Tableware washing device

Abstract

To provide a tableware washing device capable of dealing with a plurality of kinds of tableware with different sizes and shapes, and demonstrating a more uniform washing effect.SOLUTION: A tableware washing device includes: a transportation conveyor for loading tableware to be washed and transporting the tableware; a housing for covering a washing space where washing liquid is jetted onto the tableware transported by the transportation conveyor and washing the tableware; upper jetting means arranged above the transportation conveyor in the housing, which includes a plurality of nozzles for jetting the washing liquid onto the tableware from the top to the bottom; lifting and lowering means for lifting or lowering the upper jetting means; detection means provided on the entrance side of the housing for detecting the tableware of a predetermined height or more; and control means for controlling the lifting and lowering means so as to lift or lower the upper jetting means on the basis of the detection signal by the detection means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tableware washing apparatus that places tableware such as tableware, trays, and canned foods on a conveyor, conveys them in a washing chamber, and continuously sprays a cleaning liquid toward the tableware with a nozzle for cleaning.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a conveyor-type tableware washing apparatus installed in a school lunch center, factory, hospital, etc., a large number of tableware to be washed are placed on a conveyor and moved in a washing chamber with both ends open, while nozzles provided above and below the conveyor spray a cleaning liquid (hot water, detergent, etc.) toward the tableware, enabling efficient cleaning of a large number of tableware (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the tableware washing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, in a housing that covers a washing space for spraying a cleaning liquid onto tableware conveyed by a conveyor for cleaning, a plurality of upper nozzles and a plurality of lower nozzles for spraying the cleaning liquid toward the tableware are provided above and below the conveyor, respectively. In such a tableware washing apparatus, in order to improve the cleaning effect, it is preferable that the plurality of upper nozzles are installed at a position slightly higher than the tableware conveyed by the conveyor, and the plurality of lower nozzles are installed at a position close to the lower surface of the conveyor.

[0004] However, when washing a large number of tableware, since the sizes of the tableware to be washed vary, in order to handle a plurality of types of tableware with different dimensions and shapes, the installation positions of the plurality of upper nozzles are set according to the height of the largest-sized tableware to be washed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the tableware washing device described in Patent Document 1, since the upper nozzle is installed at a position slightly higher than the tableware conveyed by the conveying conveyor, that is, since the distance from the upper surface of the conveying conveyor is fixed, when installing according to tableware with relatively small dimensions, by injecting the cleaning liquid from a position close to the tableware for cleaning, an improvement in the cleaning effect can be expected, but there is also a problem that the dimensions of the tableware that can be cleaned are limited. On the other hand, when installing the upper nozzle according to the height of the tableware with the largest dimensions to be cleaned, when cleaning tableware with relatively small dimensions, since the injection distance from the nozzle is far, there is also a problem that the cleaning effect deteriorates.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and its object is to provide a tableware washing device that can handle a plurality of types of tableware with different dimensions and shapes and can obtain a more uniform cleaning effect.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a tableware washing device that can reliably detect tableware with a predetermined height or more with a simple configuration and can raise and lower the position of the upper nozzle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] According to the present invention, a tableware washing device includes a conveying conveyor for placing and conveying the tableware to be washed, a housing covering a washing space for injecting a cleaning liquid onto the tableware conveyed by the conveying conveyor for washing, an upper injection means disposed above the conveying conveyor in the housing and having a plurality of nozzles for injecting the cleaning liquid onto the tableware downward from above, a lifting means for raising and lowering the upper injection means, a detection means provided on the inlet side of the housing for detecting tableware with a predetermined height or more, and a control means for controlling the lifting means to raise and lower the upper injection means based on the detection signal of the detection means.

[0010] The tableware washing device includes a conveying conveyor, a housing, upper spraying means, lifting means, detection means, and control means. The detection means is provided on the inlet side of the housing and is configured to detect tableware with a predetermined height or more. The control means controls the lifting means based on the detection signal of the detection means and raises and lowers the upper spraying means. When washing a plurality of types of tableware with different dimensions and shapes, when tableware with a predetermined height or more passes, washing is performed with the upper spraying means raised. When tableware with a height lower than the predetermined height passes, washing can be performed with the upper spraying means lowered. Therefore, tableware of various sizes and different forms can be reliably washed. Therefore, a plurality of types of tableware with different dimensions and shapes can be accommodated, and a more uniform washing effect can be obtained.

