JP6943752B2 - Dish immersing method and immersing device, dish washing system, dish washing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a dishwashing method and a dipping device used for washing dishes, a dishwashing system, and a dishwashing method.

Conventionally, a dipping process is performed as a pre-process of spraying washing water on the front and back surfaces of tableware to moisten the dirt adhering to the front and back surfaces of the tableware, and the dirt is removed by spraying the washing water. It is common to do.

As a device for immersing this type of tableware, individual tableware is separated into water in a tank, submerged in water for a predetermined period of time, and then pulled up for cleaning. There is a method of submerging the basin in the immersion water of the tank for a predetermined time and then pulling it up to wash the tableware basin or individual dishes taken out from the tableware basin.

In addition, in the process of transporting the object to be cleaned (tableware, etc.) on the transport conveyor in order to improve the workability, handle the tableware and tableware in the immersion water in the dipping and washing device, and simplify the device. The conveyor on which the cleaning object is placed is lowered to immerse it in the immersion water stored in the immersion tank together with the object to be cleaned, and then the conveyor is raised to remove the object to be cleaned from the immersion water and inject the cleaning water. Those to be cleaned are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-250212

It is generally known that in order to moisturize and sufficiently moisten various stains adhering to tableware, it is necessary to soak them for at least 7 minutes during soaking. In the tableware dipping and washing device described in Patent Document 1, the transport speed of the conveyor is the same in the area where the tableware passes through the immersion water in the dipping tank and in the area where the washing water is sprayed and washed. , The time of immersion in the immersion water becomes extremely short. Therefore, it is a problem to moisten the dirt sufficiently.

Further, in order to secure a sufficient immersion time, the transfer speed of the conveyor may be slowed down, but this is not preferable because the number of cleaning processes per unit time is reduced. Furthermore, the immersion tank can be lengthened in the transport direction of the conveyor so that it can be submerged in the immersion water for a long time. doing. Further, a large space is required as a dishwashing system including a washing device.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and while ensuring sufficient time to moisten and moisten the stains adhering to the tableware, it is compact and space-saving for installation, and a large amount of tableware is used. It is an object of the present invention to provide a tableware immersing method and a immersing device capable of immersing the tableware, and a tableware washing system and a tableware washing method for improving the tableware washing processing capacity per unit time using the same.

The method for dipping tableware according to the present invention includes a plurality of transporting means for transporting a plurality of tableware, and a plurality of immersion water supply means for supplying immersion water toward the tableware along the transporting direction of the tableware by the transporting means. The tableware is stacked with the surface side facing upward to form one independent tableware row, and a plurality of the tableware rows are placed at a predetermined pitch in the transport direction of the transport means, and the tableware is placed at each predetermined pitch by the transport means. Immersion water is supplied by the immersion water supply means from above the plurality of tableware rows that are intermittently conveyed a plurality of times, and the immersion water is supplied from the outer peripheral edge of the tableware above the tableware row to the outer peripheral edge side of the tableware below. By flowing down to, the immersion water flows into the gap between the tableware adjacent to each other and is stored in each tableware, and the soiled components adhering to the tableware are moistened and moistened by the stored water immersion water. It is a feature.

Further, the tableware dipping device according to the present invention forms one independent tableware row by stacking the plurality of tableware with the surface facing upward, and supports the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row to support the plurality of the tableware. The transporting means includes a transporting means for transporting the rows and an immersion water supply means for supplying immersion water from above the plurality of tableware rows transported by the transporting means, and the transporting means is said to be along the transporting direction of the tableware. An endless chain conveyor having a plurality of convex members locked to the side surface of the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row, a drive source for rotating the chain conveyor, and the lowermost end of the tableware row with the chain conveyor sandwiched between them. A plurality of support rails for supporting the bottom of a tableware and a pair of guide rails for restricting side positions in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row. The plurality of tableware rows are positioned at predetermined pitches, which are the positions of the convex members, and the side surface of the tableware at the lowermost end of the plurality of tableware rows is pushed in the transport direction by the convex members. While sliding on the pair of support rails while the plurality of tableware rows are self-supporting, the immersion water is repeatedly intermittently conveyed at the predetermined pitch a plurality of times, and the immersion water supplied to the plurality of tableware rows from the immersion water supply means is transferred. By flowing down from the outer peripheral edge of the tableware above the tableware row to the outer peripheral edge side of the tableware below, the immersion water flows into the gap between the adjacent tableware and is stored in each tableware, and the stored water immersion It is characterized in that water is used to moisten and moisten the stain components adhering to the tableware.

Further, in the dishwashing system according to the present invention, after the above-mentioned tableware dipping device and the dipping step by the dipping device, one tableware at the top of the tableware row is grabbed and separated from the tableware row and released. The immersion device includes a discharge device, a transport means for transporting individual tableware discharged from the separate discharge device, and a cleaning device provided with a wash water supply means having nozzles for injecting wash water on the front and back surfaces of the tableware. , The separation / release device and the washing device are arranged so that the tableware is conveyed in the same direction to form one washing lane.

Further, in the tableware washing method according to the present invention, immersion water is supplied while transporting one independent tableware row in which the surfaces of a plurality of tableware are stacked upward, and moisture is applied to the stain components adhering to the tableware. After the dipping step of giving and moistening, the separation and release step of grasping the tableware at the top of the tableware row and separating and releasing from the tableware row, and the tableware released by the separation and release step are conveyed. However, the tableware is provided with a washing step of injecting washing water from a nozzle onto the front and back surfaces of the tableware to wash the tableware. By flowing down from the outer peripheral edge of the tableware above the tableware to the outer peripheral edge side of the tableware below, the immersion water flows into the surface side of the tableware at the uppermost end and the gap between the tableware adjacent to each other and is stored. The soiled components adhering to the tableware are moistened with the stored immersion water for a predetermined time, and in the separation / release step, the immersion water is applied to the surface side of the tableware at the uppermost end and the gap between the tableware adjacent to each other. It is characterized in that the tableware is separated from the tableware row and discharged in a state where the tableware is allowed to flow into the tableware and the water is stored.

According to the tableware immersing method and the immersing device according to the present invention, it is possible to immerse a large amount of tableware in a compact and space-saving manner while sufficiently securing the immersing time required for moisturizing and moistening the stains adhering to the tableware. And.
In addition, according to the dishwashing system and the dishwashing method, a series of components are effectively combined, and the stains adhering to the dishes are made compact while providing sufficient time to moisturize and moisten them. It saves space for installation, increases the number of washing processes per unit time, and makes it possible to wash a large number of dishes.

The basic block diagram of the dishwashing system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Block diagram of the dishwashing system. The plan view which shows the dipping apparatus of the dishwashing system. The perspective view of the tableware row carry-in side (upstream side in the tableware row transport direction) of the dipping device. An enlarged top view of the tableware row carry-in side (upstream side in the tableware row transport direction) of the dipping device. The side view which shows the state of supplying the immersion water to the tableware row in the immersion apparatus and immersing it. The perspective view of the tableware row carry-out side (downstream side in the tableware row transport direction) of the dipping device. The partial plan view which shows the arrangement of the tableware row on the transport means of the dipping apparatus. The side view which shows the transport state of the tableware row on the transport means of the dipping apparatus. The perspective view of the separation discharge device and the separation / reversal device including this which are prepared for the post-process of the dipping device. (A) is a perspective view of the elevating means of the separation / release device, (b) is a perspective view of the separation means of the separation / release device, and (c) is a perspective view of the reversing means of the separation / reversal device. (A) is a perspective view of the grip chuck of the separation means as viewed from below, (b) is a sectional view taken along line AA of (a), (c) is a sectional view taken along line BB of (a), (d). ) Is a sectional view taken along line CC of (a). (A) to (e) are front views showing the operation of the grip chuck of the separation / discharge device in chronological order. (A) is a side view showing the detection state by the tableware sensor when the tableware is in the receiving frame of the lifting means, and (b) is the detection state by the tableware sensor and the receiving frame sensor when there is no tableware in the receiving frame of the lifting means. Side view showing. (A) to (c) are side views showing the operation of the elevating means, the grip chuck and the reversing means of the separation / release device in chronological order. (A) to (c) are side views which show the operation of the reversing means of the separation reversing apparatus in time series. A perspective view of the arrangement of various sensors in the separation / release device and the separation / reversal device as viewed from the upper left of the front. The perspective view which made the component non-drawing in order to make it easy to understand the arrangement of various sensors in the separation discharge device and the separation reversing device. A perspective view of the arrangement of various sensors in the separation / release device and the separation / reversal device as viewed from the upper right of the front. The whole block diagram which shows the outline of the dishwashing system which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. A partial perspective view of the transport means of the cleaning device. (A), (b), and (c) are partial side views showing the transport state of tableware by the same transport means in chronological order.

The invention according to claim 1 is a method of dipping tableware in which moisture is applied to moisten a stain component adhering to the tableware to moisten the tableware. It is provided with an immersion water supply means for supplying immersion water toward the tableware along the tableware, and a plurality of tableware are stacked with the surface side facing upward to form one independent tableware row, and the tableware row is transferred to the transport means. The immersion water is supplied by the immersion water supply means from above the plurality of tableware rows that are placed in the transfer direction of the tableware at each predetermined pitch and are repeatedly intermittently conveyed at each predetermined pitch by the transfer means. By allowing the immersion water to flow down from the outer peripheral edge of the tableware above the tableware row to the outer peripheral edge side of the tableware below, the immersion water flows into the gap between the adjacent tableware and is stored in each tableware. It is characterized in that the soiled components adhering to the tableware are moistened and moistened by the stored immersion water.

As a result, a plurality of tableware rows are stacked to form a tableware row by utilizing the space in the vertical direction, and a plurality of tableware rows are placed close to each other in the transport direction of the transport means. Tableware can be stored at high density in this space by minimizing the required space in the transport direction and the direction orthogonal to the transport direction. As a result, the entire immersion device can be compactly configured, and space can be saved when installing. Therefore, while ensuring sufficient time to moisturize and moisten the stains adhering to the tableware, it is possible to make the tableware compact and save space for installation, and to immerse a large number of tableware.

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the immersion water supply means applies immersion water toward the surface side of the tableware at the uppermost end of the tableware row and the outer peripheral edge of the tableware adjacent to each other. In addition to the action of spraying and flowing the immersion water from the outer peripheral edge of the tableware above to the outer peripheral edge side of the tableware below, it is characterized in that the immersion water flows into the gap between the tableware adjacent to each other.
As a result, it is possible to accelerate the water storage in the entire tableware, make the immersion time uniform, and remove the dirt on the outer peripheral edge by promoting the water storage due to the flow of the immersion water and the inflow into the gap from the side surface side.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stain component adhering to the tableware is moisturized by the number of times and / or the stop time of the tableware row due to intermittent transportation of the transportation means. It is characterized in that the immersion time for moistening is set.
As a result, the immersion time can be optimally set based on the types of various stain components adhering to the tableware W, the amount of adhering stains, and the like.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of rows of transport means are provided side by side in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware row, and the transport means is placed on each of the transport means. It is characterized in that immersion water is supplied to a plurality of placed tableware rows.
As a result, if a dipping device having a plurality of washing lanes is configured, the required space in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware rows between the washing lanes adjacent to each other is minimized, and a large number of dishes can be placed in this entire space. Can be stored at high density. As a result, a larger number of dishes can be immersed at the same time, the entire immersion device can be compactly configured, and space can be saved when installing. Therefore, while ensuring sufficient time to moisturize and moisten the dirt adhering to the tableware, it is possible to reduce the size and space for installation and to immerse a larger number of tableware.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a tank for storing a predetermined amount of immersion water, and causing the immersion water supplied to the tableware row to flow and drop into the tank. It is characterized in that it is collected and recycled as immersion water.
As a result, the amount of immersion water stored in the tank can be minimized, and water can be saved. In addition, the amount of immersion water supplied to the tableware row can be optimally adjusted.

The invention according to claim 6 is a tableware dipping device that carries out a step of moistening and moistening a stain component adhering to tableware, and stacks a plurality of tableware with the surface facing upward to become one self-supporting device. A transport means for forming the tableware row and transporting the plurality of the tableware rows by supporting the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row, and immersion water from above the plurality of tableware rows transported by the transport means. An endless chain conveyor comprising a soaking water supply means for supplying, the transport means having a plurality of convex members locked to the side surface of the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row along the transport direction of the tableware. , A drive source for rotating the chain conveyor, a pair of support rails for supporting the bottom of the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row across the chain conveyor, and a transport direction of the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row. The plurality of tableware rows are provided at a predetermined pitch, which is the position of each of the plurality of convex members of the chain conveyor, and the plurality of tableware rows are provided. The side surface of the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware is pushed in the transport direction by the convex member, so that the plurality of tableware rows stand on their own and slide on the pair of support rails a plurality of times at the predetermined pitch. Immersion is carried out repeatedly and intermittently, and the immersion water supplied to a plurality of tableware rows from the immersion water supply means is allowed to flow down from the outer peripheral edge of the tableware above the tableware row to the outer peripheral edge side of the tableware below. It is characterized in that water is allowed to flow into a gap between tableware adjacent to each other and stored in each tableware, and the soiled components adhering to the tableware are moistened and moistened by the stored immersion water.
As a result, it has the same effect as the dipping method according to claim 1, and further, the tableware row can be transported in a stable and independent posture.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 6, in which the bottom and side surfaces of the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row are supported on the carry-in side of the tableware row of the transport means in the transport direction. A U-shaped set frame is provided, the upper surface of the set frame and the upper surface of the pair of support rails are set to substantially the same height, and a chain is attached to the side surface of the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row placed on the set frame. The convex member of the conveyor is locked and pulled onto the pair of support rails to be transferred.
As a result, the tableware row prepared in advance can be easily placed on the set frame while the intermittent transportation of the chain conveyor is stopped, and the tableware row is automatically pulled onto the pair of support rails by the drive of the chain conveyor and transferred. can do.

The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the bottom and side surfaces of the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row are supported on the carry-out side of the tableware row of the transport means in the transport direction. A U-shaped receiving frame is provided visually, the upper surface of the receiving frame and the upper surface of the pair of support rails are substantially the same height, and a chain conveyor is placed on the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row mounted on the pair of support rails. It is characterized in that the convex member of the tableware is locked, the tableware row is extruded, and the tableware is transferred onto the receiving frame.
As a result, the tableware rows placed on the pair of support rails can be automatically transferred and placed on the receiving frame by the rotation of the intermittent transfer of the chain conveyor.

