Material handling equipment

Abstract

To develop an article conveying device that can easily change the processing time of the article conveying device that can be used to convey processing tanks.SOLUTION: By installing an endless conveyor chain while forming a lower conveyance path and an upper conveyance path, and by making sprockets movable by sliding that define the lower and upper conveyance paths, it is a type that changes the distance of a conveyance path on the lower side. Furthermore, the article processing device may be provided with a processing tank through which the conveyance path on the lower side of the conveyor chain passes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article conveying device that mounts an endless conveyor chain and has an upper conveying path and a lower conveying path, and is capable of adjusting the conveying distances of the upper conveying path and the lower conveying path.

Background Art

[0002] In a conveyor device used for processing articles such as foods, it is common to use a type in which a pair of endless conveyor chains are wound around a pair of sprockets serving as one conveyor end and a pair of sprockets serving as the other conveyor end, and a frame for storing foods is mounted between the conveyor chains. For example, as an article conveying device of this type, the technique of Prior Art Document 1 is disclosed. In the Patent Document 1, the food (article) is configured to be processed by configuring a part of the conveying area of the conveyor chain to exist in the processing tank.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the inventors of the present invention have made it an issue to develop an article conveying device that can easily change the processing time in an article conveying device that can be used for transporting a processing tank and the like.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] As a result of diligent research by the present inventors, we have found that in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, it is effective to use an article conveying device that is equipped with an endless conveyor chain, forms a lower conveying path and an upper conveying path, and changes the distance of the lower conveying path by making the sprockets that define the lower and upper conveying paths slidable.

[0006] In other words, the first invention of this application is, “A pair of first sprockets that can slide in a nearly horizontal direction, A pair of second sprockets located above the first sprocket and capable of sliding movement, A pair of endless conveyor chains wrapped around the first sprocket and the second sprocket, A plurality of pairs of intermediate sprockets that restrict the conveying path of the conveying chain in order to form the lower and upper conveying paths of the pair of endless conveying chains, A drive device connected to one of the sprockets for driving the pair of endless conveyor chains, Article storage frames are continuously mounted between the conveyor chains at predetermined intervals, An article conveying device equipped with ", is."

[0007] Next, the article storage frame can be an article storage frame for food. That is, the second invention of this application is, "The article conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the article storage frame is for food storage."

[0008] Next, the present invention also intends to provide an article processing device that includes a processing tank through which the lower conveying path of the conveyor chain passes. In other words, the third invention of this application is, "An article conveying apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a processing tank through which the conveying path below the conveyor chain of the article conveying apparatus passes."

[0009] Next, a type that includes a moving device for moving the first sprocket and the second sprocket is preferable. That is, the fourth invention of this application is "The article processing apparatus according to claim 3, comprising a moving device for moving the first sprocket and the second sprocket."

[0010] Next, the processing tank may also be a boiling tank for boiling food. In other words, the fifth invention of this application is, "The article processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the processing tank is a boiling tank."

[0011] Next, in order to accelerate the processing, it is preferable to install a detachable fluid supply pipe in the processing tank that is mounted in a direction that crosses the width of the processing tank (a direction that intersects the conveyor transport direction) for supplying fluid for bubbling or the like. In other words, the sixth invention of this application is, "An article processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein a plurality of detachable fluid supply pipes are installed in the processing tank, traversing the processing tank in the width direction."

