Tableware cleaning and sorting equipment for catering industry

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of cleaning and sorting, and discloses tableware cleaning and sorting equipment for the catering industry, which comprises a cleaning part used for cleaning before chopstick sorting, the cleaning part comprises a cleaning box, a first cleaning brush, a motor and two second cleaning brushes, and a water outlet hole is formed in the bottom of the cleaning box; the first cleaning brush comprises a connecting rod and bristles connected to the periphery of the connecting rod, the two ends of the connecting rod are rotationally connected to the two opposite inner side walls of the cleaning box respectively, the motor is connected to the cleaning box, the output end of the motor is connected to the connecting rod, the two second cleaning brushes are connected to the two opposite sides of the cleaning box respectively, and the connecting rod is perpendicular to the second cleaning brushes. The chopsticks can rotate along with rotation of the connecting rod, the two ends of the chopsticks can rub on the second cleaning brush in the rotating process, the two ends of the chopsticks can also be cleaned, the water outlet holes are opened after cleaning is conducted for a period of time, and sewage and impurities are discharged from the water outlet holes. And the chopsticks can be cleaned more cleanly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cleaning and sorting technology, and in particular to a cleaning and sorting device for tableware used in the catering industry. Background Technology

[0002] Tableware cleaning and sorting equipment used in the catering industry typically includes a cleaning structure and a sorting structure. Chopsticks are an essential piece of tableware. Because chopsticks are usually used to pick up food with two chopsticks, the dirt on chopsticks is generally concentrated on the sides. Existing chopstick cleaning structures generally fall into two categories. One type includes a conveyor belt and a spray mechanism. In use, the chopsticks are placed on the conveyor belt, and the spray mechanism is activated to clean them using a high-pressure water gun. The other type includes a cylindrical body. In use, water is added to the cylinder, and the chopsticks are placed inside and rotated. The rotation cleans the surface of the chopsticks. Both of these cleaning methods involve rubbing the sides of the chopsticks together to clean them. However, these methods primarily focus on cleaning the sides. In daily life, some people use chopsticks not only to pick up food with two chopsticks but also to poke food with them. This results in food residue remaining on the ends of the chopsticks. Some foods, such as potatoes and sweet potatoes, may adhere firmly to the ends of the chopsticks as moisture evaporates. The two common cleaning methods mentioned above mainly clean the sides of the chopsticks, which may leave the ends uncleaned, potentially affecting the health of diners.

[0003] For example, Chinese patent CN 100534376C discloses a chopsticks washing machine, which mainly includes a frame, a first conveyor belt, and a spray area. The spray area is located above the first conveyor belt. During washing, chopsticks are placed on the conveyor belt, and water is sprayed from the spray area above the conveyor belt to wash the chopsticks. Because the spray area is located above the conveyor belt, the washing of chopsticks mainly focuses on cleaning the sides, and residues on the ends may not be thoroughly cleaned. Another example is Chinese patent CN 106859568 A, which discloses a chopsticks washing tub, including a cylinder and brush bristles. Chopsticks are inserted into the tub for washing. Again, the washing process mainly focuses on cleaning the sides of the chopsticks, resulting in the ends not being thoroughly cleaned, potentially affecting the health of diners. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a tableware cleaning and sorting device for the catering industry, which enables chopsticks to be cleaned more thoroughly.

[0005] This invention provides a tableware cleaning and sorting device for the catering industry, comprising: a cleaning unit for cleaning chopsticks before sorting; the cleaning unit includes: a cleaning tank, a first cleaning brush, a motor, and two second cleaning brushes; a water outlet is provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank; the first cleaning brush includes a connecting rod and bristles connected to the outer periphery of the connecting rod; the two ends of the connecting rod are rotatably connected to two opposite inner side walls of the cleaning tank; the motor is connected to the cleaning tank, and the output end of the motor is connected to the connecting rod; the two second cleaning brushes are respectively connected to opposite sides of the cleaning tank; the connecting rod is perpendicular to the second cleaning brushes.

[0006] Optionally, the second cleaning brush is square and distributed along the side wall of the entire cleaning tank.

[0007] Optionally, the distance between the two second cleaning brushes can be 1mm-2mm longer than the length of the chopsticks.

[0008] Optionally, two flip plates are connected to the connecting rod, with the two flip plates located on opposite sides of the connecting rod.

[0009] Optionally, the minimum distance from the end of the flip plate away from the connecting rod to the bottom of the cleaning tank is 3mm-5mm.

[0010] Optionally, the bottom of the cleaning tank is provided with an arc-shaped groove, and the water outlet is located at the bottom of the arc-shaped groove.

[0011] Optionally, the length of the arc-shaped groove is perpendicular to the length of the connecting rod.

[0012] Optionally, the arc-shaped groove is located on the centerline of the cleaning tank.

