JP7007893B2 - Tableware separation and reversing method, tableware separation and reversing device, dishwashing system, tableware cleaning method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a tableware separation / reversing method, a tableware separation / reversing device, a dishwashing system, and a tableware washing method related to tableware washing.

Conventionally, a tableware separation / reversing device has been known in which one tableware is taken out from a tableware row in which a plurality of tableware are stacked and the tableware is turned upside down. This separation / reversing device includes a handling mechanism for taking out one tableware from the tableware row and a reversing mechanism for reversing one tableware received from the handling mechanism. The handling mechanism has a grip portion including a suction plate connected to a negative pressure source for gripping one tableware. The grip portion is provided so as to be able to move up and down and swivel with respect to the support column. The reversing mechanism is composed of a plate member extending radially that is intermittently rotated, and receives and reverses the tableware separated from the grip portion (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-120289

In the tableware separation / reversing device as shown in Patent Document 1, the turning movement of the grip portion by the handling mechanism is performed in a horizontal plane, whereas the rotation of the reversing mechanism is performed in a vertical plane. For this reason, it is difficult for the reversing mechanism to smoothly and efficiently perform a series of operations for receiving the tableware separated from the grip portion. Further, since the turning movement of the grip portion by the handling mechanism is performed on the horizontal plane and is orthogonal to the tableware transfer direction, the depth dimension of the device becomes large, especially when a plurality of tableware transfer lanes are provided.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and can separate the tableware located at the uppermost end of the tableware row in which a plurality of tableware are stacked and invert the front and back surfaces in a compact configuration at high speed in sequence. It is an object of the present invention to provide a tableware separation / reversing method, a tableware separation / reversing device, a tableware washing system for improving the tableware washing processing capacity per unit time, and a tableware washing method.

In the method for separating and reversing tableware according to the present invention, from a tableware row in which a plurality of tableware is stacked with the front side facing up, one tableware at the uppermost end thereof is grasped and sequentially separated from the tableware row and the front side is facing down. Separation of tableware to be inverted This is a method of reversing the tableware, in which the arm unit fixed to the grip chuck that grips the opposite outer peripheral edges of the tableware is repeatedly rotated back and forth within a predetermined angle range between the inclined position and the substantially horizontal position. , The tableware storage space for storing the tableware separated and released by the separating means and the raising and lowering means for grasping the tableware at the uppermost end of the tableware row by the separating means and raising the receiving frame to a separable position are formed. A reversing means having a rotating drum that intermittently rotates in one direction in synchronization with the reciprocating rotation of the arm unit is provided, and when the arm unit rotates from an inclined position to a substantially horizontal position, the grip chuck is a tableware row. When the arm unit rotates from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position by grasping and separating the facing outer peripheral edges of the tableware at the uppermost end of the tableware, the tableware that has been grasped and separated is removed from the grip chuck of the rotating drum. The tableware that is released and transferred into the tableware storage space by its own weight drop and stored in the tableware storage space with the front side facing up is flipped downward by the intermittent rotation of the rotating drum to store the tableware. It is characterized by dropping its own weight from the space and releasing it.

In addition, the tableware separation and reversing device grabs one tableware at the top of a stack of tableware rows with the front side facing up, separates them sequentially from the tableware row, and flips the front side downwards. It is a tableware separation and reversing device, and the arm unit fixed to the grip chuck that grips the opposite outer peripheral edges of the tableware is repeatedly rotated back and forth within a predetermined angle range between the tilted position and the substantially horizontal position, and the tableware row It has a separation means that grabs and separates one tableware at the uppermost end, and a drive source that raises and lowers the receiving frame that supports the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row. A rotating drum that sequentially rotates in one direction by forming a tableware storage space for storing the tableware separated and released by the separating means and the raising and lowering means for raising the tableware row to a separable position. The separating means includes an arm having a grip chuck for gripping the facing outer peripheral edges of the tableware and a guide rail for sliding the facing outer peripheral edges of the tableware. The unit is provided with a link mechanism for reciprocating the arm unit within a predetermined angle range between an inclined position and a substantially horizontal position, and the grip chuck is rotated from an inclined position of the arm unit to a substantially horizontal position. When moving, it grabs the opposite outer peripheral edges of the tableware at the top of the tableware row and separates it from the tableware row, and when the arm unit rotates from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position, the grabbed and separated tableware. Is transferred from the grip chuck into the tableware storage space of the rotating drum by its own weight, and the tableware transferred into the tableware storage space with the front side facing upward is moved to the surface side of the tableware by intermittent rotation of the rotating drum. It is characterized in that it is inverted downward and dropped from the tableware storage space by its own weight and discharged.

In addition, the dishwashing system is located in front of the above-mentioned tableware separation and reversing device and the above-mentioned separation and reversing device, and is immersed in water while transporting one independent tableware row in which the surfaces of a plurality of tableware are stacked upward. Is located in the post-process of the tableware dipping device that moistens and moistens the dirt components adhering to the tableware and the separation and reversing device, and the washing water is sprayed from the nozzles on the front and back of each tableware. A cleaning device for spraying and removing stains is provided, and the tableware dipping device, a separation / reversing device, and a cleaning device are arranged so that the tableware is conveyed in the same direction to form one cleaning lane. It is a feature.

Further, in the method of washing the tableware, the immersion water is supplied while transporting one independent tableware row in which the surfaces of a plurality of tableware having substantially the same shape are stacked upward, and the gap between the plurality of tableware adjacent to each other is supplied. After the dipping step of storing water in the table and moistening the dirt components adhering to the tableware to moisten it, and after the dipping step, the self-supporting state is that the water is stored as immersion water in the gap between the adjacent tableware. The separation and inversion step of sequentially grasping the tabletop tableware from the topmost tableware to the lower tableware, separating them sequentially from the tableware row, and inverting the surface side of the tableware downward, and the tableware released from the separation and inversion step. A washing step of injecting washing water from a nozzle onto the front and back surfaces of the tableware to wash the tableware while transporting the tableware is provided, and in the separation / reversal step, the immersion water stored on the front surface side of the tableware to be separated is drained. It is characterized by.

According to the tableware separation / reversing method and the tableware separation / reversing device according to the present invention, the tableware located at the uppermost end of the tableware row in which a plurality of tableware are stacked is separated, and the front and back sides are sequentially and quickly inverted in a compact configuration. Can be done with.
Further, according to the dishwashing system and the dishwashing method, it is possible to improve the dishwashing processing capacity per unit time.