[0012] Next, in the conveyor device, it is preferable to install a plurality of support rails that support the conveyor chain from below, and which are retractable when the first sprocket or the second sprocket slides. In other words, the seventh invention of this application is, "An article processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, comprising a plurality of support rails that support the conveyor chain from below, wherein the plurality of support rails are retractable when the first sprocket or the second sprocket slides." [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] By using the article conveying and processing apparatus of the present invention, when the article conveying apparatus is used for processing in a processing tank, the processing time can be easily changed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of an article processing apparatus (article conveying apparatus and processing tank) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of an article processing apparatus according to a first embodiment when the first sprocket and the second sprocket are moved in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of a processing tank portion of an article processing apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view of the AA' plane in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] (a) It is a perspective view of an article storage frame. (b) It is a schematic perspective view showing the state of article storage and the state of article discharge. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view in the width direction inside the processing tank in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] (a) It is a front view showing a fluid supply pipe inserted into a hole protruding from the processing tank. (b) It is a front view showing the attachment / detachment state of a hose coupling. [Figure 8] It is a front view showing a single fluid supply pipe. [Figure 9] (a) It is a front view of a state where two fluid supply pipes are engaged. (b) It is an enlarged front view of the vicinity of the center of (a). [Figure 10] It is an enlarged view when two fluid supply pipes are screwed together. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view showing a fixed support rail. [Figure 12] (a) It is a perspective view of a retracted state of a movable support rail. (b) It is a perspective view of a chain support state of a movable support rail.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0015] 1 First sprocket 3. Second sprocket 5. Storage Frame for Items 7 First Mobile Unit 9 Rail for the first mobile unit 11 Conveyor chain for the first mobile unit 13 Sprocket for the first moving unit 15 Second Mobile Unit 17 Rail for the second mobile unit 19 Conveyor chain for the second mobile unit 21 Sprocket for the second moving unit 23 Conveyor Chain 25 First intermediate sprocket 27 Second intermediate sprocket 29 Third intermediate sprocket 31. Fourth intermediate sprocket 33 Fifth intermediate sprocket 35 Sixth Intermediate Sprocket 37 Fluid supply pipe 39. Protruding hole (protruding hole) 41 Hole 43 Ferrule fittings 45 Gasket 47 Clamp Band 51 Fixed support rail 53 Movable support rail 55 shots 100 Article conveying device 150 processing tanks 200 Article Processing Equipment [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Figure 1 shows an overall cross-sectional view of an article conveying device and an article processing device including a processing tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Next, Figure 2 shows an overall cross-sectional view of the article conveying device 100 and the article processing device 200, including the processing tank 150, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the first sprocket and the second sprocket in Figure 1 are moved.

[0017] Next, Figure 3 is a perspective view of the processing tank portion of the article conveying device 100 and the article processing apparatus 200, which includes the processing tank 150, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing only specific components. Next, Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of AA' in Figure 3.

[0018] The following describes the configurations of the article conveying device 100 and article processing device 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] —Material handling equipment— The article conveying device 100 as referred to in the present invention is a device for conveying articles such as food products. In particular, it is suitable for use in processing articles such as food products by passing them through a predetermined processing tank. For example, in cases where it is necessary to heat food or other items for a predetermined time, one type of device involves placing the food or other items in the item storage frame of the item transport device 100, transporting the item storage frame 5 containing the items in the heating treatment tank for a predetermined time, and then, after exiting the treatment tank 150, discharging the food or other items from the item storage frame 5. Furthermore, the article processing apparatus 200 as referred to in this invention refers to a configuration in which a processing tank 150 is added to the article conveying apparatus 100 described above.

[0020] —A pair of first sprockets that can slide in a nearly horizontal direction— In the first embodiment of the article conveying device 100 of the present invention, the first sprocket 3 defines one end of the conveyor and is movable in a substantially horizontal direction. In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the first sprocket 3 is mounted on the lower part of a slidable first moving unit 7, which is placed on a rail 9 for the first moving unit and is configured to slide left and right on the rail 9 as needed.

[0021] Furthermore, in the first mobile unit 7, conveyor chains 11 for the first mobile unit are connected to the front and rear of the frame of the first mobile unit for sliding, and these conveyor chains 11 are wrapped around a plurality of sprockets 13 for the first mobile unit provided on the upper part thereof, and the first mobile unit 7 can be moved by driving any of the sprockets 13. Furthermore, a moving device for moving the sprocket 13 is not necessarily required; for example, it could be moved manually and its position fixed with screws or the like.

[0022] —A sliding second sprocket— In the first embodiment of the present invention, the second sprocket 3 is located above the first sprocket 1, defines the other end of the conveyor, and is movable in a substantially horizontal direction. In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the second sprocket 3 is positioned above the first sprocket 1, thereby forming a lower transport path including the first sprocket 1 and an upper transport path including the second sprocket 3.

