JPH11266946A - Dishes carrying and washing method and dishes housing appliance suited to the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dishes housing appliance which can recover used dishes or send them to guests in the state of simply piling and which can make the dishes away from each other by simple operation when it is desirable to position adjacent dishes away from each other at the time of washing operation, etc. SOLUTION: The housing appliance 100 is provided with a pair of end members 104 and 106 which are separable and accessable from/to each other and provided with fins 108 forming sections for each plate or soup bowl 102 and a linking mechanism 120 for making the fins 8 away from each other with prescribed strokes in this and both ends of the mechanism 120 are respectively connected to the members 104 and 106. The used plates or soup bowls 102 in a piled state are housed in the appliance 100 in the state of being shortened by making the members 104 and 106 approach each other. At a lunch providing center, when a worker push-expands a pair of the members 104 and 106 in a direction making away from each other, intervals between the fins 108 are expanded to enlarge sections housing the plates or soup bowls 102 to make the adjacent plates or soup bowls 102 away from each other.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tableware conveying / washing method which is convenient for accommodating, for example, tableware for feeding and cleaning, and a tableware container suitable for the method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a kitchen system that serves a large number of meals, typically a system installed in a catering center, tableware,
2. Description of the Related Art Washing of tableware such as trays using racks, baskets, or baskets has been performed in a state in which a large number of tablewares are stored in these tableware storage tools (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 50/1985). No. 663, Jitsuhei 3-10932
Gazette, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 2-112251, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 3-1
0847 JP-A-5-269073).

[0003] In such a tableware container such as a basket, for example, a cleaning liquid or hot water is sprayed from a nozzle toward the tableware so that the tableware can be conveniently washed. In the case of washing machines of the type to wash,
In order to ensure the cleaning effect, it is preferable to store the adjacent tableware in a state where they are separated from each other.From such a viewpoint, among the conventional tableware storage tools, the tableware includes projections and partitions and is adjacent with these projections and partitions. It is known that dishes are separated from each other (for example, among the publications exemplified above, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-10932, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-1).
0847). When such a tableware container is adopted, for example, in a lunch center, a worker
When putting the collected tableware into the container, it is necessary to perform the work of putting the tableware one by one in each section divided by the partition.

As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-269733, for example, in the case of a school lunch, the work at the lunch center and the transfer between the lunch center and the customer's school are all tableware containers. There has been proposed a totally integrated system in which tableware is stored in a room.
In other words, in this integrated system, containers having the above-mentioned protrusions and partitions are prepared, and tableware for each class is placed in each container, and the food service center sends the table to the customer's school. After the tableware is brought in, the students take out the tableware from this container and serve it for meals, each person puts the used tableware in each section of the container, and then the container containing the used tableware. The workers carry the tableware into the catering center, where the workers clean the tableware together with the carried containers without touching the individual dishes, and put the washed tableware into containers. Be prepared to bring it to school the next day. Further, as a container suitable for such an integrated system, a basket in which individual tableware storing sections are separated by stainless steel rods so that adjacent tableware is located at a predetermined interval has been proposed (particularly, a basket). See JP-A-8-72872).

[0005] When such an integrated system is adopted, the tableware used by each student after eating is placed in each section of the tableware container, so that the tableware in the container is adjacent. The objects are separated from each other. Then, by carrying the food into the food service center in this state, the worker can put the container into the washing machine and perform the washing without directly touching the tableware. After the washing process is performed in this manner, the washed dishes can be transported from the school center to the customer's school while the dishes are kept in the container. Can be circulated while the dishes are kept in the container.In this circulation path, the workers do not touch the dishes during the transport work and the cleaning work at the catering center. This is a very good system in terms of hygiene.

[0006]

Placing dishes in each compartment of a tableware container, such as a basket provided with a partition, after eating or before washing, is compared to simply stacking dishes. Some kind of work will be forced on a person or worker who has eaten such as a student who does this. Also,
In the process of transporting the containers containing the tableware between the school and the food service center, the tableware is separated from each other, so the volume occupied by the containers is limited to carrying the stacked tableware. There is a problem that a relatively large vehicle is required because of the increase, and for the same reason, the food service center stores the tableware container containing the washed tableware for the next day. There is a problem that the space for storing is increased.

Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide a tableware conveying and cleaning method which can solve the above-mentioned problems. In addition, another object of the present invention is that used tableware can be simply collected and sent to a customer in a stacked state, while adjacent tableware such as a washing operation is located at a distance. It is an object of the present invention to provide a tableware container in which tableware is separated from each other by a simple operation when it is desirable.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A first object of the present invention is to:
A step of putting the dishes in a state of being stacked in a container in a shortened state and transporting the dishes to a place to be served; a step of taking out the dishes at the place to be served and serving the meal; Stacking the tableware of the above, the step of placing the stacked tableware in a shortened state of the container, and the step of storing the layered tableware of the shortened state to the place where the tableware is washed. Transporting,
In the place to be washed, a step of expanding the container and keeping the dishes apart, and a step of washing the tableware in the expanded container while keeping the dishes apart from each other, After the washing step, a step of shortening the expanded container and narrowing an interval between the dishes, thereby achieving a dishware transporting / washing method.

Another object of the present invention is basically to provide a partitioning means for entering a space between stacked tableware to form a compartment for accommodating each tableware, and the partitioning means for forming a section for accommodating each tableware. The present invention is attained by providing a tableware container, comprising: a partitioning means for expanding the tableware storage section in the stacking direction of the stacked tableware.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention is basically based on three aspects. 1 to 4 are diagrams for explaining the first viewpoint. In these drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes a main part of the tableware container, the tableware container has a plurality of fins 2 arranged in multiple stages vertically, and a group 3 of the upper and lower multistage fins 2 A pair of left and right fins 2 of the group 3 is basically arranged to individually accommodate the stacked tableware 4 with a space 5 for accommodating the tableware 4 stacked vertically. Functions as a partition that forms a section. The fins 2 of each group include three vertical guide rods 6.
The three vertical guide rods 6 are disposed at a longitudinally intermediate portion and both ends of the fin 2. The interval between the adjacent fins 2 of each group 3 is set to be equal to the average value of the gap formed by the outer peripheral edge 4a of the adjacent tableware when the tableware 4 is stacked up and down, for example. And each fin 2
However, it is preferable to accurately enter the gap of the tableware 4.

The left and right groups 3 have, for example, three vertical guide rods 6 of one group 3 fixed with respect to a base (not shown), and among the three vertical guide rods 6 of the other group 3, By attaching the guide rod 6a disposed at one end of the fin 2 to the base so as to be rotatable about an axis, the structure is such that the tableware accommodating space 5 can be separated from and approached to each other.
In this structure, both the left and right groups 3 may be movable. Each fin 2 has a generally U-shaped shape bent at a longitudinal intermediate portion 2a, and a portion 2b from the intermediate portion 2a to each end is convex toward the tableware accommodating space 5. It has a curved shape.

The tableware 4 is placed in the tableware storage space 5 so as to be vertically stacked. The tableware 4 is exemplified here by a dish, but may be a soup bowl. This kind of tableware 4 generally has a tapered shape whose outer surface 4a gradually decreases in diameter toward the bottom (FIGS. 3 and 4).
Further, when the tableware 4 is stacked, a gap is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the adjacent tableware 4. Tableware container 1
Functions on the premise of such tableware 4. That is, after the tableware 4 is vertically stacked on the accommodation space 5 and the left and right groups 3 and 3 are operated so as to approach each other, the curved portion 2b of the fin 2 becomes vertically adjacent to the tableware 4.
4 and engages with the tapered outer surface 4a of the tableware 4 and further causes the left and right groups 3, 3 to approach each other (this operation direction is indicated by an arrow F). (Shown), the fins 2 act to lift each dish 4 upward while moving inwardly of the dishes 4 along the tapered outer surface 4a, and at the same time, the flange 4b of the dish causes the upper fin 2 to move upward. The fins 2 are pushed up, and at the same time, are moved so as to lift the tableware 4 while simultaneously engaging with the outer side surface 4a of the tableware 4 above (see FIG. 4 in particular).

