Dish storage and washing system

Abstract

When sorting dishes after washing, the system shortens processing time and cuts costs by not taking photos with a camera and analyzing the images. [Solution] The tableware storage 4 is equipped with a tableware sorting section 41 which sorts washed tableware according to height, and a tableware storage section 45 which stores the sorted tableware. The tableware sorting section 41 is equipped with a tableware transporting conveyor 411 and a number of sorting bars 421-426 which are arranged above the tableware transporting conveyor 411 and have lower ends at different height positions corresponding to the height of each individual tableware. Tableware that comes into contact with the sorting bars 421-426 slides while being guided by the sorting bars 421-426 as it is transported by the tableware transporting conveyor 411, and the tableware is stored in the tableware storage section 45.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dish storage and a washing system equipped with the dish storage. [Background technology]

[0002] In facilities such as company cafeterias and employee cafeterias, washing systems are used to efficiently wash large amounts of tableware at once (for example, see Patent Document 1). This washing system is equipped with a tableware storage section that stores washed tableware separately by type. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-127194 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the dish storage section disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the dishes after washing are photographed with a camera, the images are analyzed to determine the type of the dishes, and the different types of dishes are stored separately. Therefore, there are problems in that the process takes time and the cost increases. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present tableware storage unit comprises a tableware sorting section which sorts washed tableware according to height, and a tableware storage section which stores the tableware sorted by the tableware sorting section.The tableware sorting section comprises a tableware transporting conveyor which transports the tableware, and a number of sorting bars which are arranged above the tableware transporting conveyor and have different height positions at their lower ends corresponding to the height of each tableware.Tableware that comes into contact with the sorting bars slides, guided by the sorting bars, as it is transported by the tableware transporting conveyor, and the tableware is stored in the tableware storage section. The tableware storage unit may preferably include a tableware sensor that detects the tableware sliding along the side of the sorting bar, and an air ejection unit that ejects air toward the tableware in the direction of the slide when the tableware sensor detects the tableware. The tableware storage unit is provided with a tableware storage sensor that detects when the tableware has entered the tableware storage section, and the tableware storage section is provided with a tableware stand that can be raised and lowered, and when the tableware storage sensor detects the tableware, the tableware stand is lowered a set height. The tableware storage unit preferably includes a tableware full load sensor that detects when the tableware stand has reached the lowest position and is fully loaded with tableware, and a tableware full load display unit that displays that the tableware is fully loaded. The tableware storage unit may be provided with a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the sorting bar. The tableware storage unit may include a plurality of sorting bars whose lower ends are positioned at the same height, and the lifting mechanism may raise a sorting bar among the plurality of sorting bars that is not used to store tableware in the tableware storage section. The washing system also includes a waste food processing device that removes waste food remaining on dishes, a washing device that washes the dishes and trays on which the dishes are placed that are transported from the waste food processing device, a trace stocker that stores the trays that have been washed in the washing device, and a dish stocker that stores the dishes that have been washed in the washing device. Effect of the Invention

[0006] In this tableware storage, tableware is transported by a tableware transport conveyor while sliding along a number of sorting bars whose lower ends are positioned at different heights according to the height of each individual tableware, so that tableware of different heights can be sorted and stored in the tableware storage section. Therefore, tableware can be sorted without the need for photography, which improves the efficiency of tableware sorting and reduces costs. By providing a dish sensor for detecting the sliding dish and an air ejection section for ejecting air toward the dish in the direction of the sliding when the dish sensor detects the dish, the dish is pushed by the air pressure, so that the dish can be securely stored in the dish storage section. The dish storage section is provided with a dish storage sensor which detects when dishes have entered the dish storage section, and the dish storage section is provided with a dish stand which can be raised and lowered, and when the dish storage sensor detects dishes, the dish stand is lowered by a set height, thereby minimizing the dropping of dishes and allowing the dishes to be stored in the dish storage section one after another. By providing a full tableware sensor that detects when the tableware tray has reached the lowest position and is full of tableware, and a full tableware display that shows that the tray is full of tableware, workers can know that the tableware has piled up and that they need to remove the tableware. By providing a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the sorting bar, it is possible to switch between raising the sorting bar to allow tableware to pass through and lowering the sorting bar to store tableware. Therefore, when the tableware storage section is full of tableware, for example, the sorting bar can be raised to stop tableware from being stored in the corresponding area of ​​the tableware storage section. The sorting bar has a plurality of sorting bars with the same lower end height position, and a lifting mechanism lifts the sorting bars among the plurality of sorting bars that do not store tableware in the tableware storage section, thereby providing a plurality of areas in which tableware of the same height can be stored, and tableware can be stored in the areas that are not fully loaded with tableware. This washing system is equipped with a waste food processing device that removes food remaining on dishes, a washing device that washes the dishes and trays on which the dishes are placed transported from the waste food processing device, a trace stocker that stores the trays washed in the washing device, and the above-mentioned dish stocker, so that it can perform everything from washing the dishes to storing the dishes and trays, and when storing the dishes, the dishes can be sorted by type without having to be photographed with a camera, making the sorting of dishes more efficient and reducing costs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a cleaning system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a food waste processing apparatus. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a toyo. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a sorting section of a tableware storage unit. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of a tableware storage unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of tableware. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of a trace stocker. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] The washing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for washing and storing tableware, trays, chopsticks, spoons, knives, etc. returned by diners, and is equipped with a leftover food processing device 2 that removes leftover food from tableware, a washing device 3 for tableware, trays, chopsticks, spoons, knives, etc., a tableware stocker 4 that classifies and stores washed tableware by type of tableware, a trace stocker 5 that stacks and stores washed trays, and a tableware transport device 6 that transports washed tableware to the tableware stocker 4. Note that leftover food refers to all food that is left over, and generally refers to staple foods such as rice and bread, side dishes, soups, desserts, etc. that are left over from the dishes served and remain on the tableware or remain attached to the tableware. Tableware also comes in a variety of types, such as plates, bowls, and bowls.

