WO2008138160A1

WO2008138160A1 - Clearing apparatus, in particular for serving trays

Info

Publication number: WO2008138160A1
Application number: PCT/CH2008/000215
Authority: WO
Inventors: Günther ELKUCH
Original assignee: Ludwig Elkuch Ag
Priority date: 2007-05-14
Filing date: 2008-05-14
Publication date: 2008-11-20
Also published as: ES2352737T3; ATE481028T1; EP2150164B1; DE502008001340D1; EP2150164A1

Abstract

A clearing apparatus for clearing food residues, dishes, serviettes etc. from a serving tray is realized by a turning apparatus (13) for serving trays. The turning apparatus (13) ensures that the serving trays (24) are turned as they are transported on the conveyor belt, so that the waste falls into the collection hopper of a waste container which is arranged beneath the turning apparatus (13).

Description

Removal device, in particular for serving trays

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for clearing leftovers, dishes, napkins, etc. of serving trays.

Catering services at airports require daily preparation of a very large number of meals for passengers, and the remainders of them must be disposed of. The large number of serving trays coming from incoming aircraft must be cleared and cleaned. In order to cope with the very large number of used serving trays, airports use semi-automatic cleaning lines that clear away the remains left on the serving trays. A known plant uses a suction hood, which sucks the remains with the help of compressed air. In practice, usually 2 suction hoods are connected to a vacuum pump. A disadvantage of the above-described system, however, is the relatively large energy consumption for the large-sized pumps, which must work in continuous operation.

US 4,021,266 discloses a tray washing system through which the previously separated and aligned trays are rotated, scrubbed, washed, rinsed, dried and stacked. The turning mechanism of the system has two pivotable arms with hooks suspended from a shaft. The hooks of the arms hang on the tray leading edge automatically when the tray is moved forward on the conveyor belt. Through the interaction of moving conveyor belt and the arms, the tray is placed vertically. Once the tray reaches the vertical position, two other arms are pivoted by a drive mechanism, the hook hang on the same tray leading edge and rotate the tray in the horizontal position in which the tray top looks down. As they pass through the trays they are washed off with water from a water reservoir. The cutlery and the waste arrive via a ramp in a collecting container.

DE-OS-I 956 050 discloses a Vorabräumeinrichtung for dishwashers with a turning device which rotates the dining trays above a Abräum downpipe around its horizontal axis. The thus automatically cleared dining trays are then handed over in a reversed position of the dishwasher. The turning device consists of two opposing drum discs, which have on the inside holding members for receiving the food trays. The holding organs grasp the edges of the incoming food trays, which are lifted by the rotating drum. At the turning point, the trays are given a blow by a tilting tongue arranged on a faster revolving shaft, which promotes the detachment of the food particles and at the same time tilts the tray against a next bearing pin pair.

US 3,977,549 discloses an apparatus for clearing dishes of food trays. The clearing device has a blade-like arm, which tackles a transported on a conveyor belt tray from the side and brings in an inclined position. In this tilt another arm engages the already raised tray edge and continues rotating the tray until it comes into abutment with a rod.

Object of the present invention is to provide a clearing system, which works reliably and is low in maintenance. Another object is to provide a system with which a large number of serving trays can be cleared.

According to the invention the object is achieved by a clearing device according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the turning device for the trays has two spaced apart and parallel to the transport path arranged belts, timing belts or chains on which rotatable holding members are each arranged opposite each other, which a Tray at opposite edges can take or engage, and further stationary deflecting elements are provided, which cooperate with the rotatable holding members of the clearing device such that the holding members are rotated during transport of the trays along a transport path. Rotation should be understood to mean any rotation sufficient to allow the scraps of food to automatically slide off the tray. In principle, it is conceivable to carry out the removal of the residues with the assistance of an air and / or water jet. The inventive clearing device has the great advantage that it is compact and is suitable for high throughput in comparison with the abovementioned abovementioned. In addition, no large pumps are needed to suck the food and crockery leftovers from the trays. This means that the system is much cheaper to maintain. The inventive device also has the advantage that it can be integrated because of the possible batchwise suction in a usually existing anyway suction system. The holding organs make it possible to take over the trays from an upstream conveyor belt. Conveniently, the bands are formed as endless belts, which are held by at least two rollers and are moved by them. In this way, a continuous operation of the removal device is possible. Advantageously, a plurality of holding members is arranged at regular intervals on a belt or a chain. By the number of holding members provided, the capacity of the removal device can be adapted to the speed of the upstream tray transport devices.