Since this phenomenon occurs in all of the tableware 4 stacked vertically, the state in which the tableware 4 stacked vertically is separated from each other in accordance with the operation of bringing the left and right groups 3 and 3 closer to each other. (See Figure 3). Therefore, the fin 2 basically functions as a partition for forming a section for accommodating each tableware 4, but the curved portion 2a enlarges each section, that is, a space between the adjacent fins 2. Function, ie, a function as a separating unit. In addition, FIG.
In order to clarify the shape of fins 2, fins 2, 2,.
They are drawn far apart from each other.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining a second aspect of the present invention. In the second aspect, for example, a plurality of partition pieces 10 that engage with the flange 4b of the tableware 4 at three or more points are provided on the above-described guide rod 11, and, for example, between the adjacent partition pieces 10 and 10. An interval control member made of a shape memory alloy, that is, a separating means 12 is provided (see FIG. 5), and when the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature or more, the interval control member 12 of the shape memory alloy is transformed to form a partition 1
The interval between 0 and 10 is enlarged (see FIG. 6). When a shape memory alloy is used for the interval control member 12, for example, hot water is used in the process of cleaning the dishes 4, but the shape memory alloy may be set so as to be transformed at the temperature of the hot water. As the interval control member 12, a link mechanism may be adopted as described later in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7 to 10 are views for explaining a third aspect of the present invention. 7 to 10, a plurality of claw members 20 are arranged so as to surround the tableware 4, and a roller 22 is arranged at the base end of each claw member 20, and this roller 22 is nested and can be double-stretched inside and outside. Although each claw member 20 is moved along the guide rail 24, as shown in FIG.
A hole 23a is provided at the end of the third member 3, and the adjacent claw members 20 are connected to each other by a flexible wire (not shown) such as a string using the hole 23a. This flexible wire is
The separation distance or stroke of the claw member 20 is defined. For example, by connecting a flexible wire rod extending from the claw member 20 located at the end directly or indirectly to the telescopic mechanism of the guide rail 24, By extending the rail 24, the interval between the claw members 20 can be gradually increased.

The container of the present invention may be configured based on the mechanism according to the first to third aspects described above.
The container according to the present invention may be configured by variously combining the mechanisms according to the first to third aspects. 7 to above
The claw member 20 in FIG. 10 is also a modification that can be replaced with the fin 2 having the curved portion 2a. FIGS. 11 to 15 also show modifications that can be replaced with the fins 2 or the partition pieces 10 having the curved portions 2a. Also,
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a somewhat flat abacus ball-shaped member 26 is provided on a shaft 28 so as to be movable, and a sleeve 30 having flanges 30a at both ends is provided on the shaft 28.
May be provided so as to be movable, and adjacent abacus ball-shaped members 26 are connected via a sleeve 30.
The sleeve 30 limits the maximum separation distance, that is, the stroke, between the substantially adjacent abacus ball-shaped members 26 to a predetermined value. When it is necessary to increase the maximum separation distance of the sleeve 30, instead of the respective sleeves, FIG.
3. As shown in FIG. 14, an elastic sleeve 36 composed of two members 32 and 34 may be used.

The separation distance of the tableware 4 has a great effect on the cleaning effect of, for example, a nozzle jet type washing machine. That is, when the separation distance of the tableware 4 is too large or too small, the cleaning liquid or hot water sprayed from the cleaning nozzle cannot obtain the screw phenomenon between the adjacent tablewares 4. Therefore, when applying the container of the present invention to a washing machine by nozzle injection, it is desirable to set the separation distance of the tableware 4 that can cause a screw phenomenon. This can be realized by setting the strokes of the fin 2, the partition piece 10, the claw member 20, and the like to a predetermined value at which a desired screw phenomenon can be obtained at the design stage.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a tableware container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
Is a side view thereof. This tableware container 100 is designed to be suitable for a dish or soup bowl 102. Container 1
00 schematically shows a pair of end members 104 and 106;
A plurality of fins 10 serving as partitioning members for forming compartments for individually accommodating a plurality of stacked dishes or soup bowls 102 arranged between the pair of end members 104 and 106.
8 and a separation mechanism 110 for increasing the distance between adjacent fins 108.

As will be described in detail later, when the pair of end members 104 and 106 are separated from each other, the distance between the adjacent fins 108 increases to a predetermined distance, and the container 100 Can be separated at a predetermined interval. That is, the pair of end members 104 and 106 can be separated and approached from each other with a predetermined stroke. When the pair of end members 104 and 106 are separated from each other to expand the entire length of the container 100, the pair of end members 104 and 106 are formed by the plurality of fins 108. Each of the plurality of dishes or soup bowl storage sections is enlarged so that adjacent dishes or soup bowls 102 are located at a predetermined interval from each other. FIGS. 16 and 17 show a state where the entire length of the container 100 is shortened, and FIGS. 18 to 20 show a state where the entire length of the container 100 is expanded. Here, FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the container 100 in the expanded state, FIG. 19 is a side view of the container 100 in the expanded state, and FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the container 100 in the expanded state. .

