 510a to 510d and configured to be reversed is configured substantially straight along the direction of conveyance of the tableware W, and The tableware W is separated upward from the tableware row WR by grasping the tableware W at the top end, and immediately after this separation, the tableware W can be dropped by gravity and inverted.

  Thereby, separation, discharge and inversion of stacked dishes W can be performed at high speed. Further, the transporting direction of the tableware W along the cleaning lane SR in plan view and the required space (necessary distance) in the direction orthogonal to the transporting direction are minimized, and the installation floor area of the separating and inverting apparatus 600 for the tableware W is small. Can be made compact. Furthermore, even when the separation and inversion device 600 is arranged in a plurality of rows in the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the tableware W, the size can be reduced.

  Further, also in the connecting configuration of the immersion device 200 and the lifting means 400, the tableware row WR is supported on the support rail 205 so as to be transported in the vertical posture, and transferred to the lifting means 400 with the free standing posture. The tableware W at the top end of the transferred tableware row WR can be sequentially separated. As a result, unnecessary space is not generated, and the immersion device 200 and the separation and discharge device 300, and the immersion device 200 and the separation and inversion device 600 can be space-saving and compact.

  Next, the configuration of the cleaning device 800 for carrying out the cleaning step of injecting and cleaning the cleaning water on the front and back surfaces while transporting the individual dishes W discharged from the separation and inversion device 600 will be described using FIG. 1.

The cleaning device 800 mainly includes a transport means 801 for transporting the individual dishes W discharged from the separation and inversion device 600, and a washing water supply means 810 for spraying washing water on the front and back surfaces of the individual dishes W transported. Prepare.
The transport means 801 is juxtaposed to each of the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4, and each endless conveyor 802 is suspended on two sprockets 803 as a common rotation axis.
Although not shown, a drive shaft which is a common rotation shaft of each one sprocket 803 is synchronously rotated by a motor (drive source).

The conveyer 802 is capable of passing the wash water jetted from the wash water supply means 810, supports the surface side of the individual dishes W with the surface side of the dishes W facing downward, and continuously conveys them.
Although not shown, the conveyor 802 is a guide member that regulates the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware W, and the back side of the tableware W in order to prevent floating of the individual tableware W due to the jet of washing water upward. A guide member is provided to regulate the position of the individual dishes W, thereby conveying the individual dishes W to the respective washing lanes SR1 to SR4 in a substantially straight line along the conveying direction.

  The washing water supply means 810 includes a plurality of nozzle pipes 811 arranged horizontally above and below the tableware W in the transport direction of the tableware W, and a plurality of jets of washing water upward and downward to the nozzle pipes 811. The nozzle pipe 811 is branched from the supply path and the pipe length direction is directed to the conveying direction of the dishes W so that the washing water can be sprayed over the dishes W in the plurality of washing lanes SR1 to SR4. A plurality of pieces are arranged in the direction perpendicular to each other and in the conveying direction of the tableware W.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a tank 814 for storing a predetermined amount of washing water is disposed at a lower position of the conveying means 801, and a pump 813 for supplying the washing water in the tank 814 to the nozzle pipe 811 via a supply path is provided. . The washing water injected from the plurality of nozzles 812 of the nozzle pipe 811 falls into the tank 814 and is collected for circulation.

  Although not shown, the tank 814 is provided with a path for supplying washing water (for example, fresh water) and water level detection means for setting the water level of the washing water in the tank 814 to a predetermined level. Also, heating means for raising the temperature of the washing water in the tank 814 to a predetermined temperature, for example, 40 to 60 ° C., detergent supply means for supplying detergent, filter for removing dirt components on the suction side of the pump 813, etc. Equipped with

  It is possible to improve the cleaning effect of the dirt component adhering to the tableware W by the temperature rise of the washing water and the detergent supply, and to make the removal of the dirt component more reliable. Further, the filter can further clean the circulating wash water and jet the wash water from the nozzle 812 to further improve the removal effect of the dirt component.

  Even if one tank 814 and one pump 813 are provided across the plurality of cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4, and even if the plurality of cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 are configured, commonality and simplification of the components can be achieved. And the control system can be unified.

