JP7128254B2 - Conveyor - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a conveying device for conveying containers along a predetermined conveying route.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there have been proposed transport devices for transporting tableware such as plates and trays, and cooking utensils such as hotel pans (hereinafter collectively referred to as “containers”). For example, one of the conventional conveying devices is used in a cleaning device that cleans while continuously conveying containers that have been used for cooking or the like. and holders arranged side by side (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Utility Model Registration No. 3128251

In order to efficiently wash various containers, the above-described conventional conveying apparatus holds the containers perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor and holds adjacent containers so that they do not overlap each other in the conveying direction. It is designed to In practice, however, the conventional conveying apparatus needs to be designed with a wide conveyor so that containers of various shapes and sizes can be conveyed, and the conveyor must be long enough to convey a large number of containers at the same time. need to be designed to be long. As a result, it is difficult to avoid an increase in the size of the conventional conveying apparatus, and there is a possibility that a large space will be required to install the washing apparatus to which the conveying apparatus is applied.

As described above, it is difficult for the conventional conveying apparatus to achieve both the miniaturization of the conveying apparatus and the equipment to which it is applied and the appropriate conveyance of a large number of containers. However, from the viewpoint of, for example, reducing the installation space of the equipment to which the conveying device is applied, it is desired to achieve both of these.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a conveying apparatus capable of appropriately conveying a large number of containers and capable of being miniaturized.

In order to achieve the above object, a conveying apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by the following [1] to [6].
[1]
A conveying device for conveying a container along a predetermined conveying route,
The container is held in an upright position with respect to the conveying path, and one lateral end of the container and the other lateral end of the container are positioned at different positions before and after the transport path. a retainer to hold;
a moving mechanism that moves the holder along the transport path,
It must be a transport device.
[2]
The conveying device according to [1] above,
The holder is
A first holding part that holds one lower end of the container, and a second holding part that holds the other lower end of the container behind the conveying path from the one lower end,
It must be a transport device.
[3]
The conveying device according to [2] above,
The first holding portion of the holding fixture,
a front end wall located on the front side of the transport path, and a front support wall extending from the front end wall toward the rear of the transport path,
The second holding portion of the holding fixture,
a rear end wall located on the rear side of the transport path; and a rear support wall extending from the rear end wall toward the front of the transport path,
It must be a transport device.
[4]
In the conveying device described in [3] above,
The first holding portion of the holding fixture,
a front guide wall extending from the front end wall toward the rear of the transport path and inclined away from the front support wall toward the rear of the transport path;
The second holding portion of the holding fixture,
a rear guide wall extending from the rear end wall toward the front of the conveying path and sloping toward the rear support wall as it goes downward from above the conveying path;
It must be a transport device.
[5]
In the conveying device according to any one of [1] to [4] above,
The holder is
The container is held in a posture in which the container opens in a direction inclined by 45 degrees or more toward the side from the front of the conveying path.
It must be a transport device.
[6]
In the conveying device according to any one of [2] to [5] above,
The holder is
further comprising a connecting portion having the first holding portion provided at one end and the second holding portion provided at the other end;
The transport device is
A plurality of said holders are arranged on said conveying path at predetermined intervals, one of said holders holding said lower one end of said container and another of said holders holding said lower other end of said container. The moving mechanism moves the plurality of holders along the transport path while holding the
It must be a transport device.

According to the conveying apparatus having the above configuration [1], the holder for holding the container holds the container in an upright posture with respect to the conveying path, and the one side end of the container and the side of the container The other end is held at different positions before and after the conveying path. In other words, the container is transported along the transport path while standing up along the vertical axis and tilting sideways about the vertical axis. As a result, the size of the conveying device can be reduced both in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and in the conveying direction, while holding and conveying the containers at a higher density than the conventional conveying device described above. Therefore, as an example, when the conveying device of this configuration is applied to a cleaning device for containers, by spraying cleaning water or the like onto the containers from the vertical direction and the side of the containers, the opening surface and the opening surface of the containers arranged at high density The entire surface including the back surface can be properly washed. Thus, the conveying device of this configuration can properly convey a large number of containers and can be made compact.

In addition, the specific structure of the "holding tool" that holds the container as described above is not particularly limited. For example, the holder may be configured to hold both ends in the width direction of the container and tilt it sideways around the vertical axis, or to hold the central portion in the width direction of the container and hold the container around the vertical axis. may be configured to tilt sideways. Also, for example, the holder may hold one of the upper end, the lower end, and the side end of the container, or may hold a plurality of them.

According to the conveying device having the above configuration [2], the first holding portion holds the lower one end portion of the container, and the second holding portion holds the other lower end portion of the container behind the lower end portion of the conveying path. The container is held by and. As a result, the container can be held by the holder so that the container is placed on the holder from above. Therefore, the work of holding the container on the moving holder is facilitated, and the work efficiency during actual use of the conveying apparatus can be improved. Furthermore, by supporting the weight of the container below the container, the posture of the container can be stabilized.

According to the conveying device having the configuration [3] above, the front end wall and the front support wall of the first holding portion of the holder, and the rear end wall and the rear support wall of the second holding portion of the holder, It is held so that both lower ends of the container are pinched. As a result, displacement of the container is suppressed in both the transport direction and the width direction, and the container can be maintained in a proper posture. As a result, as an example, when the conveying device of this configuration is applied to a container cleaning device, even if cleaning water or the like is strongly sprayed onto the container, the interval between the adjacent containers is maintained, and the entire surface of the container is properly cleaned. You can keep it up.

According to the conveying device having the configuration [4] above, the front guide wall of the first holding portion of the holder moves away from the front supporting wall toward the rear of the conveying path (that is, opens toward the rear). 2) has a sloping structure. Accordingly, when the container is held by the first holding portion, the lower one end portion of the container is received by the front guide wall and the front support wall and guided toward the front end wall, thereby properly holding the lower one end portion of the container. can be held in position. Furthermore, the rear guide wall of the second holding portion of the holder has a structure that is inclined so as to approach the rear support wall (that is, open upward) as it goes downward from above the conveying path. Thus, when the container is held by the second holding portion, if the container is rotated about one lower end portion held by the first holding portion, the other lower end of the container can be held by the rear guide wall and the rear support wall. By receiving and guiding the portion toward the rear end wall, the other lower end of the container can be held in a proper holding position. Therefore, the work of holding the container on the holder is further facilitated, and the work efficiency during actual use of the conveying apparatus can be further improved.

According to the conveying apparatus having the configuration [5] above, the holder holds the container in a posture in which the container is opened in a direction inclined by 45 degrees or more toward the side from the front of the conveying path. In other words, the container is held in a posture in which the opening surface of the container is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees or more about the vertical axis toward the side. That is, the container is held so that the size of the container seen in the conveying direction is smaller than the size of the container seen in the width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. Thereby, the size of the conveying device in the width direction can be further reduced. Furthermore, since the container can be held at an appropriate inclination, the operation of placing the container on the moving holder is further facilitated.

According to the conveying device having the configuration of [6] above, the holder has a structure in which the first holding portion and the second holding portion are integrated at the connecting portion, and a plurality of holding portions are arranged along the conveying path. One of the retainers holds one lower end of the container and the other retainer holds the other lower end of the container. This makes it possible to properly hold the container while avoiding excessive complication of the structure of the conveying device, as compared with the case where the container is held in the above-described posture using only one holder. Furthermore, maintainability such as replacement of the holder can be improved.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a conveying apparatus capable of properly conveying a large number of containers and capable of being miniaturized.

The present invention has been briefly described above. Furthermore, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by reading the following detailed description of the invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiment") with reference to the accompanying drawings. .

FIG. 1 is a side view showing an overview of the internal structure of a washing machine including a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 shows a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention holding a container, FIG. 2(a) is a side view of the whole conveying device, and FIG. 2(b) is a part of the conveying device. It is a top view showing FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing the container held by the conveying device. 4A and 4B show a holder included in the conveying device, FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the holder as seen from the front side, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the holder as seen from the rear side. 5(a) is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 2(b), FIG. 5(b) is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. 2(b), and FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC. FIG. 6 is a side view showing a part of the washing device of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 7(a) is an enlarged view of part D (divider) of FIG. 6, FIG. 7(b) is a front view of a rough washing water injection nozzle, and FIG. 7(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE of FIG. 7(b) and a cross-sectional view taken along line FF of FIG. 7(c). FIG. 8(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG of FIG. 7(b), and FIG. 8(b) is an exploded perspective view of the decompression unit shown in FIG. 8(a). FIG. 9(a) is a front view showing rough cleaning, FIG. 9(b) is a front view showing main cleaning, and FIG. 9(c) is a top view showing rough cleaning. It is a diagram. FIG. 10(a) is a front view showing the state of finish cleaning, and FIG. 10(b) is a side view showing the state of finish cleaning. 11 is a top view showing a heat exchanger included in the washing machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a housing that defines heat exchange chambers. 13A and 13B are views showing main washing according to the modification, FIG. 13A is a front view thereof, FIG. 13B is a top view thereof, and FIG. , a side view thereof. FIG. 14 is a side view showing an outline of the internal structure of a washing machine according to another modification. Fig. 15 shows a washing machine according to a reference example, Fig. 15(a) is its front view, and Fig. 15(b) is its side view.

<Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a cleaning machine 1 having a conveying device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of containers 30 inserted from an inlet 21 provided on the outer wall (not shown) of the housing of the washing machine 1 are continuously fed by a conveying device 2 (see FIG. 2(a), etc.). The container 30 is washed by the washing device 3 (see FIG. 6 etc.) of the washing machine 1 while being conveyed to the washing machine 1, and the washed container 30 is discharged from the outlet 22 provided on the outer wall of the housing (not shown) of the washing machine 1. be. As the container 30 to be washed by the washing machine 1, tableware such as plates and trays, and cooking utensils such as hotel pans can be assumed.

In this example, as the container 30, a hotel pan shown in FIG. 3 is adopted. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the container 30 includes a substantially rectangular flat bottom plate 31 having a longitudinal direction, a substantially rectangular frame-shaped side plate 32, and the side plate 32 extending from the peripheral edge of the projecting end to the entire circumference. It is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped metal thin-bottomed container having a brim portion 33 that spreads outward. The peripheral edge of the protruding end of side plate 32 defines the “opening” of container 30 . The side plate 32 is provided with a folded portion 34 (see also FIG. 5C) that is folded back toward the bottom plate 31 over the entire circumference from the periphery of the extending end of the flange portion 33 .

Hereinafter, the front surfaces of the bottom plate 31, the side plate 32, the collar portion 33, and the return portion 34 of the container 30 are collectively referred to as the "opening surface" of the container 30, and the bottom plate 31, the side plate 32, and the collar portion 33 of the container 30 are And the back surface of the return portion 34 may be collectively referred to as the “back surface” of the container 30 .

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, as shown in FIGS. , and “below”. The "front-rear direction", the "left-right direction" and the "up-down direction" are orthogonal to each other. The front-rear direction corresponds to the transport direction of the container 30 by the transport device 2 (the direction of the transport path), the front side corresponds to the downstream side of the transport path, and the rear side corresponds to the upstream side of the transport path. is doing.

