Conveying device and cleaning system

Abstract

To provide a transport device that is improved in maintainability, and to provide a washing system.SOLUTION: A carry table 3 includes: a base 10 including a rail 15 which extends along a transport direction in which a dish rack R is transported and on which a rack is placed and a base surface 10a on which the rail 15 is disposed; a transport mechanism 11 for transporting the dish rack R along the transport direction; a housing 12 for housing the transport mechanism 11, disposed on one side in a width direction orthogonal to the transport direction on the base 10, and positioned upward of the base 10 so as to form a space S between the housing and the base 10; and a step part 16 for preventing water from flowing into a region downward of the housing 12 on the base 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device and a cleaning system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cleaning system including a preliminary cleaning machine for cleaning an object to be cleaned, a conveying device for carrying a rack for accommodating the object to be cleaned into the preliminary cleaning machine, a main cleaning machine for cleaning the object to be cleaned that has been cleaned by the preliminary cleaning machine, an inter-device conveying device for carrying the rack unloaded from the preliminary cleaning machine into the main cleaning machine, and a rack storage unit for storing the rack unloaded from the main cleaning machine.

[0003] The conveying device includes a base having a sliding portion along which the rack is conveyed and on which the rack is placed, and a base surface on which the sliding portion is disposed, a conveying mechanism for conveying the rack along the conveying direction, and a housing that houses the conveying mechanism and is disposed on one side in the width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction on the base and is located above the base so as to form a space between the housing and the base.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The racks placed on the conveying device contain items to be washed that may have food residue or other contaminants attached to them. As a result, food residue and other contaminants may remain on the base surface of the conveying device. Therefore, as part of maintenance to maintain the hygiene of the conveying device, the base surface is washed with water to remove food residue and other contaminants. Because the space between the base and the housing is not wide, if water (including food residue and other contaminants) enters the area below the housing on the base, it becomes difficult to remove (wipe away) the water. Thus, if water enters the area below the housing on the base, the work of removing that water can become a burden on the worker.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a conveying device and a cleaning system that can improve maintainability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The conveying device according to the present invention is a conveying device for transporting a rack containing an object to be washed into a washing machine for washing an object to be washed, and comprises a base having a sliding part that extends along the conveying direction in which the rack is transported and on which the rack is placed, and a base surface on which the sliding part is arranged, a conveying mechanism for transporting the rack along the conveying direction, a housing that houses the conveying mechanism and is arranged on one side of the base in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, and is located above the base so as to form a space between itself and the base, and a restraining part that prevents liquid from flowing into the area below the housing on the base.

[0008] The conveying device according to the present invention is equipped with a retaining part that prevents liquid from flowing into the area below the housing on the base. As a result, when the base of the conveying device is washed with water, water is prevented from entering the area below the housing on the base. Therefore, the conveying device does not require the work of removing water that has entered the area below the housing on the base, thus improving maintainability.

[0009] (2) In the conveying device described in (1) above, the restraining part may be provided in the area below the housing on the base and may have a stepped surface that forms a step with respect to the base surface and extends along the conveying direction. In this configuration, since the restraining part has a stepped surface that is stepped with respect to the base surface, it is possible to prevent water flowing on the base surface from entering the area below the housing on the base.

[0010] (3) In the transport device described in (2) above, the restraining unit has a first stepped surface that forms a step with respect to the base surface and a second stepped surface that forms a step with respect to the first stepped surface, and the height position of the second stepped surface may be higher than the height position of the first stepped surface. In this configuration, since the height position of the first stepped surface is lower than the height position of the second stepped surface, it is possible to avoid the restraining unit being located on the movement path of the transport mechanism. Furthermore, by making the height position of the second stepped surface higher than the height position of the first stepped surface, it is possible to more reliably prevent water flowing on the base surface from entering the area below the housing on the base.

[0011] (4) In the transport device described in (2) above, the restraining part may have an inclined surface that is continuous with the base surface and inclined upward with respect to the base surface, and a stepped surface that is continuous with the upper end of the inclined surface. In this configuration, since the inclined surface is continuous with the base surface, it is possible to avoid the restraining part being located on the movement path of the transport mechanism. In addition, by having a stepped surface that is continuous with the upper end of the inclined surface, it is possible to more reliably prevent water flowing on the base surface from entering the area below the housing on the base.

[0012] (5) In the conveying device described in (1) above, the restraining part may be configured such that the base surface is inclined in the conveying area where the rack is conveyed. In this configuration, when the base is washed with water, water containing food residue etc. flows along the inclination of the base surface. This prevents water from entering the area below the housing on the base when the base is washed with water.

[0013] (6) In the conveying device described in (5) above, the base surface may be inclined downward toward the washing machine in the conveying direction. In this configuration, water on the base surface is discharged into the washing machine.

[0014] (7) In the conveying device described in (1) above, the restraining part is a groove provided along the conveying direction in the area below the housing on the base, and the groove may have a bottom surface positioned at a height lower than the base surface of the base, and a drain hole provided on the bottom surface. In this configuration, when the base is washed with water, the water that flows to the area below the housing on the base flows into the groove and is discharged from the drain hole. Therefore, it is possible to prevent water flowing on the base surface from entering the area below the housing on the base.

[0015] (8) In the conveying device described in (1) above, the restraining part is a recess provided in the conveying area on which the rack is conveyed, and the recess may have a bottom surface positioned at a height lower than the base surface of the base, and a drain hole provided on the bottom surface. In this configuration, when the base is washed with water, the water flows into the recess and is discharged from the drain hole. Therefore, it is possible to prevent water flowing on the base surface from entering the area below the housing on the base.

[0016] (9) In the conveying device described in (1) above, the restraining unit may supply water to the base surface of the base along the conveying direction. In this configuration, the water supplied to the base surface flows along the conveying direction, so that food residue and the like on the base can be removed. In addition, since the water supplied from the supply unit flows along the conveying direction, it is possible to prevent the water flowing on the base surface from entering the area below the housing on the base.

