JP2023127194A - Washing system - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce an occupied area of a washing system, to increase work efficiency, and to save labor.SOLUTION: A dish conveyor 330 carries dishes in a +X direction. A dishwasher mechanism 34 washes the dishes conveyed by the dish conveyor 330. A rack conveyor 350 is arranged in a +Z direction of the dish conveyor 330 and conveys the rack in the +X direction. A rack washing machine mechanism 36 is arranged above the dishwasher mechanism 34 and washes dishes housed on the rack conveyed by the rack conveyor 350. A tray conveyor 370 is arranged in a +Y direction of the dish conveyor 330 and conveys the trays in the +X direction. A tray washer mechanism 38 is arranged in a +Y direction of the dishwasher mechanism 34 and washes the trays conveyed by the tray conveyor 370.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

There is an application for exception to loss of novelty.

The present invention relates to a cleaning system for cleaning tableware and trays.

Patent Document 1 discloses a tableware cleaning system that automatically performs cleaning and sorting of tableware and cleaning of trays.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-093378

The dishwashing processing system described in Patent Document 1 occupies a large area, so it cannot be installed in a narrow place.
This invention aims, for example, to solve such problems.

The cleaning system includes a tableware conveyor that conveys dishes in a predetermined direction, a tableware washing mechanism that washes the dishes conveyed by the tableware conveyor, and a dishwashing mechanism that is arranged above the tableware conveyor and that is in the same direction as the predetermined direction. a rack transport conveyor that transports racks in the direction of the table; a rack washing mechanism that is disposed above the dish washing mechanism and that washes the dishes stored in the racks that are transported by the rack transport conveyor; a tray transport conveyor disposed on the side and transporting trays in the same direction as the predetermined direction; and a tray washing mechanism disposed on a side of the dishwashing mechanism and cleaning the trays transported by the tray transport conveyor. Equipped with
The cleaning system includes a pre-wash sink for pre-washing returned trays and dishes, and a rack holder for storing predetermined types of dishes pre-washed in the pre-wash sink. It may further include a stand. The tableware conveyor may include a tableware receiving section for receiving tableware of a type other than the predetermined type among the tableware prewashed in the prewash sink. The tableware receiving section may be arranged on a side of the prewash sink. The rack conveyor may have a rack receiving section for receiving the rack containing the predetermined type of tableware. The rack receiving section may be arranged above the tableware receiving section. The tray transport conveyor may have a tray receiving section for receiving trays that have been prewashed in the prewash sink. The tray receiving section may be arranged behind the prewash sink. The rack mounting table may be arranged above the tray receiving section.
The cleaning system may further include a tray return conveyor for conveying trays on which returned tableware is placed, and a tray mounting table on which the trays conveyed by the tray return conveyor are placed. The tray mounting stand may be arranged on a side opposite to the tableware receiving part with respect to the prewash sink.
The cleaning system includes a tray return table that is disposed on the side of the tray return conveyor and is inclined toward the tray return conveyor, and a tray return table that is arranged on the tray return table when a tray is present on the tray return conveyor. a stopper that prevents the returned tray from moving onto the tray return conveyor; and a stopper that prevents the returned tray from moving onto the tray return conveyor; and a stopper that prevents the returned tray from moving onto the tray return conveyor when there is no tray on the tray return conveyor; The tray may further include a tray moving section that moves the tray above the tray.
The dishwashing mechanism includes a dishwashing section that is disposed along the dish conveyor and that sprays a detergent-containing cleaning liquid onto the dishes being conveyed by the dish conveyor to wash the dishes; a first spraying section that is disposed downstream of the tableware washing section and sprays an air flow onto the tableware conveyed by the tableware conveyor to blow off the detergent-containing cleaning liquid accumulated on a high surface of the tableware; and the tableware conveyor a dish rinsing part disposed downstream of the first spraying part along the dish conveyor, the dish rinsing part spraying a detergent-free cleaning liquid onto the dishes conveyed by the dish conveyor to wash away the detergent; The second blowing section may be disposed downstream of the second blowing section, and sprays an air flow onto the dishes being conveyed by the tableware conveyor to blow away water droplets remaining on the dishes.
The tray cleaning mechanism includes a tray cleaning section that is disposed along the tray conveyor and that sprays a detergent-containing cleaning liquid onto the trays conveyed by the tray conveyor to clean the trays; a tray rinsing section disposed downstream of the tray washing section and spraying detergent-free cleaning liquid onto the trays conveyed by the tray conveyor to wash away the detergent; and a tray rinsing section downstream of the tray rinsing section along the tray conveyor. The tray spraying unit may be disposed at the tray conveyor and blow an air flow onto the tray conveyed by the tray conveyor to blow away water droplets remaining on the tray.
The cleaning system includes a tableware storage conveyor that conveys the tableware washed by the tableware washing mechanism, a tableware discrimination unit that determines the type of tableware conveyed by the tableware storage conveyor, and a tableware discrimination unit that carries out the tableware discrimination along the tableware storage conveyor. a tableware storage mechanism disposed downstream of the tableware storage mechanism that stores a predetermined type of tableware, and when the type of tableware determined by the tableware discrimination section matches the type of tableware stored in the tableware storage mechanism; The apparatus may further include a tableware holding part that lifts the tableware conveyed by the tableware storage conveyor and stores the tableware in the tableware storage mechanism.