<Overall Configuration of Cleaning Machine 1>
First, the overall configuration of the washing machine 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing that is elongated in the front-rear direction as a whole. The housing of the washing machine 1 is configured by combining a plurality of substantially rectangular parallelepiped housings. Specifically, the housings of the washing machine 1 mainly include a lower housing 11 extending in the front-rear direction, an entrance-side housing 12 positioned above the rear end of the lower housing 11, and an entrance-side housing. A washing chamber housing 13 adjacent to the front side of the body 12 and positioned above the lower housing 11, and an outlet side housing adjacent to the front side of the washing chamber housing 13 and positioned above the front end of the lower housing 11. a body 14; The upper surface of the cleaning chamber housing 13 is located above the upper surfaces of the entrance-side housing 12 and the exit-side housing 14 . An entrance-side blower housing 15 is provided on the upper side of the inlet-side housing 12 adjacent to the rear side of the upper part of the cleaning chamber housing 13, and an upper side of the outlet-side housing 14 is provided with the cleaning chamber housing 13. An exit-side blower housing 16 is provided adjacent to the front side of the upper portion.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lower housing 11 defines a lower space R1, the inlet housing 12 defines an inlet space R2, and the wash chamber housing 13 defines a wash chamber R3 and a heat exchange chamber. The outlet housing 14 defines an outlet space R4, the inlet blower housing 15 defines an inlet blower space R6, and the outlet blower housing 16 defines an outlet space R6. It defines a side blower space R7. The inlet-side space R2, the cleaning chamber R3, the outlet-side space R4, and the lower space R1 are vertically partitioned by the upper wall 17 (see FIG. 1) of the lower housing 11. As shown in FIG. The entrance-side space R2, the washing chamber R3, and the exit-side space R4 are in communication throughout the front-rear direction. The cleaning chamber R3 and the heat exchange chamber R5 are separated vertically by a bottom wall 102 (see also FIG. 12) of a housing 101, which defines the heat exchange chamber R5 and will be described later. The inlet-side space R2 and the inlet-side blower space R6 communicate vertically through an inlet-side suction port 18 (see FIG. 1) formed in the upper wall of the inlet-side housing 12. As shown in FIG. The outlet-side space R4 and the outlet-side blower space R7 communicate vertically through an outlet-side suction port 19 (see FIG. 1) formed in the upper wall of the outlet-side housing 14. As shown in FIG. The inlet-side blower space R6 and the heat exchange chamber R5 communicate back and forth through an inlet-side feed port 106 (see FIG. 12) formed in the housing 101 defining the heat exchange chamber R5. The outlet-side blower space R7 and the heat exchange chamber R5 communicate back and forth through an outlet-side inlet 105 (see FIG. 12) formed in the housing 101 defining the heat exchange chamber R5.

An inlet 21 for inserting the container 30 is provided on the left side wall of the inlet-side housing 12 . The front wall of the outlet housing 14 is provided with an outlet 22 for discharging the washed container 30 . A left side wall of the washing chamber housing 13 is provided with a pair of operation doors (not shown) that are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction and that can be opened and closed. The left side wall of the lower housing 11 is composed of a plurality of detachable side covers (not shown) that are arranged so as to line up in the front-rear direction. The upper wall of the washing chamber housing 13 is composed of a plurality of detachable upper lids (not shown) arranged so as to line up in the front-rear direction. A plurality of upper lids define a heat exchange chamber R5 together with a housing 101 (see FIG. 12). A steam exhaust pipe 26 is provided at the front end portion of the top cover located on the frontmost side, protruding upward and penetrating in the vertical direction. The housing of the washer 1 is supported on the floor via a plurality of legs 27 extending downward from the lower wall of the lower housing 11 .

A heat insulating material is sandwiched between the walls of the entire housing of the washer 1 . As a result, the temperature of the entire housing surface of the washing machine 1 is kept to a temperature that is not hot even when touched by hand. In addition, since both the operation door that is opened for maintenance and the side cover that is removed for maintenance are provided on the left side wall of the housing of the washing machine 1, the right side wall of the washing machine 1 can be The washing machine 1 can be installed in a state of being close to the walls of other devices or facilities.

<Configuration of Conveying Device 2>
Next, the conveying device 2 of the washer 1 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the conveying device 2 includes a holder 50 for holding the container 30 and a moving mechanism 40 for moving the holder 50 along the conveying path. First, the moving mechanism 40 will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a laterally extending drive shaft 41 is rotatably supported in the lower portion of the outlet side space R4. The drive shaft 41 is integrally provided with a pair of left and right drive gears 42 arranged side by side at intervals in the left-right direction. Similarly, a driven shaft 43 extending in the left-right direction is rotatably supported in the lower portion of the entrance-side space R2. The driven shaft 43 is integrally provided with a pair of left and right driven gears 44 arranged side by side with an interval in the left-right direction. A pair of left and right conveying chains 45 are wound around the pair of left and right drive gears 42 and the pair of left and right driven gears 44 so as to extend in the front-rear direction at intervals in the left-right direction. A plurality of holders 50 are fixed to the pair of left and right conveying chains 45 so as to be lined up at predetermined intervals in the extending direction of the conveying chains 45 .

A motor 46 is provided at the front end of the lower space R1. A motor gear 47 is provided integrally with the rotating shaft of the motor 46 . A drive chain 48 is wound around the motor gear 47 and a drive gear 42 fixed to the drive shaft 41 for driving a carrier chain 45 as will be described later, so as to extend substantially in the vertical direction. As described above, the moving mechanism 40 is composed of the driving shaft 41 , the driven shaft 43 , the conveying chain 45 , the motor 46 and the driving chain 48 .

In the moving mechanism 40, when the rotary shaft of the motor 46 is rotated clockwise at a constant rotational speed as viewed from the left side, the drive torque is applied to the drive chain 48, drive gear 42 (drive shaft 41), conveying chain 45, It is sequentially transmitted to the driven gear 44 (driven shaft 43). As a result, the conveying chain 45 is rotationally driven at a constant clockwise rotation speed as viewed from the left side, thereby moving the holder 50 (that is, the container 30) from the entrance space R2 to the exit space R4 via the cleaning chamber R3. A conveying path is configured to convey forward at a constant speed along the front-rear direction.

A driven shaft 43 of the moving mechanism 40 is arranged at the rear end of the entrance-side space R2. In the entrance-side space R2, a plurality of (for example, six) holders 50 fixed to the conveying chain 45 are conveyed side by side at predetermined intervals. The inlet 21 that opens to the entrance-side space R2 opens to the plurality of holders 50. As shown in FIG.

Next, the holder 50 will be explained. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 and the like, the holder 50 is configured so that the container 30 stands up and down with the longitudinal direction of the container 30 along the vertical direction, and the opening of the container 30 is angled from the front to the left. The function of holding the container 30 is achieved in an orientation tilted by θ (<90 degrees, see FIG. 2B ) in which the right end of the container 30 is located forward of the left end of the container 30 . In other words, the container 30 is held in a state where it stands up along the vertical axis and is tilted leftward about the vertical axis by the angle θ. The angle θ is preferably 45 degrees or more (60 degrees in this example).

Specifically, the holder 50 is formed by subjecting a single metal plate to press work, bending work, and the like, and as shown in FIG. 51 , a first holding portion 52 provided at one end of the connecting portion 51 , and a second holding portion 53 provided at the other end of the connecting portion 51 . The first holding portion 52 functions to hold the lower right end portion of the container 30 , and the second holding portion 53 functions to hold the lower left end portion of the container 30 . As shown in FIGS. 2B and 3, the connecting portion 51 has a pair of left and right holding portions 52 and 53 positioned on the right and left sides, respectively, and the connecting portion 51 extending in the left-right direction. One end of the connecting portion 51 is fixed to the right conveying chain 45 and the other end of the connecting portion 51 is fixed to the left conveying chain 45 so as to straddle the conveying chain 45 .

The first holding portion 52 is composed of a front end wall 54, a front support wall 55, and a front guide wall 56, as shown in FIGS. The front end wall 54 extends in the left-right direction above the front edge of one end of the connecting portion 51 along the front edge. A rectangular hole penetrating through the front end wall 54 is provided in the lower portion of the front end wall 54 to allow water droplets and the like in the first holding portion 52 to flow out. The front support wall 55 extends rearward from the right end of the front end wall 54 and protrudes upward from the right edge of one end of the connecting portion 51 . The front guide wall 56 extends obliquely rearward and leftward from the left end portion of the front end wall 54 and protrudes upward from the connecting portion 51 . In other words, the front guide wall 56 slopes away from the front support wall 55 as it goes rearward (that is, opens rearward). The inclination angle θ of the front guide wall 56 shown in FIG. 5(a) matches the angle θ of the container 30 held by the holder 50 shown in FIG. 2(b).

The second holding portion 53 includes a rear end wall 57, a rear support wall 58, and a rear guide wall 59, as shown in FIGS. The rear end wall 57 protrudes upward from the rear edge of the other end of the connecting portion 51 and extends in the left-right direction. The rear support wall 58 extends forward from the left end of the rear end wall 57 and protrudes upward from the left edge of the other end of the connecting portion 51 . The rear guide wall 59 inclines forward and leftward from the right end of the rear end wall 57 and approaches the rear support wall 58 as it goes downward (that is, opens upward). ) extends obliquely and protrudes upward from the connecting portion 51 . An upper end surface 59a (see FIG. 4A) of the rear guide wall 59 is a tapered surface that slopes toward the connecting portion 51 from the rear toward the front. A notch portion 59b (particularly, see FIG. 5(c)) recessed rearward is formed in the lower end portion of the rear guide wall 59 (the portion near the upper surface of the connecting portion 51).

A plurality of holders 50 having the above configuration are fixed to the transport chain 45 so as to be arranged at predetermined intervals in the direction in which the transport chain 45 of the moving mechanism 40 extends (that is, the front-rear direction) (FIGS. 2 and 4). See Figure 3, etc.). The container 30 stands up and down with the longitudinal direction of the container 30 along the up-down direction, and the opening of the container 30 is inclined from the front to the left. It is inserted into and held by the holding portion 52 from above (see FIGS. 3 and 5(a)), and the lower left end is, for example, the second holder 50 located second rearward from one holder 50. 2 is inserted into and held by the holding portion 53 from above (see FIGS. 3 and 5B). As a result, the container 30 stands up and down, and the right end of the container 30 is tilted from the front to the left by an angle θ (<90 degrees, see FIG. 2(b)). The container 30 is held in a position positioned forward of the left end of the container 30 .

Here, when the lower right end of the container 30 is held by the first holding portion 52, the front guide wall 56 is inclined so as to open rearward, so that the front guide wall 56 and the front support wall 55 The lower right end of the container 30 can be held in the proper holding position while receiving and guiding the lower right end of the container 30 toward the front end wall 54 . Furthermore, since the rear guide wall 59 is inclined to open upward, when the lower left end portion of the container 30 is held by the second holding portion 53, the lower right end portion held by the first holding portion 52 , the lower left end of the container 30 is received by the rear guide wall 59 and the rear support wall 58 and guided toward the rear end wall 57, while the lower left end of the container 30 is guided toward the rear end wall 57. It can be held in a proper holding position.

Further, since the upper end face 59a of the rear guide wall is tapered as described above, even if the lower left end of the container 30 rides on the upper end face 59a of the rear guide wall 59, the lower left end of the container 30 is By sliding forward on the upper end surface 59 a , the lower left end of the container 30 can be smoothly guided into the inside of the second holding portion 53 . Furthermore, the return portion 34 positioned at the lower left end of the container 30 held by the second holding portion 53 engages with the notch portion 59b provided at the lower end of the rear guide wall 59 (FIG. 5(c)). reference). This prevents the lower left end of the container 30 from lifting from the second holding portion 53 .

The container 30 held by the holder 50 as described above may incline toward the rear side of the container 30 due to the position of the center of gravity of the container 30 itself. Even if the container 30 is tilted in this way, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the transport guide plate 49 supports the rear surface of the container 30, thereby allowing the container 30 to stand up and down as described above. You can maintain your original posture. The conveying guide plate 49 is arranged so as to extend in the front-rear direction above the right conveying chain 45 from the entrance space R2 through the cleaning chamber R3 to the exit space R4.

As shown in FIG. 2(b), the plurality of containers 30 are tilted in the front and rear directions and stand up and down in the vertical direction, with a predetermined interval (=pitch between adjacent holders 50) on the conveying chain 45. It is held using a plurality of holders 50 so as to be aligned in the front-rear direction. As a result, the containers 30 adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction are arranged so as to partially overlap each other in the front-rear direction. As a result, while holding and transporting a plurality of containers 30 at a higher density, the size of the transport device 2 can be reduced both in the left-right direction perpendicular to the transport direction and in the transport direction (front-rear direction).