[0017] (10) The cleaning system according to the present invention comprises a cleaning machine for cleaning objects to be cleaned, and one of the conveying devices (1) to (9) for loading racks containing objects to be cleaned into the cleaning machine.

[0018] The cleaning system according to the present invention includes the above-mentioned conveying device. Therefore, the cleaning system can be made more maintainable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, maintainability can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the whole of a cleaning system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2(A) is a front view of a carrier table, and FIG. 2(B) is a plan view of the carrier table. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a pre-cleaning machine and a main cleaning machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a transfer device between apparatuses. [Figure 5] FIG. 5(A) is a side view of a lift device as viewed from the wagon side, and FIG. 5(B) is a side view of the lift device as viewed from the main cleaning machine side. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a storage shelf. [Figure 7] FIG. 7(A) is a plan view showing an unloading device, and FIG. 7(B) is a perspective view showing the unloading device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a partially enlarged view of a carrier table according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the carrier table shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a carrier table according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a view showing a part of a carrier table according to a third embodiment in cross-section. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a part of a carrier table according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a part of a carrier table according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a partially enlarged view of a part of a carrier table according to a sixth embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. The dimensional ratios in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to those in the description. In the following description, the directions defined in Figure 1 (up and down direction, front and back direction, left and right direction) will be used for explanation.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the washing system 1 comprises a carry table (transport device) 3, a pre-washer 2A, an inter-device transport device 4, a main washing machine 2B, a lift device 5, a storage shelf 6, and a discharge device 7. In the washing system 1, the carry table 3 and the pre-washer 2A are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction, while the pre-washer 2A, the inter-device transport device 4, the main washing machine 2B, the lift device 5, and the storage shelf 6 are arranged side by side in the left-to-right direction. In the washing system 1, the carry table 3, the pre-washer 2A, the inter-device transport device 4, the main washing machine 2B, the lift device 5, and the storage shelf 6 are arranged in an L-shape in a plan view so that the dish rack R containing the dishes D moves from the front to the rear, and then from the right to the left.

[0023] The carry table 3 transports the dish rack (rack) R, which contains the dishes (items to be washed) D, to the pre-washer 2A. As shown in Figures 1, 2(A), and 2(B), the carry table 3 includes a base 10, a transport mechanism 11, a housing 12, a first sensor 13A, a second sensor 13B, and a main controller 14.

[0024] The base 10 is a table on which the dish rack R is placed. The base 10 has a base surface 10a on which the dish rack R is placed. The base 10 is provided with rails (sliding parts) 15 that protrude from the base surface 10a and extend along the transport direction (left-right direction) of the dish rack R, allowing the dish rack R to slide. The rails 15 are made up of plate-shaped members, for example, made of polyacetal resin, and are fixed to the base surface 10a by screws or the like.

[0025] The arm member 11A is a member that pushes out the dish rack R and is supported by a support member 11B so as to be rotatable on the base surface 10a. The support member 11B is provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction along a guide rail (not shown) arranged parallel to the chain 11C and is fixedly connected to a part of the chain 11C. The chains 11C, 11C are wound around two sprockets 11D, 11D. The drive unit 11E is, for example, a gear motor. One of the sprockets 11D is pivotally supported on the rotation axis of the drive unit 11E.

[0026] The arm member 11A is fixed to the support part 11B via a torsion spring (not shown) so that its tip can rotate between a state where the tip of the arm member 11A faces the right side of the carry table 3 and a state where it faces the front side of the carry table 3. The torsion spring biases the arm member 11A in a counterclockwise (leftward) direction in a plan view. That is, the torsion spring biases the arm member 11A in a direction where it extends out of the housing 12. The arm member 11A is designed to extend into the extension area on the base surface 10a, which is outside the housing 12, as long as it does not come into contact with a restricting member such as a shutter (not shown) due to the action of the torsion spring.

[0027] The arm member 11A rotates in the left-right direction when the carry table 3 is viewed from the front, in conjunction with the sprocket 11D and chain 11C driven by the drive unit 11E. When transporting the dish rack R, the arm member 11A extends from inside the housing 12 onto the base surface 10a, and retracts into the housing 12 when in standby mode. More specifically, the arm member 11A extends onto the base surface 10a when the dish rack R on the base surface 10a is detected by the first sensor 13A, or when the start button B2 is pressed.

[0028] The arm member 11A pushes the dish rack R toward the pre-washer 2A. A bearing (not shown) may be provided at the tip of the arm member 11A, i.e., the part that contacts the dish rack R. Once the dish rack R has been transported to the pre-washer 2A, the arm member 11A returns to a standby position which is part of the retraction area inside the housing 12.

[0029] The housing 12 is positioned behind the base 10 when the carry table 3 is viewed from the front, and protrudes above the base surface 10a of the base 10. The housing 12 houses the transport mechanism 11. The housing 12 is positioned on one side of the base 10 in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction. The housing 12 is positioned above the base 10 so as to form a space S between it and the base 10. The housing 12 houses an emergency stop button B1, a start button B2, and a lamp LP. The housing 12 also houses an operation panel CP.

[0030] The second sensor 13B detects obstacles located on the track (movement path) of the front part of the door 23 on the carry table 3 side, between the closed and open positions of the door 23 of the pre-washer 2A. In other words, the second sensor 13B detects obstacles located at the opening on the carry table 3 side of the washing chamber 21 of the pre-washer 2A. Obstacles include, for example, dish racks R. The second sensor 13B is located in the housing 12 on the downstream side (left end side of the housing 12) in the transport direction of the dish rack R. When the second sensor 13B detects an obstacle, it outputs a detection signal to the main controller 14.