The basic block diagram of the dishwashing system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Block diagram in the dishwashing system. The plan view which shows the dipping device of the dishwashing system. A 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-out side (downstream 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. A perspective view of the tableware row carry-out side (downstream side in the tableware row transport direction) of the dipping device. A partial plan view showing the arrangement of tableware rows on the transport means of the dipping device. 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 the separation / release device provided in the subsequent process of the immersion 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 separating means 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 elevating 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 elevating 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 / discharge device in chronological order. (A) to (c) are side views showing the operation of the reversing means of the separation reversing device in chronological order. A perspective view of the arrangement of various sensors in the separation / discharge device and the separation / reversal device from the upper left of the front. A perspective view in which the components are not drawn in order to make it easier to understand the arrangement of various sensors in the separation discharge device and the separation inversion device. A perspective view of the arrangement of various sensors in the separation / discharge device and the separation / reversal device as viewed from the upper right of the front.

The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is to grab one tableware at the uppermost end of a stack of tableware rows with the front side facing up and sequentially separate them from the tableware row and face down. Separation of tableware, which is a method of reversing the tableware, in which the arm unit fixed to the grip chuck that grips the opposite outer peripheral edges of the tableware is repeatedly reciprocated within a predetermined angle range between the tilted position and the substantially horizontal position. To form a tableware storage space for storing the tableware separated and released by the separating means, and an elevating means for raising the receiving frame to a position where the tableware at the uppermost end of the tableware row is grasped by the separating means and separated. A reversing means having a rotating drum that intermittently rotates in one direction in synchronization with the reciprocating rotation of the arm unit is provided, and when the arm unit rotates from an inclined position to a substantially horizontal position, the grip chuck becomes tableware. When the arm unit rotates from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position by grasping and separating the facing outer peripheral edges of the tableware at the uppermost end of the row, the grasped and separated tableware is picked up from the grip chuck and the rotating drum. The tableware that was released and transferred into the tableware storage space by its own weight drop and stored in the tableware storage space with the front side facing up is inverted by the intermittent rotation of the rotating drum so that the surface side of the tableware is turned downward. It is a method of separating and reversing tableware, which is characterized by dropping its own weight from the storage space and discharging it.
As a result, it is possible to separate the tableware located at the uppermost end of the tableware row in which a plurality of tableware are stacked and to invert the front and back surfaces sequentially at high speed in a compact configuration.

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the tableware is sequentially separated from the tableware at the uppermost end of the tableware row stored in the gap between the tableware adjacent to each other and inverted. This is a separate inversion method.
As a result, in addition to the weight of the tableware itself, the weight due to water storage is added, the total weight increases, and it is possible to smoothly and stably drop its own weight from the grip chuck, and it is released and transferred to the tableware storage space of the rotating drum in a short time. Can be placed. Further, due to the buffering action of the water stored in the gap between the tableware adjacent to each other, it is possible to absorb the excessive pressing force on the tableware by the grip chuck and prevent the tableware from being deformed or damaged.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein water is injected and stored on the surface side of the tableware at the uppermost end of the tableware row, and the tableware in the stored state is separated and inverted. This is a method for separating and reversing tableware, which is characterized by this.
As a result, in addition to the weight of the tableware itself, water injection to the surface side of the tableware and the weight due to water storage are added, the total weight increases, and the tableware storage space of the rotating drum can smoothly and stably drop its own weight from the grip chuck. Can be released and transferred in a short time.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the second or third aspect, the surface side of the tableware is turned downward by the process of rotating the arm unit from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position and the intermittent rotation of the rotating drum. In the process of reversing, the method of separating and reversing the tableware is characterized by draining the water stored on the surface side of the tableware.
As a result, when the arm unit is rotated from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position and when the surface side of the tableware is turned downward, the stored water flows on the surface side of the tableware and is drained, thereby becoming dirty. It is possible to promote the removal of components.

The invention according to claim 5 is to grab one tableware at the uppermost end of a stack of tableware rows with the front side facing up and sequentially separate them from the tableware row so that the front side is turned downward. It is a tableware separation and reversing device, and the arm unit fixed to the grip chuck that grips the opposite outer peripheral edges of the tableware is repeatedly rotated back and forth within a predetermined angle range between the tilted position and the substantially horizontal position, and the tableware row It has a separation means that grabs and separates one tableware at the uppermost end, and a drive source that raises and lowers the receiving frame that supports the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row. A rotating drum that sequentially rotates in one direction by forming a tableware storage space for storing the tableware separated and released by the separating means and the raising and lowering means for raising the tableware row to a separable position. The separating means includes an arm having a grip chuck for gripping the facing outer peripheral edges of the tableware and a guide rail for sliding the facing outer peripheral edges of the tableware. The unit is provided with a link mechanism for reciprocating the arm unit within a predetermined angle range between an inclined position and a substantially horizontal position, and the grip chuck is rotated from an inclined position of the arm unit to a substantially horizontal position. When moving, it grabs the opposite outer peripheral edges of the tableware at the top of the tableware row and separates it from the tableware row, and when the arm unit rotates from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position, the grabbed and separated tableware. Is transferred from the grip chuck into the tableware storage space of the rotating drum by its own weight, and the tableware transferred into the tableware storage space with the front side facing upward is moved to the surface side of the tableware by intermittent rotation of the rotating drum. It is a tableware separation / reversing device characterized in that it is inverted downward and dropped from the tableware storage space by its own weight and discharged.
As a result, it is possible to separate the tableware located at the uppermost end of the tableware row in which a plurality of tableware are stacked in a compact configuration, and to sequentially invert the front and back surfaces at high speed.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5, wherein the grip chuck has a movable claw having an inclined surface in which the distance between the upper surface, the lower surface, and the facing surface increases downward, and the upper surface of the movable claw. A storage body that slidably stores the lower surface and a spring member that urges the movable claws toward the opposite outer peripheral edges of the tableware are provided at opposite positions, and the movable claws are provided by the arm unit. When rotating toward a substantially horizontal position, the inclined surface contacts the upper side of the outer peripheral edge of the tableware at the uppermost end of the tableware row, retracts against the urging force of the spring member, and further inclines with the upper surface. When the tip, which is the intersection of the surfaces, reaches the lower side of the outer peripheral edge of the tableware, the urging force of the spring member enters the lower side of the outer peripheral edge of the tableware and grabs the opposite outer peripheral edge of the tableware at the uppermost end. It is a tableware separation and reversing device characterized by separating from the tableware line.
As a result, one tableware at the uppermost end can be reliably grasped and sequentially separated from the tableware rows stacked with the surface side of a plurality of tableware facing upward.

The invention according to claim 7 is the rotation of the arm unit in which the rotation drive shaft of the rotating drum is reciprocated within a predetermined angle range between an inclined position and a substantially horizontal position in the invention according to claim 5 or 6. It is a device for separating and reversing tableware, which is characterized by serving as a fulcrum.
As a result, the rotating drum and the arm unit can be integrated to make the configuration compact. Further, it is possible to stabilize each operation of the rotation of the rotating drum and the rotation of the arm unit.