[0011] The detection means includes a frame horizontally installed on the outer upper part of the inlet of the housing, with both ends pivotally supported so as to be rotatable, a plurality of detection rods with the upper ends fixed to the frame and the lower ends being free ends and installed at a predetermined interval, and a proximity sensor provided at the pivot support of at least one end of the frame. When tableware with a predetermined height or more passes through the inlet, it contacts any of the plurality of detection rods, rotates the detection rod in the advancing direction of the conveying conveyor to operate the proximity sensor, and is preferably configured to output a detection signal to the control means. Thereby, tableware with a predetermined height or more can be reliably detected with a simple configuration, and the position of the upper nozzle can be raised and lowered. In addition, the influence on the detection accuracy due to water droplets, moisture, etc. can be minimized.

[0012] It is also preferable that the control means raises the upper spraying means when tableware with a predetermined height or more is detected by the detection means, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, lowers the raised upper spraying means and controls the lifting means to return to the original height. Thereby, when tableware with a predetermined height or more passes, washing is performed with the upper spraying means raised. After a predetermined time during which the upper spraying means has been raised has elapsed, that is, when tableware with a predetermined height or more has not been detected within the predetermined time, it is determined that tableware with a height lower than the predetermined height is passing, and washing can be performed with the upper spraying means lowered.

[0013] It is also preferable that the lifting means includes a drive motor, a lifting mechanism that supports and lifts the upper injection means, and a cam mechanism that is mounted between the drive motor and the lifting mechanism and moves the lifting mechanism in the vertical direction. Thereby, the upper injection means can be smoothly lifted and lowered with a simple configuration.

[0014] It is also preferable to further include a pipe for supplying the cleaning liquid to the upper injection means, and the pipe is configured to be deformable in the vertical direction according to the vertical movement of the upper injection means. Thereby, when the upper injection means moves in the vertical direction, it can move freely without being affected by the pipe, and the cleaning liquid can be reliably supplied to the upper injection means.

[0015] It is also preferable to further include lower injection means disposed below the conveyor in the housing and having a plurality of nozzles that inject the cleaning liquid onto the tableware from the bottom upward. Thereby, the cleaning liquid can be injected onto the tableware from below the conveyor upward for cleaning.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, a dishwashing device includes a conveyor for placing and transporting dishes to be washed, a housing covering a washing space for spraying a cleaning liquid onto the dishes transported by the conveyor for washing, an upper spraying means disposed above the conveyor within the housing and having a plurality of nozzles for spraying the cleaning liquid onto the dishes downward from above, a lifting means for lifting and lowering the upper spraying means, a detecting means provided on the inlet side of the housing for detecting dishes having a predetermined height or more, and a control means for controlling the lifting means to lift and lower the upper spraying means based on a detection signal of the detecting means. Thus, when washing a plurality of types of dishes having different dimensions and shapes, by lifting and lowering the upper spraying means, when dishes having a predetermined height or more pass through, when the detecting means detects dishes having a predetermined height or more, washing is performed with the upper spraying means lifted by the lifting means, and when dishes having a height lower than the predetermined height pass through, washing can be performed with the upper spraying means lowered by the lifting means. Therefore, dishes of various sizes and different shapes can be surely washed. For this reason, a plurality of types of dishes having different dimensions and shapes can be accommodated, and a more uniform washing effect can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of a tableware washing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The tableware washing apparatus according to the present invention places tableware such as tableware, trays, and canned foods on a conveyor and conveys them in a washing chamber, while spraying a cleaning liquid toward the tableware with a nozzle for continuous cleaning.