[0031] The main controller 14 controls the overall operation of the cleaning system 1, including the carry table 3. The main controller 14 includes an input / output interface for inputting and outputting signals to and from the outside, a storage medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and information for processing, a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and communication circuits. Based on signals output by the CPU, the main controller 14 stores input data in the RAM, loads a program (control program) stored in the ROM into the RAM, and executes the program loaded into the RAM to perform various processes. For example, the main controller 14 controls the operation of the carry table 3, the opening and closing of the doors 23 in the pre-cleaning machine 2A and the main cleaning machine 2B (driving operation of drive mechanisms 39 and 76), the transport operation of the inter-device transport device 4, the operation of the lift device 5, and the operation of the unloading device 7. The main controller 14 is housed, for example, in a housing 12.

[0032] The main controller 14 stops the operation of the drive motor 76A of the drive mechanism 76 if an obstacle is detected by the second sensor 13B. The main controller 14 stops the operation of the drive mechanism 76 if it receives a detection signal from the second sensor 13B while the door 23 is moving toward the closed position, that is, while the door 23 is descending (while the drive motor 76A is operating).

[0033] If the main controller 14 detects that the door 71 (described later) of the inter-device transfer device 4 is open using the door sensor 77 (described later), it stops the operation of the motor 93 (described later) of the discharge device 7. If the main controller 14 detects an obstacle using the sensor 66 (described later) of the lift device 5, it stops the operation of the drive motor 60 (described later) of the drive mechanism 39. If the stop button 68 of the lift device 5 is pressed, the main controller 14 stops the operation of the lift device 5.

[0034] When the emergency stop button B1 is pressed, the main controller 14 illuminates lamp LP and lamp 67 of the lift device 5. When the door sensor 77 of the inter-device transport device 4 detects that the door 71 is open, the main controller 14 simultaneously flashes lamp LP and lamp 67 of the lift device 5 at the first flashing speed. When the sensor 66 of the lift device 5 detects an obstacle, the main controller 14 alternately flashes lamp LP and lamp 67 of the lift device 5 at the first flashing speed.

[0035] When the hand-hold sensor 57 of the storage shelf 6 detects the presence of an object in the opening on the front side of each shelf, the main controller 14 simultaneously flashes lamp LP and the lamp 67 of the lift device 5 at the second flashing speed. The second flashing speed is faster than the first flashing speed. When the stop button 68 of the lift device 5 is pressed, the main controller 14 alternately flashes lamp LP and the lamp 67 of the lift device 5 at the second flashing speed. In this way, the main controller 14 controls the operation pattern of lamp LP and the lamp 67 of the lift device 5 based on the sensor detection results, etc. Therefore, by checking the operation pattern of lamp LP and the lamp 67 of the lift device 5, the operator can quickly confirm what is happening in the cleaning system 1.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, the pre-washer 2A is located to the left of the carry table 3, adjacent to the carry table 3. The pre-washer 2A is a washing machine provided to wash away any food residue adhering to the surface of the dishes D prior to washing the dishes D in the main washing machine 2B. In other words, the pre-washer 2A is a washing machine that performs the pre-washing of the dishes D that would otherwise have been done manually in a pre-immersion tank or the like. The pre-washer 2A washes the dishes stored in the dish rack R. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the pre-washer 2A has a washing machine body 20 covered with stainless steel panels. The washing machine body 20 is divided into an upper part 20A in which a washing chamber 21 is formed, and a lower part 20B in which a machine room 22 is formed.

[0037] The upper part 20A of the washing machine body 20 is provided with a box-shaped door 23 for opening and closing the washing chamber 21. The door 23 is connected to a connecting member 76C (see Figure 4), which will be described in detail later. The connecting member 76C is driven by a drive motor 76A controlled by the main controller 14. Driven by the drive motor 76A, the door 23 moves between a closed position (shown in Figure 3), which is at its lowest height in the vertical direction and closes the washing chamber 21, and an open position (shown in Figure 1), which is at its highest height in the vertical direction and opens the washing chamber 21.

[0038] A rack rail 25 on which the dish rack R is placed is detachably arranged inside the washing chamber 21. The dish rack R, which is being transported from the carry table 3 to the pre-washer 2A, is pushed onto the rack rail 25. An upper washing nozzle 26A consisting of three radially extending arms and an upper rinsing nozzle 27A consisting of two arms are rotatably arranged in the upper part of the washing chamber 21. Similarly, a lower washing nozzle 26B consisting of three radially extending arms and a lower rinsing nozzle 27B consisting of two arms are rotatably arranged in the lower part of the washing chamber 21. Washing water is sprayed from above and below by the upper washing nozzle 26A and the lower washing nozzle 26B on the dishes arranged in the dish rack R, and rinsing water is sprayed from above and below by the upper rinsing nozzle 27A and the lower rinsing nozzle 27B.

[0039] A cleaning pump 29 is connected to the cleaning water tank 28 via a cleaning water intake. A cleaning water discharge pipe 30 is connected to the discharge port of the cleaning pump 29. The cleaning water discharge pipe 30 branches into a first cleaning water discharge pipe 30A and a second cleaning water discharge pipe 30B. The first cleaning water discharge pipe 30A is connected to the upper cleaning nozzle 26A, and the second cleaning water discharge pipe 30B is connected to the lower cleaning nozzle 26B.

[0040] Inside the machine room 22 is a rinse water tank 31, which is supplied with rinse water from the outside via a water supply pipe (not shown). A rinse pump 33 is connected to the rinse water tank 31 via a rinse water suction pipe 32. A rinse water discharge pipe 34 is connected to the discharge port of the rinse pump 33. The rinse water discharge pipe 34 branches into a first rinse water discharge pipe 34A and a second rinse water discharge pipe 34B. The first rinse water discharge pipe 34A is connected to the upper rinse nozzle 27A, and the second rinse water discharge pipe 34B is connected to the lower rinse nozzle 27B. The first rinse water discharge pipe 34A is located inside the first wash water discharge pipe 30A. In other words, the first wash water discharge pipe 30A and the first rinse water discharge pipe 34A form a double-pipe structure.

