JP7356300B2 - cleaning system - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to cleaning systems.

As a conventional cleaning system, for example, one described in Patent Document 1 is known. The cleaning system described in Patent Document 1 includes a transport device that transports a rack containing objects to be washed such as tableware (hereinafter referred to as objects to be washed) to a washing machine, and an object to be washed that is transported by the transport device. a washing machine for washing, a lift device for transferring the objects to be cleaned carried out from the washing machine onto a wagon, and a wagon in which a plurality of shelves for accommodating the objects to be washed are arranged in the vertical direction. There is.

The above-mentioned lift device is provided with a detection section that detects whether or not an object to be cleaned is stored in the shelf section. When the object to be cleaned is carried into the lift device, the lift device moves above the wagon and moves from the top to the bottom while detecting whether or not the object to be washed is stored on the shelf. When the lift device detects a shelf where no object to be cleaned is stored, the lift device carries out the object to be cleaned to the shelf. The lift device thus stores the items to be cleaned in order from the upper shelf, and determines that the wagon is fully loaded when the items to be cleaned are stored on the lowest shelf. When the wagon is fully loaded, the lift device stops receiving the items to be cleaned and notifies the operator that the wagon is fully loaded.

Utility Model Publication No. 4-10844

However, in the above-mentioned conventional cleaning system, even if an object to be cleaned is taken out from any of the shelves of the wagon, this event cannot be recognized. Therefore, even if a shelf becomes vacant, it is not possible to cancel the suspension of acceptance of objects to be cleaned in the lift device, and the objects to be washed cannot be accommodated on all of the plurality of shelves of the wagon. was there.

An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning system that can reliably accommodate items to be cleaned on all of the plurality of shelves included in a wagon.

The cleaning system according to the present invention includes a conveyance device that conveys an object to be cleaned, a washing machine that cleans the object to be cleaned that is conveyed by the conveyance device, and a plurality of shelves that accommodate the objects to be cleaned along the vertical direction. A lift part that is movable in the vertical direction between the arranged wagons, a carry-in position for receiving the items to be cleaned carried out from the washing machine, and a carry-out position for carrying out the items to be cleaned onto the shelf, and a lift part. a first detection unit that is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of shelves and that detects the presence or absence of an object to be cleaned that is housed in the shelf; A control device that controls a lift device to transfer an object to be cleaned to an empty shelf determined based on a detection result of the detection section.

In the cleaning system having this configuration, a first detection unit is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of shelves included in the wagon, and detects whether or not the shelf is accommodated. As a result, the control device can grasp the storage status of each of the plurality of shelves, and therefore can transfer the object to be cleaned to the shelf based on the latest availability of the shelf. As a result, it becomes possible to reliably store the items to be cleaned on all of the plurality of shelves included in the wagon.

In the cleaning system according to the present invention, the lift device includes a casing that includes a frame, a top plate portion fixed to the frame above the lift portion, and a bottom plate portion fixed to the frame below the lift portion. and a first detection section corresponding to a shelf disposed vertically above the carrying-in position is provided on the top plate section and corresponding to a shelf disposed vertically below the carrying-in position. The first detection section is provided in the bottom plate section, and the control device may determine the empty state based on the detection result while the lift section is stopped moving at the carry-in position. In the cleaning system with this configuration, the first detection unit corresponding to the shelf placed vertically above the carry-in position is provided on the top plate, and the first detection unit corresponds to the shelf placed vertically below the carry-in position. By providing the first detection part on the bottom plate part, it is possible to eliminate the situation where the lift part is interposed between the first detection part and the object to be cleaned when the lift part is located at the carry-in position. Thereby, it is possible to ensure that the first detection section detects the object to be cleaned when the lift section is located at the carry-in position.

In the cleaning system according to the present invention, the lift device has a casing including a frame, the first detection section is provided on the frame adjacent to each of the plurality of shelves, and the control device is configured to control the lift device. The vacant state may be determined based on the detection result while the unit is stopped moving at the carry-in position. In the cleaning system having this configuration, since the first detection section is provided on the frame adjacent to each of the plurality of shelves, it is possible to detect the object to be cleaned at a position close to the shelves. Thereby, it is possible to ensure that the first detection section detects the object to be cleaned when the lift section is located at the carry-in position.

In the cleaning system according to the present invention, the shelves in the wagon are constituted by support members that support the objects to be cleaned from vertically downward, and the first detection unit is configured to attach to the support members constituting each of the plurality of shelves. may be provided. In this cleaning system, since the first detection section is provided in a part of the member constituting the shelf, it is possible to more reliably detect the presence or absence of an object to be cleaned located on the shelf.

The cleaning system according to the present invention further includes a second detection section that detects the lift section moving in the vertical direction, and the control device determines whether the lift section is moving from above to below or from below to above. The lift section may be stopped at the carry-in position based on the detection by the second detection section of the lift section moving in one direction. Here, in the control for stopping the lift based on the detection of the lift section by the second detection section, there is a time lag from when the second detection section detects the lift section until the lift section actually stops. Therefore, the stop position of the lift section that moves from above to below is slightly shifted downward from the position detected by the second detection section. Similarly, the stop position of the lift section that moves upward from below is slightly shifted upward from the position detected by the second detection section. For this reason, variations occur in the stopping positions of the lift portions. In this embodiment, when the lift section is stopped at the carry-in position, the movement of the lift section before that is unified to either movement from the top to the bottom or movement from the bottom to the top. It is possible to reduce variations in the stopping position of the parts.

In the cleaning system according to the present invention, the lift section includes a transport section that transports the object to be cleaned from the washing machine side to the wagon side, and a third detection section that detects the introduction of the object to be cleaned into the transport section. , and the control device may start the operation of the transport section based on the detection of the object to be cleaned by the third detection section. In the cleaning system having this configuration, when the object to be transported is detected by the third detection section, the operation of the transport section is started, and the object to be cleaned is reliably carried into the lift section. This eliminates the need for the operator to carry the object to be cleaned into the lift section by pushing it out, thereby reducing the workload on the operator.

In the cleaning system according to the present invention, the conveyance unit includes a pair of conveyor belts that convey the object to be cleaned, a first pulley and a second pulley around which each of the pair of conveyor belts is wound, and a conveyance drive that drives the conveyor belts. A first support part that rotatably supports the first pulley, a second support part that rotatably supports the second pulley, the first pulley, the second pulley, and the conveyance drive part are placed. The two first pulleys, each of which has a main body and around which each of the pair of conveyor belts is wound, are connected to each other by a connecting shaft, and the conveyor drive unit transmits driving force to the connecting shaft, and The two second pulleys around which each of the conveyor belts is wound are provided to rotate independently, and the second support part can be slid along the conveyance direction of the conveyor belt by adjusting an adjustment screw. It may be provided that it is possible. In the cleaning system with this configuration, the position of one of the pulleys (second pulley) around which the conveyor belt is wound can be adjusted by a simple operation of turning a screw, so the tension of the conveyor belt can be easily adjusted. Moreover, since the second pulleys whose positions can be adjusted by the adjustment screws are each independent, the positions of the pulleys can be adjusted more easily than the first pulleys which are connected to each other.

In the cleaning system according to the present invention, the lift section includes a fourth detection section that detects the presence or absence of an object to be cleaned stored in the shelf, and the control device detects the presence or absence of an object to be cleaned stored in the shelf section, and the control device detects The lift device may be controlled to transfer the object to be cleaned to an empty shelf determined based on the result. In the cleaning system with this configuration, even if the presence or absence of the object to be cleaned cannot be detected correctly due to a failure of the first detection section that detects the presence or absence of the object to be cleaned stored in each shelf, the fourth detection section detects the presence or absence of the object to be cleaned stored in each shelf. If the detection unit detects that there is an object to be cleaned on the shelf to be transferred, it is possible to stop the object from being transferred to the shelf. As a result, it is possible to avoid an event in which the object to be cleaned placed on the shelf is pushed out by erroneously transferring a new object to the shelf on which the object to be cleaned is placed.