  Although not shown, an outer shell member (cover) covering the transport means 801 and the wash water supply means 810 is provided to form a wash chamber in the form of a tunnel to prevent scattering of the wash water to the outside and release heat of the wash water. It is possible to suppress the temperature decrease and to make the cleaning chamber in a high humidity state so that the removal of the dirt component adhering to the tableware W can be made more reliable. Further, a main washing zone and a rinse washing zone are provided in the carrying direction of the dishes W of the washing apparatus 800, and the length in the carrying direction of the carrying means 801 corresponding to the washing processing capacity per unit time, washing water The number and arrangement of the nozzles 812 of the supply means 810 are set.

  Next, the operation of the cleaning apparatus 800 will be described. First, based on the embodiment, a description will be given based on a configuration in which washing lanes are arranged in four rows.

(Washing water filling step)
First, wash water (for example, fresh water) is supplied into the tank 814 until it reaches a predetermined water level. At this time, washing water is supplied into the tank 814 as required, and then detergent is supplied to the washing water, and the temperature of the washing water is set to a predetermined temperature, for example, 40 to 60 ° C. by heating means such as high temperature steam supply. Temperature rise to

(Washing water injection step)
Next, the pump 813 is driven to supply wash water in the tank 814 to the nozzle pipe 811 via the supply path, and injection from the nozzle 812 is started. The wash water jetted from the nozzle 812 falls into the tank 814 and is stored for circulation.

(Washing step)
The tableware W discharged onto the conveyor 802 with the front side facing downward from the tableware storage space 704 of the rotary drums 701a to 701d of the separation and inversion device 600 is driven by the conveyor 802, and the tableware W is washed by And the attached dirt is removed. If the nozzle 812 disposed in a part of the cleaning zone in the transport direction ejects a high speed and low speed water stream to generate a cavitation jet, the cleaning effect can be further enhanced.

As described above, the tabletop slide guide 710 having a position for discharging the tableware W after being flipped is slid and transferred onto the conveyor 802 which is already in the driven state. At this time, the transport speed of the tableware W on the conveyor 802 is set faster than the speed of the tableware W falling by gravity on the tabletop falling guide 710. Thus, the tableware W is drawn onto the conveyor 802 from the tableware drop guide 710, and the tableware W is prevented from staying on the tableware drop guide 710, and between the tableware W adjacent to each other in the transport direction on the conveyor 802. A predetermined interval can be given to prevent overlapping of the dishes W and to perform reliable cleaning.
The individual dishes W that have been washed fall into the dish-sorting device 900 one after another by their own weight.

  Next, the configuration of the tableware organizing apparatus 900 for carrying out the tableware arranging step of stacking a predetermined number of individual dishes W washed by the washing apparatus 800 using FIG. The driving operation will be described. The tableware arranging device 900 is provided in each of the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4.

  The tableware arranging device 900 receives and holds the tableware W transferred from the cleaning device 800, and an inclined holder 904 for guiding the transfer of the tableware W, and a pressing plate 905 for pushing the tableware W one by one to the arranging position. And a pushing claw 906 for pushing out the predetermined number of stacked dishes W in the sorting position to the takeout position.

  The holder 904 has a lower receiving position for receiving the conveyed weight-dropping tableware W, and a middle-order arrangement position for stacking and arranging the tableware W at the transfer direction forward (outside) of the tableware W from the receiving position. The feeding direction of the tableware W is forward of the sorting position and the takeout position of the tableware W on the upper stage for taking out the stacked and tidying dishes W is included.

  Furthermore, the tableware arranging device 900 is provided with a first holding claw 907 for holding the tableware W in a middle arrangement position where the tableware W is stacked and arranged, and a second holding claw 908 for holding the tableware W in the taking out position. The pushing plate 905 is driven by a pushing plate driving means 902 for the stacker, and the pushing claw 906 is driven by a pushing claw driving means 903. A predetermined number (for example, 20) of stacked dishes W held in the takeout position are arbitrarily taken out by the operator.

  The driving means 902 of the pusher plate 905 for the stacker drives the pusher plate 905 to the receiving position to push the tableware W to the middle rear end position. Then, when the tableware W reaches a predetermined number (for example, 20) by detection of a tableware sensor (not shown) consisting of a pair of light emitting elements and light receiving elements, for example, the driving means 903 for the pushing claws Is driven to push the entire stack of the predetermined number of stacked dishes W into the take-out position of the upper dishes W.