[0019] FIG. 1 schematically shows the configuration of a tableware washing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the upper injection means 30a in the first washing chamber 20a is shown in a raised state, and the upper injection means 30a in the second washing chamber 20b is shown in a lowered state. FIG. 2 schematically shows the configuration of the upper injection means 30a of the tableware washing apparatus 100. FIG. 3 schematically shows the configuration of the lifting means 40 of the tableware washing apparatus 100, where (A) in the figure is a perspective view and (B) is a view seen from the front. FIG. 4 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of the lifting means 40, where (A) is the lowered state and (B) is the raised state. FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the detection means 50 of the tableware washing apparatus 100, and FIG. 6 shows the non-detection state and the detection state of the detection means 50, where (A) is the non-detection state and (B) is the detection state. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of the detection means 50, where (A) is the non-detection state and (B) is the detection state. FIG. 8 shows the raised state and the lowered state of the upper injection means 30a in the first washing chamber 20a.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the tableware washing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a conveying conveyor 10 for placing and conveying tableware to be washed, a housing 20 that covers a washing space for spraying a cleaning liquid onto the tableware conveyed by the conveying conveyor 10 for washing, an upper spraying means 30a disposed above the conveying conveyor 10 in the housing 20 and having a plurality of nozzles for spraying the cleaning liquid onto the tableware downward from above, a lower spraying means 30b disposed below the conveying conveyor 10 and having a plurality of nozzles for spraying the cleaning liquid onto the tableware upward from below, a lifting means 40 for lifting and lowering the upper spraying means 30a, a detecting means 50 provided on the inlet side of the housing 20 for detecting tableware T2 having a predetermined height or more, and a control means 60 for controlling the lifting means 40 so as to lift and lower the upper spraying means 30a based on a detection signal of the detecting means 50.

[0021] The arrow in FIG. 1 indicates the conveying direction of the tableware by the conveying conveyor 10. In the tableware washing apparatus 100, a tableware supply section, a washing chamber, a rinsing washing chamber, a drying chamber, etc. are sequentially arranged from the conveying start end portion to the conveying end end portion of the conveying conveyor 10. Among them, in the washing chamber and the rinsing washing chamber, nozzles for spraying the cleaning liquid onto the tableware placed on the conveying conveyor 10 are respectively arranged from above and below.

[0022] The conveying conveyor 10 places tableware to be washed and conveys it from the upstream side to the downstream side of the washing process. This conveying conveyor 10 is configured by connecting a large number of members formed in a protruding shape capable of holding tableware in parallel and in series by a connecting shaft. In the present invention, the conveying conveyor 10 is not limited to this. It may be configured by connecting from tableware holders of other shapes. For example, it may be configured using the tableware holder (Utility Model Registration No. 3128251) previously proposed by the applicant. In this case, the conveying conveyor is formed by connecting the same type of tableware holders corresponding to tableware such as shallow-bottomed dishes and trays in a grid pattern in the conveying direction and the width direction. The tableware holder corresponds to tableware such as shallow-bottomed dishes and trays, and connecting portions are erected at both ends of the horizontally long base portion with a slight inclination, and holding pieces for holding at a predetermined inclination angle where adjacent tableware do not overlap are formed protruding on the middle portion of the base. Also, for example, it may be configured using the link member for conveyor (Utility Model Registration No. 3191641) previously proposed by the applicant. In this case, the link member for conveyor includes a U-shaped member that is substantially U-shaped in side view with a concave tableware insertion portion formed by curving the central portion downward, and connecting cylinders that are respectively connected to both ends of the U-shaped member and through which a conveyor shaft is inserted. The conveying conveyor includes a plurality of conveyor shafts and a plurality of the above-described link members for conveyor attached to these conveyor shafts.