<Functions and Effects of Conveying Device 2>
According to the conveying apparatus 2 according to this embodiment, the holder 50 that holds the container 30 holds the container 30 in an upright posture with respect to the conveying path, and the lateral right end portion of the container 30 and the container 30 are held at different positions in front and rear of the conveying path. In other words, the container 30 is transported along the transport path in a state where it stands up along the vertical axis and tilts sideways around the vertical axis. As a result, the size of the transport device 2 can be reduced in both the left-right direction perpendicular to the transport direction and the transport direction (front-rear direction) while holding and transporting the containers 30 at a higher density than the conventional transport device described above. For example, when the conveying device 2 is applied to a washing device 3, which will be described later, even if the containers 30 are arranged at a high density, the washing water or the like can be sprayed onto the containers 30 from the vertical direction or the side of the containers 30. All surfaces, including the open face and back face of 30, can be properly cleaned. As described above, the transport device 2 according to the present embodiment can properly transport a large number of containers 30 and can be miniaturized.

Further, according to the conveying device 2, the first holding portion 52 holds the lower right end portion of the container 30, and the second holding portion 53 holds the lower left end portion of the container 30 behind the lower right end portion of the conveying path. and hold the container 30 . Accordingly, by placing the container 30 on the holder 50 from above, the container 30 can be held by the holder 50 . Therefore, the work of holding the container 30 on the holder 50 that is moved by the moving mechanism 40 is facilitated, and the work efficiency during actual use of the conveying device 2 can be improved. Furthermore, by supporting the weight of the container 30 below the container 30, the posture of the container 30 during transportation can be stabilized.

Furthermore, according to the conveying device 2, the front end wall 54 and the front support wall 55 of the first holding portion 52 of the holder 50 and the rear end wall 57 and the rear support wall 58 of the second holding portion 53 of the holder 50 are provided. , and hold both the lower right and left ends of the container 30 so as to be sandwiched therebetween. That is, the left and right ends of the lower portion of the container 30 are held so as to be sandwiched between the walls from at least four directions. As a result, positional displacement of the container 30 is suppressed in both the transport direction (front-rear direction) and the left-right direction, and the container 30 can be maintained in a proper posture. As a result, for example, when the conveying device 2 is applied to a cleaning device 3, which will be described later, even if cleaning water or the like is sprayed onto the containers 30, the intervals between the adjacent containers 30 are maintained, and the entire surfaces of the containers 30 are properly cleaned. You can keep it up.

Further, according to the conveying device 2, the front guide wall 56 of the first holding portion 52 of the holder 50 moves away from the front supporting wall 55 toward the rear of the conveying path (that is, opens toward the rear). 2) has a sloping structure. As a result, when the container 30 is held by the first holding portion 52 , the lower right end of the container 30 is received by the front guide wall 56 and the front support wall 55 and guided toward the front end wall 54 . The right end can be held in a proper holding position. Furthermore, the structure in which the rear guide wall 59 of the second holding portion 53 of the holder 50 is inclined so as to approach the rear support wall 58 (that is, open upward) as it goes downward from above the conveying path. have As a result, when the container 30 is held by the second holding portion 53, if the container 30 is rotated about the lower right end portion held by the first holding portion 52, the rear guide wall 59 and the rear support wall 58 can be moved. The lower left end of the container 30 can be held in the proper holding position while receiving and guiding the lower left end of the container 30 toward the rear end wall 57 . Therefore, the work for holding the container 30 on the holder 50 is further facilitated, and the work efficiency during actual use of the conveying device 2 can be further improved.

Furthermore, according to the conveying device 2, the holder 50 holds the container 30 in a posture in which the container 30 opens in a direction inclined by 45 degrees or more toward the side from the front of the conveying path. In other words, the container is held in a posture in which the opening surface of the container 30 is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees or more about the vertical axis. That is, the container 30 is held so that the size of the container 30 viewed from the transport direction is smaller than the size of the container 30 viewed from the horizontal direction perpendicular to the transport direction. Thereby, the size of the conveying device 2 in the horizontal direction can be further reduced. Furthermore, since the container 30 can be held with an appropriate inclination, it is easier to sequentially hold the lateral right end portion and the lateral left end portion of the container 30 on the holder 50 that is being moved by the moving mechanism 40. become.

Further, according to the conveying device 2, the holder 50 has a structure in which the first holding portion 52 and the second holding portion 53 are integrated by the connecting portion 51, and a plurality of holding members arranged along the conveying path are arranged. One retainer 50 of the fixtures 50 holds the lower right end of the container 30 and the other retainer 50 holds the lower left end of the container 30 . As a result, while the holders 50 themselves are arranged so as to be orthogonal to the conveying direction, the containers 30 can be held in a tilted state before and after the conveying path. Therefore, it is possible to properly hold the container 30 while avoiding excessive complication of the structure of the conveying device 2 . Furthermore, maintainability such as replacement of the holder 50 can be improved.

In addition, in the conveying device 2 , the operator holds the container 30 in a state in which the opening surface of the container 30 faces the conveying direction and the container 30 is set up and down, and the lower right end of the container 30 is held by the first holding portion 52 . insert the part. At this time, the operator is guided by the front guide wall 56 of the first holding portion 52 inclined by the inclination angle θ (see FIG. 5A), so that the operator can move the container 30 while maintaining the inclination angle θ. will have. After that, the worker lowers the lower left end of the container 30 toward the second holding portion 53 . At this time, since the rear guide wall 59 of the second holding portion 53 is open upward, even if the angle of the container 30 deviates slightly from the inclination angle θ, the lower left end portion of the container 30 is held by the second holding portion. 53 can be stored inside. Further, since the upper end face 59a of the rear guide wall 59 is tapered, even if the lower left end of the container 30 rides on the upper end face 59a, the lower left end of the container 30 does not enter the second holding portion 53. It can be paid smoothly. In this manner, the container 30 can be securely held by the left and right holders 50 without the worker being particularly conscious of the left-right angle of the container 30 . At this time, the lower end portions of the container 30 have at least four walls, the front support wall 55 and the front end wall 54 of the first holding portion 52, and the rear support wall 58 and the rear end wall 57 of the second holding portion 53. Since the container 30 is held and conveyed while being surrounded by members, even if the lower left and right ends of the container 30 are shifted forward and backward and are in an unstable state, the container 30 is stably conveyed without falling from the holder 50.例文帳に追加be able to. In this manner, the container 30 can be transported with the opening face inclined to the left from the transport direction.

When the lower left end portion and the lower right end portion of the container 30 are held by the first holding portion 52 and the second holding portion 53 respectively, the operator releases the container 30 . At this time, the center of gravity of the container 30 may move to the back side due to its own weight and may tilt. , the container 30 can be maintained in its original upright posture.

Since the opening surface of the container 30 faces the side at an angle of 45 degrees or more with respect to the conveying direction, the length of the container 30 in the left-right direction becomes shorter than the length in the front-rear direction, and the container 30 can be conveyed in a space-saving manner. can be done. Furthermore, by holding the lower left and right ends of the container 30, the container 30 can be reliably held and stably transported in an unstable state with the opening of the container 30 upright and facing leftward. can.

As will be described later in detail, when the conveying device 2 is applied to the cleaning device 3 described later, the cleaning water is jetted from the second holding portion 53 side toward the first holding portion 52 side to the opening surface of the container 30 . be. As a result, the container 30 is pushed toward the first holding portion 52 by the injection pressure of the wash water, and the lower left end portion of the container 30 is pushed toward the rear guide wall 59 in the second holding portion 53 as well. At this time, since the rear guide wall 59 is inclined to spread upward, the lower left end of the container 30 tends to be lifted along the inclined surface of the rear guide wall 59 by the injection pressure. However, as described above, the return portion 34 located at the lower left end of the container 30 is engaged with the notch portion 59b of the rear guide wall 59, so that the container 30 can be prevented from being lifted.

Furthermore, as described above, since a plurality of holders 50 are conveyed to the inlet side space R2 and the input port 21 is open to the plurality of holders 50, the operator can carry a plurality of containers 30 at once. can be held by the holder 50 . Therefore, the operator can efficiently perform the work of loading the container 30 . Furthermore, the operator can perform another work during the period until all of the multiple containers 30 put in at once are transported to the cleaning room R3. Therefore, the worker can efficiently perform a plurality of tasks including the loading task of the container 30 and another task.

<Other Forms of Conveying Device 2>
A specific structure of the holder 50 for holding the container 30 is not particularly limited. For example, in the conveying device 2, the holders 50 are configured to hold both left and right ends of the container 30 and tilt it sideways. On the other hand, the holder may be configured to hold the central portion of the container 30 in the left-right direction and tilt it sideways. For example, in the transport device 2 , the holders 50 hold the lower left and right ends of the container 30 . On the other hand, the holder may hold the upper left and right ends of the container 30 or the left and right ends of the center portion of the container 30 in the vertical direction.

Further, in the conveying device 2, the lower right end portion of the container 30 is held by the first holding portion 52 of one holder 50 among the plurality of holders 50 arranged along the conveying path, and the other holders 50 are held. The lower left end of the container 30 is held by the second holding portion 53 of the tool 50 . On the other hand, the lower right end portion and the lower left end portion of the container 30 are aligned with the first holding portion 52 and the second holding portion 52 of one (same) holder 50 among the plurality of holders 50 arranged along the transport path. It may be held in the portion 53 .

Furthermore, in the conveying device 2 , a plurality of holders 50 are fixed to the pair of left and right conveying chains 45 so as to straddle the pair of left and right conveying chains 45 . Alternatively, a plurality of holders 50 may be fixed to a single carrier chain 45 .

Furthermore, in the conveying device 2 , the first holding portion 52 and the second holding portion 53 of the holder 50 are connected by the connecting portion 51 . On the other hand, the connecting part 51 may be omitted, and the first holding part 52 and the second holding part 53 of the holder 50 may be independent.

Furthermore, in the conveying device 2 , the lower end of the container 30 is held by a holder 50 . On the other hand, if the container 30 is held in an upright position with both left and right ends tilted to the side, for example, the conveying chain 45 and the holders 50 are arranged above the container 30 to hold the container 30 . You may hang with the tool 50. FIG.

<Configuration of cleaning device 3>
Next, the cleaning device 3 included in the cleaning machine 1 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1, 6, and 7, the cleaning device 3 includes a cleaning water supply system, a steam supply system, and a water supply system in addition to the conveying device 2 described above. First, the cleaning water supply system will be described below.

- Configuration of the cleaning water supply system The cleaning water supply system supplies cleaning water used in the rough cleaning process and the main cleaning process, which will be described later, toward the container 30 transported by the transport device 2 in the cleaning chamber R3. It is a system for injecting. Wash water is produced by mixing water and detergent. As the detergent, a low-foaming detergent that can handle high temperatures and high concentrations is suitable.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, a cleaning tank 61 for storing cleaning water is provided below the cleaning chamber R3. An upper opening of the cleaning tank 61 is covered with a pair of flat plate-like tank strainers 62 made of mesh (mesh with many fine through holes). As shown in FIG. 1 , the pair of tank strainers 62 form part of the upper wall 17 of the lower housing 11 .

Left and right side portions of the pair of tank strainers 62 in the upper wall 17 form a pair of inclined surfaces 17 a that are inclined downward toward the tank strainers 62 . The washing water used in the rough washing process and the main washing process in the washing chamber R3 falls on the pair of inclined surfaces 17a or the pair of tank strainers 62. As shown in FIG. The washing water dropped onto the inclined surface 17a flows down toward the tank strainer 62 on the inclined surface 17a. The washing water that has moved onto the tank strainer 62 is collected in the washing tank 61 through the mesh of the tank strainer 62 .