  Further, the tableware organizing apparatus 900 enables independent operation of the operation of the push plate 905 of the stacker 901 by the drive means 902 of the pusher plate 905 for the stacker and the operation of the push-out claw 906 by the drive means 903 for push-out claws. Even when the push plate drive means 902 for the stacker is in operation, the operation of the push nail drive means 903 is enabled, and the dishes W transferred from the cleaning apparatus 800 are not temporarily retained and are further washed. The tableware W can be dropped to the receiving position continuously without stopping the conveyor 802 of the apparatus 800 temporarily.

  In the dishwashing system of the present embodiment, the tableware arranging apparatus 900 is provided in the post-process of the washing apparatus 800, but instead, the configuration of the transport path for receiving the tableware W discharged from the washing apparatus 800 And may be taken out for each predetermined number.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, the lifting and lowering means 400, the separating means 500, the rotating drum unit 701, the separating and reversing apparatus 600 and the like in the immersion apparatus 200 and the separating and reversing apparatus 600 are not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and a range not departing from the scope of the invention Can adopt any modified configuration. Moreover, although the dishware W was demonstrated as an example as a to-be-cleaned thing, it is applicable also to a container etc.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Dishwashing system 200 Immersion apparatus 201 Conveyance means 202 Conveyor 203 Chain conveyor 204 Convex member 205 Support rail 206 Guide rail 207 Motor (drive source)
208 sprocket 209 drive shaft 210 arm (intermittent conveyance control means)
211 Arm sensor (intermittent conveyance control means)
212 set frame 220 immersion water supply means 221 nozzle pipe 222 nozzle 223 nozzle pipe 224 nozzle 225 tank 226 water receptacle 227 water receptacle 228 pump 230 tableware entry switch 231 final tableware entry switch 232 final tableware entry switch 300 separation and discharge device 400 Lifting means 401 Fixing member 402 Motor (drive source)
403 Receiving frame (receiving stand)
403a female thread 403b sensor sensing member 404 threaded rod for raising and lowering 405 slide shaft (guide rod)
406 Tableware row guide 407 Receiving frame sensor (descending position detection means)
408 Receiving frame sensor (upper limit position detection means)
409 Tableware sensor (means for detecting the presence or absence of dishes on the receiving frame)
410 Tableware sensor (grasping position detection means)
500 separation means 501 arm unit 502, 503 arm 504 connection arm 505 arm bearing 506 fulcrum shaft (rotation fulcrum shaft, first rotation fulcrum, drum rotation drive shaft)
507 bearing 508 fixed member 509a, 509b fixed member 510 grip chuck unit 510a, 510b, 510c, 510d grip chuck 511 storage main body 512 movable claw 512a upper surface 512b lower surface 512c inclined surface 513 spring member (biasing means)
514 Upper guide rail (guide rail)
515 Lower guide rail (guide rail)
520 arm rotation mechanism 521 motor (drive source)
522 motor rotation shaft 523 sprocket 524 rotation shaft 525 bearing 526 sprocket 527 chain 528 rotation lever (second connecting member)
529 joint (third pivot point)
530 Connecting lever (first connecting member)
531 joint (second pivot point)
532 Link Mechanism 533 Fixed Frame 540 Pushing Member 541 Fixed Frame 550 Dishware Sensor (Separated Discharge Detection Means)
560 tableware chute 570 water injection pipe 600 separation reversing device 700 reversing means 701 rotating drum unit 701a to 701d rotating drum 702 side wall of rotating drum 703 partition wall of rotating drum 704 tableware storage space 705 drum drive part 706 sprocket 707 sprocket 708 chain 710 tableware drop guide 720 Tableware sensor (reverse discharge detection means)
800 cleaning device 801 transport means 802 conveyor 803 sprocket sprocket 804 conveyor (transport means)
804a Link (tableware holding member)
805 rod body 806 protrusion 807 dish chute 808 sprocket 809 dish chute 810 washing water supply means 811 nozzle pipe 812 nozzle 813 pump 814 tank 900 dish arranging device 901 stacker 902 driving means for push plate for stacker 903 driving means for pushing claw 904 holder 905 (for stacker) push plate 906 extruding claw 907 first holding claw 908 second holding claw 1000 controller W tableware tableware row SR, SR1 to SR4 washing lane

Claims (18)

