Processing unit

Abstract

To inhibit adhesion of droplets of a processed product and a cleaning liquid to a drive source of a lifting machine in a processing device including a stirrer and the lifting machine for moving up or down the stirrer.SOLUTION: A processing device 100 processes a processed product, and includes a processing tank 1, a stirrer 2, a lifting machine 3, and a shielding material 4. The processing tank 1 is configured to house the processed product. The stirrer 2 is configured to stir the processed product in the processing tank 1. The lifting machine 3 includes a drive source 31 for lifting and is configured to move the stirrer 2 upward or downward. The shielding material 4 covers at least the upper side and the side facing the processing tank 1 of the drive source 31 for lifting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a processing apparatus for processing an object to be processed.

Background Art

[0002] In a processing apparatus for the purpose of cooking food or the like, after an object to be processed such as food ingredients is accommodated in a processing tank, the object to be processed may be stirred by a stirrer. The stirrer is usually movable up and down. At the start of stirring, the stirrer descends from above the processing tank and is disposed in the processing tank, and after the completion of stirring, the stirrer ascends and is taken out of the processing tank. Further, in order to enhance the stirring efficiency, it is also possible to repeatedly move the stirrer up and down during stirring. The food manufacturing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes stirring blades configured to be movable up and down by elevating means. The elevating means includes a power cylinder as a drive source, and the stirring blades can be moved in the vertical direction by the power generated by the power cylinder.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An elevator for raising and lowering a stirrer is usually installed in a state of being exposed to the outside in the vicinity of the stirrer. In such an installation mode, droplets of the object to be processed generated during stirring or droplets of the cleaning liquid generated during cleaning of the processing tank are likely to adhere to a power cylinder or the like which is a drive source, and the adhered matter may become a breeding ground for bacteria, which is unsanitary. In addition, there is also a risk of causing corrosion of the drive source and malfunction of the elevator due thereto.

[0005] ​This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to suppress the adhesion of the workpiece or splashes of cleaning liquid to the drive source of the elevator in a processing apparatus comprising a stirrer and an elevator for raising and lowering the stirrer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, there is a processing apparatus for processing a material to be processed, comprising a processing tank, a stirrer, a lifting device, and a shielding material, wherein the processing tank is configured to contain the material to be processed, the stirrer is configured to stir the material to be processed in the processing tank, the lifting device is equipped with a lifting drive source and configured to raise and lower the stirrer, and the shielding material covers at least the upper side of the lifting drive source and the side facing the processing tank. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The processing apparatus according to the present invention is equipped with a shielding material, and the upper and side of the lifting drive source for raising and lowering the agitator is covered by the shielding material. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent splashes of the material to be processed or cleaning liquid from adhering to the lifting drive source.

[0008] The following are examples of various embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments shown below can be combined with each other. Preferably, the lifting drive source is configured to generate power with the upper side of the lifting drive source and the side facing the processing tank covered by the shielding material. Preferably, the processing apparatus includes a tilter, the tilter includes a tilting drive source and is configured to tilt the processing tank, and the shielding material covers at least the side of the tilting drive source facing the processing tank. Preferably, the elevator includes a connecting member that penetrates the shielding material and is connected to the agitator, and the lifting drive source transmits power to the agitator via the connecting member. Preferably, the elevator comprises a power transmission member and a shaft as the connecting member, wherein the power transmission member is configured to transmit the power generated by the lifting drive source to the shaft to rotate the shaft, and the agitator is configured to move up and down by the rotation of the shaft. Preferably, at least a portion of the outer surface of the shaft is covered by a shaft cover, the shaft cover comprising an outer cover and an inner cover, the outer cover covering at least one end of the inner cover and being rotatably arranged integrally with the shaft, and the inner cover being fixed to the shielding material. Preferably, one end of the inner cover is provided with a flange portion that protrudes radially outward from the shaft. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view from the upper front side of the processing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the processing unit 100 from the upper rear side. [Figure 3] This is a right side view of the processing device 100. The control device 6 is omitted, and only the outer edge of the shielding material 4 is shown by a dashed line. [Figure 4] This is a rear view of the processing device 100. The control device 6 is omitted, and only the outer edge of the shielding material 4 is shown by a dashed line. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the first cam 38. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the second cam 57. [Figure 7] Figure 7A is a plan view of the processing apparatus 100. Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of region A in Figure 7A along line BB. [Figure 8] This is a magnified view of region C in Figure 7B. [Figure 9] This is an exploded perspective view of the shaft cover 8. [Figure 10]This is a rear view of the processing device 100 with the agitator 2 raised. The control device 6 is omitted, and only the outer edge of the shielding material 4 is shown by a dashed line. [Figure 11] This is a right side view of the processing apparatus 100 with the processing tank 1 tilted. The control device 6 is omitted, and only the outer edge of the shielding material 4 is shown by a dashed line. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The features shown in the embodiments below are combinable with respect to each other. Furthermore, each feature constitutes an independent invention.