Foreign matter and the like (including dirt and the like adhering to the container 30 ) contained in the wash water that has moved onto the tank strainer 62 are caught by the tank strainer 62 . As a result, the washing water in the washing tank 61 is kept in a good condition with little dirt and sufficient washing action. The cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 61 is heated by a steam heater 88 (see FIGS. 1 and 6), which will be described later, and is maintained at a high temperature of 90.degree. C. or 70.degree. The washing water may be heated by an electric heater, or by a water heater provided inside or outside the washing machine 1 .

A partition plate 17b projecting upward and extending in the left-right direction is provided at the boundary between the front inclined surface 17a of the pair of inclined surfaces 17a and the upper wall 17 positioned forward of the front inclined surface 17a. (See Figure 1). A finish drainage port 17c is provided in the upper wall 17 located forward of the partition plate 17b (see FIG. 1). The water used in the finishing washing process, which will be described later, in the washing chamber R3 drops onto the upper wall 17 located in front of the partition plate 17b and is drained through the finishing drainage port 17c. there is The partition plate 17b is provided to prevent the concentration of detergent from decreasing in the cleaning tank 61 when it is not desirable that the water used in the finish cleaning process is collected in the cleaning tank 61 and the concentration of the detergent in the cleaning tank 61 decreases. is provided in Specifically, when cleaning is performed while maintaining a relatively high detergent concentration (for example, 5% or more), it is preferable to provide the partition plate 17b. On the other hand, when washing with a relatively low detergent concentration (for example, less than 5%), the amount of detergent added is small. Since it can be recovered, the partition plate 17b may be removed and the drain port 17c may be closed to collect the water used in the final cleaning process into the cleaning tank 61, thereby efficiently using the cleaning water.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the cleaning tank 61 is connected to the suction side of a pump 64 via a pipe 63 within the lower space R1. The discharge side of the pump 64 is connected via a pipe 65 to the water divider 4 located inside the washing chamber R3. Therefore, the pump 64 sucks the high-temperature wash water stored in the wash tank 61 and discharges it toward the water separator 4 at a predetermined discharge pressure.

<Configuration of Water Divider 4>
The water divider 4 will be described below. The water divider 4 includes a rough washing pipe 73 (rough washing water injection nozzle 74, see FIG. 7, etc.) used in the rough washing process and a main washing pipe 75 (main washing water injection nozzle 76) used in the main washing process. , FIG. 7, etc.) and high-temperature washing water at different pressures. In the cleaning chamber R3, the water divider 4 is provided so as to extend in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction at a position on the left side of the left side conveying chain 45 and on the left side of the container 30 conveyed by the conveying device 2. It is

The water divider 4, as shown in FIG. The water divider main body 66 is a rectangular tubular pipe extending vertically and having both ends opened. The lower end of the water divider body 66 is connected to a pipe 65 connected to the discharge side of the pump 64 (see also FIG. 6).

The upper end of the water divider body 66 is connected to the middle portion of the main wash side water divider 67 extending in the front-rear direction. The main washing side water divider 67 is a rectangular tube-shaped pipe that extends in the front-rear direction and has a closed front end and an open rear end. The rear end of the main wash side water divider 67 is connected via a decompression section 69 to the front end of a rough wash side water divider 68 extending in the front-rear direction. The rough-washing side water divider 68 is a rectangular tubular pipe extending in the front-rear direction and having an open front end and a closed rear end. The length of the rough wash side water divider 68 in the front-rear direction is longer than the length of the main wash side water divider 67 in the front-rear direction.

As shown in FIG. 8, the decompression unit 69 includes a rectangular flat decompression plate 71 having small holes 72 formed therein, and a rectangular flange portion 67a provided at the rear end of the main wash side water divider 67. It is configured by being clamped and fixed by a rectangular flange portion 68 a provided at the front end of the wash side water divider 68 . The decompression part 69 uses the small hole 72 as an orifice to achieve a decompression function. Note that the decompression unit 69 may be configured using other means such as a decompression valve.

The small hole 72 is provided eccentrically below the central position of the decompression plate 71 . As a result, the lower edges of the small holes 72 are arranged so as to be flush with the lower ends of the inner peripheral surfaces of the main wash side water divider 67 and the rough wash side water divider 68 .

As shown in FIGS. 7( a ) and 8 ( a ), the rough washing side water divider 68 has a plurality of (five in this example) forward and backward insertion openings 68 b opening downward. is formed. Upper ends of rough cleaning pipes 73 extending in the vertical direction are inserted into and connected to the respective insertion ports 68b. The rough cleaning pipe 73 is a cylindrical pipe extending vertically and having an open upper end and a closed lower end. The upper end of each rough washing pipe 73 protrudes upward from the insertion port 68 b inside the rough washing side water distributor 68 . The lower end of each rough cleaning pipe 73 is supported by a pipe receiving plate 77 fixed to the water divider body 66 and extending in the front-rear direction.

As shown in FIGS. 7(b) and 7(d), the rough washing pipe 73 has first rough washing water injection nozzles 74a opening rightward and diagonally forward right at a plurality of locations in the vertical direction. A second rough washing water injection nozzle 74b is provided.

As shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 8(a), the main washing side water divider 67 is formed with a downwardly opening insertion port 67b at one location in the front-rear direction. The upper end of a vertically extending main washing pipe 75 is inserted into and connected to the insertion port 67b. The main washing pipe 75 is a cylindrical pipe extending vertically and having an open upper end and a closed lower end. The upper end of the main wash pipe 75 protrudes upward from the insertion port 67 b inside the main wash side water divider 67 . The lower end of the main washing pipe 75 is supported by a pipe receiving plate 77 fixed to the water divider body 66 and extending in the front-rear direction.

As with the rough washing pipe 73, the main washing pipe 75 has first main washing water injection nozzles 76a that open rightward at a plurality of locations in the vertical direction as shown in FIGS. 7(c) and 7(d). and a second main washing water injection nozzle 76b that opens obliquely forward to the right. The number of the first and second main washing water injection nozzles 76a and 76b provided on the main washing pipe 75 is the number of the first and second rough washing water injection nozzles 74a and 74b provided on the rough washing pipe 73. more than

The circumferential directions of the rough washing pipe 73 and the main washing pipe 75 (that is, the directions of the rough washing water injection nozzle 74 and the main washing water injection nozzle 76) are determined by a pipe angle adjustment mechanism 77a provided on the pipe receiving plate 77. (See FIG. 7).

In the water divider 4 described above, the wash water pressure-fed from the pump 64 flows into the water divider main body 66 and is branched into the main wash side water divider 67 and the rough wash side water divider 68 . The washing water branched to the main washing side water divider 67 flows into the main washing pipe 75, and the first and second main washing water injection nozzles 76a located on the left side of the container 30 being conveyed by the conveying device 2. , 76b toward the opening of the container 30 while maintaining the discharge pressure of the pump 64 (see FIG. 9B).

The washing water branched to the rough washing side water divider 68 collides with the decompression plate 71 arranged in the decompression section 69, and a part of the washing water that has passed through the small holes 72 is decompressed to the rough washing side. It flows into the water divider 68 . The wash water that has passed through the small holes 72 flows along the inner bottom surface of the water divider 68 on the rough wash side and collides with the upper ends of the rough wash pipes 73 protruding from the insertion port 68b. will flow while being weakened. The washing water whose flow velocity has been weakened flows into each rough washing pipe 73, and is discharged from the first and second rough washing water injection nozzles 74a and 74b located on the left side of the container 30 conveyed by the conveying device 2 to the container. 30 is injected at a pressure reduced by a pressure reduction unit 69 from the discharge pressure of the pump 64 (see FIG. 9A).

The washing water is sprayed from first and second rough washing water injection nozzles 74a and 74b provided on a plurality of rough washing pipes 73 arranged along the front-rear direction into a relatively long rough washing area H1 ( 1), and is jetted toward the opening surface of the container 30 being conveyed by the conveying device 2 . At this time, the washing water is directed rightward from the first rough washing water injection nozzle 74a toward the front side portion of the opening surface of the container 30 (the portion not overlapping the container 30 adjacent to the front side). It is injected (see FIG. 9(c)). On the other hand, from the second rough washing water injection nozzle 74b, the washing water is injected obliquely forward to the right toward the back portion of the opening surface of the container 30 (the portion overlapping the container 30 adjacent to the front side). (See FIG. 9(c)). The details of cleaning with the cleaning water jetted from the first and second rough cleaning water jet nozzles 74a and 74b will be described later.

Similarly, from the first and second main washing water injection nozzles 76a and 76b provided in one main washing pipe 75, washing water is sprayed to the front side of the rough washing area H1 (downstream side of the conveying path). In addition, the main cleaning area H2 (see FIG. 1) shorter in the front-rear direction than the rough cleaning area H1 is sprayed toward the opening surface of the container 30 being conveyed by the conveying device 2 . At this time, the washing water from the first main washing water injection nozzle 76a is sprayed from the front side of the opening surface of the container 30 (the portion that does not overlap with the container 30 adjacent to the front side), similarly to the first rough washing water injection nozzle 74a. ) and is jetted to the right. On the other hand, from the second main washing water injection nozzle 76b, washing water is directed toward the back portion of the opening surface of the container 30 (the portion overlapping with the container 30 adjacent to the front side) in the same manner as the second rough washing water injection nozzle 74b. Then, it is jetted so as to go diagonally forward to the right. The details of washing with the washing water injected from the first and second main washing water injection nozzles 76a and 76b will be described later.

When the cleaning of the container 30 is completed, the pump 64 is stopped and the pumping of cleaning water is stopped. Washing water remaining in the rough washing pipe 73 and the main washing pipe 75 is discharged from the rough washing water injection nozzle 74 and the main washing water injection nozzle 76, respectively. Wash water remaining in the rough wash water divider 68 and the main wash water divider 67 flows into the water divider main body 66 and is discharged to the washing tank 61 through the pump 64 .

In particular, when the wash water remaining inside the rough washing side water divider 68 returns to the water divider main body 66, it is blocked by the decompression plate 71. Since there is no level difference from the lower end of the inner peripheral surface of the vessel 68, the water is smoothly discharged from the small hole 72 to the water divider main body 66. - 特許庁

<Action and effect of the water divider 4>
The wash water flowing in through the small holes 72 of the decompression plate 71 collides multiple times with the upper ends of the rough washing pipes 73 protruding from the inside of the rough washing side water divider 68, thereby weakening the flow velocity and causing a plurality of rough washings. It is evenly injected from the pipe 73 .

There is no need for a control means for controlling a plurality of pumps so as to provide appropriate pressures for the different cleaning processes of the rough cleaning process and the main cleaning process. Different pressures of wash water can be supplied to the wash process.

When the operator disassembles and cleans the water divider 4, even if the rough washing pipe 73 is removed from the rough washing side water divider 68, since no washing water remains inside the rough washing side water divider 68, the rough washing can be performed. Washing water does not flow down from the side water divider 68. - 特許庁Therefore, work can be performed safely without fear of getting burned or getting dirty. The water divider 4 has been described above.

As described above, the cleaning water supply system provided in the cleaning device 3 is composed of the cleaning tank 61, the pump 64, and the water divider 4 (including the rough cleaning water injection nozzle 74 and the main cleaning water injection nozzle 76). It is The cleaning water supply system provided in the cleaning device 3 has been described above.

-Structure of Steam Supply System Next, the steam supply system provided in the cleaning apparatus 3 will be described. The steam supply system includes a system for injecting steam (water vapor) used in the rough cleaning process toward the container 30 transported by the transport device 2 in the cleaning chamber R3, It is a system for supplying steam to a steam heater 88 that heats the cleaning water stored in the .

As shown in FIG. 6 , a steam supply port 81 is provided on the rear wall of the lower housing 11 . The steam supply port 81 is connected to a steam generator (such as a boiler, not shown) located outside the cleaning machine 1, and the steam (steam) generated by the steam generator is supplied to the steam supply port 81. supplied. As steam, superheated steam may be supplied. The steam supply port 81 is connected via a pipe 82 located in the lower space R1 to a steam injection nozzle 83 located inside the cleaning chamber R3.