A tableware conveyor that conveys tableware, a rack conveyor that conveys racks, and a tray conveyor that conveys trays wash the tableware, racks, and trays while conveying the tableware, racks, and trays in the same direction. Therefore, the occupied area can be reduced and work efficiency is increased. Therefore, even when washing and sorting dishes and trays manually, the work can be done efficiently and labor can be saved.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a cleaning system. FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of the tray return unit as seen from the -X side. FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of a tray return unit as seen from the +X side. FIG. 3 is a VI-VI sectional view showing an example of a tray return section. FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of the cleaning section as seen from the -Y side. FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of the cleaning section as seen from the +X side. FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII, showing an example of a cleaning section. VIII-VIII sectional view showing an example of a cleaning section. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX, showing an example of a cleaning section. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of a tray accommodating section. FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of the tray accommodating section as seen from the -Y side. FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of the transfer unit as seen from the -Y side. FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of a transfer unit as seen from the +X side. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV showing an example of a transfer section. A side view showing an example of the tableware storage section as seen from the -Y side. The XVI-XVI sectional view showing an example of a tableware storage part.

The cleaning system 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
The cleaning system 10 is installed in a cleaning room 91 located in, for example, a food court or a company cafeteria. On the −X side of the washing chamber 91, an eating space 92 is provided for a person to eat. Eaters who have eaten in the eating space 92 place the tableware they used on a tray and return it. The cleaning system 10 cleans returned trays and tableware.
The cleaning system 10 includes, for example, a tray return section 12, a washing section 13, a dish storage section 14, a transfer section 15, a tray storage section 17, and a movable draining stand 18.

The tray return unit 12 is installed, for example, at the boundary between the washing room 91 and the eating space 92, and is used by diners to return trays and tableware.
The washing section 13 is installed in the washing room 91 and washes trays and tableware returned by diners.

The tableware storage section 14 is installed in the washing chamber 91 and stores some of the tableware washed by the washing section 13. The tableware stored in the tableware storage section 14 is, for example, containers such as plates, bowls, and bowls.
A work space 911 is provided between the tableware storage section 14 and the washing section 13, for example, for pre-washing trays and tableware or inspecting the washing system 10.

The transfer section 15 is installed between the washing section 13 and the tableware storage section 14, and transfers the tableware washed by the washing section 13 to the tableware storage section 14.
The tray accommodating section 17 accommodates the trays cleaned by the cleaning section 13.
The movable drainer table 18 receives some of the dishes washed by the washing section 13 from the tableware storage section 14.

The tray return section 12 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.
The tray return section 12 includes, for example, a tray return table 21, stoppers 22a to 22h, a tray moving section 23, a tray return conveyor 24, and a tray mounting table 25.

The tray return table 21 is provided on the -X side, that is, on the inner surface of the -Z side of the window that opens to the eating space 92 side, and is used by diners who have eaten in the dining room to place their used tableware on the tray and return it. provide a place for
The tray return stand 21 has, for example, four lanes 211a to 211d extending in the ±X direction. The widths (lengths in the ±Y direction) of the lanes 211a to 211d are each slightly larger than the width of the tray. Note that the number of lanes is not limited to four, and may be larger or smaller.
Partition plates 212a to 212c extending in the ±X direction are provided at the boundary between adjacent lanes 211a to 211d.
The lanes 211a to 211d are each divided into, for example, two tray ranges 213a to 213h. The depths (lengths in the ±X direction) of the tray ranges 213a to 213h are each slightly larger than the depth of the tray. Note that the number of tray ranges for one lane is not limited to two, and may be larger or smaller.

At the back side (+X side) of the tray ranges 213a to 213h, slits are provided for the stoppers 22a to 22h to come out, respectively.
The stopper 22a has a plate shape extending in the ±Y direction and is movable in the ±Z direction. When the stoppers 22a to 22h are raised in the +Z direction, the stoppers 22a to 22h protrude from the slits onto the tray return table 21 and prevent the tray placed on the tray return table 21 from moving. When the stoppers 22a to 22h are lowered in the -Z direction, the stoppers 22a to 22h are hidden under the tray return table 21, and as a result, the trays placed on the tray return table 21 do not exceed the stoppers 22a to 22h. , can move in the ±X direction within each of the lanes 211a to 211d.

The tray return table 21 is inclined toward the +X side, that is, the side where the tray return conveyor 24 is present. Further, the tray return table 21 is provided with a large number of rollers 214 that are freely rotatable about axes parallel to the ±Y directions. As a result, the tray placed on the tray return table 21 moves toward the +X side due to its own weight. Of course, if the stoppers 22a to 22h are raised, the tray will hit the stoppers 22a to 22h, and +X will not be able to move to the side.

Normally, the stoppers 22a to 22h are raised in the +Z direction, and the tray return table 21 is divided into eight tray ranges 213a to 213h by partition plates 212a to 212c and stoppers 22a to 22d. Of these, trays to be returned by diners are placed in the four tray ranges 213a to 213d on the -X side. Since the width and depth of the tray ranges 213a to 213d are approximately the same as the tray, it is possible to prevent the eater from placing the tray in a direction different from the predetermined direction.

Tray detection units (not shown) are provided above the tray ranges 213a to 213h, respectively, to detect whether a tray is placed in the tray ranges 213a to 213h. The tray detection unit, for example, irradiates light from the +Z side toward the tray ranges 213a to 213h in the -Z direction, and receives the irradiated light reflected by the tray return stand 21 or the tray. , it is detected whether or not a tray is placed in the tray range 213a to 213h.