In the cleaning system according to the present invention, the lift section has a weight detection section that detects the weight of the object to be cleaned placed on the lift section, and the control device is arranged so that the heavier the object to be cleaned, the lower the object is. A lift device may be controlled so that the item is transferred to the shelf. In a cleaning system with this configuration, relatively heavy items to be cleaned are placed on the lower shelf, and relatively lighter items to be cleaned are placed on the upper shelf. Thereby, the work burden on the operator when taking out the object to be cleaned from the wagon can be reduced.

In the cleaning system according to the present invention, the control device searches for a group of empty shelves that are continuous in the vertical direction among the empty shelves detected by the first detection unit, and detects a group of empty shelves. If the empty shelf group is detected, the items to be cleaned are transferred first from the uppermost shelf in the empty shelf group, and when no empty shelf group is detected, the items to be cleaned are transferred from the uppermost empty shelf first. The items to be cleaned may also be transferred. In the cleaning system having this configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the object to be cleaned is stored on the shelf below the shelf to be transferred. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the object to be cleaned, which has been accommodated in the wagon first, will be wetted by the washing water dripping from the object to be cleaned immediately after cleaning.

In the cleaning system according to the present invention, when a plurality of empty shelf groups are detected, the control device may preferentially transfer the objects to be cleaned from the uppermost shelf in the uppermost empty shelf group. good. In a cleaning system with this configuration, even if multiple empty shelf groups are detected, the cleaning water dripping from the items to be cleaned immediately after cleaning may wet the items to be cleaned that have been stored in the wagon first. Can be reduced.

In the cleaning system according to the present invention, the shelves in the wagon have an inter-shelf distance that is the distance from the top surface directly above or the shelf immediately above, and the wagon has a plurality of types of inter-shelf distances. A shelf section is arranged, and the lift device has a height detection section that detects the height of the object to be cleaned carried by the lift section when the lift section is located at a predetermined position in the vertical direction. The apparatus may control the lift device to transfer the object to be cleaned onto a shelf having a distance between the shelves according to the height of the object to be cleaned detected by the height detection section. In the cleaning system with this configuration, since the shelves of the wagon are arranged at uneven pitches, the items to be cleaned can be efficiently accommodated in the wagon according to the height of the items to be cleaned. Furthermore, since the height of the object to be cleaned is detected by the height detection section, the lift device can be accommodated in an appropriate shelf according to the height of the object to be cleaned.

In the cleaning system according to the present invention, the lift device has a water receiver disposed below the moving range of the lift section, and the water receiver is arranged from the lift section to the washing machine side and the water receiver when viewed from above. It may protrude toward the wagon side. In the cleaning system having this configuration, the water receiving section is arranged below the lift section, so that water dripping from the lift section can be received. Thereby, water can be prevented from leaking to the outside of the lift device. Furthermore, in the cleaning system with this configuration, since the water receiving portion protrudes from the lift portion toward the washer and the wagon, water drips from the connection between the washer and the lift device and the connection between the wagon and the lift device. can be received. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent water from leaking to the outside of the lift device.

In the cleaning system according to the present invention, the lift device includes a plurality of transmission sections that transmit the power of the drive section to the lift section, a plurality of breakage detection sections that detect breakage in each of the plurality of transmission sections, and a plurality of breakage detection sections that detect breakage in each of the plurality of transmission sections. and a mounting part for mounting each of the parts. In the washing machine system having this configuration, the lift device is connected by a plurality of transmission parts, so it is possible to reduce the possibility that the lift device will fall. Furthermore, in the cleaning system according to the present invention, each of the plurality of transmission parts is provided with a breakage detection part, so that, for example, when one of the transmission parts breaks, it is possible to stop the operation of the lift device, etc. Action can be taken. Furthermore, in the cleaning system according to the present invention, the attachment parts for the breakage detection parts are provided according to the number of breakage detection parts, so the breakage detection parts can be arranged at appropriate positions taking into account the slack of each transmission part. can do.

In the cleaning system according to the present invention, the lift device is a casing that includes a frame and a panel fixed to the frame, and further includes a casing that accommodates the lift section, and the first detection section is The cover may be covered with a cover made of a flexible and heat-insulating material, and may be attached to the frame by being pressed against the frame by a panel. In the cleaning system having this configuration, since the first detection section is shielded from the outside by the cover, dew condensation on the first detection section can be suppressed even in a dew condensation environment. As a result, the occurrence of false detection in the first detection section can be reduced. Furthermore, since the cover is made of a flexible material and is pressed against the frame, screws, tape, etc. are not required during assembly, and the assembly is excellent.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reliably store items to be cleaned on all of the plurality of shelves included in the wagon.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning system according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the carry table. FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the dishwasher. FIG. 4 is a side view of the lift device viewed from the dishwasher side. FIG. 5 is a side view of the lift device viewed from the wagon side. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the wagon. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the cleaning system. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the lift device. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method of attaching the eighth sensor to the frame according to Modification 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a method for attaching the ninth sensor to the frame according to Modification 1. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a cleaning system according to Modification 3. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a cleaning system according to modification example 4. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing control details of the cleaning system according to modification 5. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a cleaning system according to modification 6. FIG. 15(A) is a perspective view of a drain pan according to Modification Example 7, and FIG. 15(B) is a front view of the drain pan according to Modification Example 7. 16(A) is a plan view of the first drive mechanism according to Modification Example 8, and FIG. 16(B) is a front view of the first drive mechanism according to Modification Example 8. FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged perspective view of a conveyance section according to Modification Example 9. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the entire transport section according to Modification Example 9.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. The dimensional proportions in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to those in the description. In the following description, the directions defined in FIG. 1 (up-down direction, front-back direction, left-right direction) will be used for the explanation.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning system 1 includes a dipping tank 2, a carry table (transport device) 3, a dishwasher (washing machine) 4, a lift device 5, and a wagon 6. . In the cleaning system 1, a dipping tank 2, a carry table 3, a dishwasher 4, a lift device 5, and a wagon 6 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. In the washing system 1 of this embodiment, the carry table (transport device) 3, the dish washing A washing machine 4, a lift device 5, and a wagon 6 are arranged.

The immersion tank 2 stores water in which the tableware D is immersed. In the dipping tank 2, the tableware D is preliminarily washed (removal of deposits, etc.). The tableware D immersed in water in the dipping tank 2 is stored in a tableware rack L placed on a carry table 3. The tableware rack L is a grid-like member on which tableware D such as plates and bowls are arranged.

The carry table 3 is arranged on the left side of the immersion tank 2 and adjacent to the immersion tank 2. The carry table 3 transports the dish rack L to the dishwasher 4. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the carry table 3 includes a base 10, a transport mechanism 11, a controller (control device) 12, and a first sensor 16.

The base 10 is a table on which the tableware rack L is placed. The base 10 has a mounting surface 10a on which the tableware rack L is mounted. The height position of the mounting surface 10a is set to the same height as a rack rail 25 (described later) of the dishwasher 4. A space S capable of storing a plurality of tableware racks L is provided below the mounting surface 10a. The first sensor 16 detects the tableware rack L placed on the placement surface 10a. An example of the first sensor 16 is a motion sensor. The first sensor 16 sends the detection result to the controller 12.

The transport mechanism 11 moves the tableware rack L on the base 10. The transport mechanism 11 includes an arm 13 and a transport mechanism 11 that moves the arm 13. The transport mechanism 11 includes a support section (not shown), a chain, a sprocket, and a drive section such as a motor. The transport mechanism 11 is housed in a housing 14. The housing 14 is disposed at the rear of the base 10 and protrudes above the mounting surface 10a of the base 10.

The arm 13 is a member that presses the tableware rack L, and is supported by the transport mechanism 11 so as to be rotatable on the placement surface 10a. The support part is provided so as to be movable in the left-right direction along a guide rail arranged parallel to the chain, and is fixedly connected to a part of the chain. The chain is wrapped around two sprockets. The drive unit is, for example, a gear motor. One sprocket is supported on the rotating shaft of the drive section.