[0009] As shown in Figure 2, the waste food processing device 2 is equipped with a waste food removal section 21, which is a space open at the top and having a bottom and sides, in which waste food remaining on dishes is removed, a dish transport section 22 which transports the dishes from which the waste food has been removed in the waste food removal section 21 to the washing device 3, and a tray transport section 23 which transports the tray on which the dishes are placed to the washing device 3.

[0010] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the waste drop section 21 is provided on the side of the return opening 24 where the tray and tableware are returned by the eater. As shown in Fig. 2, the upper opening of the waste drop section 21 is partially covered by two placement tables 25a, 25b. Each placement table 25a, 25b is a flat table on which the eater can temporarily place his or her tray, and when two placement tables 25a, 25b are provided as in the illustrated example, two eaters can stand side by side at the return opening 24. Note that one or three or more placement tables 25a, 25b may be provided depending on the width of the waste drop section 21, etc.

[0011] 1 and 2, the dish transport section 22 is provided further in the depth direction than the leftover food removal section 21. The dish transport section 22 is composed of a dish transport conveyor 221 which moves in the width direction to transport the dishes, and a dish transfer section 222 which is provided downstream of the movement direction of the dish transport conveyor 221 and slides the dishes to transfer them to the washing device 3 shown in FIG.

[0012] The tableware transfer section 222 comprises an inclined bottom plate 222a and a pair of side walls 222b rising from the end of the bottom plate 222a, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the bottom plate 222a is formed in a trapezoid shape with the return opening 24 side protruding at an acute angle. As shown in Figure 3, the tableware transfer section 222 has a tableware conveying mechanism 31 of the washing device 3 located at the end of the incline, and the tableware that has slid down the bottom plate 222a of the tableware transfer section 222 is transferred to the tableware conveying mechanism 31 of the washing device 3.

[0013] The tray transport section 23 is provided above the rear side in the depth direction of the tableware transport section 22. The tray transport section 23 includes a tray transport conveyor 231 which moves in the width direction to transport the trays, and a tray transfer section 232 which is provided downstream of the movement direction of the tray transport conveyor 231 and which stands up the trays transported by the tray transport conveyor 231 and transfers them to the tray transport mechanism 32 of the cleaning device.

[0014] The tray transfer section 232 is equipped with a roller section 232a which receives the tray from the tray transport conveyor 231 and moves it further in the same direction, and a transfer section 232b which has a slope for sliding the tray moved from the roller section 232a and transfers the tray in an upright state to the tray transport mechanism 32 of the cleaning device 3.

[0015] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a pair of eater's leftover nozzles 26a, 26b are provided below the placement tables 25a, 25b. Each eater's leftover nozzle 26a, 26b is a nozzle that sprays water diagonally downward, and is composed of a pair of nozzles provided on the left and right sides of the placement tables 25a, 25b. The number and positions of the eater's leftover nozzles 26a, 26b are not limited to the example shown in the figure.

[0016] 3, the eater's leftover removal nozzles 26a, 26b are connected to a water supply unit 263 via solenoid valves 261a, 261b and a flow path 262. When the solenoid valve 261a is opened, water is sprayed from the pair of eater's leftover removal nozzles 26a, and when the solenoid valve 261b is opened, water is sprayed from the pair of eater's leftover removal nozzles 26b.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 2, eater sensors 27a, 27b for detecting the presence or absence of an eater are provided on the front surface of the leftover removal section 21 at positions corresponding to the placement tables 25a, 25b. The eater sensors 27a, 27b are, for example, optical sensors. When the eater sensor 27a detects an eater, it opens the solenoid valve 261a shown in Fig. 3 to spray water from the pair of eater leftover removal nozzles 26a, and when the eater sensor 27b detects an eater, it opens the solenoid valve 261b to spray water from the pair of eater leftover removal nozzles 26b.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 3, the bottom surface of the leftover food drop section 21 forms a valley section 213 consisting of inclined surfaces 211 that descend from both ends in the width direction toward the center and a connecting surface 212 that connects the lower ends of the left and right inclined surfaces 211. The valley section 213 receives the dropped water and leftover food. The upper end side of the inclined surface 211 is provided with a nozzle 215 for making water flow along the inclined surface. As shown in Fig. 4, the connecting surface 212 has a slope that descends toward the back side in the depth direction, and at the end of the slope is formed a hole 214 through which the water and leftover food that flows along the slope passes.