[0023] Furthermore, the second sprocket 3 is mounted in the center of a slidable second moving unit 15, which is placed on a rail 17 for the second moving unit and is configured to slide left and right on the rail 17 as needed.

[0024] Furthermore, in the second mobile unit 15, conveyor chains 19 for the second mobile unit are connected to the front and rear of the frame of the second mobile unit for sliding, and these conveyor chains 19 are wrapped around a plurality of sprockets 21 for the second mobile unit provided on the upper part thereof, and the second mobile unit 15 can be moved by driving any of the sprockets 21. Furthermore, a moving device for moving the sprocket 21 is not necessarily required; for example, it can be moved manually and its position fixed with screws or the like.

[0025] —Multiple pairs of intermediate sprockets that regulate the conveying path of a conveyor chain to form the lower and upper conveying paths of a pair of endless conveyor chains— In the present invention, in order to form the lower and upper transport paths described above, a plurality of pairs of sprockets are required to define the transport direction of the conveyor chain 23. In the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, in addition to the first sprocket 1 and the second sprocket 3, a first intermediate sprocket 25 is provided to change the lower conveying path upward, and a second intermediate sprocket 27 is provided to change the direction to horizontal after moving upward. Furthermore, a third intermediate sprocket 29 is provided, which works in cooperation with the second intermediate sprocket 27 to define the conveying direction of the conveyor chain 23. The third intermediate sprocket 29 also serves as a drive sprocket and is provided to transmit rotational force from a predetermined power unit to the conveyor chain 23.

[0026] In this embodiment, the drive sprocket is shown as an example of a third intermediate sprocket 29, but it is not limited to this, and of course it could also be a first sprocket 1 or any other sprocket.

[0027] Next, the conveyor chain 23 is reversed by the second sprocket 3 to form an upper transport path, and then the fourth intermediate sprocket 31 is provided, which works in cooperation with the third intermediate sprocket 29, which is also the drive sprocket, to define the transport direction of the conveyor chain 23. Furthermore, after passing the fifth intermediate sprocket 33, the conveyor chain 23 moves downward and changes direction of transport horizontally by the sixth intermediate sprocket 35, moving to the lower transport path.

[0028] —Item storage frames that are continuously installed between conveyor chains at predetermined intervals— Between the conveyor chains 23, an article storage frame 5 is installed, configured to transport a predetermined article. The article storage frame 5 is made of a stainless steel mesh structure that allows liquid to pass through, and has nine rows of storage compartments.

[0029] In the first embodiment of the present invention, an article storage frame 5, as shown in Figure 5(a), is connected to a conveyor chain 23, and food (noodle strands) is received from above the article supply device 100 in Figure 1 (Figure 5(b)), and is reversed near the right side of the third intermediate sprocket 29 in Figure 1 and discharged downward.

[0030] However, the manner in which items are stored in and discharged from the item storage frame 5 is not limited to the above, and various methods are possible. Generally, the item storage frame 5 is mounted at equal intervals on the conveyor chain 23. For convenience, only a portion of the item storage frame 5 is shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0031] —Sliding movement of the first and second sprockets— In this invention, by sliding the first sprocket 1 and / or the second sprocket 3, the distance the lower transport path of the article transport device 100 travels to the processing tank 150 can be shortened. That is, when processing articles in the processing tank 150, it may be necessary to change the processing time depending on the type and size of the articles to be processed. This need is particularly strong when the speed at which the articles to be processed are supplied does not change.

[0032] In such cases, by moving the first sprocket 1 to the right side of the page as shown in Figure 1, and similarly moving the second sprocket 3 to the right side of the page, the transport distance in the processing tank can be shortened, thereby reducing the processing time for the object. For example, if the object is food, the processing time needs to be varied depending on the type and size of the food, but this system can easily meet such needs.

[0033] More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, when raw noodles are the target of the boiling process, the boiling time may need to be varied depending on the thickness and quantity of the noodles. Generally, thicker raw noodles require a longer boiling time, and thinner raw noodles require a shorter boiling time. Therefore, for thicker raw noodles, it is preferable to set the first sprocket 1 and the second sprocket 3 to transport the boiling tank 150 over a longer distance, as shown in Figure 1, and for thinner raw noodles, it is preferable to set the first sprocket and the second sprocket to transport the boiling tank 150 over a shorter distance, as shown in Figure 2.