The arm 13 is provided so as to be movable between an advancing area that overlaps with the placement surface 10a and a retraction area that is retracted from the placement surface 10a in a plan view. has been evacuated to. The arm 13 moves in the left-right direction by interlocking with a sprocket and a chain driven by a drive unit. The arm 13 advances from within the housing 14 onto the mounting surface 10a when transporting the tableware rack L, and retreats into the housing 14 in a standby state. More specifically, the arm 13 advances onto the placement surface 10a at the timing when the first sensor 16 detects the tableware rack L on the placement surface 10a, or at the timing when the start button B1 is pressed on the operation unit 15. do.

The arm 13 comes into contact with the end of the dish rack L on the side of the dipping tank 2 (the end on the right side in the conveyance direction) and pushes the dish rack L toward the dishwasher 4. When the arm 13 conveys the dish rack L to the dishwasher 4 (that is, when it reaches the extrusion position where the dish rack L is pushed out), it returns to the standby position that is part of the retraction area inside the housing 14.

The controller 12 controls the overall operation of the carry table 3. The controller 12 is housed within a housing 14, for example. The controller 12 is communicably connected to a controller 35 (described later) of the dishwasher 4. Further, the controller 12 controls the lift device 5. Note that the details of the control of the lift device 5 by the controller 12 will be explained in detail later.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the operating section 18 is arranged in a part of a panel forming the housing 14. As shown in FIGS. The operation unit 15 is provided with a start button B1 for starting the operation of the transport mechanism 11, a stop button B2 for stopping the operation of the transport mechanism 11, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the dishwasher 4 is disposed on the left side of the carry table 3 and adjacent to the carry table 3. The dishwasher 4 washes the dishes D stored in the dish rack L. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the dishwasher 4 has a washing machine body 20 covered with a stainless steel panel. The washing machine main body 20 is partitioned into an upper part 20A in which a washing chamber 21 is formed and a lower part 20B in which a machine chamber 22 is formed.

A box-shaped door 23 for opening and closing the washing chamber 21 is provided in the upper portion 20A of the washing machine main body 20. The door 23 includes a front portion 23A and side portions 23B and 23C. The door 23 can open and close the cleaning chamber 21 and is provided to be movable in the vertical direction. The door 23 is moved up and down by a handle 24A extending horizontally in front of the front portion 23A. The door 23 is located at the lowest height position in the vertical direction to close the cleaning chamber 21 (the position shown in FIG. 3), and at the highest height position in the vertical direction to open the cleaning chamber 21. and an open position (the position shown in FIG. 1).

The tips of a pair of left and right rotating arms 24B, 24B are fixed to both ends of the handle 24A. The rotating arms 24B, 24B are arranged diagonally along the side portions 23B, 23C of the door 23. One end of a link part 24C arranged along the side parts 23B and 23C of the door 23 is rotatably connected to the rotating arms 24B and 24B, and the other end of the link part 24C is connected to the door via a shaft pin. 23, and the door 23 can move up and down in response to the rotational movement of the handle 24A.

Inside the cleaning chamber 21, a rack rail 25 is removably arranged. The tableware rack L carried out from the carry table 3 is placed on the rack rail 25. At the top of the cleaning chamber 21, an upper cleaning nozzle 26A consisting of three radially extending arms and an upper rinsing nozzle 27A consisting of two arms are rotatably arranged. Similarly, in the lower part of the cleaning chamber 21, a lower cleaning nozzle 26B consisting of three radially extending arms and a lower rinsing nozzle 27B consisting of two arms are rotatably arranged. Washing water is sprayed from above and below on the dishes D arranged in the dish rack L by an upper washing nozzle 26A and a lower washing nozzle 26B, and rinsing water is sprayed from above and below by an upper rinsing nozzle 27A and a lower rinsing nozzle 27B.

A cleaning pump 29 is connected to the cleaning water tank 28 via a cleaning water suction port. A cleaning water discharge pipe 30 is connected to a discharge port of the cleaning pump 29 . The cleaning water discharge pipe 30 branches into a first cleaning water discharge pipe 30A and a second cleaning water discharge pipe 30B, the first cleaning water discharge pipe 30A is connected to the upper cleaning nozzle 26A, and the second cleaning water discharge pipe 30A is connected to the upper cleaning nozzle 26A. 30B is connected to the lower cleaning nozzle 26B.

A rinsing water tank 31 is arranged in the machine room 22 to which rinsing water is supplied from the outside via a water supply pipe (not shown). A rinse pump 33 is connected to the rinse water tank 31 via a rinse water suction pipe 32. A rinse water discharge pipe 34 is connected to a discharge port of the rinse pump 33 . The rinse water discharge pipe 34 branches into a first rinse water discharge pipe 34A and a second rinse water discharge pipe 34B, the first rinse water discharge pipe 34A is connected to the upper rinse nozzle 27A, and the second rinse water discharge pipe 34A is connected to the upper rinse nozzle 27A. 34B is connected to the lower rinse nozzle 27B. The first rinse water discharge pipe 34A is arranged within the first wash water discharge pipe 30A. That is, the first wash water discharge pipe 30A and the first rinse water discharge pipe 34A have a double pipe structure.

The machine room 22 houses an electrical equipment box (not shown) in which a controller 35 for controlling the overall operation of the dishwasher 4 is built-in. The controller 35 outputs an end signal to the controller 12 of the carry table 3, indicating that the cleaning has ended.

The dishwasher 4 includes a heat exchange unit 36. The heat exchange unit 36 condenses the water vapor discharged from the cleaning chamber 21 of the washing machine main body 20 and discharges the air containing reduced amount of water vapor to the outside.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the lift device 5 is disposed on the left side of the dishwasher 4 and adjacent to the dishwasher 4 . The lift device 5 transfers the tableware rack L taken out from the dishwasher 4 to a predetermined position on the wagon 6. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the lift device 5 includes a housing 40, a lift (lift part) 41, a first drive mechanism 42, a second sensor (third detection part) 43, and a third It includes sensors (first detection sections) 47A, 47B, 47C, and 47D, a fourth sensor 44, a fifth sensor (second detection section) 49, and a second drive mechanism 7.

The housing 40 includes a frame 40a, a pair of first side parts 40b, 40b, a pair of openings 40c, 40c, a second side part 40d, a top plate part 40e, and a bottom plate part 40f. There is. The pair of first side portions 40b, 40b are fixed to the frame 40a and are arranged to face each other in the front-rear direction. The first side portions 40b, 40b are panel members made of stainless steel or the like. The openings 40c, 40c are formed on both sides in the left-right direction. The second side portion 40d is fixed to the frame 40a and covers a portion of the upper side of the opening 40c on the dishwasher 4 side. The top plate portion 40e is fixed to the frame 40a and covers the upper part of the lift 41. The first side portions 40b, 40b are panel members made of stainless steel or the like. The bottom plate portion 40f is fixed to the frame 40a and covers the lower part of the lift 41.

The lift 41 has a transport section 41a that transports the tableware rack L from the dishwasher 4 side to the wagon 6 side. When the dishwasher 4 completes washing, the lift 41 is on standby at the same height position as the rack rail 25 (see FIG. 4) of the dishwasher 4 (hereinafter referred to as the "carry-in position P1"). . The conveyance unit 41a includes belts (conveyance units) 41b, 41b for conveying the tableware rack L to the wagon 6, a drive unit 41c for driving the belts 41b, 41b, and a second sensor 43.

The belts 41b, 41b support and convey both widthwise ends of the tableware rack L from below. The drive unit 42c drives the belts 41b, 41b. The operation of the drive unit 42c is controlled by the controller 12 of the carry table 3. The second sensor 43 detects the loading of the tableware rack L into the lift 41. The second sensor 43 is arranged, for example, between the belts 41b. An example of the second sensor 43 is a reflective photoelectric sensor. When the second sensor 43 detects that the dish rack L is unloaded from the dishwasher 4 and a part of the dish rack L is positioned on the lift 41, the lift 41 operates the belts 41b, 41b. Install tableware rack L. When the loading of the tableware rack L into the lift 41 is completed, the operation of the belts 41b, 41b is stopped. The timing of stopping the belts 41b, 41b can be obtained, for example, by providing a limit switch or the like.