[0011] 1. Overall Structure Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of a processing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and are views from the upper front and upper rear sides, respectively. Figures 3 and 4 are the right side and rear views of the processing apparatus 100, respectively. For the sake of visibility, the control device 6 is omitted in Figures 3 and 4, and only the outer edge of the shielding material 4 is shown by a dashed line. The processing apparatus 100 is a device for processing a material to be processed. The processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment is used for heating and cooking food as the material to be processed. The processing apparatus 100 comprises a processing tank 1, a stirrer 2, an elevator 3, a shielding material 4, a tilter 5, a control device 6, and a frame 7 for installing these components. In the following description, the up / down, front / back, and left / right directions of the processing apparatus 100 are defined as shown in Figure 1. That is, the vertical direction is defined as the up / down direction, the side of the processing apparatus 100 where the control device 6 is located is defined as the front direction, the direction opposite to it is defined as the rear direction, and the directions to the left and right of the control device 6 are defined as the left direction and right direction, respectively.

[0012] The processing tank 1 accommodates the object to be processed. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the processing tank 1 of the present embodiment is a container with an open upper part. The object to be processed is introduced through the opening 15 and accommodated inside. A jacket 11 is provided outside the processing tank 1 so as to cover at least a part of the bottom surface and the side surface of the processing tank 1. A space (steam chamber) into which steam can be introduced is provided between the jacket 11 and the processing tank 1. A steam inlet 12 is provided on the bottom wall of the jacket 11. By supplying high-temperature steam from a steam supply line (not shown) connected to the steam inlet 12 to the steam chamber, the object to be processed in the processing tank 1 can be indirectly heated. Further, a drain socket 13 is provided on the bottom wall of the jacket 11, and the condensed water of the steam is discharged to the outside via a drain line (not shown) connected to the drain socket 13.

[0013] The processing tank 1 is supported in a floating state from the frame 7 by a pair of support members 14a and 14b provided so as to sandwich the processing tank 1 from the left and right sides. Specifically, a shaft portion (not shown) protruding outward in the left-right direction is provided on the side surface of the processing tank 1, and the shaft portion is supported by the support members 14a and 14b. One of the pair of support members 14a, the support member 14a, is rotatably supported by a first stand 71 provided so as to extend upward from the frame 7. Further, the other support member 14b is connected to the tilting machine 5. The processing tank 1 is driven by the tilting machine 5 and can be tilted. By tilting the processing tank 1, it is possible to take out the object to be processed after processing while securing the height from the floor surface.

[0014] Various sensors (not shown) for detecting the processing state are provided in the processing tank 1. Examples of the sensors include a weight sensor for detecting the weight of the object to be processed in the processing tank 1, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the steam chamber, and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the object to be processed in the processing tank. The detection signal by the sensor is sent to the control device 6.

[0015] Note that the processing device 100 is not limited to the above configuration dedicated to cooking food by heating. For example, the processing device 100 may be configured to be capable of both heating and cooling cooking of food (for both heating and cooling cooking) or only capable of cooling cooking (dedicated to cooling cooking). When the processing device 100 is for both heating and cooling cooking, a cooling water inlet for introducing cooling water and a cooling water outlet for discharging cooling water are provided in the jacket 11, and by introducing cooling water into the steam chamber, the object to be processed in the processing tank 1 can be indirectly cooled.