[0019] 3 and 4, in the leftovers drop section 21, a leftovers storage section 28 is disposed on the rear side of the hole 214. The leftovers storage section 28 has a slope 281 that slopes toward one side in the width direction, and a leftovers storage section 284 for storing leftovers is disposed on the lower end side of the slope 281.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 3, below the tableware transporting conveyor 221, there is provided a conveyor nozzle 223 which sprays water upward onto the tableware placed on the tableware transporting conveyor 221. The conveyor nozzle 223 is provided at a position just before the tableware moves to the tableware transfer section 222. As shown in Fig. 2, the tableware transporting conveyor 221 is made up of multiple thin conveyor belts, and water sprayed upward from the conveyor nozzle 223 passes through gaps between the conveyor belts and reaches the tableware, thereby removing leftover food that has not been completely removed by the water sprayed from the eater leftover removal nozzles 26a, 26b.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 5, the toilet 28 at least has a sloping surface 281 that slopes downward, and side walls 282 that stand up on both sides in the depth direction of the slope 281. The slope 281 is formed with a plurality of water drip holes 283 that allow water to drip downward. As shown in Fig. 3, a leftover food storage section 284 is placed at the tip of the lower end of the slope of the slope 281 of the toilet 28.

[0022] The water drop hole 283 is a through hole that allows water flowing along the slope 281 to drop downward. A drainage section 285 that drains the dropped water is provided below the water drop hole 283. The water drop hole 283 in the example of Fig. 5 is a long hole that is elongated in the width direction, but the shape and arrangement are not limited to this example.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 6, tableware storage unit 4 includes tableware sorting section 41 that sorts washed tableware by type, and tableware storage section 45 that stores the tableware sorted by tableware sorting section 41.

[0024] The tableware sorting section 41 includes a tableware transport conveyor 411 for transporting tableware, and a number of sorting bars 421-426 arranged above the tableware transport conveyor 411 and with lower ends at different height positions corresponding to the height of each tableware. The sorting bars 421-426 are fixed to support members 431-436, respectively, for example by screwing. As shown in FIG. 6, the side surfaces of the sorting bars 421-426 are not parallel to the transport direction and also not parallel to the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction, and are oriented in a direction that forms an acute angle with the traveling direction of the tableware transport conveyor 411. In addition, the side surfaces of the sorting bars 421-426 are substantially perpendicular to the surface of the tableware transport conveyor.

[0025] The tableware transport conveyor 411 receives the washed tableware transported by the tableware transport device 6 shown in FIG. 1, and moves them in the transport direction.

[0026] 6 and 7, sorting bars 421 and 422 have the same bottom height, sorting bars 423 and 424 have the same bottom height, and sorting bars 425 and 426 have the same bottom height. Also, sorting bars 421 and 422 have the highest bottom height, sorting bars 423 and 424 have the next highest bottom height, and sorting bars 425 and 426 have the lowest bottom height.

[0027] The height of the bottom end of each of the sorting bars 421-426 is set according to the height of the tableware, for example the height of the border 71 at the bottom of the tableware 7 shown in Fig. 8, and the transport of the tableware flowing on the tableware transport conveyor 411 is blocked depending on the height position of the bottom ends of the sorting bars 421-426. Then, while receiving a force in the transport direction from the tableware transport conveyor 411, the tableware whose transport is blocked is guided by one of the sides of the sorting bars 421-426 and slides towards the front in the depth direction, sliding towards the tableware storage section 45.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 6, tableware sorting section 41 is provided with transfer sections 441-446 at the front side in the depth direction of tableware transport conveyor 411 for transferring tableware sorted on tableware transport conveyor 411 to tableware storage section 45. Transfer sections 441-446 are formed with inclined surfaces 441a-446a which descend toward tableware storage section 45 to slide the tableware, and cutout sections 441b-446b for dropping the tableware into tableware storage section 45. Sloped surfaces 441a-446a have a width corresponding to the diameter of the tableware, and cutout sections 441b-446b are formed in a semicircular shape with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the tableware.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 7, the tableware sorting section 41 is equipped with tableware sensors 461-466 that detect tableware sliding along the sorting bars 421-426, and air blowing sections 471-476 that blow air in the sliding direction of the tableware when the tableware sensors 461-466 detect the tableware.