The lift 41 is moved in the vertical direction by a first drive mechanism 42. The first drive mechanism 42 mainly includes a chain 42a, a pair of sprockets 42b, and a drive section 42c. The drive unit 42c is, for example, a gear motor. The drive unit 42c is arranged, for example, at the top of the lift device 5. The operation of the drive unit 42c is controlled by the controller 12 of the carry table 3. An output shaft of a drive section 42c is connected to one sprocket 42b. The lift 41 rotates in response to the rotation of the sprocket 42b via the chain 42a. The chain 42a is stretched between a pair of sprockets 42b, 42b.

The lift 41 receives the tableware rack L carried out from the dishwasher 4 at the loading position P1 in the vertical direction, and lifts the tableware rack L carried out from the dishwasher 4 at the loading position P1 in the vertical direction, and moves the tableware rack L carried out from the dishwasher 4 to the shelves 53 (53A, 53B, 53C, 53D) in which the tableware rack L is not stored. Transfer the tableware rack L to either one. The lift 41 operates the belts 41b, 41b and sends out the tableware rack L to the wagon 6.

The third sensors 47A, 47B, 47C, and 47D are used to determine the availability of each of the four (plural) shelves 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D of the wagon 6. That is, the third sensors 47A, 47B, 47C, and 47D are provided corresponding to each of the four shelf portions 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D of the wagon 6, which will be described in detail later. , 53D is detected. Examples of the third sensors 47A, 47B, 47C, and 47D are reflective photoelectric sensors.

The third sensor 47A is arranged so that detection light is emitted toward the shelf 53A (the tableware rack L accommodated in the shelf 53A). The third sensors 47B, 47C, and 47D are also arranged so that detection light is emitted toward the corresponding shelves 53B, 53C, and 53D. Note that the detection ranges of the third sensors 47A, 47B, 47C, and 47D are appropriately set or their performance is selected so that objects other than the tableware rack L are not detected. Third sensors 47A, 47B corresponding to the shelves 53A, 53B arranged vertically above the carry-in position P1 described above are provided on the top plate 40e. Third sensors 47C and 47D corresponding to the shelf sections 53C and 53D arranged vertically below the carry-in position P1 are provided on the bottom plate section 40f.

As shown in FIG. 7, the controller 12 determines the empty states of the shelves 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D based on the detection results from the third sensors 47A, 47B, 47C, and 47D. The controller 12 determines the empty states of the shelves 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D based on the detection results while the lift 41 is stopped moving at the carry-in position P1. The controller 12 causes the lift 41 to transfer the tableware rack L to any of the vacant shelves 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D determined based on the detection results of the third sensors 47A, 47B, 47C, and 47D. control. In this embodiment, when a plurality of empty states are detected in the shelves 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D, the controller 12 carries in the tableware racks L in order (preferentially) starting from the upper shelf.

The lift 41 is further provided with a fourth sensor (fourth detection section) 44. The fourth sensor 44 is arranged at the end of the lift 41 on the wagon 6 side. An example of the fourth sensor 44 is a reflective photoelectric sensor. The fourth sensor 44 detects whether or not the tableware rack L is accommodated at the transfer destination of the tableware rack L in the wagon 6 . The lift 41 transfers the tableware rack L to the transfer destination when the fourth sensor 44 does not detect the tableware rack L at the transfer destination.

The controller 12 stores shelf sections 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D that accommodate tableware racks L. Further, when the tableware racks L are stored in all the shelves 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D, the controller 12 causes the display section (not shown) to notify that the wagon 6 is fully loaded. Then, the lift device 5 suspends receiving the dish rack L from the dishwasher 4, and resumes receiving the dish rack L when any of the shelves 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D becomes empty.

The fifth sensor 49 detects the lift 41 moving in the vertical direction. The fifth sensor 49 is provided between the shelf section 53B and the shelf section 53C and near the carry-in position P1. An example of the fifth sensor 49 is a proximity sensor. The lift device 5 of this embodiment executes control to stop the lift 41 moving in the vertical direction at the carry-in position P1 based on the detection of the lift 41 by the fifth sensor 49. In such control, the controller 12 controls the lift 41 based on the detection by the fifth sensor 49 of the lift 41 moving in one of the predetermined directions, either upward to downward movement or downward to upward movement. The lift 41 is stopped at the carry-in position P1.

The second drive mechanism 7 drives the door 23 of the dishwasher 4 to the closed position and the open position. The second drive mechanism 7 includes a drive motor 60, a pair of sprockets (not shown), a chain (not shown), a slider 63, and a connecting member 64. The second drive mechanism 7 is provided on the back side of the lift device 5.

The drive motor 60 is, for example, a gear motor. The drive motor 60 is arranged, for example, at the top of the lift device 5. The operation of the drive motor 60 is controlled by the controller 12 of the carry table 3. An output shaft of a drive motor 60 is connected to the sprocket. The sprocket is driven and rotated via the chain in accordance with the rotation of the sprocket. The chain is wrapped around a pair of sprockets.

Slider 63 is connected to a chain. The slider 63 moves up and down in accordance with the movement of the chain. The slider 63 is connected to a guide rail 65 extending in the vertical direction, and moves along the guide rail 65. A sixth sensor 66 (see FIG. 5) and a seventh sensor 67 are provided in the movement range of the slider 63. The sixth sensor 66 is arranged at a position to detect the slider 63 when the door 23 of the dishwasher 4 reaches the open position. The sixth sensor 66 outputs the detection result to the controller 12 of the carry table 3. The seventh sensor 67 is arranged below the sixth sensor 66. The seventh sensor 67 is arranged at a position to detect the slider 63 when the door 23 of the dishwasher 4 reaches the closed position. The seventh sensor 67 outputs the detection result to the controller 12 of the carry table 3.

The connecting member 64 connects the slider 63 and the door 23. The connecting member 64 extends along the front-rear direction. One end of the connecting member 64 is fixed to the slider 63, and the other end of the connecting member 64 is connected to the door 23 via a shaft pin (not shown). The connecting member 64 is provided with a support member (not shown). The support member is connected to the connecting member 64 and the lower end of the door 23, and supports the door 23 from below when the door 23 is raised.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the wagon 6 is disposed on the left side of the lift device 5 and adjacent to the lift device 5 . The wagon 6 can accommodate a plurality of (four in this embodiment) tableware racks L. A tableware rack L is accommodated in the wagon 6 by a lift device 5. The wagon 6 is detachably attached to the lift device 5.

As shown in FIG. 6, the wagon 6 has a pair of side parts 50a and 50b arranged opposite to each other, an upper part 51 provided at the upper end of the pair of side parts 50a and 50b, and a pair of side parts 50a and 50b. It has a bottom portion 52 provided at the lower end portions of the side portions 50a, 50b. The wagon 6 has a pair of side portions 50a, 50b, an upper portion 51, and a bottom portion 52, which define an accommodation space for accommodating the tableware rack L. The wagon 6 is open on both sides in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the opposing direction of the pair of side parts 50a and 50b.

A pair of support members 153, 153 are provided on the inner surfaces of the pair of side portions 50a, 50b at positions facing each other. A pair of support members 153, 153 support the tableware rack L. The pair of support members 153, 153 constitute shelf portions 53A, 53B, 53C, 53D in the wagon 6 that accommodate the tableware racks L. Four (plural) supporting members 153, 153 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction.

Operation handles 54a and 54b that can be gripped by an operator are provided on the outer surface of one side portion 50a. The bottom part 52 has four rollers 55a, 55b, 55c, and 55d that allow the wagon 6 to be moved freely when the wagon 6 is removed from the lift device 5, and four rollers 55a, 55b, 55c, and 55d that allow the wagon 6 to move freely when the wagon 6 is removed from the lift device 5. Installation mechanisms 56a and 56b for installing (fixing) 6 are provided.

Next, the operation of the cleaning system 1 will be explained. The operator preliminarily washes the tableware D in the dipping tank 2 and stores the tableware D in the tableware rack L. After storing the dishes D in the dish rack L, the operator pushes the dish rack L toward the dishwasher 4 side. The dish rack L pushed out to the dishwasher 4 side is detected by the first sensor 16. When the first sensor 16 detects the dish rack L, the controller 12 controls the transport mechanism 11 to cause the arm 13 to start transporting the dish rack L.