The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the arm unit grips one end side with a first rotation fulcrum in a substantially intermediate portion thereof. The link mechanism connects one end side to the second rotation fulcrum of the arm unit and has a third rotation fulcrum on the other end side. A first connecting member having the above, and a second connecting member having one end side connected to the third rotation fulcrum and the other end side fixed to the rotation shaft of a motor as a drive source. The third rotation fulcrum, which makes the first connecting member and the second connecting member rotatable by the rotation of the second connecting member, rotates via the top dead point and the bottom dead point, and is described as described above. The arm unit is characterized in that it reciprocates within a range of a substantially horizontal position and a predetermined inclined position in response to the displacement of the upper dead point and the lower dead point of the third rotation fulcrum. It is a separation and reversing device.
As a result, the arm unit having the grip chuck is rotated from a position tilted by a predetermined angle to a substantially horizontal position, and the reciprocating operation from this substantially horizontal position to a position tilted by a predetermined angle is set as one cycle. One cycle can be performed in a short time. Therefore, the tableware can be separated and released at high speed. Further, by controlling the rotation speed of the motor, rotation and stop, and the like, the rotation state of the arm unit can be adjusted, and the tableware can be reliably gripped, separated, and discharged by the grip chuck.

The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the rotating drum is partitioned by a plurality of partition walls provided radially from both side walls and the center side. A tableware storage space is formed, and the tableware storage space receives individual tableware released from the grip chuck with the surface side facing upward, and the surface side of the tableware is rotated by intermittent rotation around the rotation drive shaft of the rotating drum. It is a tableware separation / reversing device characterized in that the tableware is inverted downward and the inverted tableware is dropped from the tableware storage space by its own weight and discharged.
As a result, a plurality of tableware released from the grip chuck can be present in the plurality of tableware storage spaces of the rotating drum and can be efficiently and sequentially inverted.

The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the arm unit reciprocates via a link mechanism, and the rotating drum reciprocates with the arm unit. It is a tableware separation / reversing device characterized by intermittent rotation in synchronization.
As a result, it is possible to synchronize and simultaneously release and transfer the tableware from the grip chuck to the tableware storage space of the rotating drum and the operation of flipping and discharging the surface side of the tableware by the rotating drum downward. .. The tableware can be separated and the front and back sides can be flipped in sequence at high speed.

The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claim 10, wherein the drive source for rotating the arm unit and the drive source for rotating the rotating drum are the same. It is a device.
As a result, the configuration can be simplified and made compact, and the reciprocating rotation of the arm unit and the rotational drive of the rotating drum can be synchronized.

The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to claim 10 or 11, even if the tableware gripped by the arm unit drops by its own weight in the process of reaching the inclined position from the substantially horizontal position. It is characterized in that the rotation of the arm unit from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position and the rotation of the tableware storage space of the rotating drum are synchronized so that the tableware can be stored in the storage space. It is a device for separating and reversing tableware.
As a result, the tableware can be reliably released and transferred from the grip chuck to the tableware storage space of the rotating drum in a short time.

The invention according to claim 13 is the invention according to any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein when the arm unit rotates to an inclined position, one of the tableware storage spaces of the rotating drum grips the arm unit. It is a tableware separation and reversing device that is located on the opposite side of the tableware storage space and is characterized in that the tableware with its front side facing down is dropped and discharged by its own weight.
As a result, the tableware is released and transferred from the grip chuck to the tableware storage space of the rotating drum, and the tableware is released from the tableware storage space of the rotating drum with the front side facing down, and the tableware is separated and reversed. It can be done efficiently.

The invention according to claim 14 is the invention according to any one of claims 5 to 13, when the arm unit reaches a position tilted from a substantially horizontal position, the arm unit stays at the tilted position for a predetermined time. The tableware separation / reversing device is provided with a waiting time during which the rotation of the rotating drum is stopped for the predetermined time while the rotation is stopped.
This makes it possible to more reliably separate and release the tableware from the grip chuck, transfer the tableware into the tableware storage space, and release the tableware from the tableware storage space.

The invention according to claim 15 is the invention according to any one of claims 5 to 14, wherein the tableware is present or not at a position where the tableware with its surface side facing downward is dropped and discharged from the tableware storage space. It is a tableware separation / reversing device provided with a tableware sensor for detecting the above, and the arm unit is rotated from an inclined position to a substantially horizontal position when the tableware sensor detects that there is no tableware.
As a result, the tableware is prevented from staying in the position where the tableware is dropped and discharged by its own weight from the tableware storage space with the surface side facing downward, and the tableware is released from the grip chuck to the tableware storage space of the rotating drum. It is possible to reliably carry out the transfer operation and the operation of flipping and releasing the surface side of the tableware by the rotating drum downward.

The invention according to claim 16 is a tableware separation / reversing device according to any one of claims 5 to 15, which is located in a previous step of the separation / reversing device and has a plurality of tableware surfaces stacked upward. Individually located in the post-process of the tableware dipping device and the separation reversing device, which supplies soaking water while transporting two independent tableware rows to moisten and moisten the dirt components adhering to the tableware. The front and back surfaces of the tableware are provided with a cleaning device that sprays cleaning water from a nozzle to remove stains, and the tableware dipping device, separation / reversing device, and cleaning device are arranged so that the tableware is transported in the same direction. The dishwashing system is characterized by forming one washing lane.
This effectively combines the set of components and provides sufficient time to moisturize and moisten the stains on the tableware, while at the top of the tableware row where multiple dishes are stacked. By sequentially performing the separation, release, and flipping of the front and back surfaces of the tableware at high speed, it is possible to improve the tableware cleaning processing capacity per unit time.

The invention according to claim 17 is the invention according to claim 16, wherein one washing lane composed of a dipping device, a separation / reversing device, and a washing device is arranged in a plurality of rows in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of tableware. It is a dishwashing system characterized by this.
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. Make it possible.