[0023] The housing 20 has openings at both ends (the upstream side and the downstream side), and covers a cleaning space for injecting a cleaning liquid onto tableware conveyed by the conveying conveyor 10 for cleaning. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, it has two cleaning chambers (that is, the first cleaning chamber 20a and the second cleaning chamber 20b). Further, the housing 20 is provided with a door for each area. In FIG. 1, the doors of the first cleaning chamber 20a and the second cleaning chamber 20b are shown in an open state. Also, in FIG. 1, the state where the upper injection means 30a of the first cleaning chamber 20a is raised and the state where the upper injection means 30a of the second cleaning chamber 20b is lowered are shown. However, during actual operation, the upper injection means 30a of the first cleaning chamber 20a and the upper injection means 30a of the second cleaning chamber 20b are controlled to rise and fall simultaneously. Further, a splash prevention curtain 21 for preventing the cleaning liquid from splashing outside is provided at the entrance of the first cleaning chamber 20a. On the front side of the housing 20, a guide plate 22 having a guide groove into which the lift guide pin 33a of the upper injection means 30a can be inserted is provided (see FIG. 2). Further, a cleaning liquid supply pump (not shown) for supplying the cleaning liquid is provided at the lower part of the housing 20. Note that the housing 20 is configured to cover the rinsing cleaning space and the drying space.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper injection means 30a is disposed above the conveyor 10 within the housing 20 and has a plurality of nozzles for injecting the cleaning liquid onto the tableware from top to bottom. In the present embodiment, the upper injection means 30a has four nozzle mounting pipes 31 arranged at a predetermined interval parallel to the conveyance direction of the tableware, and a plurality of nozzles 32 are attached to each nozzle mounting pipe 31. One end of the four nozzle mounting pipes 31 is attached to the fixing frame 33, and the other end is attached to the cleaning liquid distribution pipe 34. Lift guide pins 33a are provided at both ends of the fixing frame 33. The lift guide pins 33a are movable in the vertical direction along guide grooves formed in a pair of guide plates 22 provided on the housing 20 side. Further, the upper injection means 30a is vertically movably connected to the lifting means 40 via four shafts 42a. Further, a pipe 35 for supplying the cleaning liquid is connected to the upper injection means 30a. At least a part of the pipe 35 is configured to be deformable in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, for example, a part of the pipe 35 is composed of a flexible hose 35a having flexibility, and this flexible hose 35a is bent in a horizontally U-shaped configuration. The flexible hose 35a can freely bend up and down according to the lifting operation of the upper injection means 30a. Thereby, the upper injection means 30a can move smoothly without being restricted by the pipe for supplying the cleaning liquid.

[0025] The lifting means 40 is for lifting and lowering the upper injection means 30a. In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, it includes a drive motor 41, a lifting mechanism 42 that supports the upper injection means 30a so as to lift it, and a cam mechanism 43 that is mounted between the drive motor 41 and the lifting mechanism 42 and moves the lifting mechanism 42 in the vertical direction. This lifting means 40 is arranged on the upper surface of the ceiling plate 40a of the first cleaning chamber 20a and the second cleaning chamber 20b. The drive motor 41 is installed on a motor base 41a, and a motor-side crank 43a of the cam mechanism 43 is mounted on the output shaft. Further, the drive motor 41 is electrically connected to the control means 60 and is controlled by the control signal of the control means 60. The lifting mechanism 42 includes four shafts 42a whose lower ends are fixed to the upper injection means 30a, a linear bush 42b through which the four shafts 42a are inserted and can slide freely in the vertical direction, and a moving frame body 42c that is fixed to the two shafts 42a on the front side and is connected to the cam mechanism 43 and moves in the vertical direction. The linear bush 42b is mounted on the ceiling plate 40a and the housing 40b respectively. Further, the moving frame body 42c is provided with a lift roller 42d, and this lift roller 42d is configured to move along a lift roller guide 42e. The cam mechanism 43 includes a motor-side crank 43a whose one end is fixed to the output shaft of the drive motor 41, a lifting-side crank 43b whose one end is rotatably connected to the other end of the motor-side crank 43a and whose other end is rotatably connected to the moving frame body 42c, a limit detection cam 43c fixed to the output shaft of the drive motor 41, an upper limit switch 43d that detects the upper limit position of the limit detection cam 43c, and a lower limit switch 43e that detects the lower limit position of the limit detection cam 43c. The upper limit switch 43d and the lower limit switch 43e define the lifting position of the lifting means 40. Note that the arrows in FIG. 4 indicate the lifting direction of the upper injection means 30a.