[0041] A cleaning pump 29 is connected to the cleaning water tank 28 via a cleaning water intake. A cleaning water discharge pipe 30 is connected to the discharge port of the cleaning pump 29. The cleaning water discharge pipe 30 branches into a first cleaning water discharge pipe 30A and a second cleaning water discharge pipe 30B. The first cleaning water discharge pipe 30A is connected to the upper cleaning nozzle 26A, and the second cleaning water discharge pipe 30B is connected to the lower cleaning nozzle 26B.

[0042] The machine room 22 houses an electrical box (not shown) containing a controller 35 that controls the overall operation of the pre-washing machine 2A.

[0043] The pre-washer 2A is equipped with a heat exchange unit 36. The heat exchange unit 36 ​​condenses the water vapor discharged from the washing chamber 21 of the washing machine body 20 and discharges the air with a reduced water vapor content to the outside. The pre-washer 2A is equipped with four legs 37 that support the washing machine body 20.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1, the inter-machine transfer device 4 transports the dish racks R, which have been unloaded from the pre-washer 2A, into the main washer 2B. The inter-machine transfer device 4 is located adjacent to the left side of the pre-washer 2A. The inter-machine transfer device 4 is located between the pre-washer 2A and the main washer 2B in the left-right direction.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, the inter-device transfer device 4 comprises a main body 70, a door 71, a transfer arm 72, an arm drive unit 73, a transfer belt 74, a belt drive unit 75, a drive mechanism 76, and a door sensor 77.

[0046] The main body 70 forms the outer shape of the inter-device transfer device 4 and houses part or all of the transfer arm 72, arm drive unit 73, transfer belt 74, belt drive unit 75, and drive mechanism 76.

[0047] Door 71 is provided to open and close the front opening of the main body 70. Door 71 opens the space in the main body 70 where the conveyor belt 74 and the like are located. Door sensor 77 detects when door 71 is opened. The detection result of door sensor 77 is acquired by main controller 14.

[0048] The conveyor belt 74 transports the dish rack R, which is being discharged from the pre-washer 2A, toward the main washer 2B. The conveyor belt 74 is activated when a sensor (not shown) detects that the dish rack R has been discharged from the pre-washer 2A and that a portion of the dish rack R is positioned on the conveyor belt 74, and moves toward the main washer 2B. The conveyor belt 74 is driven by a belt drive unit 75. The belt drive unit 75 is, for example, a motor.

[0049] The conveying arm 72 pushes out the dish rack R by rotating around a pivot axis that extends in one direction. The conveying arm 72 rotates when driven by the arm drive unit 73, pushing the dish rack R, which is in a predetermined position, into the washing chamber 21 of the washing machine 2B. The arm drive unit 73 is, for example, a motor. The inter-device conveying device 4 has four legs that support the main body 70.

[0050] The drive mechanism 76 drives the door 23 of the pre-washer 2A to the closed and open positions. The drive mechanism 76 includes a drive motor 76A, a pair of sprockets (not shown), a chain (not shown), a slider 76B, a connecting member 76C, and a guide rail 76D.

[0051] The drive motor 76A is, for example, a gear motor. The drive motor 76A is located, for example, on top of the inter-device transfer device 4. The output shaft of the drive motor 76A is connected to the sprocket. The sprocket rotates driven by the chain in accordance with the rotation of the sprocket. The chain is stretched over a pair of sprockets.

[0052] Slider 76B is connected to a chain. Slider 76B moves vertically in accordance with the movement of the chain. Slider 76B is connected to a guide rail 76D that extends vertically and moves along the guide rail 76D. Connecting member 76C connects slider 76B to the door 23 of pre-washer 2A. Connecting member 76C extends in the front-rear direction. One end of connecting member 76C is fixed to slider 76B, and the other end of connecting member 76C is connected to the door 23 of pre-washer 2A via an axle pin (not shown). A support member (not shown) is provided on connecting member 76C. The support member is connected to connecting member 76C and the lower end of the door 23 of pre-washer 2A, and supports the door 23 from below when the door 23 of pre-washer 2A rises.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1, the washing machine 2B is located adjacent to the left side of the inter-device transfer device 4. The washing machine 2B washes the dishes stored in the dish rack R. The washing machine 2B washes the dishes that have been pre-washed by the pre-washing machine 2A. The configuration of the washing machine 2B is the same as that of the pre-washing machine 2A described above, except for the configuration described below, so only the differences will be detailed here. Specifically, the door 23 of the washing machine 2B is connected to a connecting member 64 (see Figures 5(A) and 5(B)), which will be described in detail later. The connecting member 64 is driven by a drive motor 60 controlled by the main controller 14. Driven by the drive motor 60, the door 23 moves between a closed position (shown in Figure 3) where it is at the lowest height in the vertical direction and closes the washing chamber 21, and an open position (shown in Figure 1) where it is at the highest height in the vertical direction and opens the washing chamber 21.

[0054] The washing machine 2B is equipped with a guard 38. The guard 38 is a member that closes the front opening formed by the door 23 when the door 23 opens the washing chamber 21.

[0055] The lifting device 5 is located to the left of the washing machine 2B, adjacent to the washing machine 2B. The lifting device 5 moves the dish rack R, which has been removed from the washing machine 2B, to a predetermined position on the storage shelf 6. As shown in Figures 5(A) and 5(B), the lifting device 5 comprises a main body 40, a lift 41, and a drive mechanism 39.