The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein a plurality of rows of transport means are provided in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware row, and the transport means is provided on each of the transport means. It is characterized in that immersion water is supplied to a plurality of placed tableware rows.
This makes it possible to immerse a larger number of tableware by making it compact and saving space while ensuring sufficient time to moisturize and moisten the dirt adhering to the tableware.

The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 9, wherein the transport means arranged in a plurality of rows are driven by the same drive source, and the tableware is placed on each of the transport means in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. It is characterized in that the rows are placed at predetermined pitches with their central axis positions substantially the same and intermittently transported.
As a result, when the tableware row is placed on each set frame that supports the bottom and side surfaces of the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row provided on the carry-in side in the transport direction of the tableware row of the plurality of transport means, the tableware row is intermittently transported. When the chain conveyor is stopped, the tableware rows can be placed on each set frame all at once, and this work can be performed in a short time. In addition, the tableware is also placed on each U-shaped receiving frame in a top view that supports the bottom and side surfaces of the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row provided on the carry-out side of the tableware row of the plurality of transport means. Columns can be reprinted.

The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to any one of claims 6 to 10, further comprising a tank for storing a predetermined amount of immersion water, and causing the immersion water supplied to the tableware row to flow and drop into the tank. It is characterized in that it is collected and recycled as immersion water.
As a result, the amount of immersion water stored in the tank can be minimized, and water can be saved. In addition, the amount of immersion water supplied to the tableware row can be optimally adjusted.

The invention according to claim 12 is the tableware dipping device according to any one of claims 6 to 11, and after the dipping step by the dipping device, one tableware at the top of the tableware row is grasped and the tableware is said. A cleaning device provided with a separation and discharge device that separates and discharges from the row, a transport means for transporting individual tableware released from the separation and discharge device, and a washing water supply means having a nozzle for injecting washing water on the front and back surfaces of the tableware. , And the soaking device, the separating and discharging device, and the washing device are arranged so that the tableware is conveyed in the same direction to form one washing lane.
As a result, a series of components are effectively combined, and while sufficient time is required to moisturize and moisten the dirt adhering to the tableware, compactness and space saving for installation are achieved, and per unit time. It is possible to wash a large number of dishes by increasing the number of washing processes.

In the invention according to claim 13, in the invention according to claim 12, one washing lane composed of a dipping device, a separation / discharging device, and a washing device is provided in a plurality of rows in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of tableware. It is characterized by that.
As a result, even if multiple rows of washing lanes are installed side by side, the size can be reduced and the installation space can be saved. do.

The invention according to claim 14 supplies immersion water while transporting one self-supporting tableware row in which the surfaces of a plurality of tableware are stacked upward, and moisturizes the stain component adhering to the tableware to moisten it. The tableware is made to be immersed, and after the immersion step, the tableware at the top of the tableware row is grasped, separated from the tableware row and released, and the tableware released by the separation / release step is conveyed. The front and back surfaces of the tableware are provided with a washing step of injecting washing water from a nozzle to wash the dishes. By flowing down from the outer peripheral edge of a certain tableware to the outer peripheral edge side of the tableware below, the immersion water flows into the surface side of the uppermost tableware and the gap between the adjacent tableware to store the water, and the stored water is immersed. Moisture is applied to the stain components adhering to the tableware with water to moisten the tableware for a predetermined time, and in the separation / release step, the immersion water is allowed to flow into the surface side of the tableware at the uppermost end and the gap between the tableware adjacent to each other. It is characterized in that the tableware is separated from the tableware row and discharged in a state where the water is stored.
As a result, a series of components are effectively combined, and while sufficient time is required to moisturize and moisten the dirt adhering to the tableware, compactness and space saving for installation are achieved, and per unit time. It is possible to wash a large number of dishes by increasing the number of washing processes.

(Embodiment of dishwashing system)
Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 19, the tableware dipping device in which the tableware dipping method according to the embodiment of the present invention is carried out, the tableware washing system provided with the tableware dipping device, and the tableware washing method. explain. Further, the dishwashing system of another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 22.

First, the basic configuration of the dishwashing system 100 according to the 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 roughly divided into the following elemental systems in order.

Immersion device 200, which supplies immersion water while transporting a stack of tableware rows WR with the surface of a plurality of tableware W facing upward, and carries out an immersion step of moistening dirt components adhering to the plurality of tableware W by the immersion water.
The elevating means 400 for raising the tableware row WR immersed in the immersion water for a predetermined time by the dipping device 200, and the separating means 500 for sequentially separating and releasing each tableware W from the tableware row WR in conjunction with the elevating means 400. Separation and release device 300, which carries out the separate and release step provided.
A separation / reversing device 600 that carries out a separation / reversing step including a reversing means 700 for reversing the front and back surfaces of the separated / released tableware W in addition to the separation / release device 300.
Cleaning device 800, which carries out a washing step of spraying washing water on the front and back surfaces while transporting individual tableware W discharged from the separation / reversing device 600.
A tableware organizing device 900 for carrying out a tableware organizing step in which a predetermined number of individual tableware W washed by the washing device 800 is stacked and the tableware W which is stacked a predetermined number of sheets can be pushed out and taken out.
Each of the above-mentioned devices and a control device 1000 for controlling the whole are provided.

The elevating means 400, the separating means 500, the reversing means 700, the reversing means 700 constituting the separation and reversing device 600 in addition to the separating and discharging device 300, the washing device 800, and the tableware organizing device 900. Each is in the transport direction from the carry-in side (upstream side in the tableware transport direction, loading side) to the carry-out side (downstream side in the tableware transport direction, take-out side) of the tableware W (including the tableware row WR) to be washed. One cleaning lane SR is formed by arranging them substantially linearly along the line.

As for the range of the dishwashing system 100, the dishwashing device 900 is not necessarily arranged by the worker moving the individual washed dishes W carried out from the washing device 800 to a separate work table and stacking and organizing them. Although it is not necessary to provide the tableware W, it is preferable to provide the tableware organizing device 900 in order to automate the work of stacking a predetermined number of individual tableware W washed by the washing device 800 and pushing out the stacked tableware W.

Next, each element system constituting the basic system of the dishwashing system 100 will be sequentially described.

Each element constituting the dishwashing system 100 is arranged substantially linearly along the transport direction from the carry-in side to the carry-out side of the tableware W to form one washing lane SR. In the present embodiment, an example in which a plurality of rows of cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 are provided in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware W (tableware row WR in the dipping device 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 dipping device 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3 to 10, and 19.

The dipping device 200 transports the stacked tableware rows WR with the front side of the plurality of tableware W facing upward as a pre-step of the cleaning device 800 that carries out the cleaning step by injecting the washing water onto the front and back surfaces of the tableware W. It is an apparatus for carrying out a dipping step of supplying immersion water and moistening dirt components adhering to a plurality of tableware W by the immersion water. The dipping device 200 mainly includes a transporting means 201 and a dipping water supply means 220.

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

Further, 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 receives the weight of the tableware row WR. It has a pair of guide rails 206 that regulate the side position of the tableware W in the tableware W, and the chain conveyor 203 is configured to rotate between the support rails 205. The support rail 205 and the guide rail 206 use a resin (sliding material) having good slipperiness at least for the contact surface with the tableware W in order to reduce the sliding resistance of the tableware W at the lowermost end.

As described above, the transport means 201 is provided in each of the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4. The chain conveyors 203 of the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 are each suspended on two sprockets 208, and each one of the sprockets 208 has a drive shaft 209, which is a common rotation shaft, synchronized by a 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 held at a predetermined pitch to be locked to the side surface of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR along the transport direction of the tableware W. However, by pushing the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR in the transport direction, the bottom (bottom surface) of the tableware W is slid on the pair of support rails 205 while the tableware row WR is self-supporting, and further, the most The side surface position of the tableware W at the lower end is regulated by a pair of guide rails 206 while sliding, moving and being conveyed.
As a result, the tableware row WR can be transported in a predetermined position in the transport direction and in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction, and the tableware row WR can be stably transported in an independent posture.

Taking school lunch as an example, tableware W, which is the object to be washed, has a recess on the surface side, and there are types of bowls, dishes, etc. on which food is served, and these are round according to the purpose. It is common to use a plurality of types of tableware having different shapes such as squares and sizes such as outer diameter and height (depth of recess). For example, a bowl may be used for rice, miso soup, etc., a plate with a shallower recess may be used for side dishes such as side dishes, and two bowls and two plates may be placed on a tray to provide meals for one student. In addition, these tableware W are put together in a tableware basket for each class and transported.

In this embodiment, the transport means 201 is arranged substantially linearly along the transport direction from the carry-in side to the carry-out side of the tableware row WR to provide a wash lane SR, and the wash lane SRs are arranged in a plurality of rows (SR1 to SR4). In the example of, for example, the tableware row WR of a round bowl is carried into the washing lanes of SR1 and SR2, and the tableware row WR of a round dish is carried into the washing lanes of SR3 and SR4 to carry out the dipping step. ..

Further, the tableware W carried into each of the cleaning lanes of SR1 to SR4 has substantially the same shape for each cleaning lane, and further, the size of the outer diameter of the outer peripheral edge of the opening of the recess formed in the tableware W is set. The tableware W has substantially the same shape and size, and a plurality of tableware rows WR are stacked with the surface facing up. Therefore, the height of the tableware rows WR of each of the washing lanes SR1 to SR4 may be different even if the number of tableware W to be stacked is the same.

In each of the washing lanes SR1 to SR4, the number of tableware W to be stacked is, for example, 20 to form a tableware row WR. This allows the tableware row WR to stand on its own on the support rail 205 without the need for a guide bar or the like to maintain its vertical posture, and is locked to the side surface of the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR of the chain conveyor 203. It is set on the condition that a stable vertical posture can be maintained when the convex member 204 is intermittently conveyed. In addition, the total weight and size (particularly height) of the tableware row WR are taken into consideration when setting the workability and stability of the operator during stacking, moving, and transporting. The number of tableware W to be stacked is an example and is not limited to this.

Further, in each of the washing lanes SR1 to SR4, the number of dishes W to be stacked may be different for each tableware row WR, but the same number is used as the dishwashing system 100 to wash the dishes W per unit time. Is preferable in that the cleaning efficiency can be maximized.

In particular, in school lunch, it is preferable to provide a washing line for trays, chopsticks, spoons, etc. used at the time of eating in the dishwashing system 100.

As shown in FIG. 8, the pitch D between tableware rows (distance between the central axes of the tableware rows WR) in the transport direction in one washing lane SR is in the diameter (outer diameter) direction of the stacked tableware W adjacent to each other. The outer peripheral edges of the tableware row WR do not come into contact with each other, and the outer peripheral edges of the tableware row WR do not come into contact with each other even if the central axis of the tableware row WR is slightly displaced when stacked. For example, the pitch D between tableware rows is set so as to be separated by 10 to 20 mm.

For example, when the diameter of the tableware W is 200 mm and the outer peripheral edges of the tableware rows WR are separated from each other by, for example, 20 mm, the pitch D between the tableware rows is 220 mm. The dimensions such as the diameter of the tableware W, the pitch D between the tableware rows, and the distance between the outer peripheral edges of the tableware row WR are examples and are not limited to these.

Further, when a tableware row WR in which tableware W having different diameters (outer diameters) is stacked on a plurality of rows of cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 is placed on a support rail 205 and transported, the plurality of rows of cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 are used. Of these, the pitch D between the tableware rows of the tableware row WR in which the tableware W having the largest diameter (outer diameter) is stacked is used as a reference, and is orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware row WR of the other washing lane SR along this central axis. The central axis of the direction is substantially the same, and the pitch D between the tableware rows of all the washing lanes SR1 to SR4 is substantially the same.

The pitch D between the tableware rows SR1 to SR4 of all the washing lanes SR1 to SR4 of the tableware row WR in which the tableware W having different diameters (outer diameters) is stacked is substantially the same, and the central axis in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware 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 plurality of rows of cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 rotate synchronously, and the tableware rows WR in the plurality of rows of cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 are synchronously conveyed with the tableware row pitch D as one pitch. Will be done.

As shown in FIG. 19, the arm sensor 211 is provided to control the stop position of the chain conveyor 203 that is intermittently conveyed, and the arm 210 is fixed to the drive shaft 209 of the sprocket 208 that rotates the chain conveyor 203. It detects the position. Every time the arm 210 is rotated 180 degrees (half a rotation), the chain conveyor 203 is rotated by a predetermined tableware row pitch D (1 pitch). As the arm sensor 211, a proximity sensor that detects by magnetism may be used. When the arm 210 rotates and overlaps the arm sensor 211, the motor (drive source) 207 is stopped by the detection signal of the arm sensor 211. The arm 210 and the arm sensor 211 constitute an intermittent transfer control means. The arm sensor 211 is not limited to the one that detects by magnetism, 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 transporting by the pitch D minutes (1 pitch) between the tableware rows is set to a very short time (for example, 1 second).

Further, if, for example, 14 rows of tableware rows WR are placed in one cleaning lane SR in the transport direction on the transport means 201, and 20 tableware rows W are stacked, the tableware row WR is on the transport means 201 in the dipping device 200. There are a total of 280 tableware Ws in the above, and they are sequentially transported intermittently. Further, when the four rows of cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 are provided side by side, a maximum of a total of 1120 dishes W exist on each of the four rows of transport means 201, and the dishes W are sequentially and intermittently transported. The individual tableware W is immersed by being supplied with the immersion water by the immersion water supply means 220, which will be described later, with the total number of the tableware W being maximized.

When one tableware row WR is placed in, for example, 14 rows of tableware rows WR in the transport direction on the transport means 201 in the dipping device 200, one tableware row WR is stopped 14 times in the dipping device 200. Intermittent transportation that repeats the transportation is performed, and all the tableware rows WR that are sequentially carried in repeat the same operation.

Therefore, when the stop time at the stop position is, for example, 30 seconds, one tableware row WR is a value obtained by multiplying the number of stops 14 times by 30 seconds of the stop time in the dipping device 200, that is, over at least 7 minutes. It will be supplied with immersion water. The dirt component adhering to the tableware W is moistened over this 7-minute immersion time.
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 examples and are not limited thereto.

The immersion time described above can be arbitrarily adjusted and set according to 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 during intermittent transport. For example, assuming that the stop time is the same, increasing the number of tableware rows WR increases the immersion time, and decreasing the number of tableware rows WR shortens the immersion time.
Further, when the number of tableware rows WR is the same, the immersion time becomes longer when the stop time is lengthened, and the immersion time becomes shorter when the stop time is shortened.