[0026] The detection means 50 is provided on the inlet side of the housing 20 and is for detecting tableware having a predetermined height or more. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the detection means 50 includes a frame 51 horizontally installed on the upper outer side of the inlet of the housing 20 and pivotally supported at both ends by shaft support portions 51a and 51b so as to be rotatable, a plurality of detection rods 52 having upper ends fixed to the frame 51 and lower ends being free ends and installed at a predetermined interval, and a proximity sensor 53 provided at the shaft support portion 51a at at least one end of the frame 51. When tableware T2 having a predetermined height or more (for example, an effective height of 450 mm in a state of being placed on the conveying conveyor 10) passes through the inlet, it abuts against any one of the plurality of detection rods 52, and the detection rod 52 is rotated in the advancing direction of the conveying conveyor 10 to operate the proximity sensor 53, and a detection signal is output to the control means 60. Further, a detection rod support bar 54 for fixing each of the detection rods 52 is provided at an intermediate position in the length direction of the plurality of detection rods 52. Further, a proximity sensor disk plate 51c is provided at the end of the frame 51 on the side where the proximity sensor 53 is installed. The proximity sensor disk plate 51c is configured to operate the proximity sensor 53 by approaching the proximity sensor 53 due to the rotation of the detection rod 52 and the frame 51. The arrow in FIG. 7 indicates the rotation direction of the detection rod 52 when it abuts against tableware T2 having a predetermined height or more. Furthermore, a balancer weight 55 is provided on the upper part of the frame 51. By providing the balancer weight 55, the rotation of the detection rod 52 becomes smooth. The detection means 50 can minimize the influence on the detection accuracy due to water droplets, moisture, etc. Note that in the detection means 50, the height that can be detected by the detection rod 52 may be adjusted as necessary.

[0027] The control means 60 controls the lifting means 40 to raise and lower the upper injection means 30a based on the detection signal of the detection means 50, and for example, uses a microcomputer. This microcomputer controls the overall operation of the tableware washing apparatus 100 according to a control program. In the present embodiment, when the user turns on the operation button, the control means 60 starts the conveyance of the tableware to be washed placed on the conveyance conveyor 10. It controls so as to eject the cleaning liquid from the upper injection means 30a and the lower injection means 30b. Further, when the detection means 50 detects tableware T2 at a predetermined height or more, the upper injection means 30a is raised, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, that is, when tableware T2 at a predetermined height or more is not detected within the predetermined time, it is determined that tableware T1 lower than the predetermined height is passing through, and the operation of the lifting means 40 is controlled so as to lower the upper injection means 30a. Further, the control means 60 is configured to also control the operations of the conveyance conveyor 10, the cleaning liquid supply pump, and the processes such as the rinsing process and the hot air drying process.

[0028] Hereinafter, the operation of the tableware washing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0029] When using the tableware cleaning device 100 to clean tableware of various sizes and different forms, when the user turns on the operation button, the conveyor 10 starts to convey the tableware to be cleaned placed thereon. The cleaning liquid supply pump operates, and the cleaning liquid is ejected from the upper injection means 30a and the lower injection means 30b. During the conveyance of the tableware, when the tableware T1 lower than the predetermined height passes through the inlet, the detection means 50 does not operate, and the cleaning is performed with the upper injection means 30a remaining at the lowered position (see Fig. 8(A)). When the tableware T2 higher than the predetermined height passes through the inlet, it abuts against any one of the plurality of detection rods 52 of the detection means 50, and the proximity sensor 53 is operated by rotating the detection rod 52 in the advancing direction of the conveyor 10, and a detection signal is output to the control means 60. Next, the control means 60 operates the lifting means 40 to raise the upper injection means 30a. As a result, the tableware T2 higher than the predetermined height can pass through the first cleaning chamber 20a and the second cleaning chamber 20b of the housing 20, and is cleaned by the cleaning liquid ejected from the upper injection means 30a and the lower injection means 30b (see Fig. 8(B)). Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, that is, when the tableware T2 higher than the predetermined height has not been detected within the predetermined time, it is determined that the tableware T1 lower than the predetermined height is passing through, and the upper injection means 30a is lowered to return to the original height. As a result, the tableware T1 lower than the predetermined height passes through the first cleaning chamber 20a and the second cleaning chamber 20b of the housing 20, and is cleaned by the cleaning liquid ejected from the upper injection means 30a and the lower injection means 30b.