[0056] The main body 40 has a frame 40A and a pair of side sections 42A and 42B that are arranged opposite each other in the front-rear direction. The pair of side sections 42A and 42B are panel-shaped members. The main body 40 has openings on both sides in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the opposing direction of the pair of side sections 42A and 42B. The main body 40 is provided with a side section 42C that covers a part of the upper side of the opening on the washing machine 2B side. The lift device 5 has four legs 47 that support the main body 40.

[0057] The lift 41 moves vertically by a drive mechanism (not shown). The drive mechanism includes, for example, a drive motor, sprocket, chain, etc. The lift 41 has belts 43A and 43B for transporting the dish rack R to the storage shelf 6. When washing by the washing machine 2B is completed, the lift 41 is waiting at the same height as the rack rail 25 (see Figure 3) of the washing machine 2B. When the sensor 44 detects that the dish rack R has been transported out of the washing machine 2B and that a portion of the dish rack R is positioned on the lift 41, the lift 41 activates belts 43A and 43B to take in the dish rack R.

[0058] When the lift 41 takes in the dish rack R, it moves the dish rack R to a shelf (tier) in the storage shelf 6 that does not currently contain the dish rack R. The lift 41 then operates belts 43A and 43B to send the dish rack R into the storage shelf 6. The availability of space on each shelf of the storage shelf 6 is detected by sensors (not shown) provided on the lift device 5, for example, on the top and bottom plates, or by sensors (not shown) provided on the lift 41.

[0059] The drive mechanism 39 drives the door 23 of the washing machine 2B to the closed and open positions. The drive mechanism 39 includes a drive motor 60, a pair of sprockets (not shown), a chain (not shown), a slider 63, and a connecting member 64. The drive mechanism 39 is located on the rear side of the lifting device 5. The drive motor 60 is, for example, a gear motor. The drive motor 60 is located, for example, on the top of the lifting device 5. The operation of the drive motor 60 is controlled by the main controller 14 of the carry table 3. The output shaft of the drive motor 60 is connected to the sprocket. The sprocket rotates driven by the chain in accordance with the rotation of the sprocket. The chain is stretched over the pair of sprockets.

[0060] The slider 63 is connected to a chain. The slider 63 moves vertically in accordance with the movement of the chain. The slider 63 is connected to a guide rail 65 that extends vertically and moves along the guide rail 65. A connecting member 64 connects the slider 63 to the door 23 of the cleaning machine 2B. The connecting member 64 extends in the front-rear direction. One end of the connecting member 64 is fixed to the slider 63, and the other end of the connecting member 64 is connected to the door 23 of the cleaning machine 2B via an axle pin (not shown). The connecting member 64 is provided with a support member (not shown). The support member is connected to the connecting member 64 and the lower end of the door 23 of the cleaning machine 2B, and supports the door 23 from below when the door 23 of the cleaning machine 2B rises.

[0061] The lifting device 5 is equipped with a sensor 66 that detects obstacles located at the front opening of the washing chamber 21 of the washing machine 2B. When the sensor 66 detects an obstacle, it outputs a detection signal to the main controller 14.

[0062] The lifting device 5 is equipped with a lamp 67 that indicates that dish racks R are stored on all shelves of the storage shelf 6. The lamp 67 is located at the front of the lifting device 5. The lifting device 5 is also equipped with a stop button 68 that stops the operation of the lifting device 5.

[0063] As shown in Figure 1, the storage shelf 6 is located to the left of the lift device 5, adjacent to the lift device 5. As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the storage shelf 6 can accommodate multiple (six in this embodiment) dish racks R. The dish racks R are housed in the storage shelf 6 by the lift device 5. The storage shelf 6 is detachably attached to the lift device 5. As shown in Figure 6, the storage shelf 6 has a main body 50.

[0064] The main body 50 comprises a frame 50A, a rear section 50B located on the rear side in the front-rear direction, a left section 50C located on the left side in the left-right direction, a top section 50F, a bottom section 50G, and leg sections 50H. The rear section 50B is a panel-shaped member made of stainless steel or the like. The main body 50 is open on the right side in the horizontal direction (lift device 5 side). The leg sections 50H are provided at the four corners of the bottom section 50G.

[0065] The storage shelf 6 of this embodiment is provided with three (or more) shelf sections 53. Each shelf section 53 is configured to accommodate two or more (for example, two) dish racks R. Each of the multiple shelf sections 53 is formed by a shelf unit 54. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the shelf unit 54 has a frame 55 and a plurality of support rollers 56.

[0066] The frame 55 rotatably supports the support rollers 56 at both ends of the multiple support rollers 56. When the shelf unit 54 is fixed to the main body 50, the frame 55 extends in the left-right direction and is positioned in front of and behind the storage shelf 6.

[0067] Multiple support rollers 56 support the dish rack R from below and are arranged in multiples along the loading direction (left-right direction). Both ends of the multiple support rollers 56 are rotatably supported by a pair of frames 55, 55.

[0068] The storage shelf 6 is equipped with a hand-holding sensor 57 that detects the presence of an object in the opening on the front side of each shelf. An example of a hand-holding sensor 57 is a reflective photoelectric sensor. Examples of reflective photoelectric sensors include types that detect by receiving reflected light from the detected object, and types that detect when the detected object blocks the light returning from a reflector. The detection results of the hand-holding sensor 57 are acquired by the main controller 14. This allows the main controller 14 to understand the situation, such as which shelf section 53 has a worker's hand in it.

[0069] As shown in Figure 1, the unloading device 7 pushes out the dish rack R that has been loaded into the pre-washing machine 2A and unloads it into the inter-device transfer device 4. As shown in Figure 7(A), the unloading device 7 is located on the front of the right side of the pre-washing machine 2A. As shown in Figure 7(B), the unloading device 7 has an arm 91, a motor 93, and a regulating unit 96.