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, when moving the first sprocket 1 and the second sprocket 3 using a moving device as shown in Figures 1 and 2 in order to change the processing time depending on the type of product, it is preferable to ensure that the power units of both moving devices operate synchronously to prevent misalignment.

[0035] Furthermore, even in cases other than those described above, if the length of the conveyor chain 23 differs depending on the type of goods to be processed, or if the pitch (spacing) of the connections of the goods storage frames 5 connected to the conveyor chain 23 changes, it is possible to accommodate these situations by changing the positions of the first sprocket 1 and the second sprocket 3.

[0036] —Processing tank— The processing tank 150 in this invention is of a type having both a width direction and a length direction. The article conveying device 100 is configured to convey articles in the length direction within the processing tank. The processing tank 150 in this invention is not limited in its use as long as it is a tank for performing some kind of processing on articles stored in the article storage frame 5, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. However, in this invention, it is preferable to use food as the article to be processed.

[0037] Specifically, examples include boiling tanks for boiling food, and frying tanks for frying food. It can also be used as a heat treatment tank when the treatment tank is a sealed system and heated by steam. Furthermore, the treatment tank 150 is not necessarily limited to hot water or frying oil; it can also be used as a steaming tank for steaming or as a drying tank for drying by airflow.

[0038] For example, Figure 1 shows a method for boiling food. As shown in Figure 1, the food to be boiled (for example, fresh noodles) is placed in an item storage frame 5, the item storage frame 5 is passed through the boiling tank, the food is boiled while it is passing through for a predetermined time, and after it exits the boiling tank, the food is discharged from the storage frame. Furthermore, in the case of Figure 1, the raw noodles supplied from above are stored in the item storage frame 5, the boiling tank 100 is transported to boil the raw noodles, and after boiling, the item storage frame 5 is inverted to discharge the boiled noodles.

[0039] —Multiple detachable fluid supply pipes are installed that traverse the width of the treatment tank.— In the present invention, it is sometimes preferable to promote the dispersion of the items to be processed (especially food) within the processing tank to process them efficiently. For this reason, it is also preferable to accelerate the processing by supplying a fluid such as steam or airflow into the processing tank during processing to perform bubbling or the like.

[0040] Therefore, in the present invention as well, a processing tank for heat-treating articles (especially food products) can be equipped with a fluid supply pipe 37 that can be easily attached and detached. Furthermore, it is preferable that the fluid supply pipe 37 be provided with a plurality of detachable fluid supply pipes 37 that traverse the width of the processing tank 150, as shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0041] ─Fluid supply pipe─ In this invention, the fluid supply pipe 37 is a pipe for supplying fluid within the processing tank 100 to promote the dispersion of the item being processed (especially food) during the processing and to process it efficiently. For example, in the case of boiling, the processing can be accelerated by supplying a fluid such as steam or hot water into the processing tank 150 during the processing to promote bubbling or stirring.

[0042] When the food product is a group of noodles, steam bubbling can be used to prevent the noodles from sticking together and to allow for stirring, thereby improving boiling efficiency. Figures 1 and 2 show a configuration in which a fluid supply pipe 37 is attached to the processing tank 150. Furthermore, if a frying apparatus is used, the frying process can be accelerated by promoting bubbling or stirring during the process. For example, it can be effectively used in the production of fried snacks such as potato chips.

[0043] Next, the fluid supply pipe 37 of the present invention can preferably be of a type that is inserted and withdrawn from the outside of the processing tank 150, as shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the inside of the processing tank in Figure 1.

[0044] While various methods are possible for installing the fluid supply pipe, using an external insertion type allows for effective use of the space inside the processing tank 150 and has the advantage of easy attachment and detachment of the fluid supply pipe 37. Furthermore, it improves ease of cleaning and, when steam is used, has the advantage of making it easier to limit the areas where steam is used.