A pair of end members 104, 10
6, end plates 104a and 106a facing the bottom or upper surface of the stacked dishes or soup bowls 102 by bending the plate into an L-shape;
2 are formed, and side plate portions 104b and 106b facing the second side surface are formed. The side plate portions 104b and 106b abut each other to define the distance between the end plate portions 104a and 106a when the container 100 is shortened.

FIG. 21 shows the fin 108 and the separating mechanism 11.
It is a figure which extracts and shows 0. As can be understood from FIG. 21, the fin 108 has a curved shape extending along substantially a half circumference of the outer peripheral portion of the dish or soup bowl 102, and the inner peripheral edge of the fin 108 has a total of three at both end portions and a central portion. Nail 1
12 and a dish or soup bowl 102 for each fin 108
The central part on the side facing the upper surface of the
One projection 114 is formed. This projection 114
Dish or soup bowl 102 in the compartment formed by fins 108
When the water enters, the flange 10 of the dish or soup bowl 102
2a to prevent the dish or soup bowl 102 from falling more than necessary. Reference numeral 116 indicates a hole for reducing the weight. This lightweight hole 116 is inserted into the fin 108 as shown in the figure.
By disposing a plurality of plates in the longitudinal direction, for example, when the present invention is applied to a nozzle injection type washing machine, the washing of the outer peripheral portion of the dish or the soup bowl 102 in contact with the fins 108 can be performed using the lightweight hole
Since the cleaning liquid can be applied through 16, it is possible to avoid poor cleaning of the outer periphery of the dish or the bowl 102.

The separation mechanism 110 includes a gap adjusting plate 118 having a rectangular shape fixed to each fin 108.
And a link mechanism 120 that connects the plates 118 to each other to move the plates 118 in parallel, a plurality of wheels 122, and a pair of left and right rails 124 for the wheels 122. Interval adjustment plate 1
When the length of the container 100 is reduced, the adjacent plates 118 abut against each other and
Is defined. This interval adjustment plate 1
The width dimension of the fin 108
When the distance between the fins 10 is
8 (claw 112) must be set so that it can undoubtedly enter the gap formed by the flanges 102a of the stacked dishes or soup bowls 102.

As can be seen in FIG. 21, the rail 124 includes three telescopic elongated members or outer members 124.
a, the inner member 124b, and the intermediate member 124c are configured to be extendable and contractible, and the end portions of the outer member 124a and the inner member 124b are respectively connected to the side plate portions 10 of the end members 104 and 106.
4b and 106. Also, this rail 12
4 includes an outer member 124a and an inner member 12 with an intermediate member 124c interposed therebetween in order to smoothly extend and retract the rail 124.
The ball bearing 124d is interposed between the ball bearing 124b and the ball bearing 124b. As can be understood from FIG. 21, the outer member 124a has the widest cross-sectional shape and the inner member 124c has the narrowest cross-sectional shape.
Are the outer member 124a, the intermediate member 124c, and the inner member 1
24b.

[0024] Correspondingly, the peripheral surface of the wheel 122 is shaped into a step so as to fit the step cross section of the rail 124. That is, when the rail 124 is extended, the wheels 122
a, the intermediate member 124c and the inner member 124b are slidably contacted so that they can travel while maintaining their height position.
A plurality of steps are formed on the peripheral surface of the wheel 122.
The wheel 122 also has an innermost flange 122a. To receive this flange 122a,
If necessary, an elongated piece 126 having an L-shaped cross section may be fixed to the inner surface of the inner member of the rail 124 to form a guide groove 126a for a flange. The wheel 122 is provided in a pair on one axle 127, and both end portions of the axle 127 are rotatably attached to the interval adjusting plate 118.
That is, the interval adjusting plates 118 are provided on both sides of the central portion of each fin 108, and link mechanisms 120 are attached to each row of the interval adjusting plates 118 on each side. ,Respectively,
It is connected to end members 104 and 106.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, inside the end plate portion 104a of one end member 104, as shown in FIGS.
PTF to reduce friction with plate or bottom of soup bowl 102
A plate 130 made of E plastic is attached.
In addition, a circular recess 132 protruding inward is formed in the end plate portion 106a of the other end member 106, and a handle ring 13 is provided outside a central portion of the circular recess 132.
4 is attached. This circular recess 132 has a function of controlling the separation distance to a predetermined value between the dish or the soup bowl 102 located at the end portion facing the recess, that is, when the container 100 is applied to the nozzle injection type washing machine. In addition, it functions as a dummy dish or soup bowl for generating a screw phenomenon between the dish or soup bowl 102 located at the end and the circular recess 132.