[0070] The arm 91 pushes out the dish rack R by rotating around a pivot shaft 91A that extends in one direction. The dish rack R pushed out by the arm 91 slides along the rack rail 25 and is transported from the pre-washer 2A to the inter-device transport device 4. The arm 91 is rotatably mounted around the pivot shaft 91A and has a first bearing 92A and a second bearing 92B that are mounted to contact the dish rack R. The motor 93 rotates the arm 91 around the pivot shaft 91A, which is the output shaft. The restricting part 96 restricts the arm 91 from rotating beyond its origin position in the direction opposite to the direction in which it pushes out the dish rack R.

[0071] The unloading device 7 is configured as a unit in which a motor 93 to which an arm 91 is attached and a regulating unit 96 are fixed to a mounting plate 97. The mounting plate 97 has a first mounting part 97A that is attached to the pre-washing machine 2A and a second mounting part 97B that is attached to the carry table 3.

[0072] [First Embodiment] Next, the carry table 3 will be described in detail. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the carry table 3 is provided with a stepped portion (restraining portion) 16. The stepped portion 16 is provided in the area below the housing 12 on the base 10. The stepped portion 16 is located on the outside of the transport area (rear side of the base 10) on the base 10 where the dish rack R is transported. That is, the stepped portion 16 is provided in a position that does not come into contact with the dish rack R being transported. The stepped portion 16 extends in the left-right direction (front-back direction in Figure 1) on the base 10. The stepped portion 16 forms a step with respect to the base surface 10a of the base 10.

[0073] The stepped portion 16 has a first stepped surface 16A and a second stepped surface 16B. As shown in Figure 9, the first stepped surface 16A and the second stepped surface 16B are, for example, flat surfaces. The first stepped surface 16A is located on the front side in the front-rear direction, and the second stepped surface 16B is located on the rear side in the front-rear direction. The first stepped surface 16A and the second stepped surface 16B are at different height positions. Specifically, the height position of the first stepped surface 16A is lower than the height position of the second stepped surface 16B. In other words, the height position of the second stepped surface 16B is higher than the height position of the second stepped surface 16B. The first stepped surface 16A forms a step with respect to the base surface 10a. The second stepped surface 16B forms a step with respect to the first stepped surface 16A.

[0074] The height of the first stepped surface 16A is set to a height that does not come into contact with the arm member 11A of the transport mechanism 11. The space above the first stepped surface 16A is the movable range of the arm member 11A. This prevents the arm member 11A from coming into contact with the first stepped surface 16A. The height of the second stepped surface 16B is set to be below the detection area A of the first sensor 13A (the part shown in gray in Figure 9). In other words, the second stepped surface 16B is located outside the detection area A of the first sensor 13A. This prevents the detection of the dish rack R by the first sensor 13A from being obstructed by the second stepped surface 16B (stepped portion 16). The lengths of the first stepped surface 16A and the second stepped surface 16B in the front-rear direction may be the same or different.

[0075] As described above, in the cleaning system 1 according to this embodiment, the carry table 3 is provided with a stepped portion 16. The stepped portion 16 forms a step with respect to the base surface 10a. As a result, when the base 10 is washed with water on the carry table 3, water (liquid) is prevented from entering the area below the housing 12 on the base 10. Therefore, the carry table 3 does not require the work of removing water that has entered the area below the housing 12 on the base 10 (because the frequency of this work is reduced), thus improving maintainability.

[0076] The cleaning system 1 according to this embodiment has a first stepped surface 16A and a second stepped surface 16B. The first stepped surface 16A forms a step with respect to the base surface 10a, and the second stepped surface 16B is provided at a higher height than the first stepped surface 16A and forms a step with respect to the first stepped surface 16A. In this configuration, since the height position of the first stepped surface 16A is lower than the height position of the second stepped surface 16B, it is possible to avoid the stepped portion 16 being located on the movement path of the arm member 11A of the transport mechanism 11. Furthermore, by making the height position of the second stepped surface 16B higher than the height position of the first stepped surface 16A, it is possible to more reliably prevent water flowing on the base surface 10a from entering the area below the housing 12 on the base 10.

[0077] Furthermore, by providing the stepped portion 16, the first sensor 13A can be easily assembled in a horizontal position. This helps to suppress false detections in the first sensor 13A.

[0078] In the washing system 1, when dish racks R are stored in all shelves of the storage shelf 6, the lamp 67 on the lift device 5 lights up. Even when dish racks R are stored in all shelves of the storage shelf 6, the dish racks R can still be transported to the inter-device transfer device 4, the washing machine 2B, and the lift device 5. In this case, when the dish racks R accumulate up to the inter-device transfer device 4, the carry table 3 slides the dish racks R and pauses with the arm member 11A extended until the dish racks R are removed from the storage shelf 6.

[0079] In this state, if the dish rack R is removed from the washing machine 2B, the carry table 3 will stop operating even though the dish rack R is not present in the washing machine 2B. In the washing system 1 according to this embodiment, the washing machine 2B is provided with a guard 38. The guard 38 blocks the front opening formed by the door 23 when the door 23 opens the washing chamber 21. As a result, in the washing system 1, the dish rack R cannot be removed from the washing machine 2B in the above state, thus preventing the carry table 3 from stopping operating even though the dish rack R is not present in the washing machine 2B.

[0080] [Second Embodiment] Next, a carry table according to the second embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 10, the carry table 3A is provided with a stepped portion (restraining portion) 17. The stepped portion 17 is provided in the area below the housing 12 on the base 10. The stepped portion 17 is located on the outside of the transport area (rear side of the base 10) on the base 10 where the dish rack R is transported. That is, the stepped portion 17 is provided in a position that does not come into contact with the dish rack R being transported. The stepped portion 17 extends in the left-right direction on the base 10.