That is, the immersion time for moistening the stain component adhering to the tableware W can be set by the number of stops or the stop time of the tableware row WR due to the intermittent transportation of the transport means 201. As a result of various tests, it has been found that a soaking time of at least 7 minutes is required to sufficiently moisten the various stain components adhering to the tableware W, but the tableware W is adhering to the tableware W. The immersion time can be optimally set from the types of various stain components, the amount of stain adhered, and the like.

A U-shaped set frame 212 that supports the bottom of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR is arranged on the carry-in side (upstream side in the transport direction) of the transport means 201, and the tableware row on the set frame 212 is arranged. The surface supporting the bottom surface of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the WR and the upper surface of the pair of support rails 205 are set to substantially the same height, and the U-shaped opening side of the set frame 212 is positioned on the pair of support rail 205 sides. ..

The set frame 212 forms a surface that supports the bottom surface of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR and a surface that guides the side surface of the tableware W, and positions the tableware row WR placed on the set frame 212. It is possible to regulate and stabilize the independent posture, and to facilitate the placement 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 corresponding to the diameter of the sprocket 208 in 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 position 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 locked and pushed by the side surface of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR placed on the set frame 212, and the tableware row is missing for a pitch D minutes. It is pulled onto the pair of support rails 205 and transferred. Therefore, it is not necessary for the operator to push the tableware row WR onto the pair of support rails 205.

On the carry-out side (downstream side in the transport direction) of the transport means 201, a U-shaped receiving frame (cradle) 403 that supports the bottom of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR is arranged on the receiving frame 403. The surface supporting the bottom surface of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR and the upper surface of the pair of support rails 205 are substantially the same height, and the U-shaped opening side of the receiving frame 403 is located on the pair of support rails 205 side. Let me. From the pair of support rails 205 to the receiving frame 403 by the convex member 204 of the chain conveyor 203 to the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR placed on the pair of support rails 205 by intermittent transportation for the pitch D between the tableware rows. Push to transfer and place. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the work of the worker pushing the tableware row WR onto the receiving frame 403.

The receiving frame 403 forms a surface that supports the bottom surface of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR and a surface that guides the side surface of the tableware W, and regulates the position of the tableware row WR placed on the receiving frame 403. And 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 in the U-shaped opening of the receiving frame 403. When the convex member 204 of the chain conveyor 203 transfers and places the tableware row WR on the receiving frame 403 by intermittent transportation for the pitch D between the tableware rows, the convex member 204 of the chain conveyor 203 is the tableware W at the lowermost end. Although it is in a 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 tableware row WR and the lock is released by raising the receiving frame 403.

In the present embodiment, the receiving frame 403 is provided in the elevating means 400 constituting the separation / discharging device 300, which is the next step of the dipping device 200, but receives the tableware row WR having the same basic configuration as the receiving frame 403. A separate member (not shown) that can be placed is installed on the carry-out side of the immersion device 200 without being related to the elevating means 400, and the tableware row WR that is transferred and placed on the separately installed receiving frame (pedestal) is placed. It is also possible that the worker takes out the dishes, separates them into individual dishes W, and carries them into the washing device.

Further, the receiving frame 403 is slid in a direction 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 tableware row WR to be separated from the side surface of the tableware W, and the locking is released. The tableware row WR transferred and placed on the cradle) may be taken out by the operator, separated into individual tableware W, and carried into the cleaning device 800.

In each washing 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 set frame 212 and the receiving frame (cradle) 403 are also changed. Change according to this.

After placing the tableware row WR on the set frame 212 of each of the cleaning lanes 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 transport means 201 is driven, and the chain conveyor 203 is rotated to transport one pitch of the tableware 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 to be carried into the dipping device 200 for one day (1 lot) is final, after the final tableware row WR is placed on the set frame 212, the final tableware row input switch is used. Operate 231. By this operation, the motor 207 of the transport means 201 is driven, and the chain conveyor 203 is rotated to transport one pitch of the tableware row pitch D. After operating the final tableware row input switch 231, after repeating intermittent transport in which the final tableware row WR is stopped 14 times on the transport means 201, the 15th transport of one pitch of the tableware row pitch D is performed. The control is performed to continue the intermittent drive of the motor 207 of the transport means 201 until the transfer and the placement are completed by pushing the motor 207 onto the receiving frame 403 due to the stop.

Even after a certain period of time after operating the final tableware row input switch 231, if it becomes necessary to carry the tableware row WR into the dipping device 200, the final tableware row release switch 232 is operated and on the set frame 212. After the tableware row WR is placed on the tableware row WR, the tableware row input switch 230 is then re-operated to be configured and controlled so that the above-mentioned operation can be repeated. The tableware row input switch 230, the final tableware row input switch 231 and the final tableware row release switch 232 are shown in FIG. The detailed operation operations related to these will be described later.

Next, the immersion water supply means 220 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13, 14, and 16.
The immersion water supply means 220 includes a plurality of nozzle pipes 221 arranged horizontally above the tableware row WR in the transport direction of the tableware row WR, and a plurality of nozzles 222 for injecting immersion water downward into the nozzle pipes 221. The nozzle pipe 221 has a pipe length direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware row WR so that immersion water can be sprayed over the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 in a plurality of rows of cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4. Moreover, a plurality of tableware rows WR are arranged in the transport direction.

Further, a plurality of nozzle tubes 223 arranged on the side of the tableware row WR in the transport direction of the tableware row WR, and a plurality of nozzles 224 for injecting immersion water laterally into the nozzle tube 223 are provided. In 223, the pipe length direction is the same as that of the tableware row WR (vertical direction) so that the immersion water can be sprayed for each of the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 in the multiple rows of washing lanes SR1 to SR4, and a plurality of tableware rows WR are conveyed in the transport direction. Have been placed.

Although the nozzle tube 223 is provided in addition to the nozzle tube 221, the immersion water that directly reaches the side surface of the tableware row WR is formed by injecting the immersion water in a conical shape from the nozzle 222 of the nozzle tube 221. The nozzle tube 223 may be omitted and only the nozzle tube 221 may be provided.

As shown in FIG. 1, a tank 225 for storing a predetermined amount of immersion water is arranged below the transport means 201, and a pump 228 for supplying the immersion water in the tank 225 to the nozzle pipes 221 and 223 via a supply path. To be equipped. The immersion water ejected 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, is collected, and is used for circulation.

Further, at a position below the rotary drum unit 701 of the separating means 400, the separating means 500, and the reversing means 700 of the separation / discharging device 300 provided as a subsequent step of the dipping device 200, which will be described later, the tableware W is drained and dropped from the tableware W at these portions. Water receivers 226 and 227 that receive the used immersion water are arranged. The immersion water received in the water receivers 226 and 227 is sequentially dropped into the tank 225, collected, and used for circulation.

Although not shown, the tank 225 is provided with a path for supplying immersion water (for example, fresh water) and a water level detecting means for keeping the immersion water level in the tank 225 at a predetermined level. Further, a heating means for raising the temperature of the immersion water in the tank 225 to a predetermined temperature, for example, 40 to 50 degrees C, a detergent supply means for supplying detergent, a filter for removing dirt components on the suction side of the pump 228, and the like are provided. ..

By raising the temperature of the immersion water and supplying the detergent, the moistening effect of the stain component adhering to the tableware W can be improved, and the removal of the stain component by the cleaning device 800 can be made more reliable. Further, the filter can inject more purified immersion water from the nozzle to further improve the wetting effect of the dirt component.

Although not shown, an outer member (cover) covering the transport means 201 and the immersion water supply means 220 is provided to form a tunnel-shaped immersion chamber to prevent the immersion water from scattering to the outside and dissipate the immersion water. It is possible to suppress the temperature drop, improve the moistening effect of the stain component adhering to the tableware W by keeping the immersion chamber in a high humidity state, and make the removal of the stain component in the cleaning device 800 more reliable. ..

It is assumed that one tank 225 and a pump 228 are provided over a plurality of rows of cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4, and the nozzle pipe 221 is immersed over the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 in the plurality of rows of cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4. The pipe length direction is orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware row WR so that water can be sprayed, and a plurality of pipe length directions are arranged in the transport direction of the tableware row WR. As a result, even if a plurality of rows of cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 are configured, the components can be standardized, simplified, and the control system can be unified.

Next, the operation operation of the immersion device 200 will be described. The configuration in which the cleaning lanes are arranged in four rows based on the embodiment will be described as a base.

(Immersion water filling step)
First, immersion water (for example, fresh water) is supplied into the tank 225 until a predetermined water level is reached. At this time, after supplying the immersion water into the tank 225 as needed, the 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 a heating means such as high temperature steam supply. The temperature rises 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 via the supply path, and injection is started from the nozzle 222 and the nozzle 224. The immersion water jetted from the nozzle 222 and the nozzle 224 falls into the tank 225, is stored, and is circulated for use.

(Tableware row set frame placement step)
After that, each of the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 that are stacked and independent in advance in each cleaning lane SR1 to SR4 with a predetermined number (for example, 20) facing upward is placed on the set frame 212 having the carry-in side of the transport means 201. ..

(Tableware line delivery start step)
First, after the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 to be carried into the dipping device 200 are placed on the set frame 212, the operator pushes the tableware row input switch 230 (see FIG. 9), and this operation is performed. The motor 207 of the transport means 201 starts to be driven by the signal. 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 of the chain conveyor 203 abuts on the side surface of the tableware W located at the bottom of the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 and is pushed from the set frame 212 onto the support rail 205 to be transferred.

(Intermittent transport start step)
When the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 are pushed and transferred from the set frame 212 onto the support rail 205, when the arm 210 that rotates with the drive shaft 209 is in a state of being rotated approximately 180 degrees, one end side of the arm 210 is It is close to the arm sensor 211, and the arm sensor 211 detects this and is controlled to stop driving the motor 207. At this time, the chain conveyor 203 is controlled to rotate by the pitch D between the tableware rows and stop on the support rail 205 for, for example, about 30 seconds. Further, the transport time (rotation time of the chain conveyor 203) for the pitch D between the tableware rows is set to, for example, approximately 1 second.

When the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 are pushed and transferred from the set frame 212 onto the support rail 205, they start to receive the immersion water ejected from the nozzles 222 and 224.

(Continuous loading step / immersion step of tableware line)
After that, the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 to be carried in second are placed on the set frame 212 again, and after the placement is completed, the operator pushes the tableware row input switch 230, and this operation signal is used. The drive of the motor 207 of the transport means 201 is started. Each of the chain conveyors 203 rotates, and the convex member 204 of the chain conveyor 203 abuts on the side surface of the tableware W located at the bottom of the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 and is pushed onto the support rail 205 from the set frame 212. Move and reprint. After that, this work and operation are repeated in sequence.

(Stop time priority step)
In the state where the second tableware rows WR1 to WR4 are placed and pushed from the set frame 212 onto the support rail 205 to be transferred, the placement of the second tableware rows WR1 to WR4 is completed on the set frame 212. However, even if the operator pushes the tableware row input switch 230, the motor 207 should not be started unless the first tableware rows WR1 to WR4 have passed the stop time of 30 seconds on the support rail 205. Control is performed to start driving the motor 207 after a stop time of 30 seconds has elapsed (stop priority control). Each of the chain conveyors 203 rotates, and the convex member 204 of the chain conveyor 203 abuts on the side surface of the tableware W located at the bottom of the second tableware rows WR1 to WR4, and the support rail 205 is provided from above the set frame 212. Push it up to reprint. At this time, the chain conveyor 203 rotates by the pitch D between the tableware rows by the detection of the arm sensor 211 and stops on the support rail 205 for about 30 seconds.

Further, when the second tableware rows WR1 to WR4 are placed on the set frame 212 and the operator pushes the tableware row input switch 230, the first tableware rows WR1 to WR4 are supported by the support rail 205. If the stop time of 30 seconds has passed, the motor 207 is immediately started to be driven. Each of the chain conveyors 203 rotates, and the convex member 204 of the chain conveyor 203 abuts on the side surface of the tableware W located at the bottom of the second tableware rows WR1 to WR4, and the support rail 205 is provided from above the set frame 212. Push it up to reprint. At this time, the chain conveyor 203 rotates by the pitch D between the tableware rows by the detection of the arm sensor 211 and stops on the support rail 205 for about 30 seconds.

Following the first tableware rows WR1 to WR4 that have already been sprayed with immersion water, the second tableware rows WR1 to WR4 are nozzles when they are pushed and transferred from the set frame 212 onto the support rail 205. 222, begins to receive the immersion water jetted from the nozzle 224.

The third and subsequent tableware rows WR1 to WR4 to be carried in also repeat the same operation as described above, and sequentially carry in (load) the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 into the dipping device 200.

(Final tableware row input step)
When the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 are sequentially carried into the dipping device 200, for example, the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 to be carried into the dipping device 200 for one day (1 lot) are final, the final tableware rows WR1 to 1 After placing the WR4 on the set frame 212, the final tableware row input switch 231 (see FIG. 9) is operated. By this operation, the motor 207 of the transport means 201 is driven, and the chain conveyor 203 is rotated to transport one pitch of the tableware row pitch D.

At this time, even if the final tableware row input switch 231 is operated, the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 immediately before the final tableware row WR1 to WR4 are brought in in the same manner as the first and second and subsequent tableware rows WR1 to WR4 are carried in. If the support rail 205 is not stopped for 30 seconds, the motor 207 is not started to be driven, and the motor 207 is controlled to be started after the 30-second stop time has elapsed.

Further, if the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 immediately before the final tableware rows WR1 to WR4 have passed the stop time of 30 seconds on the support rail 205, the driving of the motor 207 is started immediately. Each of the chain conveyors 203 rotates, and the convex member 204 of the chain conveyor 203 abuts on the side surface of the tableware W located at the bottom of the second tableware rows WR1 to WR4, and the support rail 205 is provided from above the set frame 212. Push it up to reprint.

The tableware rows WR1 to WR4 are sequentially loaded and intermittently conveyed by the pitch D between the tableware rows, and are supplied with the immersion water sprayed for a total of about 7 minutes while stopping at the stop position 14 times. Therefore, it is present in each of the maximum 14 rows of tableware rows WR1 to WR4 in the dipping apparatus 200 that receives the supply of the immersion water.