[0016] The stirrer 2 stirs the object to be processed in the processing tank 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the stirrer 2 of the present embodiment includes a stirring drive device 21, a rotating disk 22, a stirring shaft 23, stirring blades 24, and an arm 25. The stirring drive device 21 is configured by arranging a drive source such as a motor in a housing 21a disposed so as to protrude above the processing tank 1.

[0017] The rotating disk 22 is a disk-shaped member, disposed below the stirring drive device 21, and is rotatable by a motor (not shown) provided in the stirring drive device 21. The base end of the stirring shaft 23 is attached to the bottom surface of the rotating disk 22 at a position radially outside the center of the disk. Stirring blades 24 are attached to the tip of the stirring shaft 23. Although the stirrer 2 of the present embodiment includes one set of stirring shaft 23 and stirring blades 24, two or more sets of stirring shaft 23 and stirring blades 24 may be provided on the bottom surface of the rotating disk 22.

[0018] When the rotating disk 22 rotates, the stirring shaft 23 and the stirring blades 24 rotate so as to revolve around the center of the disk. Further, at least a part of the tip side of the stirring shaft 23 is configured to be rotatable integrally with the stirring blades 24 by a motor (not shown). By stirring the object to be processed in the processing tank 1 with the stirrer 2, the processing efficiency of the object to be processed can be improved. The stirrer 2 is connected to the elevator 3 via an arm 25 provided on the bottom surface.

[0019] The elevator 3 is equipped with a lifting drive source 31 and raises and lowers the agitator 2 relative to the processing tank 1. In this embodiment, the lifting drive source 31 is an electric cylinder, and as shown in Figures 3 and 4, a motor 32 is configured to extend and retract a rod 33 relative to the cylinder body 34. Note that other power cylinders such as hydraulic cylinders and air cylinders may be used as the lifting drive source 31. The lifting drive source 31 is installed on the frame 7 via a base plate 73 using a pair of fixing members 35, so as to sandwich the sides of the cylinder body 34 in the front-rear direction with the fixing members 35. Here, the lifting drive source 31 is mounted to the pair of fixing members 35 so as to be rotatable within a predetermined angular range around a connecting shaft 36 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lifting drive source 31.

[0020] The lifting drive source 31 is covered by a shielding material 4 on at least its upper side and the side facing the processing tank 1. In this embodiment, the sides of the lifting drive source 31, including the upper side and the side facing the processing tank 1, are covered by the shielding material 4. In this embodiment, "sides" refers to sides other than the upper and lower sides. In other words, the sides of the lifting drive source 31 in this embodiment refer to the front, rear, left, and right sides of the lifting drive source 31. The shielding material 4 can be constructed using a plurality of plate-like members, and the material of the plate-like members can be metal, resin, etc. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lifting drive source 31 generates power with its sides, including its upper side and the side facing the processing tank 1, covered by the shielding material 4. In other words, in any state from the state in which the rod 33 is maximally retracted relative to the cylinder body 34 to the state in which it is maximally extended, the upper side of the lifting drive source 31 and the side including the side facing the processing tank 1 are covered by the shielding material 4 and are not exposed to the outside of the shielding material 4. Specifically, the upper side of the lifting drive source 31 and the side including the side facing the processing tank 1 are covered by the shielding material 4, and the lifting drive source 31 is housed in the space 41 defined by the shielding material 4 in any state from the state in which the rod 33 is maximally retracted relative to the cylinder body 34 to the state in which it is maximally extended. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent splashes of the material to be processed generated during stirring and splashes of cleaning liquid generated during cleaning of the processing tank 1 from adhering to the lifting drive source 31.