The invention according to claim 18 is to supply immersion water while transporting one self-supporting tableware row in which the surfaces of a plurality of tableware having substantially the same shape are stacked upward, and between the tableware adjacent to each other of the plurality of tableware . After the dipping step of storing water in the gap and moistening the dirt component adhering to the tableware to moisten it, and after the dipping step, the water is stored as immersion water in the gap between the adjacent tableware. A separation inversion step of sequentially grasping from the topmost tableware of the self-supporting tableware row to the lower tableware, separating the tableware sequentially from the tableware row, and inverting the surface side of the tableware downward, and a tableware released from the separation inversion step. The tableware is provided with a cleaning step of injecting washing water from a nozzle onto the front and back surfaces of the tableware to wash the tableware, and in the separation / reversal step, the immersion water stored on the front surface side of the tableware to be separated is drained. It is a dishwashing method characterized by this.
This effectively combines a series of steps and is located at the top of the tableware row where multiple dishes are stacked, while ensuring sufficient time to moisturize and moisten the stains on the dishes. By sequentially separating, releasing, and reversing the front and back surfaces of the tableware at high speed, it is possible to improve the cleaning processing capacity of the tableware per unit time. Further, in the separation inversion step, by draining the water stored on the surface side of the separated tableware, the stored water flows on the surface side of the tableware, and the removal of the dirt component can be promoted.

(Embodiment of dishwashing system)
Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 19, the tableware dipping device for 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.

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 soaked in the dipping 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 / release device 300, which carries out the separation / release step provided.
Separation / reversing device 600, which 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 / discharging 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 apparatus 800 is stacked and a predetermined number of stacked tableware W 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 separation and discharging device 300, the cleaning 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 in a substantially straight line along the line.

In addition, as the range of the dishwashing system 100, the tableware sorting 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 terms of stacking a predetermined number of individual tableware W washed by the washing device 800 and automating the work of 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 surface 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 dipping water and moistening the dirt components adhering to a plurality of tableware W by the dipping water. The dipping device 200 mainly includes a transporting means 201 and a dipping water supply means 220.

The transporting 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 transporting 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 is configured so that the chain conveyor 203 rotates 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 the drive shaft 209, which is a common rotation axis of each sprocket 208, is synchronized by the motor (drive source) 207. Rotate (see FIG. 9).

The chain conveyor 203 provided for each of the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 has a convex member 204 held at predetermined pitches 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 portion (bottom surface) of the tableware row WR slides 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 is able to hold the position in the transport direction and the position orthogonal to the transport direction at a predetermined position, and can stabilize and transport the tableware row WR 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 on the surface side, and these are round shapes according to their uses. 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 dish with a shallower recess may be used for a side dish such as side dishes, and two bowls and two plates may be placed on a tray to provide lunch 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 lanes SR 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 peripheral diameter of the outer peripheral edge of the opening of the recess formed in the tableware W is set. It is assumed that they are substantially the same, and a plurality of stacked tableware rows WR are used for each tableware W having substantially the same shape and size with the surface facing up. Therefore, the heights 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 rod 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 condition that a stable vertical posture can be maintained when intermittently conveyed by the convex member 204. In addition, the total weight and size (especially height) of the tableware row WR are set in consideration of the workability and stability of the operator during stacking, moving, and transportation. 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 tableware W to be stacked may be different for each tableware row WR, but the same number of dishes can be 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 install 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. Between the outer peripheral edges of the tableware row WR, taking into consideration that the outer peripheral edges do not contact each other and the outer peripheral edges do not contact 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 thereto.

Further, when the tableware row WR in which the tableware W having different diameters (outer diameters) is stacked on the multiple rows of cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 is placed on the support rail 205 and transported, the multiple 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 wash 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 multiple rows of cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 rotate synchronously, and the tableware rows WR in the multiple rows of cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 are synchronously transported 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 by, for example, 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 with 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 tableware rows is very short (for example, 1 second).

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

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 transportation will be performed, and all the tableware rows WR that are sequentially carried in will 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. You 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, when 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, if the stop time is long, the soaking time is long, and if the stop time is short, the soaking time is short.

That is, the immersion time for moistening and moistening the dirt 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 in order to sufficiently moisten various stain components adhering to the tableware W, but they are 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 is arranged on the carry-in side (upstream side in the transport direction) of the transport means 201 to support the bottom of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR, 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 self-reliant 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 locked to the side surface of the tableware W at the lowermost end of the placed tableware row WR. Due to 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 is carried out for a pitch D minutes between the tableware rows. 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 (pedestal) 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 on 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 not necessary for the worker to push 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 due to the rise of the receiving frame 403, and the locking is released.

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 dipping 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 it out, separates it into individual tableware W, and carries it into the cleaning 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 cleaning lane SR1 to SR4, the distance between the pair of support rails 205 and the distance between the pair of guide rails 206 are changed according to the shape, size, etc. of the tableware W, and the 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, intermittent transport in which the final tableware row WR is stopped 14 times on the transport means 201 is repeated, and then 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.

If it becomes necessary to carry the tableware row WR into the dipping device 200 even after a certain period of time after operating the final tableware row loading switch 231, the final tableware row release switch 232 is operated 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 driving operation 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 tubes 221 horizontally arranged 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 tubes 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 the washing lanes SR1 to SR4 in a plurality of rows. Moreover, a plurality of tableware rows are arranged in the transport direction of the WR.

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 them are in the transport direction of the tableware row WR. 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 at a position 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 prepare for. The immersion water ejected from the plurality of nozzles 222 of the nozzle tube 221 and the plurality of nozzles 224 of the nozzle tube 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 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 water level of the immersion water in the tank 225 at a predetermined level. Further, it is provided with 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 Celsius, a detergent supply means for supplying detergent, a filter for removing dirt components on the suction side of the pump 228, and the like. ..

It is possible to improve the moistening effect of the stain component adhering to the tableware W by raising the temperature of the immersion water and supplying the detergent, and to make the removal of the stain component by the cleaning device 800 more reliable. In addition, the filter can spray more purified immersion water from the nozzle to further improve the moistening 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 to dissipate the immersion water. It is possible to suppress the temperature drop to prevent the temperature from dropping, to improve the moistening effect of the dirt component adhering to the tableware W by keeping the immersion chamber in a high humidity state, and to make the removal of the dirt component in the cleaning device 800 more reliable. ..

It is assumed that one tank 225 and a pump 228 are provided over the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 in a plurality of rows, and the nozzle pipe 221 is immersed in the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 in the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 in the plurality of rows. The length of the pipe is set to be orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware row WR so that water can be jetted, 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 of the immersion device 200 will be described. Based on the embodiment, a configuration in which the cleaning lanes are arranged in four rows will be described as a base.

(Soaking water filling step)
First, immersion water (for example, fresh water) is supplied into the tank 225 until the water level reaches a predetermined level. 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.

(Soaking 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 sprayed from the nozzle 222 and the nozzle 224 falls into the tank 225, is stored, and is used for circulation.

(Tableware row set frame placement step)
After that, each of the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 that are stacked independently 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. ..

(Step to start carrying in the tableware line)
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, the arm 210 that rotates with the drive shaft 209 is in a state of being rotated approximately 180 degrees, and 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 jetted from the nozzle 222 and the nozzle 224.