The stoppers 22a to 22d are controlled based on the detection result by the tray detection section. For example, if there is a tray in the tray range 213a on the -X side and there is no tray in the tray range 213e on the +X side, the stopper 22a placed at the boundary between the tray ranges 213a and 213e moves down in the -Z direction. As a result, the tray placed in the tray range 213a on the -X side moves to the tray range 213e on the +X side. Thereafter, the stopper 22a moves up in the +Z direction and returns to its original state, preventing the next tray from moving. The same applies to the stoppers 22b to 22d.

The tray moving unit 23 moves the trays placed in the tray ranges 213e to 213h of the tray return stand 21 onto the tray return conveyor 24 in conjunction with the stoppers 22e to 22h. This is because if the stoppers 22e to 22h are simply lowered in the -Z direction, the trays placed in the tray ranges 213e to 213h will not move reliably to the top of the tray return conveyor 24, and may stop midway. Because there is.
The tray moving section 23 has, for example, plate-shaped sections 231a to 231d. When moving the trays placed in the tray ranges 213e to 213h onto the tray return conveyor 24, the tray moving unit 23 first moves the plate-shaped parts 231a to 231d to positions on the -X side of the tray ranges 213e to 213h. That is, the stoppers 22a to 22d are moved above the positions where they are located. Next, the plate-shaped parts 231a to 231d are lowered in the -Z direction and inserted between the trays placed in the tray ranges 213e to 213h and the stoppers 22a to 22d. After the stoppers 22e to 22h are lowered in the -Z direction so that the trays placed in the tray ranges 213e to 213h can be moved onto the tray return conveyor 24, the plate portions 231a to 231d are turned toward the +X side. By moving, the trays placed in the tray ranges 213e to 213h are pushed out onto the tray return conveyor 24, and the plate-like parts 231a to 231d are moved to positions on the +X side of the tray ranges 213e to 213h, that is, the stoppers 22e to 22h are By moving it to a certain position, the trays placed in the tray ranges 213e to 213h are reliably placed on the tray return conveyor 24. Thereafter, the stoppers 22e to 22h are raised, and the plate portions 231a to 231d are retracted upward.

The tray return conveyor 24 has a long shape extending, for example, in the ±Y direction, and is arranged adjacent to the +X side of the tray return table 21. The tray return conveyor 24 transports the tray placed thereon and the tableware placed thereon in the +Y direction, and moves them onto the tray mounting table 25.
The tray return conveyor 24 includes, for example, a tray detection unit (not shown) that detects whether or not a tray is placed on the tray return conveyor 24.

The tray mounting table 25 is arranged adjacent to the +Y side of the tray return conveyor 24, for example. A tray conveyed by the tray return conveyor 24 is placed on the tray mounting table 25. The trays and tableware placed on the tray mounting table 25 are pre-washed by an operator before being washed by the washing section 13.
The tray mounting table 25 has a tray detection section (not shown) that detects whether or not a tray is placed on the tray mounting table 25.

The tray return conveyor 24 is controlled based on the detection result by the tray detection section. For example, if there is no tray on the tray mounting table 25 and there is a tray on the tray return conveyor 24, the tray return conveyor 24 operates and the tray placed on the tray return conveyor 24 is transferred to the tray placing table 25. move it up. When there is a tray on the tray mounting table 25 or when there is no tray on the tray return conveyor 24, the tray return conveyor 24 is stopped to reduce power consumption.

In addition, if there is no tray on the tray return conveyor 24 and there is a tray in any of the tray ranges 213e to 213h, the tray moving unit 23 and stoppers 22e to 22h operate to place the tray in the tray range 213e to 213h. The tray is moved onto the tray return conveyor 24.

The cleaning section 13 will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9.
The washing section 13 includes, for example, a pre-washing sink 31, a rack mounting table 32, a tableware transport mechanism 33, a tableware washing mechanism 34, a rack transport mechanism 35, a rack cleaning mechanism 36, a tray transport mechanism 37, and a tray transport mechanism 33. It has a cleaning mechanism 38.

The pre-washing sink 31 is a sink for a worker to pre-wash the trays and tableware returned to the tray return unit 12. For example, the worker uses the prewash sink 31 to wash away leftover food left on dishes. The worker stands on the -Y side of the pre-wash sink 31 and pre-washes the trays and dishes. The pre-washing sink 31 is arranged such that the tray mounting table 25 of the tray return section 12 is located immediately on the -X side of the standing position of the worker using the pre-washing sink 31. This allows the worker to wash the returned trays and dishes without having to move.

The rack mounting table 32 is a place for temporarily placing a rack. For example, an empty rack is placed on the rack mounting table 32. The worker sorts the pre-washed dishes in the pre-wash sink 31 into predetermined types and stores them in a rack placed on the rack mounting table 32.
The rack mounting table 32 is arranged above a tray receiving section 371 (described later) which is arranged adjacent to the +Y side of the prewash sink 31. Thereby, the worker can store the dishes that have been prewashed in the prewash sink 31 in the rack without moving.
The rack mounting table 32 is divided into, for example, three stages, and a rack can be placed on each stage. For example, a cutlery rack is placed on the lower level. The cutlery rack stores cutlery such as chopsticks, spoons, and forks. Place a glass rack in the middle. Glass racks store glasses facing downward. The middle shelf may be configured so that the rack can be placed diagonally toward the front so that glasses can be easily accommodated. Place a spare rack on the upper level.