[0030] In this way, by raising and lowering the upper injection means 30a based on the detection result of the detection means 50, when the tableware T2 higher than the predetermined height passes through, when the detection means 50 detects the tableware T2 higher than the predetermined height, the cleaning is performed with the upper injection means 30a raised by the lifting means 40, and when the tableware T1 lower than the predetermined height passes through, the cleaning can be performed with the upper injection means 30a lowered by the lifting means 40. Therefore, tableware of various sizes and different forms can be surely cleaned.

[0031] As described above, according to the tableware washing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, there are provided a conveying conveyor 10 for placing and conveying tableware to be washed, a housing 20 covering a washing space for spraying a cleaning liquid onto the tableware T1, T2 conveyed by the conveying conveyor 10 for washing, an upper spraying means 30a disposed above the conveying conveyor 10 in the housing 20 and having a plurality of nozzles 32 for spraying the cleaning liquid onto the tableware T1, T2 from above downward, a lower spraying means 30b having a plurality of nozzles for spraying the cleaning liquid onto the tableware T1, T2 from below upward, a lifting means 40 for lifting and lowering the upper spraying means 30a, a detecting means 50 provided at the inlet side of the housing 20 for detecting tableware T2 having a predetermined height or more, and a control means 60 for controlling the lifting means 40 to lift and lower the upper spraying means 30a based on a detection signal of the detecting means 50. When washing tableware of various sizes and different forms, by lifting and lowering the upper spraying means 30a based on the detection result of the detecting means 50, when tableware T2 having a predetermined height or more passes through, when the detecting means 50 detects tableware T2 having a predetermined height or more, washing is performed with the upper spraying means 30a lifted by the lifting means 40, and when tableware T1 having a height lower than the predetermined height passes through, washing can be performed with the upper spraying means 30a lowered by the lifting means 40. Therefore, it is possible to handle a plurality of types of tableware having different dimensions and shapes, and a more uniform washing effect can be obtained.

[0032] Further, the detecting means 50 includes a frame 51 horizontally installed at the outer upper part of the inlet of the housing 20 and pivotally supported at both ends so as to be rotatable, a plurality of detection rods 52 having an upper end fixed to the frame 51 and a lower end being a free end and installed at a predetermined interval, and a proximity sensor 53 provided at the pivot support portion of at least one end of the frame 51. When tableware T2 having a predetermined height or more passes through the inlet, it abuts against any one of the plurality of detection rods 52, rotates the detection rod 52 in the advancing direction of the conveying conveyor 10 to operate the proximity sensor 53, and is configured to output a detection signal to the control means 60, so that tableware T2 having a predetermined height or more can be reliably detected with a simple configuration. In addition, the influence on the detection accuracy due to water droplets, moisture, etc. can be minimized.

[0033] Further, when the detection means 50 detects tableware T2 at a predetermined height or higher, the control means 60 raises the upper injection means 30a, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, lowers the raised upper injection means 30a, and controls the lifting means 40 to return to the original height. When tableware T2 at a predetermined height or higher passes, washing is performed with the upper injection means 30a raised. After a predetermined time during which the upper injection means 30a has been raised has elapsed, that is, when tableware T2 at a predetermined height or higher has not been detected within the predetermined time, it is determined that tableware T1 lower than the predetermined height is passing, and washing can be performed with the upper injection means 30a lowered.

[0034] Furthermore, the lifting means 40 includes a drive motor 41, a lifting mechanism 42 that supports the upper injection means 30a so as to lift it, and a cam mechanism 43 that is mounted between the drive motor 41 and the lifting mechanism 42 and moves the lifting mechanism 42 in the vertical direction. With this configuration, the upper injection means 30a can be smoothly lifted and lowered with a simple structure.

[0035] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the tableware washing device 100 has two washing chambers 20a and 20b has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may have only one washing chamber.