The other end member 106 has a drop-off prevention member 136 swingably attached to its upper end.
And a hook 138 fixed to the lower end. The falling-off preventing member 136 has a rectangular shape as a whole formed by bending a stainless steel rod, and the falling-off preventing member 136 cooperates with a hook 137 to fix the falling-off preventing member 136 to the end member 106. Buckle 13
8 are provided. In relation to the falling-off preventing member 136 provided on the end member 106, a hook 1 for the falling-off preventing member is provided on the upper end of the end plate portion 104a of the one end member 104.
40 is fixedly provided. Also, two sets of hooks 142 and a second buckle 14 locked to the hooks 142 are spaced apart from the side plate portions 104b, 106b of the end members 104, 106.
4 are provided.

Next, a method of using the above-described container 100 will be described below by taking a school lunch as an example. After the dishes or soup bowls 102 have been served, the students pile up on a predetermined table (not shown). FIG. 16 shows the state of the dishes or soup bowls 102 thus stacked.
For the stacked dishes or soup bowls 102, the container 10
0 is placed on a table with one end member 104 facing down, and the entirety of the stacked dishes or soup bowls 102 is a PTFE plastic plate 1 of the end member 104.
Place on top of 30. When this operation is completed, the fall prevention member 136 is rotated as shown by the arrow F to lock the first buckle 138 on the hook 140. Thereby, the operation of accommodating the used plate or soup bowl 102 in the container 100 is completed, and thereafter, the used plate or soup bowl 102 stored in the container 100 is collected by the trader. . The person who carries out this operation carries the container 100 with one hand using the handle ring 134 and carries the container 100 into the lunch center using a vehicle or the like. At the time of carrying, the falling-off prevention member 136 prevents the dish or the soup bowl 102 in the container 100 from falling out.

In the feeding center, the worker first removes the buckle 138 of the drop-off prevention member 136 from the hook 140, and engages the drop-out prevention member 136 with the hook 137 with the first buckle 138 to attach the end member 106 to the end member 106. Then, the second buckle 144 is removed, and the end members 104 and 1 are fixed.
06 is released. This release operation may be performed with the container 100 upright with one end member 104 down, but preferably the end members 104, 106
It is preferable to perform the operation in a state where the side plate portions 104b and 106b are placed side down. Next, the operator sets the side plate portion 104b,
The end members 104 and 106 of the container 100 in the horizontal state with 106b facing down are pushed apart in a direction away from each other, that is, outward. The separation mechanism 110 is operated in conjunction with the relative movement of the end members 104, 106, and the fins 108, 108,.
The gap 112 is forcibly expanded, and the plate or soup bowl 102 tends to enter between the fins 108 due to the weight of the plate or soup bowl 102.
02 and tend to increase the spacing of the fins 108. When the end members 104 and 106 are completely separated from each other, the dishes or soup bowls 102 standing side by side in the container 100 are separated from each other at a predetermined interval (see FIGS. 18 and 19).

When the end members 104 and 106 have been completely separated from each other, the container 100 is put into a washing machine (not shown), and the dish or soup bowl 102 is cleaned together with the container 100. The worker waiting at the exit of the washing machine is required to remove the container 1 from the washing machine.
00 is moved in a direction to reduce the interval between the end members 104 and 106. The separation mechanism 110 is operated in conjunction with the relative movement of the end members 104, 106, and the fins 108, 108,.
・ The interval becomes smaller. This operation is conveniently performed while the container 100 is set up so that the end member 104 faces down. Thereby, the plate or soup bowl 10 which has been separated until now
2 return to the overlapping state. End members 104 and 1
When the distance between the first buckle 13 and the second buckle 13 is completely reduced.
8, the stopper member 136 is released, and then the stopper member 136 is rotated to be stopped by the hook 140, and the second buckle 144 is engaged with the hook 142 to close it. As a result, both end members 104 and 106 are in a state where they are mutually restrained. Next, the worker
Using the handle ring 134, the container 100 is carried with one hand to prepare for carrying into the school the next day.