The first tableware rows WR1 to WR4 are intermittently transported 14 times while receiving the immersion water in the dipping device 200, and then transferred onto the receiving frame 403 by the next intermittent transport (15th time). After that, the tableware rows WR1 to WR4, which are sequentially put in, are also intermittently transported 14 times, and then transferred onto the receiving frame 403 by the next intermittent transport.

As described above, in the intermittent transportation, if the number of stops is 14 and the stop time is 30 seconds, each tableware row WR is supplied with the immersion water sprayed for at least about 7 minutes to moisten the dirt component. It will be.

In any of the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4, when the final tableware row WR is carried in earlier than the other washing lane SR, the final washing lane WR is carried in. The final tableware row input switch 231 is operated with the SR as a reference.

Further, even after a certain period of time after operating the final tableware row input switch 231, if it becomes necessary to carry the tableware row WR into the immersion device 200, the final tableware row release switch 232 (see FIG. 9) is operated. Then, after the tableware row WR is placed on the set frame 212, the above-mentioned operation can be repeated by operating the tableware row input switch 230 next.

Further, depending on the situation of the tableware W to which the dipping step should be performed, for example, the use of four (plural) cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 can be maximized, and for example, an arbitrary number of cleaning lanes SR can be selected and used. At this time as well, the same operation and control of loading, intermittent transporting, and unloading of the tableware row WR as described above are performed. In the embodiment, the description has been given as an example in which the four cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this.

The final tableware rows WR1 to WR4 carried into the dipping device 200 are intermittently transported 14 times, transferred onto the receiving frame 403 by the next intermittent transport (15th time), and then the drive of the chain conveyor 203 and the pump 228 is stopped. ..

The method of controlling the intermittent transfer of the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 by the chain conveyor 203 in relation to the separation / release device 300 and the separation / reversal device 600, which is a subsequent step of the immersion step by the immersion device 200, will be described later.

Next, the transport state of the tableware row WR by the transport means 201 will be described. In each of the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 carried into the dipping device 200, the bottom of the tableware W at the lowermost end is placed on the pair of support rails 205, and both side surfaces of the tableware W at the lowermost end are paired. 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 on the side surface (upstream side in the transport direction) of the tableware W at the lowermost end in the transport direction. With the rotation of 203, the entire tableware row WR that is self-supporting is conveyed by the convex member 204. At this time, the bottom of the tableware W at the lowermost end where the entire weight of the tableware row WR is applied slides on the pair of support rails 205, and both side surfaces of the tableware W at the lowermost end are along the pair of guide rails 206. Sliding.

As a result, the tableware row WR is along the pair of support rails 205 and the pair of guide rails 206 without using, for example, guide rods for supporting three or more places on the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W to maintain the self-supporting posture. It can be transported while maintaining a stable and independent posture.

In addition, the immersion water sprayed onto the tableware row WR wets the sliding surfaces of the pair of support rails 205 and the pair of guide rails 206 to make them slippery, reducing the sliding resistance with the tableware W and providing a more stable and independent posture. It can be transported while being maintained. The sliding surfaces of the pair of support rails 205 and the pair of guide rails 206 with at least the tableware W are made of a highly slippery resin or the like to further reduce the sliding resistance with the tableware W and make it more stable. It can be transported while maintaining an independent posture.

Next, a state in which the immersion water sprayed to the tableware row WR in the dipping device 200 is supplied to moisten the dirt adhering to the tableware W will be described with reference to FIG.

The immersion water jetted downward from the nozzle 222 of the nozzle tube 221 from above the uppermost tableware W of the tableware row WR is first stored in the surface side (recess) of the uppermost tableware W, and this water is stored. The soaked water flows down as overflowing water along the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W, is stacked 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 this gap.

At this time, when the amount of immersion water jetted downward from the nozzle 222 is increased, the water is first stored on the surface side (recess) of the tableware W at the uppermost end, and then overflows from the outer peripheral edge and falls. Along the outer peripheral edge of each tableware, the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR is reached in a short time. The water is branched from the falling flux of the immersion water, stacked from the outer peripheral edge of the adjacent tableware W located below, and flows into the gap between the adjacent tableware W, and the water is stored in a shorter time.

A part of the immersion water stored in the gap between the dishes W adjacent to each other is constantly replaced by the immersion water that flows into and is stored in the gap between the dishes W adjacent to each other and is continuously jetted. As a result, the wetting of the stain component is promoted, a part of the stain is peeled off and removed, and a pre-cleaning action is also generated, so that the cleaning effect and cleaning efficiency of the tableware cleaning system 100 as a whole can be further enhanced.

By injecting the immersion water downward from the nozzle 222 of the nozzle tube 221 at a wide angle, a part of the immersion water reaches the outer peripheral edge of the entire tableware W directly from the side of the tableware row WR and is adjacent to each other. Water is stored in each gap between the matching tableware W faster, and the removal of dirt on the outer peripheral edge is also promoted.

Further, in the case of the configuration in which the immersion water is sprayed from the nozzle 224 of the vertical nozzle tube 223 to each tableware W of the tableware row WR from the horizontal direction, the immersion water is directly from the side of the tableware row WR. It reaches the outer peripheral edge of the entire tableware W, and the water is stored in the gap between the tableware W adjacent to each other faster, and the removal of dirt on the outer peripheral edge is also promoted. The nozzle tube 223 in the vertical direction may be provided as needed from the viewpoint of simplifying the configuration.

The immersion water injected from the nozzle 222 of the nozzle pipe 221 or from the nozzle 224 of the nozzle pipe 223 into the tableware row WR flows down to the transport means 201, then falls into the tank 225, is stored, and is pumped again by the pump 228 to circulate. use. As a result, the amount of immersion water stored in the tank 225 can be minimized, and water can be saved. Further, the amount of immersion water supplied to the tableware row WR can be optimally adjusted by controlling the capacity of the pump 228.

As described above, in the dipping device 200 of the present embodiment, a plurality of tableware Ws are stacked (for example, 20 pieces) to form a tableware row WR, and the plurality of tableware rows WR (for example, 14 rows) are conveyed in 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 dirt component adhering to the tableware W is moistened by the immersion water stored between the tableware W adjacent to each other in the tableware row WR.

By stacking a plurality of tableware Ws to form a tableware row WR by utilizing the space in the vertical direction in this way and placing the plurality of tableware rows WRs close to each other in the transport direction on the transport means 201, the tableware rows WRs are placed. The tableware W can be stored in a high density in this space by minimizing 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 device 200 can be compactly configured, and space can be saved when installing.

Further, if the immersion device 200 is provided with a plurality of cleaning lanes SR, the required space in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware row WR between the adjacent cleaning lanes SR is minimized, and a large number of spaces are required in the entire space. Tableware W can be stored at high density. As a result, a larger number of tableware W can be immersed at the same time, the entire immersion device 200 can be compactly configured, and space can be saved when installing.

Conventionally, the main method has been to put individual tableware W or tableware row WR in a tableware basket or the like and submerge them in the immersion water stored in the immersion tank for a predetermined time. On the other hand, in the immersion device 200 of the present embodiment, a plurality of tableware Ws are stacked in the open air (space, underwater and outside) on the transport means 201 instead of being submerged in the immersion water, and the tableware row WR. Is formed, and the immersion water is sprayed while transporting the immersion water, and the immersion water stored between the dishes W adjacent to each other in each tableware row WR wets the dirt component adhering to the tableware W.
This stabilizes the dipping action of each tableware W, simplifies the work of loading and unloading the tableware row WR into the dipping device 200, improves workability and safety, and minimizes the dipping required for dipping. It becomes water and can save water.

As described above, the dipping device 200 of the present embodiment has a large amount of compactness and space saving while ensuring sufficient time for moisturizing and moistening the dirt adhering to the tableware W. Allows the tableware W to be immersed.

Next, the elevating means 400 for raising the tableware row WR immersed in the immersion water for a predetermined time by the dipping device 200 using FIGS. 1, 2 and 9 to 19 and the tableware row WR linked with the elevating means 400. The configuration of the separation / release device 300 for carrying out the separation / release step including the separation means 500 for separating and releasing the individual tableware W from the beginning will be described. Further, the configuration of the separation / reversing device 600 in which the reversing means 700 is added to the separation / discharging device 300 will be described.

The elevating means 400 for raising the tableware row WR constituting the separation / release device 300 is a motor 402 which is a drive source fixed to the fixing member 401, and a vertical elevating screw which rotates integrally with the rotation shaft of the motor 402. It has a rod 404. Further, the receiving frame (pedestal) 403 on which the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR is placed and the female screw body 403a integrated with the receiving frame 403 are screwed with the elevating screw rod 404, and the elevating screw rod is screwed. The rotation of the 404 causes the receiving frame 403 to move up and down via the female screw body 403a. As the receiving frame 403 rises, the entire tableware row WR is raised.

The motor 402 is a stepping motor with a built-in brake mechanism (not shown) that makes it easy to set a predetermined position in the vertical direction of the receiving frame 403 and prevents the lifting screw rod 404 from rotating when it is not driven (non-energized). Is preferably used.

Further, in order to prevent the receiving frame (pedestal) 403 from rotating around the elevating screw rod 404 as the central axis, two slide shafts (guide rods) arranged in parallel with the elevating screw rod 404 on the half-circumferential side of the tableware W. ) 405. It is preferable that the outer peripheral surface of the slide shaft 405 is slippery with the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W and at least the outer peripheral surface of the slide shaft 405 is made of resin in order to prevent the formation of metal marks on the tableware W.

Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the slide shaft 405, the outer peripheral edge of each tableware W slides along the outer peripheral surface of the slide shaft 405 when the tableware row WR is placed on the receiving frame 403 and during the ascending / descending operation, and the tableware row WR It also has the function of stabilizing the self-reliant posture of.

As described above, the receiving frame 403 is located on the carry-out side (downstream side in the transport direction) of the transport means 201, and has a U-shape in a top view supporting the bottom of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR. The surface supporting the bottom surface of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the WR and the upper surface of the pair of support rails 205 are set to substantially the same height, and the U-shaped opening side of the receiving frame 403 is positioned on the pair of support rail 205 sides. The convex member 204 of the chain conveyor 203 is locked to the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR placed on the pair of support rails 205 by intermittent transportation for the pitch D between the tableware rows, and the convex member 204 of the chain conveyor 203 is locked on the pair of support rails 205. It is pushed onto the receiving frame 403 to transfer and place it.

The receiving frame 403 forms a surface that supports the bottom surface of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR and a surface that guides the side surface of the tableware W, and regulates the position of the tableware row WR placed on the receiving frame 403. , Stabilize its self-reliant 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 placed on the receiving frame 403 by intermittent transportation for the pitch D between the tableware rows, when the receiving frame 403 rises, the side surface of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR is convex on the chain conveyor 203. The lock is released apart from the member 204 upwardly, and the tableware row WR rests on the receiving frame 403.

Further, in order to maintain the independent posture of the tableware row WR when the receiving frame 403 is raised as the whole of the tableware row WR is raised, the two slide shafts 405 supporting the outer peripheral edge of the tableware row W on the half circumference side are used. A tableware row guide 406 (see FIG. 15A) is provided on the opposite half-circumferential side, thereby aligning with the two slide shafts 405 and maintaining an independent posture when the tableware row WR on the receiving frame 403 is raised. At the same time, the deviation of the central axis of the tableware row WR can be suppressed.

Further, in the elevating means 400, a pair of tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR placed on the pair of support rails 205 by intermittent transportation for the pitch D between the tableware rows is provided with a pair of convex members 204 of the chain conveyor 203. A receiving frame sensor (lowering position detecting means) 407 that detects that the support rail 205 is pushed onto the receiving frame 403 to be transferred or placed is provided (FIGS. 10, 14, 17, 17, and FIG. 18, see FIG. 19). The switch is turned on when the receiving frame sensor 407 is in close proximity to the sensor sensing member 403b integrated with the receiving frame 403 using, for example, a magnetic proximity sensor, and the tableware row WR is supported by the convex member 204 of the chain conveyor 203. It controls by detecting whether it is a position where it can be transferred or placed by pushing it from the rail 205 onto the receiving frame 403.

Further, the tableware row WR placed on the receiving frame 403 is raised, and the separation means 500 described later completes the separation of the lowermost tableware W (the last tableware W to be separated) from the receiving frame 403. After the tableware sensor (grasping position detecting means) 410 that detects 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 raised by a predetermined distance from this position and stopped. When the receiving frame sensor (upper limit position detecting means) 408 approaches the sensor sensing member 403b integrated with the receiving frame 403 at this stop position, the switch is turned on, and the lifting screw rod 404 when raising the motor 402 Control is performed to rotate the receiving frame 403 in the direction opposite to the rotation in the direction, and the receiving frame 403 is pushed from the pair of support rails 205 onto the receiving frame 403 to be transferred and lowered to a lowering position (see FIG. 14).

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

Further, when the receiving frame 403 is in a lowered position where the convex member 204 of the chain conveyor 203 may push the receiving frame 403 from the pair of support rails 205 onto the receiving frame 403 to transfer or place the receiving frame 403, the tableware row WR on the receiving frame 403. A tableware sensor 409 composed of a pair of light emitting elements and a light receiving element for detecting the presence or absence of the above is provided. 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 elevating means 400 individually installed in the washing lanes SR1 to SR4. ..

When the tableware sensor 409 detects that there is no tableware W on all the receiving frames 403 of the elevating means 400 individually installed in the washing lanes SR1 to SR4, the subsequent tableware row WR transported by the transport means 201 is chained. The convex member 204 of the conveyor 203 pushes the pair of support rails 205 onto the respective receiving frames 403 to send a detection signal to the control device 1000 that the conveyor 203 may be transferred or placed. When the tableware sensor 409 detects that the tableware W is present, the rotation operation of the chain conveyor 203 may be made to stand by, and after detecting the absence of the tableware W, the rotation operation of the chain conveyor 203 may be started. Is sent to the control device 1000.

Further, the tableware sensor 409 detects that there is no tableware W on all the receiving frames 403 of the elevating means 400 individually installed in the washing lanes SR1 to SR4, and transfers and places the tableware row WR on the receiving frame 403. At that time, it is detected that there is a tableware row WR on the receiving frame 403, and a detection signal that each receiving frame 403 may be raised is sent to the control device 1000.

Next, the configuration of the separation means 500 that sequentially separates and releases the individual tableware W from the top of the tableware row WR in conjunction with the elevating means 400 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 10 to 19.