[0030] The dish sensors 461-466 are provided at height positions according to the height of the dishes to be stored. In the example of Fig. 7, three types of dishes, 7a, 7b, and 7c, are assumed, and the dish sensors 461 and 462 are provided at height positions where they can detect the tallest dish 7c, but cannot detect the dishes 7a and 7b. The dish sensors 463 and 464 are provided at height positions where they can detect the second tallest dish 7b, but cannot detect the dish 7a. The dish sensors 465 and 466 are provided at height positions where they can detect the shortest dish 7a.

[0031] The air blowing units 471-476 blow air in the direction in which the tableware slides when the tableware is guided and slid by any of the sorting bars 421-426, thereby strengthening the sliding force of the tableware. The air blowing units 471-476 blow air when any of the corresponding tableware sensors 461-466 detects the passage of the tableware.

[0032] Of the support members 431-436 that support the sorting bars 421-426, at least the support members 432, 434, 436 are driven by lifting mechanisms 481, 483, 485 to be liftable. In other words, when two sorting bars with the same lower end height are arranged side by side, the support member and sorting bar on the upstream side in the tableware conveying direction can be lifted. Note that a lifting mechanism may be provided for each of the support members 431-436 and sorting bars 421-426.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 7, the tableware storage section 45 is equipped with tableware stacking sections 451-456 corresponding to the types of tableware. The tableware stacking sections 451-456 are equipped with tableware tables 451a-456a for receiving dropped tableware, lifting drive sections 451b-456b for independently lifting and lowering the tableware tables 451a-456a, support rods 451c-456c for supporting the tableware from the outer periphery, tableware storage sensors 451d-456d provided for each tableware stacking section 451-456 for detecting when tableware to be stored has fallen from the tableware sorting section 41 and been stored, initial position sensors 451e-456e for detecting when the tableware tables 451a-456a are in their initial positions, and tableware full-load sensors 451f-456f for detecting when the tableware tables 451a-456a have reached their lowest positions and are full of tableware. The support rods 451c to 456c can be opened outward to allow the tableware to be removed.

[0034] When the dish storage sensors 451d-456d detect a dish, the lifting drivers 451b-456b lower the dish tables 451a-456a, respectively, by the thickness of one piece of dish so that the dish can be stored.

[0035] The full tableware sensors 451f to 456f detect that the tableware stand is located at the lowest position, that is, that the tableware stand is fully loaded with tableware.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 7, full tableware display units 491-496 are provided above the tableware sorting section 41 to indicate that the full tableware sensors 451f-456f have detected that the tableware is fully loaded. The full tableware display units 491-496 also function as lift switches for lifting the tableware tables 451a-456a. The full tableware display units 491-496 and the lift switches may be provided separately.

[0037] The number of sorting bars is arbitrary and can be increased or decreased depending on the type of tableware, and the number of tableware stacking sections also varies accordingly. Also, in the examples of Figures 6 and 7, two tableware stacking sections for storing the same type of tableware are arranged side by side, but there may be only one, or three or more.

[0038] Also, although not shown in Figures 6 and 7, if there is a variety of tableware with different shapes and diameters and it is difficult to stack them, a large storage section may be provided for each height of the tableware to drop them without stacking.

[0039] As shown in Figure 9, the trace stocker 5 has a loading section 51 for stacking the cleaned trays transported from the cleaning device 3 shown in Figure 1, and a stock section 52 for sliding the stacked trays and storing them.

[0040] The loading section 51 includes a tray stand 511 on which a tray is placed, and a tray stand lifting mechanism 512 that lifts and lowers the tray stand 511.

[0041] Tray stand 511 is a rectangular frame with an interior that is vertically penetrating. Tray stand 511 has an initial position at a height where a tray transported from cleaning device 3 can be placed. A tray placement sensor 513 that detects the presence of a tray is provided at the height of a tray placed on tray stand 511 located at the initial position, and when tray placement sensor 513 detects a tray, tray stand 511 descends by the set height in order to stack the next tray to be transported.

[0042] The lower part of the loading section 51 is equipped with a plurality of rollers 514 that rotate in contact with the tray located at the lowest level of the tray stand 511, and a lower tray stand sensor 515 that detects the position of the tray stand 511 when a predetermined number of trays 500 (e.g., 100 trays) have been stacked.

[0043] The stock unit 52 includes a plurality of stock areas 521-525, and tray sensors 521a-525a that detect the presence or absence of a tray in each of the stock areas 521-525. The tray sensors 521a-525a are used to determine whether or not a tray is stocked in each of the stock areas 521-525.

[0044] Conveyor rollers 521b to 525b are provided in the respective stock areas 521 to 525. The conveyor rollers 521b to 525b are driven independently for each stock area in response to the detection results of the respective tray sensors 521a to 525a.

[0045] When there is no tray on the loading section 51, the tray stand 511 is located in the initial position shown in Fig. 9. When a tray is carried from the cleaning device 3, the tray 500 is placed in a lying state on the tray stand 511 located in the initial position. When a tray is placed on the tray stand 511, the tray placement sensor 513 detects the tray 500 and lowers the tray stand 511 by a set height. Then, when the next tray is carried in, the same operation is performed.