The tableware transport mechanism 33 has a long shape extending in the ±X direction, and transports the tableware in the +X direction.
The tableware transport mechanism 33 includes, for example, a tableware conveyor 330, a tableware receiving section 331, a tableware pressing section 332, and a tableware discharging section 334.
The tableware conveyor 330 extends in the ±X direction and conveys the tableware placed thereon in the +X direction.

The tableware receiving section 331 is provided at the -X side end of the tableware transport conveyor 330, and is a part for placing pre-washed tableware on the tableware transport conveyor 330 by an operator. The worker sorts out types of tableware other than those to be accommodated in the racks placed on the rack mounting table 32, such as plates, bowls, bowls, etc., and places them on the tableware receiving section 331. At this time, the worker places the tableware face down on the tableware receiving section 331. The tableware placed on the tableware receiving section 331 is conveyed in the +X direction by the tableware conveyor 330.
The tableware receiving section 331 is arranged adjacent to the +X side of the prewash sink 31. Thereby, the worker can place the pre-washed dishes on the dish conveyor 330 without moving.

The tableware holding part 332 is provided above the tableware conveyor 330 (in the +Z direction) and holds down the tableware being conveyed by the tableware conveyor 330 so that it does not fall off the tableware conveyor 330. The tableware holding part 332 is, for example, an endless track that is relatively loosely stretched between freely rotating pulleys, and moves with the movement of the tableware transport conveyor 330. The dishes placed on the tableware transport conveyor 330 are conveyed while being sandwiched between the tableware transport conveyor 330 and the tableware holding part 332, so that when cleaning liquid, air flow, etc. are sprayed onto the dishes, the dishes are Preventing it from coming off the conveyor 330.

The tableware discharge section 334 is provided at the +X side end of the tableware conveyor 330, and discharges the tableware conveyed by the tableware conveyor 330 in the +X direction.

The tableware washing mechanism 34 is disposed along and around the tableware conveyor 330 and washes the tableware being conveyed by the tableware conveyor 330. The tableware washing mechanism 34 includes, for example, a tableware washing section 341, a first spraying section 342, a tableware rinsing section 343, and a second spraying section 344.

The tableware washing section 341 is disposed downstream (+X direction) of the tableware receiving section 331 along the tableware conveyor 330, and washes the tableware being conveyed by the tableware conveyor 330 with a cleaning liquid containing detergent. The tableware washing unit 341 includes, for example, a cleaning nozzle that sprays a cleaning liquid onto the tableware.

The first spraying section 342 is disposed downstream (in the +X direction) of the dish washing section 341 along the dish conveyor 330, and blows away the cleaning liquid accumulated on the high ground of the dishes being conveyed by the dish conveyor 330. The first blowing section 342 has, for example, an air nozzle that blows an air stream onto the tableware.
Since the tableware is placed face down on the tableware transport conveyor 330, cleaning liquid does not accumulate inside the tableware. However, in the case of tableware such as bowls that have an elevated platform, the cleaning liquid may accumulate in the elevated area. In order to completely remove this by rinsing, a relatively large amount of water is required.
Therefore, before rinsing, blow away the cleaning solution that has accumulated on high surfaces. This saves rinsing water.

The tableware rinsing section 343 is disposed downstream (in the +X direction) of the first spraying section 342 along the tableware conveyor 330, and rinses the tableware being conveyed by the tableware conveyor 330 with rinsing water that does not contain detergent. The tableware rinsing section 343 includes, for example, a rinsing nozzle that sprays rinsing water onto the tableware.

The second spraying section 344 is disposed downstream (+X direction) of the tableware rinsing section 343 along the tableware conveyor 330 and blows off water droplets on the tableware being conveyed by the tableware conveyor 330. The second blowing section 344 has, for example, an air nozzle that blows an air stream onto the tableware.

The tableware conveyed by the tableware conveyor 330 and washed by the tableware washing mechanism 34 is discharged onto the tableware transfer section 15 by the tableware discharge section 334.

The rack transport mechanism 35 has a long shape extending in the ±X direction, and transports the rack in the +X direction. The rack transport mechanism 35 is arranged above the tableware transport mechanism 33 (in the +Z direction). Thereby, the area occupied by the cleaning section 13 can be reduced.
The rack transport mechanism 35 includes, for example, a rack transport conveyor 350, a rack receiving section 351, and a rack discharging section 354.
The rack transport conveyor 350 extends in the ±X direction and transports the racks placed thereon in the +X direction.

The rack receiving section 351 is provided at the -X side end of the rack conveyor 350 and is a part for placing racks on the rack conveyor 350. When the dishes such as glasses and cutlery that have been prewashed in the prewash sink 31 accumulate on the rack placed on the rack mounting table 32, the worker moves the rack from the rack mounting table 32 to the rack receiving section 351 at any time. . After the racks placed on the middle or lower tiers of the rack mounting table 32 are moved to the rack receiving section 351, the spare racks placed on the upper tier of the rack mounting table 32 are moved to the middle or lower tiers. Thereby, there is no need to interrupt the pre-washing work.
The rack moved to the rack receiving section 351 is transported in the +X direction by the rack transport conveyor 350. The rack receiving section 351 is arranged above the tableware receiving section 331 (in the +Z direction). Thereby, the worker can place the rack containing pre-washed dishes on the rack transport conveyor 350 without moving.