The steam injection nozzle 83 is composed of a steam pipe 84 and a steam injection port 85 provided in the steam pipe 84, as shown in FIGS. 1, 6, 7 and 9C. The steam pipe 84 extends in the front-rear direction in the rough cleaning area H1 (see FIG. 1) in the space between the pair of left and right conveying chains 45 in the lower part of the cleaning chamber R3, and has an open front end and a closed rear end. It is a cylindrical pipe. A front end of the steam pipe 84 is connected to a pipe 82 connected to the steam supply port 81 (see FIG. 6).

As shown in FIG. 9C, the steam injection ports 85 are provided so as to line up in the front-rear direction at a plurality of locations in the front-rear direction of the steam pipe 84, and open upward. The space in the front-rear direction between adjacent steam injection ports 85 is smaller than the space in the front-rear direction between adjacent containers 30 (that is, between adjacent holders 50) (see FIG. 9(c)).

The high-temperature steam supplied from the steam supply port 81 flows into the steam pipe 84 and is discharged from the plurality of steam injection ports 85 positioned below the container 30 being transported by the transport device 2 to the rough cleaning region H1 (see FIG. 1). ) are jetted upward. The jetted steam travels from between the pair of left and right conveying chains 45 (that is, between the movement trajectories of the first holding portion 52 and the second holding portion 53 of the holder 50) to between the container 30 and the adjacent container 30. It moves upward toward the space and fulfills the function of maintaining the cleaning chamber R3 at a high temperature environment of 90° C. or higher. As a result, the container 30 is heated, and the washing water injected from the rough washing water injection nozzle 74 located on the left side of the rough washing area H1 is also heated.

The amount (flow rate) of steam supplied to the steam injection nozzle 83 can be adjusted by controlling a first steam electromagnetic valve 86 (see FIG. 6) provided in the middle of the pipe 82 within the lower space R1. It's becoming

In the lower space R1, a pipe 87 branches from a branch portion 82a (see FIG. 6) of the pipe 82 located upstream of the first steam solenoid valve 86. As shown in FIG. The branched pipe 87 is connected to a steam heater 88 located inside the cleaning tank 61 . As a result, in the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 61 , high-temperature steam is jetted from a large number of pores provided on the surface of the steam heater 88 , so that the water is stored in the cleaning tank 61 . The wash water is heated.

The amount (flow rate) of steam supplied to the steam heater can be adjusted by controlling a second steam electromagnetic valve 89 (see FIG. 6) provided in the middle of the pipe 87 in the lower space R1. ing. Thereby, the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 61 is maintained at a high temperature of 90°C or 70°C.

As described above, the steam supply system of the cleaning device 3 is composed of the steam supply port 81 , the steam injection nozzle 83 , and the steam heater 88 . The steam supply system provided in the cleaning device 3 has been described above.

- Water supply system Next, the water supply system provided in the cleaning device 3 will be described. The water supply system includes a system for injecting water (hot water) used in the finish cleaning process toward the container 30 transported by the transport device 2 in the cleaning chamber R3, and It is a system for supplying water to

As shown in FIG. 6, the rear wall of the lower housing 11 is provided with a water supply port 91 . The water supply port 91 is connected to a water supply device (such as a water supply pipe, not shown) located outside the washing machine 1, and water (normal temperature clean water) is supplied to the water supply port 91 from the water supply device. supplied. The water supply port 91 is connected via a pipe 92 located in the lower space R1 to a supply port 93 arranged in the cleaning tank 61 inside the cleaning chamber R3. Normal temperature water supplied from the water supply port 91 is supplied into the cleaning tank 61 through the supply port 93 .

The amount (flow rate) of water supplied from the supply port 93 to the cleaning tank 61 is adjusted by controlling the first water supply solenoid valve 94 (see FIG. 6) provided in the middle of the pipe 92 in the lower space R1. It is possible.

In the lower space R1, a pipe 95 branches from a branch portion 92a (see FIG. 6) of the pipe 92 located upstream of the first water supply solenoid valve 94. As shown in FIG. The branched pipe 95 extends upward and connects to the inlet side connection port 131a (see also FIG. 11) of the heat exchange pipe 131 (see also FIG. 11) located in the heat exchange chamber R5 (see also FIG. 11) of the heat exchanger 5. ) and is connected via a heat exchange pipe 131 to a finish cleaning pipe 96 (see also FIG. 6) located in the cleaning chamber R3. The normal temperature (approximately 10° C.) water supplied from the pipe 95 is heated by the heat exchanger 5 in the course of passing through the heat exchange pipe 131 to become hot water of approximately 60° C. FIG. That is, hot water is supplied to the finish cleaning pipe 96 . The configuration of the heat exchanger 5 will be detailed later.

The finish cleaning pipe 96 extends in the left-right direction in the finish cleaning area H3 (see FIG. 1) located in front of the main cleaning area H2 (downstream side of the transport path) in the upper part of the cleaning chamber R3, and has an open left end and an open right end. is a closed cylindrical pipe. The left end of the finish cleaning pipe 96 is connected to the outlet side connection port 131b of the heat exchange pipe 131 (see FIGS. 6 and 10). As shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), the finishing washing pipe 96 is provided with finishing washing water injection nozzles 97 opening obliquely downward and rearward at a plurality of locations in the left-right direction.

The hot water supplied to the finish washing pipe 96 is discharged from the finish washing water injection nozzle 97 positioned above the container 30 being conveyed by the conveying device 2 to the opening of the container 30 in the finish washing area H3 (see FIG. 1). It is jetted obliquely downward and rearward toward the surface (see FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b)).

The amount (flow rate) of hot water supplied to the finishing washing water injection nozzle 97 can be adjusted by controlling a second water supply electromagnetic valve 98 (see FIG. 6) provided in the middle of the pipe 95 in the lower space R1. It's like

As described above, the water supply system of the cleaning device 3 is composed of the water supply port 91 , the supply port 93 , the heat exchange pipe 131 (heat exchanger 5 ), and the finishing cleaning water injection nozzle 97 . The water supply system provided in the cleaning device 3 has been described above.

<Configuration of heat exchanger 5>
The heat exchanger 5 will be described below. The heat exchanger 5 heats the water (room temperature water) supplied from the pipe 95 in the water supply system, and supplies hot water obtained by heating to the finish cleaning pipe 96 . The heat exchanger 5 includes a heat exchange chamber R5, an outlet-side blower 111, and an inlet-side blower 121, as shown in FIG. 11 and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 11, the heat exchange chamber R5 is arranged adjacent to the upper side of the washing chamber R3 at the uppermost position of the washing chamber housing 13, and is provided so as to extend in the front-rear direction. . The heat exchange chamber R5 consists of a housing 101 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) provided at the top of the cleaning chamber housing 13 and a plurality of upper lids (not shown) constituting the upper wall of the cleaning chamber housing 13. , is defined by The cleaning chamber R3 and the heat exchange chamber R5 are separated vertically by a bottom wall 102 (see FIG. 12) of the housing 101. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 12, the housing 101 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape that opens upward and extends in the front-rear direction. By covering the upper opening of the housing 101 with an upper lid, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped heat exchange chamber R5 extending in the front-rear direction is defined. A bottom wall 102 of the housing 101 has a so-called mountain shape that gradually moves upward from both ends in the left-right direction toward the center in the left-right direction over the entire front-rear direction (see FIG. 12).

A partition plate 103 extending rearward from the front wall of the housing 101 to a position in the vicinity of the rear wall of the housing 101 is provided inside the housing 101 at a substantially central position in the left-right direction. The partition plate 103 divides the heat exchange chamber R5 into an outward passage chamber R5a extending in the front-rear direction on the left side and a return passage chamber R5b extending in the front-rear direction on the right side. Between the rear end of the partition plate 103 and the rear wall of the housing 101, a communication opening 104 is formed that communicates between the outbound chamber R5a and the inbound chamber R5b. The above-described steam exhaust pipe 26 is provided at a portion of the housing 101 corresponding to the front end portion of the return passage chamber R5b. The steam exhaust pipe 26 communicates with the front end of the return passage chamber R5b.

The front wall of the housing 101 is formed with an outlet side inlet port 105 communicating with the outward passage chamber R5a, and the rear wall of the housing 101 is formed with an inlet side inlet port 106 communicating with the return passage chamber R5b. High-temperature exhaust gas in the outlet-side space R4 sucked by the outlet-side blower 111 (for example, high-temperature steam leaking from the finish cleaning area H3) is blown out through the outlet-side inlet port 105 into the outward passage chamber R5a, High-temperature exhaust gas (for example, high-temperature steam leaking from the rough cleaning area H1) sucked by the blower 121 in the inlet-side space R2 is blown out through the inlet-side inlet port 106 into the return passage chamber R5b. there is

In the interior of the housing 101, from the rear wall of the housing 101 to a position in the horizontal direction slightly to the right of the partition plate 103, from the rear wall of the housing 101 to a position in the front-rear direction overlapping the rear end of the partition plate 103 by a predetermined distance in the front-rear direction. , a suction guide plate 107 extending forward is provided. A minute gap 108 extending in the front-rear direction is defined at a location where the suction guide plate 107 and the partition plate 103 overlap in the front-rear direction. The suction guide plate 107 is arranged so as to partition the inlet side feed port 106 and the communication opening 104 . The action of the suction guide plate 107 and the minute gap 108 will be described later.

The outlet-side blower 111 is arranged in an outlet-side blower space R7 adjacent to the front side of the heat exchange chamber R5 (see FIG. 1), and is rotationally driven by an outlet-side motor 112. As shown in FIG. The outlet-side blower 111 sucks the high-temperature exhaust gas, which has leaked from the cleaning chamber R3 into the outlet-side space R4 and is trapped in the outlet-side housing 14, through the outlet-side suction port 19 (see FIG. 1), and sends it to the outlet side. It has a function of blowing out into the outward passage chamber R5a through the inlet 105. FIG. In the outlet-side blower space R7, a rectifying plate 113 surrounding the outlet-side blower 111 and connected to the edge of the outlet-side inlet 105 is provided (see FIG. 11). As a result, the high-temperature exhaust sucked by the outlet-side blower 111 can smoothly move into the forward passage chamber R5a.

The inlet-side blower 121 is arranged in an inlet-side blower space R6 adjacent to the rear side of the heat exchange chamber R5 (see FIG. 1), and is rotationally driven by an inlet-side motor 122. As shown in FIG. The inlet-side blower 121 sucks the high-temperature exhaust that has leaked from the cleaning chamber R3 into the inlet-side space R2 and is trapped in the inlet-side housing 12 through the inlet-side suction port 18 (see FIG. 1), and feeds the inlet-side air. It has a function of blowing out into the return passage chamber R5b through the inlet 106. FIG. In the inlet-side blower space R6, a current plate 123 surrounding the inlet-side blower 121 and connected to the edge of the inlet-side inlet 106 is provided (see FIG. 11). As a result, the high-temperature exhaust sucked by the inlet-side blower 121 can smoothly move into the return passage chamber R5b.

As shown in FIG. 11, a heat exchange pipe 131 is accommodated in the heat exchange chamber R5. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 11, the heat exchange pipe 131 extends in the left-right direction while reciprocating a plurality of times in the front-rear direction inside the heat exchange chamber R5. As a result, a portion of the heat exchange pipe 131 is positioned within the forward passage chamber R5a, and the other portion of the heat exchange pipe 131 is positioned within the return passage chamber R5b. The inlet-side connection port 131a of the heat exchange pipe 131 is connected to the end of the pipe 95 located in the inlet-side blower space R6 (see FIG. 11). The outlet side connection port 131b of the heat exchange pipe 131 leads from the heat exchange chamber R5 (outward chamber R5a) to the cleaning chamber R3 through a through hole 102a (see FIG. 11) provided in the bottom wall 102 of the housing 101. and connected to the finish cleaning pipe 96 in the cleaning chamber R3 (see FIG. 10, etc.).