Conveniently, the holding members are biased by means of suitable spring means in an end position. This has the advantage that the trays can be clamped between two opposing holding members. This has the advantage that the trays can be turned in the transport plane. Advantageously, the holding members have a arranged on a rotatable shaft Trayaufhahme. The Tablettaufhahme allows to grasp the trays on one side edge resp. to pinch.

Conveniently, a circular disc is rotatably mounted on the shaft. By means of the circular disc can be effected by contact with a stationary component of the Abräumvorrichtung a rotation of the holding members. However, those skilled in the art will recognize other different solutions for effecting such rotation of the retainer members resulting from an interaction of the rotatable retainer members with a stationary component. Preferably, a tray receptacle prestressed by means of a spring means is provided on the end of the shaft. The prestressed tray holder makes it possible to hold a tray by clamping action when two oppositely arranged holding members are used. As spring means come compression springs or a foam rubber plate in question.

According to a preferred embodiment, a pair of rollers is provided in each case on opposite sides of the circular disk, the rollers of a pair of rollers each being offset by 180 degrees and the spatially adjacent rollers of different pairs of rollers being offset by 90 degrees from each other. The rollers may cooperate with parallel to the transport path arranged stationary deflection elements, ramps or the like for generating a rotational movement of the holding members. The deflection units are offset along the transport path by a certain distance from each other arranged to interact with the roles of one or the other pair of rollers can. It is also conceivable to use for generating a rotation of the holding members correspondingly adapted cam tracks, cam plate or slide guides.

A cleaning device is advantageously provided in the region of the transport path in order to clean at least the dirty top side of the tray. As a cleaning device, for example, a spray or one or more brush come into question. Preferably, at least one rotatable brush for cleaning the tray surface is provided transversely to the transport path. The brush is advantageously provided where the tray is rotated 180 degrees. By means of the brush, the tray can be freed from strongly adhering residues. Advantageously, air nozzles are provided to rid the surface of the food particles. Air nozzles have the advantage that no water is consumed. In practice, it has also been shown that with air nozzles alone just as good cleaning can be achieved as with water.

An advantageous embodiment provides that below the transport path and in the area where the trays are turned, a collecting funnel is provided for collecting the remains. In the funnel neck is a shut-off valve, which is preferably opened intermittently. This has the advantage that in comparison to a permanent suction smaller pumps can be used, since a vacuum can build up over a longer period behind the shut-off valve.

The present invention also relates to an evacuation system with a clearing device according to one of claims 1 to 13, further characterized by a first upstream transport device for the transport of soiled trays to the clearing device and a second transport device for the removal of cleaned trays for further use. Advantageously, the carrier has the first transport means at regular intervals, on which the trays can rest during transport. The drivers make it possible that even with the presence of trays of different dimensions (the width must always be the same size) per time unit always the same number of trays arrive at the clearing device. If a position is not occupied, this does not bother, because in this case, the holding organs simply reach into the void. So that the trays always bear against the carriers, a braking device is preferably provided in the region of the second transport device. The braking device is used for Purpose to resist the trays, so that they are pressed against the driver. The braking devices can be realized in different ways. Thus, the braking device may for example consist of provided on both sides of the transport path rubber plates or biased by spring means wings.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a monitoring device is provided with which the transport of the trays can be monitored. With the help of the monitoring device can be determined, for example, if the trays are properly transported. Also, a falling down of a tablet could be detected. Suitable sensors are contact and distance sensors, optical sensors, such as light barriers or light curtains, ultrasonic sensors and the like.

In order to realize synchronization of the two drives for the bands carrying the holding members, the rollers for the movement of the bands are driven simultaneously by a single motor. The motor can drive one roller on both sides of the transport path via two cardan shafts.

The subject of the present invention is also a method according to the preamble of claim 19 for clearing away food scraps, dishes, napkins, etc. of serving trays, characterized in that the axis of rotation extends in the transport plane defined by the non-turned trays. The inventive method has the advantage that the trays are not lifted, but in the same plane, as they are transported by a conveyor belt, turned and transported further a tray on the way through the Abräumvorrichtung by 180 degrees and preferably 360 Degree turned. Advantageously, the trays are turned around an axis which runs at right angles to the conveying path and extends parallel to the transport plane. This has the advantage that the removal system can be very compact.

Conveniently, at least the soiled top of the tray is cleaned in the turned state by means of a cleaning device. This can be done by means of one or more nozzles or one or more brushes or the like. Preferably, however, the surface is cleaned with an air jet. Preferably, the trays are continuously required. This has the advantage that the clearing device mechanically less heavily loaded. Advantageously, the residues cleared from the trays are collected in a container and are suctioned off in batches by means of reduced pressure.

Although the stripping device could in principle operate discontinuously, continuous conveying of the trays is preferred.