On the next day, if necessary, they are carried in a container (not shown) and carried into a school, and the plurality of carrying containers 100 carried in are carried in each class. The student of each class sets the container 100 upright so that the end member 104 faces down, and the fall prevention member 136 of the container 100
Is removed from the hook 140, and the dishes or soup bowls 102 stacked in the container 100 are taken out. According to such a container 100, the student simply stacks the used dishes or soup bowls 102 and pushes the stacked dishes or soup bowls 102 into the container 100 so that You can put it inside. In addition, in the food service center, the worker puts the container 100 in an expanded state, so that the dishes or soup bowls 102 that are in a state convenient for washing can be separated from each other.

As a special effect of the container 100, each fin 108 is forcibly forced by the link mechanism 120.
Are separated from each other, so that the claw 112 of the fin 108 engages with the outer surface of the dish or soup bowl 102 to automatically and smoothly separate the dish or soup bowl 102. Can be. In other words, the link mechanism 12
Due to the presence of 0, the claws 112 may be omitted from the fins 108. Further, since the link mechanism 120 is associated with all the fins 108, the separating operation of all the fins 108 can be completely linked with the separating operation of the end members 104 and 106. For this reason, for example, when tableware made of relatively heavy crockery is employed as the dish or soup bowl 102, the worker turns the container 100 sideways so as to put it into the washing machine. Alternatively, since the distance between the fins 108 tends to be increased by trying to move downward by the own weight of the soup bowl 102, the forcible separating action of the fins 108 by the link mechanism 120, and the nail 112 and the Alternatively, the force required for the worker to push the end members 104 and 106 outward can be reduced by synergistic action with the spontaneous separation action by engagement with the outer surface of the soup bowl 102.

The container 100 for a dish or soup bowl 102 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, even if the tray is used as tableware used for school lunches and the like, this tray is not used. Because the peripheral edge is provided with a flange and a gap is present between the tray flange located relatively above and the tray flange located below when the trays are stacked, the dish or soup bowl 102 Container 1 for
A container for trays can be made while sharing the basic configuration with 00. Further, the container 100 includes the fin 1
08 in addition to the link mechanism 120 for the forced separation of the fin 108, the claw 112 is formed on the fin 108.
The plate or the bowl 102 is spontaneously separated by engagement with the outer surface of the plate or the bowl 102, but the presence of the claws 112 from the fins 108 is omitted as described above. 108 may function as a simple partition member. On the other hand, if the claws 112 are provided on the fins 108 as in the container 100 described above,
Omit the claw 112 located at the center of the fin 108,
The fin 108 may be provided with only a pair of claws 112. According to the experiment, a pair of claws 112
It has been found that the provision of is superior to the provision of the three claws 112 in terms of the function of spontaneously separating the fins 108.

The drawings after FIG. 22 illustrate various modified examples or embodiments of the container 100. FIG. 22 shows a container 200 as a modification. This container 200
Is designed to ignore the convenience for carrying. That is, in the container 100 described above,
A gripping ring 134 is provided, and this gripping ring 134 is provided.
Although the container 100 is configured to be carried using the container 200, the container 200 as a modified example is basically configured to have the end members 104, 10 as shown in FIG.
6 is omitted. That is, the container 100 described above can be regarded as forming a frame or a case by the pair of end members 104 and 106 and the telescopic rails 124 connected to the pair of end members 104 and 106. Alternatively, it can be considered that a link mechanism 120, a fin 108, and the like are incorporated as a mechanism for forming a section for individually storing the soup bowl 102 and expanding and reducing this section.

The container 200 as a modified example includes the fin 1
08 and the gap adjusting plate 118 are integrally formed, and the gap adjusting plates 118 are connected to each other by a link mechanism 120. Basically, the mechanism for individually placing dishes and dishes such as bowls between the fins 108 and moving the fins 108 in parallel, if necessary, to increase the interval between them is basically described above. Container 100
The description is omitted here.

As shown in FIG. 22, in this container 200, four wheels 202 (one wheel is omitted in the drawing) are provided on an interval adjustment plate 118 located at one end, and the other is provided. Conveniently, two identical wheels are provided on an end spacing adjustment plate (not shown), and one or more spacing adjustment plates (not shown) located in between.
May be provided with wheels. That is, by providing four wheels 202 on the spacing adjustment plate 118 located at one end, the container 200 is erected such that the four wheels 202 are positioned downward, and, for example, the use stacked on a table is used. By feeding the tableware to the finished tableware, it is possible to receive the flanges of the respective tableware in the section formed by the gap between the adjacent fins 108 while maintaining this stacked state. Also, at the lunch center,
When the worker puts the container 200 sideways as shown in FIG. 22, the container 200 is provided with at least four wheels 202 located at the bottom of the gap adjusting plate at both ends.
Work to increase the overall length of the device becomes easier. In such a container 200, it is preferable from the viewpoint of hygiene that the container 200 is transported between the school and the lunch center in a separately prepared sealed case or bag. The concept of putting the container 200 in a sealed case or bag and transporting the container 200 can be applied to all the containers of the present invention when hygiene is emphasized.