The arm unit 501 is configured by connecting one side of the arms 502 and 503 on both sides with a connecting arm 504, and an arm bearing 505 is attached to a substantially intermediate portion of the arms 502 and 503, respectively.
A fulcrum shaft 506 is passed through each of the arm bearings 505, and the arm unit 501 rotates around 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, the fixing member 509b is connected to and fixed to the storage body 511 to the fixing member 508.

A pair of storage bodies 511 having a predetermined length are fixed to the fixing member 509a, and the movable claws 512 are slidably housed in the recesses on the opposite sides of the facing storage bodies 511.
The upper surface 512a and the lower surface 512b of the movable claw 512 are formed, and a downwardly inclined inclined surface 512c 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 body 511. do. As will be described later, the apex portion of the upper surface 512a and the inclined surface 512c enters the lower side of the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W facing each other, grips and separates the tableware W.

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

The spring member (biasing means) 513 is housed in the recess of the storage body 511, and the movable claws 512 are urged in opposite directions (inward direction). Although not shown, when the movable claw 512 is urged in the opposite direction (inward direction) by the spring member 513, the stopper that limits the moving distance due to the sliding of the movable claw 512 and fastens it in the recess of the storage body 511. The unit is provided in the storage body 511.

An upper guide rail (guide rail) 514 is provided on the lower surface of the fixing member 509a facing the upper surface 512a of the movable claw 512, and the upper guide rail 514 is located up to the length of the fixing member 509b. Further, the fixing member 509b is provided with a lower guide rail (guide rail) 515 facing the upper guide rail 514. The outer peripheral edges of the tableware W are supported and slidable at the distance between the upper guide rail 514 and the upper surface 512a of the movable claw 512, and the distance between the upper guide rail 514 and the lower guide rail 515 provided on the fixing member 509b. It has become.

The pair of storage bodies 511, movable claws 512, and spring members 513 constitute the respective grip chucks 510a to 510d, and as shown in FIG. 11B, the respective grip chucks are along the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4. 510a to 510d are attached to the arm unit 501 to form a grip chuck unit 510. Note that FIG. 12 shows an example in which the arm unit 501 is provided with one grip chuck unit 510a.

Each of the gripping 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 opposing storage bodies 511 according to the shape of the tableware W, the diameter of the outer peripheral edge, and the like. Change the distance and shape between the movable claws 512.

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

The other end side of the rotary lever 528 is rotatably connected to one end side of the connecting lever 530 (first connecting member) having a predetermined length by a joint 529 (third rotating fulcrum). Further, the other end side of the connecting lever 530 (first connecting member) can be rotated by one end side of the arms 502 and 503 (opposite side of the grip chuck unit 510) and the joint 531 (second rotation fulcrum). Is connected to. Further, the other end side of the arms 502 and 503 having the grip chuck unit 510 rotates about the fulcrum shaft 506 (rotating fulcrum shaft, first rotating fulcrum) supported by the arm bearing 505 as a free end.

Arms 502, 503, fulcrum shaft 506 (rotating fulcrum shaft, first rotating fulcrum), connecting lever 530 (first connecting member), joint 531 (second rotating fulcrum), rotating lever 528 (second rotating fulcrum). The link mechanism 532 is composed of each of the connecting member) and the joint 529 (third rotation fulcrum). The link mechanism 532 reciprocates the arm unit 501 having the grip chuck unit 510 within a predetermined angle range (for example, about 45 degrees) from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position. The operation will be described later.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, the separating means 500 is supported and fixed to the fixed frame 533, and is provided with an extrusion member 540 corresponding to each of the gripping chucks 510a to 510d. The extrusion member 540 has a function of promoting the falling and releasing of the tableware W gripped by the gripping chucks 510a to 510d.

The motor 521, the link mechanism 532, the bearings 507, 525 and the like 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 a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position by being gripped by the grip chuck unit 510, whether the grasped tableware W remains at the position of the grip chuck unit 510. A tableware sensor 550 composed of a pair of light emitting elements and a light receiving element for detecting the presence or absence is provided. The tableware sensor 550 is installed in each of the grip chucks 510a to 510d provided in the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4.

When the tableware sensor 550 grips the arm unit 501 at an inclined position and detects that there is no tableware W at the position of the chuck unit 510, the control device outputs a detection signal that the arm unit 501 may be rotated to a substantially horizontal position. Send to 1000. Further, when the tableware sensor 550 still detects that the tableware W is at the position of the grip chuck unit 510, the control device controls the detection signal so as to stand by while stopping the rotation of the arm unit 501 to a substantially horizontal position. 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 uppermost end of the tableware row WR placed on the receiving frame 403 of each elevating means 400. The water injection pipe 570 is located so that one end opens toward the surface side of the tableware W located at the uppermost end, and the other end communicates with a water supply source (not shown). The water supply source is configured to communicate with the discharge path of the pump 813 of the cleaning device 800, which will be described later, to supply a part of the cleaning water (finishing cleaning water).

As the water to be injected into the surface side of the tableware W, a water injection pipe 570 may be communicated with the discharge path of the pump 228 of the immersion device 200 to supply a part of the immersion water, or a water supply (tap water) path. The water injection pipe 570 may be communicated with the water injection pipe 570 to supply fresh water.

Next, the configuration of the reversing means 700 provided in the separation / reversing device 600 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11, 15, 16, and 17.

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

The tableware storage space 704 is determined by the distance between the two side walls 702 and the distance between the plurality of partition walls 703 radially provided from the center side, depending on 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 size of the tableware storage space 704 in the circumferential direction is set so that almost the entire tableware W fits into the tableware storage space 704.

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

The rotation of the arm unit 501 and the rotation of the rotary drum unit 701 are driven by using 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 the fulcrum shaft 506 which is the 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 reciprocating rotation of the arm unit 501 and the intermittent rotation of the rotating drum unit 701 (for example, every about 45 degrees) are driven synchronously by the rotation of the motor 521 which is the same drive source.

The rotation of the arm unit 501 and the rotation of the rotary drum unit 701 were driven by using the motor 521 of the arm rotation mechanism 520 as the same drive source, but the drive source of the rotation of the arm unit 501 and the rotary drum unit 701 were driven. It may be driven as a separate drive source from the drive source of. 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 tableware drop guide is positioned so that the surface side of the tableware W is inverted downward by the rotation of the rotating drums 701a to 701d, and the inverted tableware W is dropped from the tableware storage space 704 by its own weight and discharged. 710 is provided. The tableware drop guide 710 allows the released tableware W to be transferred from the tableware storage space 704 onto the conveyor 802 of the washing device 800, which is the next step, in a stable posture.

Further, a tableware sensor 720 composed of a pair of light emitting elements and a light receiving element for detecting whether or not the tableware W released on the tableware drop guide 710 remains 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 washing 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 an inclined position to a substantially horizontal position, and the rotating drum unit 701 that is synchronously driven with the arm unit 501 rotates. A detection signal is sent to the control device 1000. Further, when the tableware sensor 720 still detects that the tableware W is on the tableware drop guide 710, the arm unit 501 rotates from an inclined position to a substantially horizontal position and is driven synchronously with the arm unit 501. A detection signal is sent to the control device 1000 not to start the rotation of the rotary drum unit 701.

Next, the operation operation of the separation / release device 300 and the separation / reversal device 600 that operates in connection with the separation / release device 300 will be described. First, the initial (standby) state at the time of starting the separate release operation and the separate reversal operation of the tableware W will be described.

The position of the receiving frame 403 included in the elevating means 400 constituting the separation / release device 300 is downward such that the surface supporting the bottom surface of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR and the upper surface of the pair of support rails 205 are substantially the same height. It is assumed that it is located in. The stopped state (standby state) at this lower position is a position where the receiving frame 403 enables the transfer and placement of the tableware row WR mounted on the pair of support rails 205 of the dipping device 200.

At this time, the receiving frame sensor sensing member 403b provided in each receiving frame 403 located in all the cleaning 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. Further, the tableware sensor 409 detects that there is no tableware W on the receiving frame 403. As a result, the tableware row WR mounted on the pair of support rails 205 is on standby in a state where it can be transferred and placed on the receiving frame 403.

Next, a basic standby state of the arm unit 501 constituting the separation / discharge device 300, the rotary drum unit 701 constituting the separation / reversal device 600 in addition to the separation / discharge device 300 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 15 (c) and 16 (c), the arm unit 501 having the grip chuck unit 510 is in a state of standing by at a position inclined by a predetermined angle (for example, about 45 degrees).
At this time, the joint 529 of the rotating lever 528 and the connecting lever 530 constituting the link mechanism 532 fixed to the rotating shaft 524 is at the bottom dead center (lowest 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) where it is pushed down.

As a result, the arms 502 and 503 are pushed up on the other end side of the arm unit 501 having the grip chuck unit 510 centered on the fulcrum shaft 506 (rotating fulcrum shaft, first rotating fulcrum), and the entire arm unit 501 is tilted. It is in a standby 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 in which the tableware storage space 704 capable of receiving the tableware W dropped and discharged from the grip chuck unit 510 is in the same direction as the grip chuck unit 510. It has become.

Further, the tableware sensor 550 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 released on the tableware drop guide 710 remains, detects that there is no tableware W throughout the tableware drop guide 710 in the washing lanes SR1 to SR4. (See FIG. 15 (c) and FIG. 19).
When these tableware sensor 550 and tableware sensor 720 detect that there is no tableware W, the arm unit 501, which is the next operation, is rotated from an inclined position to a substantially horizontal position (grasping position of tableware W). Control to enable.

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

The motor 521 is driven, the rotary lever 528 fixed to the rotary shaft 524 is rotated via the chain 527, the joint 529 of the rotary lever 528 and the connecting lever 530 changes to the top dead center (top point), and the connecting lever 530 One end and the joints 531 of the arms 502 and 503 change to the pushed up top dead center (top point).

As a result, the arms 502 and 503 are pushed down on the other end side of the arm unit 501 having the grip chuck unit 510 centered on the fulcrum shaft 506 (rotating fulcrum shaft, first rotating fulcrum), and the entire arm unit 501 is tilted. It changes from the position to the position rotated by about 45 degrees from the position to the substantially horizontal position.

At this time, the first tableware storage space 704, which was in the standby position of the rotating drum unit 701 of the reversing means 700, rotates (rotates clockwise) at approximately 45 degrees in the direction of the thick line arrow shown in FIG. 15, and the next tableware storage space. 704 is in the same direction as the arm unit 501.

Next, the operation of sequentially separating from the tableware W at the uppermost end of the tableware row WR, releasing the tableware, and reversing the tableware W will be described.
Here, the tableware row WR (first tableware row) first carried in by the dipping device 200 will be described as a state in which a predetermined immersion time has elapsed.

(Transfer of tableware line on the receiving frame, placement check step)
The tableware row WR is transferred from the dipping device 200 onto the receiving frame 403 of the elevating means 400. It is detected that it is in the position. Further, the tableware sensor 409 detects that the tableware W does not exist on the receiving frame 403. As a result, the tableware row WR mounted on the pair of support rails 205 is on standby in a state where it can be transferred and placed on the receiving frame 403.

(Tableware line transfer, placement step)
The chain conveyor 203 of the dipping device 200 is intermittently conveyed by the pitch D between the tableware rows on the receiving frame 403 at a lower position that enables the transfer and placement of the tableware row WR mounted 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.

(Tableware line rising, grasping position stop step)
When the transfer and placement of the tableware row WR on all the receiving frames 403 of the washing lanes SR1 to SR4 are completed, the tableware sensor 409 detects that the tableware W is present on the receiving frame 403. By this detection signal, the motor 402 of the elevating means 400 is driven, and the receiving frame 403 is raised together with the tableware row WR. When the tableware sensor 410 detects the tableware W located at the uppermost end of the tableware row WR in the process of raising, the drive of the motor 402 is stopped, and the position in the height direction of the uppermost tableware W of the tableware row WR (grasping position). To hold.

(Rotating step to the horizontal position of the arm unit)
Further, when the tableware sensor 410 detects the tableware W located at the uppermost end of the tableware row WR, the arm unit 501 having the grip chuck unit 510 that drives the motor 521 stands by at a position tilted by a predetermined angle (for example, approximately 45 degrees). The arm unit 501 is rotated to a substantially horizontal position from this state.

The process of rotating the entire arm unit 501 to a substantially horizontal position, and the separated state of the tableware W located at the uppermost end of the tableware row WR when reaching the substantially horizontal position will be described with reference to FIG.

In the states shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b), the inclined surface 512c of the pair of movable claws 512 of the grip chuck unit 510 abuts and presses against the opposite outer peripheral edges of the tableware W located at the uppermost end. start.
By further pressing, the movable claw 512 retracts (in the direction away from the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W) against the urging force of the spring member 513 which is the urging means.

(Step to grab the tableware at the top)
Further, when the arm unit 501 rotates to reach a substantially horizontal position and the apex portions of the upper surface 512a and the inclined surface 512c of the movable claw 512 exceed the lower surface of the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W, as shown in FIG. 13 (c). , The movable claw 512 is pressed inward (in the direction approaching the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W) by the urging force of the spring member 513, and the upper surface 512a of the movable claw 512 and the apex of the inclined surface 512c are located outside the tableware W at the uppermost end. It enters between the peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W immediately below, and is in a state of supporting and grasping the lower surface of the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W located at the uppermost end.

(Rotating step to the tilted position of the arm unit)
The arm unit 501 is rotated to grab the tableware W (first tableware W) located at the uppermost end in a substantially horizontal position, and then the arm unit 501 is rotated to an inclined position, as shown in FIG. 13 (d). As described above, the tableware W located at the uppermost 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 the movable claw 512, particularly the inclined surface 512c, is reduced, and smoother gripping and separation operations can be performed. ..

In addition, immersion water is stored between each tableware W in the tableware row WR, and the tableware W located above the tableware W adjacent to each other receives a slight buoyancy, and the inclined surface 512c of the pair of movable claws 512 is at the uppermost end. When pressing against the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W located, the buffering action of the stored immersion water absorbs the excessive pressing force on the tableware W at the time of pressing, and prevents the tableware W from being deformed or damaged. Has an effect.

Next, a process in which the arm unit 501 rotates to change to an inclined position and releases the tableware W that has been grasped and separated will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

(Tableware release step from the grip chuck)
15 (b) and 16 (a) show a process in which the arm unit 501 gradually rotates from a 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 due to its own weight. As the inclination angle further increases, as shown in FIG. 16B, in addition to the falling force due to gravity, the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W gripped by the grip chucks 510a to 510d abuts on the extrusion member 540. While sliding, it is pushed out to each tableware storage space 704 side of the rotating drums 701a to 701d.