[0045] In the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 6, a type is disclosed in which a hole (protruding hole) 39 is provided that protrudes to the outside of the processing tank 150, and a device is inserted into the protruding hole 39. Next, the fluid supply pipe 37 can be connected to various fluid supply devices. These fluid supply devices can be steam generators, gas supply devices, liquid supply devices, and other devices that supply various fluids.

[0046] ─Fluid─ Various fluids can be supplied in this invention. For example, if the processing tank 150 is for boiling, fluids such as steam or hot water can be used. In the case of a frying tank containing frying oil, frying oil can also be used. In addition, air, nitrogen, argon, or other gases heated to a high temperature may be supplied as the fluid.

[0047] —Hole provided in the fluid supply pipe— The fluid supply pipe is provided with a plurality of holes 41, through which fluid is supplied. The size and number of holes 41 are not particularly limited, but for example, if the material processing tank is a boiling tank and is the type that supplies steam for bubbling, holes of approximately 0.5 to 5.0 mm are generally preferred. The shape of the holes 41 can also vary, such as circles or ellipses.

[0048] ─Detachable─ The fluid supply pipe 37 of the present invention is of a type that is easy to attach and detach. Various methods are possible for attachment and detachment. Furthermore, when using a liquid such as hot water in the treatment tank 150, it is necessary to prevent leakage of the treatment liquid.

[0049] Specifically, methods such as flange joints, threaded joints, and ferrule joints are possible, and any of these are feasible. The first embodiment of this application shown in Figures 1 and 2 discloses a type that utilizes a ferrule-type joint.

[0050] Specifically, as shown in Figures 7(a) and (b), the present invention discloses a type in which a ferrule fitting 43 attached to a fluid supply pipe is tightly fitted to the ferrule fitting 43 at the end of a hole 39 protruding to the outside of the article processing tank 150 via a gasket 45, and then tightened with a clamp band 47. In the present invention, the ferrule fitting 43 is preferred because it is easy to attach and detach.

[0051] —A type in which the fluid supply pipe is divided into two parts, one inserted from each side on the outside in the width direction of the processing tank, and engages within the tank.— In the present invention, there may be a single fluid supply pipe 37, as shown in Figure 8 below.

[0052] Furthermore, it is also preferable that the fluid supply pipe 37 be hollow inside, divided into two sections, and inserted from both sides of the outer side walls that are opposite each other in the width direction of the processing tank 150, and engage inside the processing tank 150 (Figure 9). First, by dividing it into two sections and making it an insertion type from both sides, the length of the fluid supply pipe 37 can be shortened, preventing it from getting caught on obstacles during insertion and making it easier to secure working space for inserting the fluid supply pipe 37.

[0053] Furthermore, various types of engagement are possible, but in the first embodiment of the present invention, a type that engages at the central portion is shown as in Figures 9(a) and (b). Any type of engagement configuration is possible. In addition, in such engagement types, it is also possible for the engaging tip region to not be hollow. In the above configuration, the fluid to be supplied will be supplied from the open end of each fluid supply pipe 37. However, the present invention is not limited to the engagement type shown in Figure 10; for example, a screw-type connection as shown in Figure 7 is also possible.

[0054] —Support rails for conveyor chains— In the present invention, in order to prevent the conveyor chain 23 of the article conveying device 100 from swinging, it is preferable to provide a support rail at the bottom of the conveyor chain 23 to support the chain. For example, as shown in Figure 11, a fixed support rail 51 is usually attached below the conveyor chain on the side of the processing tank or the like.

[0055] On the other hand, if the first sprocket 1 can be moved, as in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the support rail may obstruct the movement of the first sprocket 1. In such cases, it is preferable to use a movable support rail 53 that can extend and retract, as shown in Figure 12.

[0056] In other words, in the case of the movable support rail 53, when the first sprocket 1 moves, the support rail is retracted so as not to obstruct the movement of the first sprocket 1 (Figure 12(a)), and when the sprocket does not move, the support rail can be positioned below the conveyor chain to provide support (Figure 12(b)).

[0057] In particular, in the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2, the support rail for the upper transport path of the conveyor chain 23 within the lower transport path in the processing tank 150 is a movable support rail 53 as shown in Figure 12, because its movement is hindered by the movement of the first sprocket. On the other hand, for the support rail of the lower transport path of the conveyor chain within the lower transport path in the processing tank, a fixed support rail 51 as shown in Figure 11 is provided because its movement is not hindered even when the sprocket moves.