A method for separating and inverting dishes by holding a piece of dishes at the top end of a plurality of dishes with the front side facing upward and grasping one dish at the top end of the plurality of dishes and sequentially separating them from the dish row and inverting the front side downwards.
A separation unit that repeatedly reciprocates the arm unit fixed to the holding chuck that holds the opposing outer peripheral edge of the table, in a predetermined angle range between the inclined position and the substantially horizontal position;
Raising and lowering means for raising the receiving frame to a separable position by holding the tableware at the top end of the table row by the separating means;
And a reversing means having a rotary drum which intermittently rotates in one direction in synchronization with the reciprocation of the arm unit to form a dish storage space for storing the dishes separated and released by the separating means;
When the arm unit is pivoted from the inclined position to the substantially horizontal position, the gripping chuck grips and separates the opposing outer peripheral edges of the dishes at the top end of the dish row,
When the arm unit is pivoted from a substantially horizontal position to a tilted position, the tableware which has been gripped and separated is discharged from the grip chuck into the tableware storage space of the rotating drum by its own weight drop and transferred.
Dishware stored with the surface side facing upward in the tableware storage space is discharged by inverting the surface side of the tableware downward by intermittent rotation of the rotary drum and dropping it from the tableware storage space and discharging it. Separation and inversion method.   The method for separating and reversing dishes according to claim 1, wherein the dishes are sequentially separated and inverted from the dishes at the top end of the row of dishes stored in the space between the adjacent dishes.   The method for separating and reversing dishes according to claim 1 or 2, wherein water is supplied to the surface side of the dishes at the top end of the table row to store the water, and the stored dishes are separated and inverted.   Water stored in the surface of the table is drained in the process of rotating the arm unit from the substantially horizontal position to the inclined position and in the process of inverting the surface of the table downward by intermittent rotation of the rotating drum. The method for separating and inverting dishes according to claim 2 or 3. A tableware separation and inversion device for grasping one tableware at the top end of a plurality of tableware rows stacked with the front side facing upward, grasping one tableware at the top end, sequentially separating from the tableware row, and inverting the surface side downward,
The arm unit fixed to the holding chuck which holds the opposing outer peripheral edge of the tableware is repeatedly reciprocated in a predetermined angle range between the inclined position and the substantially horizontal position to grasp one tableware at the uppermost end of the table row Separation means for separating
The drive source for moving up and down the receiving frame supporting the lowermost dish of the dish row, the drive source sequentially grabs the dish at the uppermost end of the dish row by the separating means and allows the dish row to be separable at the separation means. Elevating means for raising
And a reversing means having a rotating drum which is intermittently rotated in one direction to form a dish storage space for storing the dishes separated and released by the separating means;
Furthermore, the separating means has an arm unit having a gripping chuck for gripping the opposing outer peripheral edge of the dish, and a guide rail for sliding the opposing outer peripheral edge of the dish, and the arm unit is inclined. And a link mechanism that reciprocates and pivots within a predetermined angular range of the position and the substantially horizontal position,
When the arm unit is pivoted from a tilted position to a substantially horizontal position, the gripping chuck grips the opposing outer peripheral edge of the tableware at the top end of the table and separates from the table.
When the arm unit is pivoted from a substantially horizontal position to a tilted position, the grabbed and separated dishes are dropped and transferred from the gripping chuck into the dish storage space of the rotating drum;
The tableware is transferred with the surface side facing upward in the tableware storage space, and the surface side of the tableware is inverted downward by intermittent rotation of the rotary drum, and dropped by gravity from the tableware storage space and discharged. Dish separation and inversion device. The gripping chuck has a movable claw having an inclined surface whose distance between the upper surface, the lower surface, and the opposing surfaces spreads downward, a storage body slidably storing the upper surface and the lower surface of the movable claw, and the movable claw The pair of spring members are biased toward the opposite outer peripheral edge of the
When the arm unit pivots to a substantially horizontal position, the movable claws contact the upper side of the outer peripheral edge of the table at the top end of the table and counteract the biasing force of the spring member. When it retreats and the tip which is the intersection of the upper surface and the inclined surface reaches under the outer periphery of the dish, the biasing force of the spring member enters under the outer rim of the dish and the dish at the uppermost end The apparatus for separating and inverting dishes according to claim 5, characterized in that the outer peripheral edges of the two are gripped and separated from the table.   The tableware separation according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the rotation drive shaft of the rotation drum is used as a pivot point of an arm unit that is reciprocated in a predetermined angular range between an inclined position and a substantially horizontal position. Reversing device. The arm unit has a gripping chuck on one end side across the first pivoting point substantially in the middle, and has a second pivoting point on the other end side, and the link mechanism includes the arm unit A first connection member having one end side connected to the second rotation fulcrum of the second one, and a first connection member having a third rotation fulcrum at the other end, and one end connected to the third rotation fulcrum, And a second connecting member fixed to the rotation shaft of the motor serving as the drive source at the end side,