In the heat exchanger 5 described above, high-temperature exhaust gas (outlet-side exhaust gas) leaking from the cleaning chamber R3 into the outlet-side space R4 is sucked into the outlet-side blower 111 through the outlet-side suction port 19, and It is blown out to R5a. The exit-side exhaust gas blown out to the outward chamber R5a flows rearward toward the rear end portion (terminus portion) of the outward chamber R5a while exchanging heat with the heat exchange pipe 131 located in the outward chamber R5a.

On the other hand, the high-temperature exhaust (entrance side exhaust) leaked from the cleaning chamber R3 to the entrance side space R2 is sucked by the entrance side blower 121 through the entrance side suction port 18 and blown out to the return passage chamber R5b. The inlet-side exhaust gas blown out into the return chamber R5b flows forward toward the front end (terminus) of the return chamber R5b while exchanging heat with the heat exchange pipe 131 located inside the return chamber R5b.

The flow velocity of the outlet-side exhaust gas, which is blown into the outward passage chamber R5a through the outlet-side inlet port 105, weakens when it reaches the end portion of the outward passage chamber R5a. However, the exhaust on the outlet side whose flow velocity has weakened is sucked by the negative pressure generated near the minute gap 108 due to the flow of the exhaust on the inlet side with a high flow velocity immediately after being blown off by the blower 121 on the inlet side (so-called Venturi effect). It flows along the suction guide plate 107 and into the return passage chamber R5b through the minute gap 108. As shown in FIG. As a result, the outlet-side exhaust gas that has flowed rearward through the outward passage chamber R5a flows forward again in the return passage chamber R5b together with the inlet-side exhaust gas.

In this way, the inlet side exhaust gas and the outlet side exhaust gas flowing forward in the return passage chamber R5b are discharged to the outside of the washer 1 through the steam exhaust pipe 26 positioned at the terminal end of the return passage chamber R5b. Further, the bottom wall 102 of the housing 101 defining the bottom surface of the heat exchange chamber R5 constitutes the ceiling surface of the cleaning chamber R3. Therefore, part of the heat in the cleaning chamber R3 is taken into the heat exchange chamber R5 via the bottom wall 102. As shown in FIG. The heat taken into the heat exchange chamber R<b>5 in this way also contributes to the heating of the heat exchange pipe 131 .

<Action and effect of heat exchanger 5>
The high-temperature exhaust gas (especially the outlet side exhaust gas) discharged from the cleaning chamber R3 is caused to reciprocate in the heat exchange chamber R5, and is heat-exchanged with the heat exchange pipe 131 while flowing through a long flow path. The heat dissipated can be fully recovered.

Furthermore, due to the effect of the venturi effect caused by the fact that the inlet side exhaust gas is blown into the vicinity of the folded portion of the outlet side exhaust gas, the outlet side exhaust gas is allowed to flow through the long flow path while efficiently exchanging heat without greatly weakening the flow velocity. , can be exhausted.

Furthermore, by absorbing the heat in the cleaning chamber R3 from the bottom surface of the heat exchange chamber R5 and contributing the absorbed heat to the heating of the heat exchange pipe 131, heat exchange can be performed more effectively. The heat exchanger 5 has been described above. The cleaning water supply system, the steam supply system, and the water supply system provided in the cleaning device 3 of the cleaning machine 1 have been described in order.

<Operation of cleaning device 3>
Next, the operation of the cleaning device 3 configured as described above will be described. During operation of the cleaning device 3, the operating states of the pump 64, the first steam solenoid valve 86, the second steam solenoid valve 89, the first water supply solenoid valve 94, and the second water supply solenoid valve 98 are controlled by a control (not shown). It is appropriately adjusted automatically by the device or manually by the operator.

A worker in the vicinity of the inlet 21 (see FIG. 1 etc.) of the washing machine 1 moves forward along the conveying path by the operation of the conveying device 2 in the entrance space R2. to hold the container 30 sequentially.

As a result, each of the plurality of containers 30 stands up and down, and the opening of the container 30 is tilted from the front to the left by an angle θ (<90 degrees, see FIG. 2(b)). A plurality of holders 50 are used to hold the container 30 so that the right end of the container 30 is located forward of the left end of the container 30 and arranged in the front-rear direction at predetermined intervals. As a result, the containers 30 adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction are arranged so as to partially overlap each other in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 2(a)).

A plurality of containers 30 arranged in this way are moved by the transport device 2 from the inlet side space R2 to the cleaning chamber R3. The plurality of containers 30 that have moved into the cleaning chamber R3 first reach the rough cleaning area H1 (see FIG. 1), and are cleaned by the rough cleaning process while moving through the rough cleaning area H1.

In the rough cleaning process, high-temperature steam is jetted upward from steam jet nozzles 83 (plurality of steam jet ports 85) located below the plurality of containers 30 (see FIG. 9A). The jetted steam moves upward from between the pair of left and right conveying chains 45 toward the space between the container 30 and the adjacent container 30 . As a result, the cleaning chamber R3 is maintained in a high temperature environment of 90° C. or higher, and the container 30 is heated and humidified.

Further, in the rough washing process, high-temperature (for example, 90° C. or higher) washing water is sprayed from the first and second rough washing water injection nozzles 74 a and 74 b located on the left side of the plurality of containers 30 to the opening surfaces of the containers 30 . , at a pressure reduced by the pressure reduction unit 69 from the discharge pressure of the pump 64 (see FIG. 9A). The washing water injected from the first and second rough washing water injection nozzles 74 a and 74 b is also heated by the steam injected from the steam injection port 85 . In this way, the jetted steam suppresses not only the ambient temperature of the cleaning chamber R3 and the temperature of the container 30, but also the temperature of the jetted cleaning water.

From the first rough washing water injection nozzle 74a, washing water is injected toward the front side portion of the opening surface of the container 30 (the portion not overlapping the container 30 adjacent to the front side) (see FIG. 9C). ). On the other hand, from the second rough washing water injection nozzle 74b, the washing water is injected toward the back portion of the opening surface of the container 30 (the portion overlapping the container 30 adjacent to the front side) (see FIG. 9C). ). Further, the movement of the container 30 causes the sprayed position to move from the back of the container 30 toward the front in order. As a result, the wash water spreads over the entire opening surface of the container 30 . Furthermore, the washing water sprayed from the first and second rough washing water spray nozzles 74a and 74b is reflected by the opening surface of the container 30 and spreads over the entire rear surface of the container 30 adjacent to the front side. As a result, the washing water spreads over the entire surface of each container 30 including the opening surface and the rear surface, so that dirt adhering to each container 30 can be washed over the entire surface of the container 30 .

Since the length of the rough cleaning area H1 in the front-rear direction is relatively long (see FIG. 1), the container 30 is cleaned in the rough cleaning process over a relatively long period of time while moving in the rough cleaning area H1. The washing water sprayed in the rough washing process is used for washing the container 30, then collected in the washing tank 61, and is again used for spraying from the first and second rough washing water spray nozzles 74a and 74b. .

Here, if the cleaning water is jetted in the opposite direction to the jetting direction of the steam, only the tip of the injection region of the cleaning water can come into contact with the steam. On the other hand, in the cleaning device 3, the steam is jetted upward from the bottom, and the cleaning water is jetted from the left to the right, so that the cleaning water and the steam are in overall contact with each other, and the cleaning water can be efficiently heated. . As a result, the drop in temperature of the washing water after injection is suppressed, and the container 30 can be washed effectively while maintaining the temperature of the washing water at a high temperature.

Furthermore, since the steam is jetted from below the container 30 having the opening face, the jetted steam smoothly flows upward between the containers 30 along the opening face of the container 30, and the entire container 30 is covered. It can be heated evenly. Furthermore, since the container 30 is erected substantially vertically, the area of each container 30 in plan view becomes smaller than when cleaning is performed with the opening surface of the container 30 facing down or inclined in the vertical direction. Dirt strongly adhering to the container 30 due to seizing or the like can be efficiently cleaned in a space-saving manner. In addition, by arranging the steam injection nozzle 83 between the first holding portion 52 and the second holding portion 53 of the holder 50, the temperature unevenness in the left-right direction is reduced, and the entire container 30 is effectively washed. be able to.

After passing through the rough cleaning area H1, the plurality of containers 30 then reach the main cleaning area H2 (see FIG. 1) and are cleaned in the main cleaning process while moving through the main cleaning area H2. Since the length of the main washing area H2 in the front-rear direction is shorter than the length of the rough washing area H1 (see FIG. 1), the time during which the container 30 is washed in the main washing process is equal to the time during which the container 30 is washed in the rough washing process. shorter than the time

In the main washing process, while steam is not injected, high-temperature (for example, 90° C. or higher) washing water is sprayed from the first and second main washing water injection nozzles 76a and 76b located on the left side of the plurality of containers 30. The liquid is jetted toward the opening of the container 30 at the discharge pressure of the pump 64 (see FIG. 9(b)). That is, the cleaning water is sprayed toward the opening surface of the container 30 at a pressure higher than that in the rough cleaning process.

From the first main washing water injection nozzle 76a, washing water is injected toward the front side portion of the opening surface of the container 30 (the portion not overlapping the container 30 adjacent to the front side). On the other hand, from the second main washing water injection nozzle 76b, washing water is injected toward the back portion of the opening surface of the container 30 (the portion overlapping the container 30 adjacent to the front side). As a result, the cleaning water spreads over the entire opening surface of the container 30 . Furthermore, the wash water sprayed from the first and second main wash water spray nozzles 76a and 76b is reflected by the opening surface of the container 30 and spreads over the entire rear surface of the container 30 adjacent to the front side. As a result, the washing water spreads over the entire surface of each container 30 including the opening surface and the back surface, and the dirt adhering to each container 30 that could not be removed in the rough washing process is washed over the entire surface of the container 30. can be The wash water sprayed in the main washing step is recovered in the washing tank 61 after being used for washing the container 30, and is again used for spraying from the first and second main wash water spray nozzles 76a and 76b. .

As described above, in the rough cleaning process, the cleaning water having a lower pressure and a weaker impact than the main cleaning process is sprayed onto the container 30 while the dirt adhering to the container 30 is heated and humidified by the steam. Then, the moisture contained in the cleaning water and the detergent are supplied to the container 30 in a hot and humid environment for a longer period of time than the main cleaning step, and the temperature, moisture, and detergent promote wetting and dissolution of dirt on the container 30, and 30 stains are easily removed.

Then, in the main washing process, washing water with a higher pressure than in the rough washing process is jetted onto the container 30 with a stronger impact force. Since dirt on the container 30 is easily removed by the rough washing process, dirt on the container 30 can be washed off in a shorter time in the main washing process than in the rough washing process.

Further, by driving one pump 64, washing water is supplied to the container 30 at low pressure for the rough washing process and at high pressure for the main washing process. The washing water injected in the main washing process is collected in the same washing tank 61 as the washing water injected in the rough washing process. Since one pump 64 can supply washing water with different pressures corresponding to the respective washing processes, it is not necessary to adjust the rotation speed and discharge pressure of the pump 64 for each washing process, and the container 30 is washed with a simple structure. be able to.

Furthermore, in the rough cleaning process and the main cleaning process, the cleaning device 3 can switch between a low-concentration mode and a high-concentration mode as the operation mode according to the degree of dirt on the container 30, the difficulty of removing dirt, and the like. is configured to In this example, in the low-concentration mode, the temperature of the wash water is set to 70° C. and the detergent concentration of the wash water is set to 0.1-1%. In the high concentration mode, the wash water temperature is set to 90° C. and the detergent concentration of the wash water is set to 1-15%. It is preferable to select the low-concentration mode when the container 30 is relatively less soiled, and the high-concentration mode when the container 30 is relatively heavily soiled.

A different kind of detergent may be used in each of the low-concentration mode and the high-concentration mode, or the same kind of detergent may be used in both the low-concentration mode and the high-concentration mode. Further, the low-concentration mode may be further divided into a plurality of modes with different detergent densities and switchable, and the high-concentration mode may be further divided into a plurality of modes with different detergent densities and switchable.