The rack discharge section 354 is provided at the +X side end of the rack conveyor 350, and discharges the racks conveyed by the rack conveyor 350 in the -Y direction.

The rack cleaning mechanism 36 is disposed along and around the rack conveyor 350, and cleans the racks being conveyed by the rack conveyor 350 and the dishes stored therein. The rack cleaning mechanism 36 includes, for example, a rack cleaning section 361 and a rack rinsing section 363.

The rack cleaning section 361 is disposed downstream (+X direction) of the rack receiving section 351 along the rack conveyor 350, and cleans the racks conveyed by the rack conveyor 350 and the racks accommodated therein using a cleaning liquid containing detergent. Wash dishes. The rack cleaning section 361 includes, for example, a cleaning nozzle that sprays cleaning liquid onto the rack.

The rack rinsing section 363 is disposed downstream (in the +X direction) of the rack cleaning section 361 along the rack conveyor 350, and uses rinsing water that does not contain detergent to rinse the racks being conveyed by the rack conveyor 350 and the racks accommodated therein. Rinse the dishes you are using. The rack rinsing section 363 includes, for example, a rinsing nozzle that sprays rinsing water onto the rack.

The rack containing dishes transported by the rack transport conveyor 350 and cleaned by the rack cleaning mechanism 36 is discharged onto the transfer section 15 by the rack transport conveyor 350.

The tray transport mechanism 37 has a long shape extending in the ±X direction, and transports the tray in the +X direction. The tray transport mechanism 37 is arranged in the +Y direction of the tableware transport mechanism 33.
The tray conveyance mechanism 37 includes, for example, a tray conveyor 370, a tray receiving section 371, a guide plate 372, a tray guide 373, and a tray discharge section 374.
The tray transport conveyor 370 extends in the ±X direction and transports the tray placed thereon in the +X direction. The tray transport conveyor 370 transports the tray placed thereon in an upright state. Thereby, the area occupied by the cleaning section 13 can be reduced. The −X side end of the tray conveyance mechanism 37 is arranged in the +Y direction of the prewash sink 31.

The tray receiving section 371 receives trays that have been prewashed by a worker. The tray receiving section 371 is, for example, a stand slightly inclined in the +Y direction. The tray receiving section 371 is arranged above (in the +Z direction) between the -X side end of the tray conveyor 370 and the prewash sink 31.
The guide plate 372 is a plate extending in the ±X direction and the ±Z direction, and swells toward the +Y direction when viewed from the ±X direction. The guide plate 372 is arranged close to the +Y side of the tray receiving section 371.
The worker places the tray that has been prewashed in the prewash sink 31 on the tray receiving section 371 and pushes it in the +Y direction. Then, the end of the tray comes into contact with the guide plate 372 and is guided in the -Z direction, so that the tray stands up, and is placed on the tray conveyor 370 and moved in the +X direction by the tray conveyor 370. transported.
Thereby, the worker can place the prewashed tray on the tray transport conveyor 370 without moving.

The tray guide 373 guides the tray conveyed by the tray conveyor 370. The tray guide 373 supports the tray placed on the tray conveyor 370 by a worker in an upright state, and supports the tray so that it does not fall over while being conveyed by the tray conveyor 370.

The tray discharge section 374 is provided on the +X side of the +X side end of the tray transport conveyor 370. In the tray discharge section 374, the tray guide 373 turns the tray conveyed in an upright state by the tray conveyor 370 face down and discharges it in a face down state.

The tray cleaning mechanism 38 is disposed along and around the tray conveyor 370 and cleans the trays being conveyed by the tray conveyor 370.
The tray cleaning mechanism 38 includes, for example, a tray cleaning section 381, a tray rinsing section 383, and a tray spraying section 384.

The tray cleaning section 381 is disposed downstream (+X direction) of the tray receiving section 371 along the tray conveyor 370, and cleans the trays being conveyed by the tray conveyor 370 with a cleaning liquid containing detergent. The tray cleaning section 381 includes, for example, a cleaning nozzle that sprays cleaning liquid onto the tray.

The tray rinsing section 383 is disposed downstream (+X direction) of the tray cleaning section 381 along the tray conveyor 370, and rinses the trays being conveyed by the tray conveyor 370 with rinse water that does not contain detergent. The tray rinsing section 383 has, for example, a rinsing nozzle that sprays rinsing water onto the tray.

The tray spraying section 384 is disposed downstream (+X direction) of the tray rinsing section 383 along the tray conveyor 370 and blows off water droplets attached to the trays being conveyed by the tray conveyor 370. The tray blowing section 384 includes, for example, an air nozzle that blows an air flow onto the tray.

The tray accommodating section 17 will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.
The tray accommodating section 17 accommodates trays that are conveyed by the tray conveyor 370, cleaned by the tray cleaning mechanism 38, and discharged from the tray discharge section 374. The tray accommodating section 17 includes, for example, a tray mounting section 71, a support 72, and wheels 73.
The tray mounting section 71 is a substantially horizontal table, and the trays discharged from the tray discharging section 374 are stacked on the tray mounting section 71.
The support column 72 supports the tray mounting section 71 so as to be movable in the ±Z direction. The tray mounting section 71 is configured to automatically move down in the -Z direction as trays are stacked on it. As a result, the trays discharged from the cleaning section 13 are stacked neatly on the tray mounting section 71.
The wheels 73 are provided at the lower part of the tray accommodating part 17 and make the tray accommodating part 17 movable.