[0046] As trays are stacked one after another in this manner, the tray stand 511 descends accordingly. When a predetermined number of trays (for example, 100) are stacked, the tray stand 511 is detected by the lower tray stand sensor 515. Then, a control unit (not shown), which includes, for example, a CPU, determines whether or not the tray set 500a in which a predetermined number of trays 500 are stacked can be transferred to any of the stock areas 521-525 based on the state of each tray sensor 521a-525a. For example, when the tray sensors 521a-525a indicate that there are no trays in any of the stock areas 521-525, the tray set 500a is transported to the stock area 525, which is the innermost area as viewed from the stacking unit 51. Specifically, under the control of the control unit, the rollers 514 provided in the stacking unit 51 are driven to transfer the tray set 500a from the stacking unit 51 to the stock area 521. Next, first, the conveyor roller 521b of the stock area 521 is driven to transport the tray set 500a to the stock area 522, then the conveyor roller 522b of the stock area 522 is driven to transport the tray set 500a to the stock area 523, then the conveyor roller 523b of the stock area 523 is driven to transport the tray set 500a to the stock area 524, then the conveyor roller 524b of the stock area 524 is driven to transport the tray set 500a to the stock area 525, and finally the conveyor roller 525b of the stock area 525 is driven to transport the tray set 500a to a predetermined position in the stock area 525. This causes the tray sensor 525a of the stock area 525 to turn on.

[0047] Next, when a predetermined number of trays 500 are stacked on the loading section 51 and the tray stand 511 is detected by the lower tray stand sensor 515, only the tray sensor 525a in the stock area 525 is turned on and the tray sensors 521a to 524a in the stock areas 521 to 524 are turned off, so that the tray set 500a is transported to the stock area 524, which is the farthest from the loading section 51 among the stock areas 521 to 524. Specifically, under the control of the control section, the conveyor roller 521b, the conveyor roller 522b, the conveyor roller 523b, and the conveyor roller 524b are driven in this order, so that the tray set 500a is transported to a predetermined position in the stock area 524. As a result, the tray sensor 524a in the stock area 524 is turned on.

[0048] Similarly, under the control of the control unit, the tray set 500a is stocked in the stock area 523, the stock area 522, and the stock area 521. When the tray set 500a is thus stocked in the stock areas 521 to 525, it is carried out in units of tray set.

[0049] The washing device 3 and the tableware conveying device 6 are configured similarly to the washing section and the transfer section of, for example, JP 2023-127194 A.

[0050] Next, the process from removing leftover food from dishes in the leftover food processing device 2, transporting the dishes and trays to the washing device 3, storing the dishes in the dish storage device 4, and storing the trays in the trace storage device 5 will be described.

[0051] When a diner stands in front of, for example, the placement stand 25a shown in Figure 2 to return the tray and tableware, the diner sensor 27a detects the diner, opens the solenoid valve 261a shown in Figure 3, and sprays water from the diner's food waste removal nozzle 26a.

[0052] The eater applies water jetted from the eater's leftover removal nozzle 26a to the inside of the dish, causing leftover food remaining on the dish to fall into the valley 213. The fallen leftover food is guided to the connecting surface 212 by the water jetted from the nozzle 215 and flowing down the inclined surface 211, and flows backward in the depth direction of the valley 213 through the hole 214 shown in Fig. 4. Note that the water jetted from the eater's leftover removal nozzle 26a here may be used to remove the leftover food to the same extent as conventional pre-washing, and it is not necessary to completely remove the leftover food.

[0053] In this way, diners can remove food scraps from their dishes themselves, eliminating the need for staff to wash them down.

[0054] The fallen leftovers descend along the slope 281 of Toyo 28 shown in Fig. 5, and fall into and are stored in the leftovers storage section 284. In this way, Toyo 28 can smoothly drain leftovers into the leftovers storage section 284. In Toyo 28, water falls downward from the water drop hole 283 and is led to the drain section 285, so the leftovers and water can be treated separately, and the moisture content of the leftovers stored in the leftovers storage section 284 can be reduced.

[0055] Diners place the dishes on which they have removed food waste face down on the dish transport conveyor 221. As the dishes move widthwise and pass above the conveyor nozzle 223, they are sprayed with water from the conveyor nozzle 223. This allows the food waste remaining on the dishes to be washed away, so that even if the water sprayed from the diner food waste removal nozzles 26a, 26b is not enough to remove the food waste, the food waste remaining on the dishes can be removed.

[0056] The tableware slides along the bottom plate 222a of the tableware transfer section 222 and is transferred to the tableware conveying mechanism 31 of the washing device 3 shown in Fig. 3. Therefore, since the diner simply places the tableware on the tableware conveyor 221, and the tableware is transferred to the washing device 3, there is no need for a worker to set the tableware with the leftovers removed in the washing device 3.