After passing through the main cleaning area H2, the plurality of containers 30 then reach the finish cleaning area H3 (see FIG. 1), and are cleaned by the finish cleaning process while moving through the finish cleaning area H3.

In the finish washing step, hot water of high temperature (about 60° C.) is jetted obliquely downward and rearward from the finish wash water injection nozzle 97 positioned above the container 30 toward the opening surface of the container 30 (FIG. 10 ( a) and FIG. 10(b)). As a result, the cleaning water and the like remaining on the surface of the container 30 after the main cleaning step is washed away, and the cleaning operation for the container 30 by the cleaning device 3 is completed. The hot water jetted in the finishing washing process is used for washing the container 30 and then discharged to the outside of the washing machine 1 through the finishing drainage port 17c (see FIG. 1).

In order to prevent washing water and steam from leaking from the washing room R3 and to maintain the temperature inside the washing room R3, on the entrance side of the washing room R3 (boundary between the entrance side space R2 and the washing room R3), A door 28a is provided to open and close this boundary. Similarly, a door 28b that opens and closes is provided on the exit side of the cleaning chamber R3 (the boundary between the cleaning chamber R3 and the exit side space R4), and the entrance side of the finish cleaning area H3 (the boundary between the main cleaning area H2 and the finish cleaning area H3). ) is provided with a door 28c for opening and closing. One or more of the doors 28a-28c may be omitted, and similar doors may be provided at other locations as required.

The container 30 for which the cleaning work has been completed is moved from the cleaning chamber R3 to the outlet side space R4 by the conveying device 2 after passing through the finish cleaning area H3, and is discharged from the outlet 22 of the cleaning machine 1. FIG.

<Functions and effects of the cleaning device 3>

According to the cleaning device 3 according to the present embodiment, the container 30 is conveyed along the conveying path while being held in an upright posture with respect to the conveying path. Steam is injected from the steam injection nozzle 83 toward the container 30 conveyed in this way, and washing water is injected from the washing water injection nozzle (rough washing water injection nozzle 74 in this example). As a result, the container 30 is heated by spreading the steam over the opening surface and the rear surface of the container 30, and the dirt on the container 30 is moistened and dissolved, and the cleaning water is spread over the container 30 to wash off the dirt. Furthermore, since the cleansing water after being sprayed is also heated by the steam, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the cleansing performance due to a decrease in the temperature of the cleansing water. Thus, the cleaning device 3 can properly clean the entire container 30 while transporting the container 30 .

Furthermore, according to the cleaning device 3, the container 30 is held in a posture that stands up and down with respect to the transport path and opens in a direction that is tilted sideways by a predetermined angle θ from the front of the transport path. In other words, the container 30 is held upright along the vertical axis and tilted sideways around the vertical axis. Washing water is jetted from the side of the transport path toward the opening of the container 30 in such a posture. As a result, compared to the case where the cleaning water is sprayed from above the container 30, the cleaning water can efficiently collide with the opening surface of the container 30, and dirt on the container 30 can be removed strongly. In addition, if the plurality of containers 30 are tilted and conveyed regularly at high density, the size of the cleaning device 3 can be reduced both in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and in the conveying direction.

Furthermore, according to the washing device 3, while the first rough washing water injection nozzle 74a injects washing water toward the front side of the opening of the container 30, the second rough washing water injection nozzle 74b sprays water into the opening of the container 30. Washing water is jetted toward the inner side of the As a result, the cleaning water can be spread over the entire opening surface of the container 30 without fail even when the cleaning water is only jetted from the side of the transport path. As a result, the cleaning performance of the cleaning device 3 can be further improved with a simple configuration.

Furthermore, according to the cleaning device 3 , both lower ends of the container 30 are held by the holders 52 and 53 . As a result, the container 30 can be held by the holders 52 and 53 so that the container 30 is placed on the holders 52 and 53 from above. Therefore, the operation of holding the container 30 on the moving holders 52 and 53 is facilitated, and the working efficiency during actual use of the cleaning apparatus 3 can be improved. Furthermore, by supporting the weight of the container 30 below the container 30, the posture of the container 30 can be stabilized. In addition, steam is jetted from below the transport path toward between the movement trajectories of the pair of holders 52 and 53 (that is, the location where the container 30 is held). As a result, the steam smoothly flows along the container 30 so as to rise from the bottom to the top. Dirt can be heated and moistened while heating. As a result, the cleaning performance of the cleaning device 3 can be further improved.

Furthermore, according to the cleaning device 3, a plurality of containers 30 are held side by side along the transport path, and the plurality of steam injection ports 85 provided at intervals narrower than the predetermined holding intervals of the holders 52 and 53 are provided. Steam is jetted toward the plurality of containers 30 . As a result, since the steam injection port 85 is positioned between the containers 30 regardless of the positions of the holders 52 and 53, the steam is always injected to the container 30 being transported, further enhancing the cleaning performance of the cleaning device 3. can improve.

<Function and effect of cleaning method>
According to the cleaning method according to the present embodiment, the container 30 held in an upright posture is heated by the heating device (eg, the steam injection nozzle 83), and the cleaning water is injected. In other words, in addition to being heated by the temperature of the wash water itself, the container 30 is also heated by another heat source (such as steam). Thereby, the container 30 can be washed while maintaining the temperature of the container 30 at a temperature suitable for washing. Furthermore, since the container 30 is in an upright state, the washing water is spread over the entire surface including the opening surface and the back surface of the container 30 to wash off dirt on the container 30, while the washing water after washing does not remain on the container 30. It is made to flow out to the lower part of the container 30 rapidly. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly supply cleansing water with excellent detergency and discharge cleansing water after cleansing. Therefore, the entire container 30 can be properly cleaned.

In this example, heating (steam injection) and cleaning (cleaning water injection) of the container 30 are performed simultaneously. However, heating and washing may be performed separately. Furthermore, as the heat source of the heating device, instead of steam, a thermal fluid such as superheated steam, hot water or hot air may be used, or a heat source using radiant heat such as an electric heater or a heat exchange pipe may be used. Alternatively, the container 30 itself may be heated by electromagnetic induction or the like.

Furthermore, according to the cleaning method of the present embodiment, the container 30 is heated from a direction (that is, downward) that is different from the direction in which the cleaning water is sprayed onto the container 30 (that is, from the side). As a result, one of heating and jetting of cleansing water is less likely to interfere with the other, and the combined cleaning effect of both heating and jetting of cleansing water is exhibited more appropriately.

According to the cleaning method according to the present embodiment, the first step (that is, rough cleaning) in which steam is injected toward the container 30 and the cleaning water is injected toward the container 30 , and the cleaning water is injected toward the container 30 . The second step of jetting (that is, the main cleaning) is performed in this order. As a result, for example, rough cleaning can be performed in the first step by moistening and dissolving the dirt to make it easy to remove the dirt, and full-scale cleaning can be performed in the second step to remove the dirt.

According to the cleaning method of the present embodiment, rough cleaning is performed by jetting steam toward the container 30 from below the container 30 and jetting cleaning water toward the container 30 from the side of the container 30 . After that, the main cleaning is performed so that the cleaning water is jetted toward the container 30 from the side of the container 30 . As a result, while the steam is distributed over the entire surface of the container 30 to wet and dissolve the dirt on the container 30, the cleaning water is caused to collide with the container 30 more efficiently than when the cleaning water is sprayed from above the container 30 or the like. , dirt on the container 30 can be strongly removed.

According to the cleaning method according to the present embodiment, rough cleaning is performed on the upstream side of the transport path while the container 30 is being transported along the predetermined transport path, and main cleaning is performed on the downstream side of the transport path. . Thereby, many containers 30 can be washed continuously. Therefore, many containers 30 can be washed efficiently.

According to the cleaning method according to the present embodiment, rough cleaning is performed by jetting cleaning water at a pressure lower than that of main cleaning for a longer period of time than main cleaning. As a result, the dirt on the container 30 can be sufficiently wetted and dissolved in the rough cleaning, and then the dirt can be efficiently washed off with high-pressure cleaning water in the main cleaning.

According to the cleaning method of the present embodiment, the cleaning water after rough cleaning and main cleaning is collectively recovered. The collected wash water is pressurized by the pump 64, depressurized through the water divider 4 and used for rough washing, and is used for main washing in the pressurized state. Therefore, compared to the case where the cleaning water used for rough cleaning and main cleaning is separately pressurized, the equipment and piping for pressurization can be rationalized, and the size of the equipment to which the cleaning method is applied can be reduced. be able to.

According to the cleaning method according to the present embodiment, the cleaning water having a temperature of 90 degrees or higher is sprayed toward the container 30 in an environment where the ambient temperature is 90 degrees or higher. Thereby, the cleaning performance of the container 30 can be further improved. The ambient temperature and the temperature of the cleaning water may be appropriately adjusted in consideration of the nature of dirt on the container 30 to be cleaned, the heat insulation structure of the device to which the cleaning method is applied, and the like.

According to the cleaning method according to the present embodiment, at least in rough cleaning, it is possible to switch between a plurality of operation modes with different cleaning water temperatures and detergent concentrations. As a result, it is possible to carry out rough cleaning in an operation mode suitable for stains on the container 30 . Furthermore, in the main cleaning, cleaning water having a temperature of 90 degrees or higher is sprayed toward the container 30 in an environment where the ambient temperature is 90 degrees or higher. As a result, the main cleaning can be more efficiently performed on the container 30 that has undergone rough cleaning.

<Another form of the cleaning device 3>
The directions of the rough washing water injection nozzle 74 and the main washing water injection nozzle 76 are set in two directions, respectively. , three or more directions.

In the main washing step, washing water is sprayed toward the opening surface of the containers 30 only from the first and second main washing water injection nozzles 76a and 76b located on the left side of the plurality of containers 30 (see FIG. 9 ( b) see). In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, the washing water is sprayed toward the opening surfaces of the containers 30 from the third and fourth main washing water injection nozzles 79a and 79b located above the plurality of containers 30. It may be configured as

In the example shown in FIG. 13, two second main wash pipes 78 extending in the left-right direction and arranged side by side in the front-rear direction are further connected to the main wash-side water divider 67 (see FIG. 13(b)). )reference). Each second main washing pipe 78 is a cylindrical pipe extending in the left-right direction and having an open left end and a closed right end. The left end of each second main wash pipe 78 is connected to the main wash side water divider 67 .

As shown in FIG. 13(c), the second main washing pipe 78 on the rear side (upstream side of the conveying path) has third main washing water injection nozzles that open obliquely downward and rearward at a plurality of locations in the horizontal direction. 79a is provided, and the second main washing pipe 78 on the front side (downstream side of the conveying path) is provided with fourth main washing water injection nozzles 79b opening obliquely downward and forward at a plurality of locations in the left-right direction. . As a result, the wash water is sprayed from above the container 30 mainly toward the opening surface of the container 30 from the third main wash water injection nozzle 79a, and is mainly sprayed from the container 30 from the fourth main wash water injection nozzle 79b. It is jetted from above the container 30 toward the rear surface.

The cleaned container 30 is discharged from the outlet 22 of the outlet housing 14 . The ejected container 30 is recovered by, for example, sliding toward a recovery basket or the like installed near the outlet 22 by its own weight. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14, the moving mechanism 40 is extended toward the front side of the exit-side space R4 (downstream side of the transport path), and a collection area R8 for collecting the containers 30 is formed in the exit-side space R4. You may provide so that it may adjoin.