As shown in FIG. 1, tray receptacle 17 is accessible from outside 912 of cleaning system 10. As shown in FIG. The trays stacked in the tray storage section 17 are carried out by a worker (preferably a worker different from the worker in charge of pre-washing) and transported, for example, to a tray storage area before use. Alternatively, a plurality of tray accommodating sections 17 may be prepared, and when trays accumulate in the tray accommodating section 17, the tray accommodating section 17 may be replaced, or the replaced tray accommodating section 17 may be moved as is to the tray storage area before use. good.

The transfer unit 15 will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14.
The transfer unit 15 includes, for example, a tableware transfer unit 51 and a rack storage unit 52.

The rack housing section 52 has, for example, a long shape extending in the ±Y direction, and is arranged adjacent to the -Y side of the rack discharge section 354 of the cleaning section 13. The rack housing section 52 accommodates glass racks and cutlery racks that have been cleaned by the rack cleaning mechanism 36 of the cleaning section 13 and discharged from the rack discharge section 354. The rack accommodating section 52 has, for example, a large number of rollers that are freely rotatable around axes parallel to the ±X direction, and the rack discharged from the rack discharge section 354 is pushed by the following rack to -Y. move in the direction. The rack accommodating portion 52 can accommodate, for example, about two to three racks. Therefore, it is not necessary to immediately collect the racks ejected from the rack ejecting section 354.
The racks housed in the rack housing section 52 house glasses and cutlery that have been sorted by a worker in charge of pre-washing.
Rack housing 52 is accessible from the exterior 912 of cleaning system 10 . The racks discharged into the rack housing section 52 are carried out by a worker (preferably a worker different from the worker in charge of pre-washing). For example, a glass rack containing glasses is moved to a glass storage area before use. The cutlery stored in the cutlery rack is sorted and transported to a cutlery storage area before use.

The tableware transfer section 51 has, for example, a long shape extending in the ±Y direction, and is arranged adjacent to the +X side of the tableware discharge section 334 of the washing section 13. The tableware transfer unit 51 has, for example, a large number of rollers that are freely rotatable about axes parallel to the ±X directions, and are inclined toward the −Y direction. The tableware discharged from the tableware discharging section 334 is placed on the +Y side end of the transfer section 15, moves in the -Y direction due to its own weight, and is discharged from the -Y side end of the tableware transfer section 51, The food is delivered to the tableware storage section 14.

The tableware storage section 14 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.
The tableware storage section 14 includes, for example, a tableware storage conveyor 41, a tableware discrimination section 42, tableware storage mechanisms 43a to 43e, and tableware holding parts 44a to 44e.

The tableware storage conveyor 41 has a long shape extending in the ±X direction, and conveys the tableware placed thereon in the -X direction. The tableware storage conveyor 41 has an end on the +X side adjacent to the -Y side of the tableware transfer section 51, and receives the tableware conveyed by the tableware transfer section 51.

The tableware determining section 42 determines the type of tableware placed on the tableware storage conveyor 41. The tableware discrimination section 42 includes, for example, a camera that photographs the tableware placed on the tableware storage conveyor 41, and an image analysis section that analyzes the image photographed by the camera and determines the type of tableware.
The type of tableware here mainly refers to the shape of the tableware. By stacking and accommodating tableware of the same shape, the storage space can be reduced.

The tableware storage mechanisms 43a to 43e are arranged above the tableware storage conveyor 41 (+Z direction) and downstream of the tableware discrimination section 42 (−X direction). The tableware storage mechanisms 43a to 43e stack and store different types of tableware.
The tableware holding parts 44a to 44e are arranged below (-Z direction) the corresponding tableware storage mechanisms 43a to 43e, and lift the tableware placed on the tableware storage conveyor 41 and store them in the tableware storage mechanisms 43a to 43e. do.

For example, the tableware holding parts 44a to 44e have arms that are movable up and down (±Z direction). A stopper is provided at the upper end of this arm to stop the tableware being conveyed by the tableware storage conveyor 41.
At the bottom of the tableware storage mechanisms 43a to 43e, there are provided doors that open upward in a double door shape. There is a gap between the doors, through which the arms of the tableware holding parts 44a to 44e pass, but when the door is closed, the tableware is placed on top of the door and accommodated.

When the type of tableware is determined by the tableware discrimination section 42, the arm of the tableware holding section corresponding to the determined type of tableware among the tableware holding sections 44a to 44e moves upward (+Z direction), and the stopper section Only the portion protrudes above the tableware storage conveyor 41. In this state, when the tableware storage conveyor 41 conveys the tableware, the conveyed tableware is caught by the stopper and stopped. After that, the arm moves further upwards (+Z direction) and lifts the tableware. The tableware comes into contact with the door of the tableware storage mechanisms 43a to 43e, and the door is pushed open. When the arm moves further upwards (in the +Z direction) and the entire tableware is completely placed in the tableware storage mechanisms 43a to 43e, the tableware is placed at the bottom of the tableware already stored in the tableware storage mechanisms 43a to 43e. , new dishes are stacked, and the door closes under the dishes. After that, when the arm moves downward (-Z direction), the arm comes out of the tableware storage mechanisms 43a to 43e through the gap between the doors, and the tableware is placed inside the tableware storage mechanisms 43a to 43e. It remains as it is. In this way, tableware is stored by type in the tableware storage mechanisms 43a to 43e.