[0013] Optionally, the width of the arc-shaped groove is 3cm-5cm.

[0014] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0015] This invention provides a tableware cleaning and sorting device for the catering industry. It includes a first cleaning brush and a second cleaning brush in a cleaning tank. During use, the tank is filled with an appropriate amount of water and detergent. Chopsticks are placed in the tank along the parallel direction of the first cleaning brush's connecting rod. The motor is started, causing the connecting rod of the first cleaning brush to rotate, which in turn causes the bristles on the outer periphery of the connecting rod to rotate, cleaning the sides of the chopsticks. The chopsticks rotate with the connecting rod, and during this rotation, the ends of the chopsticks rub against the second cleaning brush, ensuring that the ends are also cleaned. After cleaning for a period of time, the water outlet is opened, and wastewater and impurities are discharged from the outlet. The device can be rinsed several times with clean water to ensure the chopsticks are thoroughly cleaned. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a front view of a tableware cleaning and sorting device for the catering industry provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a top view of the cleaning box and sorting box in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a sectional view below the main view of a tableware cleaning and sorting device for the catering industry provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another state of the first cleaning brush during the cleaning process in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view below the side view of the cleaning tank in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a side view of the cleaning box and sorting box in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0023] 1. Support frame; 2. Cleaning section; 20. Cleaning tank; 200. Water outlet; 201. Opening; 202. Arc-shaped groove; 21. First cleaning brush; 210. Connecting rod; 211. Brush bristles; 22. Motor; 23. Baffle; 24. Locking element; 25. Second cleaning brush; 26. Flip plate; 27. Tank cover; 270. Water inlet; 3. Pushing assembly; 30. First push plate; 31. First telescopic rod; 4. Sorting section; 40. Sorting box; 41. Crossbar; 42. Partition. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following detailed description of a specific embodiment of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the technical solution of this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] Furthermore, in the description of this invention, "a plurality of" refers to two or more. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as implying or suggesting relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0028] The present invention will be described below through several specific embodiments. To keep the following description of the embodiments clear and concise, detailed descriptions of known functions and components may be omitted. When any component of an embodiment of the present invention appears in more than one drawing, the component may be represented by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

[0029] Reference Figures 1 to 6 , Figure 1 This is a front view of a tableware cleaning and sorting device for the catering industry provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a top view of the cleaning tank and sorting tank in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a sectional view below the main view of a tableware washing and sorting device for the catering industry provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing another state of the first cleaning brush during the cleaning process in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view below the side view of the cleaning tank in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a side view of the cleaning tank and sorting tank in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a tableware cleaning and sorting device for the catering industry, including: a cleaning unit 2, which is used for cleaning chopsticks before sorting. The cleaning unit 2 includes: a cleaning tank 20, a first cleaning brush 21, a motor 22, and two second cleaning brushes 25. The bottom of the cleaning tank 20 is provided with a water outlet 200. The first cleaning brush 21 includes a connecting rod 210 and bristles 211 connected to the outer periphery of the connecting rod 210. The two ends of the connecting rod 210 are respectively rotatably connected to two opposite inner side walls of the cleaning tank 20. The motor 22 is connected to the cleaning tank 20, and the output end of the motor 22 is connected to the connecting rod 210. The two second cleaning brushes 25 are respectively connected to opposite sides of the cleaning tank 20, and the connecting rod 210 is perpendicular to the second cleaning brushes 25.

[0030] When using, fill the cleaning tank 20 with an appropriate amount of water and detergent. Place the chopsticks into the cleaning tank 20 along the direction parallel to the connecting rod 210 of the first cleaning brush 21. By starting the motor 22, the connecting rod 210 of the first cleaning brush 21 rotates, which in turn causes the bristles 211 on the outer periphery of the connecting rod 210 to rotate and clean the sides of the chopsticks. The chopsticks will rotate with the rotation of the connecting rod 210. During the rotation, the two ends of the chopsticks will rub against the second cleaning brush 25, so that the two ends of the chopsticks can also be cleaned. After cleaning for a period of time, open the water outlet, and the sewage and impurities will be discharged from the water outlet 200. You can add clean water several times to repeat the cleaning to make the chopsticks even cleaner.