[0036] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the lifting means 40 of the tableware washing device 100 includes a drive motor 41, a lifting mechanism 42 that supports the upper injection means 30a so as to lift it, and a cam mechanism 43 that is mounted between the drive motor 41 and the lifting mechanism 42 and moves the lifting mechanism 42 in the vertical direction has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Other lifting mechanisms may be used.

[0037] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the detection means 50 of the tableware washing apparatus 100 includes a frame 51, a plurality of detection rods 52 having upper ends fixed to the frame 51 and lower ends being free ends and installed at a predetermined interval, and a proximity sensor 53 provided at the shaft support portion 51a has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Other means for detecting height may be used.

[0038] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the control means 60 of the tableware washing apparatus 100 controls the operation of the lifting means 40 such that when tableware T2 at a predetermined height or higher is detected, the upper injection means 30a is lifted and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the upper injection means 30a is lowered has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when it is determined that the detected tableware T2 at a predetermined height or higher has passed through the washing chamber, the upper injection means 30a may be lowered.

[0039] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various design-changed forms within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention described in the claims are included in the technical scope.

Industrial Applicability

[0040] The present invention can be used for the purpose of washing tableware after a large number of people have eaten in school lunches and the like.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0041] 10 Conveyor 20 Housing 20a First washing chamber 20b Second washing chamber 21 Splash prevention curtain 22 Guide plate 30a Upper injection means 30b Lower injection means 31 Nozzle attachment pipe 32 Nozzle 33 Fixed frame 33a Lift guide pin 34 Cleaning liquid distribution pipe 35 Piping 35a Flexible Hose 40 Lifting Means 40a Ceiling Board 40b Housing 41 Driving Motor 41a Motor Base 42 Lifting Mechanism 42a Shaft 42b Linear Bush 42c Moving Frame 42d Lift Roller 42e Lift Roller Guide 43 Cam Mechanism 43a Motor Side Crank 43b Lifting Side Crank 43c Cam for Limit Detection 43d Upper Limit Switch 43e Lower Limit Switch 50 Detection Means 51 Frame 51a, 51b Shaft Support 51c Disk Plate for Proximity Sensor 52 Detection Rod 53 Proximity Sensor 54 Detection Rod Support Bar 55 Balancer Weight 60 Control Means 100 Tableware Washing Device T1, T2 Tableware

Claims

1. A conveyor for placing and transporting tableware to be washed, a housing that covers a washing space for spraying a cleaning liquid onto the tableware conveyed by the conveyor for washing, upper spraying means disposed above the conveyor within the housing and having a plurality of nozzles for spraying the cleaning liquid onto the tableware from top to bottom, lifting means for lifting and lowering the upper spraying means, detection means provided on the inlet side of the housing for detecting tableware having a predetermined height or more, A tableware washing apparatus, comprising control means for controlling the lifting means so as to lift and lower the upper spraying means based on a detection signal of the detection means.

2. The detection means includes a frame horizontally installed on the outer upper portion of the inlet of the housing and pivotally supported at both ends so as to be rotatable, a plurality of detection rods having an upper end fixed to the frame and a lower end being a free end and installed at a predetermined interval, and a proximity sensor provided at a pivot support portion of at least one end of the frame. When the tableware having a predetermined height or more passes through the inlet, it contacts any one of the plurality of detection rods, rotates the detection rod in the advancing direction of the conveyor, operates the proximity sensor, and is configured to output a detection signal to the control means. The tableware washing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. When the control means detects the tableware having a predetermined height or more by the detection means, the control means controls the lifting means to lift the upper spraying means, lower the lifted upper spraying means after a predetermined time has elapsed, and return it to the original height. The tableware washing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

4. The lifting means includes a drive motor, a lifting mechanism for supporting the upper spraying means so as to lift it, and a cam mechanism mounted between the drive motor and the lifting mechanism for moving the lifting mechanism in the vertical direction. The tableware washing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

5. Further comprising a pipe for supplying the cleaning liquid to the upper spraying means, The pipe is configured to be deformable in the vertical direction according to the vertical movement of the upper spraying means. The tableware washing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

6. The dishwashing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising lower injection means having a plurality of nozzles disposed below the conveying conveyor within the housing and injecting the cleaning liquid onto the tableware upward from below.

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