[0021] The elevator 3 of this embodiment further comprises a first shaft 37 as a connecting member and a first cam 38 as a power transmission member. As shown in Figure 3, the first shaft 37 passes through the shielding material 4 and is connected to the agitator 2, transmitting power generated by the lifting drive source 31 to the agitator 2. The first shaft 37 of this embodiment is arranged along the front-rear direction, and one end of it passes through the shielding material 4 and is inserted into the space 41. Specifically, an insertion hole 42 is formed in the shielding material 4, and one end of the first shaft 37 is inserted into the space 41 through the insertion hole 42. The first shaft 37 is connected to the lifting drive source 31 via the first cam 38 within the space 41. The first shaft 37 also passes through the arm 25 of the agitator 2 and is rotatably supported by a bearing 39 provided on the upper surface of the second stand 72 on the frame 7.

[0022] Here, as shown in Figure 7B, the inner diameter of the through hole 42 is set to be sufficiently larger than the outer diameter of the first shaft 37 so as not to hinder the rotation of the first shaft 37. Furthermore, the through hole 42 is closed by a shaft cover 8 that covers the outer circumferential surface of the first shaft 37. Details of the configuration of the shaft cover 8 will be described later.

[0023] The first cam 38 is configured to transmit power generated by the lifting drive source 31 to the first shaft 37, thereby rotating the first shaft 37. As shown in Figure 5, the first cam 38 in this embodiment comprises a substantially annular first portion 38a with a through hole 38a1 formed therein, and a substantially L-shaped second portion 38b extending from the first portion 38a. One end of the first shaft 37 is inserted through the through hole 38a1 of the first portion 38a, and the tip of the rod 33 of the lifting drive source 31 is connected to the second portion 38b. In this configuration, when the rod 33 of the lifting drive source 31 extends or retracts, the first cam 38 rotates around the through hole 38a1, and the first shaft 37, with one end inserted into the through hole 38a1, rotates around its longitudinal axis. That is, the linear motion of the rod 33 of the lifting drive source 31 is converted into rotational motion by the first cam 38 and transmitted to the first shaft 37. As the first shaft 37 rotates, the arm 25 rotates integrally with the first shaft 37, causing the stirring shaft 23 and stirring blades 24 of the agitator 2 to move up and down relative to the processing tank 1.

[0024] In the above configuration of the elevator 3, the power generated by the lifting drive source 31 is transmitted to the agitator 2 via the first shaft 37. Since the lifting drive source 31 can be positioned at a distance from the agitator 2, it is easy to cover the lifting drive source 31 with the shielding material 4. In this embodiment, at least a part of the first shaft 37 is exposed to the outside, but since the first shaft 37 has a simpler shape and structure compared to the lifting drive source 31 and is easy to clean, any splashes of the material to be processed or cleaning liquid that adhere to it can be easily removed.

[0025] The tilting machine 5 is equipped with a tilting drive source 51 and tilts the processing tank 1. In this embodiment, the tilting drive source 51 is a hydraulic cylinder, and as shown in Figures 3 and 4, it is configured so that a rod 52 can extend and retract relative to the cylinder body 53 by supplying oil. Note that other power cylinders such as electric cylinders and air cylinders may be used as the tilting drive source 51. The tilting drive source 51 is installed on the frame 7 via a base plate 73 using a fixing member 54. Here, the tilting drive source 51 is mounted to the fixing member 54 so as to be rotatable within a predetermined angular range around a connecting shaft 55 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tilting drive source 51.

[0026] The tilting drive source 51 is covered by a shielding material 4 on at least the side facing the processing tank 1. Preferably, the upper side of the tilting drive source 51 is further covered by the shielding material 4. In this embodiment, the sides and upper side of the tilting drive source 51, including the side facing the processing tank 1, are covered by the shielding material 4. In this embodiment, the sides of the tilting drive source 51 refer to the front, rear, left, and right sides of the tilting drive source 51. This configuration prevents splashes of the material to be processed generated during stirring and splashes of cleaning liquid generated during cleaning of the processing tank 1 from adhering to the tilting drive source 51. In this embodiment, the upper side and the sides including the side facing the processing tank 1 are covered by the shielding material 4, and the tilting drive source 51 is housed in the space 41 in any state from when the rod 52 is maximally retracted relative to the cylinder body 53 to when it is maximally extended.