[0031] The device may also include a support frame 1 and a sorting section 4. A cleaning tank 20 is fixedly connected to the support frame 1. The cleaning section 2 may also include a baffle 23 and a pushing assembly 3. The top of the cleaning tank 20 is open. The length of the first cleaning brush 21 is 30cm-35cm. An opening 201 is provided on one side wall of the cleaning tank 20 parallel to the first cleaning brush 21. The opening 201 is near the bottom of the tank. The baffle 23 is slidably connected to the side wall of the cleaning tank 20 in a vertical direction to close or open the opening 201. A locking element 24 is connected to the baffle 23. The pushing assembly 3 is connected to the side wall of the cleaning tank 20 away from the opening 201. The pushing assembly 3 is used to move the cleaning tank 20... The chopsticks in the cleaning box 20 are pushed out from the opening 201. The pushing component 3 can be a telescopic component connected to the side wall of the cleaning box 20 away from the opening 201, and a pushing plate is connected to the telescopic component. Alternatively, it can be a single push plate that is slidably connected to the bottom of the cleaning box 20. This embodiment is not limited, as long as the chopsticks in the cleaning box 20 can be pushed out from the opening 201. The sorting part 4 includes a sorting box 40 and a crossbar 41. The sorting box 40 is fixed to the support frame 1. The top of the sorting box 40 is open and the top of the sorting box 40 is flush with the bottom of the opening 201. The crossbar 41 is fixed to the top of the sorting box 40 and is perpendicular to the center of the bottom of the opening 201.

[0032] When chopsticks need washing, multiple chopsticks can be placed into the washing tank 20 in the same direction as the connecting rod 210. At this time, the water outlet 200 is closed, and the locking piece 24 fixes the baffle 23 at the opening 201 to close the opening 201. Add water and detergent to the washing tank 20, and start the motor 22. The rotation of the motor 22 drives the connecting rod 210 to rotate, which causes the first cleaning brush 21 to rotate, cleaning the chopsticks. At the same time, multiple chopsticks will rub against each other. Under the rotation of the first cleaning brush 21, the chopsticks will rotate, causing the ends of the chopsticks to rub against the second cleaning brush 25 for better cleaning. After washing for a period of time, open the water outlet 200, and water will flow out from the water outlet 200. Afterward, clean water can be added several times to rinse the chopsticks. A larger number of chopsticks can be placed in the cleaning tank 20. The first cleaning brush 21 rotates repeatedly to scrub the chopsticks, saving time and effort and cleaning them more thoroughly. After cleaning, the motor 22 is turned off, and the baffle 23 slides towards the top of the cleaning tank 20, opening the opening 201. The push component 3 is then controlled to push the chopsticks from the opening 201 to the top of the sorting tank 40. The push component 3 can push multiple chopsticks simultaneously. Because the crossbar 41 is perpendicular to the center of the bottom of the opening 201, and the chopsticks are perpendicular to the crossbar 41, the heavier end of the chopsticks will sink under the influence of gravity, and all the chopsticks will be separated on both sides of the crossbar 41, quickly achieving the sorting of chopsticks. By setting up the cleaning unit 2 and the sorting unit 4, multiple chopsticks can be cleaned and sorted simultaneously, and the structure is simple and the size is small.

[0033] The distance between the two second cleaning brushes 25 is 1mm-2mm longer than the length of the chopsticks. This allows the chopsticks to rotate and ensures friction between them and the second cleaning brushes 25 during rotation, so that the ends of the chopsticks can also be cleaned, making the chopsticks cleaner.

[0034] Two flip plates 26 are connected to the connecting rod 210, located on opposite sides of the connecting rod 210. Because the bristles are not stiff enough, when there are many chopsticks in the cleaning tank 20, the chopsticks far from the bristles 211 may not rotate with the rotation of the connecting rod 210, which may prevent some chopsticks from being completely cleaned. By setting the flip plates 26, the chopsticks can rotate with the rotation of the connecting rod 210, making the chopsticks cleaner.

[0035] The minimum distance from the end of the flip plate 26 furthest from the connecting rod 210 to the bottom of the cleaning tank 20 is 3mm-5mm. This avoids the situation where the flip plate 26 is too long and causes severe friction with the bottom of the cleaning tank 20, or where it cannot rotate after reaching the bottom. It also avoids the situation where the flip plate 26 is too short and the chopsticks at the bottom of the cleaning tank 20 cannot rotate. This ensures that even the chopsticks at the bottom of the cleaning tank 20 can rotate with the rotation of the connecting rod and be rubbed and cleaned on the second cleaning brush, making the chopsticks cleaner.

[0036] Reference Figure 4 As shown, the bottom of the washing tank 20 has an arc-shaped groove 202, and the water outlet 200 is located at the bottom of the arc-shaped groove 202. The arc-shaped groove 202 makes it easier for food residue and wastewater to be discharged from the water outlet 200, making the chopsticks cleaner.

[0037] The length direction of the arc-shaped groove 202 is perpendicular to the length direction of the connecting rod 210. This prevents the chopsticks from entering the arc-shaped groove 202 during the washing and turning process, thus ensuring a more thorough cleaning.

[0038] The arc-shaped groove 202 is located on the center line of the washing tank 20. This makes it easier for food residue to be discharged from the water outlet 200, and also prevents the heads of the chopsticks from entering the arc-shaped groove 202, thus affecting the rotation and cleaning of the chopsticks. This ensures that the heads of all the chopsticks can be cleaned, making the chopsticks cleaner.