The container 300 shown in FIG.
8 also shows a modification of FIG. Fin 3 of this modified example
Numeral 02 has a shape in which two fins 108 described above are continuously provided. According to such a double fin 302, two dishes can be stored side by side and separated by one fin 302, which is convenient for dishes having a relatively small diameter such as a soup bowl. is there. This container 300
According to this, the same number of soup bowls 102 as the container 100 described above
, The length of the container 300 can be greatly reduced. Such a double fin 302
Is similarly applicable to the container 200 having a caseless structure.

FIGS. 24 to 27 show a container 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The accommodation device 400 has a configuration in which an interval adjusting plate 118 is arranged between a pair of half fins 402 and the interval adjusting plates 118 are mutually connected by a link mechanism 120. According to this, the pair of half fins 402 and the interval adjusting plate 118 located therebetween substantially constitute the fins 108 of the container 100 of the first embodiment. Since the number of the link mechanisms 120 can be reduced by half, there is an advantage that a significant reduction in weight and size can be achieved. As the wheels 202 installed here, one spacing adjustment plate 118, that is, one axle 1
27, two front and rear wheels are arranged at each end of the vehicle, as shown in FIG.
Posture can be stabilized. Of course, it is not necessary to attach the wheels 202 to all of the interval adjusting plates 118. For example, the wheels 202 may be attached to the interval adjusting plates located at both ends of the container 400 and the intermediate interval adjusting plates. . The structure of the pair of half fins 402 included in such a housing 400, the interval adjusting plate 118 located therebetween, and the link mechanism 120 for connecting the interval adjusting plates 118 to each other is the same for the case 200 of the caseless structure. Applicable to

As a modified example of the container 400 of the fourth embodiment, an intermediate half fin 404 is provided on one interval adjusting plate 118 in addition to a pair of half fins 402 as shown in FIG. Like the container 300 of the third embodiment,
Two tableware may be housed side by side and separated from each other. Also, as shown in FIG. 26, a pair of half fins 402 may be integrally formed, and instead of the claws 112, a wire 406 crossed over the fin 402 may be provided in a stretched state or in a slightly slack state. Good. A modified example relating to the arrangement of the wire 406 is shown by a virtual line.
It is a technical matter applicable to all the above-described embodiments that the wire 406 is stretched instead of the claw 112.

FIGS. 29 to 31 show a link mechanism 110.
This shows a modification of the first embodiment. The link mechanism 110 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, the two ends of a pair of link elements 500 arranged crosswise are set at every other interval adjusting plate 118A.
And an interval adjusting plate 118 located in the middle thereof.
B is a pin 5 implanted in the middle of each link element 500
02 may be connected via the
As shown in FIG. 7, the sub link elements 504 may be arranged in a pantograph shape to connect the interval adjustment plate 118B located at the middle. According to this, the guide rail 506 required in FIG. 29 can be omitted. All of the above-described link mechanisms 110 including such modifications have all the gap adjusting plates 118 connected to the link mechanism 110 so that all the gap adjusting plates 118 operate in synchronization. However, as shown in FIG. 31, the interval adjusting plate 118B located in the middle may be connected by a flexible wire 508 such as a string.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a mechanism for separating tableware such as dishes according to a first aspect in connection with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a mechanism for separating tableware such as dishes according to a first aspect in connection with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram viewed from an X direction in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of a separation mechanism for dishes and other dishes according to a second aspect in connection with the present invention, and shows a state in which dishes and other dishes are received as they are; Show.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a mechanism for separating tableware such as dishes according to a second aspect in connection with the present invention, and shows a state in which tableware such as stacked dishes is separated from each other.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of a tableware separating mechanism according to a third aspect in connection with the present invention, and is a view for illustrating a modified example of partitioning means and the like.

8 is a plan view of the partitioning unit shown in FIG.