[0057] The washing device 3 is configured in the same manner as the washing unit described in, for example, JP 2023-127194 A, and is washed by spraying washing liquid, rinsed with water, and drained by blowing air, and then transferred to the tableware conveying device 6 shown in Fig. 1. Then, the tableware is transferred from the tableware conveying device 6 to the tableware stocker 4 shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

[0058] Also, the eater places the tray lying face up on the tray transport conveyor 231. The tray then moves from the tray transport conveyor 231 to the tray transfer section 232, and is then placed upright by sliding the transfer section 232b, and transferred to the tray transport mechanism 32 of the cleaning device 3. Therefore, the eater simply places the tray on the tray transport conveyor 231, and the tray is transported to the cleaning device 3, eliminating the need for a worker to set the tray in the cleaning device 3.

[0059] In the cleaning device 3, the trays are washed, rinsed and dried in the same manner as in the above-mentioned JP 2023-127194 A, and then transported to a trace stocker 5 shown in FIG.

[0060] In the tableware stocker 4, the tableware transferred from the tableware transporting device 6 is placed face down on the tableware transport conveyor 411 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 and transported leftward in the transport direction in FIGS.

[0061] The height of the tableware varies depending on the type. Here, an example will be described in which three types of tableware 7a, 7b, and 7c shown in Fig. 7 are transported on the tableware transport conveyor 411. The tableware 7a is the shortest. The tableware 7c is the tallest. The tableware 7b is taller than the tableware 7a and shorter than the tableware 7c.

[0062] There is no direct relationship between the height and diameter of dishes 7a, 7b, and 7c, but in the example of Figure 7, dish stacking sections 455 and 456 of dish storage section 45 are the widest, dish stacking sections 451 and 452 are the narrowest, and the width of dish stacking sections 453 and 454 is narrower than dish stacking sections 455 and 456 but wider than dish stacking sections 451 and 452.

[0063] The sorting bars 421 and 422 are formed so as to block the tableware 7c but not the tableware 7a and 7b. In other words, the lower ends of the sorting bars 421 and 422 are at a height that makes contact with the edge of the tableware 7c placed face down on the tableware transport conveyor 411, but does not make contact with the edge of the tableware 7a and 7b.

[0064] The sorting bars 423, 424 are formed so as to block the tableware 7b, 7c but not the tableware 7a. In other words, the lower ends of the sorting bars 423, 424 are at a height that makes contact with the edges of the tableware 7b, 7c placed face down on the tableware transport conveyor 411, but does not make contact with the edges of the tableware 7a.

[0065] The sorting bars 425 and 426 are formed to hold back the tableware 7a, 7b, and 7c. In other words, the lower ends of the sorting bars 425 and 426 are at a height that allows them to contact the edges of the tableware 7a, 7b, and 7c placed face down on the tableware transport conveyor 411.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7, the tableware 7a conveyed on the tableware conveyor 411 is the lowest in height and passes through the sorting bars 421-424 without contacting them, so it is conveyed to the front of the sorting bar 425. Then, the edge of the tableware 7a comes into contact with the lower end of the sorting bar 425. Then, the tableware 7a slides along the side of the sorting bar 425 toward the front in the width direction while moving in the leftward direction of the tableware conveyor 411 in FIG. 7. When the tableware 7a is detected by the tableware sensor 465, air is ejected from the air ejection section 475 in the sliding direction of the tableware 7a, and the sliding force of the tableware 7a increases. Then, the tableware 7a slides down the inclined surface 445a of the transfer section 445 shown in FIG. 6 and falls downward from the notch 445b. The tableware 7a is pushed by the pressure of the air, so that the tableware 7a can be securely stored in the tableware storage section 45.

[0067] The dropped tableware 7a is received and placed on the tableware stand 455a of the tableware stacking unit 455. As the tableware 7a falls, the tableware storage sensor 455d detects the tableware 7a, and the tableware stand 455a is driven by the lifting and lowering drive unit 455b to lower by a set height.

[0068] The next dish 7b passes by without contacting the sorting bars 421 and 422, and is conveyed to the front of the sorting bar 423. Then, the edge of the dish 7b comes into contact with the lower end of the sorting bar 423. Then, the dish 7b moves in the leftward direction in FIG. 7 as the dish transport conveyor 411 moves, and slides along the side of the sorting bar 425 toward the front in the width direction. When the dish 7b is detected by the dish sensor 463, air is blown from the air blowing section 473 in the sliding direction of the dish 7b, and the sliding force of the dish 7b increases. Then, the dish 7b slides down the inclined surface 443a of the transfer section 443 shown in FIG. 6, and falls downward from the notch 443b.

[0069] The dropped tableware 7b is received and placed on tableware stand 453a of tableware stacking section 453. As tableware 7b falls, tableware storage sensor 453d detects tableware 7b, and tableware stand 453a is driven by lifting drive section 453b to lower by the height of tableware 7b.