The dishes stored in the tableware storage mechanisms 43a to 43e are taken out by a worker (preferably a worker different from the worker in charge of pre-washing) and moved to, for example, a tableware storage area before use in the serving room. .
The tableware storage mechanisms 43a to 43e may have a sensor that detects the number of stored tableware, and may have a warning lamp that lights up when the sensor detects that the tableware is about to be full. Further, when the sensor detects that the dishware storage section 14 is full, the entire cleaning system 10 may be stopped, or only the tableware storage section 14 may be stopped. Alternatively, the operation of the entire cleaning system 10 or the dish storage unit 14 may be continued until the dishes to be stored in the full dish storage mechanisms 43a to 43e are detected.

If the type of tableware determined by the tableware discrimination section 42 is different from the type stored in any of the tableware storage mechanisms 43a to 43e, none of the tableware holding parts 44a to 44e operate. That is, the arms of the tableware holding parts 44a to 44e are hidden under the tableware storage conveyor 41. Therefore, the tableware conveyed by the tableware storage conveyor 41 is conveyed to the -X side end without stopping and is discharged from the tableware storage conveyor 41. For example, types of tableware that cannot be stored in the tableware storage mechanisms 43a to 43e because they cannot be stacked, or types of tableware that are not large enough to require a dedicated tableware storage mechanism 43a to 43e, are stored on the tableware storage conveyor 41. be discharged.

The tableware discharged from the tableware storage conveyor 41 is discharged onto a movable draining table 18 disposed adjacent to the -X side of the tableware storage conveyor 41.
The dishes discharged onto the movable draining table 18 are carried out by a worker (preferably a worker different from the worker in charge of pre-washing) and moved to, for example, a storage area for dishes before use in the serving room. . If a plurality of movable draining tables 18 are prepared and dishes accumulate on the movable draining table 18, the movable draining table 18 may be replaced, or the replaced movable draining table 18 may be moved as is to the tableware storage area before use. good.

As described above, by combining the three functions of dishwashing, rack washing, and tray washing into one and dividing the washing section into three, it is possible to reduce the effort required for washing work.
It is possible to wash all the dishes in one washing section without having to separate the washing sections, but in that case, it is necessary to separate the dishes after washing is finished. The place where dishes come out after washing is on the opposite side of the washing section, so it is far away from the pre-washing sink. Therefore, in order for the worker in charge of pre-washing to separate the dishes after washing, it is necessary to move away from the pre-washing sink 31, and the worker cannot concentrate on the pre-washing. Although it is possible to have a worker in charge of separating dishes separately from a worker in charge of pre-washing, this will increase personnel costs.
On the other hand, in the cleaning system 10, the worker in charge of pre-washing separates the dishes while pre-washing, and the separated dishes are washed by a different washing section, so there is no need to separate the dishes after washing. Therefore, there is no need for a worker in charge of sorting the dishes, and only one worker in charge of pre-washing can wash the dishes.

Furthermore, by arranging the rack transport mechanism 35 and the rack washing mechanism 36 above the tableware transport mechanism 33 and the tableware washing mechanism 34, the area occupied by the washing system 10 can be reduced, and the tableware that has been pre-washed can be received. There is no waste in the operation of putting the dishes stored in the rack into the rack receiving part 351 together with the rack, and the work effort can be reduced.

The cleaning system is a TTG triple washer that can wash trays, tableware, and glasses in one machine. This is installed in the cleaning corner of the eating and drinking corner of food courts and the like. Basically, at the food court, dishes are returned on a tray. The cleaning system cleans returned trays and dishes.
The cleaning system includes a tray return booth where trays are returned after eating, a washer for trays, dishes, and glasses, and a storage section (stacking) for dishes after washing.
During busy periods, many trays are returned within a short period of time after eating, necessitating a large amount of return space. However, always securing a large space is wasteful and requires the movement of workers to process trays returned to a larger space, resulting in poor efficiency and a large amount of work. To improve this, the tray return booth is equipped with a device that moves the trays placed one after another to the hands of the cleaning operator. As a result, the returned tray is moved to the washing machine, reducing the burden on the operator. By increasing the space in the tray return section depending on the throughput, it becomes possible to accommodate customers waiting for their trays to be returned after eating.
Regarding the tray, tableware, and glass washer, one washing machine can wash trays, tableware, and glasses (using a rack). Since they can be washed individually, it is easier to sort and organize them after washing. After washing, the dishes are moved to the sorting storage section, and the racks can wait until they are moved to the service table on the conveyor.
For large quantities of tableware, after washing, the same tableware can be stacked and stored by identifying the tableware by image processing on the conveyor. For stacking tableware, a stacking device (stacking device) can be installed for the number of tableware that needs to be stacked. Items that are in small quantities or have special shapes are sorted and stored using a drainer at the end of the conveyor.

The embodiment described above is an example to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The invention is not limited thereto, but may include various modifications, changes, additions, or deletions without departing from the scope defined by the appended claims. This can be easily understood by those skilled in the art from the above description.