The third pivot point for pivoting the first connection member and the second connection member by rotation of the second connection member is rotated through top dead center and bottom dead center. The arm unit reciprocates in a range between a substantially horizontal position and a predetermined inclined position, corresponding to the displacement between the top dead center and the bottom dead center of the third rotation fulcrum. The separating and inverting apparatus for dishes according to any one of claims 5 to 7.   The rotary drum forms a plurality of tableware storage spaces defined by both side walls and a plurality of partition walls provided radially from the center side, and the tableware storage spaces are discharged from the gripping chuck with the surface side facing upward Each dish is received, and the surface side of the dish is inverted downward by intermittent rotation around the rotational drive shaft of the rotary drum, and the inverted dish is dropped from the dish storage space and discharged. The apparatus for separating and inverting dishes according to any one of claims 5 to 8.   The tableware according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the arm unit is reciprocally pivoted via the link mechanism, and the rotary drum is intermittently rotated in synchronization with the reciprocal pivoting of the arm unit. Separation and inversion device.   11. The tableware separation and inversion device according to claim 10, wherein the drive source for reciprocatingly rotating the arm unit and the drive source for rotating the rotary drum are the same.   In the process of the arm unit reaching the inclined position from the substantially horizontal position, even if the tableware grabbed by the arm unit falls by its own weight, the table of the arm unit can be stored so that the tableware can be stored in the tableware storage space. 12. The tableware separation and inversion device according to claim 10, wherein the rotation from the horizontal position to the inclined position is synchronized with the rotation of the table space provided on the rotary drum.   When the arm unit pivots to the inclined position, one of the tableware storage spaces of the rotary drum is located on the opposite side of the arm unit facing the gripping chucks, and the tableware whose weight is directed downward from within the tableware storage space is self-weighted The separating and inverting apparatus for dishes according to any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein the apparatus is dropped and discharged.   The arm unit is stopped at the inclined position for a predetermined time when the arm unit reaches the inclined position from the substantially horizontal position, and a standby time for stopping the rotation of the rotary drum for the predetermined time is provided. The separation and inversion device for dishes according to any one of 13.   A tableware sensor for detecting the presence of dishes is provided at the position where the dishes are dropped with their weight down and discharged from the tableware storage space, and when the tableware sensor detects the absence of dishes, the arm unit is inclined 15. The tableware separation and inversion device according to any one of claims 5 to 14, wherein the tableware is pivoted from a position to a substantially horizontal position. The apparatus for separating and inverting dishes according to any one of claims 5 to 15, and a process prior to the apparatus for separating and inverting, while conveying one free standing tableware row in which the surfaces of a plurality of dishes are stacked upward. Dish water immersion equipment that supplies immersion water to moisturize the soiling components adhering to the dishes to make them wet, and is located in the post-process of the separation and inversion device, and cleans the front and back surfaces of individual dishes from nozzles And a washing device for spraying water to remove dirt.
A dishwashing system characterized in that the dishing apparatus, the separating and inverting apparatus, and the washing apparatus are arranged such that the conveying direction of the dishes is the same, thereby forming one washing lane.   The dishwashing system according to claim 16, wherein one washing lane constituted by the immersing device, the separating and inverting device, and the washing device is arranged in a plurality of rows in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the dishes. The immersion water is supplied while transporting one freestanding dish row in which the surfaces of a plurality of dishes are stacked upward, and water is stored in the gaps between the adjacent dishes so as to moisturize the dirt components adhering to the dishes. A soaking process to moisten;
After the immersing step, the tableware in the top row of the tableware is sequentially grasped and separated from the tableware in a state where water is stored in the gap between the tableware adjacent to each other, and the surface side of the tableware is inverted downward Reverse process,
And washing the dishes by injecting washing water from the nozzles onto the front and back surfaces of the dishes while conveying the dishes discharged from the separating and inverting step.
In the separation and inversion step, the immersion water stored on the surface side of the tableware to be separated is drained, and the method for cleaning the tableware.

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