[0070] The next tableware 7c to be conveyed has a height that allows it to contact the sorting bar 421. However, if the tableware stacking section 451 is already fully loaded with tableware 7c, the tableware table 451a is at the lowest position, and the tableware full sensor 451f detects this. In this state, no more tableware 7c can be stored, so the lifting mechanism 481 raises the support member 431 and the sorting bar 421. Therefore, the conveyed tableware 7c passes through the sorting bar 421 and is stopped by the sorting bar 422. Therefore, the tableware 7c slides down the inclined surface 442a of the transfer section 442 shown in FIG. 6 and falls downward from the notch 442b. Here too, the tableware sensor 462 detects the passage of the tableware 7c, and air is ejected from the air ejection section 472 to assist the slide.

[0071] The dropped tableware 7c is received and placed on the tableware stand 452a of the tableware stacking section 452. As the tableware 7c falls, the tableware storage sensor 452d detects the tableware 7c, and the tableware stand 452a is driven by the lifting and lowering drive section 452b to lower by a set height. Therefore, the tableware 7c can be stored in the tableware stacking section 452 one after another while minimizing the dropping of the tableware 7c.

[0072] In this manner, the tableware is stored one after another. Then, for example, when the tableware stand 455a of the tableware stacking section 455 is fully loaded with tableware 7a, the tableware stand 455a is detected by the tableware full-load sensor 455f, and the lifting mechanism 485 raises the support member 435 and the sorting bar 425, so that the next tableware 7a conveyed is stored in the tableware stacking section 456.

[0073] For example, when the dish tray 455a is detected by the dish full sensor 455f and the dish stacking section 455 is fully loaded, the dish full display section 495 corresponding to the dish stacking section 455 lights up. This allows the worker to understand that the dishes 7a have been stacked and that the dishes 7a should be removed. The worker then opens the support rod 455c outward and removes the stacked dishes 7a to the front in the width direction. When the dishes 7a have been removed, the worker presses the dish full display section 495, which also serves as a lift switch. This causes the dish tray 455a to rise to the initial position. When the initial position sensor 455e detects this, it stops the rise of the dish tray 455a. In this state, the dishes 7a can be stored, so the lifting mechanism 485 lowers the support member 435 and the sorting bar 425 so that the dishes 7a can be stored in the dish stacking section 455. In this way, the lifting mechanisms 481, 483, 485 can switch between raising the sorting bars 421, 423, 425 to allow the tableware to pass through and lowering the sorting bars 421, 423, 425 to store the tableware. Note that individual lifting mechanisms may be provided so that all of the sorting bars 421-426 can be raised and lowered.

[0074] As described above, in the tableware stocker 4, the tableware 7a, 7b, 7c are transported by the tableware transport conveyor 411 while sliding along the multiple sorting bars 421-426 whose lower ends are positioned at different heights corresponding to the heights of the individual tableware, so that tableware of different heights can be sorted and stored in the tableware storage section 45. Therefore, sorting can be performed without taking pictures with a camera, which improves the efficiency of tableware sorting and reduces costs.

[0075] The trays 500 cleaned in the cleaning device 3 are transported to the trace stocker 5 shown in Fig. 9 and placed on the tray stand 511. Then, each time a tray 500 is added, the tray placement sensor 513 detects the tray, and the tray stand lifting mechanism 512 lowers the tray stand 511 by a set height.

[0076] In this way, the trays 500 are stacked one after another while the tray stand 511 is lowered, and when a predetermined number of trays 500 (for example, 100) are stacked to form the tray set 500a, the tray stand 511 moves to the lowest position, which is detected by the lower tray stand sensor 515. Then, a control unit (not shown) recognizes whether the tray sensors 521a to 525a detect the trays and judges to which of the stock areas 521 to 525 the tray set 500a can be transported. For example, if none of the tray sensors 521a to 525a detect the trays, it is determined that the tray set 500a should be transported to the stock area 521, which is the farthest from the loading unit 51. Also, if the tray sensor 525a detects the trays and the tray sensors 521a to 524a do not detect the trays, it is determined that the tray set 500a should be transported to the stock area 524.

[0077] For example, when it is determined that the tray set 500a should be transported to the stock area 524, under the control of the control unit, the rollers 514 provided in the loading unit 51 are driven to transfer the tray set 500a from the loading unit 51 to the stock area 521. Next, the control unit first drives the conveyor rollers 521b in the stock area 521 to transport the tray set 500a to the stock area 522, then drives the conveyor rollers 522b in the stock area 522 to transport the tray set 500a to the stock area 523, and then drives the conveyor rollers 523b in the stock area 523 to transport the tray set 500a to the stock area 524. This turns on the tray sensor 524a in the stock area 524.

[0078] Next, when a predetermined number of trays 500 are stacked on the loading section 51 and the tray table 511 is detected by the lower tray table sensor 515, the tray sensor 525a in stock area 525 and the tray sensor 524a in stock area 524 are on, and the tray sensors 521a to 523a in stock areas 521 to 523 are off, so that the tray set 500a is transported to stock area 523, which is the farthest from the loading section 51 among the stock areas 521 to 523.