[0027] The tilting machine 5 of this embodiment further comprises a second shaft 56 and a second cam 57. The second shaft 56 is arranged along the left-right direction, with one end connected to the support member 14b and the other end connected to the tilting drive source 51 via the second cam 57.

[0028] As shown in Figure 6, the second cam 57 comprises an annular first portion 57a ​​with a through hole 57a1 formed therein, and a second portion 57b extending from the first portion 57a. One end of the second shaft 56 is inserted through the through hole 57a1 of the first portion 57a, and the tip of the rod 52 of the tilting drive source 51 is connected to a hinge portion 57c provided at the end of the second portion 57b. In this configuration, when the rod 52 of the tilting drive source 51 extends or retracts, the second cam 57 rotates around the through hole 57a1, and the second shaft 56, with one end inserted into the through hole 57a1, rotates around its axis of rotation along its longitudinal direction. When the second shaft 56 rotates, the support member 14b rotates integrally with the second shaft 56, causing the processing tank 1 to tilt.

[0029] In the configuration of the tilting machine 5 described above, the power generated by the tilting drive source 51 is transmitted to the processing tank 1 via the second shaft 56. Since the tilting drive source 51 can be positioned at a distance from the processing tank 1, it is easy to cover the tilting drive source 51 with the shielding material 4. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tilting drive source 51 and the lifting drive source 31 are housed in the same space 41 defined by the shielding material 4, making the processing device 100 compact.

[0030] The control device 6 controls the above-mentioned components based on detection signals from sensors in the processing tank 1 and the elapsed time since the start of processing. Specifically, the control device 6 controls the stirring drive device 21, the lifting drive source 31, and the tilting drive source 51, as well as controlling the supply of steam to the steam chamber of the processing tank 1.

[0031] The control device 6 can be specifically configured as an information processing device equipped with a CPU, memory (e.g., flash memory), an input unit, and an output unit. The processing performed by the control device 6, configured as an information processing device, is carried out by the CPU reading and executing a program stored in memory. Examples of information processing devices include a personal computer, a PLC (programmable logic controller), or a microcontroller. However, some functions of the control device 6 may be configured to be executed on a cloud connected by any means of communication.

[0032] 2. Shaft cover 8 The configuration of the shaft cover 8 will be described with reference to Figures 7A to 9. Figure 7A is a plan view of the processing apparatus 100, and Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of area A in Figure 7A along line BB. Figure 8 is an enlarged view of area C in Figure 7B. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the shaft cover 8.

[0033] The shaft cover 8 covers at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the first shaft 37. In this embodiment, the shaft cover 8 covers a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the first shaft 37 that is located outside the space 41 relative to the insertion hole 42, and also closes the insertion hole 42 of the shielding material 4. The shaft cover 8 comprises an inner cover 81 fixed to the shielding material 4, and an outer cover 85 that covers at least a portion of the inner cover 81 and is arranged to be rotatable integrally with the first shaft 37.

[0034] As shown in Figure 9, the inner cover 81 of this embodiment comprises a cylindrical portion 82, a fixed portion 83, and a flange portion 84. As shown in Figure 7B, the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 82 is set to be sufficiently larger than the outer diameter of the first shaft 37 so as not to obstruct the rotation of the first shaft 37. Furthermore, in order to more reliably close the insertion hole 42 of the shielding material 4, it is preferable to set the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 82 to be larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 42.

[0035] The flange portion 84 is provided at one end of the inner cover 81 so as to protrude radially outward from the first shaft 37. Specifically, it is provided so as to protrude radially outward from one end of the cylindrical portion 82.

[0036] The fixed portion 83 is provided so as to protrude radially outward from the other end of the cylindrical portion 82. The inner cover 81 can be fixed to the shielding material 4 by screwing or welding the fixed portion 83 to the shielding material 4.

[0037] The outer cover 85 of this embodiment comprises a fitting cylindrical portion 86 and a covering cylindrical portion 87. The fitting cylindrical portion 86 is provided with a clearance sufficient to allow it to be fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the first shaft 37, and is configured such that its inner diameter is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the first shaft 37. When the fitting cylindrical portion 86 is fitted to the first shaft 37, the outer cover 85 becomes able to rotate integrally with the first shaft 37.