(Release to tableware storage space, storage step)
As shown in FIGS. 15 (c) and 16 (c), when the arm unit 501 changes to a predetermined tilt angle, the grabbed tableware W is a rotating drum that rotates in conjunction with the tilt of the arm unit 501. It falls into each tableware storage space 704 of 701a to 701d and is released. At this time, the tableware sensor 550 is in a state of detecting the absence of the tableware W by dropping and releasing from the state of detecting the presence of the tableware W in the gripping chucks 510a to 510d.

The rotating drum unit 701 rotates 45 degrees to the right in the direction of the thick arrow shown in FIG. 15 in synchronization with the rotation of the arm unit 501 from the inclined position to the substantially horizontal position.
Further, the rotating drum unit 701 rotates 45 degrees to the right in the direction of the thick arrow shown in FIG. 15 in synchronization with the rotation of the arm unit 501 from the substantially horizontal position to the inclined position.
That is, when a one-cycle operation of rotating the arm unit 501 from an inclined position to a substantially horizontal position and from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position is performed, the rotating drum unit 701 is synchronized with this in the direction of the thick line arrow shown in FIG. It will rotate 90 degrees to the right.

In particular, the rotary drum unit 701 is released from the grip chuck unit 510 by rotating 45 degrees clockwise in the direction of the thick line arrow shown in FIG. 15 in synchronization with the rotation of the arm unit 501 from the substantially horizontal position to the inclined position. The tableware W to be generated can be received in the tableware storage space 704 of the rotating drum unit 701 at any timing during rotation of the arm unit 501 from the substantially horizontal position to the inclined position. Even if the sliding state of the grip chucks 510a to 510d changes depending on the type of tableware, dirt adhering to the tableware, etc., and the timing at which the tableware W is released differs, the released tableware W is reliably rotated. It can be picked up in the tableware storage space 704 of 701.

Since the rotating drums 701a to 701d rotate in synchronization with the inclination of the arm unit 501, the rotating drum 701a even if a part of the tableware W grasped in the process of reaching the predetermined inclination position starts to fall by its own weight. It is in a state where it can be stored in each tableware storage space 704 of ~ 701d, stabilizes the release of the tableware W gripped by the grip chucks 510a to 510d into each tableware storage space 704, and at the same time, the grip chuck 510a It can be released and transferred from ~ 510d into the tableware storage space 704 in an extremely short time.

In the process in which the tableware W gripped by the gripping chucks 510a to 510d falls by its own weight due to the inclination of the arm unit 501, the facing outer peripheral edges of the tableware W are the upper surface 512a of the movable claw 512, the upper guide rail 514, and the fixing member 509b. The tableware W can be stably dropped by its own weight because it slides guided by the lower guide rail 515 and the upper guide rail 514.

Further, at this time, the weight of the stored immersion water is added to the weight of the tableware W itself, the total weight is increased, the falling force due to gravity is increased, and the opposite outer peripheral edges of the tableware W are the upper surface 512a of the movable claw 512. When the tableware W is wet with the immersion water and falls by its own weight while being guided by the upper guide rail 514 and the lower guide rail 515 and the upper guide rail 514 of the fixing member 509b, the sliding resistance is reduced. ..
As a result, the tableware W can be dropped by its own weight more smoothly and stably, the falling speed can be increased, and the release time can be shortened.

Further, as described above, a 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 elevating means 400. Water is injected in addition to the immersion water stored in the immersion device 200 to the surface side of the tableware W located at the uppermost end, which is sequentially separated from this, and the concave portion on the surface side of the tableware W is always full and the outer peripheral edge is filled. It becomes a state of overflowing water and flows down to the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W located below.

As a result, the surface side of the tableware W located at the uppermost end, which is always sequentially separated, is filled with water, so that the weight of the stored immersion water and the water injected from the water injection pipe 570 are added to the weight of the tableware W itself. The total weight is further increased, the potential energy is increased, and the force to fall is increased. Therefore, the tableware W can be further smoothly and stably dropped by its own weight, the falling speed can be increased, and the release time can be shortened. Further, even when the relatively lightweight tableware W is used, the total weight is increased and the tableware W can be smoothly and stably dropped by its own weight.

Further, since the concave portion on the surface side of the tableware W located at the uppermost end is always filled with water, overflows from the outer peripheral edge, and flows down to the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W located below, even in the separation step. It is possible to promote the flow and replacement of the immersion water stored in the gap between the tableware W adjacent to each other in the tableware row WR, and to further exert the effect of the immersion action on the dirt component.

Further, since the concave portion on the surface side of the tableware W located at the uppermost end is always filled with water and is continuously supplied from the water injection pipe 570 and fluidized, it is possible to remove a part of the dirt component on the surface side. can. The water injection pipe 570 communicates with the discharge path of the pump 813 of the cleaning device 800, which will be described later, and supplies a part of the finishing cleaning water that does not contain dirt components, thereby further exerting the cleaning effect on the surface side of the tableware W. be able to.

When the arm unit 501 rotates from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position, the tableware W is inclined according to the inclination of the arm unit 501. The surface of the tableware W when the inclined tableware W slides on the grip chuck unit 510 and drops by its own weight, and when the tableware W is released from the grip chuck unit 510 and drops by its own weight into the tableware storage space 704 of the rotating drum 701. At least a part of the immersion water stored on the side is drained from the surface side below the inclined tableware W. Then, the flow of the immersion water accompanying the drainage can cause an action of removing a part of the dirt. This drainage flows down to the tank 225 via the water receivers 226 and 227.

Further, in addition to the immersion water stored in the dipping device 200, water is injected from the water injection pipe 570 and stored on the surface side of the tableware W located at the uppermost end to be sequentially separated, and the recess on the surface side of the tableware W is always full. When the arm unit 501 is separated by the grip chuck unit 510 and rotates from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position, the amount of drainage discharged from the surface side below the inclined tableware W increases. As a result, the removal of dirt components can be further promoted by the flow accompanying the wastewater.

As the tableware W, resin-molded resin tableware, fired porcelain tableware, or the like may be used, but the tableware washing system 100 of the present embodiment has a predetermined weight and has a predetermined weight on the front surface side and the back surface side of the tableware W. It is preferable to use porcelain tableware (including reinforced porcelain tableware) whose side is smooth and has good slipperiness and the surface of the tableware W is not scraped when slid.

Next, a state in which the second tableware W located next to the first tableware row WR is separated and released will be described.

(Tableware line re-elevation, grasping position stop step)
When the tableware W (first) located at the uppermost end of the tableware row WR is grasped and pushed out from the chucks 510a to 510d to each tableware storage space 704 side of the rotating drums 701a to 701d, the tableware sensor 550 moves from the light emitting element to the light receiving element. Light conducts and detects that there is no tableware W in the grip chucks 510a to 510d, and the detection signal drives the motor 402 of the elevating means 400 to raise the receiving frame 403. As the receiving frame 403 rises, the tableware sensor 410 detects the presence of the second tableware W, stops the drive of the motor 402, and holds the second tableware W in the gripping position.

(Rotating step to the horizontal position of the arm unit)
After that, the arm unit 501 that drives the motor 521 and has the grip chuck unit 510 stands by at a position inclined by a predetermined angle, and then rotates the arm unit 501 again to a substantially horizontal position.

Grasp and separate release state of the second tableware W when the arm unit 501 reaches a substantially horizontal position (topmost tableware grasping step, tableware release step from the grip chuck unit 510, release to the tableware storage space, storage step ) Is performed in the same manner as in the separated / released state of the tableware W located at the uppermost end (first) of the tableware row WR described above. For example, when 20 tableware Ws are stacked on the tableware row WR, the separation operation of the tableware Ws is repeated 20 times in sequence.

Even after the last tableware W of the tableware row WR is grasped by the chuck unit 510 and the arm unit 501 is rotated to an inclined position and dropped into the tableware storage space 704 by its own weight, the arm unit 501 is still tilted from the inclined position. One cycle of rotating to a substantially horizontal position and from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position is repeated for two consecutive cycles. During the reciprocating rotation of the arm unit 501 in these two cycles, the rotating drum unit 701 also rotates approximately 180 degrees in synchronization. During the rotation of the rotating drum unit 701, the two tableware Ws already stored in the tableware storage space 704 of the rotating drum unit 701 are inverted and discharged from the tableware storage space 704.

When the tableware sensor 550 is in a state where the arm unit 501 is in an inclined position and the tableware sensor 550 is in a state where it is still detecting that the tableware W is present in the gripping chucks 510a to 510d, the arm unit 501 is made to stand by in the tilted position and the gripping chucks 510a to 510a. After removing the factor that the tableware W does not fall in the 510d portion and the tableware sensor 550 detects that there is no tableware W, the arm unit 501 is rotated from the inclined position to the substantially horizontal position.

Next, the process of inverting the front and back surfaces of the tableware W will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.
The tableware W that is grabbed by the gripping chucks 510a to 510d, separated and released is sequentially released and moved into each tableware storage space 704 of the rotating drums 701a to 701d that rotate intermittently in synchronization with (interlocking with) the rotation of the arm unit 501. It will be posted. The tableware W released and transferred into each tableware storage space 704 sequentially inverts the surface side of the tableware W downward by the rotation of the rotating drums 701a to 701d, and the inverted tableware W is weighted from the tableware storage space 704. Drop and release. When the arm unit 501 is in an inclined position, the position opposite to the inclined position (180 degrees) is the discharge position to the rotating drums 701a to 701d (see FIG. 15C).

The tableware drop guide 710 held at the position where the tableware W after inversion is discharged is slid and transferred onto the conveyor 802 of the cleaning device 800 in the next step which is already in the driven state. Washing water is sprayed from the top and bottom of the tableware W onto the front and back surfaces to start washing. At this time, the transport speed of the tableware W on the conveyor 802 is set to be faster than the speed of the tableware W falling on the tableware drop guide 710 by its own weight. As a result, the tableware W is prevented from staying on the tableware drop guide 710, and a predetermined distance is provided between the tableware W adjacent to each other on the conveyor 802 to prevent the tableware W from overlapping with each other and to enable reliable cleaning. .. The basic configuration operation of the cleaning device 800 will be described later.

Further, a tableware sensor 720 composed of a pair of light emitting elements and a light receiving element for detecting whether or not the released tableware W remains on each tableware drop guide 710 is provided, and the tableware sensor 720 is used for cleaning. After detecting that there is no tableware W over the entire tableware drop guide 710 provided in the lanes SR1 to SR4, the arm unit 501 is rotated from an inclined position to a substantially horizontal position.

When the tableware sensor 720 is in the state of detecting the presence of the tableware W on the tableware drop guide 710, the arm unit 501 is made to stand by at an inclined position. Then, after removing the factor of staying in the tableware drop guide 710 and detecting that there is no tableware W, the arm unit 501 is rotated from an inclined position to a substantially horizontal position.

(Tableware row sequential intermittent transportation step)
After completing the separation and release operation of all the tableware W of one tableware row WR, the tableware row WR that is intermittently transported next is transferred to the receiving frame 403 of the elevating 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 grip chuck unit 510 is rotated from a position tilted by a predetermined angle (standby position, discharge position) to a substantially horizontal position (grasping position), and is rotated from this substantially horizontal position to a position tilted by a predetermined angle. The reciprocating operation until returning is one cycle, and the operation time of this one cycle is set to, for example, about 1.5 seconds via the link mechanism 532 by setting the rotation speed of the motor 521. As a result, each tableware W located at the uppermost end of the tableware row WR can be separated and released at high speed for a short time of 1.5 seconds. For example, 20 tableware Ws stacked on the tableware row WR are set. In the case, one tableware row WR finishes the operation of separating and releasing all the tableware W in a time of 30 seconds. The one cycle time of the reciprocating operation of the arm unit 501 is not limited to about 1.5 seconds.

Further, the tableware W separated and released at high speed at the inclined position of the arm unit 501 in one cycle is spaced 1.5 seconds into the tableware storage space 704 of the rotating drum unit 701 that rotates in synchronization with the reciprocating rotation of the arm unit 501. It is stored in. Further, from the tableware storage space 704 located on the side opposite to the inclined position of the arm unit 501, the tableware W whose front and back surfaces are inverted and whose front surface side faces downward is transferred onto the conveyor 802 of the washing 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. It will be transferred to 802 at intervals of 1.5 seconds.

The one-cycle operation time of the arm unit 501 can be set by the rotation speed of the motor 521. Further, if the motor 521 always continues to rotate and the rotation speed is constant, the link mechanism 532 allows the arm unit 501 to rotate. It will be instantly reversed at a position tilted by a predetermined angle and a substantially horizontal position (grasping position).

(Standing step for tilted position of arm unit)
The arm unit 501 was tilted by controlling to suspend the rotation of the motor 521 when the tilted position of the arm unit 501 was reached without instantaneously reversing from the tilted position of the arm unit 501 to a substantially horizontal position. You can control how long you stay in position, that is, how long you wait.
This standby time is set to, for example, about 0.05 seconds, and is set based on the separation and release time of the tableware W in the gripping chuck unit 510 part, the storage time in the tableware storage space 704, and the like. By providing this standby time, it is possible to reliably separate and discharge from the grip chuck unit 510 part, discharge to the rotary drum unit 701, and store it.

(Approximately horizontal position standby step of the arm unit)
Further, the arm unit 501 having the grip chuck unit 510 is instantly inverted from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position, and the motor 521 is rotated at a position where the arm unit 501 is rotated in a position direction slightly inclined from the substantially horizontal position. Control to stop temporarily. The standby time due to this temporary stop is set to, for example, about 0.1 second, and is set as a time for more reliably grasping the tableware W with the grip chuck unit 510. After the standby time has elapsed, the motor 521 is rotated to rotate the arm unit 501 from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position.

As described above, the inclined surface 512c of the pair of movable claws 512 included in the grip chuck unit 510 abuts and presses against the opposite outer peripheral edges of the tableware W located at the uppermost end, and the movable claws 512 are urged by further pressing. It recedes against the urging force of the spring member 513, which is a means (direction away from the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W).
Further, when the arm unit 501 rotates and reaches a substantially horizontal position and the apex portions of the upper surface 512a and the inclined surface 512c of the movable claw 512 exceed the lower surface of the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W, the movable claw 512 is attached with the spring member 513. Pressed inward by the force (in the direction approaching the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W), the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W whose upper surface 512a of the movable claw 512 and the apex of the inclined surface 512c are located at the uppermost ends, and the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W directly below. It enters between and is in a state of supporting and grasping the lower surface of the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W located at the uppermost end (see FIGS. 13 (a) to 13 (c)).