[0079] Once the tray sets 500a are stocked in the stock areas 521 to 525 in this manner, each tray set 500a is carried out.

[0080] As described above, in the trace stocker 5, a predetermined amount of trays can be stacked by stacking multiple trays 500 on the stacking section 51. The trace stocker 5 has multiple stock areas in which the tray set 500a can be stored, and it is possible to determine in which of the stock areas 521-525 the tray set should be stored by detection by the tray sensors 521a-525a.

[0081] This washing system 1 is equipped with a waste food processing device 2, a washing device 3 for washing dishes and trays, a dish storage unit 4 for storing the washed dishes, and a trace storage unit 5 for storing the washed trays, so that it can perform tasks from washing dishes to storing the dishes and trays without the need for workers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1: Cleaning system 2: Food waste treatment equipment 21: Garbage Removal Department 211: Slope 212: Connection surface 213: Valley 214: Hole 215: Nozzle 22: Tableware conveying section 221: tableware conveyor 222: tableware transfer section 222a: bottom plate 222b: side wall 223: Conveyor nozzle 23: Tray conveyor 231: Tray transport conveyor 232: Tray transfer section 232a: Roller section 232b:Transfer section 24: Return Slot 25a, 25b: mounting table 26a, 26b: Food waste removal nozzle for eaters 261a, 261b: solenoid valve 262: flow path 263: water supply section 27a, 27b: Eater sensor 28: Toyo 281: Slope 282: Side wall 283: Water drain hole 284: Food waste storage area 285: Drainage section 3: Cleaning equipment 31: Tableware conveying mechanism 32: Tray conveying mechanism 4: Tableware storage 41: Tableware sorting department 411: Tableware conveyor 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426: Sorting bar 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436: Support members 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446: Delivery section 441a, 442a, 443a, 444a, 445a, 446a: Slopes 441b, 442b, 443b, 444b, 445b, 446b: Cutout 45: Tableware storage section 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456: Dish stacking section 451a, 452a, 453a, 454a, 455a, 456a: Tableware stand 451b, 452b, 453b, 454b, 455b, 456b: Lifting drive unit 451c, 452c, 453c, 454c, 455c, 456c: Support rod 451d, 452d, 453d, 454d, 455d, 456d: Dish storage sensor 451e, 452e, 453e, 454e, 455e, 456e: Initial position sensor 451f, 452f, 453f, 454f, 455f, 456f: Dish load sensor 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466: Tableware sensor 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 476: Air outlet 481, 483, 485: Lifting mechanism 491, 492, 493, 494, 495, 496: Tableware full load indicator 5: Trace Stocker 51: Loading section 511: Tray stand 512: Tray stand lifting mechanism 513: Tray placement sensor 514: Roller 515: Lower tray base sensor 52: Stock section 521, 522, 523, 524, 525: Stock area 521a, 522a, 523a, 524a, 525a: Trace sensor 521b, 522b, 523b, 524b, 525b: Conveyor rollers 6: Tableware conveying device 7, 7a, 7b, 7c: Tableware 500: Tray 500a: Tray set

Claims

1. The washing machine includes a dish sorting section that sorts the washed dishes according to their height, and a dish storage section that stores the dishes sorted by the dish sorting section. The tableware sorting section includes: A tableware transport conveyor for transporting the tableware; a plurality of sorting bars disposed above the tableware transport conveyor, the lower ends of which are positioned at different heights corresponding to the heights of the individual tableware; The tableware that has come into contact with the sorting bar is guided by the sorting bar and slides while being transported by the tableware transport conveyor, and the tableware is stored in the tableware storage section. Tableware storage.

2. a dish sensor that detects the dish sliding along a side of the sorting bar; an air blowing unit that blows air toward the tableware in the direction of the slide when the tableware sensor detects the tableware; The tableware storage unit according to claim 1.

3. A dish storage sensor is provided to detect when the dish is stored in the dish storage section. The tableware storage section is provided with a tableware stand that can be raised and lowered, When the dish storage sensor detects the dish, the dish tray is lowered by a set height. The tableware storage unit according to claim 1.

4. a dish-loading sensor for detecting when the dish tray has reached a lowest position and is loaded with dishes; a tableware full display unit that displays that the tableware is full; Equipped with The tableware storage unit according to claim 3.

5. A lifting mechanism for lifting and lowering the sorting bar is provided. The tableware storage unit according to claim 1.

6. A plurality of the sorting bars are provided, the lower ends of which are positioned at the same height; The lifting mechanism lifts a sorting bar that does not store the tableware in the tableware storage section among the plurality of sorting bars. The tableware storage unit according to claim 5.

7. A food waste treatment device that removes food waste remaining on dishes; a washing device for washing the tableware and the tray on which the tableware is placed, which are transported from the leftover food processing device; a tray storage unit for storing the trays washed in the washing device; A tableware stocker according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which stores the tableware washed by the washing device; A cleaning system comprising:

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