[0081] The stepped portion 17 has an inclined surface 17A and a stepped surface 17B. The inclined surface 17A is located on the front side in the front-rear direction, and the stepped surface 17B is located on the rear side in the front-rear direction. The inclined surface 17A and the stepped surface 17B are continuous. The inclined surface 17A is continuous with the base surface 10a and inclined upward with respect to the base surface 10a of the base 10. The inclined surface 17A is inclined upward from the front side of the base 10 toward the rear side (stepped surface 17B). The stepped surface 17B forms a step with respect to the base surface 10a of the base 10. The stepped surface 17B is continuous with the upper end of the inclined surface 17A. The stepped surface 17B is a flat surface.

[0082] The height of the inclined surface 17A is set so that it does not come into contact with the arm member 11A of the transport mechanism 11. The space above the inclined surface 17A is the movable range of the arm member 11A. This prevents the arm member 11A from coming into contact with the inclined surface 17A. Furthermore, the height of the inclined surface 17A is set to be below the detection area A of the first sensor 13A (the part shown in gray in Figure 9). In other words, the inclined surface 17A is located outside the detection area A of the first sensor 13A. This prevents the detection of the dish rack R by the first sensor 13A from being obstructed by the inclined surface 17A (stepped portion 17).

[0083] As described above, the carry table 3A according to this embodiment is provided with a stepped portion 17. The stepped portion 17 forms a step with respect to the base surface 10a. As a result, when the base 10 is washed with water, water is prevented from entering the area below the housing 12 on the base 10 of the carry table 3A. Therefore, with the carry table 3A, it is no longer necessary to remove water that has entered the area below the housing 12 on the base 10 (because the frequency of this work is reduced), thus improving maintainability.

[0084] In the carry table 3A according to this embodiment, the stepped portion 17 has an inclined surface 17A that is continuous with the base surface 10a and inclined upward with respect to the base surface 10a, and a stepped surface 17B that is continuous with the upper end of the inclined surface 17A. In this configuration, since the inclined surface 17A is continuous with the base surface 10a, it is possible to avoid the stepped portion 17 being located on the movement path of the arm member 11A of the transport mechanism 11. Furthermore, by making the stepped surface 17B continuous with the upper end of the inclined surface 17A, it is possible to more reliably prevent water flowing on the base surface 10a from entering the area below the housing 12 on the base 10.

[0085] [Third Embodiment] Next, a carry table according to the third embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 11, the carry table 3B has a base 10B. On the base 10B, the base surface 10Ba is inclined in the transport area where the dish rack R is transported. The base surface 10Ba is not inclined in the lower part of the housing 12. The base surface 10Ba is inclined downward from the right to the left (towards the pre-washer 2A) in the transport direction of the dish rack R. This base surface 10Ba constitutes a restraining part.

[0086] The rail 15 is fixed to the base 10B via bracket B. Bracket B is positioned between the rail 15 and the base surface 10Ba. Bracket B is designed to maintain the horizontal position of the rail 15 relative to the base surface 10Ba of the base 10B. In the example shown in Figure 11, bracket B has a triangular shape.

[0087] As described above, in the carry table 3B according to this embodiment, the base surface 10Ba of the base 10B is inclined in the transport area where the dish rack R is transported. As a result, when the base 10B is washed with water in the carry table 3B, water containing food residue flows along the inclination of the base surface 10Ba. The water flows out to the pre-washing machine 2A. As a result, when the base 10B is washed with water in the carry table 3B, water is prevented from entering the area below the housing 12 on the base 10B. Therefore, in the carry table 3B, it is no longer necessary to remove water that has entered the area below the housing 12 on the base 10B (because the frequency of this work is reduced), thus improving maintainability.

[0088] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a carry table according to the fourth embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 12, the carry table 3C has a base 10C. A drainage channel 18 is provided on the base 10C. The drainage channel 18 is located in the area below the housing 12 on the base 10C. The drainage channel 18 is located on the outside of the transport area (the rear side of the base 10C) on the base 10C where the dish rack R is transported. The drainage channel 18 extends in the left-right direction on the base 10C.

[0089] The drain channel 18 is formed by a bottom surface 18A and a side surface 18B. The height of the bottom surface 18A is lower than the height of the base surface 10Ca. A drain hole 18C is provided in the bottom surface 18A. The position of the drain hole 18C is not particularly limited. A drain pipe (not shown) is connected to the drain hole 18C. The bottom surface 18A slopes downward toward the drain hole 18C. That is, the drain hole 18C is located at the lowest position in the drain channel 18. As a result, water etc. in the drain channel 18 flows toward the drain hole 18C.

[0090] As described above, the carry table 3C according to this embodiment has a drainage channel 18. The drainage channel 18 is located in the area below the housing 12 on the base 10C. As a result, when the base 10C of the carry table 3C is washed with water, water containing food residue flows into the drainage channel 18 and is discharged from the drainage hole 18C. This prevents water from entering the space S formed by the base 10C and the housing 12 beyond the drainage channel 18. Therefore, the carry table 3C can be made more maintainable.

[0091] Furthermore, in the carry table 3C, water containing leftover food flows into the drain 18 and is discharged from the drain hole 18C, so this water does not flow into the pre-washing machine 2A. Therefore, a decrease in the detergent concentration of the washing water in the pre-washing machine 2A can be suppressed.

[0092] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, a carry table according to the fifth embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 13, the carry table 3D has a base 10D. The base 10D is provided with a recess 19. The recess 19 is provided in the transport area of ​​the dish rack R. That is, the recess 19 is not provided in the space S between the base 10D and the housing 12. The recess 19 is formed by a bottom surface 19A and a side surface 19B. The recess 19 is formed like a sink. The height position of the bottom surface 19A is lower than the height position of the base surface 10Da.

[0093] A drain hole 19C is provided in the bottom surface 19A. The position of the drain hole 19C is not particularly limited. A drain pipe (not shown) is connected to the drain hole 19C. The bottom surface 19A may be sloped downward toward the drain hole 19C. That is, the drain hole 19C may be located at the lowest position in the recess 19. As a result, water etc. in the recess 19 flows toward the drain hole 19C.