In the cleaning system 1 of this embodiment, even when the start button B1 is pressed by the operator, the controller 12 controls the transport mechanism 11 to cause the arm 13 to start transporting the dish rack L.

The carry table 3 uses the arm 13 to move the dish rack L to the dishwasher 4 side. Thereby, the dish rack L is carried out to the dishwasher 4. When the arm 13 reaches the pushing position, the controller 12 activates the drive motor 60 of the second drive mechanism 7 after a predetermined time. Thereby, the door 23 of the dishwasher 4 is closed and the door 23 is located in the closed position. The dishwasher 4 starts a washing operation when the door 23 is in the closed position. When the washing operation is completed, the dishwasher 4 outputs a completion signal to the controller 12. Upon receiving the end signal, the controller 12 operates the drive motor 60 of the second drive mechanism 7, thereby opening the door 23 of the dishwasher 4 and positioning the door 23 in the open position.

When the door 23 of the dishwasher 4 is in the open position, a new dish rack L is carried into the dishwasher 4 by the carry table 3. Thereby, the washed dish rack L is pushed out to the lift device 5 by the new dish rack L, and is carried out to the lift 41 of the lift device 5.

When the second sensor 43 detects that the tableware rack L is being carried into the lift 41 waiting at the carry-in position P1, the belts 41b, 41b are activated. The belts 41b, 41b operate until the tableware rack L is completely taken into the lift 41. The controller 12 determines the empty states of the shelves 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D based on the detection results from the third sensors 47A, 47B, 47C, and 47D. In this embodiment, the controller 12 determines the vacant state of the shelves 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D based on the detection results while the lift 41 is stopped moving at the carry-in position P1.

The lift 41 is operated vertically in order to transfer the tableware rack L to any of the vacant shelves 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D determined based on the detection results of the third sensors 47A, 47B, 47C, and 47D. move in the direction. In this embodiment, when the controller 12 detects that a plurality of empty shelves 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D are empty, the lift 41 carries in the tableware racks L in order (preferentially) from the upper shelf.

The lift 41 moves in the vertical direction to the front of the empty shelf (unloading position). Here, if the fourth sensor 44 does not detect the tableware rack L, the belts 41b, 41b are operated to send the tableware rack L to the wagon 6. If the fourth sensor 44 detects the tableware rack L, the operator may be notified of this, or if the controller 12 determines that there are other empty shelves, You may move to the shelf and repeat the above operation.

After carrying out the items to be washed onto the shelf, the lift 41 moves to the carry-in position P1 to wait for the next tableware rack L to be carried out. The lift 41 that has carried out the tableware rack L to one of the shelves 53A, 53B above the carry-in position P1 moves downward toward the carry-in position P1. The lift 41 stops driving the drive unit when the lift 41 is detected by the fifth sensor 49 provided near the carry-in position P1. On the other hand, the lift 41 that has carried out the tableware rack L to either one of the shelves 53C or 53D below the carry-in position P1 moves upward toward the carry-in position P1 and stops at a point past the carry-in position P1. (For example, about 1 second). Thereafter, the lift 41 moves downward toward the carry-in position P1. The lift 41 stops driving the drive unit when the fifth sensor 49 detects the lift 41 .

As explained above, the cleaning system 1 according to the present embodiment has storage capacity on the shelves 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D corresponding to each of the plurality of shelves 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D that the wagon 6 has. Third sensors 47A, 47B, 47C, and 47D are provided to detect the presence or absence. This makes it possible for the controller 12 to grasp the storage status of each of the plurality of shelves 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D. The tableware rack L can be transferred to the sections 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D. As a result, it becomes possible to reliably accommodate the tableware rack L in all of the plurality of shelves 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D that the wagon 6 has.

In the cleaning system 1 according to the present embodiment, the third sensors 47A and 47B corresponding to the shelves 53A and 53B, which are arranged vertically above the carry-in position P1, are provided on the top plate part 40e, and are arranged above the carry-in position P1. The third sensors 47C, 47D corresponding to the shelves 53C, 53D arranged vertically downward are provided on the bottom plate part 40f, so that when the lift 41 is located at the carry-in position P1, the third sensors 47A, 47B, 47C , 47D and the tableware rack L can be eliminated. Thereby, the third sensors 47A, 47B, 47C, and 47D can reliably detect the tableware rack L when the lift 41 is located at the carry-in position P1. Further, in this configuration, since there is no need to install a sensor in the wagon 6, the provision of electrical parts and the like can be omitted, and the configuration of the wagon 6 can be simplified.

In the cleaning system 1 according to the present embodiment, the controller 12 detects by the fifth sensor 49 the lift 41 moving in one predetermined direction of movement from above to below or from below to above. Based on this, the lift 41 is stopped at the carry-in position P1. That is, in the present embodiment, when the lift 41 is stopped at the carry-in position P1, the movement of the lift 41 before that is unified to either movement from the top to the bottom or movement from the bottom to the top. Therefore, variations in the carry-in position P1 of the lift 41 can be reduced.

In the washing system 1 of the above embodiment, when there is a subsequent dish rack L, the dish rack L that was in the dish washer 4 is pushed out by the dish rack L carried from the carry table 3 to the dish washer 4. It is carried out to the lift device 5 like this. However, when there is no following tableware rack L, there is no pushing out by the following tableware rack L, and therefore it is necessary for the operator to carry the tableware rack L into the lift device 5 by pushing it out. In the cleaning system 1 according to the present embodiment, the controller 12 starts operating the belts 41b, 41b based on the detection of the dish rack L by the second sensor 43. As a result, even if there is no subsequent dish rack L, the worker does not have to carry the dish rack L into the lift device 5 by pushing it out, thereby reducing the work burden on the worker. be able to.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist thereof.

<Modification 1>
In the cleaning system 1 of the above embodiment, the third sensors 47A, 47B, 47C, and 47D used to determine the vacant status of each of the four shelves 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D are connected to the top plate of the lift device 5. Although the explanation has been given with reference to an example in which it is provided in the portion 40e or the bottom plate portion 40f, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, instead of the third sensors 47A, 47B, 47C, and 47D, a new eighth Sensors (first detection units) 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D may be provided. Examples of the eighth sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D are reflective photoelectric sensors. Each of the eighth sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D may be provided inside the frame 40a of the lift device 5, for example, and may emit detection light from a square hole 40ac formed in the frame 40a. A transparent resin plate or the like may be attached to the square hole 40ac.

In the cleaning system 1 according to the first modification, the eighth sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D are provided adjacent to each of the four shelves 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D, so the shelves 53A, 53B, and 53C , 53D can be detected at a position close to the tableware rack L. Thereby, the detection of the tableware rack L by the eighth sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D when the lift 41 is located at the carry-in position P1 can be made reliable.

More specifically, the frame 40a, on which the eighth sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D are provided, is made of so-called channel steel, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the frame 40a includes a web 40aa and a pair of flanges 40ab, 40ab standing from the ends of the web 40aa. Each of the eighth sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D is covered by a cover 40h formed of a flexible and heat-insulating material, and is pressed against the web 40aa of the frame 40a by the panel-shaped first side 40b. It can be installed like this. That is, the circumference of each of the eighth sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D is shielded by the web 40aa, the pair of flanges 40ab, 40ab, and the cover 40h. Note that each of the eighth sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D does not need to be fixed with screws or tape. The cover 40h has a U-shape and is made of, for example, foamed polyethylene or foamed polystyrene.