[0038] The covering cylindrical portion 87 is provided so as to protrude radially outward from the fitting cylindrical portion 86 and covers the flange portion 84 of the inner cover 81 and at least a part of the cylindrical portion 82. Here, the outer cover 85 is not in contact with the inner cover 81, and a small gap is provided where it is close to the inner cover 81. Specifically, as shown in Figures 7B and 8, a gap G1 is provided where the covering cylindrical portion 87 and the flange portion 84 are close to each other, and a gap G2 is provided where the covering cylindrical portion 87 and the fixed portion 83 are close to each other. The size of the gap G1 along the axial direction of the first shaft 37 is preferably less than 1 mm, and the size of the gap G2 along the axial direction is preferably 1 to 3 mm.

[0039] In the above configuration, the shaft cover 8 closes the insertion hole 42, preventing splashes of the workpiece or cleaning fluid from entering through the insertion hole 42 and adhering to the lifting drive source 31 or the tilting drive source 51. It is difficult to form the insertion hole 42 of the shielding material 4 with high precision to match the outer diameter of the first shaft 37, and it is necessary to secure a relatively large clearance between the shielding material 4 and the outer surface of the first shaft 37 in order to ensure that the first shaft 37 can be reliably inserted. Such a relatively large clearance is difficult to close by embedding a member such as an O-ring. The shaft cover 8 of this embodiment can reliably close even an insertion hole 42 with a large clearance between it and the outer surface of the first shaft 37.

[0040] Furthermore, since the outer cover 85, which rotates integrally with the first shaft 37, does not come into contact with the inner cover 81, friction between the outer cover 85 and the inner cover 81 when the outer cover 85 rotates can be suppressed. In addition, the inner cover 81 is provided with a flange portion 84 that protrudes radially outward, and the flange portion 84 is covered by a covering cylindrical portion 87. As a result, even if gaps G1 and G2 are provided between the outer cover 85 and the inner cover 81, the structure prevents splashes of the workpiece or cleaning liquid from entering through the insertion hole 42.

[0041] 3. Operation of the processing unit 100 The operation of the processing apparatus 100, particularly the operation when the agitator 2 is raised and lowered by the elevator 3 and when the processing tank 1 is tilted by the tilter 5, will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3, 4, 10, and 11. Figure 10 is a rear view of the processing apparatus 100 with the agitator 2 raised, and Figure 11 is a right view of the processing apparatus 100 with the processing tank 1 tilted. For the sake of visibility, the control device 6 is omitted in Figures 10 and 11, and only the outer edge of the shielding material 4 is shown by a dashed line.

[0042] When introducing the material to be processed into the processing tank 1 through the opening 15, the agitator 2 is raised relative to the processing tank 1 so that the agitator blades 24 are extended outside the processing tank 1, as shown in Figure 10. In this state, the lifting drive source 31 has its rod 33 extended to its maximum extent relative to the cylinder body 34. The processing tank 1 is not tilted, and the opening surface is kept horizontal along the horizontal plane. In this state, the tilting drive source 51 has its rod 52 retracted to its maximum extent relative to the cylinder body 53, as shown in Figure 3.

[0043] After the materials to be processed have been added, processing begins. Under the control of the control device 6, steam is supplied to the steam chamber of the processing tank 1, and the materials to be processed are heated and cooked. At this time, in order to agitate the materials to be processed, the agitator 2 is lowered relative to the processing tank 1, and the agitator blades 24 are positioned inside the processing tank 1 as shown in Figure 4. Specifically, the lifting drive source 31 is activated, and the rod 33 is retracted relative to the cylinder body 34. As the rod 33 retracts, the first cam 38 and the first shaft 37 rotate, and the agitator 2 connected to the first shaft 37 descends, positioning the agitator blades 24 inside the processing tank 1. In this state, the lifting drive source 31 is in a state where the rod 33 is retracted to its maximum extent relative to the cylinder body 34. The lifting drive source 31 rotates around the connecting shaft 36 in conjunction with the rotation of the first cam 38 when the rod 33 extends and retracts. After the agitator 2 has finished descending, the agitation drive device 21 is activated to perform agitation.