(Tableware line continuous loading step / immersion step)
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 described above 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 from the set frame 212 onto the support rail 205. 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 above-mentioned 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 above-mentioned 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 pushed from the set frame 212 onto the support rail 205 and transferred to the nozzle. 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 that are sequentially carried into the dipping device 200 of the tableware rows WR1 to WR4 are repeatedly carried into the dipping device 200 for one day (1 lot), for example, the final tableware rows WR1 to WR1 to 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 as in the case of carrying in the first and second and subsequent tableware rows WR1 to WR4. 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 motor 207 is immediately started to be driven. Each of the above-mentioned 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 will be 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 times 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 the cleaning lane SR of any of the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4, if the final tableware row WR is carried in earlier than the other washing lanes SR, the last final tableware row WR is carried in the washing lane. 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 dipping 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.

Further, depending on the situation of the tableware W to which the dipping step should be carried out, for example, the use of four (plural) cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 can be maximized, and for example, any number of cleaning lanes SR can be selected and used. Therefore, 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 including four cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4, 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 chain conveyor 203 and the pump 228 are 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 / discharge 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 for maintaining an independent 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. By using a resin or the like having good slipperiness for at least the sliding surface of the pair of support rails 205 and the pair of guide rails 206 with the tableware W, the sliding resistance with the tableware W is further reduced and more stable. It can be transported while maintaining an independent posture.

Next, a state in which the immersion water jetted to the tableware row WR in the immersion device 200 is supplied to wet the stains 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 tableware W at the uppermost end of the tableware row WR is first stored in the surface side (recess) of the tableware W at the uppermost end, 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 distance between the outer peripheral edges 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 the immersion water sprayed downward from the nozzle 222 is increased, the water is first stored in the surface side (recess) of the tableware W at the uppermost end, and then overflows from the outer peripheral edge and falls. Is formed and reaches the tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR along the outer peripheral edge 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 adjacent tableware W is constantly replaced by the immersion water that flows into and is stored in the gap between the tableware 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 spraying 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 a configuration in which the immersion water is sprayed from the nozzle 224 of the nozzle tube 223 in the vertical direction onto 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 more quickly, and the removal of dirt on the outer peripheral edge portion 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 sprayed from the nozzle 222 of the nozzle tube 221 or from the nozzle 224 of the nozzle tube 223 to 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 supply amount of the 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 WR are placed. The tableware W can be stored at 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 this 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, a method of immersing an individual tableware W or a tableware row WR in a tableware basket or the like and submerging it in the immersion water stored in the immersion tank for a predetermined time has been mainly used. On the other hand, in the immersion device 200 of the present embodiment, a plurality of tableware W are stacked in the open atmosphere (space, underwater and outside) on the transport means 201 instead of being submerged in the immersion water, and the tableware row WR. The soil component adhering to the tableware W is moistened by the immersion water stored between the tableware W adjacent to each other in each tableware row WR by injecting the immersion water while transporting the water.
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 compaction 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, using FIGS. 1, 2, 9 to 19, 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 tableware row WR in conjunction 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 each tableware W sequentially from the above 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 used. 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 rotating screw rod 404 from rotating when it is not driven (non-energized). It is preferable to use.

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 circumference side of the tableware W. ) 405. The outer peripheral surface of the slide shaft 405 is preferably made of resin so that the outer peripheral surface of the slide shaft 405 is slippery with the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W and the formation of metal marks on the tableware W is prevented.

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 raising / lowering operation, and the tableware row WR It also has a function to stabilize 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 engaged with 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 engaged on the pair of support rails 205. Move on 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 independent posture.

The chain conveyor 203 rotates the U-shaped opening of the receiving frame 403 with a curvature corresponding to the diameter of the sprocket 208. After being transferred and 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 tableware row WR rests on the receiving frame 403 after being separated from the member 204 upward and separated from the lock.

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 to maintain a self-sustaining posture when the tableware row WR on the receiving frame 403 rises. At the same time, it is possible to suppress the deviation of the central axis of the tableware row WR.

Further, in the elevating means 400, a pair of tableware W at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR mounted 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, FIG. 14, FIG. 17, 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 a pair of convex members 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 of the tableware W (the last tableware W to be separated) at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR from the receiving frame 403 is completed by the separation means 500 described later. 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 is close to 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 for raising the motor 402 is used. It controls the rotation in the direction opposite to the rotation in the direction, and pushes the receiving frame 403 from the pair of support rails 205 onto the receiving frame 403 to move and lower the receiving frame 403 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 not present. 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 receiving frame 403 may be pushed from the pair of support rails 205 onto the receiving frame 403 by the convex member 204 of the chain conveyor 203 to be transferred or placed, 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. A detection signal that the convex member 204 of the conveyor 203 may be pushed from the pair of support rails 205 onto each receiving frame 403 to be transferred or placed is sent to the control device 1000. When the tableware sensor 409 detects the presence of the tableware W, the rotation operation of the chain conveyor 203 may be made to stand by, and the rotation operation of the chain conveyor 203 may be started after detecting the absence of the tableware W. And the detection signal 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 the tableware row WR is 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 for sequentially separating and releasing 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.

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 with the fulcrum shaft 506 supported by the bearing 507 as a rotation fulcrum.

A fixing member 508 is integrated with the connecting arm 504, and a fixing member 509a is integrated with the fixing member 508. Further, 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 and grips the lower side of the outer peripheral edge of the tableware W facing each other 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 (urging means) 513 is housed in the recess of the storage body 511, and the movable claws 512 are urged in the 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 main bodies 511, movable claws 512, and spring members 513 constitute each grip chuck 510a to 510d, and as shown in FIG. 11B, each grip chuck is 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 grip chucks 510a to 510d provided for each of the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 can slide in the recesses on the opposite sides of the facing 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) is rotatable 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 linked 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 configured by 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 grip chucks 510a to 510d. The extrusion member 540 has a function of promoting the falling release of the tableware W gripped by the grip chucks 510a to 510d.

As shown in FIG. 17, the motor 521, the link mechanism 532, the bearings 507, 525 and the like are fixed to the fixed frame 541.

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 grasped 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 present at the position of the grip chuck unit 510, the detection signal is controlled 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 pipe 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 separating 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 provided 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 to the right) 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 used. 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 with each other.

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 released tableware W remains on the tableware drop guide 710 is provided. The tableware sensor 720 detects the presence or absence of the tableware W over the entire tableware drop guide 710 provided in the 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 rotary drum unit 701 driven synchronously 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 is rotated 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 so as not to start the rotation of the rotary drum unit 701.