[0094] The rail 15 is fixed to the bottom surface 19A of the recess 19 via a bracket 19D. The bracket 19D is positioned between the rail 15 and the bottom surface 19A. The bracket 19D is provided with an opening 19E. Multiple openings 19E are provided at predetermined intervals along the extending direction of the bracket 19D. The openings 19E allow water to flow within the recess 19.

[0095] As described above, the carry table 3D according to this embodiment has a recess 19. The recess 19 is located in the transport area of ​​the dish rack R. As a result, when the base 10C is washed with water, water containing food residue flows into the recess 19 and is discharged from the drain hole 19C. Therefore, the carry table 3D can prevent water from entering the space S formed by the base 10C and the housing 12 beyond the recess 19. Thus, the carry table 3D can be made more maintainable.

[0096] Furthermore, in the carry table 3D, water containing leftover food flows into the recess 19 and is discharged from the drain hole 19C, so this water does not flow into the pre-washing machine 2A. Therefore, a decrease in the detergent concentration of the washing water in the pre-washing machine 2A can be suppressed.

[0097] [Sixth Embodiment] Next, a carry table according to the sixth embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 14, the carry table 3E has a supply unit (restraining unit) 10b. The supply unit 10b is, for example, a nozzle that supplies water to the base surface 10a of the base 10. In this embodiment, a plurality of supply units 10b are provided at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the base 10. Water is supplied to the supply unit 10b from the rinse water tank 31 of the pre-washing machine 2A by a pump P. Water is supplied from the supply unit 10b at a predetermined water pressure. As a result, the water supplied from the supply unit 10b flows along the transport direction, across the base surface 10a towards the pre-washing machine 2A, and into the pre-washing machine 2A.

[0098] As described above, the carry table 3E according to this embodiment has a supply unit 10b. The supply unit 10b supplies water to the base surface 10a of the base 10 along the conveying direction. In this configuration, since the water supplied to the base surface 10a flows along the conveying direction, leftover food and other debris on the base 10 can be removed. In addition, since the water supplied from the supply unit 10b flows along the conveying direction, it is possible to prevent the water flowing on the base surface 10a from entering the area below the housing 12 on the base 10.

[0099] In the carry table 3E according to this embodiment, water is supplied to the supply unit 10b from the rinse water tank 31 of the pre-washing machine 2A by the pump P. The water supplied from the supply unit 10b flows into the pre-washing machine 2A. This reduces the amount of water used and allows the detergent concentration to be kept constant.

[0100] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0101] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which a guard 38 is provided on the washing machine 2B was described as an example. However, the guard 38 is not required. In this case, if the arm member 11A is extended and the machine is temporarily stopped until the dish rack R is removed from the storage shelf 6, the door 23 of the washing machine 2B is kept closed after the washing is completed. This prevents the dish rack R from being removed from the washing machine 2B, thus avoiding a situation where the carry table 3 stops operating even though there is no dish rack R in the washing machine 2B. When the dish rack R is removed from the storage shelf 6, the door 23 of the washing machine 2B is opened.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the inter-device transfer device 4 was described as transporting the dish racks R that have been discharged to the inter-device transfer device 4 to the washing machine 2B side by driving a conveyor belt 74, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the inter-device transfer device may have a roller conveyor instead of the conveyor belt 74 and belt drive unit 75.

[0103] In the above embodiments and modifications, a storage unit comprising a storage shelf 6 was described as an example, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, a wagon may be used as the storage unit for storing the dish rack R that is unloaded from the lift device 5.

[0104] The present invention may be appropriately combined as described above as embodiments, modifications, and other modifications, without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 1...Washing system, 3...Carry table (conveying device), 10, 10B, 10C, 10D...Base, 10a, 10Ba, 10Ca, 10Da...Base surface, 10b...Supply section (restraining section), 11...Conveying mechanism, 15...Rail (sliding part), 16, 17...Step section (restraining section), 16A...First step surface, 16B...Second step surface, 17A...Inclined surface, 17B...Step surface, 18A, 19A...Bottom surface, 18C, 19C...Drain hole, 19...Recess, D...Dishes (items to be washed), R...Dish rack (rack), S...Space.

Claims

1. A conveying device for transporting racks containing objects to be washed into a washing machine for washing objects to be washed, A base having a sliding portion that extends along the transport direction in which the rack is transported and on which the rack is placed, and a base surface on which the sliding portion is located, A conveying mechanism for conveying the rack along the conveying direction, A housing that accommodates the transport mechanism and is positioned above the base, on one side of the base in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction, and forming a space between itself and the base, The base is provided with a restraining portion that prevents liquid from flowing into the area below the housing, The restraining portion is a groove provided in the area below the housing on the base, along the transport direction. The conveying device has a groove, a bottom surface positioned at a height lower than the base surface of the base, and drainage holes provided on the bottom surface.

2. A conveying device for transporting a rack containing objects to be washed into a washing machine for washing objects to be washed, A base having a sliding portion that extends along the transport direction in which the rack is transported and on which the rack is placed, and a base surface on which the sliding portion is located, A conveying mechanism for conveying the rack along the conveying direction, A housing that accommodates the transport mechanism and is positioned above the base, on one side of the base in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction, and forming a space between itself and the base, The base is provided with a restraining portion that prevents liquid from flowing into the area below the housing, The restraining portion is a recess provided in the transport area where the rack is transported. The conveying device has a recess having a bottom surface positioned at a lower height than the base surface of the base, and a drainage hole provided on the bottom surface.

3. A washing machine for washing the objects to be washed, A washing system comprising a conveying device according to claim 1 or 2 for transporting a rack containing the objects to be washed into the washing machine.

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