[0044] When processing is complete and the processed material is to be removed from the processing tank 1, the agitator 2 is raised relative to the processing tank 1 so that the stirring blades 24 are removed from the processing tank 1, as shown in Figure 10. Specifically, the lifting drive source 31 is activated to extend the rod 33 relative to the cylinder body 34. As the rod 33 extends, the first cam 38 and the first shaft 37 rotate in the opposite direction to when the rod 33 is retracted, causing the agitator 2 connected to the first shaft 37 to rise and the stirring blades 24 to be removed from the processing tank 1.

[0045] Furthermore, the processing tank 1 is tilted so that the opening surface is tilted at a predetermined angle (90° in Figure 8) relative to the horizontal plane, as shown in Figure 11. This allows the material to be processed in the processing tank 1 to be transferred to a container (not shown) placed directly below the opening 15. Specifically, the tilting drive source 51 is activated to extend the rod 52 relative to the cylinder body 53. As the rod 52 extends, the second cam 57 and the second shaft 56 rotate, causing the support member 14b to rotate and the processing tank 1 to tilt. The tilting drive source 51 rotates around the connecting shaft 55 in conjunction with the rotation of the second cam 57 when the rod 52 extends or retracts.

[0046] When the removal of the material to be processed is complete and the processing tank 1 is returned to a horizontal position, the tilting drive source 51 is activated again to retract the rod 52 relative to the cylinder body 53. As the rod 52 retracts, the second cam 57 and the second shaft 56 rotate in the opposite direction to when the rod 52 is extended, causing the support member 14b to rotate and the processing tank 1 to return to a horizontal position as shown in Figure 3.

[0047] During the raising and lowering process of the agitator 2, the upper side and the side facing the treatment tank 1 of the lifting drive source 31 are always covered by the shielding material 4, regardless of the extension and retraction state of the rod 33. Similarly, during the tilting process of the treatment tank 1, the upper side and the side facing the treatment tank 1 of the tilting drive source 51 are always covered by the shielding material 4, regardless of the extension and retraction state of the rod 52. Even if the material to be treated or the cleaning solution is scattered from the treatment tank 1 side, the presence of the shielding material 4 prevents it from adhering to each drive source 31 and 51.

[0048] Furthermore, the raising and lowering of the agitator 2 may be performed not only at the start of processing and when the material to be processed is removed, but also in parallel with the processing. For example, in order to improve the stirring efficiency, the agitator 2 may be repeatedly moved up and down during the processing of the material to be processed. In this case, it is preferable to move the agitator up and down by a relatively small distance so that the stirring blades 24 remain in contact with the processing tank 1.

[0049] 4. Other Embodiments The present invention can also be implemented in the following embodiments.

[0050] In the above embodiment, power cylinders were used as the lifting drive source 31 and the tilting drive source 51, but the configuration of each drive source is not limited to these. For example, each drive source may be configured using a motor. In this case, gears may be used instead of the first cam 38 and the second cam 57, and the power generated by each drive source may be transmitted to the first shaft 37 and the second shaft 56, respectively, via the gears. Alternatively, the rotational motion of the motor may be transmitted directly to the first shaft 37 and the second shaft 56. Furthermore, a motor and a reduction gear may be used in combination as needed.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the processing device 100 is provided with a lifting drive source 31 and a tilting drive source 51, and the shielding material 4 covers the lifting drive source 31 and the tilting drive source 51. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the shielding material 4 may cover only the lifting drive source 31. Alternatively, the processing device 100 may not include a tilting mechanism 5 that includes the tilting drive source 51.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the lifting drive source 31 and the agitator 2 are connected via the first shaft 37 and the first cam 38, but the connection method between the lifting drive source 31 and the agitator 2 is not limited to this. For example, the lifting drive source 31 and the agitator 2 may be directly connected, and the upper side of the lifting drive source 31 and the side facing the processing tank 1 may be covered with a shielding material 4.