9 is a side view of the partition means shown in FIG. 7, which shows a state in which dishes such as stacked dishes are received as they are.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the partitioning means shown in FIG. 7, and shows a state in which dishes such as stacked dishes are separated from each other.

FIG. 11 is a view for illustrating another modification of the partitioning means included in the present invention, and shows a state in which dishes such as stacked dishes are received as they are.

FIG. 12 is a view showing the same partitioning means as in FIG. 11, which shows a state in which dishes such as stacked dishes are received as they are.

FIG. 13 is a view for illustrating still another modified example of the partitioning means included in the present invention, and shows a state where the partitioning means is closest.

14 is a view showing the same partitioning means as that of FIG. 13, and this figure shows a state where the partitioning means is most separated.

FIG. 15 is a view showing a state in which dishes and other dishes are separated from each other.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram related to FIG.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a partially omitted side view showing a state in which a dish or a soup bowl is accommodated in the container shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a state in which dishes or soup bowls stored in the storage device of FIG. 16 are separated from each other.

FIG. 19 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 18 and omitting wheels of the container in an expanded state.

FIG. 20 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 18 and omitting a link mechanism of the container in an expanded state.

FIG. 21 is a partially sectional front view showing an essential part of the container shown in FIGS. 16 to 20;

FIG. 22 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional front view illustrating a main part of a container, illustrating a modified example of a fin.

FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional front view illustrating a main part of a container, illustrating another modified example of the fin.

FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional front view illustrating a main part of a container, illustrating another modified example of the fin.

FIG. 26 is a view for illustrating still another modification of the fin.
It is the front view which extracted and showed the principal part of the container, and was the partial cross section.

FIG. 27 is a view showing a modification of the link mechanism provided in the container shown in FIGS. 16 and 22;

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view showing components related to the fin.

FIG. 29 is a view showing another modification of the link mechanism related to FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a view showing still another modified example of the link mechanism related to FIG. 27;

FIG. 31 is a view illustrating another separation mechanism including the link mechanism related to FIG. 27;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Tableware container 102 Dish or soup bowl 102a Dish or soup bowl flange 108 Fin 112 Claw 110 Separation mechanism 118 Spacing adjustment plate 120 Link mechanism 122 Wheel 124 Rail

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A step of putting tableware in a stacked state in a container in a shortened state and transporting the tableware to a place where the table is served, and a step of taking out the tableware at the place where the table is served and serving the table. Stacking the used tableware after eating; placing the stacked tableware in a shortened container; and storing the stacked tableware in a shortened state with the tableware. Transferring the tableware to a place to be washed; and, at the place to be washed, expanding the container and keeping the tableware apart from each other; and the tableware is separated from each other in the expanded container. A dishware transporting / washing method, comprising: a step of washing while being put in a state; and a step of, after the washing step, shortening the expanded container and narrowing an interval between the dishes. 2. A partitioning means for entering each gap of the stacked tableware to form a section for accommodating each tableware, and said tableware storage section formed by the partitioning means, said tableware being stacked. And a partitioning means for expanding in the stacking direction of the tableware. 3. The tableware container according to claim 2, further comprising a frame incorporating said partitioning means and said partitioning and separating means, said frame being expandable in a direction in which said tableware is stacked. . 4. The partitioning means according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said separating means is constituted by an engaging portion provided on each of said partitioning means and engaging with an inclined outer surface of said stacked dishes. Tableware container described in 1. 5. The tableware container according to claim 2, wherein the separating unit includes a link mechanism. 6. The frame and the partitioning means are connected to each other, and by expanding the frame, the partitioning means operates to enlarge the tableware storage section formed by the partitioning means. The tableware container according to claim 2, wherein the container is used. 7. A tableware container for accommodating tableware in which a gap is formed between tableware adjacent to the stacked tableware, wherein the tableware container has a shape extending along substantially a half circumference of the tableware. And it has a plurality of fins arranged so as to be able to enter each gap of the stacked tableware, and a separation mechanism for expanding the interval between the plurality of fins by a predetermined stroke. Tableware container. 8. The tableware container according to claim 7, wherein the fin has an engaging portion that engages with an inclined outer surface of the tableware. 9. A part of the separating mechanism includes a flexible wire connecting the adjacent fins, and the length of the wire is substantially the same as the stroke.
Or the tableware container according to 8. 10. A space adjusting plate attached to the fin, the space adjusting plate defining the space between the fins so that the fin enters each gap of the stacked tableware. The tableware container according to any one of claims 7 to 9.