The invention will be explained below by way of example with reference to the figures. It shows:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a clearing device according to the invention with upstream and downstream transport devices;

Figure 2 The clearing device of Figure 1 in longitudinal section.

Figure 3: The Abräumvorrichtung of Figure 1 in plan view.

Figure 4 The clearing device of Figure 1 in cross section.

FIG. 5: a side view of the removal device; and

FIG. 6: a plan view of one half of the removal device of FIG. 5,

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a holding member of the removal device;

Figure 8 The retainer of Figure 7 in side view. and

Figure 9: The holding member of Fig. 7 in section.

The inventive Abräumvorrichtung 11 shown in Figures 1 to 5 has a turning device 13 with a plurality of opposing and synchronously driven holding members 15. The holding members 15 are each arranged on a link chain or a belt 17, (eg, a toothed belt), which of two Roll 19 is held. The Abräumvorrichtung 11 has two such bands 17, which are each equipped with the same number of holding members 15. The bands 17 are arranged parallel and at a distance from each other on a table 21, wherein between the bands a transport path (arrow 23) is defined for the trays 24. In operation, the trays loaded with food and other remains are transported along the transport path 23 in a transport plane and turned at the same time, as explained in greater detail below, so that the remains fall from the tray into an underlying container 27 or hopper 29 (FIG . 1 and 2). The arranged on the bands 17 holding members 15 (Figures 7 to 9) each have a mounting plate 31, which are screwed by means of holder 33 to the belt 17 (not visible in the figures). The mounting plate 31 has a hole 35 in which a bushing 37 is received. In the bush 37, one end of a shaft 39 is rotatably supported by means of bearing rings 41. At the other end of the shaft 39, a U-shaped bracket 43 is rotatably mounted. In the base 45 of the U-shaped bracket 43 47 two bolts 49 are received axially movable in recesses. To the pin 49, a base plate 51 is fixed, which is biased by two springs 53 which engage the base 45 and the base plate 51 in an end position. On the base plate 51, a rubber plate 57 is arranged, which in operation takes a side edge of a tray 24 in engagement. Instead of a rubber plate may also be provided a sponge rubber plate. In this case, can be dispensed with an additional bias by springs 53.

Between the U-shaped bracket 43 and the mounting plate 31 is a circular disk 59 rotatably secured to the shaft 39. On opposite sides of the circular disk 59 two rollers 61 (first and second roller pair) are arranged diametrically on the circumference of the circular disk 59 respectively. The rollers 61 are rotatably supported by bearing rings 63. Adjacent rolls are each offset by 90 degrees. The rollers 61 together with guideways 65, as will be explained in more detail below, a cam guide for generating a rotational movement of the holding members 15th

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 2 and 5, the deflecting elements 65 are arranged parallel to the transport path at a short distance in front of the belts 17 and have ramps 67 rising from the side. The deflectors 67 are so, i. offset from each other arranged that they can interact with either the first or second pair of rollers. During transport of the holding members 15 along the transport path, the rollers 61 hit the ramps 67 of the deflecting elements 65 and are deflected by the latter, so that a rotation results. Each ramp 67 causes a rotation of the holding member 15 by 90 degrees.

As can be seen from FIG. 6, a deflecting part 69, which guides the belt 17 with the holding members 15 at an angle to the transport path 23, is located next to the rollers 19 on both sides of the transport path. The ramp-like approach of the holding members 17 facilitates the acquisition of the trays 24 from a first upstream transport device 71. Nach the clearing by the Abräumvorrichtung the trays 24 are transferred to a second conveyor 73.

For driving the belts 17, a single motor 75 is provided. The motor 75 is connected via two cardan shafts 77, each with a roller 19 on both sides of the transport path in connection.

The clearing device works as follows: Dirty trays are placed manually or mechanically on the first transport device, whereby care must be taken with differently sized trays that the trays are oriented correctly so that the tray width corresponds to the width of the transport path. By a braking device, which opposes the trays resistance, they are pressed against a stop or driver of the transport device, so finally always the same number of trays arrive at the clearing device. The retainer members are brought at an acute angle to the end of the first conveyor where they engage the side edges of a tray. By interacting with curved or ramp-like guideways, the holding organs are turned four times by 90 degrees. When the tray surface is oriented downwards, i. after turning it twice by 90 degrees, it is freed of strongly adhering residues by means of one or more nozzles or one or more brushes. As soon as the trays are back in the normal position, they are handed over to another transport device (conveyor belt).