10 cleaning system, 12 tray return unit, 21 tray return stand, 211a to 211d lane, 212a to 212c partition plate, 213a to 213h tray range, 214 roller, 22a to 22h stopper, 23 tray moving unit, 231a to 231d plate-like part , 24 Tray return conveyor, 25 Tray mounting table, 13 Washing section, 31 Prewash sink, 32 Rack mounting table, 33 Tableware transport mechanism, 330 Tableware transport conveyor, 331 Tableware receiving section, 332 Tableware pressing section, 334 Tableware discharging section, 34 Dishwashing mechanism, 341 Dishwashing section, 342 First spraying section, 343 Dish rinsing section, 344 Second spraying section, 35 Rack conveyance mechanism, 350 Rack conveyor, 351 Rack receiving section, 354 Rack discharge section, 36 Rack cleaning mechanism, 361 rack cleaning section, 363 rack rinsing section, 37 tray conveyance mechanism, 370 tray conveyor, 371 tray receiving section, 372 guide plate, 373 tray guide, 374 tray discharge section, 38 tray cleaning mechanism, 381 tray cleaning section, 383 tray rinsing section, 384 tray spraying section, 14 tableware storage section, 41 tableware storage conveyor, 42 tableware discrimination section, 43a to 43e tableware storage mechanism, 44a to 44e tableware holding section, 15 transfer section, 51 tableware transfer section, 52 rack Storage section, 17 Tray storage section, 71 Tray placement section, 72 Support, 73 Wheels, 18 Movable draining table, 91 Washing room, 911 Work space, 912 Outside, 92 Eating space.

Claims (7)

a tableware conveyor that conveys the tableware in a predetermined direction;
a tableware washing mechanism that washes the tableware conveyed by the tableware conveyor;
a rack conveyor that is arranged above the tableware conveyor and conveys racks in the same direction as the predetermined direction;
a rack washing mechanism that is disposed above the dishwashing mechanism and that washes dishes stored in racks conveyed by the rack conveyor;
a tray conveyor that is disposed on a side of the tableware conveyor and conveys the tray in the same direction as the predetermined direction;
A cleaning system, comprising: a tray cleaning mechanism that is disposed on a side of the dishwashing mechanism and that cleans trays conveyed by the tray conveyor. a pre-wash sink for pre-washing returned trays and dishes;
Further comprising a rack mounting table on which a rack is placed for accommodating a predetermined type of tableware among the tableware prewashed in the prewash sink,
The tableware conveyor has a tableware receiving section for receiving tableware of a type other than the predetermined type among the tableware prewashed in the prewash sink,
The tableware receiving section is arranged on the side of the prewash sink,
The rack conveyor has a rack receiving part for receiving the rack containing the predetermined type of tableware,
The rack receiving section is arranged above the tableware receiving section,
The tray conveyor has a tray receiving part for receiving trays that have been prewashed in the prewash sink,
The tray receiving section is arranged at the rear of the prewash sink,
the rack mounting table is arranged above the tray receiving section;
The cleaning system of claim 1. a tray return conveyor for transporting trays with returned tableware;
further comprising a tray mounting table on which the tray conveyed by the tray return conveyor is placed;
The tray mounting table is arranged on a side opposite to the tableware receiving part with respect to the pre-washing sink.
The cleaning system of claim 2. a tray return stand arranged on a side of the tray return conveyor and inclined toward the tray return conveyor;
a stopper that prevents a tray returned onto the tray return stand from moving onto the tray return conveyor when a tray is present on the tray return conveyor;
The tray further includes a tray moving unit that moves the tray returned on the tray return table onto the tray return conveyor when there is no tray on the tray return conveyor.
The cleaning system of claim 3. The dishwashing mechanism includes:
a tableware washing unit disposed along the tableware conveyor and spraying a detergent-containing cleaning liquid onto the tableware conveyed by the tableware conveyor to wash the tableware;
a first spraying section that is disposed downstream of the dish washing section along the dish conveyor and blows off the detergent-containing cleaning liquid that has accumulated on the elevated surface of the tableware by spraying an air flow onto the dishes being conveyed by the tableware conveyor; and,
a dish rinsing part that is disposed downstream of the first spraying part along the dish conveyor and sprays a detergent-free cleaning liquid onto the dishes being conveyed by the dish conveyor to wash away the detergent;
a second spraying section that is disposed downstream of the tableware rinsing section along the tableware conveyor and sprays an air flow onto the tableware conveyed by the tableware conveyor to blow away water droplets remaining on the tableware;
A cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The tray cleaning mechanism is
a tray cleaning unit disposed along the tray conveyor and spraying a detergent-containing cleaning liquid onto the trays conveyed by the tray conveyor to clean the trays;
a tray rinsing section that is disposed downstream of the tray cleaning section along the tray conveyor and sprays a detergent-free cleaning liquid onto the trays conveyed by the tray conveyor to wash away detergent;
a tray spraying section that is disposed downstream of the tray rinsing section along the tray conveyor and blows an air flow onto the trays conveyed by the tray conveyor to blow away water droplets remaining on the trays;
A cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. a tableware storage conveyor that conveys the tableware washed by the tableware washing mechanism;
a tableware discrimination unit that determines the type of tableware conveyed by the tableware storage conveyor;
a tableware storage mechanism disposed downstream of the tableware discriminating section along the tableware storage conveyor and storing a predetermined type of tableware;
When the type of tableware determined by the tableware discrimination unit matches the type of tableware stored in the tableware storage mechanism, the tableware transported by the tableware storage conveyor is lifted and stored in the tableware storage mechanism. further comprising a lifting part;
A cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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