Further, the lift device 5 may include a ninth sensor 71 that detects an obstacle located at the front opening of the washing chamber 21 of the dishwasher 4. When the ninth sensor 71 detects an obstacle, it outputs a detection signal to the controller 12. When the ninth sensor 71 detects an obstacle, the controller 12 stops the operation of the drive motor 60 of the drive mechanism 7 . If the controller 12 receives a detection signal from the ninth sensor 71 while the door 23 is not moving, the controller 12 does not operate the drive motor 60 (keeps the drive motor 60 in a stopped state). When the controller 12 receives a detection signal from the ninth sensor 71 while the door 23 is moving (while the drive motor 60 is operating), the controller 12 stops the operation of the drive motor 60. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the dish rack L or the operator's hand from being caught in the door 23 of the dishwasher 4. As shown in FIG. 10, like the eighth sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D, the ninth sensor 71 is covered with a cover 40h made of a flexible and heat-insulating material, and is also covered with a panel-shaped cover 40h. It is attached by being pressed against the web 40aa of the frame 40a by the first side portion 40b.

Conventionally, the frame 40a described above was only covered by a panel-shaped first side portion 40b and was not shielded from the outside. , 48D and the ninth sensor 71 were in a situation where dew condensation was likely to occur. In the lift device 5 of Modification 1, in the configuration in which the eighth sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D and the ninth sensor 71 are fixed to the frame 40a by the cover 40h as described above, even in a dew condensation environment, the eighth sensor 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D and the ninth sensor 71 Since dew condensation can be suppressed on the sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D, the ninth sensor 71, and the transparent resin plate, the occurrence of false detection by each sensor can be reduced. Further, since the cover 40h is pressed against the frame 40a using a flexible material, screws, tape, etc. are not required during assembly, and the assembly is excellent. Note that the frame 40a may be formed from a sheet metal workpiece made of stainless steel or the like, although it is less easy to assemble.

<Modification 2>
In addition, instead of the third sensors 47A, 47B, 47C, and 47D, as shown in FIG. , 53B, 53C, and 53D may be provided with switches (first detection units) 57A, 57B, 57C, and 57D for determining the availability status of each of them. Examples of switches 57A, 57B, 57C, 57D are limit switches or microswitches. The switches 57A, 57B, 57C, and 57D may be provided at the center of the support member 153 in the left-right direction. A photoelectric sensor may be provided in place of the switches 57A, 57B, 57C, and 57D. In the second modification, the carry table 3 and the lift device 5 are electrically connected to connect the switches 57A, 57B, 57C, and 57D to the controller 12.

In the cleaning system 1 according to the second modification, the switches 57A, 57B, 57C, and 57D are provided in some of the members constituting the shelves 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D. The presence or absence of the housed dish rack L can be detected more reliably.

<Modification 3>
The lift device 5 according to the third modification includes the eighth sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D of the lift device 5 of the first modification or the switches 57A, 57B, 57C, 57D of the lift device 5 of the third modification, As shown in FIG. 11, the above-mentioned fourth sensor (fourth detection section) 44 is provided to detect the presence or absence of the tableware rack L accommodated in the shelf section 53. Note that a weight sensor or an ultrasonic sensor may be provided in place of the eighth sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D or the switches 57A, 57B, 57C, 57D that detect the tableware rack L on each shelf 53. The fourth sensor 44 is provided on the lift 41.

Examples of the fourth sensor 44 include non-contact sensors such as photoelectric sensors and ultrasonic sensors. When the fourth sensor 44 detects the tableware rack L, it outputs a detection signal to the controller 12. The controller 12 controls the lift device 5 to transfer the tableware rack L to an empty shelf 53 determined based on the detection results of the eighth sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D and the fourth sensor 44. .

More specifically, the controller 12 determines the height of the shelf 53 (the shelf 53 to be transferred) in which no dish rack L is accommodated based on the detection results of the eighth sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D. Move the lift 41 to the position. At this time, the controller 12 moves the lift 41 so as to preferentially transfer the dish rack L from the upper shelf part 53 among the shelf parts 53 in which no dish rack L is stored. When the controller 12 confirms that the tableware rack L is not accommodated in the shelf section 53 to be transferred based on the detection result of the fourth sensor 44, the controller 12 causes the tableware rack L to be transferred to the shelf section 53 concerned. The lift device 5 is controlled accordingly.

Note that, when the controller 12 confirms that the tableware rack L is not accommodated in the shelf section 53 to be transferred based on the detection result of the fourth sensor 44, the controller 12 moves the lift 41 to another vacant shelf section 53. move. If there is a difference in detection results between the sensor that detects the dish rack L on each shelf 53 and the sensor arranged on the lift 41, the controller 12 stores the detection result in a storage section or the like or turns on a lamp. The operator may be notified by

In the cleaning system 1 according to the third modification, the presence or absence of the dish rack L may be detected due to a failure of the eighth sensor 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D, etc. that detect the presence or absence of the dish rack L accommodated in each shelf 53. Even if it cannot be detected correctly, if the fourth sensor 44 provided on the lift 41 detects that the tableware rack L is on the shelf 53 to be transferred, the transfer to the shelf 53 is performed. It is possible to stop it. Thereby, it is possible to avoid an event in which the dish rack L placed on the shelf 53 is pushed out by accidentally transferring a new dish rack L to the shelf 53 where the tableware rack L is placed.
<Modification 4>
The lift device 5 according to the fourth modification includes the eighth sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D of the lift device 5 of the first modification, or the switches 57A, 57B, 57C, 57D of the lift device 5 of the third modification, As shown in FIG. 12, a weight sensor (weight detection section) 73 is provided to detect the weight of the tableware rack L placed on the lift 41. Note that a weight sensor or an ultrasonic sensor may be provided in place of the eighth sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D or the switches 57A, 57B, 57C, 57D that detect the tableware rack L on each shelf 53. The weight sensor 73 is provided on the lift 41.

Examples of the weight sensor 73 include a sensor such as a load cell. When the weight sensor 73 detects the weight of the tableware rack L, it outputs the detected weight to the controller 12. The controller 12 controls the lift device 5 so that the heavier the dish rack L is transferred to the lower shelf 53. More specifically, tableware racks L that are heavier than the standard value are transferred to a predetermined lower shelf 53, and tableware racks L that are lighter than the standard value are transferred to a predetermined upper shelf 53. The lift device 5 is controlled as follows.

In the cleaning system 1 according to the third modification, the relatively heavy dish rack L is arranged on the lower shelf section 53, and the relatively light dish rack L is arranged on the upper shelf section 53, so that the worker can remove the dishes from the wagon 6. The work load when taking out the rack L can be reduced.

<Modification 5>
The cleaning system 1 of Modification 5 has a controller 12 that executes the characteristic control described below in the configuration of the above embodiment and Modifications 1 to 4. That is, the controller 12 selects one of the vacant shelves 53 detected by the third sensors 47A, 47B, 47C, 47D, the eighth sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D, or the switches 57A, 57B, 57C, 57D, etc. , searches for empty shelf groups that are continuous in the vertical direction, and when multiple empty shelf groups are detected, the tableware rack L is preferentially placed from the uppermost shelf 53 in the uppermost empty shelf group. When one empty shelf group is detected, the tableware rack L is preferentially transferred from the uppermost shelf 53 in the empty shelf group, and no empty shelf group is detected. When this occurs, the tableware rack L is preferentially transferred from the uppermost empty shelf section 53.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the controller 12 determines whether two or more empty shelves 53 are continuous in the vertical direction based on the detection results of the third sensors 47A, 47B, 47C, 47D, etc. A search is made to determine whether a group of empty shelves exists (step S1). Here, when it is determined that there is no empty shelf group in the wagon 6 (S1: NO), the lift device 5 moves the tableware rack L to the uppermost empty shelf section 53 in the wagon 6. (Step S2). On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a group of empty shelves in the wagon 6 (S1: YES), the controller 12 searches whether there is a plurality of groups of empty shelves (step S3).

Here, when it is determined that there are no plural empty shelf groups in the wagon 6 (S3: NO), the tableware rack L is transferred to the uppermost empty shelf 53 in one empty shelf group. The lift device 5 is controlled (step S4). On the other hand, when it is determined that there are a plurality of empty shelf groups in the wagon 6 (S3: YES), the controller 12 places the tableware rack L in the uppermost empty shelf section 53 of the uppermost empty shelf group. The lift device 5 is controlled to transfer (step S5). This completes a series of operations in the characteristic controller according to the fifth modification.