Next, the operation operation of the separation / discharge device 300 and the separation / reversal device 600 that operates in connection with the separation / discharge device 300 will be described. First, the initial (standby) state when the separate release operation and the separate inversion operation of the tableware W are started will be described.

The position of the receiving frame 403 included in the elevating means 400 constituting the separation / discharging device 300 is downward so 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 in the state of being positioned at. 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 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 placed 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, the 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 rotary lever 528 and the connecting lever 530 constituting the link mechanism 532 fixed to the rotary shaft 524 is at the bottom dead center (lowest point), and one end of the connecting lever 530 and the arms 502 and 503 are located. 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 around 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 where 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 grip 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 over the entire tableware drop guide 710 in the cleaning 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, which is 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 point (top point), and the connecting lever 530. One end and the joint 531 of the arms 502 and 503 change to the pushed-up top dead point (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 around 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 to the right) at approximately 45 degrees in the direction of the thick line arrow shown in FIG. 15, and the next tableware storage space. The 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, it is assumed that the tableware row WR (first tableware row) first carried in by the dipping device 200 has passed a predetermined dipping time.

(Transfer of tableware line to 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 has detected 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 transported by the pitch D between the tableware rows on the receiving frame 403 at the lower position where the tableware row WR mounted on the pair of support rails 205 can be transferred and placed. Then, the tableware row WR (first tableware row) placed on the pair of support rails 205 is transferred and placed.

(Tableware line rise, grip 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 the arm unit 501 reaches a substantially horizontal position will be described with reference to FIG.

In the states of FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b), the inclined surface 512c of the pair of movable claws 512 having 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 portion 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 shown 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. ..

Further, 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 the action of preventing 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 grip 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 grip chucks 510a to 510d.

The rotary 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 rotary 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 the arm unit 501 is rotated from an inclined position to a substantially horizontal position and from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position in one cycle, 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 to the right 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 regardless of the timing during which the arm unit 501 is rotating 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 tableware W to be released 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 tilting of the arm unit 501, even if a part of the tableware W grasped in the process of reaching the predetermined tilting position starts to fall by its own weight, the rotating drum 701a 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 grasped by the grip chucks 510a to 510d into each tableware storage space 704, and at the same time, the grip chuck 510a. It is possible to release and transfer 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 drops 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, in addition to the weight of the tableware W itself, the weight of the stored immersion water is added, the total weight increases, the falling force due to gravity increases, and the opposite outer peripheral edges of the tableware W become the upper surface 512a of the movable claw 512. When the tableware W 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 tableware W is wet with the immersion water, so that 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 dipping device 200 to the surface side of the tableware W located at the uppermost end to be sequentially separated from this, and the concave portion on the surface side of the tableware W is always filled with water and the outer peripheral edge. 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, becomes full, 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 dropped by its own weight in a smooth and stable manner, 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 dishes 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 falls by its own weight, and when the tableware W is discharged 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 concave portion on the surface side of the tableware W is always in a full state. 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 in the tableware washing system 100 of the present embodiment, there is a predetermined weight, and the front side and the back surface of the tableware W are used. It is preferable to use porcelain tableware (including reinforced porcelain tableware) whose side is smooth and slippery 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 rising again, 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 the tableware storage space 704 side of each 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 that the second tableware W is present, 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 tilted by a predetermined angle, and then the arm unit 501 is rotated to a substantially horizontal position again.

Grasp and separate release state of the second tableware W when the arm unit 501 reaches a substantially horizontal position (tableware grasping step at the uppermost end, 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 in the tableware row WR, the separation operation of the tableware W is sequentially repeated 20 times.

Even after the last tableware W in 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 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 of 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 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 detected that the tableware W is present in the grip chucks 510a to 510d, the arm unit 501 is made to stand by in the tilted position and the grip chucks 510a to 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 grip 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 self-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).

By sliding on the tableware drop guide 710 at the position where the tableware W after inversion is discharged, the tableware is 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 to 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 space 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 a 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 line sequential intermittent transportation step)
After completing the separation / release operation of all the tableware W in one tableware row WR, the tableware row WR intermittently transported next is transferred to the receiving frame 403 of the elevating means 400, and the same separation / discharge 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 this case, one tableware row WR finishes the operation of separating and releasing all 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 rotation of the arm unit 501 is caused by the link mechanism 532. 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 is tilted by controlling to suspend the rotation of the motor 521 when the tilted position of the arm unit 501 is 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 waiting 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 grip chuck unit 510, the storage time in the tableware storage space 704, and the like. By providing this waiting time, it is possible to reliably perform separation and discharge from the grip chuck unit 510, discharge to the rotary drum unit 701, and storage.

(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 once. The waiting 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 having 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 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, 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 where the 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 closer to 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 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 tableware W once grasped by the impact (reaction force) when the arm unit 501 starts to rotate from a substantially horizontal position to a position inclined by a predetermined angle is grasped. You can surely 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 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 for the arm unit 501 to stay in an inclined position and the time for the arm unit 501 to stay in 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 position tilted by a predetermined angle (standby position, discharge position) to a substantially horizontal position (grip 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.

The operation time of one cycle in which the arm unit 501 reciprocates is set to, for example, approximately 1.5 seconds, and 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 inclined by a predetermined angle when the tableware W gripped by the grip chuck unit 510 is present is set longer than the rotation time to the position.

As a result, the tableware W gripped by the chuck unit 510 by rotating the arm unit 501 to a position tilted by a predetermined angle while maintaining the operation time of one cycle in which the arm unit 501 reciprocates, for example, 1.5 seconds. 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 at the lowermost end of the tableware row WR from the receiving frame 130, 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) is 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 rotation of the arm unit 501 from the substantially horizontal position to the inclined position starts.

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 chain conveyor 203 is rotated by one pitch (pitch D between tableware rows), and the time 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 tableware 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 descending 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 It is approximately 4 seconds, which is the sum of each of (approximately 1 second).
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. In addition, 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 invert the tableware W from the tableware row WR that has passed a 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 washing device 800, which is the next step, placed on the table, and sprayed on the front and back surfaces of the washing water. It will be washed. The reciprocating operation (1 cycle) of the arm unit 501 is approximately 1.5 seconds, and after all the tableware Ws in one tableware row WR are separated, the separation of the tableware W at the uppermost end of 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 all of the washing lanes SR1 to SR4 in a plurality of rows, when the tableware rows WR having the same number of stacked dishes W (for example, 20) are sequentially separated and released, the tableware rows WR in the washing lanes SR1 to SR4 are 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, when the number of tableware W to be stacked is small (for example, 18) in any of the washing lanes SR1 to SR4 of the plurality of rows, for example, the washing lane of SR1, when the tableware row WR is used, all the tableware Ws are collected 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 tableware rows of 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 lowered position to be transferred and placed, and is made to stand by until the receiving frame 403 of the washing lanes of the other washing lines SR2 to SR4 is lowered to the lowered position.