After the pair of movable claws 512 included in the grip chuck unit 510 retract against the urging force of the spring member 513 (directions away from the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W), the movable claws 512 are pressed by the urging force of the spring member 513. It takes some time to return to the inside (the direction approaching the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W).
The waiting time due to the temporary stop of the rotation of the motor 521 at the position where the arm unit 501 is rotated in the position direction slightly inclined from the substantially horizontal position is the return time due to the urging force of the spring member 513 for the movable claw 512. After securely securing and thereby grasping the tableware W, the impact (reaction force) when the arm unit 501 starts rotating from a substantially horizontal position to a position inclined by a predetermined angle causes the tableware W once grasped. You can grab it without dropping it.

Further, when the rotation of the motor 521 is temporarily stopped at a position where the arm unit 501 is rotated in a position slightly inclined from the substantially horizontal position, the tableware W located at the uppermost end of the tableware row WR is the second lower tableware. It is in a state of being slightly higher than the tableware W in.
In this state, the inclined surface 512c of the movable claw 512 and the apex portions 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 urging force of the spring member 513 and surely returns to the inside (direction approaching the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W), whereby the tableware W located at the uppermost end can be gripped more reliably.

The operating time of one cycle in which the arm unit 501 reciprocates, including the time during which the arm unit 501 stays at an inclined position and the time during which the arm unit 501 stays at a substantially horizontal position, is approximately 1.5 seconds. Is to be.

Further, by controlling the rotation speed of the motor 521, the rotation speed of the arm unit 501 having the grip chuck unit 510 from a predetermined angle inclined position (standby position, discharge position) to a substantially horizontal position (grasping position), and this abbreviation. It is also possible to individually control each of the rotation 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, the arm unit 501 is substantially horizontal from a predetermined angle inclined position when there is no tableware W gripped by the grip chuck unit 510. The rotation time from the substantially horizontal position of the arm unit 501 to the position tilted by a predetermined angle when the gripping chuck unit 510 has the tableware W gripped is set longer than the rotation time to the position.

As a result, while maintaining the operation time of one cycle in which the arm unit 501 reciprocates, for example, 1.5 seconds, the tableware W gripped by the gripping chuck unit 510 by rotating the arm unit 501 to a position tilted by a predetermined angle. The time for releasing the tableware due to its own weight drop and the time for storing the tableware storage space 704 of the rotating drum unit 701 can be longer, and the tableware W can be more reliably stored in the tableware storage space 704.

Further, the tableware row WR placed on the receiving frame 403 is raised, and the separation means 500 completes the separation of the last tableware W to be separated from the receiving frame 130 at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR, and the remaining tableware on the receiving frame 403. After the tableware sensor 410 (grasping position detecting means) that detects 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 by a predetermined distance from this position and stopped. At this stop position, when the receiving frame sensor 408 (upper limit position detecting means) comes close to the sensor sensing member 403b integrated with the receiving frame 403, the receiving frame sensor 408 issues a detection signal to increase the rotation of the motor 402 and raise the receiving frame 403. The lowering position where the receiving frame 403 is pushed from the pair of support rails 205 onto the receiving frame 403 to be transferred and placed by controlling the rotation of the elevating screw rod 404 in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the lifting screw rod 404. (See FIG. 14).

After the separation of the last tableware W (topmost tableware W) to be separated at the uppermost end of the tableware row WR is completed, the receiving frame 403 is transferred from the pair of support rails 205 and lowered to the lowering position to be placed. The time until is, for example, about 2 seconds. The lowering of the receiving frame 403 starts almost at the same time as the arm unit 501 starts rotating 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 the chain conveyor 203 which is the transport means 201 of the dipping device 200. Is rotated by one pitch (pitch D between tableware rows), and the next tableware row WR is transferred and placed on the receiving frame 403 from the pair of support rails 205.
The time for rotating the chain conveyor 203 by one pitch (pitch D between tableware rows) is about 1 second.

Further, 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 raising the receiving frame 403 and stops raising the receiving frame 403 (time for raising the receiving frame 403 to the gripping position) is, for example, approximately 1 second.

As a result, after all the tableware Ws in one tableware row WR are separated, the time until the separation of the uppermost tableware W in the next tableware row WR is started lowers the receiving frame 403 to the lowering position. Time to move (about 2 seconds), time to transfer and place the next tableware row WR on the receiving frame 403 lowered from the pair of support rails 205 (about 1 second), time to raise the receiving frame 403 to the gripping position again The total of each (approximately 1 second) is approximately 4 seconds.
Therefore, after all the tableware Ws in one tableware row WR are separated, the tableware Ws are continuously separated with the minimum required time until the separation of the tableware W at the uppermost end of the next tableware row WR is started. Emission and reversal operations can be performed.

By reciprocating (1 cycle) the arm unit 501 in an extremely short time of, for example, about 1.5 seconds, the tableware W stacked in one tableware row WR is separated and released at high speed, and further inverted. However, after all the tableware Ws in one tableware row WR are separated, the time required to start the separation of the tableware W at the uppermost end of the next tableware row WR is also minimized. It is possible to sequentially and continuously separate, release, and reverse the tableware W from the tableware row WR that has passed the predetermined immersion time.

The tableware W that was sequentially and continuously separated and released at high speed and the inverted tableware W were transferred to the conveyor 802 of the cleaning device 800, which is the next step, placed on the tableware W, and sprayed on the front and back surfaces of the cleaning water. It will be washed. The reciprocating operation (1 cycle) of the arm unit 501 is performed for about 1.5 seconds, and after all the tableware Ws in one tableware row WR are separated, the separation of the topmost tableware W in the next tableware row WR is started. Assuming that the required time is about 4 seconds, the number of dishes W to be washed per hour in one washing lane SR is about 2118, and a large number of dishes W can be washed. Further, in the case of four rows of washing lanes SR1 to SR4, the number of washing treatments of the tableware W four times as many as this is the number of washing treatments of the tableware 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 by the chucks 510a to 510d and the arm unit 501 is rotated to an inclined position and dropped into the tableware storage space 704 by its own weight, the arm unit One cycle of rotating 501 from an inclined position to a substantially horizontal position and from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position is repeated for two consecutive cycles. The operation time for the arm unit 501 to repeat for two consecutive cycles is approximately 3 seconds, and the lowering operation of the receiving frame 403 after separating the last tableware W of the tableware row WR within this operating time is performed. Take control.

In addition, in all of the washing lanes SR1 to SR4 of the plurality of rows, when the number of the tableware W to be stacked is the same number (for example, 20) and the dishes are sequentially separated and released from the tableware row WR, the tableware row WR of the washing lanes SR1 to SR4 is used. The time for all the tableware W to be separated and released is the same, and the time until the separation of the tableware W at the uppermost end of the next tableware row WR is started is also the same.

However, in any of the plurality of rows of washing lanes SR1 to SR4, for example, in the washing lane of SR1, when the number of tableware W to be stacked is small (for example, 18), the total number of tableware W is from this tableware row WR. The time for separation is shorter than the time for all the dishes W to be separated from the 20 dishes in the other washing lane SR, and the receiving frame 403 of the washing lane of SR1 is preceded by the pair of support rails 205. It is lowered to the lowering position where it is transferred and placed, and waits until the receiving frame 403 of the washing lane of the other washing lines SR2 to SR4 is lowered to the lowering position.

After all the receiving frames 403 of the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 have been lowered to the lowered position, the next tableware row WR is transferred and placed on the receiving frame 403 lowered from the pair of support rails 205 of the dipping device 200, and the most is placed. It controls to start the 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 as the tableware row WR, the number of processing for separating and releasing the tableware W is reduced by the amount corresponding to the time for waiting the receiving frame 403 (for two tableware W). It will be. Therefore, in each of the washing lanes SR1 to SR4, the number of dishes W to be stacked may be different for each tableware row WR, but the same number is used as the dishwashing system 100 to wash the dishes W per unit time. Is preferable in that the cleaning efficiency can be maximized.

In the dishwashing system 100 in which the washing lane SR is composed of the dipping device 200, the separation / discharging device 300, the separation / reversing device 600, and the washing device 800, the surface of the tableware W is supplied by the dipping device 200 to the tableware row WR. Sufficient wetting action of the dirt component by the water storage on the side, the flow of the stored soaking water, the action of removing some dirt by replacing the soaking water, the water is stored in the tableware W in the separation / release device 300 and the separation / reversing device 600. Pre-cleaning is performed by the flow of the immersion water and the action of removing dirt from the drainage. As a result, it is possible to reliably remove the dirt remaining due to the washing by spraying the washing water on the front and back surfaces of the tableware W in the washing device 800.

Further, in the separation / release device 300 for the tableware W from the tableware row WR and the separation / discharge method based on the separation / discharge device 300, the central axis of the tableware row WR and the grip chuck are included, including the elevating means 400 and the separation means 500. The central axis of the tableware W when grasped and released by the arm unit 501 having 510a to 510d is configured to be substantially linear along the transport direction of the tableware W, and the tableware W at the uppermost end of the tableware row WR is grasped. The tableware W can be separated upward from the tableware row WR, and the tableware W can be immediately dropped by its own weight immediately after this separation.

As a result, the stacked tableware W can be separated and released at high speed. Further, the required space (required distance) in the transport direction of the tableware W along the washing lane SR in the plan view and the direction orthogonal to the transport direction is minimized, and the installation floor area of the tableware W separation / release device 300 is reduced. Therefore, it can be made compact. Further, even when a plurality of rows of the separation / discharge devices 300 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware W, the size can be reduced.

Further, in the separation / reversing device 600 of the tableware W from the tableware row WR and the separation / reversing method based on the separation / reversing device 600, the center of the tableware row WR including the elevating means 400, the separating means 500, and the reversing means 700. The central axis of the tableware W when grasped by the arm unit 501 having the axis and the grip chucks 510a to 510d and released and inverted is configured to be substantially linear along the transport direction of the tableware W, and the tableware row WR. The tableware W at the uppermost end can be grasped and 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 and inverted.

As a result, the stacked tableware W can be separated, released and inverted at high speed. Further, the required space (required distance) in the transport direction of the tableware W along the washing lane SR and the direction orthogonal to the transport direction is minimized in a plan view, and the installation floor area of the tableware W separation / reversing device 600 is reduced. Therefore, it can be made compact. Further, even when a plurality of rows of the separation / reversing devices 600 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware W, the size can be reduced.

Further, even in the connection configuration of the dipping device 200 and the elevating means 400, the tableware row WR is independently conveyed on the support rail 205 in a vertical posture, and is transferred to the elevating means 400 in the independent posture. Therefore, the tableware W at the uppermost end of the transferred tableware row WR can be sequentially separated. As a result, the space can be saved and the size can be reduced by including the dipping device 200 and the separation / release device 300, and the dipping device 200 and the separation / reversing device 600 without generating wasted space.

Next, the configuration of the cleaning device 800 for carrying out the cleaning step of injecting cleaning water onto the front and back surfaces while transporting the individual tableware W discharged from the separation / reversing device 600 will be described with reference to FIG.

The cleaning device 800 mainly includes a transport means 801 for transporting the individual tableware W discharged from the separation / reversing device 600, and a cleaning water supply means 810 for injecting cleaning water onto the front and back surfaces of the individual tableware W to be transported. Be prepared.
The transport means 801 is attached 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, each sprocket 803 has a drive shaft, which is a common rotation shaft, that rotates synchronously by a motor (drive source).

The washing water jetted from the washing water supply means 810 can pass through the conveyor 802, and supports and continuously conveys the surface side of each tableware W with the surface side of the tableware W facing downward.
Although not shown, the conveyor 802 has 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 the individual tableware W from being lifted by the upward injection of the washing water. A guide member for regulating the position of the tableware W is provided, whereby the individual dishes W are conveyed to the respective washing lanes SR1 to SR4 in a substantially linear line along the conveying direction.

The washing water supply means 810 includes a plurality of nozzle tubes 811 arranged horizontally above and below the tableware W in the transport direction of the tableware W, and a plurality of nozzle tubes 811 for injecting wash water upward and downward. The nozzle tube 811 is provided with a nozzle 812, and the length direction of the tube is set with respect to the transport direction of the tableware W so that the washing water can be jetted over the tableware W in the washing lanes SR1 to SR4 in a plurality of rows by branching from the supply path. A plurality of dishes are arranged in the directions orthogonal to each other and in the transport direction of the tableware W.

As shown in FIG. 1, a tank 814 for storing a predetermined amount of wash water is arranged at a position below the transport means 801, and a pump 813 for supplying the wash water in the tank 814 to the nozzle pipe 811 via a supply path is provided. .. The cleaning water ejected from the plurality of nozzles 812 of the nozzle tube 811 falls into the tank 814, is collected, and is used for circulation.

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

By raising the temperature of the washing water and supplying the detergent, the cleaning effect of the dirt component adhering to the tableware W can be improved, and the removal of the dirt component can be made more reliable. Further, the filter can further purify the cleaning water used for circulation and inject the cleaning water from the nozzle 812 to further improve the effect of removing the dirt component.

It is assumed that one tank 814 and a pump 813 are provided over the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 in a plurality of rows, so that even if the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 in a plurality of rows are configured, the components can be standardized and simplified. And the control system can be unified.

Although not shown, an outer member (cover) covering the transport means 801 and the wash water supply means 810 is provided to form a cleaning chamber in a tunnel shape to prevent the wash water from scattering to the outside and dissipate the wash water. It is possible to suppress the temperature drop and keep the washing chamber in a high humidity state to more reliably remove the dirt component adhering to the tableware W. Further, the tableware W of the cleaning device 800 is provided with a main cleaning zone and a rinsing cleaning zone in the transport direction, and further, the length of the transport means 801 in the transport direction and the cleaning water corresponding to the cleaning processing capacity per unit time. The number and arrangement of the nozzles 812 of the supply means 810 are set.

Next, the operation operation of the cleaning device 800 will be described. First, a configuration in which the cleaning lanes are arranged in four rows will be described as a base based on the embodiment.

(Washing water filling step)
First, wash water (for example, fresh water) is supplied into the tank 814 until the water level reaches a predetermined level. At this time, after supplying the washing water into the tank 814 as needed, the 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 degrees C by a heating means such as high temperature steam supply. The temperature rises to.