In the cleaning system 1 configured to preferentially transfer the dish racks L from the upper shelf section 53 of the wagon 6, water dripping from the accommodated dish racks L causes water to be stored in the dish racks L accommodated in the lower shelf section 53. It is possible to reduce the problem of the tableware D getting wet. However, when the tableware rack L is taken out from the upper shelf part 53, the tableware rack L is preferentially accommodated in the taken out shelf part 53. In this case, since the tableware rack L is housed in the shelf section 53 below the shelf section 53, the water dripping from the tableware rack L wets the tableware D housed in the lower tableware rack L.

Therefore, in the cleaning system 1 of the fifth modification, the controller 12 executes the above control, so that the dish rack L is not stored in the shelf section 53 from which the dish rack L is taken out relatively upward. I have to. In other words, when the dish rack L is taken out from the shelf section 53, the controller 12 of the fifth modified example moves the dish rack L to the taken out shelf section 53 in a situation where the dish rack L is stored below the dish rack L. The lift device 5 is controlled so as to lower the priority of accommodating. Such control can reduce the possibility that the dishes D accommodated in the dish rack L previously accommodated in the wagon 6 will be wetted by washing water dripping from the dish rack L immediately after washing by the dishwasher 4.

<Modification 6>
In the cleaning system 1 of Modification 6, in the configurations of the above embodiments and Modifications 1 to 4, the shelf portion 53 of the wagon 6 is located at the upper part (top surface) 51 directly above or directly above the shelf 53 of the wagon 6, as shown in FIG. It has an inter-shelf distance P, which is the distance from the shelf portion 53 of . Then, the wagon 6 has shelf parts 53 whose inter-shelf distance P is set to a first interval PL that is short, a shelf part 53 whose inter-shelf distance P is set to a second interval PM that is longer than the first interval PL, and a second interval. The shelf part 53 is set at a third interval PH which is longer than PM. That is, in the wagon 6, three types of inter-shelf distances P are set: a first interval PL, a second interval PM, and a third interval PH (PL<PM<PH).

The lift device 5 measures the height of the tableware rack L (or the tableware D stored in the tableware rack L) transported by the lift 41 when the lift 41 is located at the carry-in position P1 (predetermined position in the vertical direction). It has a height detection section for detection. The height detection unit in Modification 6 includes an 11th sensor (first height detection unit) 74 that detects whether or not the height is the first height H1, and a second height that is higher than the first height H1. It has a twelfth sensor (second height detection section) 75 that detects whether the height H2 is high. Examples of the eleventh sensor 74 and the twelfth sensor 75 include non-contact sensors such as photoelectric sensors and ultrasonic sensors. The controller 12 transfers the tableware rack L to the shelf section 53 having an inter-shelf distance P according to the height of the tableware rack L (or the tableware D stored in the tableware rack L) detected by the height detection section. The lift device 5 is controlled as follows.

When the dish rack L is detected by the eleventh sensor 74 and the twelfth sensor 75, the controller 12 of the sixth modification transfers the dish rack L to the shelf section 53 having the third interval PH, and only the eleventh sensor 74 When the tableware rack L is detected by the tableware rack L, the tableware rack L is transferred to the shelf section 53 having the second interval PM, and when the tableware rack L is not detected by both the eleventh sensor 74 and the twelfth sensor 75, The lift device 5 is controlled to transfer the tableware rack L to the shelf section 53 having the first interval PL.

When the shelves 53 are provided at equal intervals in the wagon 6, the inter-shelf distance P is set based on the height of the tableware D etc. that may be washed in the washing system 1. However, when cleaning small dishes or short cups all at once, there is a problem in that the distance P between the shelves is wasted, and many tableware racks L cannot be accommodated.

In the wagon 6 of the sixth modification, the shelf portions 53 are provided so that the distance P between the shelves is unequal, so that the height of the dishes D etc. stored in the dish rack L can be adjusted efficiently. A tableware rack L can be accommodated in the wagon 6. In some cases, it is possible to increase the number of shelves 53 that can be arranged in the vertical direction. Furthermore, since the height of the dishes D etc. stored in the dish rack L is detected by the eleventh sensor 74 and the twelfth sensor 75, the lift device 5 is configured to move the dish rack L to an appropriate shelf position according to the height of the dish rack L. It can be accommodated in 53.

Note that the number of sensors in the height detection section is appropriately set according to the inter-shelf distance P and the type of the inter-shelf distance P in the wagon 6. Further, the configuration for acquiring the height of the tableware D stored in the tableware rack L may be not only a configuration in which a plurality of sensors are arranged, but also a configuration in which a single sensor capable of actually measuring the height is arranged.

<Modification 7>
In addition to the configurations of the above embodiments and modifications 1 to 6, the lift device 5 includes a drain pan disposed below the movement range of the lift 41, as shown in FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B). (Water receiving part) 80 may be included. The drain pan 80 has a flat plate part and a wall part erected from the outer edge of the flat plate part, and is a member capable of receiving and storing water dripping from above.

The drain pan 80 protrudes from the lift 41 toward the dishwasher 4 side and the wagon 6 side when viewed in plan from above. Consists of two parts. That is, the drain pan 80 can be divided into three members. The first drain pan 81 has a protrusion 81a that protrudes toward the dishwasher 4 side. The third drain pan 83 has a protrusion 83a that protrudes toward the wagon 6 side. Each of the drain pans 81, 82, 83 can be fixed to the bottom plate portion 40f or the frame 40a with screws or the like. Note that the drain pan 80 may have an integral structure, or may be provided removably from the bottom plate portion 40f or the frame 40a.

In the cleaning system 1 according to the seventh modification, the drain pan 80 is disposed below the lift 41, so that water dripping from the lift 41 can be received. Thereby, water can be prevented from leaking to the outside of the lift device 5 (to the floor, etc.). Furthermore, in this washing system 1, since the drain pan 80 protrudes from the lift 41 toward the washing machine 4 side and the wagon 6 side, the connection part between the dishwasher 4 and the lift device 5 and the connection between the wagon 6 and the lift device 5 are You can also catch water dripping from the area. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent water from leaking to the outside of the lift device 5.

<Modification 8>
In addition to the configurations of the above-described embodiments and modifications 1 to 7, the lift device 5 includes a pair that transmits the power of the drive unit 42c to the lift 41, as shown in FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B). (a plurality of) power transmission chains (transmission parts) 42d, 42d; a pair of break detection sensors (break detection parts) 42e, 42e that detect breaks in each of the pair of power transmission chains 42d, 42d; It has attachment parts 42f, 42f for attaching each of the sensors. A pair of power transmission chains 42d, 42d are connected to a rotating shaft 42g of a sprocket 42b around which a chain 42a for vertically moving the lift 41 is wound.

In the cleaning system 1 according to the eighth modification, the lift 41 is connected to a member that moves the lift 41 in the vertical direction by the pair of power transmission chains 42d, 42d, so the possibility of the lift 41 falling can be reduced. Furthermore, in the cleaning system 1 according to Modification 8, the plurality of power transmission chains 42d, 42d are each provided with breakage detection sensors 42e, 42e, so that, for example, if one of the power transmission chains 42d breaks. In this case, measures such as stopping the operation of the lift 41 or issuing a notification can be taken. Furthermore, in the cleaning system 1 according to Modification 8, the mounting portions 42f of the breakage detection sensors 42e are provided in accordance with the number of breakage detection sensors 42e, so that the mounting portions 42f of the breakage detection sensors 42e are provided in accordance with the number of breakage detection sensors 42e, so that the mounting portions 42f of the breakage detection sensors 42e are provided in accordance with the number of breakage detection sensors 42e. The break detection sensor 42e can be placed at a suitable position.