The rotational speed of the holding members carrying bands is tuned to the timing of the conveyor belts so that each one pair of holding members arrives synchronously with a tray at the end of the first transport means. By bringing the holding members at an acute angle to the transport path, the tray can be reliably engaged. Legend:

11 clearing device

13 turning device

15 holding organs

17 ribbons

19 Rollers for belts 1 Table 3 Transport path between the belts 17 4 Tray 5 Transport path 7 Container 9 Hopper 1 Mounting plate 3 Brackets 5 Hole in the mounting plate 7 Sleeve 9 Shaft 1 Bearing rings 3 U-shaped bracket 5 Base of the U-shaped bracket 43 7 recesses 9 Bolts 1 Base plate 7 Rubber plate 9 Circular disc 1 Rollers 3 Bearing rings for supporting the rollers 61 5 Deflection elements 7 Ramp 9 Deflection part 1.73 First and second transport device (conveyor belt) 5 Motor 7 Cardan shaft

Claims

claims:

1. Abräumvorrichtung for clearing leftovers, dishes, napkins, etc. of

Serving trays, hereinafter simply referred to as "trays", comprising a transport device for transporting trays along a transport path (25) and a turning device (13) for turning the trays (24), characterized

- That the turning device (13) for the trays (24) has two spaced apart and parallel to the transport path arranged belts (17), timing belt or chains on which rotatable holding members (15) are each arranged opposite one another, which a tray can grasp or engage opposite edges, and on

- Stationary deflection elements (65) which cooperate with the rotatable holding members (15) of the removal device such that the holding members (15) are rotated during transport of the trays (24) along a transport path (25).

2. Removal device according to claim 1, characterized in that the turning device (13) by a cam or slide guide (51,65) which acts between the rotatable holding members (15) and stationary cam tracks (65) or ramps is realized.

3. Abräumvoπϊchtung according to claim 2, characterized in that the bands (17) are two endless belts which held by at least two rollers (19) respectively. are driven.

4. Abräumvorrichtung according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in each case a plurality of holding members (15) at regular intervals on the belts (17) is arranged.

5. Abräum device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the holding members (15) by means of suitable spring means (53) in an end position are biased.

6. Removal device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the holding members (15) have a on a rotatable shaft (39) arranged Tablettaufhahme.

7. Abräumvorrichtung according to claim 6, characterized in that on the shaft (39) a circular disc (59) is arranged rotationally fixed.

8. Abläumvorrichtung according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that terminally on the shaft (39) by means of a spring means (53) biased Tablettaufhahme is provided.

9. Abläumvorrichtung according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that on opposite sides of the circular disc (59) is provided in each case a pair of rollers, wherein the rollers of a pair of rollers each 180 degrees and the spatially adjacent rollers (61) of different pairs of rollers each 90 degrees offset from each other.

10. Abräum device according to claim 9, characterized in that parallel to the transport path in each case the stationary deflecting elements (65) are provided, which can cooperate with the rollers (61) for generating a rotational movement of the holding members (15).

11. Removal device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that on the side of the transport path and at a short distance to the rollers (19) each have a deflection part (69) is provided for the conveyor belt.

12. Abräum device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a cleaning device (is provided.

13. Abräum device according to claim 12, characterized in that transversely to the transport path, a rotatable brush for cleaning the tray surface is provided.

14. Abräumsystem with a clearing device according to one of claims 1 to 13 further characterized by a first upstream transport device (71) for the transport of soiled trays (24) for clearing device and a second transport device (73) for the removal of cleaned trays (24). for further use.

15. Abräumsystem according to claim 14, characterized in that the first transport device (71) has at regular intervals driver on which the trays (24) can abut during transport.

16. Abräumsystem according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that in the region of the first transport means (71) a braking device is provided to press the trays (24) to the driver.

17. Abräumsystem according to claim 16, characterized in that the braking device consists of provided on both sides of the transport path rubber plates or spring means (53) biased wings whose distance from each other is slightly less than the tray width.

18. Abräumsystem according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the rollers (19) for the movement of the belts (17) are driven by a motor simultaneously.

19. Abräumsystem according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that below the transport path, a collecting funnel (29) is provided.

20. A method for clearing used serving trays, in particular serving trays, such as those used in aircraft, in which the trays (24) by a turning device about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the conveying path, are turned so that on a tray (24) existing Leftovers and / or dishes fall off. characterized in that the axis of rotation in the transport plane, which by the non-turned Tray is defined extends. ,

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the trays (24) above a collecting funnel (29) are turned.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the trays (24) are rotated by 360 degrees.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that at least the soiled top of the tray (24) is cleaned in the inverted state.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the trays (24) are conveyed continuously in time with the turning device.

25. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 224, characterized in that the of the trays (24) cleared residues are collected in a container and sucked in batches by means of negative pressure.