After all the receiving frames 403 of the cleaning lanes SR1 to SR4 are lowered to the lowered position, the next tableware row WR is transferred and 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 having a tableware row WR in which the number of tableware W to be stacked is small, 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 tableware 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 tableware W per unit time. Is preferable in that the cleaning efficiency can be maximized.

In the dishwashing system 100 constituting the washing lane SR by the dipping device 200, the separation / discharging device 300, the separation / reversing device 600, and the cleaning device 800, the surface of the tableware W by supplying the immersion water to the tableware row WR in the dipping device 200. Sufficient moistening 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 the replacement of the soaking water, the water is stored in the tableware W in the separation / discharge device 300 and the separation / reversing device 600. Pre-cleaning is performed by the flow of soaking water and the action of removing dirt from drainage. As a result, it is possible to reliably remove the dirt left by 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 / discharge device 300 for the tableware W from the tableware row WR and the separation / discharge method based on the separation / discharge device 300, the center 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 510 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 and the direction orthogonal to the transport direction is minimized in a plan view, and the installation floor area of the tableware W separation / discharge device 300 is reduced. And it can be made compact. Further, even when a plurality of rows of 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 includes 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 inverted, is configured to be substantially linear along the transport direction of the tableware W, and the tableware row WR. The tableware W can be separated upward from the tableware row WR by grasping the tableware W at the uppermost end, 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. And 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 articulated configuration of the dipping device 200 and the elevating means 400, the tableware row WR is independently transported on the support rail 205 in a vertical posture, and is transferred to the elevating means 400 in the independent posture. Then, the tableware W at the uppermost end of the transferred tableware row WR can be sequentially separated. As a result, no wasted space is generated, and the space can be saved and the size can be reduced by including the dipping device 200 and the separation / discharging device 300, and the dipping device 200 and the separation / reversing device 600.

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, rotated in synchronization with a motor (drive source).

The conveyor 802 is capable of passing the washing water jetted from the washing water supply means 810, 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 surface side of the tableware W in order to prevent the individual tableware W from floating due to the upward injection of the washing water. A guide member for regulating the position of the tableware W is provided, whereby the individual tableware W is 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. A nozzle 812 is provided, and the nozzle tube 811 branches from the supply path so that the washing water can be sprayed over the dishes W in the washing lanes SR1 to SR4 in a plurality of rows. A plurality of dishes are arranged in orthogonal directions 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 washing 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 Celsius, a detergent supply means for supplying detergent, a filter for removing dirt components on the suction side of the pump 813, and the like. To prepare for.

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. In addition, the filter can further purify the washing water to be circulated and spray the washing 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 are 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 the shape of a tunnel 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 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 sprayed 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 rotary 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. The dirt that has adhered to it is removed by receiving the spray of. 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 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 drawn 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 the tableware organizing step of stacking a predetermined number of individual tableware W washed by the cleaning apparatus 800 using FIG. 1 and taking out the tableware W which has been stacked a predetermined number of sheets. The driving operation will be explained. The tableware organizing device 900 is provided in each of the washing lanes SR1 to SR4.

The tableware organizer 900 has an inclined holder 904 that receives and holds the tableware W conveyed from the washing device 800 and guides the transfer of the tableware W, and a push plate 905 that pushes the tableware W one by one to the arrangement position. 901 is provided with a stacker 901 and an extrusion claw 906 for pushing out a predetermined number of tableware W stacked at an arrangement 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 the operator.

The drive 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 arrangement 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 stacked in a predetermined number 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 driving means 903 for the extrusion claws can be operated even while the driving means 902 for the push plate for the stacker is in operation, and the tableware W conveyed from the cleaning 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 tableware organizing device 900 is provided in the post-process of the washing device 800, but instead of this, the configuration of the transport path for receiving the tableware W discharged from the washing device 800. May be provided and taken out in predetermined quantities.

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 are within the range that does 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 Conveyor 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 row input switch 231 Final tableware row input switch 232 Final tableware row release switch 300 Separate discharge device 400 Elevating 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 (descending 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 Supporting shaft (rotating fulcrum shaft, first rotating 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 Top surface 512b Bottom surface 512c Inclined surface 513 Spring member (energization 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 equipment 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 Push plate drive means for stacker 903 Extrusion claw drive means 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 (18)