[0053] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1: Treatment tank 2: Agitator 3: Elevator 4: Shielding material 5:Tilt machine 6: Control device 7: Frame 8: Shaft cover 11: Jacket 12: Steam inlet 13: Drain socket 14a: Support member 14b: Support member 15: Opening 21: Stirring drive device 21a: Housing 22: Rotating disc 23: Stirring shaft 24: Agitation blade 25: Arm 31: Drive source for lifting 32: Motor 33: Rod 34: Cylinder body 35: Fixing member 36: Connecting shaft 37: First shaft 38: First Cam 38a: 1st part 38a1 :Through hole 38b :Second part 39: Bearing 41: Space 42: Through hole 51: Drive source for tilting 52: Rod 53: Cylinder body 54: Fixing member 55: Connecting shaft 56: Second shaft 57: Second Cam 57a :1st part 57a1: Through hole 57b :Second part 57c: Hinge section 71: Stand 1 72: Stand 2 73: Base plate 81: Inner cover 82: Cylindrical section 83: Fixed part 84: Flange section 85: Outer cover 86: Fitting cylindrical part 87: Covered cylindrical part 100: Processing unit G1: Gap G2: Gap

Claims

1. Apparatus for processing a workpiece, It comprises a processing tank, a stirrer, a lifting mechanism, and a shielding material. The processing tank is configured to accommodate the object to be processed, The agitator is configured to agitate the material to be treated in the treatment tank. The elevator is equipped with a shaft and a drive source for lifting and lowering, and is configured to raise and lower the agitator by rotating around the shaft. The apparatus comprises a shielding material that always covers at least the upper side of the lifting drive source and the side facing the processing tank, regardless of the lifting state of the agitator.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, Equipped with a tilting mechanism, The tilting machine is equipped with a tilting drive source and is configured to tilt the processing tank, The shielding material covers at least the side of the tilting drive source facing the processing tank, in the processing apparatus.

3. Apparatus for processing a workpiece, It comprises a processing tank, a stirrer, a lifter, a tilter, and a shielding material. The processing tank is configured to accommodate the object to be processed, The agitator is configured to agitate the material to be treated in the treatment tank. The elevator is equipped with a shaft and a drive source for lifting and lowering, and is configured to raise and lower the agitator by rotating around the shaft. The tilting machine is equipped with a tilting drive source and is configured to tilt the processing tank, The processing apparatus comprises a shielding material that covers at least the upper side and the side facing the processing tank of the lifting drive source, and at least the side facing the processing tank of the tilting drive source.

4. A processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The elevator is equipped with the shaft as a connecting member that penetrates the shielding material and is connected to the agitator. The lifting drive source is a processing device that transmits power to the agitator via the connecting member.

5. Apparatus for processing a workpiece, It comprises a processing tank, a stirrer, a lifting mechanism, and a shielding material. The processing tank is configured to accommodate the object to be processed, The agitator is configured to agitate the material to be treated in the treatment tank. The elevator is equipped with a shaft as a connecting member that penetrates the shielding material and is connected to the agitator, and is equipped with a drive source for raising and lowering, and is configured to raise and lower the agitator by rotating around the shaft. The aforementioned lifting drive source transmits power to the agitator via the shaft, The shielding material covers at least the upper side of the lifting drive source and the side facing the processing tank, in the processing apparatus.

6. The processing apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5, The elevator is equipped with a power transmission member, The power transmission member is configured to transmit the power generated by the lifting drive source to the shaft, thereby rotating the shaft. The agitator is configured to move up and down by the rotation of the shaft, in a processing device.

7. The processing apparatus according to claim 6, At least a portion of the outer surface of the shaft is covered by a shaft cover. The shaft cover comprises an outer cover and an inner cover. The outer cover covers at least one end of the inner cover and is arranged to be rotatable integrally with the shaft. The inner cover is fixed to the shielding material, and the apparatus is a processing device.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, A processing apparatus is provided in which one end of the inner cover is provided with a flange portion that protrudes radially outward from the shaft.

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