Specifically, the recovery area R8 shown in FIG. , and the motor 46, the drive chain 48, the drive gear 42, etc. are arranged at positions where the transport chain 45 and the transport guide plate 49 can be extended so as to correspond to ing. Unlike the outlet-side housing 14 of the outlet-side space R4, the recovery area R8 is not provided with a housing that covers the container 30, and the upper wall 17 of the lower housing 11, the conveying chain 45, the holder 50, and the , the cleaned container 30 held by the holder 50 is exposed to the outside. From the viewpoint of facilitating the recovery operation of the containers 30, which will be described later, the upper transport guide plate 49 does not extend into the recovery area R8, and only the lower transport guide plate 49 extends into the recovery area R8.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, the cleaned container 30 is conveyed forward (downstream of the conveying path) through the outlet space R4 while being held by the holder 50, and reaches the collection area R8. The container 30 that has reached the recovery area R8 is, for example, recovered by an operator and stored in a recovery basket or the like. Since the container 30 held by the holder 50 is exposed to the outside in the collection area R8, the operator can easily collect the container 30. As shown in FIG. Furthermore, since the container 30 can be collected at any timing while it is moving in the collection region R8, the worker can perform the collection work at the optimum timing while considering the priority of the collection work and other work. It can be performed. In addition, since a plurality of containers 30 are transported within the collection area R8, the operator can also collect a plurality of containers 30 at once. By collectively collecting the plurality of containers 30, the operator can perform other work during the period until the containers 30 after cleaning are sent to the collection area R8 again. Therefore, the worker can easily and efficiently perform a plurality of tasks including the recovery task of the container 30 and another task.

In this manner, since a plurality of containers 30 can be collectively handled in both the inlet space R2 and the collection area R8, the operator can easily load the containers 30 into the washing machine 1 and remove the containers from the washing machine 1. Both of the 30 collection operations can be efficiently performed.

A container detection sensor 45a capable of detecting the presence or absence of the container 30 within a predetermined detection range is provided near the front end of the conveying chain 45 . The conveying device 2 is configured to stop the motor 46 and stop conveying the container 30 while the container detection sensor 45 a detects the presence of the container 30 . As a result, when the container 30 is conveyed to the front end of the conveying chain 45 and the container detection sensor 45a detects the presence of the container 30 (that is, when the container 30 approaches the front end of the conveying chain 45), the conveying of the container 30 is stopped temporarily. By being stopped, it is possible to prevent the uncollected container 30 from falling from the front side portion of the conveying chain 45 . After that, when the container 30 is recovered, the container detection sensor 45a no longer detects the presence of the container 30, so the transport device 2 resumes transporting the container 30. FIG. When the container detection sensor 45a detects the presence (approach) of the container 30, the transport device 2 instructs the worker to collect the container 30 by sound or light before or after the transport of the container 30 is stopped. may be configured to prompt

Furthermore, from the viewpoint of more reliably capturing the steam or the like leaking from the outlet 22 of the outlet-side housing 14, a housing covering the collection region R8 may be provided in the collection region R8. In this case, if a recovery port for taking out the container 30 from the housing is provided on the left side wall of the washing machine 1, similar to the inlet 21 of the entrance space R2, the inlet 21 and the recovery port of the washing machine 1 are connected. Since they are arranged on the common side (left side wall), the charging and collecting operations can be performed more efficiently.

The cleaning device 3 has a carrier device 2, and cleaning is performed on the container 30 being moved by the carrier device 2 in the cleaning chamber R3. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, the cleaning device does not have a conveying device, and has a structure in which the container 30 stored (not moved) in the cleaning chamber R3 is cleaned. good too.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, as shown in FIG. Define "below". The "front-rear direction", the "left-right direction" and the "up-down direction" are orthogonal to each other. In the example shown in FIG. 15 , the same or equivalent configurations as those of the cleaning device 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the cleaning device 3 .

In the example shown in FIG. 15, the cleaning device as a whole has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing elongated in the left-right direction. The front wall of the housing is provided with an inlet 21 (see FIG. 15(a)) for inserting the container 30, and an operation door 23 (see FIG. 15(b)) for opening and closing the inlet 21. ) is provided. An operation panel 29 operated by an operator is provided on the front wall of the housing to perform various controls of the cleaning device.

A cleaning chamber R3 is defined inside the housing. In the cleaning chamber R3, each container 30 stands up and down with the longitudinal direction of the container 30 along the left-right direction, and the opening of the container 30 faces forward (more precisely, the opening of the container 30 faces forward). A plurality of containers 30 are housed so as to line up in the front-rear direction in three tiers up and down.

Below the cleaning chamber R3, two steam injection nozzles 83 are arranged so as to extend in the front-rear direction and be spaced apart in the left-right direction. As a result, steam is jetted upward toward the plurality of containers 30 from the plurality of steam injection ports 85 provided in each of the two steam injection nozzles 83 positioned below the plurality of containers 30. ing.

At each of the left and right ends of the cleaning chamber R3, four cleaning pipes 73 are arranged so as to extend in the vertical direction and be spaced apart in the front-rear direction. As a result, high-temperature (for example, 90° C. or higher) washing water is sprayed from the plurality of washing water injection nozzles 74 provided in each of the four washing pipes 73 positioned on the left side (right side) of the plurality of containers 30. The liquid is jetted rightward (leftward) toward the plurality of containers 30 .

The injection pressure of washing water can be adjusted by adjusting the discharge pressure of the pump 64 . After being used for cleaning the container 30 , the sprayed washing water is recovered in the washing tank 61 and is again used for spraying from the washing water spray nozzles 74 .

In the cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 15 having the above configuration, first, a rough cleaning step is performed. In the rough cleaning step, high-temperature steam is injected toward the plurality of containers 30 from the steam injection nozzles 83 (the plurality of steam injection ports 85) located below the plurality of containers 30, and the high temperature (for example, 90° C. The washing water described above) is sprayed toward the plurality of containers 30 from the washing water injection nozzles 74 positioned on both the left and right sides of the plurality of containers 30 . The rough cleaning process is performed over a relatively long period of time. In the rough washing process, the injection pressure of the washing water is set to a relatively low value by controlling the discharge pressure of the pump 64 . Since the action and effect of this rough cleaning process are the same as those of the rough cleaning process in the cleaning device 3, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

After the rough cleaning process is completed, the main cleaning process is performed. In the main washing process, while steam is not injected, high-temperature (for example, 90° C. or higher) washing water is injected toward the plurality of containers 30 from washing water injection nozzles 74 located on both left and right sides of the plurality of containers 30. be. The main cleaning process is performed over a shorter period of time than the rough cleaning process. In the main washing process, the injection pressure of the washing water is set to a value higher than that in the rough washing process by controlling the discharge pressure of the pump 64 . Since the action and effect of this main washing process are the same as those of the main washing process in the washing device 3, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

The cleaning device shown in FIG. 15 may be configured to have the water divider 4 (see FIG. 7 and the like) that the cleaning device 3 has. In this case, in the rough washing process, washing water is injected from the washing pipe 73 connected to the rough washing side water divider 68 of the water divider 4 at a pressure reduced by the pressure reducing unit 69 from the discharge pressure of the pump 64. In the main washing process, the washing water may be switched so that the discharge pressure of the pump 64 is jetted from the washing pipe 73 connected to the main washing side water divider 67 of the water divider 4. good. In this case, while the discharge pressure of the single pump 64 is kept constant for the different washing processes of the rough washing process and the main washing process, washing water with different pressures can be supplied to the different washing processes. .

Here, the characteristics of the embodiment of the conveying device 2 according to the present invention described above are summarized and listed briefly in [1] to [6] below.
[1]
A conveying device (2) for conveying a container (30) along a predetermined conveying route,
The container (30) is held in an upright position with respect to the transport path, and one lateral end of the container (30) and the other lateral end of the container (30) are aligned with the transport path. a retainer (50) for holding different positions before and after the
a moving mechanism (40) for moving the holder (50) along the transport path;
A transport device (2).
[2]
The conveying device (2) according to [1] above,
The retainer (50) comprises:
A first holding part (52) holding one lower end of the container (30), and a second holding part (52) holding the other lower end of the container (30) behind the one lower end of the transport path. a portion (53);
A transport device (2).
[3]
The conveying device (2) according to [2] above,
Said first holding portion (52) of said holding fixture (50) comprises:
having a front end wall (54) located on the front side of the transport path, and a front support wall (55) extending from the front end wall (54) toward the rear of the transport path,
The second holding portion (53) of the holding fixture (50) is
A rear end wall (57) located on the rear side of the transport path, and a rear support wall (58) extending from the rear end wall (57) toward the front of the transport path,
A transport device (2).
[4]
In the conveying device (2) according to [3] above,
Said first holding portion (52) of said holding fixture (50) comprises:
a front guide wall (56) extending from the front end wall (54) toward the rear of the transport path and inclined away from the front support wall (55) toward the rear of the transport path;
The second holding portion (53) of the holding fixture (50) is
a rear guide wall (59) extending from the rear end wall (57) toward the front of the conveying path and inclined so as to approach the rear support wall (58) from above to below the conveying path; have
A transport device (2).
[5]
In the conveying device (2) according to any one of [1] to [4] above,
The retainer (50) comprises:
The container (30) is held in a posture in which the container (30) is opened in a direction inclined by 45 degrees or more toward the side from the front of the conveying path,
A transport device (2).
[6]
In the conveying device according to any one of [2] to [5] above,
The retainer (50) comprises:
further comprising a connecting portion (51) having the first holding portion (52) provided at one end and the second holding portion provided at the other end;
The conveying device (2) is
A plurality of said holders (50) are arranged on said conveying path at predetermined intervals, one of said holders (50) holding said lower one end of said container (30) and the other of said holders. (50) holding the other lower end of the container (30), the moving mechanism (40) moves the plurality of holders (50) along the transport path; consists of
A transport device (2).

2 Transfer Device 30 Container 40 Moving Mechanism 50 Holder 51 Connecting Part 52 First Holding Part 53 Second Holding Part 54 Front End Wall 55 Front Support Wall 56 Front Guide Wall 57 Rear End Wall 58 Rear Support Wall 59 Rear Guide Wall

Claims (7)

A conveying device for conveying a container along a predetermined conveying route,
The container is held in an upright posture with respect to the transport path, and the container is held in a posture tilted sideways about a vertical axis, and the container is held in the front-rear direction of the transport path. a holder that holds one side end on the front side and the other side end on the rear side of the container so that they are at different positions in the front-rear direction ;
a moving mechanism for moving the holder along the transport path,
The holder is
When holding a plurality of containers, the container on the front side and the container on the rear side, which are adjacent in the front-rear direction, are arranged on the rear side of the other side end of the container on the front side. can be held so that the one side end of the is positioned forward,
Conveyor. The conveying device according to claim 1,
The holder is
A first holding part that holds one lower end of the container, and a second holding part that holds the other lower end of the container behind the conveying path from the one lower end,
Conveyor. A conveying device according to claim 2,
The first holding portion of the holding fixture,
a front end wall located on the front side of the transport path, and a front support wall extending from the front end wall toward the rear of the transport path,
The second holding portion of the holding fixture,
a rear end wall located on the rear side of the transport path; and a rear support wall extending from the rear end wall toward the front of the transport path,
Conveyor. In the conveying device according to claim 3,
The container is
sandwiched between the front end wall and the rear end wall in the front-rear direction, and sandwiched between the front support wall and the rear support wall in the width direction intersecting the front-rear direction;
Conveyor. In the conveying device according to claim 3,
The first holding portion of the holding fixture,
a front guide wall extending from the front end wall toward the rear of the transport path and inclined away from the front support wall toward the rear of the transport path;
The second holding portion of the holding fixture,
a rear guide wall extending from the rear end wall toward the front of the conveying path and sloping toward the rear support wall as it goes downward from above the conveying path;
Conveyor. In the conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The holder is
The container is held in a posture in which the container opens in a direction inclined by 45 degrees or more toward the side from the front of the conveying path.
Conveyor. In the conveying device according to any one of claims 2 to 6 ,
The holder is
further comprising a connecting portion having the first holding portion provided at one end and the second holding portion provided at the other end;
The transport device is
A plurality of said holders are arranged on said conveying path at predetermined intervals, one of said holders holding said lower one end of said container and another of said holders holding said lower other end of said container. The moving mechanism moves the plurality of holders along the transport path while holding the
Conveyor.

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