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

(Washing step)
The tableware W that drives the conveyor 802 and falls and is discharged onto the conveyor 802 from the tableware storage space 704 of the rotating drums 701a to 701d of the separation / reversing device 600 with the front side facing downward is washed water on the front and back surfaces while being conveyed by the conveyor 802. Is sprayed and the attached dirt is removed. The cleaning effect can be further enhanced by using a nozzle 812 arranged in a part of the cleaning zone in the transport direction to eject a high-speed and low-speed water flow to generate a cavitation jet.

As described above, the tableware drop guide 710 held at the position where the tableware W after inversion is discharged 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 to be faster than the speed of the tableware W falling on the tableware drop guide 710 by its own weight. As a result, the tableware W is pulled from the tableware drop guide 710 onto the conveyor 802, preventing the tableware W 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. It is possible to prevent the tableware W from overlapping with each other by giving a predetermined interval and perform reliable cleaning.
The washed individual tableware W sequentially drops by its own weight onto the tableware organizing device 900.

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

The tableware organizing device 900 receives and holds the tableware W conveyed from the washing device 800, and guides the transfer of the tableware W to the inclined holder 904 and the push plate 905 that pushes the tableware W one by one to the organizing position. 901 is provided with a stacker 901 and an extrusion claw 906 for extruding a predetermined number of tableware W stacked in a rearranging position to a take-out position where the tableware W can be taken out.

The holder 904 has a lower receiving position for receiving the tableware W that has been transported and drops by its own weight, and a middle receiving position for stacking and organizing the tableware W in front of the receiving position in the transfer direction (delivery side) of the tableware W. It is located in front of the arrangement position in the transfer direction of the tableware W, and has an upper tableware W take-out position for taking out the stacked and arranged tableware W.

Further, the tableware organizing device 900 includes a first holding claw 907 that holds the tableware W at the organizing position in the middle stage for stacking and organizing the tableware W, and a second holding claw 908 that holds the tableware W at the taking-out position. The push plate 905 is driven by the drive means 902 of the push plate for the stacker, and the extrusion claw 906 is driven by the drive means 903 for the extrusion claw. A predetermined number (for example, 20) of stacked tableware W held at the take-out position is arbitrarily taken out by an operator.

The driving means 902 of the push plate 905 for the stacker drives the push plate 905 to the receiving position and pushes the tableware W to the organizing position in the middle stage. Then, when the tableware W that falls by its own weight reaches a predetermined number (for example, 20) by detecting, for example, a tableware sensor (not shown) composed of a pair of light emitting elements and a light receiving element, the driving means 903 for the extrusion claws. Is driven to push the entire tableware W in which a predetermined number of sheets are stacked to the take-out position of the upper tableware W.

Further, in the tableware organizing device 900, the operation of the push plate 905 of the stacker 901 by the drive means 902 of the push plate 905 for the stacker and the operation of the extrusion claw 906 by the drive means 903 for the extrusion claw can be operated independently. The drive means 903 for the extrusion claws can be operated even while the drive means 902 for the push plate for the stacker is in operation, and the tableware W conveyed from the washing device 800 is not temporarily retained and is further washed. The tableware W can be continuously dropped by its own weight to the receiving position without suspending the conveyor 802 of the apparatus 800.

In the dishwashing system of the present embodiment, the dishwashing device 900 is provided in the subsequent process of the washing device 800, but instead of this, a transport path for receiving the tableware W discharged from the washing device 800 is configured. You may take out every predetermined number in preparation.

Next, another embodiment of the dishwashing system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 22. The difference from the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is that the reversing means 700 is eliminated, the tableware W separated and released by the separation / discharge device 300 is conveyed to the washing device 800, and the washing is sprayed from the washing water supply means 810. It is designed to be washed with water. The washing water supply means 810 has the same configuration as that shown in FIG.

In the conveyor 804 of the cleaning device 800, links 804a, which are a large number of mountain valley-shaped tableware holding members, are connected to each other in parallel side views, and the pair of links 804a are connected to each other in an endless chain shape by a rod-shaped body 805. ..
The conveyor 804 is suspended on a sprocket 808, and the sprocket 808 is driven by a motor (not shown) as a driving means to rotate the conveyor 804.
Further, the sprocket 808 has a protrusion 806 corresponding to the parallel links 804a, and the protrusion 806 brings the tableware W supported between the valley-shaped portions of the link 804a at the downstream end of the conveyor 804. It has a function to push out.

Further, between the separation / release device 300 and the cleaning device 800, a tableware chute 560 that guides the tableware W separated and released by the separation / release device 300 to the conveyor 804 of the cleaning device 800 is provided. The conveyor 804 and the tableware chute 560 are provided in the respective washing lanes SR1 to SR4.

In this embodiment, the separation / release device 300 releases and drops the tableware W onto the conveyor 804 with the surface side facing upward. The lower part of the outer peripheral edge of the released and dropped tableware W fits between the valley-shaped portions of the link 804a of the conveyor 804, and the tableware W is conveyed diagonally upward on the surface side thereof, and the nozzle of the cleaning device 800. It is washed with the washing water jetted from 812 (see FIG. 1). The washed tableware W is conveyed by the conveyor 804, and at the downstream end thereof, as shown in FIGS. 22 (a), (b) and (c), is extruded by the protrusion 806 of the sprocket 808 and placed on the tableware chute 809. It is released. The tableware W released on the tableware chute 809 is, for example, stored in a tableware basket or the like in a predetermined number by an operator and transported.

The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the dipping device 200 and the separation / reversing device 600, the elevating means 400, the separating means 500, the rotary drum unit 701, the separation / reversing device 600, etc. are not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and do not deviate from the gist of the invention. Any modified configuration can be adopted in. Further, although the tableware W has been described as an example of the object to be washed, it can also be applied to a container or the like.

100 Dishwashing system 200 Immersion device 201 Conveyor 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 transfer control means)
211 Arm sensor (intermittent transfer control means)
212 Set frame 220 Immersion water supply means 221 Nozzle tube 222 Nozzle 223 Nozzle tube 224 Nozzle 225 Tank 226 Water receiver 227 Water receiver 228 Pump 230 Tableware line input switch 231 Final tableware line input switch 232 Final tableware line release switch 300 Separate discharge device 400 Lifting means 401 Fixing member 402 Motor (drive source)
403 Receiving frame (cradle)
403a Female screw body 403b Sensor sensing member 404 Lifting screw rod 405 Slide shaft (guide rod)
406 Tableware row guide 407 Receiving frame sensor (lowering position detection means)
408 Receiving frame sensor (upper limit position detecting means)
409 Tableware sensor (means for detecting the presence or absence of tableware on the receiving frame)
410 Tableware sensor (grasping position detection means)
500 Separation means 501 Arm unit 502, 503 Arm 504 Connecting arm 505 Arm bearing 506 Support shaft (rotation fulcrum shaft, first rotation fulcrum, drum rotation drive shaft)
507 Bearing 508 Fixing member 509a, 509b Fixing member 510 Grip chuck unit 510a, 510b, 510c, 510d Grip chuck 511 Storage 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 rotary shaft 523 Sprocket 524 Rotating shaft 525 Bearing 526 Sprocket 527 Chain 528 Rotating lever (second connecting member)
529 joint (third rotation fulcrum)
530 connecting lever (first connecting member)
531 joint (second rotation fulcrum)
532 Link mechanism 533 Fixed frame 540 Extruded member 541 Fixed frame 550 Tableware sensor (separate release 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 Rotating drum side wall 703 Rotating drum partition wall 704 Tableware storage space 705 Drum drive part 706 Sprocket 707 Sprocket 708 Chain 720 tableware sensor (reversal emission detection means)
800 Cleaning device 801 Conveyor means 802 Conveyor 803 Sprocket 804 Conveyor (conveyor means)
804a link (tableware holding member)
805 Rod-shaped 806 Protrusion 807 Tableware chute 808 Sprocket 809 Tableware chute 810 Washing water supply means 811 Nozzle tube 812 Nozzle 813 Pump 814 Tank 900 Tableware organizer 901 Stacker 902 Drive means for push plate for stacker 903 Extruded claw 904 Holder 905 Push plate (for stacker) 906 Extruded claw 907 1st holding claw 908 2nd holding claw 1000 Control device W Tableware WR Tableware row SR, SR1 to SR4 Cleaning lane

Claims (14)

It is a method of dipping tableware that moisturizes and moistens the dirt components adhering to the tableware.
A means of transporting multiple tableware and
The immersion water supply means for supplying the immersion water toward the tableware along the transport direction of the tableware by the transport means is provided.
Multiple tableware are stacked with the front side facing up to form one independent tableware row.
A plurality of the tableware rows are placed at a predetermined pitch in the transport direction of the transport means.
Immersion water is supplied by the immersion water supply means from above the plurality of tableware rows that are intermittently transported a plurality of times at the predetermined pitch by the transport means.
By allowing the immersion water to flow down from the outer peripheral edge of the tableware above the tableware row to the outer peripheral edge side of the tableware below, the immersion water flows into the gap between the adjacent tableware and is stored in each tableware.
A method for immersing tableware, which comprises moistening a dirty component adhering to the tableware with the stored immersion water. The immersion water supply means sprays immersion water toward the surface side of the tableware at the uppermost end of the tableware row and the outer peripheral edge of the tableware adjacent to each other, and the outer peripheral edge side of the tableware below from the outer edge of the tableware above. The method for immersing tableware according to claim 1, wherein the immersion water flows into a gap between the tableware adjacent to each other in addition to the action of flowing the immersion water into the tableware. 7. How to soak the tableware. Any of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of rows of transport means are provided in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware rows, and immersion water is supplied to the plurality of tableware rows placed on each of the transport means. The method for dipping tableware according to item 1. Any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a tank for storing a predetermined amount of immersion water, collecting the immersion water supplied to the tableware row by flowing and dropping it into the tank, and circulating the immersion water as the immersion water. The method of dipping tableware according to. It is a tableware dipping device that carries out the process of moistening and moistening the dirt components adhering to the tableware.
A transport means for transporting a plurality of the tableware rows by supporting the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row by stacking the plurality of tableware with the surface facing upward to form one independent tableware row, and the transport means. An immersion water supply means for supplying immersion water from above the plurality of tableware rows to be transported is provided.
The transport means includes an endless chain conveyor having a plurality of convex members that are locked to the side surface of the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row along the transport direction of the tableware.
A drive source for rotating the chain conveyor and
A pair of support rails that support the bottom of the tableware at the bottom of the tableware row across the chain conveyor,
A pair of guide rails that regulate the side position in the direction orthogonal to the tableware transport direction at the lowermost end of the tableware row are provided.
The plurality of tableware rows are positioned at predetermined pitches, which are the positions of the plurality of convex members of the chain conveyor, and the side surface of the tableware at the lowermost end of the plurality of tableware rows is pushed in the transport direction by the convex members. By being moved, the plurality of tableware rows are repeatedly intermittently conveyed at the predetermined pitch while sliding on the pair of support rails while being self-supporting.
By allowing the immersion water supplied to a plurality of tableware rows from the immersion water supply means to flow down from the outer peripheral edge of the tableware above the tableware row to the outer peripheral edge side of the tableware below, the immersion water is allowed to flow between the tableware adjacent to each other. A tableware dipping device characterized in that water is allowed to flow into the gaps of the tableware and stored in each tableware, and the soiled components adhering to the tableware are moistened and moistened by the stored immersion water. A U-shaped set frame for supporting the bottom and side surfaces of the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row is provided on the carry-in side of the tableware row of the transport means in the transport direction, and a pair of supports with the upper surface of the set frame. The upper surface of the rail is set to substantially the same height, and the convex member of the chain conveyor is locked to the side surface of the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row placed on the set frame and pulled onto the pair of support rails. The tableware dipping device according to claim 6, wherein the tableware is transferred. A U-shaped receiving frame for supporting the bottom and side surfaces of the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row is provided on the carry-out side of the tableware row of the transporting means in the transporting direction, and the upper surface of the receiving frame and a pair of support rails are provided. Make the top surface approximately the same height,
A claim characterized in that a convex member of a chain conveyor is locked to a tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row placed on the pair of support rails, the tableware row is extruded, and the tableware is transferred onto the receiving frame. Item 6. The tableware dipping device according to Item 6. 6. Or the tableware dipping device according to item 1. A plurality of rows of transport means are driven by the same drive source, and tableware rows are placed on each of the transport means at predetermined pitches in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction, assuming that the central axis positions thereof are substantially the same. The tableware dipping device according to claim 9, wherein the tableware is intermittently transported. Any one of claims 6 to 10, further comprising a tank for storing a predetermined amount of immersion water, collecting the immersion water supplied to the tableware row by flowing and dropping it into the tank, and circulating the immersion water as the immersion water. The tableware dipping device described in. The tableware dipping device according to any one of claims 6 to 11.
After the dipping step by the dipping device, a separation and release device that grabs one tableware at the top of the tableware row and separates and releases it from the tableware row, and a transport means for transporting individual tableware released from the separation and release device. And a washing device provided with a washing water supply means having a nozzle for injecting washing water on the front and back surfaces of the tableware.
A dishwashing system characterized in that the dipping device, the separation / release device, and the washing device are arranged so that the tableware is conveyed in the same direction to form one washing lane. The dishwashing system according to claim 12, wherein a plurality of washing lanes composed of a dipping device, a separation / discharging device, and a washing device are provided in a plurality of rows in a direction orthogonal to a tableware transporting direction. A dipping process in which immersion water is supplied while transporting one independent tableware row in which the surfaces of multiple tableware are stacked upward to moisten and moisten the dirt components adhering to the tableware.
After the dipping step, a separation / release step of grasping the tableware at the top of the tableware row, separating the tableware from the tableware row, and releasing the tableware.
A washing step of spraying washing water from a nozzle onto the front and back surfaces of the tableware to wash the tableware while transporting the tableware released by the separation / release step is provided.
In the dipping step, the immersion water is supplied from above the tableware row, and the immersion water flows down from the outer peripheral edge of the tableware above the tableware row to the outer peripheral edge side of the tableware below, so that the immersion water is maximized. Water is stored by flowing into the surface side of the tableware at the upper end and the gap between the tableware adjacent to each other, and the soiled components adhering to the tableware are moistened by the stored immersion water and moistened for a predetermined time.
In the separation / release step, the immersion water is allowed to flow into the surface side of the tableware at the uppermost end and the gap between the tableware adjacent to each other, and the tableware is separated from the tableware row and discharged while the water is stored. How to wash dishes.

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