[0039] The width of the arc-shaped groove 202 is 3cm-5cm. This allows sewage and food residue to enter the water outlet 200 effectively without affecting the washing process of the chopsticks, resulting in cleaner chopsticks.

[0040] A rubber pad is attached to the top of the flip plate 26 away from the connecting rod 210. Because the flip plate 26 will rub against the chopsticks, the rubber pad reduces damage to the chopsticks, thus improving the lifespan of both the chopsticks and the device.

[0041] Refer again Figures 2 to 4 The pushing component 3 includes a first push plate 30 and a first telescopic rod 31. One end of the first telescopic rod 31 is connected to the side wall of the cleaning tank 20 away from the opening 201, and the other end of the first telescopic rod 31 is connected to the first push plate 30. The first push plate 30 is slidably connected to the bottom of the cleaning tank 20. After the chopsticks are cleaned, the first telescopic rod 31 is extended, causing the first push plate 30 to slide towards the opening 201, pushing the chopsticks in from the opening 201 and reaching the sorting box 40 for sorting. The first telescopic rod 31 can be an electric telescopic rod, a hydraulic rod, a cylinder, etc. This embodiment does not impose specific limitations. As long as it can be extended after cleaning to push the chopsticks out from the opening 201, the first telescopic rod 31 makes the pushing process more convenient. In addition, the motor 22 and the first telescopic rod 31 can be connected to the controller to add a timing function, so that after cleaning for a fixed period of time, the first telescopic rod 31 automatically extends to push the chopsticks out from the opening 201.

[0042] The crossbar 41 is a cylindrical bar, which reduces the contact area between the chopsticks and the crossbar 41, and reduces the possibility that the chopsticks will fall off the crossbar 41.

[0043] Refer again Figure 5 The sorting section 4 also includes a partition 42, which is connected to the bottom of the cylindrical rod and the sorting box 40 to divide the sorting box 40 into two areas. This prevents the chopsticks on both sides of the crossbar 41 from getting mixed up.

[0044] The length of the partition 42 is greater than the length of the chopsticks, so that the chopsticks will not be tilted when they fall into the sorting box 40, allowing the sorting box 40 to hold more chopsticks.

[0045] Refer again Figure 4 The cleaning tank 20 is rotatably connected to a cover 27, which has a water inlet hole 270. Water pipes can be connected to the water inlet hole 270, making it more convenient to use.

[0046] Refer again Figure 1 and Figure 3 A water collection tank is connected to the water outlet at point 200 to collect the discharged water, saving water resources and preventing environmental pollution.

[0047] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely a few specific examples of the present invention. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and any variations that can be conceived by those skilled in the art should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tableware cleaning and sorting device for the catering industry, characterized in that, include: Cleaning unit (2), the cleaning unit (2) is used for cleaning chopsticks before sorting, the cleaning unit (2) includes: The cleaning tank (20) has a water outlet (200) at the bottom; The first cleaning brush (21) includes a connecting rod (210) and bristles (211) connected to the outer periphery of the connecting rod (210). The two ends of the connecting rod (210) are respectively rotatably connected to the two opposite inner side walls of the cleaning box (20). A motor (22) is connected to the cleaning tank (20), and the output end of the motor (22) is connected to the connecting rod (210); Two second cleaning brushes (25) are respectively connected to opposite sides of the cleaning box (20), and the connecting rod (210) is perpendicular to the second cleaning brushes (25).

2. The tableware cleaning and sorting equipment for the catering industry as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second cleaning brush (25) is square and is distributed on the side wall of the entire cleaning tank (20).

3. The tableware cleaning and sorting equipment for the catering industry as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the two second cleaning brushes (25) is 1mm-2mm longer than the length of the chopsticks.

4. The tableware cleaning and sorting equipment for the catering industry as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Two flip plates (26) are connected to the connecting rod (210), and the two flip plates (26) are located on opposite sides of the connecting rod (210).

5. The tableware cleaning and sorting equipment for the catering industry as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The minimum distance from the end of the flip plate (26) away from the connecting rod (210) to the bottom of the cleaning tank (20) is 3mm-5mm.

6. The tableware cleaning and sorting equipment for the catering industry as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the cleaning tank (20) is provided with an arc-shaped groove (202), and the water outlet (200) is located at the bottom of the arc-shaped groove (202).

7. The tableware cleaning and sorting equipment for the catering industry as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The length direction of the arc-shaped groove (202) is perpendicular to the length direction of the connecting rod (210).

8. The tableware cleaning and sorting equipment for the catering industry as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The arc-shaped groove (202) is located on the centerline of the cleaning tank (20).

9. The tableware cleaning and sorting equipment for the catering industry as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the arc-shaped groove (202) is 3cm-5cm.

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