It is a method of separating and reversing tableware by grasping one tableware at the top of a stack of tableware with the front side facing up and sequentially separating it from the tableware row and flipping it downward.
Separation means that repeatedly reciprocates and reciprocates the arm unit fixed to the grip chuck that grips the opposite outer peripheral edges of the tableware within a predetermined angle range between the tilted position and the substantially horizontal position.
An elevating means that raises the receiving frame to a position where the tableware at the top end of the tableware row is grasped by the separating means and can be separated.
A tableware storage space for storing tableware separated and released by the separation means is formed, and a reversing means having a rotating drum that intermittently rotates in one direction in synchronization with the reciprocating rotation of the arm unit is provided.
When the arm unit is rotated from an inclined position to a substantially horizontal position, the grip chuck grips and separates the facing outer peripheral edges of the tableware at the uppermost end of the tableware row.
When the arm unit is rotated from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position, the tableware that has been grasped and separated is discharged from the grip chuck into the tableware storage space of the rotating drum by its own weight and transferred.
Tableware stored in the tableware storage space with the surface side facing upward is flipped downward by the intermittent rotation of the rotating drum, and the tableware is dropped from the tableware storage space by its own weight and discharged. Separation and inversion method. The method for separating and reversing tableware according to claim 1, wherein the tableware is sequentially separated and inverted from the tableware at the uppermost end of the tableware row stored in the gap between the tableware adjacent to each other. The method for separating and reversing tableware according to claim 1 or 2, wherein water is injected and stored on the surface side of the tableware at the uppermost end of the tableware row, and the tableware in the stored water state is separated and inverted. It is characterized by draining the water stored on the surface side of the tableware in the process of rotating the arm unit from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position and in the process of reversing the surface side of the tableware downward by the intermittent rotation of the rotating drum. The method for separating and reversing tableware according to claim 2 or 3. It is a tableware separation and reversing device that grabs one tableware at the top of a stack of tableware stacked with the front side facing up, separates it sequentially from the tableware row, and inverts the front side downward.
The arm unit with the grip chuck fixed to the opposite outer peripheral edges of the tableware is repeatedly reciprocated within a predetermined angle range between the tilted position and the substantially horizontal position to grab one tableware at the top end of the tableware row. Separation means to separate with
It has a drive source that raises and lowers the receiving frame that supports the tableware at the lowermost end of the tableware row, and the tableware row is placed at a position where it can be separated by sequentially grasping the tableware at the uppermost end of the tableware row by the separation means. Elevating means to raise and
A tableware storage space for storing tableware separated and released by the separation means is formed, and a reversing means having a rotating drum that rotates intermittently in one direction is provided.
Further, the separating means has an arm unit having a grip chuck for gripping the facing outer peripheral edges of the tableware and a guide rail for making the facing outer peripheral edges of the tableware slidable, and the arm unit is tilted. It is equipped with a link mechanism that reciprocates within a predetermined angle range between the position and the substantially horizontal position.
When the arm unit is rotated from an inclined position to a substantially horizontal position, the grip chuck grips the opposite outer peripheral edges of the tableware at the uppermost end of the tableware row and separates the tableware from the tableware row.
When the arm unit is rotated from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position, the tableware that has been grasped and separated is dropped from the grip chuck into the tableware storage space of the rotating drum and transferred.
The tableware transferred into the tableware storage space with the surface side facing upward is characterized by flipping the surface side of the tableware downward by intermittent rotation of the rotating drum and dropping the tableware from the tableware storage space by its own weight. Tableware separation and reversing device. The grip chuck has a movable claw having an inclined surface in which the distance between the upper surface, the lower surface, and the facing surface increases downward, a storage body for slidably storing the upper surface and the lower surface of the movable claw, and the movable claw as tableware. A pair of spring members urging toward the outer peripheral edges facing each other are provided at opposite positions.
When the arm unit rotates toward a substantially horizontal position, the movable claw makes contact with the upper side of the outer peripheral edge of the tableware at the uppermost end of the tableware row, and resists the urging force of the spring member. When the tip of the tableware, which is the intersection of the upper surface and the inclined surface, reaches the lower side of the outer peripheral edge of the tableware, the tableware at the uppermost end enters the lower side of the outer peripheral edge of the tableware by the urging force of the spring member. The tableware separation / reversing device according to claim 5, wherein the tableware is separated from the tableware row by grasping the opposite outer peripheral edges of the tableware. The separation of tableware according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the rotation drive shaft of the rotating drum serves as a rotation fulcrum of an arm unit that reciprocates in a predetermined angle range between an inclined position and a substantially horizontal position. Reversing device. The arm unit has a grip chuck on one end side with a first rotation fulcrum located substantially in the middle thereof, and has a second rotation fulcrum on the other end side. The link mechanism is the arm unit. One end side is connected to the second rotation fulcrum of the above, and one end side is connected to the first connection member having the third rotation fulcrum on the other end side and the third rotation fulcrum. A second connecting member whose end side is fixed to the rotation shaft of the motor which is a drive source is provided.
The third rotation fulcrum that makes the first connecting member and the second connecting member rotatable by the rotation of the second connecting member rotates through the top dead center and the bottom dead center. The arm unit is characterized in that it reciprocates within a range of a substantially horizontal position and a predetermined inclined position in response to a displacement between the top dead center and the bottom dead center of the third rotation fulcrum. The device for separating and reversing tableware according to any one of claims 5 to 7. The rotating drum forms a plurality of tableware storage spaces partitioned by both side walls and a plurality of partition walls radially provided from the center side, and the tableware storage space is discharged from the grip chuck with the surface side facing upward. It is characterized by receiving individual tableware, flipping the surface side of the tableware downward by intermittent rotation around the rotation drive axis of the rotating drum, and dropping the inverted tableware from the tableware storage space by its own weight and discharging it. The tableware separation / reversing device according to any one of claims 5 to 8. The tableware according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the arm unit reciprocates via a link mechanism, and the rotating drum rotates intermittently in synchronization with the reciprocating rotation of the arm unit. Separation and reversing device. The tableware separation / reversing device according to claim 10, wherein the drive source for reciprocating the arm unit and the drive source for rotating the rotating drum are the same. Abbreviation of the arm unit so that the tableware can be stored in the tableware storage space even if the tableware grasped by the arm unit falls by its own weight in the process of reaching the inclined position from the substantially horizontal position. The tableware separation / reversing device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the rotation from the horizontal position to the inclined position is synchronized with the rotation of the tableware storage space included in the rotating drum. When the arm unit rotates to the tilted position, one of the tableware storage spaces of the rotating drum is located on the opposite side facing the grip chuck of the arm unit, and the tableware with the front side facing down from the inside of this tableware storage space is weighted. The tableware separation / reversing device according to any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein the tableware is dropped and discharged. 5. Claims 5 to claim that when the arm unit reaches a position tilted from a substantially horizontal position, the arm unit is stopped at the tilted position for a predetermined time, and a waiting time is provided for the rotation of the rotating drum to be stopped for the predetermined time. 13. The tableware separation / reversing device according to any one of 13. A tableware sensor that detects the presence or absence of tableware is provided at a position where the tableware with its surface side facing down is dropped and discharged from the tableware storage space, and when the tableware sensor detects that there is no tableware, the arm unit is tilted. The tableware separation / reversing device according to any one of claims 5 to 14, wherein the tableware is rotated from a position to a substantially horizontal position. While transporting the tableware separation / reversing device according to any one of claims 5 to 15 and one self-supporting tableware row in which the surfaces of a plurality of tableware are stacked upward, which is located in the previous step of the separation / reversing device. It is located in the post-process of the tableware dipping device that supplies soaking water to moisten and moisten the dirt components adhering to the tableware and the separation and reversing device, and cleans the front and back of each tableware from the nozzle. Equipped with a cleaning device that sprays water to remove dirt,
A dishwashing system comprising arranging the tableware dipping device, a separation / reversing device, and a washing device so that the tableware transport directions are the same to form one washing lane. The dishwashing system according to claim 16, wherein a plurality of washing lanes composed of a dipping device, a separation / reversing device, and a washing device are arranged in a row in a direction orthogonal to a tableware transporting direction. Immersion water is supplied while transporting one independent tableware row in which the surfaces of multiple tableware of substantially the same shape are stacked upward, and the water is stored in the gap between the adjacent tableware of the plurality of tableware and adheres to the tableware. A dipping process that moisturizes and moistens the stain components,
After the dipping step, while the water is still stored as immersion water in the gap between the adjacent tableware , the tableware is sequentially grasped from the uppermost tableware of the independent tableware row to the lower tableware from the tableware row. A separation and reversal process that sequentially separates and inverts the surface side of the tableware downward,
It is provided with a cleaning 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 from the separation / reversal step.
A method for cleaning tableware, which comprises draining the immersion water stored on the surface side of the tableware to be separated in the separation / reversal step.

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