<Modification 9>
In addition to the configurations of the above-described embodiment and Modifications 1 to 8, the lift device 5 has a characteristic conveying section 41a described below, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. That is, the conveyance unit 41a includes a pair of belts (conveyor belts) 41b, 41b that convey the tableware rack L, a first pulley 41d and a second pulley 41g around which the pair of belts 41b, 41b are respectively wound, and a belt 41b. , 41b, a first support part 41dd that rotatably supports the first pulley 41d, a second support part 41h that rotatably supports the second pulley 41g, and a second support part 41h that rotatably supports the second pulley 41g. It has a main body part 41j on which a first support part 41dd, a second support part 41h, and a drive part 41c are placed. The two first pulleys 41d, 41d around which the pair of belts 41b, 41b are wound, are connected to each other by a connecting shaft 41e, and the driving portion 41c transmits driving force to the connecting shaft 41e. The two second pulleys 41g, 41g around which the pair of belts 41b, 41b are respectively wound are provided to rotate independently. The second support portion 41h is provided so as to be slidable along the conveyance direction of the belt 41b by adjusting the adjustment screw 41i.

In such a conveyance system using the belt 41b, it is necessary to appropriately maintain the tension of the belt 41b. To adjust the tension in the belt 41b, tension is applied to the belt 41b by pulling the pulley around which the belt 41b is wound (for example, the second pulley 41g), and the second support portion 41h that supports the second pulley 41g is fixed with a screw or the like. This was implemented by fixing it to the main body part 41j. However, if the tension of the belt 41b is insufficient after the second support part 41h is fixed to the main body part 41j with screws or the like, the above-mentioned work needs to be repeated again, which is a time-consuming work for the operator. Met.

In the cleaning system 1 according to modification 9, the position of the second support part 41f can be adjusted by temporarily fixing the second support part 41f with a screw to the extent that it can move, and then turning the adjustment screw 41i in this state. . That is, the position of the second pulley 41g around which the belt 41b is wound can be adjusted by a simple operation of turning the adjustment screw 41i, so the tension of the belt 41b can be easily adjusted. After adjusting the tension, the operator permanently fastens the second support portion 41f. Further, the second pulleys 41g whose positions can be adjusted by the adjustment screws 41i are independent (not connected to each other by the connecting shafts), so the position of the second pulleys 41g can be adjusted more easily. I can do it.

<Other variations>
In the above embodiments and modifications, an example was given in which the tableware racks L are preferentially accommodated from the upper shelves 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D. They may be accommodated in order from the beginning, or may be accommodated in order from the shelves 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D located near the carry-in position P1. Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which the worker can select these priorities.

In the embodiments and modifications described above, the cleaning system 1 includes one wagon 6 as an example. However, the cleaning system 1 may include a plurality of wagons 6.

In the above embodiments and modifications, the controller 12 for controlling the carry table 3 is arranged inside the housing 17 of the carry table 3. The configuration may be such that it is placed anywhere.

1...Cleaning system, 3...Carry table (transport device), 4...Dishwasher (washing machine), 5...Lift device, 6...Wagon, 12...Controller (control device), 42e...Break detection sensor (break detection unit) ), 43...Second sensor (third detection section), 44...Fourth sensor (fourth detection section), 47A, 47B, 47C, 47D...Third sensor (first detection section), 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D... Eighth sensor (first detection section), 49... Fifth sensor (second detection section), 57A, 57B, 57C, 57D... Switch (first detection section), 73... Weight sensor (weight detection section), 74... 11th sensor (first height detection section), 75... 12th sensor (second height detection section), 153... support member, D... tableware, L... tableware rack, P1... carry-in position.

Claims (12)

a conveyance device that conveys the object to be cleaned;
a cleaning machine that cleans the object to be cleaned that is transported by the transport device;
a wagon in which a plurality of shelves for accommodating the items to be cleaned are arranged in a vertical direction;
a lift section that is provided to be movable in a vertical direction between a carry-in position for receiving the object to be cleaned carried out from the washing machine and a carry-out position for carrying out the object to be washed to the shelf; and the lift section. a drive unit that drives the lift device;
a plurality of first detection units, one each being provided corresponding to each of the plurality of shelves , and detecting the presence or absence of the object to be cleaned stored in the corresponding one of the shelves;
A control device that controls the lift device ,
The lift device includes a frame that supports the lift part movably in the vertical direction, a top plate part fixed to the frame above the lift part, and a bottom plate fixed to the frame below the lift part. It has a casing comprising:
The first detection unit corresponding to the shelf disposed vertically above the lift unit located at the carry-in position is provided on the top plate and emits detection light toward the corresponding shelf. Emits,
The first detection unit corresponding to the shelf disposed vertically below the lift unit located at the carry-in position is provided on the bottom plate and emits detection light toward the corresponding shelf. death,
The control device determines an empty state based on the detection result of the first detection unit while the lift unit stops moving at the carry-in position,
The lift section includes a fourth detection section that detects the presence or absence of the object to be cleaned housed in the shelf section,
The control device controls the lift device to transfer the object to be cleaned to the empty shelf determined based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the fourth detection unit. system. The shelf section of the wagon is constituted by a support member that supports the object to be cleaned from vertically below,
The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein the first detection section is provided on the support member that constitutes each of the plurality of shelf sections. further comprising a second detection unit that detects the lift unit moving in the vertical direction,
The control device is configured to control the lift section based on detection by the second detection section of the lift section moving in one of predetermined directions, either upward to downward movement or downward to upward movement. The cleaning system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the cleaning system is stopped at the loading position. The lift part is
a transport unit that transports the object to be cleaned from the washing machine side to the wagon side;
a third detection unit that detects the loading of the object to be cleaned into the transport unit,
4. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein the control device causes the transport section to start transporting the object based on the detection of the object to be cleaned by the third detection section. The transport section is
a pair of conveyor belts that convey the object to be cleaned;
a first pulley and a second pulley around which each of the pair of conveyor belts is wound;
a conveyance drive unit that drives the conveyance belt;
a first support part that rotatably supports the first pulley;
a second support part that rotatably supports the second pulley;
a main body portion on which the first support portion, the second support portion, and the conveyance drive portion are placed;
The two first pulleys around which each of the pair of conveyor belts is wound are connected to each other by a connecting shaft,
The conveyance drive unit transmits a driving force to the connection shaft,
The two second pulleys around which each of the pair of conveyor belts is wound are provided to rotate independently,
The cleaning system according to claim 4 , wherein the second support section is provided so as to be slidable along the conveyance direction of the conveyor belt by adjusting an adjustment screw. The lift part is
comprising a weight detection section that detects the weight of the object to be cleaned placed on the lift section,
The cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the control device controls the lift device so that the heavier the object to be cleaned is transferred to the shelf disposed lower. . The control device searches for a group of empty shelves in which the vacant state is continuous in a vertical direction among the empty shelves detected by the first detection unit, and when the empty shelf group is detected. transfers the items to be cleaned preferentially from the uppermost shelf in the empty shelf group, and when the empty shelf group is not detected, transfers the items to be cleaned from the uppermost empty shelf. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the lift device is controlled to preferentially transfer the object to be cleaned. When a plurality of empty shelf groups are detected, the control device operates the lift device to preferentially transfer the object to be cleaned from the uppermost shelf in the uppermost empty shelf group. 8. The cleaning system of claim 7 , wherein the cleaning system controls: The shelf in the wagon has an inter-shelf distance that is a distance from the top surface directly above or the shelf directly above,
In the wagon, the shelves are arranged so that the distance between the shelves is different from one another,
The lift device includes:
a height detection unit that detects the height of the object to be cleaned carried by the lift unit when the lift unit is located at a predetermined position in the vertical direction;
The control device controls the lift device to transfer the object to be cleaned to the shelf section having the inter-shelf distance according to the height of the object to be cleaned detected by the height detection section. A cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . The lift device includes:
a water receiving part disposed below the moving range of the lift part;
10. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein the water receiving section projects from the lift section toward the washing machine and the wagon when viewed from above. The lift device includes:
a plurality of transmission parts that transmit the power of the drive part to the lift part;
a plurality of breakage detection units that detect breakage in each of the plurality of transmission units;
a mounting section for mounting each of the plurality of breakage detection sections;
The cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , comprising: The lift device includes:
A casing formed of a frame and a panel fixed to the frame, further comprising the casing that accommodates the lift part,
Any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the first detection unit is covered with a cover made of a flexible and heat-insulating material, and is attached to be pressed against the frame by the panel. Cleaning system as described in section.

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