[0058] —Transportation procedure for goods (food) using the goods processing equipment shown in Figures 1 and 2— The item processing device shown in Figure 1 is assumed to be a group of noodle strands. The item storage frame 5 is connected at both ends to a pair of conveyor chains 23, and circulates in the direction of the arrows in Figure 1.

[0059] First, the empty item storage frame 5, having passed through the sixth intermediate sprocket 35, enters the boiling tank 150, and as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 5(b), food (raw noodles) is supplied individually in nine rows from above. The item storage frame 5 has a rotating lid on top, which is placed over it after the raw noodles have been supplied.

[0060] Next, the noodles are transported in a boiling tank while immersed in hot water. During transport, they are subjected to bubbling by steam from multiple fluid supply pipes 37 installed below. This bubbling agitates the noodle strands in the item storage frame 37, preventing the raw noodles from sticking together and allowing for efficient noodle boiling.

[0061] Next, the first sprocket 1 moves the article storage frame 5 downwards and inverts it, allowing it to be transported completely immersed in the boiling tank. During this transport, it is also transported while being bubbling by steam from the fluid supply pipe 37 mounted below. This bubbling agitates the noodle strands in the article storage frame, thus enabling efficient noodle boiling.

[0062] The item storage frame 5 containing the raw noodles moves upward on the first intermediate sprocket 25, exiting the boiling tank, and then moves approximately horizontally on the second intermediate sprocket 27. After that, the item storage frame inverts as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 5(b), and the boiled noodles inside are transferred through the chute 55 to a separately prepared conveyor device and transported to a predetermined process.

[0063] Meanwhile, the empty item storage frame 5 after the noodle bundles have been discharged is transported horizontally, then moves upward at the second sprocket 3 and inverts, and is transported horizontally with the lid open. It moves downward through the fourth intermediate sprocket 31 and the fifth intermediate sprocket 33, and then moves approximately horizontally at the sixth intermediate sprocket 35.

[0064] Next, in the article processing device 100 shown in Figure 2, compared to the case in Figure 1, the first sprocket 1 slides a predetermined distance to the right of the page, and at the same time, the second sprocket 3 also slides a predetermined distance. This movement shortens the transport distance of the article storage frame 5 within the processing tank (boiling tank) 150, and the boiling time is shortened. In this way, it is possible to change the boiling time.

[0065] In this case, the first sprocket 1 is moved to the right side of Figure 1 (towards the center of the processing tank), but to do so, it is necessary to remove the fluid supply pipe 37 on the upper side of the processing tank within the range in which the first sprocket 1 moves. In the present invention, since a detachable fluid supply pipe 37 as described above is used, attachment and detachment can be easily carried out. Furthermore, the movable support rail 53 on the upper side inside the processing tank can also be retracted as shown in Figure 12(a) within the range in which the first sprocket 1 moves.

Claims

1. A pair of first sprockets that can slide in a nearly horizontal direction, A pair of second sprockets located above the first sprocket and capable of sliding movement, A pair of endless conveyor chains wrapped around the first sprocket and the second sprocket, A plurality of pairs of intermediate sprockets that restrict the conveying path of the conveying chain in order to form the lower and upper conveying paths of the pair of endless conveying chains, A drive device connected to one of the sprockets for driving the pair of endless conveyor chains, Article storage frames are continuously mounted between the conveyor chains at predetermined intervals, An article conveying device equipped with, The article conveying device is further provided with a processing tank through which the conveying path below the conveyor chain of the article conveying device passes. An article conveying device equipped with a plurality of support rails that support the conveyor chain from below, the plurality of support rails being retractable in the width direction of the processing tank when the first sprocket or the second sprocket slides.

2. The article conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the article storage frame is for food storage.

3. The article processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a moving device for moving the first sprocket and the second sprocket.

4. The article processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the processing tank is a boiling tank.

5. The article processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 3, or 4, wherein a plurality of detachable fluid supply pipes are installed in the processing tank, traversing the processing tank in the width direction.

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